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Service Opportunity: Welcome To Our New Neighbors!

The International Institute of MN is working to resettle more than 600 refugees to the Twin Cities this year, including at least 250 people who evacuated Afghanistan in early September. Over 200 have arrived in the past couple months. They need St. Anthony Park Elementary School’s help to provide toiletries to donate to families when they arrive. Your donations will go directly to welcome new families to Minnesota!


Please drop off donations in the collection box in the SAP school entry through April 1.


Full Size Toiletries Needed:

Package of toilet paper

Shampoo

Conditioner

Liquid hand soap (in pump dispenser)

Bar soap for bathing

Deodorant

Razors and shaving cream for men

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

*travel size toiletries are not preferred


Here are a few resources to talk to your kids about the refugee crisis:

• Go to www.booktrust.org/uk and search "refugee" for excellent book lists for youth of all ages

• Go to the UN Refugee Agency: www.unhcr.org/en-us/teaching-about-refugees.html

• Go to www.kids.nationalgeographic.com and search "afghanistan"

The International Institute of MN, located just east of St. Anthony Park at 1694 Como Ave, has resettled more than 25,000 refugees to MN since the U.S. refugee resettlement program began in 1974. Questions? Reach out to larabollweg@yahoo.com or carabmelvin@gmail.com


Thank You!

Wow! The Luminary Walk on February 26th was such a lovely time from start to finish! Who made it that way? You, of course! Enormous thanks to all the volunteers who showed up to help with filling luminary bags, creating ice bowls, setting up the walking path, placing candles, serving hot cocoa and cleaning it all up afterwards. The fire dancers from Embrace the Light were so much fun and it was a joy to see (and hear!) all the excitement from our students.

A special thanks to the folks below who rolled up their sleeves and made some the magic happen:

Becky, Matt & Asha Ammerman

Yesenia, Arthur & Charlie Anderson

Annie Backman & Ben

Michael Bloyer

Steph Briggs & Maja

Samantha Snyder Cakir & Family

Lisa Cariveau & Family

Cleo Dale & Family

Sam David & Family

Karen Duke

Elizabeth Dunbar & Nina and Jordi

Leah Flygare & Family

Anna Gaseitsiwe

Jeanne & Tryg Hansen

Erik, Meg & Mabel Haugo

Rachelle Hill

Sarah Langford & Huey Harding

Erik Laska

Julie MacGregor & Family

Emily Moody & Family

Paige Nelson & Sterling

Amy Raddatz

Annie Tighe & Atticus

Eliza Tocher


SAPSA & Advisory Council Meetings, Tuesday March 15th

Due to the possibility of a strike, we postponed this weeks SAPSA and Advisory Council Meetings to next Tuesday evening, March 15th.


Advisory Council will start at 5PM and will hear a principal's update and discuss the upcoming district budget season. We will begin planning for budget outreach that will take place over the next month or so.


SAPSA will start at 7PM. We will be recapping the Luminary Walk, reviewing our budget, discussing this month's service project, upcoming board elections and volunteer opportunities, as well as upcoming events like Spring Carnival, Plant Sale, Ninja Anywhere.


Both meetings will be on Zoom and use this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7641657735


Conferences

It is time to sign up for spring conferences! Conferences will be:

  • Wednesday, March 23, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM

  • Thursday, March 24, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM

  • Friday, March 25, from 8:00 - 11:00 AM and 12:00 - 3:00 PM

Because COVID numbers are down, our default mode for conferences will be in-person. Masks will be required, we will sit at a distance, and we ask you to limit visitors to parents and guardians only. If you would prefer to meet online, please contact the classroom teacher to request a Google Meet code, after you have signed up. Here is the link to sign-up for conferences: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/St_Anthony_Park_Elementary_1


Save the Date: Science Fair, Monday, March 28th!

The St. Anthony Park Elementary Science Fair will take place on Monday, March 28th.Our 3rd-5th Grade students will be presenting their Science projects.


