January Early Learning News

Early Learning News January 2017

Let’s Play Saturdays - Come and play at Holy Trinity Community room on Saturday mornings January 7-March 25 from 9:00-12:00.  The space will be set up to promote active play during the winter months for children under 5.  Older siblings are welcome too!  This is a project of the New Prague Area Early Childhood Coalition.  No set fee but free will cash donations will be accepted and used to expand the program.

Preschool Parent Information Night 2017-2018 School Year - Come and learn about the New Prague Area Schools award winning preschools! Two opportunities available: January 30 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Early Childhood Center or January 31 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Eagle View Elementary in Elko New Market.  Registration for preschool begins on February 1.

Music Beat - Ages 3-5. Open the world of music to your child! In this 45 minute class you and your child will sing, dance, and make music.  Session A: January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22 from 6:30-7:15 pm at the Early Childhood Center.  Session B: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 6:30-7:15 pm at Eagle View Elementary.  Cost for each session $40.  To register visit ce.isd721.org or call 952-758-1670.

New! Screening in Elko New Market - Early Childhood Screening at Eagle View Elementary in the Early Childhood wing on Saturday March 18 between 8:00 am-2:00 pm. If your child is 3 years of age or older and has not been screened, call Sharon at 952-758-1674 to schedule a time.  

Math Masters

Math Masters for all 5th graders in the New Prague Area Schools has begun, however we have two open spots available. It is not too late to join! This year we have six teams that will work on higher level thinking skills, fact recall using the order of operations, and team building. We meet from 4:00-5:00 in room 17 at Falcon Ridge Elementary, and receive help from National Honor Society students and our coach Mrs. Jodi Prchal. 

We will meet on:
Thursday January 12
Tuesday, February 7
Tuesday, March 7 
Thursday, April 6 and
Tuesday, April 18. 

We will compete in a tournament in Lakeville on Friday, April 21. traveling by school bus. We will leave Falcon Ridge at 7:45 AM, pick up Eagle View students at 8:00 AM, and begin the tournament at 9:00 AM. We will be done around noon, and will eat at Pizza Ranch in Lakeville for lunch. Students will be dropped off around 2:00 PM (Eagle View), and 2:20 PM (Falcon Ridge/Raven Stream). Parents are welcome to attend as well as volunteers or spectators. The cost for the class is $40 and includes the tournament and a t-shirt. 

Contact Community Education if you would still like to join at 952-758-1734. 

4th Graders at Falcon Ridge welcoming a new student-thoughtful kids!

December Early Learning News

ECFE Registration  is open  for winter and spring classes. There are a variety of classes and events to choose from in the Winter Community Education catalog and in the Early Childhood Family Education brochure.  Class fill quickly! Register today online at ce.isd721.org or call 952-758-1670.

Let’s Play Saturdays begins January 7 from 9:00 am-noon every Saturday through March 25. This is a new opportunity hosted by the New Prague Area Early Childhood Initiative Coalition and conveniently located in the community room at Holy Trinity!

Veteran's Day-2016, Falcon Ridge Elementary

Falcon Ridge Elementary celebrated Veterans' Day today with a packed gymnasium filled with Veterans (past and present), parents, the New Prague High School band, a slideshow of over 160 photos (click here view the photo-slideshow, of Veterans closely connected to students, and featured speaker Jake Helgestad. Jake is the father to Falcon Ridge 5th grader Sam, 7th grade daughter Lucy, and married to Eagle View Elementary teacher Karry. He shared a message of family support, dedication to one's country, and service. We are thankful to all Veterans-near and far-for all that they have done for our country!

Falcon Ridge Parent-Teacher Conferences/Book Fair coming up!

Just a reminder that our Falcon Ridge fall parent-teacher conferences will be taking place soon (Thursday, November 10 from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 17 from 5-8 p.m., and Friday November 18 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.). This is an outstanding opportunity for parents to connect with their child's teacher. If you have not yet signed up, please contact your child's teacher, or our main office at 952-758-1601 to set up a conference time.

We will also be holding our annual book fair in the Falcon Ridge media center during conferences. For a preview of the titles that will be on hand, visit the following link: Book Fair preview

WANTED: POP TAB SUPERHEROS!

