A Message From Mrs. Hytjan |
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Dear Families,
It has been said before and it continues to be true, “This year is like no other.” Throughout this year we have experienced a plethora of change, witnessed local and national moments of conflict, and engaged in rigorous life learning experiences. We, children and adults, continue to demonstrate great resilience as we have been required to accept the state of our nation’s conditions. As families and as a school community, we have been challenged with how to navigate these challenging times with a sense of calm and grace.
The emotions that are evoked from the violence that occurred last week at our nation’s capital is another example of the worry, the fear, and the concern this year has brought to us. Like our teachers, you may be wondering how to have conversations with your children about the recent occurrences. It is important to make space where children can process, ask questions, and learn from the adults who love and care for them. Children are perceptive; they know when there is conflict or when there is worry. Allow them to share their feelings and affirm for them that all feelings are okay. In addition, consider limiting your child’s media exposure; the news that they hear is best heard from you.
Should you be interested, I have linked a few resources below that may help you in having these conversations as a family. Should you want to process with someone from the school, please reach out to me, Jane Brill (our social worker), or Tom Walters (our Associate Principal).
I continue to be grateful for the strong and trusting school community we have at Forest Hills. Our partnership is testimony to our focus on our students and their success. Always know that I am here to support and help you in all ways possible. Please reach out to me if you need anything.
With Unconditional Respect and Partnership,
Connie Hytjan
Forest Hills Elementary Principal
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Plan for Return to In-Person Learning
Kindergarten and Grade1 are already back at Forest Hills full time
Friday, January 15 – No School for grades 3 – 6 students; grade 2 students will continue in hybrid model ‘Friday’
Monday, January 18 – No School for grades K – 6 students; MLK Day and Grading Day for Teachers
Tuesday, January 19 - No School for grades 3 – 6 students; Kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2 cohort A students will attend school
Wednesday, January 20 – All students K – 5 will attend in-person school full time
Wednesday, February 3 – Grade 6 students will join in-person school full time
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In Person - The Kids are Back!
It has been fun to have K-2 back in person for the past two weeks! The energy in the building is always better with students and staff present! We look forward to welcoming grades 2-5 next week and wanted to provide a brief update on some of our safety protocols related to COVID.
Recess
- The recess schedule has remained mostly the same. We did move the start times for grades 3-6 back by five minutes for each classroom. This is done so we have more separation in the cafeteria during their lunch times.
- Classes will continue to stay together in a recess zone.
- Masks will be worn by everyone during recess.
- Plan on bringing winter clothing each day as lockers will need to be empty each day for cleaning purposes.
Lunchroom
- We have added a table to each section to ensure proper social distancing during lunch.
- Students will wear a mask while they are getting their food.
- Food choices will remain limited - a hot option or cold option (think PBJ).
- We are not recycling right now due to COVID restrictions.
Arrival and Temperature Checks
- We will continue to dismiss students one bus at a time.
- Students should go to the correct entrance door.
- Kindergarten and Breakfast - Door 1 (main entrance)
- 1st grade and 5th grade and 6th grade - Door 16
- 2nd grade and 3rd grade and 4th grade - Door 15
- Temperatures will be taken inside each doorway. If we see a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees that student would be taken to the health office for a second check.
- Parent Drop Off - Students who are dropped off will get their temperatures taken at the car and will enter the building through Door 2.
Dismissal
- We will continue to use the same schedule we had for dismissal we used prior to Winter Break.
- Each class has a staggered time to leave and a specific door that they will leave through to avoid too many people in one space at one time.
- Parent Pickup will operate the same as usual.
Social Distancing and Masks
- The new guidelines for students is a safe distance of 3 feet from each other.
- Staff are still maintaining a 6 foot distance when possible.
- Students are expected to wear a mask while in the building, during recess, and while riding the bus.
- Staff is required to wear a mask and a plastic shield that covers their eyes, nose, and mouth.
- We are providing teachers with the opportunity to go outside for mask breaks with the weather permitting. If they choose to do this, then the 6 foot social distancing guidelines will be in place.
Tracking COVID
- We will continue to track cases of COVID for both students and staff.
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We follow the MDH decision tree guidelines for possible cases.
- One “more common” symptom or Two “less common” symptoms
- Close Contact with a Positive COVID Case
- Positive COVID cases
- Each has their own unique quarantine scenario that we work through on a case by case fashion.
Please email tom_walters@edenpr.org if you, your child, or family fit any of the possible cases listed above or have questions regarding our COVID protocols.
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Important Information Regarding Report Card Updates
The 2020-2021 report card has been updated to better provide more information about student performance throughout the school year.
The reporting categories found in the comments section are now:
P = Proficient (complete mastery)
D = Developing (partial mastery)
B = Beginning (minimal mastery)
NA = Not Yet Assessed
OT - On Track
Students will earn a mark of B “Beginning (minimal mastery)”, D “Developing (partial mastery)”, or P “Proficient (complete mastery)” of each concept. If a concept has not yet been introduced, or if student assessment evidence for the concept was not yet obtained, it will be marked NA “Not Yet Assessed”. To indicate a concept that is still being taught and then assessed at the end of the school year an OT “On Track” will be used. Our goal is for each student to become “Proficient” (complete mastery) on each concept by the conclusion of the school year.
You can view your student(s) report card online starting at 4pm on January 19 via Campus. To access your child’s report card:
· Select “Grades” from the left hand sidebar
· Select a term
· Final grades are shown in bold, in-progress grades are normal text
For assistance with Campus portal username or password, contact the website helpline at helpline@edenpr.org or (952) 975-7094.
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Eagle Zone Before/After School Programming
Eagle Zone will be offering programming throughout the spring season for families who are looking for out-of-school time opportunities for their child. Registration is NOW OPEN through the end of the academic year.
· Improved safety and supervision
· Higher student assessment scores
· Improved student behavior, social skills, and emotional well-being
Afterschool programs and summer programs provide young people with a safe space that includes adult supervision, enriching experiences, and skills development. Families who need before/after school care will need to register under the season “Eagle Zone Fee Based 20-21”, rates are $15.75/session. Learn more, and register here!
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It's been a year like no other--nominate someone who rose to the challenge to continue Eden Prairie Schools' legacy of excellence! Please use the link below to nominate an Eden Prairie teacher, staff member, volunteer, or alumnus/community member that deserves recognition for their efforts through the Legacy Awards.
Nominations close on February 12, 2021.
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LEGACY AWARDS
2021
Teacher of the Year
Staff of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Alumnus or Community Leader of the Year
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Kindergarten Information Night |
Forest Hills is hosting a Kindergarten Parent Panel on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. This event is a chance for you to find out need-to-know details for the year ahead and hear from current parents at your child's school.
Passcode: 721097
Parents can submit questions before the event to
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Note on Snow Days
Due to our pandemic response, Eden Prairie Schools’ has adjusted its procedure for weather-related school cancellation this year. For students who are in an in-person or hybrid learning model, if there is a snow day it will be a distance learning day.
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Student Surveys
Between Feb. 22 and March 5, we will be conducting surveys with students in grades 3 and up to help us improve their experiences. The surveys will be completed during school hours and are completely anonymous.
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Calendar of upcoming events
January 18 - Grading Day / NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
January 19 - Kindergarten, Grade 1 & Grade 2, Cohort A students attend school in person
January 19 - NO SCHOOL FOR GRADES 3 -6
January 19 - Kindergarten Information Night - Virtual Event 6 pm
January 20 - All students in Grades K – 5 will attend in-person school full time
February 3 - Grade 6 students will attend in-person school full time
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