From Mr. Schrankler: We could use at least 25 people to help with giving students feedback on their projects. No special scientific talents are needed, just the ability to communicate with the presenters (students) and give them some friendly feedback. We could also use some help in taking down tables and cleaning up after the evening session. (All volunteers must be vaccinated-COVID-19 and wear masks in the building). Here are the two opportunities:

7:45AM—11:00 AM Evaluators Giving Feedback

6:45 PM-7:30 PM Science Fair Clean-up


Here is the LINK to sign-up to volunteer. Thank you!


Lost & Found

Are these items your child's? Please follow https://www.instagram.com/lostandfoundsap/ and connect with us! Your items will be identified and put into the laundry basket in the front office. And please label your child's clothes! It is the very best way to get your items back to you. Thanks!

From Our Friends At Langford Park

Sign-up for Summer Camps at Langford, North Dale & Northwest Como is now live. Here are the camps being offered at those locations.

Staff Spotlight: Ms. Krider!

Emily: 1. OK, the first question is what is your favorite color?


Ms. Krider: That is a good question. Anybody who knows me at SAP knows rainbow is kind of my thing. But if I had to pick one, it would be green because I like growing things and it seems like green is everywhere and it means new life and, yea, green.


Emily: That is my dad’s favorite, color, too. 2. The second question is what is your favorite candy?


Ms. Krider: Oh! There are so many. However, if really have to pick just one, I’m going to say Butterfingers.


Emily: Butterfingers?


Ms. Krider: Butterfingers! You bite it and they’re sort of flaky inside and it gets stuck in your teeth so it lasts a really long time but it doesn’t pull out your fillings like some of those other ones do. So, yes, Butterfingers. With Reese’s a close second. What about you?


Emily: Mine is probably Tootsie Rolls or Jolly Ranchers.


Ms. Krider: Yes, those are good, too.


Emily: 3a. The next question is a pretty long one so I wrote it out. If you were trapped on a desert island, what movie would you watch on repeat?


Ms. Krider: Well, first of all, it is February in Minnesota, so I would be super excited to be trapped on a desert island because it would be a lot warmer than this! And I have to pick one?


Emily: Yes.


Ms. Krider: Hairspray. I really like the movie Hairspray. A second might be Sound of Music. I have a thing for musicals! I really like musicals.


Emily: I would probably choose 9-to-5 or Hairspray.


Ms. Krider: Oh yea! Yea, yea, yea. Now, here is something, I haven’t watched Encanto yet and I heard the music is super good on that one. So, I might change my mind.


Emily: Yea, if you watch the movie, you should watch the music video, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” That is an amazing song. 3b. Ok. Next question is part of the number three question - if you were trapped on a desert island, what food would you eat?


Ms. Krider: Ooh - that is a really good question. I’m going to say Sweet Potatoes and Mangos. How many can I have? Can I only get one?


Emily: You have to pick one.


Ms. Krider: Oh, that is brutal. Hmmm. Mangos – because a desert island is going to be really hot and it would be really refreshing to have mangos. Gotta go with mango.


Emily: 3c. Next question goes along with the other two questions again, what celebrity would you have get you off the island?


Ms. Krider: Does the celebrity have to be alive?


Emily: No, it doesn’t.


Ms. Krider: Oh!!!!


Emily: It can be dead or alive.


Ms. Krider: Dead or alive. Holy banana cream pie! This is a very tricky question. So, it should be somebody I get along with but not too much because you wouldn’t want someone you always agree with because that would be super boring. And I would want someone who has read a lot so that they could help me out with stuff I don’t know about. And it would have to be somebody musical so we could have some music in our lives if we’re stuck on a desert island. OK. I’m going with Aretha Franklin.


Emily: I have no idea who that is?


Ms. Krider: Oh yes you do! You know her music. Unfortunately, she is dead but she led a super interesting life and knew a lot of things that I don’t know about so that is who we’re going with.