We have all been touched by someone experiencing the most

devastating event of our lives; having a child that is seriously ill and

needing long term hospital care. The Ronald McDonald House Charities

Foundation provides a comfortable and caring home-away- from-home for

families needing a place to stay while their child is going through treatment.

To support these families and the Ronald McDonald House Charities

we are continuing a fundraiser. This one is simple and doesn’t cost

anything. All of us drink beverages, feed our pets, or have soup for our

meals. All of these have the pop-off aluminum tab that is recyclable. We

are asking that you pop-off the tab, save it in a container that works for you,

and bring your collection to school from now and until the end of the year.

Cara Luebke from the Twin Cities RMH Charities recently helped us kick-off

the fundraiser this year. There is a container inside the front doors as well

as classrooms will have collection containers.

Students are encouraged to ask friends and relatives to be ‘POP TAB

SUPERHEROS’ and save tabs. Our goal together with Eagle View and

Raven Stream is to raise 700 pounds of pop tabs by the end of the school

year. Can we do it? ABSOLUTELY WE CAN!!

4th Grade Kindness Retreat

This past week the Falcon Ridge 4th Graders spent an entire day with Youth Frontiers, an organization that facilitates an annual Kindness Retreat. With the help of parent volunteers, the Youth Frontiers staff works with the entire grade level to focus on the impact that our words and actions have on each others. Students are supported in reflecting on times decisions that they would like to take back, and how to make better choices in the future. They also discuss the importance of being there for their peers, along with the importance of being a good friend.

National Fire Prevention Week

This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and Falcon Ridge Elementary is fortunate to have a firefighter in our building each day. Physical Education teacher Dan Wagner also works with the New Prague Fire Department, and took some time this past week to explain his "other job" to our 2nd graders. Thank you-Mr. Wagner, for all that you to help keep our community safe!​

NPAS October Early Learning Events

Barten’s Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

You will enjoy a hayride, some playtime, and children will learn uses of pumpkins, fun pumpkin facts, and several cool ways to decorate their pumpkin.  Each child will receive their own pumpkin to take home!  Friday, October 7.  ECFE Special Events Registration

Fall Fun on the Farm

Experience farm life.  Children will make butter and take a jar home!  We will ride the school bus to Zweber Farms in Elko New Market.  Tuesday, October 18.  ECFE Special Events Registration

Halloween Fun Night (Birth to Age 6)

Join us for a safe, non-scary evening of games, treats, storytelling and other fun.  Friday, October 28 at Falcon Ridge Elementary Gymnasium from 6:00-7:30 pm. ECFE Special Events Registration

New!  Single and Parenting (Birth to Age 8)  (If possible highlight this in the main news please)

Nurturing cooperation, respect, and joy in your single-parent family is the primary focus for this group.  Bring your children (Birth to age 8) and enjoy a meal together.  Parents will meet for parenting support and information while children participate in a variety of activities.  This class is free.  When you register, pay $5/family for the meal.  We meet October 27, November 17, and December 15 at the Early Childhood Center from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Parenting Your Elementary-Age Child

New this Fall! A parent only class for families with children ages 6-11.

The spotlight will be “raising relational kids in a screen-driven world” with Growing Up Social!  We will discuss the necessary tools to: “Equip your child to be relationally rich in a digital world, replace mindless screen time with meaningful family time, establish simple boundaries that make a huge difference, discover what’s working for families that have become screen savvy, and learn healthy ways to occupy your child while you get things done!”

Discussion group will be offered Wednesday, November 2, 9, 16, and 30 from 1-2 pm at Raven Stream Elementary.  Join us in the conference room!  The cost is $20.  Call 952-758-1732 to register.

“Now is the time to equip your child to live with screen time, not for screen time.”

Homecoming 2016

This past week we celebrated Homecoming at Falcon Ridge with a handful of different activities. Our 4th graders sold homecoming buttons this week, raising over $700, all of which will be donated to charity.

We were lucky to be right on the parade route this afternoon, where our building was able to take in all of the fun. Following the parade, we welcomed several Trojan Football players into our classrooms where they played Math Mania with our students. Best of luck to the Trojans tonight!

Falcon Ridge Fishing Contest

For the last few summers Falcon Ridge students have been encouraged to participate in a fishing contest, where they are simply asked to bring in a picture of them catching a fish. There is no limitation on size or species, but the one constant is the smile upon the faces of our students while holding their fish.

