DLA Just over a week

As we wrap up this final Friday before Teacher Workshop Week, I wanted to reach out and share just how thrilled our team is to welcome you back. We are officially just over a week away from kicking off another incredible year of online learning!

Our dedicated teachers return to their classrooms next week to finalize preparations, fine-tune curriculum, and make sure everything is set for a seamless first day. You can expect communications from your student's teachers later next week, complete with warm introductions and contact information.

Upcoming Event: Welcome Day Conferences! Connecting with our families early is vital to building a strong partnership and foundation for online success. Thank you so much for those that have already reserved there 20 minutes conference session with me. For those that have not please make sure you scroll down to the section of the newsletter for instructions to reserve your time slot.

Fall Testing Information: As you read through the rest of today’s newsletter, please make sure to review the Fall Testing section below. It outlines essential information regarding scheduling, format, and expectations for the upcoming assessments. I will also speak to this in more detail during our individual conferences.

We cannot wait to meet you, connect with your students, and get this exciting school year officially started!

Principal Treichel

We are eager to connect with all of our Viking students and families as we launch an incredible new school year together! Welcome Days are a crucial first step in setting up every online learner for success. We are hosting conferences on two separate dates:

Conference Dates & Registration Links

• Wednesday, August 26th (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): [Click Here to Reserve Your August 26th Slot] (Note: Appointments for this date are nearly full!)

• Monday, August 31st (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): [Click Here to Reserve Your August 31st Slot]

  • 🗓️ Google Calendar Navigation Tip: When you click the August 31st appointment link, the calendar may open to the current week by default. Please click the arrow controls within Google Calendar to navigate forward to August 31st to view and select your preferred time slot.

Location North Branch Area Education Center — Office of Teaching and Learning / Principal DLA Office

What We’ll Cover During Your Visit

• Student & Family Orientation: Review online learning strategies, coursework layout, attendance guidelines, academic integrity policies and Tips and Tricks.

• Connections & Support: Chance to meet your teachers and start building that partnership which is so critical to student success.

• School Business: Get school pictures taken and pick up your student's Chromebook.

Please note: Completing this conference before the first day of school is required for all DLA students. If you cannot make either date work, please reach out to Dana Johnson at 651-674-1051 right away to arrange an alternate setup time.

We look forward to partnering with you for a year filled with connection, achievement, and Viking pride!

As we settle into the new school year, we are preparing for our upcoming Fall Reading and Math District Assessments. This information helps teachers understand your child's learning needs and tailor instruction to support their academic growth.

Student Participation Requirements

• Grades K–8: All students are assigned to take the Fall Reading and Math assessments.

• Grades 9–12: Testing follows a gated procedure. Specific criteria and detailed information regarding high school participation will be shared in an upcoming communication.

Testing Schedule

• Reading & Math Testing: September 23rd – September 24th

• Makeup Testing: September 25th

Virtual Access & Setup

• Format: All testing will take place virtually via Google Meet.

• Invites: Personalized Google Meet invites with exact test times and session links will be sent directly to both parent and student email addresses in the coming days.

• Preparation: To ensure a smooth testing experience, please ensure your student has a quiet workspace and a fully charged device ready on their assigned test date.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Please reach out if you have any questions!

The 2026-27 Student/Parent Handbook is available for download below. The handbook contains important information and clarity of processes and procedures that families need to know; Parents/guardians and students will be better set up for success by being familiar with its contents. For access to the handbook throughout the school year, information can be found on the Parent/Student Resources webpage. If you would like a paper copy of the Student/Parent Handbook please contact Pakou Lee at 651-674-1011 or plee@isd138.org.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to partner with students, families, and staff to ensure that cell phone and personal electronic device use supports a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment across all North Branch Area Public School campuses.

1. Responsible Use and Care
Students are welcome to bring personal electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) to school. We encourage students to care for their devices and keep them secure, as the district cannot be responsible for loss, damage, or theft.

2. Supporting Learning During the School Day

• To help everyone stay engaged and distraction-free, devices should be turned off or set to airplane mode during instructional time.

• At North Branch Area High School, devices are placed in the secure classroom caddie upon entering the Media Center and or distance learning classroom, ensuring the focus remains on collaboration and academic success.

• Earbuds, headphones, and smartwatches follow the same expectations as cell phones to maintain consistency and fairness.

3. Respecting Privacy and Safety

• We value everyone’s right to privacy. Recording, photographing, or live-streaming others is only allowed with their express permission.

• These guidelines ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

4. Supporting Individual Needs

• Students with documented medical needs that require device access may use them as outlined in their plan, while still honoring the overall expectations.

• Academic exceptions are made when devices enhance learning and are used under staff guidance.

By working together and using our devices thoughtfully, we create an environment where everyone can focus, feel respected, and succeed.

While on campus, it is important that you are aware of our district safety standard response protocols. Below is each protocol and then what is expected of the students and staff.

North Branch Area Public Schools App! Stay up-to-date with access to district and Distance Learning Academy events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

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