Barnum's BEST
Barnum Elementary School News March 2021
News from the Principal
Hello BES families,
Spring break is around the corner. While I enjoy the sunny days, I find it hard to believe that we'll likely have 50 degree weather this weekend, while two weeks ago we were in a deep freeze. Just one more reason we love Minnesota, right?
KINDERGARTEN CONFERENCES:
Just a friendly reminder that kindergarten conferences are Monday, March 8th and Wednesday, March 10th. If you have not scheduled a conference with the kindergarten teacher, please do so - we always enjoy visiting with parents and supporting our students.
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP
Help spread the word! For those parents who have rising kindergarten students, Barnum Elementary will host a Kindergarten Round up on Friday, April 9th. Paperwork and more information will be sent to families as well.
Please call the office for more information: 218-389-6976
PTO FUNDRAISER
Our districtwide fundraiser is underway. Thank you for participating in this event as you are able. The fundraising efforts end on Tuesday, March 9th.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) - grades 3rd-6th
The Minnesota Department of Education directed school districts statewide to proceed with these standardized tests. Our teachers are prepared to support and encourage students through this process. All students in grades 3-6 will be served breakfast at school and have movement breaks before and during the assessments. Testing weeks are as follows:
- APRIL 13-16 - Reading MCAs; make-ups the following week
- APRIL 27-30 - Math MCAs; make ups the following week
- May 4 - 7 - Science MCAs (5th grade only)
COVID SCENARIOS (from previous newsletter)
Please be aware that with the new guidance, rather than having the entire school shift to Distance Learning model, this can occur with a grade level or a classroom.
While we are hopeful this situation won't occur frequently, it is possible. Thank you in advance for following MDH guidelines - keep your child home when they are symptomatic, not feeling well, or pending a COVID 19 test result. If you have questions regarding MDH, the decision tree, or your child's health, please contact Melissa Johnson, our school nurse. Her contact information:
218-389-6976 x1017
Below is information from the earlier newsletters and still worth noting.
ATTENDANCE:
First of all, thank you for working with the school as we navigate continued COVID-19 health protocols. We understand the challenges these requirements pose to our families. As in the fall, please keep your child home if they are not feeling well, no matter the symptoms. Please inform the school nurse, Melissa Johnson, of the illness and symptoms so we can determine the "next steps" for your child. Melissa Johnson can be reached at 218-389-6976 x 1017 or mjohnson@isd91.org
In the event your child will be absent for multiple days due to COVID protocols, please contact your child's teacher. Due to HIPAA laws, the office staff is unable to do that on your behalf.
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE:
While many of these healthy and safety protocols were put into place this fall, it's worth a review. Some protocols are new as we follow the most updated guidance.
Water bottles: Drinking fountains are closed, but we have 4 water bottle filling stations throughout BES. Please send a water bottle labeled with your child's name to school so he/she can remain hydrated throughout the day.
NEW! PE: Masks are required for indoor Physical Education. Students will bring their water bottles to PE class.
Masks: Staff, students, and visitors must wear a mask at all times (unless working in a space independently). Shields are highly recommended for staff, and staff will be provided this extra layer of protection. Students do get mask breaks by going outside, and during lunch and recess. We recommend packing extra masks for your child. Masks often need to be replaced throughout the day. Please contact your child's teacher if you have questions regarding masks.
Hand Washing Routines: Hands will be washed and/or sanitized multiple times throughout the day, and teachers will build time for this into the daily schedule.
Desks/Tables: Desks will be spaced all facing the same direction when possible. Plastic dividers will be used if this is not possible and during small group instruction.
Lunch: Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 5th grade will eat in the cafeteria. Students sit facing the same direction, 3 students/table, and 1st & 5th graders must sit with students from their classroom (limited mixing of cohorts). Tables are sanitized between groups. For those grade levels that eat in the classroom, desks are sanitized after eating.
Entry & Exit: Students will enter and exit the building at staggered times before school and after school. This routine was established this fall when we came back to school in September. If you have questions regarding drop off and pick up routines, please call the office.
COVID testing: All staff and substitute teachers have the opportunity to test for COVID every two weeks, beginning January 13th.
TRANSPORTATION
If morning pick up times or afternoon drop off times have changed, or you are new to Barnum Elementary School, a bus driver will call you with route information.
Barnum Public schools will follow the most updated bus guidelines from MDE:
1. Passengers and bus drivers must keep a distance of 6 feet. Therefore, the front 4 seats (2 on each side) cannot be used for passengers.
2. To allow for improved air circulation, windows will be down 1-2 inches with heaters running. Please make sure your child has adequate winter gear to stay warm on the bus.
3. Students may not change seats during transportation during regular routes or for extra curricular activities.
4. Absolutely no eating or drinking on the bus, during regular routes or extra curricular activities.
5. Masks must be worn at all times.
As always if you have questions, concerns, or just want to stop in to visit, I enjoy connecting with you. Be well.
In Partnership,
Mrs. Vitito
Mark your Calendars!
Important Dates
March 8th & 10th - Kindergarten Conferences
March 22-26 - Spring Break - No School
April 9th - No School for students; Kindergarten Round-up
MCAs
- April 13 - 17 - Reading MCAs (3-6)
- April 27 - 30 - Math MCAs (3-6)
- May 4-7 - Science MCAs (5th grade only)
Barnum PTO - Making BES the BEST it can be!
Many hands make light work - John Heywood
Are you new to BES? Are you looking for ways to get involved? Our PTO is seeking volunteers for various events throughout the year. Can't make the monthly meeting? That's OK - there is always the behind the scene work that needs to be accomplished.
Interested in volunteering? Send us the following information to barnumpto@gmail.com, text 763-568-2816 or find us on facebook.
Areas you can help:
Box Tops...Fundraising...All Arts Day....Community Calendars....All School Shirts....
Open House...Teacher Appreciation....Conference Meals....Spring Fever Days
You Matter!
Email: jvitito@isd91.org
Website: http://isd91.org/elementary/
Location: 3813 East North Street, Barnum, MN, USA
Phone: (218) 389-6976
Twitter: @principalvitito