Falcon Ridge Phy Ed teacher Dan Wagner came up with the idea a few years back as a way to encourage kids to participate in an outdoor activity, and have some fun along the way. It's safe to say that with each fish picture came a big smile from the young girl or boy holding the fish. 

Because of two generous donations from the New Prague Sportsman's Club and the Le Sueur County Sheriff's Youth Project, each student bringing a fish picture into school this year was awarded a piece of fishing tackle for their efforts. As of now, over 100 fish pictures are hanging in the halls of Falcon Ridge. Thanks to these local organizations, and to Mr. Wagner for encouraging our young kids to get outside and enjoy the great sport of fishing!

Falcon Ridge-First two weeks

The first two weeks have flown by here at Falcon Ridge, and both staff and students have been working hard to set the groundwork for a great year. Starting with the first day, our students and staff have been practicing routines and learning about expectations. With each passing day our kids are becoming more and more comfortable in knowing what each day will bring.

Some of the highlights of the first two weeks were the Red Carpet Student Welcome, our bus evacuation practice, and our Welcome Back Family Picnic.

2016-17 Fall Assessment Conferences

K-5 conferences-awesome chance to get to know our students! @isd721 #frnp

Attention parents of 5th graders!!

Band Open House & Instrument Display Night

Monday, September 12

3:45 - 7pm, Falcon Ridge Multi-Purpose Gym

* Sign up for Band

* Rent/Purchase Band Materials

* Smart Music Demonstrations

* Band directors available to look over instruments already purchased and to answer questions.

Questions? Contact NPAS Elementary Band director Julie Spinder at jspindler@isd721.org

September 2016 news from Early Childhood!

ECFE classes start Sept 21! You can still sign up for class. We offer 15 different classes that provide flexibility to fit into your family’s schedule.  There are many special events too.  A new free single and parenting class is being offered. You are not alone! Check out the brochure! Additionally, district preschool openings are limited call for availability 758-1670.

New this year-Early Childhood Screening: Online Scheduler: It is quick and easy. Go to np.isd721.org/ecfe and pick the date and time that works for your family. Children should be screened when they are 3 years of age. If your child is older, make sure you schedule soon.

Parenting your Elementary Age Child:
As children become increasingly independent and active with peers and their community, parents play an important role in balancing peer culture and establishing strong parent-child relationships before the teen years. Join us for discussion on the trials and tribulations of raising children during the elementary school years. Wed 1:00-2:00 on Sept 14, 21, 28 and Oct 5 (session 1) at the Central Education Campus in New Prague, $20, Call 758-1732 to register.

Making time to read!

As we prepare to head back to school, it's important to get our kids' minds and bodies back into a routine that helps them be prepared to learn. Whether your child has stepped away from books over the summer, or has found a love for reading over the last few months, here are some helpful suggestions and tips to help them enjoy the book they are reading:

• Read regularly-get into a routine that works for you and your family. This could mean making time before going to bed, or just taking a book with them when leaving the house. Modeling this as a parent helps as well. 
• Take turns choosing books-kids like routine, along with hearing old favorites as well. Try to mix things up, but allow them to have a say as well.
• Let them participate-it's important to allow kids feel a part of the reading process, even those who may not be reading yet. By holding the book, turning the pages, finishing sentences or completing rhymes, making them an active part of the book will help in fostering a love of reading.

Falcon Ridge Fall Assessment Conference signup open now!

This is a friendly reminder that all three elementary schools will be having Fall Assessment Conferences on August 29 and 30 for ALL students in grades K-5. Our K-5 Fall Assessment Conferences will allow you and your child to meet individually with your child’s teacher while giving our teachers an opportunity to assess your child. As a staff we look forward to the opportunity to use this information to plan for instruction at the very beginning of the school year. We also encourage you to tour the building and visit with school departments such as food service, transportation, health services, and office staff. Your child will also be able to have their school picture taken by Lifetouch in our main gym during Fall Assessment Conferences.

Families should have received letters from Falcon Ridge last week, indicating your child’s classroom teacher along with information on signing up online for an Assessment Conference day and time.  The link to sign up for your child's conference(s) is https://ptcfast.com/schools/Falcon_Ridge

Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar:

Monday, August 29

Fall Assessment Conferences, 11AM-8PM

(No School for K-5 Students)

Tuesday, August 30

Fall Assessment Conferences, 9AM-6PM

(No School for K-5 Students)

Wednesday, August 31

First Day of School for K-5 Students, 9 AM

Please do not hesitate to contact the Falcon Ridge office at 952-758-1600 if you have additional questions. We look forward to seeing everyone for our assessment days on August 29 and 30!

ACES In the Sun!

The students at Falcon Ridge were treated to sunny skies and warm temperatures for our annual ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) In The Sun day today. There were 30 different stations set up on the perimeter of the Falcon Ridge campus, all incorporated movement, exercise, and fitness. Many of these stations featured water, which helped to keep our kids cooled off and enjoying the day as much as possible. A HUGE thank you to our 70+ volunteers, who were a tremendous help in making this day possible!

NPAS Elementary Science Fair-Participants Move On to Regional Competition

The New Prague Elementary Science Fair was held recently, with several students placing well enough to move on to the next round of competition. Representing New Prague Elementary Schools at the regional science fair in Mankato this Saturday April 30 and receiving purple ribbons are: Claire Bleess, Sophia Metzdorff, Samuel Decker, Anthony Longton,  Ashlyn Erickson, Tatum Zimmerman, Courtney French, Alli Foust, Ian Kluegel, Piper Kocina, Taylor Glebe, Ella Barsness, Alicia Jokhoo, Abigail Bartusek, Anna Schellin, Kadyn Anderson, Kaelyn Borwege, Ava Barsness, Clare Daly, Jenna Hlavac, Amara Prochaska, Mandi Becher, Gaabe Lovaas, Madeline Boulanger, Caitlyn Luckow, Noah Stocker and Carly Wiener.

Eighty-four students participated in the fair this year. A special thank you to New Prague Community Education and the Gifted and Talented Program make this event possible. Approximately 30 volunteers from National Honor Society, New Prague Middle and High School and the community helped to organize and judge projects.

If you have a student in grades 4-12 and are interested in particpaing in the science fair next year, please contact coordinator Jodi Prchal at jprchal@isd721.org if your child would like to be a part of the program from 4th grade through 12th grade next year and would like to start on a project this summer, information can be emailed to you.

Save the date: 2016-17 Fall Assessment Conferences

Fall Assessment Conferences will be held for ALL elementary students on August 29 and 30. There will be NO school on these days for students in K-5 so please plan accordingly. (Kids’ Company will be open.) The first day of school K-5 will be August 31. At the conference you will be able to meet individually with your child’s teacher, update your contact information through Infinite Campus, pay for lunches, meet with the school nurse, have your child’s school picture taken along with having your child complete assessments with his/her teacher that will enable our staff to use the data to plan for instruction at the very beginning of the school year. The assessment conference will take approximately 30-40 minutes. A detailed letter will be coming home with more details at a later date!

Elko New Market Art Crawl

The Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first ever Youth Art Crawl to highlight artwork created by local young artists. Artwork from over 10 local schools that will be competing in each category: Elementary, Middle, and High School.  This year we have 9 artists representing Falcon Ridge! The Art Crawl is Saturday, May 7^th from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Main Street in Elko New Market. 

• 1 Mr. Dilger: Mitchell Krausman - Patterns with crayon & watercolors
• 1 Mrs. McNab: Sydney Cram - Self-portrait with chalk pastels & oil pastels
• 2 Ms. Dessin: Tori Nordrum - Self-portrait with oil pastels
• 3 Mrs. Clark: Taylor Lambrecht - 1 point perspective shapes
• 3 Mrs. Eischens: Wyatt Giesen - Pablo Picasso rooster
• 4 Mrs. Borwege: Jacob Neisen - Cup weaving
• 4 Mrs. Laine: Avery Newman - Metal relief with metallic colored pencils
• 5 Mrs. Kluegel: Taylor Lindblom - 1 point perspective hallway
• 5 Mrs. Kluegel: Hailey Garoutte - Earthenware clay personal narrative 

Classroom Placement Requests: 2016-17 Schoolyear

Classroom placement requests for the 2016-2017 school year at Falcon Ridge need to be submitted in writing to Mr. Giesen no later than April 22, 2016. Any requests received after that date will not be considered. All requests must include a legitimate educational concern that should be considered when balancing class lists. Please do not include teacher names. There are several items taken into account when creating class lists, such as ratio of boys to girls, students with higher educational needs, and students with challenging behaviors, to name only a few. Fluctuations in enrollment may create the need to increase or decrease class size. Creating class lists is a challenging task - it is critical that all classes are as balanced as possible to maintain an optimal educational environment for all students. We will make every effort to honor requests, but there are no guarantees. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Giesen at 952-758-1601 or dgiesen@isd721.org Leaving Falcon Ridge? (2016-17). Please contact Lori Bisek at 952-758-1603. 

