Sept - Northfield Public Schools

Dear Sibley Families:
Welcome to Sibley Elementary School!!! Whether you and your family are new to Sibley, or you
are returning for another year, we are happy to be partnering with you to provide the best educational experience possible for your children.
Please see the attached drop off map and directions below for morning drop-off and afternoon
pick-up procedures. These procedures should be reviewed with everyone (friends, grandparents,
etc) who will drop-off or pick-up your child this year.
September 2016
Newsletter
Scott Sannes,
Principal
507.645.3470
Attendance Line
507.645.3474
We will be publishing the Sibley Star on or near the 1st of each month (September to May). We
will send it one of two ways. We can send it in your child’s backpack, or you can help us save
and receive the Sibley Star via email. Last year, 90% of Sibley families received the Star by email.
We will send it to the email address you have listed in Skyward. We will also send out weather
related school closing information and other important information via email. Please contact
DeEtte Harris (507-645-3470) in the Sibley Office if you would like a hard copy sent home each
month.
Our elementary day will begin with a student entrance bell at 8:15 a.m. followed by second bell at
8:20 a.m. signifying the official start of the student day. The student day will end at 3:15 p.m.
Creating a safe learning environment in and around school buildings is extremely important. Because of bus loading and unloading, we separate buses and cars in our drop-off areas. We also
have a procedure to follow when visiting the building. Please review the information below with
anyone dropping off and/or picking up your child(ren) at Sibley.
Important Safety Reminders…Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-up
Morning Drop-off
If you choose to drop your child(ren) off at Sibley before school, please follow the directions
below. Please do not drop off or send your children to school prior to 7:55 a.m. The building
will open to students eating school breakfast at 7:55 a.m. All other students will be admitted
at 8:15 a.m. The driveway in front of Sibley is reserved for BUSES ONLY from 7:55-8:20
a.m.
Kindergarten
Dropping off your kindergartner: All kindergarten students should be dropped off in the back
(south side) of the building . Beginning at 7:55 each morning, Shannon Tassava, and educational assistant, will be on duty to meet kindergartners and supervise them in the fenced playground area. At 8:15 a.m. each day, the Shannon will escort all kindergarten students to their
respective kindergarten classroom.
Kindergartners riding the bus: Kindergarten students riding school buses will be dropped off in
the front of the building and met by an educational assistant. These students will be supervised in the front vestibule just outside the office. At 8:15 a.m. each day, Karna Hasse, an
educational assistant, will escort the kindergarten students to their respective kindergarten
classroom.
Kindergartners who walk: Kindergartners walking to Sibley can go to either location. Please alert
the educational assistant at each respective location so she can look for your child each day.
Grades 1-5
All 1-5 grade students should be dropped off on the south side of the building in the staff parking lot or near the sidewalk
just off Maple Street. This sidewalk will allow for curbside drop-offs if you are heading south on Maple. It is located between the driveway exit and the Special Education Bus/Van driveway near the music room. Students dropped off in this
location will need to walk around the outside of the building to the playground. All students dropped off in the morning
will be supervised by three educational assistants on our playground and brought into the building at 8:15 a.m. each day.
District buses will again drop 1st-5th grade students off students in the front of the building this year. The playground will
be staffed at 7:55 each morning. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL BEFORE 7:55. We cannot
supervise students dropped off before 7:55 a.m.
Please do not enter the music room driveway before or after school. That area is reserved for Handicap Accessible Buses/
Vans.
Afternoon Pick-up
Students should be picked up in the front of the building. Parents picking up their children after school are asked to wait in
the front entrance until students are dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Students leaving before the 3:15 p.m. dismissal bell must be
signed out by a parent/guardian in the office.
If you choose to enter the building to wait for your child, please remain in the front entrance until the bell rings. Having
your child walk to the front of the building to meet you, near the office, works well for a lot of families.
If you arrive earlier than 3:15, please turn off your vehicle’s engine. We’ve had a number of instances when car emissions
seep into the building creating an unhealthy environment for occupants.
Again, a Morning Drop-Off Map is attached for your reference.
Visiting the Building
The only unlocked doors during the school day are located at the front of the building. Should you enter Sibley for any reason, other than waiting in the front entrance for your child, you are required to sign-in in the office, complete and pass a
criminal background check and then wear a visitor’s sticker once you’ve been cleared. Once you have signed in, an office
staff member will buzz you in to the classroom portion of the building. The safety of your children is of the utmost importance. We plan to account for every visitor, delivery person, etc. and this increased safety feature allows us to make sure
we make contact with every visitor.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. A map of the building is also attached to help you navigate
your way around when you are here for Ready, Set, Go Day! August 31s. Thank you for your cooperation, and I look forward to
a fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
Scott Sannes
Principal
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Queridas familias de Sibley:
¡¡¡Bienvenidos a la escuela primaria de Sibley!!! Sean ustedes nuevos o no en Sibley, estamos felices de poder colaborar con ustedes
para lograr la mejor experiencia educativa para sus hijos.
