Fridley Public Schools Did You Know? E-Newsletter is a newsletter designed for Fridley families, staff members, and community members. This e-newsletter will be distributed bi-weekly on Thursdays during the school year to all parents, guardians, staff members and community members who have joined the distribution list. If you would like to add your email to the Did You Know? distribution list, click here. April 29, 2021 Dear Fridley Families and Staff,
There are about six more weeks of school left, and we are looking forward to celebrating our students' successes as they finish one grade and prepare for another, or graduate from high school ready for college or careers!
Today, in collaboration with local health agencies, Fridley Public Schools hosted a free vaccine clinic for Fridley High School and ALC students (ages 16+) in the Fridley High School auditorium area.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now more readily available to any Minnesotan who wishes to receive it. Please visit our district website for additional COVID-19 resources and information. Fridley Public Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Jason Bodey has been appointed as new Director of Teaching and Learning. A familiar face in the district, Bodey currently serves as Fridley Preschool and Fridley Moore Lake Area Learning Center (ALC) Principal. He will begin his new role on July 1, 2021, when current Director of Teaching and Learning John Piotraschke retires at the end of this school year. In this new role, Bodey will provide leadership in curriculum and staff development, and will also oversee all the district's academic programs, including implementation and measurement of all Fridley International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. "Dr. Bodey will be an asset to the department of teaching and learning. His experience and leadership at all levels in the E-12 system, along with his skills in strategic planning, will benefit and build upon the work of the department," said Superintendent Dr. Kim Hiel. Bodey, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this position, said he is excited about the strategic direction in which the district is going. "The IB is an amazing opportunity for students and a great framework to elevate achievement for all Fridley students," said Bodey. Reflecting on his current role, Bodey added that he is proud of the work that the ALC team has done to ensure the success of students who need an alternative path to graduation. Click to read the full story... Congratulations to Fridley High School (FHS) student leader Faisa Yusuf, grade 11, who has been elected to serve on the Eastern Division of Student Councils Officer Board. Yusuf was elected during the Minnesota Association of Student Councils/Minnesota Association of Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) Student Leadership Convention held on April 18, 2021. To Yusuf, being a part of Fridley's Student Council means representing the best interests of the school's students, as well as helping to contribute to positive experiences. "It's all about building up the school community," she said. "And it's important to me to help provide a space where everyone feels included and everyone can bring ideas to the table." According to Yusuf, she left the conference feeling motivated and excited for next school year. "It was inspiring to meet with other student leaders and see what they are doing at their schools," she said. "It put a pep in my step, and I'm excited to set new goals for next year and achieve them." Click to read the full story... Fridley Middle School (FMS) 8th grade students presented their capstone research and analysis History Day projects on April 8 and 9, 2021. This year's theme was "Communication in History: The Key to Understanding." The 8th graders explored the various methods and modes of communication, how it has advanced overtime, and how it has shaped the present. Student projects ranged from exhibits to well-developed websites.
Working on the project in their Individuals and Societies, and Language and Literature classes, students were able to select their own topic of interest as it relates to the theme. FMS Individuals and Societies teacher Aaron Cuthbert said students excelled at the project, despite changes to learning models and limited timelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I was very impressed with how our students persevered," said Cuthbert. "They were remarkably flexible through change, and created high quality projects that they should all be proud to share."
In a typical year, a large-scale History Day presentation is held in the FMS cafeteria. Due to COVID-19 precautions, 8th grade students had to present their projects on a smaller scale to volunteer Fridley High School students who served as judges. "The connection between our middle school and high school students was very valuable and I would love to build upon this in future years," said Cuthbert. "Although the middle school students were nervous to present to their older peers, they appreciated getting advice from our volunteer high school students, who were all great role models." Click to read the full story... Congratulations to Fridley Public Schools March Employee of the Month, Yusuf Mohamud! Mohamud has served as the Hayes Elementary School equity and inclusion specialist for six years. According to Hayes Principal Gaeli Iverson, Mohamud is a dedicated staff leader within the school community.
