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North Dickinson County School - 2020/2021

Nordic News

Click HERE for the full August-September Newsletter as a PDF.

Open House

The open house that was scheduled for August 19th has been cancelled. New students can call the office at (906)542-9281 to schedule an appointment to tour the school.

Welcome Back!

Whether you are returning to school in the face-to-face capacity or virtually, we look forward to seeing all of our students and servicing their learning needs. This year is a year like none we have experienced and we are excited and a little nervous to see how it will turn out. Our teachers are dedicated to continuing to build upon and refine our proven foundation of good work, honored traditions and continued excellence in education. We look forward to a positive and productive year together.
During our August Professional Development days, our staff members will be learning how to effectively manage a google classroom. This will be helpful, if for some reason children cannot attend face-to-face in school instruction, our teachers will all have the same venue for distance learning.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to have the open house this year as it is unsafe for us to allow public in the building. If you are a new student or the parent of a new student and would like to tour the school, please contact the school to schedule an appointment. (906) 542-9281.
In order to keep our students and staff safe, parents and public will only be allowed to enter the office. If you transport your child please do not come in the building unless going directly in the office.
Again, we welcome you to North Dickinson and to our wonderful learning community. Our school is a place where opportunities flourish! Here’s to a wonderful new school year as we work together to make our school a great place to learn and work each day, remembering that every day is a great day to be a Nordic.
Row the Boat Nordics! 143

Student Lounge

The student lounge is closed until further notice.

Free Backpacks and School Supplies

If you are in need on backpack or school supplies please call the office (906) 542-9281 so pickup can be arranged. There is a limited amount available so it is first come, first serve.

Student Schedules

Student schedules for Face to Face instruction are in progress and nearly complete. Mrs. Jungwirth is in the process of calling students who did not respond through e-mail this spring with schedule requests. Schedules are available on Power School for students to view. If your child is unable to log on to Power School please call the school office to schedule a time to pick up your child's schedule.

1st Grade

Hello first grade Nordics and parents! I’m so excited to start the year with you! Whether you are coming in person, or we are meeting over the computer, I promise to do my best to make this school year a great one! You can find our supply list at Walmart, and on the PTO Facebook page. Please make sure you have a water bottle that you can take the top off of yourself! Parents - if supplies are a hardship for you, please reach out to me or to someone at the school. We have had several staff members, churches and individual donors offer to help. Let’s do this Nordics! Things will look different this year, but we can face anything together! 143! Mrs. Mattson

2nd Grade

Hello to 2nd grade students and parents! After being gone since March, I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally get back to school! Things may have to look a little different in our classroom, but our number one priority is keeping everyone safe and healthy so we can remain in school. Please be sure to check out our supply list at Walmart. This year it will be more important than ever to be sure each student has their own supplies so we don’t have to rely on sharing and risking spreading anything. Looking forward to getting back together to learn together, to grow together, and renewing the friendships we have all missed so much. If you have any questions/concerns, or just simply want to say hi, email me at aunamattson@go-nordics.com. See you all soon. 143 Mrs. Mattson

3rd Grade

I am excited to start the new school year with all of you! I know it has been longer then usual since we have been out of school, but it will be a good thing to see everyone again. It will be different this year, but I know we will all do our part to keep us all healthy and safe. Just like adjusting to any school year I know you all will adjust to this unique school experience. I am looking forward to a new normal for our classroom experience! Go Nordics! 143 Mrs. Abby Grunlund

4th Grade

Welcome!
From your child’s Fourth Grade Teacher
Welcome to a new school year. I hope everyone had a fun and safe summer break. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the new families joining us this year and a big welcome back to the returning ones! My name is Mrs. Johnson and I am very excited to be your child’s fourth grade teacher. This is the beginning of a new educational journey and I plan to help your child succeed to reach their highest goals this year. I encourage you to communicate with me by email at vjohnson@go-nordics, regarding any questions or concerns you may have throughout the school year. It is going to be an awesome year!

5th Grade

5th grade Students and Parents,
First, I hope you have been safe and healthy during these past summer months and have enjoyed the beautiful weather.
I am excited along with many of you to get back to seeing each other again, either in person or via technology, when our new school year begins on the 24th. With that excitement, comes a bit of anxiety for you and me about what this school year will look like. As many of you know, there will be several differences in how our day-to-day operations occur compared to what we have been accustomed to. My hope is that you will be patient with me and the school as we try to work through this experience together. Across our great nation and state, there are many opinions, but no one knows all the answers, so we will be learning together as we navigate through this unprecedented time.
Although there will have to be several regulations we are required to follow this year, the focus of school will remain the same. The school and I will strive to first keep you safe and secondly educate the best that we can. Patiently, we will accomplish these goals together!
Again, looking forward to seeing you and tackling these new challenges with you on the 24th.
Thanks for listening,
Mr. Lindholm

Ms. Hord

Welcome back Nordics! I am looking forward to the start of this school year. I hope you were able to create memorable moments over this unusual summer vacation and are as eager to return to school as I am. If you have any questions regarding your child’s IEP and the return to school option you have selected, please contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions. My email address is ahord@go-nordics.com. This year, more than ever, I appreciate being part of such a great community that supports our school and the best interests of our students.

Mr. Siegler

Dear Nordic Family,
I would like to WELCOME you back!! Although this has been a crazy time for all of us, I want you to know that we never stopped thinking about you. We are all very excited to see everyone back in school. We are a couple of weeks away from getting back into the building where things will not be the same, but we will work together to make it as “normal” as possible. With your help, support, and patience we will be able to make this a successful school year. I am looking forward to “Rowing the Boat” to continue strengthening the attitudes and success throughout the building in our 2020-2021 school year. 143 Nordics. SEE YOU SOON!!!

Mr. Faust

Dear Students,
This past spring was a difficult one for all of us in regards to dealing with COVID-19 and all of the restrictions that were mandated. It made me realize how much I missed teaching and interacting with all of you on a daily basis. Not being able to see you face to face was troubling and was a burden hard to bare. I am really looking forward to seeing all of you in and out of my classroom this school year. I will see you in a few weeks.

Ms. Anderson

Welcome back K-12 Nordics! I am excited to see you soon whether it’s face-to-face or online.
I hope you’ve been able to get out and enjoy the beautiful, warm weather we’ve had this summer vacation. I look forward to hear all about your new adventures and to see how tall some of you have grown! This 20-21 School year is going to be a bit different, but together we will explore and learn new things in Elementary Music, Band, and ELA.
See you soon! – Ms. Anderson. And remember: Row the Boat Nordics 143

October Testing

On October 14th our 9th-12th graders will be participating in the PSAT and SAT testing that was missed due to school closure last spring. Our 9th graders will be taking the PSAT 8/9, our 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT-NMSQT, and our 12th graders will be taking the SAT (college entrance exam). Students who choose to do virtual learning through North Dickinson will be expected to take the October testing. If your child would like to review information prior to testing in October, Khan Academy has many SAT resources and practice exams and is a great place to start.

Athletic Passes/Ticket Prices

Athletic passes for HOME athletic events are now available in the school office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Prices are $90 for a family pass, $50 for an individual adult pass and $15 for a student pass. Passes for senior citizens age 60 or older are also available for $30. A pass will admit you to all HOME North Dickinson athletic events except state run tournaments such as district basketball tournaments, track meets, etc. For the 2020-21 school year ticket prices will be:
Varsity and Junior Varsity Events: Adults - $5.00 Students - $2.00
Junior High Events : Adults - $3.00 Students - $2.00

MIChild Health Insurance

Information on a health insurance plan called MIChild is available in the school office. MIChild is a health insurance program for uninsured children of Michigan’s working families.

Transportation

Parents are reminded that only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride a bus and any exceptions must be cleared with the principal’s office before hand. Students must get permission from home in writing, and then have it approved in the office for the following: 1. Getting off the bus at a stop other than his/her regularly assigned stop. 2. Riding a bus other than the one assigned.

Pay to Participate

High school and junior high students who participate in sports or extra curricular activities will be required to pay a $40.00 fee that must be paid in the school office before the first game/event. This fee will be required for each sport/activity a student is involved in.

Student Vehicle Rules

Students are to ride the bus unless there is a special situation (i.e. work after school, doctor appointment, participation in sports). In the event a student has a special need to drive a vehicle and park it at the school, the following MUST be followed or the parking privilege will not be approved: 1. Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license. 2. State required insurance coverage. 3. Signed application to drive vehicles on school property. (Can be obtained in the school office). 4. Copy of Michigan vehicle registration. All four items must be submitted to the building principal for verification. A written parent approval must be obtained and placed in our files.

Administration of Medication during School Hours

Prior to administration of any medication by school personnel, an Administration of Medication Form must be completed for each child. This form is included in the student handbook. Medication must be in its pharmacy dispensing container with appropriate directions for school included in the form.

Telephone Calls

Our school policy does not permit us to take students out of class for phone calls, messages, etc., unless it is an emergency situation. Also, if you are aware that your children are going to be getting off the bus at a stop other than their own, please send a note from home with your child(ren) in the morning. Only under emergency situations can we take telephone calls to give students messages to ride the bus to stops other then their own. Your cooperation is appreciated.

School Breakfast Program

We have breakfast available each morning between 8:10 and 8:25 in the lunch room. The price is $1.00 for full pay student, $.30 for reduced, and $2.50 for adults.

Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

An Application for Free and Reduced School Meals is included in this newsletter and can also be printed off our website at http://www.go-nordics.com. Parents are asked to fill out the application and return it to the school as soon as possible. You will be informed of application approval or denial. Please remember that it benefits the school and you.

Locker Room Locks

For a deposit of $5.00, J.V. & Varsity athletes wishing to secure their locker room lockers can get a lock from the office. The deposit will be refunded when the lock is returned at the end of season in which the athlete is participating. Personal locks cannot be used and will be cut off.

School of Choice Deadline

Students wanting to attend North Dickinson through the school of choice program should stop at the school office to fill out the proper paperwork. The school of choice window is open now until August 30th.

Pathway

The pathway on the west of the school property is to be used by pedestrians only, motorized vehicles are prohibited on the pathway.

Cellular Phones and Electronic Devices

In the 2020-21 school year, students in grades 6 – 12 will be again expected to keep their cell phones and electronic devices off and in their lockers during the hours of 8:25 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. with the exception that students in grades 8-12 are allowed to use them during their lunch. Teaching staff does have the ability to request permission to allow students to use their devices for specific curricular activities. Children in grades K-5 are not allowed to bring electronic devices to school as they do not have a safe, secure place to store them.

Change of Address and Telephone Numbers

In order to update our school address and telephone number records, we are asking you to please notify the school if you have any changes in this information.

Bus Route

Bus routes will be posted to the district website when available, you may also call the office to find out your stop time.
Please have students at assigned bus stops 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled pick-up time. All bus routes have been re-arranged again this year to accommodate new students, graduated students and families who have moved. For the first two weeks expect the bus to be 5 minutes earlier or 5 minutes later than the scheduled time.

School Day

The normal school day begins at 8:25 AM and ends at 3:15 PM for all grades. No students are permitted in the building until 8:10 AM. Do not drop your student(s) off at school before this time as there is no supervision. Please make other arrangements if you work or have other appointments that require you to leave home before the bus arrives.

Driving to the Technical Center

Students who attend the technical center are not allowed to drive to voc unless they have a valid reason. The North Dickinson County School offers our students bus transportation to and from the tech center on a daily basis. Students are expected to ride this bus. If your child has other appointments prior to or after voc and will not be riding the bus, please write a note or call the school to inform us that they will be driving and list any students that will be riding with them. If your child will be riding with another student, they also need a note of permission.

Registration of New Students

Families with school age children who have moved into the district are asked to come to the school office to register their children for the 2020-21 school year. For more information, please call the school office at 542-9281.

Junior High Girls Basketball Practice

Junior High Girls Basketball will begin practice after school on Tuesday, September 8th. Games are scheduled to begin after September 15th. A full schedule will be released at a later date if we are allowed to play.

Security System Entry/Picking up Students during School Hours

The security system will continue to be used this year. During the school day all visitors including parents, delivery persons, salesmen and others will be directed to enter the two double doors on the south east side of the building. There is a camera and intercom at the door. A sign is posted directing visitors to stand in front of the camera when pressing the buzzer and speak into the intercom. There is a monitor and speaker located in the office for staff to see the visitor, talk to the person and press a button to unlock the door temporarily for entry. All visitors must then report to the office to sign in and receive a visitors badge to be worn while in the building. Students arriving late or leaving early must sign in/out at the office. This system is in use from 8:25 AM through 3:00 PM each day students are in session.

