A Message from Mrs. Hytjan |
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Dear Families,
We are approaching the middle of April and signs of Spring are showing up everywhere!! We have seven solid weeks of school remaining to make a difference! Considering the conditions our Forest Hills community has navigated this school year (with all the varied learning models), we need EVERY minute of learning we have left! Please partner with us in supporting your child(ren) as we remain strong until we reach the end of May. A few things that will help:
- Unless ill, please make sure your child arrives to school each day on time, well rested, fed, and ready to learn;
- Continue to model and encourage reading for leisure as much as possible;
- Play games that encourage number sense and math fact fluency. Your child can likely teach you a game they have learned in school;
- Talk with your child(ren) about their learning (and why it is important) during drives to activities or meal time;
- Read your child(ren)’s class newsletters so you are aware of the days testing will take place so you can encourage them to show up and be their best on those days;
- Lessen conversations about ‘next year’ and keep the conversations focused on the importance of staying ‘present’ this school year;
- Refrain from ‘end of school count-downs’. Every day, every hour and every minute we have left is important.
- Communicate with your child’s teachers, social worker or principals when there are concerns or support you or your family may need.
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching and we thank you for your support as we ensure a ‘sense of urgency and importance’ to keep learning at the core of the next seven weeks of school.
With Gratitude,
Connie Hytjan
Forest Hills Elementary Principal
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COVID Update
By now most of us do not want to hear the word COVID anymore. It’s been such a unique year for learning and the school experience. We are so proud of our students, staff, and community for supporting our mitigation efforts for sure. We will be continuing these efforts for the rest of the school year. If possible, please review these with your children so we can continue our strong partnership!
Here are the safety protocols we use with our staff and students:
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Social distancing - Remain 3 feet away from other students. This is true in all spaces at FH. Be sure your learning space accounts for this distance.
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Masks - Unless eating at lunch or taking a mask break outside, masks need to be worn throughout the day.
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Washing hands - Everyone should keep their hands clean through hand washing or hand sanitizer.
- Lunch Time in the Cafe
- Students should wear masks when going through the lunch line.
- Students should remain in their seats.
- When recycling or clearing trays, masks should be worn.
- Consider seating charts so students are not tempted to roam.
- Quarantine
- We still track any potential COVID related situation.
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More common symptoms - fever greater than 100.4, new cough or worsening cough, hard time breathing, loss of taste or smell
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Less common symptoms - sore throat, nausea, vomiting, chills, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, severe headache, new nasal congestion
- As a parent or guardian, if you have symptoms, please keep your students at home.
If you think there may be a COVID related issue in your household, please contact Tom Walters (tom_walters@edenpr.org).
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Covid-19 Vaccine Connector
The Minnesota Department of Health is asking us to share this information. Individuals can enroll in the Vaccine Connector to learn which priority groups are currently eligible for vaccine. The Covid-19 Vaccine Connector Child Care Pilot has been updated with new information about who can register for the Vaccine Connector.
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Severe Weather Awareness Week
The state has declared the week of April 12-16, 2021, as Severe Weather Awareness Week. A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for Thursday April 15th. The sirens will be sounded two times – once at 1:45 pm for businesses, schools and other facilities and again at 6:55 pm for evening activities and families in their homes.
All district facilities will be participating in the 1:45 pm drill. The Education Center and Community Education evening activities are asked to participate in the 6:55 pm drill.
Please ensure that all students and staff are notified of the tornado drill schedule of events:
Thursday April 15th, 2021, 1:45 pm Statewide Tornado Drill All sites participate
Thursday April 15th, 2021, 6:55 pm Statewide Tornado Drill Education Center & Community Ed participate
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April Brings MCA Tests
Each year, Minnesota students in grades 3-6 take part in the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment). Students in these grade levels will take a Reading MCA test and a Math MCA test. Students in Grade 5 also take a Science MCA test. These tests are aimed at measuring each student’s achievement related to Minnesota Academic Standards.
As a school, we use this information to help us determine students’ achievement strengths and needs. In addition to the MCA, educators throughout our district use many other assessment measurements to complete students’ learning profiles; doing this ensures we have a complete understanding of the whole child.
MCA Testing Schedule
Grades 3-6
Reading - April 20 and 21
Math - April 27 and 28
Science (5th Grade Only)
Science - May 11
As parents or guardians, you can help by providing a good breakfast the morning of the tests and making sure students have a great night sleep the night before testing days. We ask for students to do their best and show us what they know. Their best effort is what is important, and we strive to do this in a non-stressful way.
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Eden Prairie Elementary Cross Country Race
All Grade 4 - 6 students are invited to participate in the Eden Prairie Elementary Cross Country Race that will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. There is no cost to participate and each student who participates will receive a free t-shirt. The race is being sponsored by the EPHS Cross Country Team.
Race Times are...
6th graders: Arrive at 4:15 -- Race at 4:45 -- Depart by 5:10
5th graders: Arrive at 5:15 -- Race at 5:35 -- Depart by 5:55
4th graders: Arrive at 6:00 -- Race at 6:20 -- Depart by 6:40
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EP's first theater production class performs spring musical at EPHS
Stepping Out, by Richard Harris, is “a play with dancing.” The story brings us into a weekly class for beginning tap dancers, but we learn much more about the class members than we do about dancing. This ensemble of unlikely, and mostly unskilled, dancers will have you laughing and maybe even wanting to tap along.
For this production, a cast of 13 EPHS students has been supported by about 20 tech crew students and members of our first ever theatre production class. Come and see what the students have designed, built, painted and rehearsed! We are excited to see you there!
Reserve either in-person or virtual tickets:
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Supplemental Parent Placement Information Forms Now Available
The Supplemental Parent Placement forms are now available. The form is helpful if you have specific concerns or issues that you wish Mrs. Hytjan to consider when determining your child's placement for the 2021-2022 school year. The form is available to download here or it can be picked up from the main office. Please note that all forms need to be returned to the main office no later than Friday, April 30, 2020.
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Want part-time work with full-time benefits?
Eden Prairie Schools is hiring bus drivers! HR is looking for excellent individuals who enjoy working with children and want part-time work with full-time benefits. Please share this opportunity with your community! Transportation/Bus Driver job description.
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New Start Times for 2021-2022
After 14 months of study, Eden Prairie Schools determined school start times for the 2021-22 school year. As a result, Forest Hills will be moving to an earlier start and end times. The start time will be at 8:00 am and the end time will be 2:30 pm. for the 21-22 school year. Please plan accordingly.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
April 20 & 21 - MCA Reading Testing for Grades 3 - 6
April 27 & 28 - MCA Math Testing for Grades 3 - 6
April 28 - FH Virtual Bookfair Begins
May 4 - Kindergarten Welcome Event
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