Por favor, consulten el mapa que también les enviamos y las instrucciones para dónde dejar a los niños por las mañanas. Los procedimientos de dónde dejar a los estudiantes deben conocerlos todos aquellos que vayan a dejar o buscar a los niños a la escuela
(amigos, abuelos, etc.).
Vamos a publicar el boletín de noticias de Sibley Star los primeros días de cada mes (de septiembre hasta mayo). Lo podemos enviar
de dos formas diferentes. Podemos enviarlo en la mochila de su hijo/a, o pueden ayudarnos a ahorrar papel si reciben el Sibley Star
a través del correo electrónico (e-mail) si tienen e-mail. El año pasado el 90% de las familias de Sibley recibió el Star a través de email. Se lo podemos enviar a la dirección de e-mail que tengan en Skyward. También vamos a enviar la información sobre los días
que la escuela cierra y otra información importante a través de e-mail. Es muy importante que se pongan en contacto con DeEtte
Harris de la oficina de Sibley (507-645-3470) para pedirle si necesitan una copia en papel del Sibley Star para que lo enviemos a sus
casas cada mes.
Nuestro día escolar empieza con una campana de entrada de los estudiantes a las 8:15 AM. Hay una segunda campana que suena a
las 8:20 AM que marca el comienzo oficial del día escolar para los estudiantes. El día escolar para los estudiantes termina a las 3:15
PM.
Crear un ambiente seguro para el aprendizaje dentro y fuera del edificio de la escuela es algo muy importante. Debido a que los autobuses necesitan dejar y recoger a los niños vamos a separar los autobuses y los coches en las zonas de dejar a los niños. También
tenemos unas normas de qué hacer cuando se visita la escuela. Por favor, revisen la información que aparece más abajo con todos
los que vayan a dejar y recoger a los niños en la escuela de Sibley.
Importante información sobre seguridad…Zonas para dejar a los niños por las mañanas y para recogerlos por las tardes
Dejar a los niños por las mañanas
Si deciden dejar a los niños en Sibley antes de la escuela, por favor, sigan las instrucciones que siguen más abajo. Por favor, no
dejen a sus hijos en Sibley antes de las 7:55 AM. La escuela se abrirá a las 7:55 AM para aquellos niños que toman el desayuno
en la escuela. El resto de los estudiantes podrán entrar en la escuela a las 8:15 AM. La zona de la calle enfrente de Sibley va a
estar reservada PARA LOS AUTOBUSES NADA MÁS desde las 7:55 AM hasta las 8:20 AM.
Kindergarten
Dónde dejar a los niños de Kindergarten: A los niños de Kindergarten los deben dejar en la parte de atrás, (parte sur), del edificio.
Desde las 7:55 cada mañana. Shannon Tassava, una ayudante, estará en esa zona para estar con los niños y supervisarlos en la
zona de patio de recreo que tiene una verja alrededor. A las 8:15 cada día, Shannon llevará a los estudiantes de kindergarten a
sus respectivos salones de clases.
Los niños de Kindergarten que van en el autobús: Los estudiantes del kindergarten que van en autobús se bajarán del autobús en la
parte del frente del edificio y allí los esperará una ayudante. A estos estudiantes los supervisarán en el vestíbulo de la entrada
justo delante de la oficina. A las 8:15 AM cada día, Karna Hasse, una ayudante, llevará a los estudiantes de Kindergarten a sus
respectivos salones de clases.
Los estudiantes de Kindergarten que caminan: Los estudiantes de Kindergarten que caminan a Sibley pueden elegir cualquiera de los
dos lugares. Por favor díganles a los ayudantes de cada lugar por dónde entrarán sus hijos para que los busquen cada día.
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Grados 1-5
Deben dejar a todos los estudiantes de los grados del 1o al 5o en la parte sur del edificio, en el estacionamiento para el personal de Sibley o en la acera/banqueta que sale de la calle Maple. Esta acera/banqueta les permite que puedan dejar a los niños
si van hacia el sur en la calle Maple. Se encuentra entre la zona de salida del estacionamiento y la zona para autobuses y camionetas para estudiantes de educación especial cerca de la sala de música. Los estudiantes que dejen en este lugar tendrán
que caminar alrededor del edificio hasta la zona de recreo. Para estos estudiantes habrá tres ayudantes supervisando el patio
de recreo que los acompañarán al edificio a las 8:15 AM cada día. Los autobuses del distrito dejarán a los estudiantes desde 1º
hasta 5º grado en el frente del edificio de nuevo este año. El patio de recreo tendrá personal desde las 7:55 cada mañana.
POR FAVOR, NO DEJEN A SUS HIJOS EN LA ESCUELA ANTES DE LAS 7:55 AM. No podemos supervisar a los
estudiantes que lleguen a la escuela antes de las 7:55 AM.
Por favor, no entren por la zona cerca de la sala de música por las mañanas antes o después de la escuela. Esta área está reserva para los autobuses y camionetas con acceso especial para discapacitados.
