Elementary

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SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) Monday, November 25th; 6pm

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There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting on Monday, November 25th at 6pm.  All parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services are invited to attend. 

This Meeting will feature information regarding college (post-secondary) access for students with disabilities Guest speakers will provide current information regarding admissions standards and accommodations in the college environment.

The meeting will be in the media lab at Great River School. If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend via Zoom at the following link: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/98921953430

If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.

What is a SEAC?

A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC although it does not specify how the groups should be organized or what duties they should perform. As a result, each SEAC may have a unique mission and structure.

(Source www.pacer.org)

Why Might I Want to Participate on a SEAC?

Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these:

  • I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district.

  • I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education.

  • I can support the school professionals in my district.

  • I will be a good role model for my child.

  • I feel good when I make a contribution to this community.

  • I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district.

  • I will meet others with similar goals, both parents and school professionals.

  • I may build positive relationships with others in my district.

  • I will become more knowledgeable about special education.

  • By sharing my unique perspective and insights as a parent, I may help the school district work more effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.

(Source www.pacer.org)

Audition Sign-ups end "at the end of the day" on Wed., Nov. 13th for 3rd - 6th grades! Sign-up today!

2 DAYS MORE! Only 2 days to sign-up for Les Miserables auditions for those in 3rd through 6th grades. Check out the details below for the show, and more information about the roles available to our elementary students. After you have signed up, you should receive an email from the production crew with audition materials so you can practice the music! Good Luck!

Rehearsal Times: 

Click here to see the rehearsal schedule. Days highlighted for each role.

Shows: 

March 7 & 8, 7pm (Call time 5:00); March 9, 2pm (Call time 12:00)

March 14 & 15, 7pm (Call time 5:00); March 16, 2pm (Call time 12:00)
 

If your student is ready and excited to audition, please complete this Google Form to provide caregiver permission as well as some information about your student. We will be in contact with you by mid-November to set up an audition time.

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REMINDER: Conferences and Staff Appreciation Food Sign-up

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Conferences reminder for all families

Just a friendly reminder, conferences will take place on Thur., November 7th and Fri. November 8th and there will be no school on Wed., November 6th. Don’t miss an opportunity to have this time to learn about your student and speak with their Guide or Advisor.

If you haven’t done so and wish to, please sign up by Wednesday, November 6th for conferences to ensure you have the opportunity to conference with your students' guide or Advisor . We would like to see all families in person for conferences this year. Please sign up here.

Multiple Households/Families - if your child splits time between two households and both caregivers want/need to attend the conference, please schedule it together. If this is not possible, exceptions can be made by emailing the Program Director of your level.

Staff Appreciation Conference Food Sign-up 2024

Want to show our teachers a little appreciation for all they’ve done? This year we are continuing our tradition of staff food support during conferences. These two days provide an important opportunity for families and guides to check in about our children's experiences at GRS so far this year. To accomplish this, the teachers will be putting in long days, engaging in focused conversations with all of us. The food that families contribute not only keeps everyone nourished, but serves as an important show of support for all that the guides and staff do for our kids! Sign-up below!

Fall Conference Staff Appreciation Sign-up

If you prefer to donate funds you can via Venmo @GRSPEG or Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/K4WXAQPN3FHNU

Great River School Parent Education Presents: "A Guide to Going Out"

““When the child goes out, it is the world itself that offers itself to him[them]. Let us take the child out to show him[them] real things instead of making objects which represent ideas and closing them in cupboards.””
— Dr. Maria Montessori

Details 

  • Thurs., Nov. 14, 2024  at 6 pm to 7 pm

  • St. Croix classroom, Great River School (please enter doors on Energy Park Lane, Elementary entrance) 

  • Lead by Eileen McElrath, GRS Elementary Program Director  and and Tracey Fluegel, Minnesota River Guide

A Going Out is an important and exciting part of Montessori education.  It is also a very fun part of being part of the GRS community ! 

This education will share 

  • What is a Going out?  

  • How does this benefit GRS students?

  • How can I get involved? 

  • How do I get a Background check completed? 

Note and Questions? 

If you are interested in this Volunteer opportunity but can’t attend the training please contact your Classroom Parent Engagement Ambassador or Emily McMahon (volunteer parent) at emilynooney@yahoo.com

Childcare is not provided during this event. 