"His role encompasses many different things, and he balances his vast responsibilities with calmness and grace," said Iverson. "Yusuf serves our scholars well, as a mentor, a teacher, and someone they can count on when they need it most. He is always kind and positive in his interactions and has a unique way of making everyone he interacts with feel valued, heard, and safe."
In addition to working with students, Mohamud facilitates equity and inclusion learning opportunities for staff members across the district, helping all to grow in their personal and professional journeys. Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Suzan Samaha said Mohamud brings wisdom, valuable experience, critical thinking skills, a student-centered approach and great sense of humor to his work. Click to read the full story... Congratulations to Fridley Public Schools April Employee of the Month, Jason Bruns! Bruns has served as a custodian at Fridley High School (FHS) for one school year. According to FHS Principal Patty Hand, Bruns is hardworking, patient, calm and collaborative. "He is always positive about his daily work, and is willing to help out wherever needed," said Hand. His colleagues say Bruns has a positive energy and can-do attitude. "He gets jobs done efficiently, effectively, and behind his mask, he always has a bright smile," a staff member noted. "He is knowledgeable, has integrity in his work, and asks clear questions to ensure all jobs are completed correctly." "We are lucky to have Jason as a member of our FHS team and we are thankful for his service and support," added Hand. Congratulations, Jason, and keep up the good work! View story in browser... The Fridley High School Drama department is presenting "All Shook Up," a rock 'n' roll musical comedy, as this year's spring production. Students had an excellent opening weekend, performing shows on April 22 and 24.
Visit www.fridleydrama.org or call 763-502-5730 to purchase your tickets today! Due to social distancing requirements, all tickets need to be purchased in advance. Ticket sales will close 3 hours prior to the showtime. The Fridley High School Minnesota Honor Society (MHS) hosted its first American Red Cross Blood Drive of the school year on Friday, April 16. According to the Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. The MHS officers and student members worked to organize the blood drive and promote the event among students and staff members - registering 55 donors with 21 individuals who were donating blood for the first time. In total, the MHS was able to raise 50 units of blood, which can save up to 150 lives.
Additional COVID protocols and precautions were in place by the Red Cross to ensure safety of all employees, volunteers and donors. "We did not have as many donation spots due to COVID guidelines, but we had many people who signed up for double donations," shared MHS Secretary Ibrahim Khan. "This is our biggest event of the year and it's meaningful to us because we can all do our part to help save a life."
"There is always an ongoing need and we are very appreciative of all our student and staff donors who attended today," said MHS President Kimberly Escobar Cabanzo. "It's an important time to give blood. We are also thankful to the high school for allowing MHS to host this event here, as well as the Red Cross staff and volunteers who made this event possible." View story in browser... The Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Get Ready/GEAR UP program are offering two FREE workshops featuring Jesus Hernandez Mejia on Tuesday, May 11, 2020 (English session) and Tuesday, May 18, 2021 (Spanish session) from 6:30-7:30PM via Google Meet.
Register Online: https://tinyurl.com/GetReady511
For additional questions, please contact Matt Kiefer at kiefer@isd14.org or 763-502-5790 Please remember that all 5th-12th graders can pick up a one day meal bag from the school cafeteria at the end of the school day on Tuesday to eat on Wednesday when they are learning from home.
Please see the chart below for information on One Day Meal Bags and Five Day Meal Bag Pick Up times. PLEASE NOTE: the Wednesday Meal Pick Up time has been updated to: 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM. Pictured above, Baked Potato Bar served If you have any questions, please contact Nutritional Services
Please remember to wear your mask when picking up meals to help keep our nutritional services staff safe! Thank you to all our families who have been picking up meals! Fridley Public Schools We are proud to offer the full IB Continuum from Preschool to Grade 12. 6000 West Moore Lake Drive, Fridley, MN 55432 |