Superintendent’s Note February, 2021

Scranton Public School

We are beyond the mid-point of what has been a challenging year given the COVID-19 pandemic. We have managed to maintain face-to-face instruction since the first day of school and, at the same time, of-fer distance learning for those students who are not able to attend school. I want to spend a minute to discuss some of these challenges and where we are with our mitigation efforts now.

Prior to the start of school we created, with school board approval, our School District COVID-19 Plan which was based on The North Dakota Department of Health and the ND K12 Restart Guidelines. In the plan we identified what mitigation efforts we would use as a daily practice in order to keep our school as safe as possible according to the experts. The plan includes social distancing, the wearing of masks, isolation and quarantine periods, busing, extra-curricular activities, etc. The plan also includes colors (blue, green, yellow, orange and red) to identify the risk levels for COVID activity. These colors originally began as statewide indicators, then Governor Burgum broke these colors down into counties and schools were told to apply these risk levels to their local communities and schools.

In August, when school started, our state was in the “green” level of moderate risk for COVID activi-ty. Our school plan followed the guidelines which required the wearing of masks when social distancing was not feasible. We arranged our classrooms to provide as much space as possible so our students could stay at least six feet apart and take a break from mask wearing. Between classes and at any other times where stu-dents could not maintain social distancing, our students were masked. Our students and staff have done re-markably well with these guidelines. It did not take long before these guidelines became routine in school and we have very few issues.

The experts told us we would have a tough COVID winter and our community was not and is not exempt. Guidelines such as key COVID symptoms relating to quarantines, the number of people in gather-ings, quarantine times and the close contact rules themselves seemed to change so often is was difficult to keep up. New information poured in daily. We continued to make adjustments as advised by the department of health and also continued to follow our school plan.

When a positive case was discovered of a student or staff member, we would work tirelessly with the DOH and local health officials to conduct contact tracing for the 48 hours prior to symptoms. In essence we were asked to retrace the footsteps of individuals and notify those considered to be close contacts they would need to quarantine. At that time, the DOH and local health authorities did not consider the wearing of masks as mitigation. If a student or staff member tested positive and was within six feet of another individual (both wearing masks) for a cumulative 15 minute period, they were expected to quarantine. We were told that wearing masks was a sound practice but would not eliminate close contacts or quarantines. This was a diffi-cult stretch in school as many students and staff were identified as close contacts and needed to go home. Many of us asked the local question, what good are the masks in an effort to keep our school open?

Then on October 1, 2020, Governor Burgum declared the following, “when the positive case and close contact have both been wearing a face covering consistently and correctly the entire time, the close con-tact will not need to self-quarantine at home but self-monitor their health during the quarantine period”. This was a game changer at school and virtually everyone who would have earlier been sent home to quarantine now received a masked-close contact letter stating the new guidelines. We had to change nothing to fall un-der these guidelines with social distancing and mask wearing already in place.

Many schools who did not adopt the ND K12 Restart Guidelines had to backtrack and now ask their students and staff to wear masks because they were simply losing too many students and staff to close con-tacts and quarantines. Some had been forced to go to completely distance learning.

Year In Review

Superintendent’s Note February, 2021

Scranton Public School

By November, the predictions of a tough winter were coming true. The cases in North Dakota con-tinued to rise daily not only putting unprecedented pressure on our healthcare systems but, sadly, death counts were consistently rising. On November 14, 2020, Governor Burgum and the state health officer or-dered a mask mandate. At that time our students and staff wore masks throughout the day and during all ex-tra-curricular activities. During this time we experienced a handful of positive COVID cases but all contacts were masked and no one was sent home to quarantine. The only people who were quarantined were the fami-ly close contacts. We were able to continue face-to-face instruction and provide education in school each day.

Now, thankfully, North Dakota as a state is in a much better position. No matter what your philo-sophical point of view on mask wearing, it is without debate that from November 14, 2020, to the end of the mandate on January 18, 2021, there was a steady decline in COVID cases.

Now, beginning tomorrow, January 29, Governor Burgum has moved the state of North Dakota from “yellow” ( a heightened exposure risk) to “green” (low risk level). The mask mandate has been lifted and greater occupancy for businesses and schools is allowed. Local authorities will make their own determina-tions about what mitigation efforts, if any, they will observe.

