The CL Courier

Crooked Lake Families,

Looking at the month ahead, students will not have school on February 17 and 18. On February 18 we will have conferences in the afternoon as well. Please sign up for conferences. Conferences are a crucial time to collaborate together on student learning. Thank you for putting aside time for this purpose.

February is I Love to Read Month. Thank you to our committee for planning the fun and engaging activities for the coming month. Please see the calendar below. We also have our Book Fair starting February 12. The Book Fair will be open during conferences. Thank you to our amazing media staff for contributing to this annual effort!

We appreciate our PTO for putting on our successful Bingo Event in January. There is another fun night coming up on February 11, Spirit Night at Urban Air, from 4:00 - 8:00. Details are listed below.

We saw so many families out to our Showcase on the night of January 30. It was an all around amazing event with a ton of people contributing to its success. Thank you to our PTO, Crooked Lake Creamery, Mrs. Hayek, Mrs. Westra, Mr. Vang, Miss Zelazny, Mrs. Mattis, other teachers and paras, and families for making this all happen. And a special thank you to Jennifer Mishler, and Sarah Brezinka for coordinating this fun event for all.

Take care.

Sam Anderson

Crooked Lake Principal

763-506-2101

samuel.anderson@ahschools.us

• February 6: 5th Grade Ski Trip (all day)
  
• February 7: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Mill City Museum
• February 7: Read My Shirt Day (wear a shirt with words)
• February 11: Spirit Night at Urban Air (5:00-8:30pm)
• February 12: Book Fair Starts
• February 14: Formal Lunch (Dress Your Best!) & Historical Hat Day
• February 17: No School (Holiday)
• February 18: No School (Staff Development)
• February 18: Conferences (12:30-8:00pm)
• February 19: Conferences (3:40-8:40pm)
• February 21: PJ Day
• February 25: Conferences (3:30-8:30pm)
• February 26: Spring Picture Day
• February 27: Book Fair Ends
• February 28: Time Travel Dress Up
• March 7-17: Spring Break for students




Follow this link for more upcoming events:

https://www.ahschools.us/Page/16#calendar11/20250103/month




You can also find more information when you visit the Crooked Lake Elementary website here: https://www.ahschools.us/crookedlake

Hello Crooked Lake Families,

As we move through the winter months, it's easy for kids to feel a bit off balance. The shorter days and colder weather can sometimes affect their mood and energy levels. However, focusing on simple self-care strategies and healthy technology habits can help your child stay emotionally balanced, engaged, and ready to succeed at school. Here are some tips to keep your child healthy and thriving this February:

Self-Care Tips for Winter:

1. Encourage Physical Activity, Indoors and Outdoors

   During winter, kids may feel tempted to stay inside more often. But staying active is key to maintaining good physical and emotional health. Encourage indoor activities like dancing, yoga, or even just moving around during breaks. When it’s safe, bundle up and go outside for a short walk or some winter fun. Physical activity helps reduce stress and boosts mood, which can help your child stay focused and energized in school.
   

   
   

2. Promote Rest and Healthy Sleep Habits

   Cold weather and dark evenings can sometimes make it harder for kids to get a good night’s rest. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help them wind down and get the sleep they need to feel refreshed. Good sleep is crucial for attention, memory, and overall school performance.
   
   

3. Foster Emotional Expression

   Winter can sometimes bring on feelings of sadness or isolation, and it's important for children to feel comfortable expressing their emotions. Encourage your child to talk about how they’re feeling, whether it’s with you, a family member, or a trusted adult at school. Talking about emotions can help prevent feelings from building up, supporting both their mental health and their ability to concentrate and engage in school activities.
   

   
   

4. Promote Mindfulness & Relaxation

   Teach your child simple techniques for relaxation, such as deep breathing or quiet reading. These small moments of mindfulness can help them feel calmer and more focused when it’s time to return to their schoolwork. A balanced mind is essential for learning and can help your child manage school stress, if they’re feeling it.
   
   

Healthy Technology Habits:

In today’s digital world, technology plays an important role in learning, but it’s equally important to use it in healthy, balanced ways. Here are some tips for helping your child manage their screen time effectively:

1. Set Screen Time Limits

   It’s easy for kids to get lost in a screen, whether it’s gaming, social media, or watching videos. Setting clear screen time limits can help your child enjoy technology while still allowing time for other important activities like homework, reading, or outdoor play. This balance is key for maintaining both emotional health and focus at school.
   

   
   

2. Encourage Breaks and Movement

   If your child has been using a device for a while, remind them to take regular breaks. A few minutes of stretching, a short walk, or a quick physical activity can help reset their brain and body. This is especially important to help your child stay alert and engaged in school, both virtually and in-person.
   
   

3. Focus on Meaningful, Educational Screen Time

   Technology can be an excellent tool for learning when used purposefully. Encourage your child to explore educational apps, games, or videos that promote creativity, learning, and problem-solving. However, it’s important to balance this with offline activities that strengthen social skills and allow for creative, hands-on play.
   
