Panther Newsletter
Friday, March 22, 2024
A note from the Principal
It was great to see so many of you at our Science and Engineering Night on February 21. It was fun to watch the families working together as scientists and engineers! We recently had a Panther Den Parent Meeting in which parents/caregivers learned about Harmony, our social-emotional learning curriculum. Fifth grade student leaders led everyone through a Harmony activity in order for parents/caregivers to experience a Harmony lesson. Watch for our next Panther Den in April.
Happy Spring Break to everyone. Be safe and have fun. I look forward to seeing all the students back on Monday, April 1.
Have a great day!
Sarah Schmidt, principal
New this week
Science and Engineering Night
Our Boston Scientific Science and Engineering Night was a huge success! Thank you to everyone that participated.
Upcoming events
Wastebasket Revue
Important dates
Last day to order yearbooks: April 14
Kindergarten Open House: Thursday, April 25 from 5:30-7pm
Menus
Information previously posted
Incoming Kindergarten and PreK students!
Families should prepare children for preschool and kindergarten now, if they are considering a start in the fall. If your family has a younger sibling or if you know a neighbor interested in starting school this fall, use or share the following steps so we can keep you informed of important welcome events and information.
1. Verify that your child meets the requirements for school.
- Preschool: Your child will be three or four years old by Sept. 1, 2024.
- Kindergarten: Your child will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024.
2. If you haven’t already, complete an early childhood screening. https://ce.district279.org/early-childhood/screening
3. Enroll online so we can save you a seat! Enrollment website: https://www.district279.org/services/enrollment-services
4. Make a plan to attend information sessions and welcome events. Kindergarten open house: April 25, 2024 from 5:30-7pm
Once you enroll online, you will receive details via email from your child’s preschool or elementary school about registration and welcome events.
Kids Heart Challenge 2024!
Hello, Heart Heroes! Are you ready?! Kids Heart Challenge is here! We have exciting things planned this year to get us moving, helping others and having fun. Sign up today and help your student choose a daily health challenge.
Click the photo below to order your yearbook!
Last day to order is 4/14/24. Price does not include tax or handling fees.
I LOVE TO READ MONTH
Students are using their rocket flashlights to read in the dark for Blast off with Reading, one of the fun I love to read activities this month 🚀
Indoor recess
Students will stay inside for recess if the “feels like” (wind chill) temp is -5 or lower. Students are expected to come to school in appropriate winter gear as they will be going outside for recess unless the wind chill is -5 or lower.
Changes in afternoon transportation
Please call the office at 763-561-1930 with any changes in afternoon transportation before 2:45 pm. While TalkingPoints messages and e-mails to teachers are helpful, we need to make sure the changes are communicated with the office!
Late arrival
A late arrival will be marked for students that arrive at school after 8:50am. Late arrivals can be marked as excused, or unexcused, based on reasoning. Arriving at school on time is incredibly important for your child so they are a part of all classroom community building and learning opportunities.
Birthday treats/celebrations
Out of respect for instructional time, family and religious choices, and many food allergies, birthday treats are not permitted in the classrooms. This is a district wide policy.
Talent Development, Academic Challenge and Gifted Support
Talent Development, Academic Challenge and Gifted Support (TAG) services are available to Palmer Lake students in kindergarten through fifth grade to strengthen interests, extend grade-level content, and apply skills and concepts in authentic ways. To learn more about TAG services, please click on Palmer Lake TAG Services - Community Letter
Parent/Guardian information
Please make sure the parent/guardian contact information linked to your student(s) is updated and current! We need to be able to reach you in case of emergency or health concern.
Educational Benefits Form
Families are strongly encouraged to complete the Educational Benefits form. Families who qualify may access free or reduced prices for iPad and Chromebook repair and replacement, band/orchestra instruments (5th grade), home electricity bills through Excel Energy, and home internet from some providers, other benefits.
In addition, schools receive additional funding based on the number of students who qualify for Educational Benefits. Palmer Lake receives a significant amount of money that is used to hire additional teachers and ESPs to support students. Filling out this form will help to ensure Palmer Lake can continue to provide that additional support to students.
Free lunch for all students
Starting this fall, all students are receiving free lunch courtesy of the Free School Meals for Kids law. Each student can receive one free lunch meal each day. Students who would like to have a 2nd lunch, or just a milk, will need to pay for those items.
Breakfast will continue to be free for Palmer Lake students every day.
ParentVue
Parent Vue is a web application used by Osseo Area Schools for parents to access their child's report card, sign up for conferences, view health information, etc. It is critical that all parents/guardians have access to Parent Vue. To use, simply install the app on any smart phone and create your account. To ensure confidentiality, each student has their own access code. Call the office for assistance setting up your account.
Arrival and dismissal for students who are parent pick-up
The Palmer Lake parking lot gets busy and crowded during arrival and dismissal. PLEASE drive slowly, pay attention, and be patient and kind to others. Click on the parking lot map for details.
Students may arrive at 8:30 am. There is no adult supervision prior to that time; students should not arrive early. School doors will open at 8:35 am.
Morning Drop Off
Parents who are dropping off are encouraged to enter the drop off line and line up at the curb by the black fence. Students should leave their vehicles at 8:30 am and wait at the school doors; please do not have students wait in their vehicle until 8:35 am when doors open because it backs up traffic. Students should only exit their vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the curb, not in the lane for vehicles to leave. Parents should remain in their vehicle except if a pre-k or kindergarten student needs assistance with the vehicle door.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Students who are parent pick-up are dismissed at 3:15 pm. Parents are encouraged to use the pick-up line rather than parking. Please remain in your vehicle. There are multiple staff who assist students to the correct vehicle. Students should be picked up from school NO LATER than 3:20 pm.
Parking
Parents may also choose to park in the morning or afternoon. Parking spaces are limited. Handicap spaces may only be used by vehicles with a handicap sign clearly displayed. Please use the designated walkway and cross walks. Wait for your child near your vehicle or near the cross walk. Please do not wait for your child by the doors of the school.
Bussing
Bus stop information comes through an email from the Transportation Department with your child's bus number, bus stop, and pick up/drop off times the week before school starts. Bussing information for your child is also available on the Parent Vue app. If you have any questions regarding this, please call 763-391-7244. Changes or cancellations to transportation can be sent to busquestions@district279.org.
Bus stop safety
- Arrive 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up
- Keep safety in mind (no horseplay, games, chasing, or pets)
- Wait on the sidewalk, boulevard or edge of the roadway. Stay away from houses, garages, and porches
- When you see the bus approaching, form a line to board the bus. Stay in line until the bus comes to a complete stop.