Since the beginning, we have followed the recommendations of the North Dakota Department of Health. It’s about the science right? We will continue to follow their guidelines not as a matter of principle, but a means of keeping our school open. You see, even if mask mandates have been lifted, the requirement to isolate and the recommendations to quarantine are still in place. The choices are simple, either we continue following our plan (for level green social distancing and mask wearing), or we only recommend students and staff wear masks and discontinue any kind of quarantines.

It would be impossible to identify close contacts forty-eight hours prior to first symptoms if we do not know from day-to-day who was wearing a mask, when they were wearing it, and who they were in con-tact with during this time. To forego it all and allow the virus to potentially be transmitted to others and their families would be irresponsible.

We have fought this battle to keep our school open for face-to-face learning every day, not only through the mitigation efforts I have described, but by tirelessly cleaning and sanitizing our school. Each day students come into the school their classrooms have been sanitized from the previous day. Restrooms are cleaned several times per day. Barriers like plexiglass are used where feasible and all students, staff and visi-tors are temperature checked though our kiosk machine upon arrival to our school. These things take great effort and teamwork each day as all staff pitch in where needed.

There is great promise and optimism for the second half of our school year. We are regaining student activities that we lost last year or were put on hold. We certainly do not want to let our guard down now and face the possibility of backtracking with this virus. We will get back to normal, just not quite yet.

I want to thank everyone for your support this year. Our parental community has been wonderful to work with. Whether we have needed to discuss an isolation, a quarantine, distance education or asked com-pliance to our school plan, you have been great and I sincerely thank you!

John Pretzer, Superintendent

®

Home&SchoolWorking Together for School Success CONNECTIONFebruary 2021

© 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

“How-to” writing Here’s a fun way for

your child to practice writing explana-tions. Ask him to list step-by-step instructions for creating something out of play dough—without telling you what the object is. Follow his direc-tions exactly as written. Is your object the one he intended?

Apologies in action When your youngster needs to apolo-gize, explain that taking responsibility for her actions means more than just saying “I’m sorry.” For instance, if she loses pieces to her brother’s board game, she might use her own money to replace the game or offer to make homemade game pieces.

People blink less than usual while staring at a computer screen. And

that can lead to dry eyes and eyestrain. Encourage your child to take “blink breaks” when he’s online. He might look away from the screen and blink several times while he waits for a pro-gram to open, for example.

Worth quoting“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Amelia Earhart

Q: What’s the easiest way to double a dollar?

A: Put it in front of a mirror.

The nitty-gritty on grit Children who have grit are

able to overcome setbacks and stick with challenges. Nur-ture your youngster’s per-sistence with these ideas.

Be independentLet your child do as

much as possible for her-self. Maybe her smoothie is lumpy or the gift she wraps is messy, but resist the urge to fix them. You’ll show her that you believe in her—and that will help her believe in herself.

Find “lightbulb” momentsA comic-strip artist might draw a

lightbulb to show that a character has a “bright” idea. When your youngster struggles to learn something (say, how to juggle), suggest that she draw a light-bulb and fill it with steps to success. Examples: “Learn to juggle scarves first.” “Juggle one ball at a time.”

Declare a “do-over”Remind your child that a setback sim-

ply means she needs more practice. For instance, if she’s showing you how she can do a cartwheel but doesn’t land on

her feet, declare a “do-over.” She’ll learn that it’s okay to try again and again.

Use self-motivationKids tend to stick with things they’re

interested in, and that teaches them the rewards of perseverance. Steer your youngster toward projects that fit her passions. If she wants to design video games someday, you might help her find a coding class or an online tutorial.♥

Attention, please! These kid-friendly activities can

stretch your child’s attention span:

● Play “Spot the Difference.” Draw two nearly identical pictures. Perhaps you’ll sketch two pizzas with a pep-peroni in a different spot or a different number of mushrooms. Tell your young-ster how many differences there are. Can he find them all?

