Copy
UMA WEEKLY UPDATE
September 25, 2020
Dear UMA Families,
Thank you for a great week.  Your feedback was really appreciated and was shared with the staff on our student release day on Friday, September 25, 2020.

Please continue to ask questions and voice concerns as we move into the month of October.  So many pieces of our new school model are going well, and yet there are still struggles for some households, students and staff.  

During our time today - staff spent time working through solutions for technology and specific student and staff issues to continuously improve our teaching and learning.  Each of us approaches the digital world differently and at our own pace - UMA works hard to support each member of our learning community.

Look for adjustments as we move forward using the data collected from households, students and staff.  We are also incorporating support from MDE, MDH and our authorizer team at IQS.

Enjoy the fall weather - 
Amy Erickson
Sidewalk Poetry
This week a segment of sidewalk next to our school building on Cedar Avenue was stamped with a poem.  A project of Public Art Saint Paul, "Everyday Poems for City Sidewalks" has resulted in over 1,000 similar installations since 2008. Stamping the sidewalk was GE Patterson, who has been working on the city's sidewalk poetry project for quite awhile, including the selection of the poems submitted by city residents.  Patterson had been waiting patiently for an opportunity to use this poem in this location, as this area of sidewalk is across the street from two of downtown's oldest churches.  For more information on locations of other sidewalk poetry visit Public Art Saint Paul's website.
Family Resources
The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials to offer free COVID-19 testing the week of September 28 in Bemidji, Bloomington, Maplewood, Marshall, Moorhead, and Thief River Falls.

Testing will be free, available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and will not require insurance. The six events next week are part of a four-week push to provide increased access to “no barrier” COVID-19 testing following increased levels of community spread statewide. The Minnesota National Guard will continue providing logistical support for a number of these events.

Testing will be done with a nasal swab, processed either by Mayo Clinic Laboratories or the University of Minnesota.

Anyone who wants to be tested is encouraged to come, even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19. No insurance or identification is needed. To avoid long lines, people are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot. The details and pre-registration links for all six events can be found on the Dept of Health website. Those who are unable to sign up online or need interpretation can call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.

What's Happening in Class
The Edible Schoolyard Pathway and Culinary elective with Ms. Berray is a student favorite. In her classes, students learn where food comes from, the history of ingredients, how to prepare wholesome and healthy dishes, and gain appreciation for ALL food groups — including obscure vegetables they never thought they would eat!  Families at UMA have been amazed at how their child’s attitude toward vegetables has changed for the better.

So what recipe was assigned to 8th graders recently--vegetable and fruit galettes! A perfect use of fall produce, a galette can be a meal or dessert.  Its simple crust and rustic shape is doable for all baking abilities.  Hungry?  Find Ms. Berray's vegetable galette recipe here.
Forward Forward
Tweet Tweet
Share Share
ENROLLMENT AT UMA
We think Upper Mississippi Academy is pretty special and unique. If your family thinks so too, please let friends and neighbors know about our hands-on, experiential learning.  We still have open seats in all grades for the 2020-2021 school year.  Our website features a virtual tour for those interested in learning more about us.  Families interested in attending should complete an online 2020-2021 application.  

Even better, share this newsletter via your social media using the options below.  
Upcoming Dates
October 8 - Early Release at 1:05 pm for Hybrid Students   
                   Conferences-times to be determined
October 9 - No School - Conferences-times to be determined
October 15 & 16 - No School
November 5 - End of Quarter 1
 
https://www.facebook.com/UMAotters/
https://www.instagram.com/uppermississippiacademy/
Website
Email
Copyright © 2020 Upper Mississippi Academy, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
19 Exchange Street East
St. Paul, MN  55101

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Upper Mississippi Academy · 19 East Exchange Street · St. Paul, MN 55101 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp