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Letter from the Director

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

(Español abajo)

Queridas Familias,

I am pleased to report that the 2022-2023 ISLA school year has gotten off to a great start! Teachers and students are falling into their routines, deep inquisitive learning is going on in every classroom, the buses are arriving and leaving on time, and road construction is even coming to an end (ok, perhaps that is astretch--that would mean winter is here).

Here are a few updates:

Transportation: I would like to thank Emily and Jessica in the front office, our staff drop-off and pickup team, and our excellent transportation committee, for all their hard work this year in this area. This team helped enormously by adjusting the routes for safety and efficiency, communicating changes, etc., and I am pleased to say that we had a very successful week in this regard, as most of the buses arrived on time and left on time this week.
Lunch/Nutrition Services: We have heard and listened to your comments, and we are investigating a few issues with our lunch provider, including portion size, incomplete or poorly timed deliveries, and overall quality and nutritional value. Last year we had to change the vendor mid-year due to HR issues at the previous vendor. After that change, we received many compliments about the change from students and families, including the creative and more varied vegetarian options, better taste, etc., so we are curious to see what has changed. We have also noted that we have a lot less food waste than we had with the previous vendor, even though we were feeding more children. After our investigation and our meetings with the current vendor conclude, we will be working with the Minnesota Department of Education to look at our options, including the possibility of going out to bid for this service for next year.
International Day of Peace: Thank you all for your participation in our peace activities. Students were able to reflect on peacemaking around the world, how it fits into the IB profile, and discuss their pledges for peace. In addition, students researched geographical locations which need conflict resolution, while discussing the repercussions and historical basis for these conflicts.
MCA results: We have received the results for the Minnesota Comprehensive Exams for grades 3-6; we will be sending the individual reports shortly and discuss the school wide results at the State of the School.
Conferences: If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for conferences on October 17th and 18th, please do so soon, as the slots are going fast. We look forward to discussing your child’s progress with you then, and please remember that the focus of an International Baccalaureate PYP fall conference is to set goals, hence the name “Goal Setting Conferences”.
Save the Date(s): We have been meeting with the PTO and are excited to return to an in-person event for Día de los Muertos on October 28th. More details on that coming soon! We are also looking forward to welcoming everyone back to ISLA for an in-person State of the School event on November 10th at 6:30pm.

Thank you for your support on this journey,

Atentamente,

Jeremy

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"Estoy muy contento de vivir en un mundo donde hay octubres"― L. M. Montgomery, Ana de las Tejas Verdes

Queridas Familias,

¡Me complace informar que el año escolar 2022-2023 de ISLA ha tenido un gran comienzo! Los maestros y los estudiantes están cayendo en sus rutinas, el aprendizaje profundo e inquisitivo está sucediendo en cada aula, los autobuses están llegando y saliendo a tiempo, y laconstrucción de anuncios está llegando a su fin (ok, tal vez eso es un tramo, eso significaría que el invierno está aquí).

Aquí hay algunas actualizaciones:

Transporte: Me gustaría agradecer a Emily y Jessica en la oficina principal, a nuestro equipo de entrega y recogida de personal, y a nuestro comité de transporte por todo su arduo trabajo este año en esta área. Este equipo ayudó enormemente ajustando las rutas para la seguridad y la eficiencia, comunicando cambios, etc., y me complace decir que tuvimos una semana muy exitosa en este sentido, ya que la mayoría de los autobuses llegaron a tiempo y salieron a tiempo esta semana.
Servicios de almuerzo / nutrición: Hemos escuchado sus comentarios, y estamos investigando algunos problemas con nuestro proveedor de almuerzos, incluido el tamaño de las porciones, las entregas incompletas o deficientes, y la calidad general y el valor nutricional. El año pasado tuvimos que cambiar de proveedor a mediados de año debido a problemas de recursos humanos en el proveedor anterior. Después de ese cambio, recibimos muchos elogios sobre el cambio de estudiantes y familias, incluidas las opciones vegetarianas creativas y más variadas, un mejor sabor, etc., por lo que tenemos curiosidad por ver qué ha cambiado. También hemos notado que tenemos mucho menos desperdicio de alimentos que con el vendedor anterior, a pesar de que estábamos alimentando a más niños. Después de que concluya nuestra investigación y nuestras reuniones con el proveedor actual, trabajaremos con el Departamento de Educación de Minnesota para analizar nuestras opciones, incluida la posibilidad de salir a licitar por este servicio para el próximo año.
Día Internacional de la Paz: Muchas gracias a todos por vuestra participación en nuestras actividades de paz. Los alumnos pudieron reflexionar sobre el stablecimiento de la paz en todo el mundo, cómo encaja en el perfil del IB y debatir sus compromisos en pro de la paz. Además, los estudiantes investigaron ubicaciones geográficas que necesitan resolución de conflictos, mientras discutían las repercusiones y la base histórica de estos conflictos.
Resultados de MCA: Hemos recibido los resultados de los Exámenes Integrales de Minnesota para los grados 3-6; enviaremos los informes individuales en breve y discutiremos los resultados de toda la escuela en el Estado de la Escuela.
Conferencias: Si no ha tenido la oportunidad de inscribirse en las conferencias del 17 y 18 de octubre, hágalo pronto, ya que las tragamonedas van rápido. Esperamos poder discutir el progreso de su hijo con usted entonces, y recuerde que el enfoque de una conferencia de otoño del PEP del Bachillerato Internacional es establecer metas, de ahí el nombre de "Conferencias de establecimiento de metas".
Save the Date(s): Nos hemos estado reuniendo con la PTO y estamos entusiasmados de regresar a un evento en persona para el Día de los Muertos el 28 de octubre. ¡Más detalles sobre eso próximamente! También esperamos dar la bienvenida a todos a ISLA para un evento en persona sobre el Estado de la Escuela el 10 de noviembre a las 6:30 pm

