2021-02-26 Noticias de ISLA y ISLA PTO

September 7, 2021

Emily Smith

Administrative Assistant

National Spanish Challenge 2021

ISLA families may be familiar with the National Spanish Exam, a motivational contest from the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) that recognizes student accomplishment in the study of Spanish.  Sixth graders at ISLA have a history of high achievement on the National Spanish Exam.  These awards celebrate hard work by students and teachers at our school.  The AATSP has restructured the contest and the National Spanish Exam is no longer offered to students below seventh grade.  However, the new “National Spanish Challenge” is available to younger Spanish learners.  ISLA students in first through sixth grade will participate in the National Spanish Challenge between March 8-19.  Contest results are anticipated in late May or early June.  For more information, please visit the AATSP website.  

Inquiring minds want to find answers: A peek into curiosity, inquiry and reflection

This Friday, March 5, our 2nd grade engineers will add a splash of color to ISLA’s spring canvas showcasing the importance of how scientists and engineers communicate the discoveries of their inquiries. The students have developed an understanding that we all can be engineers as we learn to observe our surroundings and look for answers to solve problems that can improve how our communities function.  Our students experimented and tested the concepts of balance and motion in relation to how bridges are constructed and expanded on their knowledge of how engineers use the engineering design process. This year the Bridge Engineering Fair will be virtual and will celebrate the creative process of designing, testing and improving bridges and explores  how  "failure" is a positive catalyst for improvement and innovation. Look for an email with links to the students' presentations at the end of next week. Please watch and comment!

Vaccine Connector

The Minnesota COVID Response Center has created a Vaccine Connector Program. This is a tool to help Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This tool is for all Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated. Whether you are eligible now or later, the Vaccine Connector will notify you when it's your turn for a shot. Please use the following link to find out more information and to sign up. Feel free to share the link with family and friends who might be interested.


https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/


COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families

Testing for Students and Families

The MN Dept of Health recommends that all school-age youth returning to school, sports, or extra-curricular activities, and their families, get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks through the end of the school year.

Testing, along with wearing masks, social distancing, quarantining and staying home when sick, are some of the best tools we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While it is not a requirement to participate in testing, it could help limit the spread of COVID and keep schools open and sports programs operating.

It has never been easier to get tested. There are numerous COVID-19 community testing sites across Minnesota, in addition to local hospitals and clinics. You can make an appointment ahead of time or walk in. You can also use the COVID-19 test at home program.

Testing is provided at no cost to you, and you can now schedule appointments for the whole family at the same time. For more information about scheduling group appointments for your family at a community testing site, visit COVID-19 Community Testing.


Spring Break and Travel to or from Minnesota

CDC Recommends No Travel

We have received numerous questions about spring break and recommendations for quarantine after travel. The CDC recommends no travel (no domestic travel and no international travel) during COVID-19. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Read the CDC’s information on traveling during COVID-19 and the CDC’s after you travel information, which recommends individuals get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if the test comes back negative. ISLA is encouraging families to follow these guidelines shared by the CDC and the MDH. Please check their websites for the most current information prior to making travel plans.

Out-of-State Travel is Highly Discouraged

The MDH has echoed this travel precaution and is emphasizing the need to quarantine after returning to the state. People who visit Minnesota, and Minnesotans returning after traveling out of state, are asked to stay away from others (quarantine) for 14 days after they arrive in Minnesota. Read more guidance on steps to take after traveling. MDH is recommending  14 days of quarantine for best practice because it's the safest, but a shortened quarantine may be possible. Families can reach out to ISLA by using the [covid19reporting@isla.school] email to inform us about your student's travel plans. Please let us know if you have any questions or need clarification of these guidelines.

Tanya Nelson RN, LSN
ISLA School Nurse
International Spanish Language Academy
952-746-6020 (main office)
952-746-6023 (fax)

www.treering.com/1016123740893948


Thank you to the PTO for the wonderful Chipotle gift cards to feed our staff during conferences. We feel so loved and cared for.