2016-17 Preschool Availability

Falcon Ridge Yearbooks for sale!

Yearbooks are now on sale! $16 is the base price or additional features can be added on. Orders are due by March 23. Please send a check (payable to Falcon Ridge) or cash along with order form with your child. Or place your order online at ybpay.lifetouch.com and use the code 5732016. Very few extras will be available at the end of the year, so be sure to place order by March 23.  Contact Jodi Prchal with questions at jprchal@isd721.org. 

Reginal Spelling Bee-February 23

Congratulations to Ian Kluegel and Paige Speltz, the top two spellers from Falcon Ridge at the district spelling bee. Ian will represent Falcon Ridge at the Regional Spelling Bee in Mankato on Tuesday, February 23. Th winner of the regional bee moves on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.  Best of luck Ian!

Mala Strana-"Be the Love"

A group of Falcon Ridge 5th graders did their best to "Be the Love", by decorating at Mala Strana this past week. Students made signs and hearts and displayed them on the resident doors. The 5th graders had the opportunity to visit and wish everyone well for Valentine's Day.

Newtonian Science Club Information

The New Prague Newtonian Science Club Meetings will be held from 4:15-5:15 in the Fishbowl Room 151 at the CEC for all interested students in 3rd-12th grade. Hands on fun, trivia, and guest speakers. Everything is FREE! Bring a science zinger or demo to share! 

Dates are:

• Tuesday Feb 9
• Tuesday March 8
• Thursday April 28
• Tuesday May 10

Elementary News from Early Childhood for February 2016

Preschool registration for the 2016-2017 school year has started. Sign up and secure your child’s spot today! Call 952-758-1670 for information about preschool or any ECFE event.

Day Time open Gyms  9 sessions January 21-March 17.  Thursdays 12:10-1:10, CEC Gym.  Too cold or yucky to go outside?  Come burn off some energy!  Ms. Sara will be ready for you!  There will be lots of room to run and explore.  Feel free to bring riding toys from home!  Register ahead of time, or just show up.  For ages birth to 5.  $10 per family.

Pizza and Play with Dad  4 sessions on Tuesday evenings:  January 26, February 23, March 22,
April 26, 6:00-7:15 PM, Early Childhood Center. For ages 2-5.  Come enjoy some special time with Dad!  Don’t worry about dinner--we will provide a pizza dinner, and then off to the classroom you go!  Fathers have a direct impact on the well-being of their children.  Involved fathers bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring.  Ms. Jodi will have the classroom ready with great activities for Dads and kids. $40 per family.  Register by January 19.

Music Beat  5 sessions on Tuesday mornings 9:15-10:00, or Tuesday evenings 6:15-7:00.  January 12-February 16.  No class January 26. In this 45 minute class parents and children will sing, dance, and make music.  Explore sounds, rhythm, rhyme, mood and movement. Music experiences benefit your child’s language, social-emotional, and physical development.  Sibling care is available for daytime classes.  Andrea Peeler, music educator and board certified music therapist, will lead this class. For ages 2 ½-5.  $35 for 5 sessions.

Frozen Fun with Elsa and Anna  Saturday, February 27, 9-10 AM at Eagle View.  Elsa and Anna can’t wait to meet you!  Sing, dance, make a frozen fun craft, and take pictures with Elsa and Anna! $10 per family. Register by February 20.

Minnesota Student Survey

New Prague Area Schools will be participating in the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey for students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11. The survey is conducted across school districts in Minnesota every three years. The survey is given to obtain useful information from students about how things are going at school, how things are going with their peers and about health-related thoughts and behaviors. If you wish to preview the survey, you may visit our District Office at 410 Central Avenue, New Prague. Parents of children in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11, will be sent a letter explaining how to to opt their child out of participation in this survey, if desired.