Gracias por su apoyo en este viaje,

Atentamente,

Jeremy

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Volunteer Opportunity - ISLA Assistant Treasurer

Do you love numbers, spreadsheets, and fiscal responsibility? Do you want to help ensure a bright financial future for ISLA?? We need you!

ISLA's Finance Committee is seeking a volunteer to serve as Assistant Treasurer this school year. The Assistant Treasurer serves on the Finance Committee, which meets monthly, and supports the Treasurer in his financial oversight role. The Assistant Treasurer does NOT need to be a member of the ISLA school board. An ideal candidate would have a general familiarity with financial and budgeting concepts, but deep financial expertise is not required. Please contact Liz Crouse at lcrouse@isla.school or 612-716-7448 if you are interested in learning more about this role.

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Wanted: Fundraising Committee Members

ISLA is working hard to expand our fundraising base, and we need your help! The Fundraising Committee of the ISLA Board is actively (urgently!) seeking new members with experience in nonprofit fundraising. Bonus points for experience fundraising from corporate donors.

If you are interested in learning more about the Committee, email Justin Elder at jelder@isla.school.

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Wanted: Governance Committee Members

The Governance Committee of the ISLA Board is seeking new members! The Governance Committee works to ensure sound governance and oversight of the school and the school board. Governance oversees the nomination and election process for Directors and officers, assists with developing new school policies and updating existing policies, and other legal-related matters. Candidates should be passionate about good governance, and a background in a legal field is preferred but definitely not required.

If you are interested in learning more, email Liz Crouse at lcrouse@isla.school.

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End of Day Pickup

Dismissal time at ISLA is 3:50 pm. Students should be picked up by 4 pm. If your student is not picked up by 4 pm, your child's teacher will bring them to Aventuras and your family will be charge a $5.00 late pick up fee. If you are unable to pick up by 4:30 pm, your family will be charged the daily drop in fee and/or appropriate late charges if you arrive after 6 pm. While we understand that sometimes things happen that cause you to be late, we are sure that families will be thankful that students have a safe place to go until you arrive.

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Lunch Ordering

Due to vendor issues and supply Trio Community Meals is unable to get turkey and gravy products for the October Menu. Please see the changes highlighted on the menu in red https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nb4eAaWnWXl6buyOMnjeLgEKXk1xK4ON/view?

Students needing allergen lunches, must have a Statement for Diet/Allergies form completed by your child's doctor on file at ISLA. If you happen to order an allergen lunch and you do not have this form on file at ISLA, your child will be served a regular hot lunch. Please keep this in mind when ordering lunches.

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Fall Goal Setting Conferences

Welcome to the sign up for our Fall Goal Setting Conferences! These conferences are scheduled for:

Monday, October 17 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
Tuesday, October 18 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Please use the links provided to schedule a conference for your child(ren). You will be required to provide an email address in order to receive a confirmation message of your appointment. Please sign up for only one slot! This will give you 30 minutes with your child and the teacher. For grades 1-6, parents and students attend these conferences together. For pre-k and kinder, parents/caregivers attend conferences without children.

We are hosting fall conferences in person at ISLA. If you should require an online conference in order to attend, please notify your child’s teacher after signing up for your conference slot.

PreKinder

Kinder

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

6th Grade

Specialist Classes

Sr. Diaz - Physical Education

Sra. Maldonado - Exploration/Art

Sra. Medina - Music/Band

Sra. Yepes - Media

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Volunteers Needed:

Come consider volunteering at ISLA. With the start of the new school year ahead there are many exciting opportunities. Consider becoming a Room Helper, volunteering for vision and hearing screens, or just getting on the ISLA volunteer list. All volunteers must abide by the ISLA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Links below.

