May 4, 2009
We are now done with all the MCA reading and math tests. This week will we be completing the MCA science test for our 8th graders. Mid term reports have been mailed out. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions.
One of the items that parents have been concerned about is the flu. In this case, the notorious H1N1 virus or more commonly called “Swine Flu”. The Minnesota Department of Health advises that general safety precautions be exercised. Infection prevention measures include simple steps such as:
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or coughing into your covered elbow rather than your hands
- washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and
- staying home when you are sick
- Limit contact with others and avoid close personal contact. Do not send your child to school to have their symptoms checked in the health office.
North’s advisory teachers have talked with their students to remind them to follow these precautions.
Below is a message from Superintendent Jordahl concerning the H1NI virus:
The case in ROCORI has been positively confirmed as the H1 N1 (swine flu). Please understand that all school districts are taking leadership of the MN Dept. of Health with regards to monitoring and procedures.
Stay calm; don't panic. We are monitoring this very closely. The Minnesota Department of Health advises that general safety precautions be exercised. Infection prevention measures include simple steps such as:
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or coughing into your covered elbow rather than your hands
- washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and
- staying home when you are sick
- Limit contact with others and avoid close personal contact. Do not send your child to school to have their symptoms checked in the health office.
Dr. Steve Jordahl, Superintendent
District Administration Office
1000 44th Avenue North, Suite 100
St. Cloud, MN 56303-2037
On Thursday of this week ROCORI will be coming to North to play softball and is also scheduled to come to North’s track meet. I will be sending home a letter to parents concerning these two activities. We absolutely believe that there is no danger to our students by participating in these two activities but understand the concern of parents. Because of this we will leave it up to parents to determine if they want their student to participate in the softball games or track meet. The Minnesota Department of Health has not indicated any concerns they have for ROCORI participating in sport activities.
Some additional thoughts on homework
Be Interested and Interesting
Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework
(and for enjoyment) and read with your child as often as you can. Talk about school and
learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class
that day. If she doesn’t have much to say, try another approach. For example, ask her to read aloud a story she wrote or to talk about what she found out from a science
experiment. Attend school activities, such as parent-teacher conferences, plays, concerts, open houses and sports events. If you can, volunteer to help in your child’s classroom or at special events. Getting to know some of your child’s classmates and their parents builds a support network for you and your child. It also shows your child that his home and school are a team.
How to Help: Monitor Assignments
Children are more likely to complete homework successfully when parents monitor their
assignments. How closely you need to monitor your child depends upon her age, how
independent she is and how well she does in school. Whatever the age of your child, if
she is not getting assignments done satisfactorily, she requires more supervision.
Here are some ways to monitor your child’s assignments.
Ask about the School’s Homework Policy
At the start of the school year, ask your child’s teacher about any rules or guidelines that children are expected to follow as they complete homework. Ask about the kinds of assignments that will be given and the purposes for the assignments. Talk with the teacher about your role in helping with homework. Expectations for parent involvement vary from teacher to teacher. Some teachers want parents to monitor homework closely, whereas others want them simply to check to make sure the assignment is completed on time. Ask the teacher to call if any problems with homework come up. Let her know that you will do the same.
Be Available
Many elementary school students often like to have someone with them to answer
questions as they work on assignments. If your child is cared for by someone else, talk to that caregiver about how to deal with homework. For an older child, if no one will be
around, let him know when you want him to begin work and call to remind him if necessary. However, if the teacher has made it known that students are to do homework on their own, limit your assistance to your child to assuring that assignments are clear and that necessary supplies are provided. Too much parent involvement can make children dependent—and takes away from the value of homework as a way for children to become independent and responsible.
Look over Completed Assignments
It’s usually a good idea to check to see that your elementary school child has finished her assignments. If your middle-school student is having trouble finishing assignments, check his work, too. After the teacher returns completed homework, read the comments to see if your child has done the assignment satisfactorily.
The remainder of the year will go fast and we will soon reach summer vacation.
Below you will find information on a workshop called "Winning with Words: Sharing the Power." Take a look and see if you are interested.
Please let me know if there are items you would like me to cover in the next blog.
Bob Huot
Principal, North Junior High
Dear Robert,
Parents, do you find yourself locking horns with your children over what you each want? Take heart! You can both win by learning to share the power!! On May 12 from Noon - 1:00 pm come share in a Munch and Learn session with other parents called "Winning with Words: Sharing the Power." When you use your words in a respectful way you are being a role model for your children. Come to this seminar to learn how to calm storms in a courteous way, set firm limits in loving ways, teach your child real world ways, and build a more positive relationship with each child. Bring your lunch and we will provide beverages and cookies.
Who should attend: Parents, grandparents, foster parents, child care providers, preschool staff, coaches, counselors and others who have a concern for interacting with children.
Speaker: Peggy Imholte has taught hundreds of parents, school staff and others interacting with youth a variety of essential behavior management techniques. Peg's drive and her passion for youth success and parent excellence will inspire you, challenge you - and remain with you long after her sessions end!
Title: Winning with Words: Sharing the Power
Presenter: Peggy Imholte
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m. (registration 11:45 a.m.)
Fee: $15.00/person, $25/two people
Location: Resource Training and Solutions
West side Bremer Bank Building, Suite 550
4150 2nd St. South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Code 7758
To register or for more information:
Go online at www.resourcetraining.com <http://www.resourcetraining.com/>
or call me at Resource Training & Solutions at 255-3236 or 888-447-7032.
Martha Roth
Resource Training & Solutions
mroth@resourcetraining.com
Our school calendar of events is found at the very end of the blog.
“On Target”
We will also be doing “On Target” on the following Saturdays:
May 2, 9
North Junior High School
Important Dates
2008-09
(A month by month calendar with all events may be found on North’s Web Page (www.isd742.org/~north/)
First Quarter : September 2 - November 6
COMPLETED
Second Quarter : November 10 - January 23
COMPLETED
Third Quarter : January 27 – April 3
COMPLETED
Fourth Quarter : April 6 – June 3
May
May 4-8 MCA Science Test
May 12 Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m.
May 14 Band Concert 7:30 p..m. Gym
May 18 Northside Band Concert 6:30 p.m.
May 21 Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. Gym
May 22 Awards Assembly – School Carnival
May 25 Memorial Day – No School
May 26 Site Council 6:45 p.m. Lower Media
May 28-June 3 Final exams must be scheduled during this time; no
activities, field trips, concerts, etc. may be scheduled
June
June 4 Last day of school
June 5 Teacher in-service/workshop (or make up day if a snow day is used)