Recogida de los niños por la tarde
Deben recoger a los estudiantes en el frente del edificio. Les pedimos que esperen a sus hijos en la entrada principal hasta
que los estudiantes salgan a las 3:15 PM. Los estudiantes que salgan antes de la campana de salida a las 3:15 PM deben estar
acompañados por sus padres, madres o tutores que deben firmar en la oficina en el libro de entradas y salidas y salidas de los
estudiantes (sign out).
Si deciden esperar a sus hijos dentro del edificio, por favor, esperen en el frente hasta que suene la campana. A la mayoría de
las familias les va bien esperar a que sus hijos caminen hasta el frente y se encuentren con sus padres en la salida, cerca de la
oficina.
Si llegan antes de las 3:15, por favor, apaguen los motores de su coche. En varias ocasiones los gases del tubo de escape de
los coches entró dentro del edificio haciendo que el aire dentro fuera dañino para las personas que trabajan dentro.
Les enviamos un mapa con las zonas para dejar a los niños por las mañanas.
Visitas al edificio
Las únicas puertas que no están cerradas durante el día escolar son las del frente del edificio. Si deben entrar en Sibley por
alguna razón, que no sea esperar en la entrada a que salgan sus hijos, tienen la obligación de firmar en la entrada de la oficina,
rellenar un informe de antecedentes penales (background check) y llevar una etiqueta adhesiva de visitante (visitor´s sticker).
Una vez que hayan firmado, alguien que trabaja en la oficina les abrirá las puertas para entrar a las secciones de salones de
clases. La seguridad de los niños es lo más importante para todos. Queremos saber quiénes son todos los visitantes, todos los
que entregan algo a la escuela, etc. De modo que estas medidas de seguridad nos permiten estar en contacto con todos los
visitantes.
Si tienen preguntas, por favor, no duden en ponerse en contacto conmigo. Muchas gracias por su cooperación, tengo muchas
ganas de que empiece ¡un fantástico año escolar!
Atentamente,
Scott Sannes
Director
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5
September 2016
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
5
NO SCHOOL
LABOR DAY
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FIRST DAY OF
SCHOOL
7
1 Hour Late Start
8
9
12
School Board Meeting H.S. Media Ctr- 7:00 PM
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PTO Meeting
6:30 Media Center
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1 Hour Late Start
15
16
19
20
PICTURE DAY
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1 Hour Late Start
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23
26
School Board Meeting H.S. Media Ctr- 7:00 PM
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28
1 Hour Late Start
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Mark your calendars for these upcoming October events!
October 4:
October 4:
October 7:
October 10:
October 11:
October 11:
October 13 & 17:
October 18:
October 20 & 21
October 24:
October 25:
.
Green Team Meeting
Student Council Meeting
Sibley Walk-a-Thon
School Board Meeting
Vision and Hearing Screening
PTO Meeting
Fall Conferences
Picture Retakes
No School-Education MN
School Board Meeting
Vision and Hearing Rescreening
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Orchestra News: Natalie Kruger
Welcome back to another school year! I can't wait to see all of my returning 5th grade students and start
working on our exciting new music. Sign up forms were included in your Ready, Set, Go! Day information. Please return those to Mrs. Kruger by Thursday, September 8th. We will be using a new book
this year in addition to our one from last year. The new book is called "Orchestra Expressions, Book 1,"
and you can find it at the music stores or online (blue and yellow book).
4th Graders: You have the opportunity to join orchestra this year! An informational letter was sent home with everyone in their
Ready, Set, Go! Day packets. Interested students should return the form by Friday, September 9th. I will send another letter
home with those students the following week and that second letter will include rental information, concert dates, etc.
I am looking forward to working with you and helping you make music!
~Mrs. Kruger
Health Office - Jane Ehlers
Welcome back to Sibley! I am looking forward to caring for your students this
year. Some students will need to take medicine
during the school day. It is required that the school have a signed medication
permission form by the parent/guardian and the
physician at the time the medicine is dropped off at the school.
Forms may be accessed from home on the school district website:
http://www.nfld.k12.mn.us/healthservices/annualhealthforms.shtml. All
medication must be either in the prescription bottle from the pharmacy with
the student’s name on it or if it is an over-the-counter medication, in the original container. Adults should bring the medication to the nurse’s office. The
school does not supply over-the-counter medications unless it is an
emergency and we have verbal parent permission. Over-the-counter medications (such as non-aspirin pain relievers, cough syrup,
etc.) must also be accompanied by a permission form signed by the parent/guardian for use at school. Aspirin will not be given
unless we have a physician’s permission because of possible complications of Reye’s Syndrome. Cough syrup is recommended
rather than drops due to the danger of choking.
For those students with a diagnosis with Asthma, Seizures, Diabetes, etc. the district requires care plans to be on file in the Health
Office. These plans need annual updating. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 507-645-3475.
My hours are 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and I look forward to caring for your students this year!