Emily: 4. What is your favorite thing about Sienna? (Ms. Krider’s dog)


Ms. Krider: My favorite thing about her is that she gives love no matter what. No matter what kind of mood everybody is in. She loves to be with us and just gives us love. And her long, long, long, long, long legs are astounding. She is a greyhound and was a racer. So, those are my two favorite things about her. Plus, she is so sweet. She is the nicest dog. She looks up at me with these big soulful brown eyes when she wants a treat. She is the best.


Emily: 5. What is your favorite flower?


Ms. Krider: I like this flower called Phlox. It’s these little, teeny, tiny flowers and they are kind of spiky looking and are sort of low to the ground but they come in these super bright colors and they bloom both early in the spring and then later in the fall, they like cooler temps. And when they bloom in the spring, they are covering the ground with these super bright, bright colors and they are so eye-catching and they are wild. I like native and wild flowers.


Emily: This other question is what is your favorite board game?


Ms. Krider: Oh my gosh! It’s the train game! What is it? Ticket to Ride - I love that one! It is so awesome! We have the European version. You go through mountains and under tunnels. That one I really like. Second favorite board game is an old one called Trivial Pursuit because I love trivia. Another one of my favorite board games I also like is called Linkee, also a trivia game. Love it!


Emily: 6. My favorite board game I love is Chutes and Ladders.


Ms. Krider: That’s a really good one.


Emily: Yes.


Ms. Krider: That game gets so discouraging when you have to go “squeegsh” [made-up sound representing down] but then you can go back up.


Emily: 7. Why did you choose to be a second grade teacher?


Ms. Krider: That’s another really good question. I started out as an Educational Assistant, and I didn’t know that I wanted to be a teacher. So, when I was working with kids at this school in downtown St. Paul, I loved the kids and wanted to be a teacher. So I went back and got my teaching degree. Then I got a job teaching 8th grade, and I loved the 8th graders! They are so sarcastic. They are great! But then, they exited out of my building, and I went and got a job teaching 5th graders. But then I heard about an opening from a friend at SAP for 2nd grade, and I wanted to work at SAP so I interviewed and got the job. I didn’t know if I’d like 2nd grade but, I love 2nd graders! They are right up my alley. I have the same sense of humor as a second grader so it is a good fit. So, I chose the school but not the grade. And I’m so glad because it has been one of those happy mistakes that just happen in life. It has been

marvelous.


Emily: 8. What is your favorite sport?


Ms. Krider: To play or to watch?


Emily: It can be either or both.


Ms. Krider: OK. Then you are going to tell me yours. My favorite to watch is tennis because I struggle with depth perception, and I’m always astounded at how they hit those balls [Ms. Krider makes a zing sound] right across the net and it is fast. And I like fast. And soccer. I really like to watch soccer. And my favorite to do or play is swimming because I get nervous if I’m being competitive because I don’t want people to rely on me too much, so with swimming, I get to be part of a team but I’m also doing it by myself if that makes sense. And I love to swim.


Emily: My favorite to watch is probably hockey because I like seeing everyone get pushed into the little glass part …


[Ms. Krider laughs and makes a crash sound]


Emily: It’s a bit weird except it is quite funny when they get their faces squished onto the glass. My favorite sport to play is probably swimming and basketball.


Emily: 9. Next question, do you like coffee or tea better?


Ms. Krider: I started to drink coffee only three years ago when SAP went to an early start and now I really like it. I only have one cup a day. Oh my gosh but it is super delicious. So, coffee.


Emily: 10. OK. Now you don’t have to answer this next question but, by any chance, was I your favorite student when I was in your 2nd grade class?


Ms. Krider: Emily, of course, you were my favorite student! Of course! Naturally! Ha! And then there was another child who was the one I liked the best. And there was another child who was the one I most appreciated. And there was another child who was the best. Do you see what I’m getting at?


Emily: Yes. OK, so that is all of the 10 questions.


Ms. Krider: That was a great interview! I’m very impressed. I just love that you are doing these interviews. Love it. Love it. Love it.


What's For Lunch?

