DATES TO REMEMBER
Last Day of School - 6/6
MIPTO Meeting - 6/4
School Board Meeting – 6/10
July MIPTO meeting - 7/9
For more details visit - Matoska Calendar
THAT'S A WRAP - 2023/2024
So many great initiatives and events happened this year. Thank you all for the continued support and commitment to building our community. We look forward to next year.
Here are photos from the Art Show event that happened in May.
IB INQUIRERS
A note from Julie Stonehouse
It has been an exceptionally busy spring here at school! As we wind down this school year, here are a few highlights of the last couple of months:
First, Matoska International received word that we again received our programme evaluation for the next five years. Actually, due to the hard work put in by our whole school community, we passed with highest commendations. Thank you to all who participated in this process.
Second, two art installations have been completed, in both school stairwells, that represent two fundamental elements of IB learning: our Attributes of the Learner Profile and our Transdisciplinary Themes. They are a result of collaboration on the part of our entire school and we are proud of how they came together. Please take a look when you are next at school.
Third, our 5th graders are working very hard on their Exhibition project. This is the “capstone” learning experience of their time at Matoska, involving research about a topic of their choice, then preparing and delivering a presentation to an audience on June 5th. We are so proud of our graduating students and all they have accomplished here. Good luck in middle school to them all!
And, on the topic of transitions, I am retiring at the end of this school year. I leave with mixed emotions because I truly love this Matoska family and the job I’ve been privileged to do while here. Interviews are underway to select my replacement and I can confidently say that there will be a fantastic and very well qualified person serving as our IB coordinator beginning this summer. Thank you Matoska families, for all the ways that you support our school.
Wishing you all the very best,
Julie Stonehouse
SUMMER LEARNING RESOURCES
Here are some fun resources to keep reading and learning over the summer:
Check out Science Buddies for fun age-appropriate science projects
Explore online classroom ready resources and videos from the Minnesota Historical Society
You can find handouts and videos for outdoor learning on the DNR's website. Also, June 8 is Free Park Day where all MN state parks and recreation areas offer free admission to all - find a place to explore at ParkFinder | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
Listen to educational podcast for those long car trips - my kids like Curious Kid Podcast, also consider Brains On | Brains On
Participate in the Ramsey County Library Kids Summer Break Reading program. You can pick up reading materials, a summer sticker and a free entry to Battle Creek Water Works from your local library!
REGISTER KINDERGARTEN CONNECTIONS
Kindergarten Connections will be held on August 5 and 6, 2024. This is an opportunity for each student to experience 75-minutes in the classroom with the kindergarten teachers and other incoming kindergartners.
During this time, the students will play games, draw pictures, listen to a story, meet teachers, and get to know some new friends. Adults will be offered a separate session during this time to learn more about our school and ask questions.
The goal is to have all kindergarteners sign up for one session. Please use
YOUR CHILD’S FIRST AND LAST NAME when registering for one session on this Kindergarten Connections Sign Up.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROGRAM FOR NEXT YEAR
We are excited to share that White Bear Lake Area Schools will streamline the process of acquiring school supplies for the 2024-25 school year. As part of our ongoing efforts to support our students and families, we are offering a convenient solution to help you save time and avoid the hassle of shopping for individual school supplies.
By purchasing school supplies in bulk, our school district can take advantage of volume discounts and tax exemptions, enabling us to provide all students with the essential classroom supplies they will need throughout the school year. This initiative ensures that every student has access to the necessary tools for a successful educational experience.
Starting Fall 2024:
Contribute $25 to the school instead of purchasing individual school supplies. We will use this money to buy the basic classroom supplies required for the entire school year. This simplifies the back-to-school process for you and ensures that your child is well-equipped for learning.
Students will still need to purchase their own backpack, tennis shoes, and water bottle.
Teachers will also request donations of the following items: Kleenex, Clorox wipes, sandwich bags, a ream of white paper, and crackers.
Starting July 1st:
Pay the $25 using our online payment option, SmartSchool K12. Follow these step-by-step instructions to either log in or set up your account. Go to the Store and look for Matoska School Supplies.
The $25 can also be paid in cash at the front desk while school is in session or at Welcome Back Conferences in September.
If your family is unable to pay the full amount, please contact the main office, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Go Bears!
WELCOME BACK BEARS 2024
Welcome Back Bears is our next event and will take place Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Stay tuned for more details
Interested in helping to organize this event or volunteering day of, please reach out to us at matoskaparents@gmail.com
MIPTO 2024/2025
GET INVOLVED
Join the MIPTO board. MIPTO still has board member seats open for next school year. Check out this flyer to learn more.
Attend a MIPTO meetings. MIPTO meetings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and last an hour.
Volunteer at an MIPTO Event. There are many events and programs throughout the year where volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering contact us at matoskaparents@gmail.com.
Donate to MIPTO. There are many ways to donate and support the school, programing and teachers. Learn more here: matoskaparents.com/donate. In the past, kindergarten teachers have used MIPTO funds to purchase books with diverse characters & themes, flexible seating and laminator to create literacy and math games at just the right level for students.
STAY CONNECTED
Website - matoskaparents.com to get the latest information and read our monthly MIPTO Newsletter
MATOSKA PRIDE SHOP
Check out the gear in the Matoska Pride Shop. Order here >
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