Skylert/School Messenger System
Northfield Public Schools utilizes this communication system for
general announcements, meal account updates, and emergency
messages. Skylert/School Messenger System uses the information
you have in Family Access for these communications. To find out
more information on this communications system and how to
register please visit
http://nfld.k12.mn.us/departments/technology/family-access/
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Social Worker News—Noreen Cooney
Welcome back to school, Sibley families!
The beginning of the school year can be very exciting for students. It also can be a very
difficult time for some students.
Separation anxiety may become an issue for students, as they have become used to
spending most of their time at home with
family members and friends.
Returning to school is a transition for all families. The degree of adjustment depends on
the child, but parents can help their children (and the rest of the family) manage the increased pace of life by planning ahead, being realistic, and maintaining a positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful
school experience:
*re-establish meal times and bed times at least a week or two before school starts
*decrease screen time, especially in the morning and replace with reading, puzzle time, or other quiet activity
*attend Ready, Set Go!, encourage your child to talk with the teacher
*practice your before school routine to help ease anxieties
*discuss homework routines and expectations
*prepare for school the night before (homework and snack in backpack, clothes laid out, lunch made)
Adapted from By Ted Feinberg, EdD, NCSP, & Katherine C. Cowan , National Association of School Psychologists
If you have concerns about your child's transition back to school due to significant history or events, please feel free to contact
me.
If your child is in need of school supplies, please check with Northfield’s CAC at 664-3550.
I hope the 2015-2016 is a great year for your child(ren)!
Attendance Reminder
Any attendence issues need to be
reported to our attendence line at
645-3474 before 8:30 the morning
of.
This is in addition to any contact with teacher.
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Student Council- Nancy Fox & Becki Haar
Attention 4th and 5th grade students: Student council will begin meeting in October.
We are looking for two representatives from each class to help serve
Sibley’s students and families. Here are just a few of the things that our student
Council group did last year:
•Assist with Pillows for Patients drive for the Ronald McDonald House
•Help with food drive
•Host lunch for Northfield veterans
•Collect presents for Christmas Sharing
•Read in classrooms for “I Love to Read” month
•Assist with Sibley’s Movie Night
•Serve families during Beyond Words
•Determine dress up days
•Pick up classroom books in the mornings
Meetings are held before school once a month beginning at 7:30 a.m. If your child is interested, information will be given to 4th
and 5th grade classroom teachers during the first couple of weeks of school. Ask your teacher, Mrs. Haar, or Mrs. Fox for more
information.
Music & Choir News - Natalia Romero
Welcome back to school, Sibley Families!
My name is Natalia Romero, and I am the new music teacher here at Sibley Elementary! I couldn't be more
excited to join the incredible community at Sibley and in Northfield. I'm from Colombia originally, but
grew up in Houston, Texas and moved to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College (Um Ya Ya!) where I
earned a B.M. in Music Education. Ms. Fischer created an incredible music program and I'm excited to
continue that tradition, while bringing in some new ideas and activities. Northfield is a community that
nourishes music and my goal this year is to create a classroom where students will explore and learn about
different types of music in our community and around the world.
4th and 5th grade choir is also kicking up this month! It's easy to join because choir meets during school hours. All the 4th and 5th
grade classroom teachers will ask their students if they want to join, then they will compile a list of choir members in that class and
send it to me. The choirs will sing an afternoon concert in the gym in November for the student body and an evening concert in
the Middle School auditorium for families and any other music lovers who want to come.
Physical Education - Andy Jaynes & Ryan Pietsch
Welcome to a new school year from the Physical Education Department. Hopefully everyone had a fantastic summer! This year Mr. Jaynes and Mr. Pietsch are back and excited to get the students at Sibley
moving and shaking! As always, we have a lot planned for the school year. Our main goal at the elementary level is to expose students to as many different activities, games, and skills we can. Our hopes are to
excite and educate the students enough for them to be able to make healthy, lifelong activity
choices on their own. As childhood obesity continues to rise and more and more children live a sedentary
lifestyle, we make it a top priority to keep the students as active as possible in our 25 minute PE classes!
We also strive to educate the students about healthy lifestyle choices. In order to be active in PE class, we
need the students to bring clean gym shoes with them every day. These don’t have to be new shoes, but
they do need to be clean and stay on the students feet (laces or velcro straps). In the fall we also like to spend time outdoors.
Please be aware that students still need shoes when we go outside. Boots, sandals, crocs, and flip-flops are not safe choices when
being active with other students (think soccer and broken toes...ouch!!!). If you ever have
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at school using the main school line
or our emails found on the school website. Thanks and let’s get moving!
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Art Room - Erica Ness
Welcome back Sibley Parents and Students. I am excited to be coming back to my 3rd year in the art room and I continue helping
young artist grow! If you are new to Sibley or if you have returning students, there are a few things we want to remind you of that
make our Art Program Special!
If you are new, or haven’t registered your account yet, you will be getting a flyer in your Ready Set Go packets to sign up for Artsonia! This is a great website that our program uses to help you keep a digital portfolio of everything your child is making in art.
