Asp Families,
Happy Sunday! Skol Vikes!! It’s hard to believe we’re already starting our third week of school, and our first with a full 5 days. We’re excited, it’s going to be an awesome week! We have a few notes as we begin the week.
Weekly Focus: This week we’ll continue focusing on expectations and routines, but will also add in our Zones of Regulation (help identifying feelings) and some possible calming strategies. We frequently remind kids that all feelings are okay, but how we respond to those feelings is what matters. For example, math and reading at a new grade level can be frustrating no doubt. But what do we do when we get frustrated? Do we work harder to learn it in response? Do we silently stew in our frustration? Do we lash out? Do we practice calming strategies and then ask for help from our teacher? So many possible responses to one feeling, hence the focus on identifying feelings and calming strategies.
Picture Day: Last Friday was our school picture day and it was fun to see so many of our students looking sharp and ready for pictures! If you forgot to order, no worries! Simply visit the website, enter the access code MAPS26 and then order anytime before October 4. And if you missed the day or the picture wasn’t what you hoped for any reason, there will be a makeup date/location at some point in the future.
School Safety: We actually have a few notes regarding school safety. First, we’ve already had our first fire evacuation and lockdown drills of the year (MN statute requires 5 of each every school year) and our kids did awesome! We stress quick, quiet and calm in all unique situations and the students responded well. And yes, the discussions we have related to lockdowns are different with 4th graders than they are with brand new kindergarten students. We’ll have a couple more of each in the coming weeks. Second, MAPS requires everyone picking up their child early or visiting school for any reason to BRING THEIR DRIVER’S LICENSE/ID and sign in. Our staff will kindly ask you to return to your car or home if you forget it. Again, it’s necessary for the safety of your kids and our staff.
Wearable Tech: As a reminder, all cell phones, gizmo and apple watches, and any other wearable tech are NOT to be used by students during school hours, so please leave them at home. Call the office or email your child’s teacher as needed, and we’ll do the same if they need to reach you. And in the event of a building emergency, our district and staff will be communicating with you.
Robert Asp Walk-a-Thon: Let’s Swing Into Action! Our annual Walk-a-Thon is next week on Thursday, September 24! Students will walk during their specials time and one additional time during the school day. Parents are welcome to join their child during their scheduled walking times! Last year, our school community raised $12,000, helping us purchase three used swing sets instead of one. This year, we’re working toward another $12,000 goal to purchase the new swings those sets need. Any extra funds will support other playground equipment! Students can ask family, friends, and people they know to support their walk. Donate online here by searching for your child’s teacher—not your child’s name. Please include the teacher’s name when sharing the link with others. Donations are accepted through Friday, September 25. Not only that, but there are fun rewards, too! The top fundraising class in each grade earns a party, the top three student fundraisers schoolwide win prizes, and the class with the most laps in each grade earns a prize. Thank you for helping bring more swings, smiles, and fun to our playground!
It’s going to be an awesome week!
Mr. St. Louis and Mrs. Knutson, principals