By Randy Bruer
A new school year is just around the corner. We are working hard to open as normal which is our Opening plan for the 21-22 school year. With a new Delta Variant of Covid-19 circulating in Minnesota, our plans could change, if we are directed to do so, as the number one concern is the safety of our students and staff. Right now, it is optional but highly recommended to wear masks in school for staff and students, but there is still a federal mandate to wear masks on public transportation which includes school buses. This is a mandate we cannot avoid until it is changed. The COVID Leadership team of Admin and Teachers meet regularly to review any special circumstances if our county cases should affect our opening plans. Our intent is to open as normal. The school day will run from 8:25-3:07. Open house is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 1st. We want to welcome Melinda Anderson to Win-E-Mac, teaching high school English and FACS this year. Melissa Smeby hired under NWMH will be working alongside of Cassie Subbert and Amy Bartz, with Counseling and Social Services.
Fitness Room Renewal
If you had a membership to the School Fitness Center this past year, the fee you paid is only good until August 31, 2021. You will need to renew the membership fee by that date, or your card will be deactivated until a payment is made. If you did not purchase a membership last year and would like one this year, please come to the District Office to fill out a membership application and fee. An access card will be mailed to you. Do not access the rest of the school after hours or an alarm will activate. The school has video cameras at entrances and hallways of the school to show access. Please call 218-563-2900 for any questions.
Important: Immunizations
Before a student can attend a Minnesota school, a child must have their immunizations up to date before the first day of school. These students include the Pre-school age 4, Kindergarten and Seventh graders. If you are in question, please call the school for information. The immunizations help every child in school to prevent illness and disease.
Important: F & R application forms
I know you read and hear this announcement time and time again, but I cannot stress enough how important these forms are to the school district to access funding for our school. Our school has lost over $170,000 in compensatory funding the past 2 years and will lose $125,000 again this year because our eligibility percent has dropped. If you are the parent of a child and think you may meet the eligibility requirements of the program, please fill them out online for paper and return them to the school or see the Superintendent. The forms are completely confidential, and it does not mean you need to take advantage of what the form has to offer, but we still ask you to fill it out accurately. It does affect our compensatory funding for our school, free or reduced meal money for kids, 0% interest on QZAB loans, reduced phone and internet bills for our school, Title 1 funding, Federal funding, computer, technology and equipment grants, MPCA funding to replace school buses and learning materials. At the beginning of the year or anytime during this year, we ask parents or custodial parents to fill out the free and reduced request forms. This year as a benefit for all students in the high school, the district will waive the technology fee and provide a free hot dog and chips for the family if the form is filled out by parents.
At open house the Century 21 program wants your signup to sponsor a hot dog and chips lunch for the family at open house on Sept. 1st from 4:00-6:00 pm. We want every family to fill out the F&R application online or in person whether you qualify or not and receive free tickets for the whole family at open house. This is completely confidential. Make plans to attend.
Patriot Pride Boosters
The Patriot Booster Club helps to support students in academics and activities. This group wants to invite parents and community members to get involved. The club will fund raise, provide volunteers for academics and activities in school, sell Patriot clothing and sponsor some events during the school year.
Updated Academic Standards Implementation Schedule
There has been a lot of debate of when MN standards are implemented. Below is the schedule sent out to all school districts. Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.021, arts and physical education, which were scheduled for implementation next year, will now both be required for implementation in the 2023-24 school year. It does not impact any other standards areas.
The new full implementation schedule is:
- Physical Education: 2023-24
- Arts: 2023-24
- Science: 2024-25
- English Language Arts: 2025-26
- Social Studies: TBD (likely 2026-27)
- Mathematics: TBD (likely 2027-28)
ECFE Coordinator
**** We have a part time position open. If you know of a person with interest, who has a 4-year degree, have them contact the school. Parents and young students normally meet one evening every week with activities for our young learners, beginning the school process.