We upload everything to the website, but your child's artwork will only be published to the public if you approve it. The website is
a great way for you to share your child's artworks with family and friends too. If you add them to your child's fan page they will
get email updates overtime there is new artwork posted to the site. You can leave messages of encouragement for your student or
you can purchase your child's artwork printed onto cards, jewelry, bags, shirts, or canvases. This is a great way to encourage your
child to be proud of their artwork as well as to keep a record of how they grow and change. In addition any purchases that are
made on the website means you make a donation back to the art department at Sibley. Last year we fundraised enough to purchase sketchbooks for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Sibley, the year prior we had enough to cover 4th and 5th, and to purchase
art supplies for the teachers at Sibley. So keep your eyes peeled for the Artsonia Insert if you haven’t signed up already.
As a reminder or notice to all parents, we will be keeping portfolios in class again this year. When a student finishes a work of art,
they place it into their portfolio. This way we are able to look back and see our growth as artists. We also do this to help students
understand the value of the artwork they create. In April students will choose a favorite work of art that will be displayed in one of
FOUR different art shows we will participate in this year. All students will also have a work of art that will be displayed at our
Spring event Beyond Words. All portfolios are sent home with students at the end of the year so students keep their artworks safe
and so you have a folder with all of your students's artworks that is easy to save.
Also If you have any students who are in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and completed the Sketchbook challenge they will need to turn
them in by the second week of school to earn their prizes. As summer comes to and end, encourage them to take the time and
finish theirs up so they can earn a prize. The challenge is up on the PTO Facebook page as well as my personal website. Students
do not need to do it in an official sketchbook, it can be done on any type of paper, but all of their drawings should be numbered,
they should try their best on each one, and they need to have them bound together (stapling is fine) with their name on it. They
can turn them in at Ready, Set, Go! if they like, I will also have sheets available for each grade at that time too.
Welcome back to all my young artists and I can’t wait to start making art with you again! Erica Ness
Classroom Collections…
Old legos
Dried up markers
Beads (unwanted beaded necklaces are great!)
Yarn
Fabric Scraps
Egg Cartons
Trash to Cash: Sara Ailabouni
For those that are new to Sibley, the Trash To Cash program is a collection of passive fundraisers that run throughout the year.
Passive fundraising is a fantastic way to get funds for Sibley without going outside of your daily activities and money expenditures.
You simply turn in specific labels, & receipts from qualifying products.
Thanks to Econo Foods the T2C program is already off to a great start. After collecting
$150,000 worth of Econo receipts from Sibley families we received a $1000 check in August. Huge thanks to Carl Nass and the
Spartan Nash corporation for their Direct your Dollars program. Keep sending in your receipts ­­ they can add up fast.
Trash To Cash is always looking for volunteers. It’s one of the few volunteer positions that you can do in your jammies while
watching your favorite TV show. The bags of “trash” come home through your student. You count them and return
them through your student. Super easy for you and super helpful for us. Please consider signing up on the PTO Volunteer sheet
that will be in the Ready, Set, Go Day folders.
In a few weeks, your student will bring home a list of the programs that Sibley is participating in this year. It will have all the specifics you need on what to save. It will also explain how and when to turn your “trash” in. Please read it carefully as there have
been a few changes. For now, save your Econo receipts and Kwik Trip milk tops, and clip those Box Tops.
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Band: Stefanie Bothun
Hello from the band room!
Attention all 5th graders: are you interested in joining band? It is not too late! During the first week of
school I will be talking with all 5th grade students about band and send home an informational letter with a
sign-up sheet. If your child is interested in band or was already signed up from last year, please fill out the
form and return to school by Friday, September 9.
All band lessons and morning rehearsals will begin the second week of school. Each student will be scheduled for a 20-minute lesson, one day a week sometime during the school day. There will also be a morning
rehearsal for all band students on Fridays from 7:15 to the start of the school day. The first morning rehearsal for Sibley band students will be Friday, September 16 in the music room.
So if your child is interested in joining band during their 5th grade year, please look for the informational sheet and sign-up to be
sent home with your child the first couple days of school. I look forward to a great year of band!
Orchestra News: Natalie Kruger
Welcome back to another school year! I can't wait to see all of my returning 5th grade students
and start working on our exciting new music. Sign up forms were included in your Ready, Set,
Go! Day information. Please return those to Mrs. Kruger by Thursday, September 8th. We will
be using a new book this year in addition to our one from last year. The new book is called
"Orchestra Expressions, Book 1," and you can find it at the music stores or online (blue and
yellow book).
4th Graders: You have the opportunity to join orchestra this year! An informational letter was
sent home with everyone in their Ready, Set, Go! Day packets. Interested students should return the form by Friday, September
9th. I will send another letter home with those students the following week and that second letter will include rental information,
concert dates, etc. I am looking forward to working with you and helping you make music!
~Mrs. Kruger
From the Media Center
We are excited to start a new school year with your child! My name is Ann Hehr and I will be your child’s media teacher. Students
have media class for 25 minutes twice a week. In media class, we focus on media center orientation, literature appreciation,
research, and technology.