● “See you later, alligator.” “After ’while, crocodile.” With your child, take turns thinking of ways to say “goodbye”—each should rhyme and mention an ani-mal. Examples: “Gotta go, armadillo.” “In a few, kangaroo.” How long can your youngster stay focused as you go back and forth?♥

Scranton Public School

Title I Teacher

© 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

To provide busy parents with practical ideas that promote school success, parent involvement,

and more effective parenting.Resources for Educators,

a division of CCH Incorporated 128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630

800-394-5052 • rfecustomer@wolterskluwer.comwww.rfeonline.com

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Home & School CONNECTION® February 2021 • Page 2

Math squares: A brain workout

Handling cheating Q: My son got caught giving his friend answers during a test and received a zero. How should I handle this at home?

A: Start by asking your child why he cheated. If he says he just wanted to help his friend, explain that cheating is always wrong—regard-less of the reason. Also, it doesn’t actually help anyone. Your son got a zero on his test, and his friend didn’t learn that studying is the right way to earn a good grade.

Or if your youngster felt pressured to share the answer, help him plan what to do the next time someone asks him to cheat. He might simply say, “Sorry, I can’t,” and keep his eyes on his own paper. Later, he could suggest they study together for the next test.

Finally, let your child know what the consequences will be at home if he cheats again (say, losing electronics for a certain period of time).♥

Big project, big success assignments. He can set a dead-line for each step, including researching, writing, and revis-ing. Remind him to leave some wiggle room in case a task takes longer than he anticipated.

Add flair. How could your youngster make his project stand out? Encourage him to include extras like models, posters, or

audio or video clips. Maybe he’ll make a cardboard model of a one-

room schoolhouse like those many pioneer children attended. If his project includes a class presentation, he could demonstrate a game from the time period like jackstraws (similar to pickup sticks).♥

Online safety 101

My daughter Peyton does many things online these days—from going to school to hanging out with her friends. I was worried about her safety, so I found an online cyber safety course at sos.fbi.gov/en/, and we took it together.

We were both surprised by what we learned. For instance, online contests can be used to collect names and email addresses. And who knew that social

media quizzes can trick you into

sharing your birth month or pet’s name to help hackers figure out your passwords?

After our class, Peyton made an illus-

trated list of rules to keep by the com-puter. Her rules include blocking sites that aren’t kid friendly, not sharing pass-words with friends, and asking my per-mission before downloading anything. Now, both of us are more careful when we work and play online.♥

Boost your youngster’s spatial reasoning—an important part of success in geometry —with this fun brainteaser.

1. Have your child cut out five squares, all the same size, from construction paper.

2. Now she can position the squares to form dif-ferent pentominoes: arrangements of five squares in which each square shares

at least one side with another square. Can she find all 12 possible pentomi-noes? (If she gets stuck, help her search online for “pentominoes.”)

3. After your youngster makes each pentomino, she can draw it on graph paper so she remembers which ones she has found.

Challenge: Ask your child to cut out the pentomi-

noes she drew on graph paper. Now she can arrange all 12 into a big square with a square

hole in the middle.♥

School projects give your child a chance to be creative as he shows what he has learned. Share these tips for suc-cessful projects from start to finish.

Make a connection. Your young-ster will learn more—and be more motivated to work hard—if he picks a topic he cares about. Say he’s asked to write a report on pioneer days. He might focus on daily life as a pioneer kid or on popular games from that time.

Break it down. Suggest that your child think of a big project as a series of smaller

Counselor’s Corner

Seniors

• Continue to fill out scholarships

• Contact the admissions office of the college(s) you applied to and be sure that they have

everything that they need from you:

application/application fee immunization records

high school transcript housing application/application fee

Juniors You will be taking the ACT Test on March 2nd.

Free ACT practice tests:

• www.rureadynd.gov (Testive)

• www.actstudent.org

• www.march2success.com

• I have paper practice tests

North Dakota State Assessments

Testing window opens on March 15th and closes on May 7th.

Testing is online for grades 3rd – 8th and 10th in Reading, Math, Writing

Testing is online for Science for grades 4, 8, and 10 (March 15 – May 7)

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,

Enough trials to make you strong,

Enough sorrow to keep you human,

And enough hope to bring you joy.”

Author Unknow

All high school students should go to Bank of

North Dakota website and create an account

with North Dakota Dollars for Scholars. The

students can continue to add to their account

till they are seniors. Their senior year their

application/account info would be matched to

numerous ND scholarships.

