Badger Room Weekly News
May 20-24, 2024
This Week in the Badger Room
"Play is the work of childhood."--Jean Piaget
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning." --Mister Rogers
This week in our classroom, we did lots of work and serious learning, according to Jean Piaget and Mister Rogers. Students built space ships and colosseums, took the temperatures of dolls and their peers, were scientists mixing potions, and data analysts, asking what mode of transportation was preferred, a stroller or a wagon. We have watched students grow emotionally and academically, learning and growing as their body and mind are ready. Sometimes the teachers stand in awe as we see kids navigate sharing and taking turns, comforting each other and getting an adult for a friend when help is needed. Student friendships have expanded in these last few weeks, with more fluidity as they play with people they didn't play with much before. It has been a wonderful privilege to learn alongside your children this year. 💖
In Second Step, we talked about speaking up assertively. Students heard how it is possible to speak up honestly for what you want and need, while still being respectful of the other person. It is a true lifelong skill.
Change in Badger Room Staffing
Students were told today that there will be a change in staffing in our classroom for the rest of the school year. Migizi's last day as a staff in our room was today. She is planning on being at our celebration on June 7th, and may visit next week on Friday to take a walk with the class, assuming the weather is nice. Migizi has been an amazing asset to our classroom and is loved by all of the students. She will be missed, and we wish her the best of luck on whatever new adventures life brings her way.
Linda and I will continue to be in the classroom, as will Molly, the ECSE teacher who has been working with us after Lori moved to another site. We will have Miss Anne, another ECSE para in our class for most of the remaining days of school.
Register for Transportation for Next Year
Yesterday, May 23rd, transportation sent a final transportation registration survey to all parents or caregivers who have not yet registered for transportation for the 2024-25 school year. We only need one survey completed per child. If you have already completed a survey for your child(ren), and you receive the reminder email, you can ignore the message.
It is very important that you complete this form because we will only route transportation to those who indicate they need it. The closing date for the form is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 24.
If you have not received the survey or you need help completing it, there will be a helpline you can call next week to get assistance. Families can call the helpline from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28; Wednesday, May 29; and Thursday, May 30; and staff will be available to help access or complete the survey. Information on how to call this helpline will be posted on our website Monday evening.
Playground Night at Alice Smith
PreK-Grade 2 is invited to a playground night at Alice Smith on Wednesday, May 29 from 5-6:30 PM. Meet other Alice Smith families while your kiddos run around and burn off energy.
Save the Date! Friday, June 7th
End of the Year Celebration
We will be having an end of the year celebration on Friday, June 7th in the morning, likely around 10. It will be an opportunity for families to gather and meet, as well as an opportunity to celebrate all that we have accomplished this year.
ICA Food Shelf at Alice Smith
At Alice Smith, we have a FREE market with fresh produce, protein, pantry staples and more. It is open Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30. Case managers will be on site to assist families. Please see the attached flyer for more information on how to make an appointment. ALL families are welcome. All services free of charge.
Checking out our ever-growing friends!
Measuring their creation (their idea)
Our sink and float data collection
Registering for Hopkins Preschool Next Year
Hopkins Enrollment Form (click below)
Hopkins District Policy Regarding Illness
Please keep your child home in the following situations:
Fever: A fever of 100 or more in the past 24 hours. Student can return once they are fever free for 24 hours without needing medicine.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your student has had these symptoms in the past 24 hours, keep them home. They can return once they are feeling well for 24 hours without needing medicine.
Rashes: A rash where the cause is unknown. Please see a health care provider before returning your student to school.
If your student is not feeling well enough to fully participate in learning or needs medication to feel well enough for school, please keep them home until they feel better. If your student is staying home, you can fill out an attendance form online to let the school know.
Ill or Absent Students
If your child rides the bus or a van, please contact me by 7:30 to let me know that they will not be on the bus. Thank you for your cooperation!
Early Childhood Screening
https://communityed.hopkinsschools.org/early-childhood/early-childhood-screening
How to Contact Me
Direct Classroom Line: 952-988-4226
Alice Smith Elementary
Email: anne_from@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/alice-smith-elementary
Location: 801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN 55343, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4200
Facebook: facebook.com/AliceSmithElementarySchool
Twitter: @AliceSmith270