What's For Breakfast?

Calendar

March 15th SAPSA & AC Meetings

March 23-24 Conferences 3-6PM

March 25th Conferences AM & PM (No School)

March 28th, SAP Science Fair

April 1st School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)

April 4-8th Spring Break (No school)

April 12th SAPSA & AC Meetings

April 15th Digital Learning Day

May 1st Board Nominee Deadline

May 10th SAPSA & AC Meetings

May 10th Board Elections

May 10-12th Plant Sale

May 13th Spring Carnival (outside)

May 20th Ninja Anywhere

May 30th Memorial Day (No School)

June 2 Fifth Grade Celebration

June 7th Fifth Grade Celebration (RAIN DATE)

June 10th Last Day of School

July 31st – End of 2021-2022 Fiscal Year and Current Board Positions

August 1st – Start of 2022-2023 Fiscal Year and New Board Assume Positions

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Luminary Walk & Fire Dance Performance

Saturday, February 26th at 6PM

Please RSVP here so we can estimate hot cocoa & snacks:



Volunteers Needed

We will need volunteers on the afternoon of the 26th to help create the luminary path and get everything else ready. You can sign-up yourself or bring a buddy. Kid-sized buddies are great and will be entirely capable of helping with this afternoon project and are very welcome! We have also added a few items since last week. The tasks are 90 and 60 and 30minutes in length. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this event, so the slots are designed to give volunteers plenty of time with their families to stroll the luminaries. Please sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DA4AC2DA0FA7-luminary


Luminary Walk: What To Expect

The weather will be just about as perfect as we could hope for with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees! Just the right temperature to keep ice luminaries frozen, but human beings dressed warmly pretty comfortable. As just about anything to do with small kids, we think it is always good to know a few basic things before embarking on an adventure. Here are some things we think it will be helpful for you to know:


The Hope & Peace Oasis

  • When you arrive, there will be a table with paper and pencils. Students (and their entourages) can decorate or write a message to add to the giant jar in the heart of the Hope & Peace Oasis. The oasis is not yet on the map, but you will be able to discover it along the walk!

The Basics

  • Please dress warmly and put the kids in their boots and snow pants.

  • The school will be open for bathroom use only. Please have a mask handy since masks are required to enter all SPPS buildings.

  • We will have hand warmers, snacks and cocoa available. Let's all make sure everyone able to enjoy these treats before going back for seconds if they are available.

  • Please do not litter. Let's be nice to our park.

The Main Event

  • The walk through the luminaries will start around 6:05PM.

  • There will be a physical barrier in place to mark where our fire dancing friends will be working and to keep children from wandering into their space.

  • Embrace the Light will take the stage at 6:40PM.

  • The luminaries will be set up until 9PM for anyone who wants to stroll around with older children after the fire dancers are done being totally awesome.

How to get there:

  • Please consider walking if you are local.

  • If you will be driving, please consider parking a few blocks away so families with very small children or mobility challenges have an opportunity to park more closely to the event.

  • If you will be taking public transportation, the #3 and #87 buses arrive at Como & Raymond Aves every 30 minutes.


Would You Like To Make Some Ice Luminaries?

Preparations are still underway! Here are some ice luminaries we've made this week. These are made by pouring water into a bucket and leaving outside for several hours, depending on the temperature outside! The top and sides will freeze, but the bottom will not. When you flip over, water will pour out and you will be left with a frozen bowl like this! The trick is to catch them before they freeze completely. If you would like to make some for the event, we would welcome the additional luminaries. You can bring them over to the school forest on the afternoon of the 26th and leave them by the bases of the trees.

We are now offering Every Meal (bags of food). If you are interested in having your child bring home a FREE bag of nonperishable food on the last day of every week, please open the link below to sign up.

Register by Monday, 2/28 to receive your first bag of food in mid-March

You may also let your child’s teacher know, or email our school counselor, Megan Rinn, at megan.rinn@spps.org


Lost & Found

Are these items your child's? Please follow https://www.instagram.com/lostandfoundsap/ and connect with us! Your items will be identified and put into the laundry basket in the front office. And please label your child's clothes! It is the very best way to get your items back to you. Thanks!


