Lighthouse School Newsletter
Lighthouse families,
This week, we took time to recognize Veterans Day and give a big thank you to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. We’re so grateful for their bravery and sacrifices, and we also appreciate the families who support them. Each classroom had conversations about what it means to serve, helping our students understand the importance of this day. Thank you to all our veterans and their families—you are truly appreciated.
We also appreciate those of you who responded to the pulse check last week. Thank you for taking time to share your voice and experience with our school. It was fun to hear the appreciation of structure, activities and challenges that facilitators are implementing. We will be following up directly on questions and any issues that require it this week.
I want to remind our Lighthouse community of our cell phone procedures. Our elementary students should keep cell phones and personal devices in their backpacks while at school. Our secondary students (grades 7-12), who choose to bring a personal electronic device to school, are not to use the device during instructional time throughout the day, this includes work time. Students may use their personal devices during breaks, passing time, and lunch.
If a student has a personal device at school and is found using the device during instructional time, there is a progressive response:
- First offense: Student is reminded of the guidelines, and the student places the device with the teacher the remainder of the class period.
- Second offense: Staff member places the electronic device in the school office for the remainder of the day. Students pick up the device at the end of the day.
- Third offense: Staff member places the electronic device in the school office for the remainder of the day. Parent is notified and the parent picks up the device from the office.
- Fourth offense: Staff member places the electronic device in the office for the remainder of the day. Parent is notified and the parent picks up the device from the office. A plan is created where the student is either not permitted to bring the device to school or turns in the device into the office at the beginning of the school day.
Thank you for helping reinforce these device expectations with your student and along with the progressive response.
We have nine days to go in the first trimester. Please help your student get to school each day, on time and ready to learn. This year has started so well! Let’s keep the momentum going and end the trimester strong! Have a great week!
With Gratitude,
Lisa Cisewski
Coordinator of Lighthouse School
Spring Lake Park Schools
Pertussis (whooping cough) in the community
Cases of Pertussis are on the rise in our community including reported cases in our school community. While children receive pertussis vaccine, immunization is not always 100 percent effective, and immunity decreases over time.
Minnesota Department of Health is recommending that a child be tested for pertussis if the child develops a cough lasting three or more days.
Pertussis often begins with symptoms similar to the early stages of the common cold - runny nose, possible low-grade fever, and a mild cough. After a week or two, a persistent cough develops. The cough occurs in bursts and may end with a high-pitched whooping sound and sometimes vomiting. Between bursts of coughing, the person appears well. Coughing attacks may continue for months and are more common at night. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, particularly in infants.
Please call the health office if you have questions, your child has symptoms, or your child has tested positive for pertussis.
All About AVID
Nestled in a busy hallway of Spring Lake Park High School’s B Wing is a classroom with college pennants pinned on the walls. Inside, students enrolled in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective are being supported in building their academic and life skills for college readiness and post-secondary success.
AVID is a nationally recognized college preparatory program, and one of many class options available for Spring Lake Park students in grades 7-12. This school year, there are 124 students who participate in AVID at Westwood Middle School (grades 7-8) during Panther Time and at Spring Lake Park High School as an elective class.
In this story, we hear from four current students about their AVID experiences, as well as testimonials from parents and graduates about how the program was successful for them.
Tickets available for Westwood grade 5/6 play "Lost Boys"
Westwood grade 5/6 theater students invite you to join them for their upcoming performances of "Lost Boys" where storybook characters come to life to take heroes on an incredible adventure! This magical tale follows four clever kids who, with the help of beloved characters like Cinderella, Captain Hook, Peter Pan's Lost Boys, and more, must rescue a stolen magical book to restore the power of reading to the world.
Bring the whole family for a night of laughter and catchy songs! Performances are Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. Purchase your tickets.