   

4. Encourage Face-to-Face Interaction

   While it’s tempting to let kids interact through screens, real-life social interactions are essential for emotional growth and developing strong communication skills. Help your child make time to connect with friends and family members in person, whether it’s through playdates, family time, or other social activities. These connections build confidence, empathy, and better social skills, which support success both in school and in life.

   
   

Thanks,

Tyler

• If you have immediate concerns for the physical safety of a friend, a family member, or yourself, call 911.

• Dial **CRISIS from your cell phone to be connected with county mobile crisis services.

• Anoka County Mobile Crisis: 763-755-3801
• Hennepin County Children (up to 18): 612-348-2233
• Hennepin County Adults (18+): 612-596-1223
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (English) or 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish)

• Crisis Text Line: “HOME” to 741741

Tyler Reedy

MSW/LICSW

763-506-2164

tyler.reedy@ahschools.us

Respiratory season is upon us! Minnesota is having HIGH rates of influenza right now. Please remember to keep your student home until they have been fever free for 24 hours AND they FEEL well enough to return to regular activities.

• Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
  
• Flu can cause mild to severe illness with symptoms including fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea is also common in children. Symptoms usually resolve in 3-7 days, but cough and fatigue may last for two or more weeks.
  

• The first and most important step in preventing flu is to WASH YOUR HANDS and get a flu vaccine each year - It's not too late to get your vaccine!

  
  

We hope you all stay healthy this year!

Katelyn Salwey

Licensed School Nurse, PHN, BSN, RN

katelyn.salwey@ahshools.us

Amanda Kerns

RN, School Nurse

amanda.kerns@ahschools.us

The state’s Free School Meals program continues for this next school year. Every student may receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year. The state’s Free School Meals program will cover the cost of one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for every student daily, however the cost of a la carte items, such as milk, other drinks, or extra meal items will not be covered. Students will need to have funds in their meal accounts to purchase any additional food items. If your family needs access to any other educational benefits available to your student, please visit ahschools.us/freereduced to complete an application.

The enrollment window for the 2024 Applications for Educational Benefits begins Aug. 1, 2024. Anoka-Hennepin asks that all families complete an online application to provide additional school funding to support all students in the district. By filling out this application, your school can earn funding and you can save money. Educational benefits include:

• Athletics fees: Eligible students may qualify for fees to be waived or reduced.
• SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Students may be eligible for discounted fees for academic tests and some lab fees.
• Other high school activities: Students may qualify for discounts on speech, debate, theater, band and others.
• Additional benefits and cost savings: Chromebook device protection, Comcast Internet Essentials discount, Amazon Prime membership discounts, discounted bus fares with Metro Transit, Xcel Energy account assistance, discounts at museums and theaters.

Thanks!

Lauren Green

Child Nutrition Site Supervisor

lauren.green@ahschools.us

Dear CLS Families,

BIG things are happening at Crooked Lake Elementary! I Love to Read Month: History Through Stories is officially underway, and the Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner. We’re excited to celebrate reading together all month long!

I Love to Read Month: History Through Stories:

We’re so grateful to our I Love to Read Month committee and community volunteers for their time and dedication in making this month so special!

Your child has already brought home an I Love to Read Month calendar, along with a set of optional family activities to enjoy together. A digital copy of the calendar is attached to this message for easy reference.

Throughout the month, students will participate in fun and meaningful reading activities at school. Don’t forget to check the Friday spirit days so your child can join in!

This year’s theme, History Through Stories, invites students to explore the past through literature. Books have the power to bring history to life, helping us connect with different perspectives and experiences.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic month of reading, learning, and fun!

Scholastic Book Fair: February 12 - 27:

The 2025 Scholastic Book Fair is almost here! More than just a book sale, this event is our library’s biggest fundraiser of the year and a fantastic way to support literacy at CLS.

Why is the Book Fair important?

Every purchase helps us add exciting new books to our library, ensuring students have access to engaging, high-quality reading materials. Your support directly benefits every student, fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Our goal this year is to sell 1,800 books! You can help us reach this milestone and make a huge impact on our library’s collection.

To make shopping easier, families can set up an eWallet for their children. This secure, cash-free way to shop allows students to pick their favorite books without handling money at school. Just follow this link to get started: Set Up Your eWallet Here!

Book Fair flyers were available during Showcase Night, and all students will receive a copy during their library class.

Volunteers Needed!

We need your help to make the Book Fair a success! Volunteers are essential for running the event; from helping students find books to managing checkout and restocking shelves. If you’d like to be part of this fun and rewarding event, please sign up using this link: ➡ Sign Up to Volunteer!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Melissa Hayek, at Melissa.Hayek@ahschools.us.

Your time and support make a big difference—we truly appreciate it!

Let’s make this year’s Book Fair a fun and successful celebration of literacy!

Thank you for being a valued part of our school community and for your continued support of our library.

Happy reading,
Your Crooked Lake Library Crew

Kristin Zelazny

Library Media Specialist/Core/ITT

kristin.zelazny@ahschools.us

Amy Postigo-Kocak

Library Media Assistant

amy.postigokocak@ahschools.us

Thank you for sharing your time and energy with our students, staff, and school! All your hard work does not go unnoticed and makes a significant difference.

