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El Nido de ISLA is Now Open for Registration!

ISLA is excited to announce the opening of El Nido de ISLA Pre-K Learning Program!

El Nido de ISLA is a tuition-based, Spanish immersion early learning center opening Fall of 2021 in Edina.

El Nido is one of the only pre-k programs in Minnesota to offer both full Spanish immersion and an International Baccalaureate Early Years Programme.

Click here to find out more about El Nido de ISLA and to apply for a slot!

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Graphic Design Volunteer Needed!

Greetings ISLA family and friends!  The Fundraising Committee is on the hunt for a volunteer in the world of graphic design to help create communications materials.  If you have (or know someone who has) skills in graphic design, please reach out to ISLA Board member, Justin Elder at jelder@isla.school.

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Calendar of Events

• March 16 ISLA Board Meeting, 6:30 pm
• March22-26 ISLA Spirit Week
• March 29-April 2 Spring Break (No School)
• April 5 School in session after Spring Break

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Spirit Week March 22-26

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Lunes, 22 de marzo: Día de las profesiones- Career Day

Imagine your future self! What do you want to be or dream about being when you grow up? Try out a new gig besides being an awesome ISLA student!

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Martes, 23 de marzo: Día deportivo - Sporty Day

An ISLA classic at heart. Wear your favorite jersey or athletic gear. Game on!

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Miércoles, 24 de marzo: Día 2020 - 2020 Day

Time to get creative! Think of something memorable from a whacky year. Dress up in your distance learner go-to outfit, become the SuperHero from IStation. 2020 was tough, but we can still find joyful memories!

Jueves, 25 de marzo: Día cómodo - Comfy Day

Sweatpants have never been more coveted! Come to school in your coziest PJs or leisure wear. Time to snuggle in and learn!

Viernes, 26 de marzo: Día de película - Movie Day

Lights, camera, action! Dress up as your favorite character from a movie or show. Or, get glamorous and dress for a movie premier. Anything goes on this spectacular Friday!

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ISLA Board Update

Below is an update from the last Board meeting:

• Sr. Perrin reviewed a new attendance lottery record this year.  Isla received 212 applications.  75 students have been offered spots in next year’s kindergarten class, 21 new students were offered a place in the additional first grade class.
• The Board unanimously approved the 2021-2022 School Calendar as well as the Amended and Restated Bylaws.
• The Treasurer provided a summary of the November, December and January financial reports and the Board motioned to approve the financial reports.  The reports may be found at this link: https://www.isla.school/board/documents
• An ABC Board member updated the Board on the sale of the Shady Oak property which is still on track and slated to close at the end of June 2021.  

The Board was also updated on the proposed construction of the new property as follows:

• There will be unexpected construction expenses:  due to recently implemented city code, the school is required to construct the gym as a storm shelter.  The Fire Marshall is also requiring the school to install sprinklers in the exterior covered play area.

The Board was presented with a list of construction alternatives, pricing and priorities as determined by the Building Working Group.  The focus was on three items in particular:

• Increased gym height from 22 to 25 feet $38,000\
• Windows in the gym $45,000
• Media center skylight $36,000

The Board was asked to decide gym priorities that night so as not to delay ordering supplies for gym construction.  The Treasurer informed the Board that as of the date of the Board meeting, ISLA has $60,000 to spend on alternates.  After much discussion, a Board motion was presented to approve the gym windows in lieu of the ceiling height.  The media center skylight is still on the list with the hope that the school will raise funds to have those installed.  The motion to reduce the return on equity from the ABC Board to fund the gym windows was approved by a majority of the Board.

The next Board meeting is March 16, 2021 at 6:30

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Summer Camp Activities - Now Open to the Public

Three wonderful weeks of camp for kids! Each week has a totally different theme and activities. They are all taught by ISLA staff. Come enjoy the summer and let’s get back to speaking Spanish or let’s start learning a new language!

ISLA camps are for immersion students and heritage language speakers, fluent in Spanish.

Half Day Camps are for all Kindergarteners and First grade students who want to have an immersion experience. No language skills are needed or required.

See Summer Camps at this link to register: https://www.isla.school/explore/summer-camps

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Big Willow Baseball Opportunity!

Is your child looking to play baseball this summer in a fun, positive environment? Do they want to play on beautifully manicured fields with their friends? Sign up for an exciting season this spring at Big Willow! Kids 9 and above have the opportunity to play on both recreational and tournament teams. Go to BigWillowBaseball.com for more information or contact Dana Provus at danaprovus@gmail.com.

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www.treering.com/1016123740893948

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COVID-19 Variant and Cluster of Cases Update

Late last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a warning in Carver County related to a cluster of COVID-19 cases, including cases of the new variant of the virus, known as B117. With this warning, MDH recommended enhanced mitigation strategies and increased testing opportunities in the area. As the state continues to monitor this situation, here are a few updates:

• Currently 114 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in connection with this cluster. 29 of those are confirmed B117.
• Early data suggests that the B117 variant is up to 50% more contagious than the original virus.
• The transmission in Carver County seems to be connected primarily to the youth sports and recreation ecosystem. The spread and continued transmission is then happening in households, as well as the broader community connected to youth sports, including fitness centers and recreation facilities, schools, child care facilities and local businesses.

• This is an important situation to be aware of beyond Carver County. As of early March, health officials have identified at least 200 cases of B117 statewide, in more than 15 counties. While implementing targeted measures focused on the cluster, MDH is continuing to monitor the situation statewide.
• This outbreak underscores the need for young people to get tested regularly through the end of the school year.
  

COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families

MDH announced a recommendation for all school-age youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.  Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Life After the Vaccine

All Minnesotans are encouraged to get vaccinated when they're able. After receiving the vaccine, here are some things to consider:

• YES continue to get tested, wear a mask, and social distance, even after getting vaccinated.
• YES you need to isolate if you test positive or have symptoms, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
• If you are vaccinated and were exposed or in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you may not have to quarantine. See guidance from MDH.

Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector

The State of Minnesota has announced the launch of the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Please share this website with family and friends who might be interested in a COVID vaccine.

Spring Break and Travel to or from Minnesota

CDC Recommends No Travel

We continue to receive 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, including the variants of the virus. 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. You can refer to MDH guidance on prevention measures to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19. ISLA is following these same guidelines and is recommending quarantine after travel for all students and staff. Please reach out to ISLA by emailing [covid19reporting@isla.school] to inform ISLA staff of your family's travel plans and to coordinate your student's return to school.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation with following the recommended guidelines! Please reach out to the School Nurse if you have questions or need clarification [tnelson@isla.school].

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

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