This week's wintry mix of ice, snow, and return of winter temperatures presented challenges to us at school. Our custodial staff worked diligently to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways. Teachers adapted plans and activities to keep students engaged. Through it all, your children continued to inspire us with their resilience, curiosity, and joy.

A strong school-family partnership makes all the difference. Thank you for extending grace and understanding as we navigated flexible learning together. We are so grateful to have you as partners in your child's education and growth.

IXL Challenge Winners

The following students will have a pizza with Mr. Hartmann and possibly Bluey on Friday, April 5th at 2:30pm.

Congratulations kids on mastering so many language arts skills during a short amount of time.

Important Dates:

Mar. 29: No School

Apr. 1: No School for Students/Staff Grading, Parent Communication, Content Development

Apr. 2: Wear a red t-shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 2: Spring Book Fair 9am-6pm
Apr. 3: Spring Book Fair 9am-6pm
Apr. 4: Spring Book Fair 9am-6pm

Apr. 9: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 16-17: Reading MCA Grades 3-5

Apr. 16: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 18: Kindergarten Round Up for Incoming Kindergarten 6-7pm

Apr. 23-24: Math MCA Grades 3-5

Apr. 23: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 25: 4th Grade Concert at Centennial Middle School 7pm

Apr. 29: PTO Meeting 6:30pm

Apr. 30: Science MCA Grade 5 only

Apr. 30: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

SAVE THE DATE: April 8 - April 19 Grade 1-5 Classroom Request Process

Please review the additional information provided below.

Be aware that the list of teachers in each grade level is subject to change before school begins. If a teacher assignment changes, your child will remain in the assigned classroom grouping.
Please make a separate request for each of your children.
Due to the complexity of enrollment and staffing in kindergarten, parent requests for students entering kindergarten are not accepted by any elementary school in our district.
All teacher/classroom assignments are tentative and subject to change.

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April is Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month promotes acceptance and celebration of autistic people as family members, friends, classmates, co-workers, and community members making valuable contributions to our world. Autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and we can all create a world that values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds. Please join us by wearing a red shirt every Tuesday during the month of April starting on April 2nd in support of Autism Acceptance Month.

5th Grade March Madness

The 5th grade students have been participating in an IXL contest throughout the month of March. As a grade level, they answered almost 200,000 questions in Language Arts and Math. The winning team, Team 4, answered 43,098 questions. Congratulations!

Spring Book Fair

Blue Heron will be hosting an in-person Scholastic Book Fair on Tuesday 4/2 - Thursday 4/4 in the Media Center. Hours are 9am-6pm. Book lists have been sent home with each student to explore some of the many book options that will be available.

When can students purchase books?

Each classroom will be assigned a date/time during school hours to visit & purchase from the Fair. Students can also come with an adult after school hours until 6pm. Parents/Guardians/Grandparents can stop in at any time throughout the Fair hours to view/purchase. Credit cards are accepted.

How can students purchase?

Students can bring money from home. Please note a sales tax is applied on all items & students will likely have change (a zip lock bag is helpful). Parents also have the option to put funds on a students' digital eWallet. Any leftover funds on eWALLETs cannot be returned, but will be saved for future Fairs. Use the link below to access & add to your student's eWALLET:

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/blueheronelementaryschool2

We need YOUR help!

In order to host this event and make it successful we need volunteers! Please consider volunteering via the link below. Shifts are 2 hours max and consist of checking out books at the register, helping students find books, & organizing inventory

Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up Link

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Are You Moving?

Planning for the next school year begins very soon. If you are moving or not returning to Blue Heron Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year, please call the office at 763-792-6200. Thank you!

Family Fun Night Baskets

Silent Auction is Back!

The PTO is bringing back the Silent Auction for this year's Family Fun Night and we need your help!

Please look for a flyer sent home with students for information on ways you can help out and donate to grade level baskets.

Grade Level Basket Themes

Preschool: Animals & Pets

Kindergarten: Summer & Beach Fun

1st Grade: Game Night / Family Fun / Arts & Crafts

2nd Grade: STEM Activities / Nerf & Lego

3rd Grade: Gift Cards

4th Grade: Sports & Outdoors (Camping / Grilling / Bonfires)

5th Grade: Entertainment / Night Out / Around Town

Donations are being collected from Tuesday, April 2nd - Friday, April 12th

Thank you in advance for all your help and donations!

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"EYE"tastic Opportunity

by Olivia

Read on about a fantastic opportunity you shouldn't miss... You can donate your no longer used eyeglasses to help people of all ages who can't get any glasses to help their poor vision. You can be the person to help someone get the glasses they need to have a better life.

People who need glasses but don't have the resources to get the glasses they need have trouble learning at school or performing at their jobs. These people wish they could see better, and with your help, their wish will come true. Donating your no longer used eyeglasses can help one person, maybe more. What you will do with your donation shows you care about people who can't get eyeglasses. Donating that pair of old eyeglasses to someone in need gives people a new opportunity in their life.

Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 class and the Circle-Lex Lions' Club are working together with you to get those needed eyeglasses to people in developing countries. This is an opportunity you should think about participating in this year.

Please send your no longer used eyeglasses to Blue Heron Elementary c/o Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 Classroom. We'll do the rest. By taking the time to do this, you are making wishes come true. Thank you.

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Blue Heron Elementary Yearbook

Order your 2023-2024 yearbook today. The yearbook cost is $22. See below for order information.

Community Education

The Summer Activity Guide is here! Check out just some of the new youth offerings:

· Exploring Cinematography

· Learn With the Bald Eagle Water Ski Team

· Advanced Watercolor Techniques

· Foam, Slime & Potions

· DIY Crafting

· DASH Floor Hockey Camp

· Olympic Yard Games

And so much more… View the Summer Activity Guide now!

Here’s what’s happening soon:

Apr. 7- Cougar Soccer Academy (gr. K-7)

Apr. 8- DASH After-School Track & Field Camp (gr. K-5)

After School Youth Soccer (gr. K-5)

Apr. 20- Tenicity Parent/Child Beginner Tennis (ages 5-12 with adult)

Apr. 23- Skyhawks Baseball Camp (ages 8-12)

Apr. 27- Cougar Cup Soccer (gr. K-6)

May 6- DASH After School Baseball Camp (gr. K-5)

May 14- Raptors of Minnesota (family/all ages)

Go online to view all activities and to register, communityed.isd12.org.

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Welcome to the Digital Backpack, the district’s central posting place for community flyers. If you have questions regarding these programs, please contact the organizations directly. Browse the Digital Backpack.

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Blue Heron Elementary

Email: apalmsteen@isd12.org
Website: www.isd12.org/schools/elementary-schools/blue-heron-elementary
Location: 405 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN, USA
Phone: 763.792.6200