Students start the year by learning how to find books in the Sibley Media Center and how to
take care of books. Please help your child by finding a safe place for his or her book(s) in your
home. After we have started book checkout, you will be able to check your child’s library account online. From the Sibley website, click on Media Center. In the middle of the media center page you will see a link for the online catalog. Follow the directions under the link to access
your child’s account--you will need to know your child’s lunch number. First through fifth
grade students will have book checkout with their classroom teacher. Kindergarten students
will have book checkout during media class. Books need to be returned the day before book
checkout so they can be checked in.
If you have any questions or concerns during the year please feel free to contact us! We are
always looking for volunteers in the media center too!
Ann Hehr, Sibley Media Specialist
[email protected]
Karen Jensen, Sibley Media Assistant
[email protected]
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Sibley PTO Update
Hello Sibley Families!
Welcome to all of the new families at Sibley! Welcome back to the returning
families! The Sibley PTO has great things happening this year and we can’t
wait for you to be a part of them. Our first event is an all school picnic on
Tuesday, September 20 (rain date of Thursday, September 22) from 5:307:30 on the Sibley lawn. Please look for more information to come home
about the picnic shortly after school begins.
Mark your calendars for October 7 as that is the date of the 2016 Walk-A-Thon. More information will be coming home
shortly about this event.
Thank you to Chris Feldman who coordinated the school supply boxes for those families who wanted to purchase them. The
boxes arrived and have been delivered to the classrooms!
Thank you to all who helped put together the Ready Set Go Day folders! It was a huge help!
The Sibley PTO would love your help with different events this year. You will find a volunteer form in your Ready Set Go
Day folder. Please fill out the form and return it to your child’s teacher or the main office. We have a variety of volunteer
options and we would be thrilled to have your participation!
Our first PTO meeting of the year is Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30pm in the Sibley Media Center. We would LOVE to see
you there!!!!!
SIBLEY PTO ALL SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 20th (RAIN DATE 22nd)
5:30-7:30 NEAR THE PLAYGROUND
BRING A PICNIC DINNER AND JOIN THE FUN!
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NorthfieldCommunity Services
Check out some great recreational and enrichment programs for youth this fall with Northfield Public Schools Community Services! For more information or to register visit www.northfieldschools.org (follow the Community Services link), call 507-664-3649,
or stop by our office on the first floor of the Northfield Community Resource Center at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield.
Scholarships are available for all programs.
Future Raiders Soccer Camp
$44, grades k – 5, 5 - 6 p.m., W & F, Sept. 7 – 30, Spring Creek Park, Class #: 1253-F16A
Shorin-Ryu Karate
ages 8—adult
$59/Individual Registration; $89/Family Registration, Class #: 4166-F16B
M & W, Sept. 7—Dec. 21 (no class Nov. 23, 28 & 30) 6:45-8 p.m. Longfellow Gym
and Sa, Sept. 10-Dec. 17 10-11 a.m. Carleton College Cowling Gym
Tae Kwon Do for Kids
$74, grades 2 – 12, times vary, T & Th, Sept. 8 – Oct. 18, Sibley Cafeteria (10/13 held at Longfellow Gym)
Class #: 4165-F16A (Beginner) Class #: 4165-F16B (Advanced)
Gumdo— Youth Korean Sword
ages 12 and older, $49 Sibley Cafeteria (Oct. 13 in Longfellow Gym)
T & Th, Sept. 8—Oct. 18 7:45-8:45 p.m. Class #: 4108-F16B
T & Th, Nov. 1-Dec. 15 (no class Nov.24 & Dec. 8) 7:45-8:45 p.m. Class #: 4108-F16D
Flag Football
$39, grades 2 – 5, times vary, T & Th, Sept. 13 – Oct. 13, Sechler Fields, Class #: 1060-F16A2 (grade 2), Class #: 1060-F16B3 (grade
3), Class #: 1060-F16C4 (grade 4), Class #: 1060-F16D5 (grade 5)
Horseback Riding
$139, ages 8 and older, 4 – 5 p.m., W, Sept. 14 – Oct. 19, Winterhaven Stables, Class #: 1276-F16A
Boys and Girls Bowling
$89/first session of participation; $85/additional sessions, grades k – 12, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Th, Sept. 15 – Nov. 17 Class #:1057-F16A or
F, Sept. 16 – Nov. 18 Class #:1057-F16B, Jesse James Lanes
Super Science Saturday Club for Girls
$49, girls in grades 3 – 6, 10:45 a.m. – noon, Sa, Sept. 17 – Nov. 5 (skip Sept. 24, Oct. 15 & Oct. 22), Class # :4372-F16A
Youth Floor Hockey
$25, grades K – 5, times vary, Sa, Sept. 24 – Oct. 15, Middle School Gym, Class #: 1054-F16AK-2 (grades k – 2), Class #: 1054F16B3-5 (grades 3 – 5)
Watch Me Draw: Artsy Autumn Bugs!