What's For Lunch?

What's For Breakfast?

Calendar

February 25th School Spirit Day (Hat Day)

February 26th St. Anthony Park Luminary Walk & Fire Performance 5:30-7PM

March 4th Conference Prep Day (No School)

March 8th SAPSA & AC Meetings

March 23-24 Conferences 3-6PM

March 25th Conferences AM & PM (No School)

April 1st School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)

April 4-8th Spring Break (No school)

April 12th SAPSA & AC Meetings

April 15th Digital Learning Day

March 28th, SAP Science Fair

May 1st Board Nominee Deadline

May 10th SAPSA & AC Meetings

May 10th Board Elections

May 10-12th Plant Sale

May 13th Spring Carnival (outside)

May 20th Ninja Anywhere

May 30th Memorial Day (No School)

June 2 Fifth Grade Celebration

June 7th Fifth Grade Celebration (RAIN DATE)

June 10th Last Day of School

July 31st – End of 2021-2022 Fiscal Year and Current Board Positions

August 1st – Start of 2022-2023 Fiscal Year and New Board Assume Positions



562 views0 comments

Luminary Walk & Fire Dance Performance

Saturday, February 26th at 6PM

Please RSVP here so we can estimate hot cocoa & snacks:

Volunteers Needed

We will need volunteers on the afternoon of the 26th to help create the luminary path. Do you think you can help? You can sign-up yourself or bring a buddy. Kid-sized buddies are great and will be entirely capable of helping with this afternoon project and are very welcome! The tasks are 90 and 60 minutes. Please sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DA4AC2DA0FA7-luminary


Would You Like To Make Some Luminaries?

Preparations are underway! Here are some ice luminaries we've made this week. These are made by pouring water into a bucket and leaving outside for several hours, depending on the temperature outside! The top and sides will freeze, but the bottom will not. When you flip over, water will pour out and you will be left with a frozen bowl like this! The trick is to catch them before they freeze completely. If you would like to make some for the event, we would welcome the additional luminaries. You can bring them over to the school forest on the afternoon of the 26th and leave them by the bases of the trees.

We are now offering Every Meal (bags of food). If you are interested in having your child bring home a FREE bag of nonperishable food on the last day of every week, please open the link below to sign up.

Register by Monday, 2/28 to receive your first bag of food in mid-March

You may also let your child’s teacher know, or email our school counselor, Megan Rinn, at megan.rinn@spps.org


Thank you!


Lost & Found

Are these items your child's? Please follow https://www.instagram.com/lostandfoundsap/ and connect with us! Your items will be identified and put into the laundry basket in the front office. And please label your child's clothes! It is the very best way to get your items back to you. Thanks!


What's For Lunch?

What's For Breakfast?

Calendar

February 21st– Presidents’ Day (No School)

February 25th School Spirit Day (Hat Day)

February 26th St. Anthony Park Luminary Walk & Fire Performance

March 4th Conference Prep Day (No School)

March 8th SAPSA & AC Meetings

March 23-24 Conferences 3-6PM

March 25th Conferences AM & PM (No School)

April 1st School Spirit Day (Pajama Day)

April 4-8th Spring Break (No school)

April 12th SAPSA & AC Meetings

April 15th Digital Learning Day

May 1st Board Nominee Deadline

May 10th SAPSA & AC Meetings

May 10th Board Elections

May 10-12th Plant Sale

May 13th Spring Carnival (outside)

May 20th Ninja Anywhere

May 30th Memorial Day (No School)

June 2 Fifth Grade Celebration

June 7th Fifth Grade Celebration (RAIN DATE)

June 10th Last Day of School

July 31st – End of 2021-2022 Fiscal Year and Current Board Positions

August 1st – Start of 2022-2023 Fiscal Year and New Board Assume Positions

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