Local Wellness Policy Meeting

We will be reviewing our local wellness policy at a meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM in the high school conference room. We will discuss any updates, additions or changes that we feel is necessary to make. Our current wellness policy is available for review on our website (www.go-nordics.ccom//misc_menu.html).

Student Use of Facility

With the school year starting, along with academics, the students and staff are very excited about athletics. Students that are involved in athletics are required to be under their coaches’ supervision. Therefore, athletes are not to be in the weight room, gym, or other parts of the facility without adult supervision. This goes for students who are not on athletic teams also. Please remind your child that they are not allowed to stay after school to hang out prior to an athletic event. Students must be supervised by a professional staff member or authorized adult while using the school facility and therefore are not allowed to use the weight room, gym or other areas of the district without proper supervision.

Many students come to school to work out in the morning with different professional staff members. Please remind your child that the authorized adult must be present before they engage in any of their morning workout activities.
The student lounge will be closed until further notice.

Physical Education Information

Physical Education students should have non-marking tennis shoes, tee-shirts, shorts and socks.

Speed Zone

During the time when lights are flashing, the speed limit near the school is reduced to 35 M.P.H. Please obey the reduced speed limit. The area is patrolled by both the Sheriff and Michigan State Police.

PTO

Please keep clipping boxtops and sending in Tadych's and Super One receipts. This is how we fund all of our PTO projects! If you are interested in being a part of the PTO, watch for meeting dates!

September 2020-21 Food Service Newsletter

Breakfast Program: Breakfast, beginning August 24th, is each morning between 8:10-8:25, in the lunch room. Students pay on the day they eat. Advanced meals may be purchased for a week or as desired. Cost of breakfast is $1.00 for full pay, $.30 for reduced students, and free for students who have filled out a free & reduced lunch application and have free breakfasts. Students are encouraged to participate in the program and start their day with a healthy, nutritional meal. Breakfast is not served on the days when school is delayed. Students should come to the cafeteria as soon as they get off the bus to have enough time to eat and still be on time for classes.
Elementary K-5 Lunch Program: Lunch money is due and collected in the elementary classrooms every day of the week. Whenever a child has been absent, be sure to take credit for this the following week.
Secondary 6-12 Lunch Program: Lunch money is due on the first school day of each week. Meal money will be collected daily from 8:10 AM to 8:25 AM in the Commons area BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN.
School Meal Prices: Breakfast: Students – Full Price is $1.00, Reduced price is $.30, Adult is $ 2.50 Lunch: Students–Full Price- Elementary K-5 is $3.00 daily or $15.00 weekly Grade 6-12 is $3.25 or $16.25 weekly Students Reduced Price, K-12 is $.40 daily or $2.00 weekly, Adult Lunches $4.00 Pre-School meal prices: Breakfast $1.25 Lunch $3.00,Extra Milk $.50
Debit and Credit amounts from last year students’ meal accounts will carry forward to this school year. Parents, please keep your child/children’s meal accounts current. No charging of meals except under special circumstances with prior approval.
Milks: Extra milk or a milk when eating cold lunch is $.50, regardless of Free/Reduced or Full Pay status.
Vending Machine: The North Dickinson School District is required to follow the USDA Smart Snacks in School program. Being a K-12 school district we are required to follow requirements for Elementary students. In order to comply with the Smart Snack in School for beverages we will be only selling bottled water in our vending machine. We regret the inconvenience this may cause.
Applications for Free & Reduced School Meals: Parents are encouraged to fill out an application for free or reduced price school meals. To apply for these meal benefits for your family, carefully complete, sign and return the attached application forms to the school office as soon as possible. All applications will be processed as they are received by the food service director. It is our goal to have applications processed before the first day of school. Parents will be notified by phone, mail, or we can notify you by e-mail if requested. A paper notification can be sent home with your child. If you qualify for either free or reduced price meals it not only helps you financially but also benefits our school. Funding for schools is determined in part by the number of students who qualify for free or reduced meals.
We look forward to all returning, new students and staff. We hope you had a great summer and return refreshed and ready for another great school year at NORTH DICKINSON COUNTY SCHOOL!!!!!!!