January 30, 2025

Dear Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School Community:

¡Hola, familias de PSI!

We are only a few weeks into 2025, but so much learning and discovery has already taken place at PSI!  Our second graders shared their brilliance yesterday at the annual masks performance.  It was fantastic to see them in action.  Thanks to all involved!   Last night, children were able to showcase their inquisitive thinking and brilliance at our annual Imagination and Inventors Fair at the Middle School.  From investigations and creations to inventive contraptions and hypotheses, it was a fun night of communal learning!  Congratulations to all who participated.  See here for a few pictures of the amazing projects!

As a reminder, first semester progress reports will be sent home in backpacks with students tomorrow, Friday, January 31.  The progress reports are new this year, and are standards-based. Please note that your child’s FASTBridge Reading Assessment in English from September will be included in the progress report; click here for more information about our immersion program and student’s growth in both English and Spanish.   With “Connect Times” coming up in a few weeks, there are many opportunities to share what you are seeing at home and learn more about your child’s growth here at school.  

We are grateful for your collaboration with us on behalf of your children. We look forward to seeing you soon!

In partnership,

Corey Maslowski, Principal

Megan Paulis de Rangel, Assistant Principal

In this section, we are featuring some of our amazing PSI Staff so the community can get to know every adult in the building as we work together to support each student at PSI!

This week we want to highlight two PSI staff members. Sra. Leah Nowatzki and Srta. Artiera Evans are both teachers new to PSI this year! Sra. Nowatzki teaches third grade, and Srta. Evans teaches second grade. We are so happy to have them here!

Somos Uno (Latino Family Affinity Group) Meeting

Girls on the Run Registration

Girls on the Run registration for the spring season will run February 1-7 and participants are chosen via a lottery conducted by Girls on the Run MN. This spring the program runs after school from 2:30-4:00 pm on Mondays & Thursdays. Contact Teresa Angier, Head Coach & PSI Site Liaison at tangier1@icloud.com with any questions.

Every Meal Program

PSI partners with the Every Meal Program to be able to provide a free weekend meal bag for any family that is interested. There are five different types of bags to choose from. If you are interested in receiving a free weekly food package, please fill out this form or contact your child's teacher or our School Social Worker, Dana Baumeister. Paper brochures are also available in the front office. The program is confidential and the bags are put into backpacks discreetly to protect confidentiality. Our School Social Worker, Dana Baumeister, is the contact for PSI. Please call or email with any questions: 952-928-6561 or baumeister.dana@slpschools.org.

February A-E Day Calendar

Registration Reminder: Families With 2025-26 Kindergartners!

The online registration form for incoming kindergartners is due February 11! Please remember to indicate you would like your kindergartner entered in the PSI lottery.

A note from the enrollment office:

• There is a page dedicated to the PSI Lottery (see photo below), families need to make sure they select "yes" on that page and enter the rest of the data. 
• In order for a student to be entered into the PSI lottery, families need to fill out and submit the Kindergarten Enrollment form by February 11, 4pm. After 4pm, they will not be included on the lottery and will be placed on the waitlist. The PSI lottery page literally turns off at 4pm.

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID)

Sharing Culture

Based on community feedback, we are adding a new section to La Prensa, Compartiendo Cultura (sharing culture). This section will highlight the many ways that we help students bring to life our SLP public schools’ vision statement, in becoming their best selves as globally minded contributors to society. 

In this issue, we want to highlight one of our second graders, Ganeev. This week Ganeev shared a bit with his class about his culture. He shared that the Sikh religion is the reason why he has never, and will not ever, cut his hair. Thanks for sharing your brilliance with the PSI community, Ganeev!

School District News

Ensure Family Safety: Develop a Preparedness Plan

Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared is the best way to protect your loved ones and reduce stress during unexpected situations. A family preparedness plan is a proactive guide that outlines how your family will respond to various emergencies, ensuring everyone knows what to do and where to go in a crisis.

What Is a Family Preparedness Plan?

A family preparedness plan is a detailed strategy that includes:

• How family members will stay in touch or reconnect if separated.
• Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) in case a caregiver needs to be established.
• Safe locations both near your home and outside your neighborhood.
• Evacuation routes of the safest ways to leave your home or area during emergencies.
• Emergency kits with essentials like water, food, medication, and important documents.
• Information for specific needs such as mobility assistance, pets, or medical equipment.

Why Is It Important?

A preparedness plan minimizes confusion and helps families respond quickly and effectively during emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events. It’s especially vital for protecting vulnerable family members like children, elderly relatives, or individuals with special needs.

What is a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)?

A Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) is a document that lets someone take care of your children when you can’t. The person you give this permission to is called an “Attorney-in-Fact.”  

A DOPA gives permission for someone else to make decisions about your child’s care, custody, and property. It is the same as if you made the decision yourself. This means that someone with a DOPA can take your child to the doctor for medical treatment. They can also excuse the child from school for things like illnesses, medical appointments, or other issues. A DOPA does not give permission to decide things like adoption or marriage.

A DOPA does not take away any of your rights to make decisions for your children. You can still override any decisions made by the Attorney-in-Fact, and a separate DOPA is required for each child. 

By sharing your situation and plans with the DOPA, they can relay updates to other family members, ensuring everyone stays informed.

Steps to Create Your Family Preparedness Plan:

1. Hold a Family Meeting: Discuss possible emergencies and the importance of planning ahead.
2. Choose a DOPA: Pick a reliable contact and share their information with your family.
3. Designate Roles: Assign responsibilities like grabbing the emergency kit, calling the DOPA, or securing pets.
4. Create and Share Your Plan: Write it down, distribute copies to family members, and practice your plan regularly.
5. Build Emergency Kits: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.

Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. By creating and practicing your family preparedness plan, you’re taking a vital step in protecting those you care about most. Thank you for prioritizing safety and preparedness! If you have questions or need resources to create your plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Learn More About Our New Strategic Plan: Q&A with Pink Consulting

You're invited to join our upcoming virtual office hours! This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the new strategic plan and learn more from Pink Consulting, our strategic plan partner.

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 4

⏰ Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Additional office hour times in February, March, and April are available on the Strategic Plan webpage, where you'll also find the link to join. Don’t miss your chance to engage and stay informed about this important work!

PTO News

February Connect Time Staff Meals

Please sign up to help provide meals to our teachers and staff during February Family Connect Times, scheduled for February 13 and 14! Catered main dishes will be provided both days and need to be supplemented with sides, beverages and desserts. Please bring all items to the PSI main office by the times listed in the signup. Thank you for your generosity!

Click here to sign up!

PTO Silent Auction: Looking for Donations

We are reaching out to you- our amazing PSI community - for help in providing items to be included in our 17th annual silent auction. Maybe you have a cabin up north and are willing to offer a couple nights stay, or season tickets you could share, or maybe you work for a business that could provide a gift card?  

What kind of Experiences/Items:

While this is really up to you to decide, we have examples that have worked well in the past to help spur some ideas.

★ Leisure activities (sports tickets, vacation homes, etc.)

★ Do you have connections to a restaurant, local business, or service?

★ Share your talents! Anything from handyman services to garden upkeep to interior design

If you are interested in donating something, please fill out this quick google form and we will connect with you.

Health and Fitness Bingo

Please remember to turn in your bingo cards for the chance to win two St. Louis Park Recreation Center skating passes! Bingo cards are due tomorrow, Friday, January 31!

Click here for the week 4 "minute to win it" activity!