$75, grades K – 5, 3:20 – 4:20 p.m., Tu, Sept. 27 – Oct. 25, Sibley Art Room, Class #: 4391-F16SA
Northfield Skating School
$72 - $129, all ages, times vary, Su, Oct. 2 – Nov. 20, Northfield Ice Arena
Home Alone Safety Workshop for Children
$34, grades 3 - 7, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Sa, Oct. 15, NCRC YW108, Class #: 4354-F16A
Grandmasters of Chess: Fall Season
$94, grades K – 5, 3:20 - 4:20 p.m. M, Oct. 24 - Dec. 19 (skip Nov. 7) Sibley Art Room, Class #: 4340-F16SA
LEGO® WeDo Robotics – Fall Session
$74, grades 1 - 5, 3:20 – 4:20 p.m., Th, Oct. 27 – Dec. 8 (skip Nov. 24), Sibley Skylight Commons, Class #: 4439-F16SA
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15
Annual Notifications for the 2016-17 School Year
2016-17
Annual Notifications
Main Office
507.663.0600
Matt Hillmann,
Superintendent of Schools
507.663.0629
Donita Delzer,
Admin. Assistant to the
Superintendent & School Board
507.663.0629
Buildings & Grounds
507.663.0610
Child Nutrition Services
507.663.0618
Community Services Division &
Community Relations
507.664.3649
Curriculum Office
507.663.0622
Finance Department
507.645.3440
Health Services
507.645.1205
Human Resources
507.663.0608
Payroll Office
507.663.0628
Special Services
507.645.3410
Technology Services
507.645.1260
Student Citizenship Handbook Distributed
The 2016-17 Student Citizenship Handbook will be distributed to all secondary students on their
iPad and the youngest elementary school-aged child in the family. The handbook includes
information regarding expectations for student behavior. The handbook includes a comprehensive
list of regulations for student behavior and consequences for misbehavior. Included in the handbook
are the district’s policies on Bullying, Hazing, Personal Possessions/Lockers, Technology Use,
Harassment, Possession of Controlled Substances, Weapons, and Student Use and Parking of Motor
Vehicles (including patrols, inspections and searches). Consequences are consistent, but vary
depending on the severity of the offense, the student's grade level and previous violations. The
handbook also includes a chart that outlines offenses that could possibly lead to expulsion. The
rights and responsibilities detailed in the handbook apply to students in any school, on district
property, at school bus stops and at school or district events. Consequences may also apply for
misbehaviors that take place at other locations, but which directly affect school programs or
activities. Parents are encouraged to read and review information in the handbook with their
student(s) before finding a place to save it for the school year. School staff will also briefly review
information in the handbook with students at the start of the school year. If your student's handbook
is misplaced, you can pick up a copy at your student's school or find it online at
www.northfieldschools.org under “About the District.”
Northfield Public Schools in Compliance with AHERA
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 requires the district to notify
parents annually concerning asbestos-containing building materials in the schools, and that the
management plan for each building is available for their review. Federal law requires a periodic walkthrough (called "surveillance") every six months of each area containing asbestos. In addition, the
law requires all buildings to be re-inspected every three years after a management plan went into
effect. The IEA (Institute for Environmental Assessment) completed this for Northfield Public
Schools in 2013. For the 2016-17 school year, Northfield Public Schools does not have any asbestos
removal projects planned. During the summer of 2017, Northfield Public Schools will continue with
the abatement of mercury/asbestos- containing flooring at Sibley Elementary School. The number of
rooms has yet to be determined. Any questions concerning this notice or an explanation of our
Asbestos Management Plan can be directed to the Director of Buildings & Grounds at 507.663.0610.
The following notice is published pursuant to Minnesota law, "Parents Right to Know Act."
Northfield Public Schools recognizes the importance of our students’ and employees’ health and well
-being. Therefore, we are examining and reducing our use of pesticides and utilizing Integrated Pest
Management techniques in our school buildings and on school grounds to minimize the possible
long-term unknown health effects of pesticides. Northfield Public Schools will make available in the
school district office, for parents and employees, the estimated schedule of application of pesticides
classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as designated under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Parents may also request that the school district notify
him/her prior to the application of such pesticides on a day different from the days specified in the
notice. If a person would like to be notified prior to application, please provide an email address or a
name and telephone number to the Buildings & Grounds Department at 507.663.0610.
Indoor Air Quality
Northfield Public Schools continues to improve an indoor air quality management plan for the
district. The management plan is based on the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) “Tools for
Schools.” It addresses policies and procedures that will be used in the schools to address indoor air
quality issues. The plan’s goal is to provide indoor air quality that contributes to a favorable learning
environment for students, productivity for teachers and staff, as well as an environment that is as
healthy as possible. However, the intent of the plan is not to solve all indoor air quality concerns in a
school, rather the intent is to provide a road map to assist in managing indoor air quality. The Indoor
Air Quality Committee has joined the Health and Safety Committee to review and continually update
the management plan. If you have any questions concerning indoor air quality, or would like to see
the EPA Tools for Schools checklists, please contact the District Indoor Air Quality Coordinator at
507.663.0610.
