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UMA WEEKLY UPDATE
December 4, 2020
Parent Survey
We hope this finds everyone refreshed after several days off last week.  Already staff are strategizing and planning for the possible return of students in a hybrid model of onsite learning at school semester 2.  Please be on the lookout for a survey that will be emailed out to families soon to gather information on family interest.  Prompt completion of the survey is appreciated.
Give to the Max Update
Wow, UMA families and supporters are generous!  Our Give to the Max fund drive exceeded our $9,000 goal, receiving $11,213 in donations.  Thank you to all that donated, your support of our school and our efforts to provide hands-on learning activities during distance learning is greatly appreciated.  

Funds have already been put to good use with the purchase of small knitting looms that have been delivered to 6th grade students.  With donated yarn on hand from school, students will be making colorful hand-made hats that will be donated to community organizations this winter. 
                   
 
Book Recommendation
Looking for some interesting books to read to help your teen or for yourself?  UMA's Dean of Community, Culture & Behavior  Alissa Abelson recommends, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  From the author's website, "One rainy afternoon, while riding a city bus, Gretchen Rubin asked herself, “What do I want from life, anyway?” She answered, “I want to be happy”—yet she spent no time thinking about her happiness. In a flash, she decided to dedicate a year to a happiness project."   If listening is more your thing, look for Rubin's "The Onward Project" podcast instead.

A second recommendation is Everything a Band-Aid Can't Fix : A Teens Guide to Dealing with Life by Nicole Russell.  This book was written for all the curious young adults who are looking for an instruction manual on how to deal with the craziness of the teen years. It's a set of guidelines for understanding how to cope with feelings and experiences that aren't always easy to share.
 
Family Resources
As we continue to see rising COVID-19 case growth in Minnesota, the following are resources that can support families.
  • At-home saliva COVID tests can be obtained free at no cost, request one here.
  • Download COVIDaware MN app.  You can help protect your community and add your phone to the fight against COVID-19 today!  It’s free. It’s anonymous. It helps slow the spread of the coronavirus in our communities. Minnesotans can learn more about the app on the COVIDaware MN website, and download it from the Google Play or App Store.
  • Ramsey County COVID Information                                                               Residents of Ramsey County can stay up-to-date on current testing locations and other community topics by subscribing to the  county's newsletter



If you have a specific need and would like help finding resources please feel free to contact the following staff, we would like to talk with you;
Heidi Jaeger, Social Worker heidi.jaeger@umissacademy.org 612-314-5354
Joclyn Tiedt, Social Worker joclyn.tiedt@umissacademy.org  612-208-3854 
Anna Walters, School Counselor anna.walters@umissacademy.org 612-888-2153
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Upcoming Dates
December 11 - Student Release Day - No School
December 21 - January 1 - Winter Break - No School
January 4 - School resumes
 
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St. Paul, MN  55101

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