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The Goats are coming back!

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Our goats will soon return full time to Great River in their newly secure enclosure! Our goats have spent the past year living their best lives on a beautiful organic farm, Dancing the Land Farm, where they've been able to enjoy large open spaces, fodder and forage and a few stolen CSA vegetables, and the company of an entire herd of Angora and milking goats.

Over that same year, our goat team has re-evaluated our entire upper garden and adjacent outdoor spaces in terms of goat safety and longer term goals for our animal program and program development; evaluated and come to an agreement to relocate the main goat pen to the front and center area of the school; worked with numerous stakeholders and our building company to verify that we can in fact make all of the necessary changes; worked the site to design, reshape and fence the existing infrastructure with the complex needs of a school and urban setting alongside the needs for additional security and everyday goat care necessities; and finally, this week our hand-built custom goat barn arrived for a community barn-raising and additional interior security fencing. We expect these final steps to be accomplished in the next week or two at most.

In school, 7/8 students will continue their work on improving the goat barn and goat pen infrastructure throughout the fall and beyond. As soon as our barn and inner security fence are fully operational, the goats will return full-time to the GRS campus and their beloved roles in our urban community.

For information about upcoming work days, email Lisa at lholt@greatriverschool.org

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Student Health Coordinator, Katie Engelking to leave Great River School

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So long, Farewell, Auf wiedersehen, Katie!
Some of you may know that our awesome Health Coordinator, Katie Engelking will be leaving GRS to pursue a new career!  Katie recently graduated from Stout with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and will be working in her field. Stop by the health office anytime and pass along your well wishes to Katie or if you would like to write a note  of gratitude, you can turn it in to Jennifer at the front desk!  Katie's last day will be November 6th! Congrats Katie

 
 

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the Health Office at GRS, check out the Student Health Coordinator position details on the GRS Employment page and apply today! https://www.greatriverschool.org/employment

The Student Health Coordinator is responsible for serving as a liaison between the Licensed School Nurse (LSN; School Nurse consultant), student health and wellness faculty/staff members, and parents/guardians relating to health care issues and maintaining related health records. Student Health Coordinator also assists students with routine health care protocols.

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LIST League basketball sign-up for grades 5-8

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LIST co-ed basketball will run from mid-November through mid-February. We anticipate offering one 5-6 team and one 7-8 team. 5-6 team: Practices Mondays and Fridays from 4-5:15 and games on Wednesdays.

Coaches: Jonathan Turner Bargen, assisted by Peter Bodensteiner

November 18, 4-5:15 pm will be an open practice for anyone who is interested in learning more 7-8 team: Practices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:15 and games on Fridays.

Coach: Kalen Krown

November 21. 4-5:!5 pm will be an open practice for anyone who is interested in learning more

Cost is $150 (jersey, league and coach fee)

Sign up here to indicate your interest. A payment link will be sent before the first meeting; registration is confirmed when payment is complete.

Contact bigcanoe@greatriverschool.org with any questions.

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REMINDER: SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) TONIGHT, Mon., October 28th; 6pm

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Greetings Families,

There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting, TONIGHT, Monday, October 28th at 6pm.  All parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services are invited to attend. 

For the meeting tonight, we will have a 'Key Experience debrief' to provide quality feedback to GRS.  If time permits, we can break into small groups and begin to develop an online resources page.

The meeting will be in person, or if you are unable to attend in person, you can join the conversation via Zoom at the following link: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/98921953430 .  If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.

What is a SEAC?

A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC although it does not specify how the groups should be organized or what duties they should perform. As a result, each SEAC may have a unique mission and structure.

(Source www.pacer.org)

Why Might I Want to Participate on a SEAC?

Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these:

  • I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district.

  • I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education.

  • I can support the school professionals in my district.

  • I will be a good role model for my child.

  • I feel good when I make a contribution to this community.

  • I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district.

  • I will meet others with similar goals, both parents and school professionals.

  • I may build positive relationships with others in my district.

  • I will become more knowledgeable about special education.

  • By sharing my unique perspective and insights as a parent, I may help the school district work more effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.

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School Pictures are HERE!!