Music Video for this song can be found at:

https://www.mydragonbooks.com/pages/bef

ore-you-loose-your-temper-my-dragon-

books-song

Before You Lose Your Temper

Sometimes when you ask

February 2021

SCRANTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

HOME OF THE NIGHT HAWKS!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

HR ABC Boys’ BB @

Scranton 4 p.m.

ABC Girls’ BB @

South Heart

4 p.m.

ABC Boys’ BB @

Scranton 4 p.m.

ABC Boys’ BB @

Glen Ullin 3:30 p.m.

NE ABC Girls’ BB @

Scranton 4 p.m.

ABC Boys’ BB @ Gl. Ullin 3:30 p.m. FFA-Dickinson

WR in Hettinger

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Beulah ABC Girls’ BB @

Hettinger 3:30 p.m.

Boys’ BB @ Beulah

3:30

Killdeer ABC Boys’ BB @ Scranton 4 p.m.

Board Meeting 8 p.m.

A Girls’ BB @ Mott

Armory 6 p.m.

Faith Girls’ & Boys BB @ Hettinger

3:00 p.m.

Wrestling in

New Town

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Valentine’s Day Storm Day

Possibly No

School

Presidents’ Day

ABC Boys’ BB @

Bowman 4 p.m. Mott ABC Boys’ BB

@ Scranton 4 p.m.

State Wrestling-Fargo

1st Round Girls’

Regionals

State Wrestling-Fargo

State Wrestling-Fargo

St. Rock AB B BB @

Scranton 1:00

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Girls’ Regionals Girls’ Regionals Girls’ Regionals @

Trinity

ABC Boys’ BB @

Beach 4 p.m.

28

ND FFA Virtual Winter Leadership Conference

By Emily Kline Scranton FFA Reporter

On Saturday January 9th, a group of Scranton’s local FFA members gathered at the school, to take part in

this year's Winter Leadership Conference. Speaking on behalf of the other participants, we had a

wonderful morning full of great life lessons taught to us by the state officers and other trainers. By

splitting into groups for breakout sessions, we learned more about our goals and what we can do to

achieve them. While this school year has not been easy, especially when we must rely on technology, the

officers and staff of this event did an excellent job.

Ag Mechanics started welding & perfecting their arc welding skills.

CONGRATULATIONS LATHAN HOLZER

LATHAN earned his FFA jacket through the bright future blue jacket program though the ND

FFA Foundation.

Livestock Judging Dates:

Feburary 6th - Dickinson Contest

Scranton Public School February 2021

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Menu choices from:

3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th,

11th grades and

the teachers

1

Pork Fritters Mashed Potatoes

Apple

2

Tatortot Hotdish Corn

Pineapple

3

Rib Sandwich

Carrots

Peaches

4

Beef Pockets

Lettuce

Strawberry Cups

5

Shipwrecks

Raw Carrots &

Cauliflower Mandarin Oranges

6

7 Menu choices

from: 4th, 5th, and

6th grades

8

Chicken Alfredo

Green Beans

Cantaloupe

9

Lasagna

Breadsticks

Corn Mixed Fruit

10

Polish Sausage

Wedges

Baked Apples

11

Chicken Fajitas

Lettuce/Cheese

Peach Cups

12

Cheeseburgers

Curly Fries

Pickles Ban/Straw Yogurt

Salad

13

14

Menu Choices from: 2nd, 10th

grades and

teachers

15

NO SCHOOL

16

Ham Patty

Hash Browns

OJ

17

Mac ‘N Cheese

Carrots & Celery

Pears

ASH WEDNESDAY

18

Fried Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Cranberries

19

Grilled Cheese

Tomato Soup

Mandarin Orange Cup

20

21

Menu choices from:

Kindergarten, 5th,

9th, 12th grades

and teachers

22

Meatball Subs

Broccoli & Carrots

Applesauce

23

Chicken Nuggets

Seasoned Rotini

Orange

24

Taco Salad

Lettuce

Mixed Berry Cup

25

Corn Dogs

Green Beans

Rice Crispy Bar

26

Fish Sticks Mashed Potatoes

Watermelon

27

28

Salad Bar Offered Daily for 7th-12th Grade

Milk Offered Daily