Arcadia This Week 3/2/2020

Hello, Arcadia Families,

Here’s what’s up at Arcadia for the coming week!

Monday, Mar. 2: Day 4

  • Ace of Clubs, 2:45-4:30pm

Tuesday, Mar. 3: Day 5

  • Homework Help, 2:45-4:00pm

Wednesday, Mar. 6: (late start)

  • Senior Presentation Day--all are welcome!

Starting right away in the morning, seniors will give their 45 minute presentations of their senior projects over the course of three sessions, and then attend a special senior lunch at 12:15pm. Students in grades 6-11 will attend the seniors’ presentations in the morning, then participate in a variety of community building activities in the afternoon.

Thursday, Mar. 5: Day 6

  • Homework Help, 2:45-4:00pm

  • Rachel Ries Arts Residency, during the school day

Friday, Mar. 6: Day 1

Mission Spotlight

It is the mission of Arcadia Charter School to prepare our students to transition intellectually, emotionally, and ethically to higher education, future employment, and engaged citizenship.

Arcadia Charter School envisions a supportive learning community that, through collaboration and student-driven, project-based learning, encourages and assists students to:

  • Express themselves creatively through the visual, literary, and performing arts.

  • Use technology with innovation, imagination, and responsibility.

  • Develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills.

  • Construct knowledge and meaning for themselves.

  • Value, advocate, and strive for the wellness of the whole person.

  • Be empowered to act as local citizens within a rapidly changing global community.

As I’m sure you’re aware, there has been a great deal of discussion around COVID-19 (the coronavirus) and I am listening to many sources of information to ensure that Arcadia is proactive in its approach to a potential outbreak. All of the Northfield schools are communicating with each other around this issue, and Superintendent Matt Hillmann has been a helpful resource. I’ve also received guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), which have started weekly state-wide calls with superintendents to share the most up-to-date information and guidance. Our school nurse, Sharon, is receiving frequent updates. I am also reading regularly updated documents from the MDH and the CDC, including Information for Schools and Child Care on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This document also contains the link to the CDC guidance for K-12 school administrators. 

We address wellness in our mission because the health and safety of students is of primary importance to us, and we will continue to monitor this situation and respond appropriately. I will also send updates to families as I receive more information.

In the meantime, as noted in all of the guidance documents, continue those good hygiene practices that prevent the spread of all infectious diseases! Here are the preventative actions recommended by the CDC:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Announcements 

$5 Donations for Senior Presentation Day

On March 3rd, seniors will present their final, year-long projects. Following the presentations, we would like to send our seniors out in style with a catered lunch--a meal to bring the seniors together in fellowship one last time before graduation. Arcadia’s 6th-11th grade students will have dessert with the seniors, then the seniors will leave for the day, and the 6th-11th grade students will participate in a series of team-building activities. To help make this day possible for all students, we ask each student to contribute $5, if they are able. 

Help us make school more comfortable for students! Items we need:

If you have extra feminine supplies, or would be willing to purchase some for the school, we try to keep our bathrooms stocked, but are currently running low. Thin, absorbent pads (sample in link) and a range of tampons would be helpful! 

Thank you to everyone who donated snacks! Maggie and Jennifer (who also pitched in!) said we are okay on snacks for now.

 

Upcoming Events

Mar. 4, Innovation Day 3: Senior Presentation Day (during the school day--families welcome!)

Mar. 5, Arts Residency with Rachel Ries (school day, periods 4, 5, and 6)

Mar. 9, Arts Residency with Rachel Ries (school day, periods 4, 5, and 6)

Mar. 10, Arts Residency Community Choir Rehearsal with Rachel Ries, 7:00-8:15pm

Mar. 12, Finance Committee Meeting

Mar. 12, Arcadia Information Night, 6:30-8:00pm--presentation on project-based, progressive education at 7:15pm

Mar. 13, Arts Residency with Rachel Ries (school day, periods 4, 5, and 6)

Mar. 13, Arts Residency, final performance with Rachel Ries, 7:00-9:00pm

Mar. 17, Arcadia School Board meeting, 6:30-8:30pm

Mar. 19, Marketing Committee Meeting

Mar. 20, Presentation Afternoon, 12:40-2:42pm--everyone welcome!

Mar. 20, End of 3rd Quarter

Mar. 23-27, No School, Spring Break

Mar. 30, No School, Teacher Professional Development Day

 

Sincerely,