The weekly eNews is our school community newsletter with information about O.H. Anderson Elementary School. All staff and families of O.H. Anderson Elementary School are subscribed to this newsletter.
Important Dates
January - Curious
Jan 21- End of 2nd Quarter
Jan 24- Staff Professional Day (No School)
February - Caring and Compassion
Feb 1- Virtual Field Trip- Sadowski/Warner
Feb 14-16- Kindness Challenge
Feb 15-16- 3rd Grade Virtual Field Trip- Wolf Center
Feb 17- Evening Conferences 4-8
Feb 18- Conferences 8-4 No school
Feb 21- President’s Day No school
Feb 24- Evening Conferences 4-8
Can you believe we have completed half of the school year? This week we have completed mid-year assessments to monitor the growth and ensure we are meeting their individual needs.
This is a great time to reflect on how we have grown as a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader and set goals for the second half of the school year. Just a reminder that we have NO SCHOOL on Jan. 24 as teachers will be spending the day working on report cards and preparing for conferences.
Report cards and Assessment Information will be available in ParentVue on Feb. 4, 2022.
Conferences will be on:
Feb. 17- 4-8 pm in person
Feb. 18- 8-4 pm- Virtual- Google Meet/ Google Phone
Feb. 24- 4-8 pm in person
Sign-up for conferences will begin on Jan. 27, 2022.
There has been an uptick of COVID cases in our community and our schools. Here are some reminders to help us all stay healthy and in school.
Make sure your child has a well-fitting mask and covers their nose and mouth.
If your child has symptoms or doesn’t feel well, keep them home. You can request a test from the health office for free to ensure they are negative.
Continue other safety measures of social distancing, washing hands, and increasing ventilation.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping O.H. Anderson a healthy place to learn.
Take care of yourself, your family, and each other.
Students practice math facts and share their learning on whiteboards for feedback from the teacher.
5th Graders - MN Student Survey
During the 2021-22 school year, Mahtomedi Public Schools will participate in the Minnesota Student Survey administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The survey is given every three years to students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11. The survey is an anonymous statewide school-based survey conducted to gain insights into the world of students and their experiences. School districts use the information to plan school programming and services.
The Minnesota Student Survey will be administered to 5th Grade Students from January 31- February 4 during their Media Center class. If you have questions about the survey, please contact Pamela McCabe O. H. Anderson Counselor at 651-407-2340 or via email at pamela.mccabe@isd832.net.
This survey is anonymous. To prevent individuals or families from being identified, students do not provide their names, student identification numbers, or other personal information. You may choose to have your child not take the survey by completing and returning this MDE form by Friday, January 21, 2022.
More information about the Minnesota Student Survey can be found on the MDE website.
Cross Country in Phy Ed
MessageFrom Mr. Wanner
Dear OHA parent(s),
I'm still looking for a few more Volunteers. Our cross country ski unit will be starting soon and we'll need your help. I’m seeking approximately 8-12 volunteers for each day (2 per class) during the cross country ski unit that starts January 31st and goes through February 4th.
3rd-Grade students will be participating from 11:05-11:55 or 12:45-1:35
4th-Grade students will be participating from 1:40-2:30 or 2:30-3:20
5th-Grade students will be participating from 9:25-10:15 or 10:15-11:05
Volunteers will be asked to manage students and ensure students are moving, safe, and principled on the ski route. Volunteers will need to check-in at the front office and meet behind the building on the playground 5-10 minutes prior to their designated time. You may bring your own cross country skis, use skis at OHA, or walk with boots. Whatever you prefer is fine with me. I will provide snowshoes as an option to use as well.
Please note that if you have not completed your volunteer background check this will need to be completed to volunteer. You can access the background check through the district website please use the following link to complete VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK. If you need to sign up for a background check or are unsure if you've had one, please contact Beth Hennen or Laura Nerison at 651-407-2300.
If you already have had a background check through the district please sign up below.
Help Wanted - Lunch/Recess Teacher
Volunteer Opportunity
We are hiring a lunch/ recess para at OHA. Please click hereto apply.
Volunteer's we added more dates!
To accommodate the shortages, we are asking for parent volunteers to supervise the playground area at recess from 10:55-1:25. Your job would be to interact with kids, make sure they are playing safe and having fun. You need to have a completedbackground check to volunteer. If you have a free day to help we would appreciate it, sign up hereto volunteer. Please report to the office 5 minutes before the start time for directions. If you are unable to fulfill your shift please contact our main office at 651-407-2300. Do not cancel or change shift dates within the Signup Genius Program it will not notify our office. If the weather is not safe for outdoor recess you will help supervise indoor recess. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!
We are also looking for substitute teachers and paras. Please sign up at Teachers on Call
FROM ZEPHYR TECH
OHA Reminder Memos
E-Learning Days
Our school district will use e-Learning days during the 2021-22 school year during emergency weather closings. We intend to use e-Learning days immediately with our first emergency weather closing. Check out the O.H. Anderson e-Learning Days Plan
Masks
Please send your child to school each day with a mask. It would also be helpful to have a backup mask in their backpack as well. We have been giving a lot of masks out on a daily basis and want to ensure we have a good supply.
Quarantines
When students are in quarantine due to COVID, we have outlined how we will support students both academically and socially emotionally. Please click here for more information.
Also, please make sure you return Chromebooks and power cords as we do not have extras at school.
Dress for Weather
Please make sure you send your child to school each day dressed for the weather as we will have outside recess unless the temperature is below zero. Here are the guidelines for dressing for the weather we use at OHA. Think the Big 5!!
The PTO needs YOU! We currently have several Key Committee and Board positions that we need to fill as soon as possible so we can continue providing enrichment activities and events and supporting our classrooms and teachers. PLEASE consider contributing your time and skills to help the PTO! It's a great way to get involved and meet other parents. Contact Shana to discuss available opportunities today at president@mahtomedipto.com!
Click on the Image below for more information and Registration details.
Vaccines/Testing Sites
COVID-19 Testing Site Open for Mahtomedi Students & Staff
COVID-19 Testing Site Details:
The new testing site will provide free, voluntary testing to Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake students and staff. It is not available to the general community or parents/guardians. The test is a Cue COVID-19 test and uses a molecular amplification reaction to detect SARS-CoV-2 that is equivalent to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
COVID-19 Testing Site Use
Eligibility: Mahtomedi Public Schools staff and students (students who are age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). This testing option is available for asymptomatic and symptomatic staff and students.
Appointments: Appointments can be scheduled online at bit.ly/624ctest
Interested persons must schedule appointments. Walk-in appointments are not available
Testing Site Hours are 7:40 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Location: Normandy Park Building (2446 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110).
Testing: Once you arrive, wait in your vehicle and text the Google number (651) 317-9638 to be invited in for your appointment. Masks are required to enter the building. Once you enter the building you will be given testing instructions. Results are provided to families via email within 25 minutes. Test results are not shared with the school district. Families should report any positive case results to school nurses. District staff should continue reporting positive case results to Mahtomedi Human Resources.
VACCINES
Children ages 5 years and older are now eligible to get vaccinated.
Vaccination Clinics continue to be open and free to the public and according to the CDC, vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington County Public Health & Environment is currently holding COVID-19 vaccine clinics for individuals 12 years and older. Pfizer clinics are open to anyone 12 years and older. Click here for a list of upcoming walk-in clinics held in Washington County.
soon as possible so we can continue providing enrichment activities and events and supporting our classrooms and teachers. PLEASE consider contributing your time and skills to help the PTO! It's a great way to get involved and meet other parents. Contact Shana to discuss available opportunities today at 