District News
Special Education Services Available at all Schools
Federal and state laws guide the school district in identifying, evaluating and serving students with disabilities. Northfield Public Schools serves
students with disabilities from birth through age 21. A team of special educators, general educators and families work together to develop an
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for students who meet the criteria for services. The IEP team considers the student’s present level of
performance, identifies educational needs and develops goals to meet those needs. The team determines the educational program that will serve
the student in the least restrictive setting. Northfield Public Schools provides a continuum of services for students with disabilities. Most students
receive special education in their neighborhood school. The district also has specialized, center-based programs for students who need more
support. For more information on identifying, evaluating and providing service to students with disabilities, contact your child’s school principal
or Cheryl Hall, director of Special Services, at 507.645.3410.
District in Compliance with State-Required Background Checks
Parents and community members are always encouraged to apply as an employee or volunteer at their student's school and/or with Northfield
Public Schools. Volunteers provide a valuable service to students and staff. Minnesota statute requires a school-hiring authority to request a
criminal history background check on all individuals who are offered employment in a school and on all individuals, except enrolled student
volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular services to a school, regardless of
whether any compensation is paid. Parents and community members who volunteer on a regular basis must complete a background check before
serving students affiliated with Northfield Public Schools.
Data Privacy Practices
Pursuant to the requirements of state and federal law, the following constitutes Northfield Public Schools Annual Notification to parents and
students regarding data privacy practices. Northfield schools maintain educational records on all students to help plan the student's educational
program, communicate with parents/guardians, and comply with state regulations. Student records include information such as standardized
achievement and ability test data, grades, attendance records, health/medical records and evaluation by professional staff.
Except in limited circumstances authorized by law, most information from student records will not be released to members of the public without
the written permission of the student's parent or guardian, or of the student, if he or she is 18 or older. District policy guarantees parents/
guardians (and students 18 and older) the right to examine the contents of their own student's records except those items that are, by state or
federal law, made confidential. Parents/guardians (and students 18 and older) have the right to challenge the accuracy of these records and also
the right to authorize or deny release of records requested by a third party. The district forwards educational records of students to other schools
and school districts in which the student seeks or intends to enroll upon request of that school or school district. Parents are not notified prior to
this transfer.
This review of the data privacy rights of students in the educational records maintained by Northfield Public Schools is intended only to be a
summary of the district policy and applicable state and federal law. The policy can be found at http://nfld.k12.mn.us/files/Board-Policy-515Protection-and-Privacy-of-Pupil-Records-Approved-8.25.08-Updated-December-20132.pdf. Questions should be addressed to: Dr. Matthew J.
Hillmann, Superintendent, Northfield Public Schools, 1400 Division Street South, Northfield, MN 55057 or by calling 507.663.0629.
Notice of Designation of Directory Information
School districts are required by state and federal law to notify parents and students that certain information contained in a student’s education
record may be made public without prior written consent. Northfield Public Schools designates the following as “directory information” and
may, in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act, release the following directory information without permission unless the district has
been notified that it should not be released.
x Student’s name, address, telephone number
x Parent’s name, address, telephone number
x Student’s date of birth
x Student’s major field of study
x Student’s dates of school attendance, grade level completed, enrollment status
x Student’s participation in officially recognized activities/sports
x Student’s height and weight, if a member of an athletic team
x Middle and High School Student Athletic Physical Examination Expiration Date
x Student’s degrees, honors and awards received
x Student’s most recent educational agency or institution attended
x Student’s photograph(s), videotapes and other visual representations for school-approved publications, yearbooks, newspapers,
public presentations and web pages.
A parent/guardian of a student or an eligible student (18 years of age or older) may object to the listed directory information being disclosed
without the parent/guardian or eligible student’s prior written consent except to school officials as provided under federal law. In order to make
all directory information private, the parent/guardian or eligible student must submit a completed Denial of Release of Directory Information
(Appendix C to Policy 515-Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) to your student’s building principal or the superintendent of schools. This
designation will remain in effect for the current school year only. Federal and state laws require all school districts to provide military recruiters,
upon request, with the name, address and telephone number of all 11th and 12th grade students within 60 days after the date of the request
unless the parent or eligible student (students over 18 years old and not a dependent) requests that the information not be provided without
written permission. If you do not want Northfield Public Schools to release your student’s name, address and telephone number to a military
recruiter, you must complete Appendix D (Denial of Release of Information to Military Recruiters) to Policy 515-Protection and Privacy of Pupil
Records. Please note that if you previously submitted a Denial of Release of Directory Information (Appendix C), it alone will not be sufficient.
The law requires that a specific denial of access to military recruiters be made. In order to make all directory information about a student private
to the public in general, including military recruiting officers, the parent/guardian or eligible student must complete Appendix C and Appendix D.