Hawthorne Elementary School

1000 E. Hawthorne St

Albert Lea, MN 56007

Judi Vitito, Principal

E-Mail:

Phone: (507) 379.4960 Fax: (507) 379.5018

October 2017

Dear Hawthorne Families,

Winter is right around the corner and that means potential snow days for our students. The Minnesota Legislature made a change in the last legislative session called “e-Learning Days,” which allows students to do school work at home in the event school is cancelled. These days now qualify as a regular school day, if the District has a learning plan in place for students. With this new approach to snow days, we want to ensure that your questions are addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What is required of my student?Students will select activities of their choice on the bingo card to complete a “BINGO!” A “BINGO!” can be diagonal, across, down, 4 corners, or postage stamp style. Students will return the bingo card to their teacher upon returning to school.
  2. Why are we doing this? Minnesota legislation allows for schools to offer up to 5 e-Learning Days each year rather than making up the days at the end of the year. Albert Lea Area Schools added this option to the 2017-18 calendar.
  3. What if I have questions or my child doesn’t understand the assignment?According to the legislation, teachers will be accessible via e-mail or by calling their school phone number. Teachers will work to ensure that students understand the basic requirements prior to sending home the snow day bingo card.
  4. What if I misplace the snow day bingo card?Students will keep a copy of the Snow Day Bingo card in their folders/backpacks. Teachers will also have additional copies to send home. In addition, Snow Day Bingo cards are available on the school website and in the office.
  5. The school calendar says February 19th is a snow make up day. That is correct. If one snow day occurs between now and December 22nd, it will be made up on Monday, February 19th. Any snow days after that (up to 5) will be made up using the snow day bingo cards.

We acknowledge additional questions may arise as we work through the details of the 2017-18 Snow Day Bingo Card roll-out. You are welcome to contact the office at 507-379-4960 for additional information.

Sincerely,

Judi Vitito

Principal

Hawthorne Elementary

To ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth

that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners.