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I cannot believe that we are already well on our way to the holiday season. Every year, I am grateful that I get to spend my days with the amazing students and dedicated staff here at Blue Heron Elementary. This year is no different. As we head into our wintery months, please think of ways you are establishing routines that reduce the amount of screen time that is encouraged at home and prioritize experiences that promote reading and using words to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

Strategies for managing screen time and digital technology use

I wish you all a great Thanksgiving. Stay safe!

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." Charles Dickens

Nov. 23-24: No School / Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 27: BH PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30pm

Nov. 28: Bingo Night 6-7:30pm

Nov. 28: Fall Book Fair 9am-8pm

Nov. 29-30: Fall Book Fair 9am-5pm

Thursday night, the Cougar Football team and the Centennial community had a lot to be proud of. As a principal and parent, the Centennial community made me proud of how they represented and supported the team on Thursday night. The Centennial Cougar Football team plays in the 6A State Championship on Friday, November 24 at 7:00 PM. The game will again be played at US BANK stadium. Go Cougars!

This is a video that highlights the different resources in My Library. The video shows you where to find homework and remembering pages and Parents Place. This screen shows resources or materials you have access to online at home. You will find the Parents' Place with different problem types, unit overviews, an eGlossary and more!

Blue Heron Elementary is partnering with St. Joe's Church to provide gifts to children who need them. Please fill out this form by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21st if your child is in need of gifts (one toy gift and one clothing gift) this holiday season. Families will be contacted the week of December 18th to arrange a time to pick up their gifts from Blue Heron. Gifts will be wrapped. All names and family information will be kept confidential.

Holiday Gift Google Form

Blue Heron will be hosting an in-person Scholastic Book Fair on Tuesday 11/28 - Thursday 11/30 in the Media Center. Hours are Tue, 9am-8pm, Wed-Thurs 9am-5pm. Book lists are available for 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 parents after school hours until 8pm on Tuesday and 5pm on Wed/Thurs. Parents can stop in anytime 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 student's digital eWallet. Any leftover funds on eWALLETs cannot be returned but will be saved for future Fairs. (Please note: if you have leftover funds from a previous fair, please make sure to log in and transfer the previous balance to the new Fair.) 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 Link

Are you looking for some family fun? Please join us for Family Bingo Night on November 28th from 6-7:30pm in the gym. This event is free to all families and siblings are welcome! You can also shop the book fair before or after Bingo.

Do you want to help at Family Bingo Night? Check out the link below and consider a small volunteer shift.

Family Bingo Night Volunteer Link

Please remember if your child is sick, follow the Rule of 24!

Thank you to the families who donated food to our food drive. All items were donated to the Centennial Food Shelf.

To register: Go to https://mybooster.com/v3 and create an account. Search for Blue Heron Elementary (make sure you select the BH in Lino Lakes), add your student and select your teacher. Now share your link with friends and family to get your donations! Our direct drive fundraiser is the PTO’s biggest source of funding for the year, and we need your donations.

If you have questions on how to register please e-mail the PTO at bhptopresident@gmail.com.

The students can earn fun rewards as the school reaches milestones over the next few weeks:

• $5,000 - Fun Hair / Hat Day
• $10,000 - Mr. Hartmann, Mrs. Gschwind & Mrs. O’Shea dye their hair blue
• $15,000 - Extra recess!
• $18,000 - Schoolwide movie & PJ day (with popcorn!)

Additionally, the class that raises the most money will win a pizza party and the top two fundraisers in the school will each with lunch with a teacher/staff member of their choice from the area restaurant of their choice!

Thank you for your support!

Blue Heron PTO

Order your 2023-2024 yearbook today. The yearbook cost is $20 through November 24th. On November 25th, the price increases to $20.50. See below for order information.

Nominations for Centennial’s Hall of Fame due December 1 – Deadline has been extended

Do you know of someone who has a longstanding history of providing services of time and commitment to education? Or, do you know a Centennial graduate who has demonstrated outstanding professional accomplishments and/or has used their education to impact society? Nominations for the Class of 2024 are due December 1. More information on criteria and how to submit a nomination can be found on the Centennial website.

DISTRICT NEWS

Kindergarten Registration Opens December 1

Welcome, Class of 2037! Mark your calendar: Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens online on December 1. We look forward to having your student and family become a part of the Centennial community. See the Centennial website for information on registration and screening, frequently asked questions, important dates to note, and student readiness. Check out the website, too, for a sneak peek into kindergarten through a series of short, fun videos filmed in our schools as well as resources, from before and after school care and busing to school meals and health and student services. Please contact your neighborhood school with questions or for more information. We look forward to seeing you!

Don’t miss the Holiday Open Skate, December 17, 2-3:30 pm at Centennial Ice Arena. Enjoy holiday décor and festive music with open skating just for you and your family and friends! The cost is $5 per person, pay at the door. Rental skates are available.

Happening soon:

Dec. 1- The Winter Activity Guide opens for registration!

Dec. 2- Breakfast with Santa (up to age 10 with adult)

Scratch and Sniff Christmas Creation (ages 4-9)

Dec. 3- Learn to Ski/Snowboard (gr. 5)

Dec. 7- Santa’s Holiday Workshop: Gingerbread House (ages 3-11 with adult)

Dec. 9- Ornament Making (ages 5-12)

Dec. 17- Holiday Open Skate (all ages) Centennial Ice Arena, 2-3:20 pm, $5 per person, pay at the door

Dec. 27- Centennial Cheerleading Winter Skills Clinic (gr. K-5)

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

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.

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