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If you haven't received your student's gallery via email, please reach out to Slow Road Photo directly at 612-293-6327 or hello@slowroadphoto.com.

Retake Day is scheduled for November 12th. Any students or staff who were absent on Picture Day will automatically be included on our list. Students or staff who have a photo from Picture Day but would like to have a retake photo done can register HERE.

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REMINDER: SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) Monday, October 28th; 6pm

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Greetings Families,

There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting on Monday, October 28th at 6pm.  All parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services are invited to attend.  The meeting will be in person, or if you are unable to attend in person, you can join the conversation via Zoom at the following link: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/98921953430 .  If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.

What is a SEAC?

A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC although it does not specify how the groups should be organized or what duties they should perform. As a result, each SEAC may have a unique mission and structure.

(Source www.pacer.org)

Why Might I Want to Participate on a SEAC?

Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these:

  • I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district.

  • I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education.

  • I can support the school professionals in my district.

  • I will be a good role model for my child.

  • I feel good when I make a contribution to this community.

  • I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district.

  • I will meet others with similar goals, both parents and school professionals.

  • I may build positive relationships with others in my district.

  • I will become more knowledgeable about special education.

  • By sharing my unique perspective and insights as a parent, I may help the school district work more effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.

(Source www.pacer.org)

Some background information about Jeremy Sartain:
I am currently the Board Chair for Great River School.  One reason I joined the Board is to assure special education (staff, caregivers and students) had representation.  Jennie and I are organizing SEAC meetings this year (with help from Brad and Lindsey). 

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REMINDER: LOST AND FOUND! Last chance to claim your students' items

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Last Chance for Lost and Found Items! All items that remain in the lost and found after 4pm on Friday, October 25th will go to the Gear Swap at the annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 26th. Any items not claimed from the swap will be swept away and donated to charity.

Lost and Found locations are as follows:
Inside the foyer by the Cafe and inside the Elementary wing by the copy machine.

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LOST AND FOUND! Last chance to claim your students' items

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Last Chance for Lost and Found Items! All items that remain in the lost and found after 4pm on Friday, October 25th will go to the Gear Swap at the annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 26th. Any items not claimed from the swap will be swept away and donated to charity.

Lost and Found locations are as follows:
Inside the foyer by the Cafe and inside the Elementary wing by the copy machine.

Sign up today! Elementary Classroom Observations, November 5th - January 30th.

What is Montessori Education?

If you are new to Montessori education or would like a refresher of what learning looks like in each of our Lower and Upper Elementary communities, view this 5 minute video accompanied by a short article from the American Montessori Society (AMS) that provides an introduction to Montessori Elementary learning!  

We will be opening up our classrooms for observations on Tuesdays from November 5th, 2024 - January 30th, 2025. 

We would welcome each of you to come and observe the prepared environment in action in your child’s classroom.  You can sign up here: Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary. Sign up today!

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SAVE THE DATE! Harvest Fest on October 26th; 2 - 5pm at Great River!

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Welcome all Great River Families to Harvest Fest, Saturday October 26 from 2-5.

It's a great chance to give back to the Great River by purchasing crafts, salves and salts foraged and crafted by our own Lower Adolescent 7-9 year students. 

The Harvest Market will include: 

Organic, Gourmet Table Salt

Indulge in the gourmet flavors of our hand-picked herb salt, crafted with student foraged, organic botanicals for a culinary experience that's truly one-of-a-kind. 

Student dyed tea-towels

Delight in the beauty and eco-friendliness of our one-of-a-kind, naturally dyed tea towels, each a unique masterpiece.

Soothing Salves

Luxuriate in the soothing power of nature with our handcrafted salves, made with carefully foraged botanicals for a truly nourishing and therapeutic experience.

Photograph Cards

Students utilized the breathtaking scenery at the Farm, on the Odyssey and at the 10th year Itasca Key Experiences by creating beautiful photo cards for the community.

Additionally, there will be a Nordic Arts card section for sale as well. These are hand crafted by our 7/8th year Nordic Arts CAS.

Come for the market, stay for the community, enjoy each other and support all the work our Lower Adolescent students have done.

Also, stone soup, bounce house, apple cider, face painting, pick up Ultimate and football games, and music.

Come one, come all, see you there:)