FEBRUARY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

February is a busy month at Crooked Lake. Students and families will have an opportunity to shop at the book fair, LifeTouch will be here taking class and individual pictures, a couple grade levels will be attending field trips, and students will have an elegant lunch experience. All these opportunities need help from volunteers to be a fun, safe and successful experience.

Please click the links for additional details and to sign up if you’re able to help.

• At Home Volunteer

  Volunteers will help teachers with projects such as cutting, stapling, and pasting at their home.

• Book Fair

  Mrs. Zelazny needs volunteers to help students with their book selection along with setting up and taking down the book fair.

• Elegant Lunch

  Volunteers will carry student’s lunch trays to their table spot and reset the table for the next group of students. There are also opportunities for volunteers to take pictures of students at our Valentine’s photo booth.

• General Help

  Volunteers will help teachers with various projects such as copying, stapling, laminating, cutting, etc. Volunteers will complete projects in the workroom.

• Hanging Artwork

  Volunteers will hang student artwork throughout the school Volunteers must be comfortable with using a step ladder.

• Spring Pictures

  Volunteers will help students move through lines quickly and safely. They will also make sure students look camera ready. Volunteers helping with 5th grade pictures will help students with their cap and gowns.

ALL volunteers are required to complete/update the 2024 - 2025 Crooked Lake Elementary Volunteer Application form and Criminal History Record Release form.

Melissa Hayek

Volunteer Services Coordinator

763-506-2130

melissa.hayek@ahschools.us

Showcase Night

Thank you to everyone who stopped in the cafeteria with their families to support the PTO through food purchases. We served pizza from Costco, chips, and drinks. The funds raised through food sales benefits Crooked Lake Elementary Media Center! Crooked Lake Creamery would like to thank everyone as well, for supporting them through ice cream purchases. They brought a tasty variety of flavors from their home base located in the Andover Community Center. Lastly, a BIG thanks to the student council kids and volunteers who helped work at and support this event, making it possible for us to provide dinner for all of you during Showcase Night. Without CLS family volunteers, events like this wouldn't be possible for our students.

Coming up in February - Family Night @ Urban Air

Tuesday, February 11th from 4 PM - 8 PM, Urban Air will be hosting Crooked Lake Elementary for a school Spirit Night. For this evening only, 20% of the proceeds from the sale of tickets at the event will benefit Crooked Lake. Tickets MUST BE PURCHASED IN PERSON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT TO BENEFIT OUR SCHOOL. Mention Spirit Night at the check in desk. Online ticket sales and the use of gift cards will NOT go back to our school. Wear your Crooked Lake Eagles gear and we'll see you at Urban Air!

PTO Meetings

There are no school PTO meetings for February. The PTO Board members will be meeting during the Urban Air event if you'd like to drop by our table and say hi! We will be discussing formation of the Carnival Planning Committee which will have its first meeting tentatively scheduled for March 2nd. The next General PTO Meeting will be Tuesday March 18th at the school.

Parents NEEDED!

For the School Carnival to happen this year in April, we NEED parent volunteers to help plan and execute this event. If that's something you are interested in feel free to reach out to the PTO. Formal communication to follow.

PTO Board Members are needed for next school year to continue to carry on the CLS PTO legacy! We'd love to have you join us. If that's you, feel free to reach out to PTO. Formal communication to follow.

Follow us on Facebook at the CLS Parents group on Facebook!

Crooked Lake PTO Board:

Nicole Rutt-Livgard-Chairperson

Beth Emmel- Co-Chairperson

Sandra Anderson-Treasurer

Jonathan Conyers-Co-Treasurer

Katie Coulter-Secretary

Nicole Schumman- Co-Secretary

Angie Siddons- Board Member at Large

Danielle Husnick- Board Member at Large

abigail.kowles@ahschools.us

What if my child's bus doesn't come in the morning and/or my child doesn't get off the bus in the afternoon and I am unable to reach the school? This is rare, but if this does happen, please call your child's bus company. The bus company will assist you in the morning and also take the lead and contact you in the afternoon when they locate your child.

Kottkes' 763-755-3100

Busses: 11, 30, 39, 68, 69, 461, 516

First Student 763-421-3199

Bus: 301

Attention Crooked Lake Families! There is an app called FirstView! This app enables families to get real-time information on regular bus routes - in the palm of your hand! Features include email, push, and text notifications of any route changes.

Simply download FirstView from your device's app store. On-screen directions walk first-time users through the easy set-up process. Choose Minnesota and then Anoka-Hennepin from the drop-down menus. After doing so, the app will direct you to A-HConnect. Log in with your parent/guardian username and password (if you've forgotten your parent/guardian username or password, please call 763-506-HELP), the app will then automatically populate your student's information.

Crooked Lake Elementary is on Facebook! Get the latest news by following:

@https://www.facebook.com/crookedlake/?ref=bookmarks

Follow Crooked Lake's PTO too at:

@https://www.facebook.com/groups/767642639953487/

Crooked Lake Elementary School

2939 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW | Andover, MN 55304 | P: 763-506-2100 | F: 763-506-2103 | crookedlake@ahschools.us | Translate