Room Helper: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-isla34

Vision and Hearing: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-hearing Screens: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-hearing

ISLA Volunteer List: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-isla33

Lunches: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4FA4A62AA1FF2-lunch2

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Extra-Curricular Activities

GoooooL! - Goal!

Students will learn and recognize sporting rules of fúbol (soccer) by playing and putting into practice what they have learned during each class. Students will develop teamwork, while fine tuning their individual skills with each lesson. We will learn to receive and make passes, ball control, vision of the field and even some tricks, among many other techniques. Our goal is to train the students in the different aspects of the sport, starting with the physical as well as the tactical. All classes are taught in Spanish by our wonderful Language Ambassadors (LAs).

Who: Grades K-6, Maximum 25 students
When: Thursday afternoons 3:50-4:50 pm, October 6 - December 15 (no classes October 20 or November 24)
Where: Outside on the soccer field until it gets too cold, then the gym
Who: Sr. Juan, Sr, Daniel, Sr, Erik
Cost: $108.00, 9 sessions
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4cafaf22a3fd0-goooool

VAMOS A BAILAR!!!! Let’s dance!

We would love to meet and dance with you!! You don’t want to miss this opportunity for your students to dance the afternoon away! This workshop is based on Latin rhythms such as Zumba, merengue, bachata, salsa, etc. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise which has a lot of physical benefits. It helps development and improve coordination, mood, and range of motion because it actually uses the body as an instrument of expression and communication. Students will be able to feel confident in a comfortable atmosphere and to perform at the end of the term a small choreography where parents are invited!

Who: Grades K-6, Maximum 15- 20 students
When: Monday afternoons 3:50-4:50 pm
Weeks: October 3 - December 12 (no classes October 17 or 31)
Where: Buenos Aires Room (the old gym)
Who: Sr. Chema, Srta, Leire, Srta, Anioa
Cost: $108.00, 9 sessions
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4cafaf22a3fd0-vamos

¡Luces, cámara y acción! Lights, Camera, Action!

Have you ever wished to step out of the box and onto the stage? In this class students will learn the basics of acting and creating their own scenography. Creating together is a great way to develop friendships, work as a team, build communication skills and confidence. At the end of the course students will be able to perform a play as a final work.

Who: Grades 2-6, Maximum 15 students
When: Thursdays 3:50-4:50 pm (no classes October 20 or November 24)
Where: Buenos Aires room (old gym)
Who: Raul, Nuria, Elena
Cost: $108.00 (9 sessions)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4cafaf22a3fd0-luces

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Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Experience the colorful magic of fall in the Young Rembrandts classroom. Kick off the season with an interesting iguana, a video game favorite pixel block character, and the geometrical world of architecture as we draw the Notre Dame Cathedral. Later, students will immerse themselves in the seasonal spirit as they learn still life technique of pumpkins, draw a detailed scarecrow and draw a silly patterned bat. Finally get ready for winter by drawing a gingerbread house. We will draw these while we improve creative and critical thinking skills.

October 5- December 14 (no class October 19 or November 23)
3:50-4:50 pm
$119.00

Chess Club

This class begins on Thursday, October 6 and goes through December 15 (no class October 20 or November 24). Want to amaze your friends and impress your opponents? Want to increase your IQ while having fun playing chess and compete for various prizes? Learn from Twin Cities Chess Club instructors who have years of experience. Competitive Chess tournaments are scheduled once a year and students can play for real chess trophies! All levels are welcome. We have a great instructor for this class but he is not a Spanish speaker. $90 for 9 sessions. Only 5 spots left. Register online at twincitieschessclub.com/school/Registration.html

Classes will be 3:50 pm - 4:50 pm.

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Picture Retakes

View Photos »

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Hello,

The portraits from retake day are uploaded and ready to view. Please click the link and review your child's image. The password for the gallery is Jeremy.

PLEASE NOTE: If you chose to do a retake, the original photo will no longer be available for your envelope order. However, you may purchase additional prints of either image on the web site.

Enjoy,
Lee Prohofsky Photography

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Share your yearbook photos today!

There are two convenient ways to share photos. Via the links below or by emailing the addresses below. You need to create your TreeRing yearbook account for both options if you don't already have one. Use the passcode 1016123740893948 when prompted. For the links, you'll be prompted to register or log in. For the email addresses, make sure to email using the address associated with your treering account. You'll receive a reply from TreeRing telling you whether your email was successful or not (slight delay in the email if not successful). Please reach out to evas.mom@gmail.com with any questions!

Links

El Nido: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238904325

K: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238903685

1st: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238903730

2nd: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238903759

3rd: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238903891

4th: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238904176

5th: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238904307

6th:https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238904313

Multi-grade: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238905886

First Day: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238904453

Spirit Week: https://tr5.treering.com/school/234727/school-content/school-photos/238905908