We are changing our COVID-19 notification procedures and will now post all updates on our COVID-19 Dashboard rather than sending an email each time we have a positive case.
Northland Pines District Administrator, Scott Foster, is holding a Community Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Germain Elementary School. If you would like to attend in-person, we’d like to remind you that the Northland Pines Board of Education requires everyone who enters our buildings to wear a face covering, physical distance and sanitize or wash hands upon entering. If you do not want to attend in-person, we will have an option for you to join virtually and participate via BlueJeans.
To be successful, we need to continue to work together; that is the key to our future. This meeting will be open for all community members to hear a short update, ask questions and provide input.
Join virtually: https://bluejeans.com/875201234?src=join_info
Meeting ID# 875 201 234
Phone Dial-in
+1.408.419.1715 (United States(San Jose))
+1.408.915.6290 (United States(San Jose))
Global Numbers: https://www.bluejeans.com/numbers
Meeting ID: 875 201 234
Want to test your video connection?
https://bluejeans.com/111
Updated In-Service Days
The Northland Pines Board of Education understands that our teachers need more time to catch up and prepare for future days of learning. The Board of Education is extremely proud of the fact that we have been able to keep our schools open for in-person learning five days per week thus far. Our staff is also teaching at a high level whether the students are in-person or hybrid.
Therefore, they have approved changing January 22 and March 12, 2021, from Optional Student & Staff days to In-service days where staff will work to catch up and prepare for future days of learning, noting that elementary students will not have the option of coming to school on these two days; and further, to clarify that the in-service day planned for February 12th and the optional Staff and Student Support day on February 26th will remain as planned.
The Northland Pines School District operates three Charter Schools including the Northland Pines Montessori Learning Center, SOAR Charter Middle School and SOAR Charter High School. Charter schools are public schools that are tuition-free and give parents and families a choice for education. Northland Pines offers 3 so that students in grades 4K through 12th grade have additional educational opportunities.
During the month of January, the Northland Pines School District allows families to apply to have their children attend the Charter Schools. Current Northland Pines area students, open-enrolled individuals, and home-schooled students are eligible to attend. The last day to submit applications is Friday, January 29. If more students apply than the spots we have available, a lottery system is used to determine which students can attend
Fieldhouse Walking Update
First, we would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding during these challenging times. Second, we have some exciting news for our community members who like to walk in our Fieldhouse. On Monday, December 21st, the Northland Pines Board of Education approved community members to walk on the Fieldhouse track from 5:30-7:30 AM Monday - Friday and from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturdays as long as they wear a mask and physically distance by family or individual. Please enter through Door #15 located to the South of the rear parking lot of the middle and high school.
We have put together a schedule of the home events we will be live streaming or WRJO will be covering live this month. This does not include when other schools or radio stations are covering away events. Go Eagles! #PinesPride *Dates, times and events subject to change.
SOAR (School of Options and Applied Research) Middle School’s focus is to offer students a challenging curriculum based upon their interests and post-secondary goals. Learning is interdisciplinary and self-directed. Although students with varying academic abilities find success at SOAR, this charter is not specifically designed for the at-risk or gifted and talented learner. Learning is organized around themes, problems, and issues in order for the student to solve challenges, answer questions, or create products. Topic driven seminars will address the academic standards of multiple subject areas.
In addition to mastering core academics, students will learn and practice skills related to global awareness, entrepreneurship, civic and health literacy, and environmental stewardship. Through a variety of modes, 21st century learners develop skills in innovation, information/media, technology, and life/careers. As the 21st century will demand more from each of us, SOAR wants to prepare students for any and all of these continued challenges.
A successful student at SOAR needs to be self-motivated, willing to explore their innovations, and be responsible for their own learning. Students need to work with and learn from their peers. They must be able to provide feedback to and accept feedback from peers, teachers, community members and other individuals involved with their learning. Flexibility, communication, and the ability to view things from diverse perspectives are skills that will contribute to success.
SOAR Middle School is located in a wing at Land O’ Lakes Elementary School. Northland Pines School District area students are provided transportation. During the normal school year there is a bus from St. Germain/Eagle River to Land O’ Lakes. Land O’ Lakes students are bussed to the school. SOAR Middle School follows a similar school calendar as the Northland Pines School District however, the students do not attend school on most Fridays. Fridays are outside the walls learning days which gives students many opportunities to experience new things. The school times are a little different to ensure that all students in the district can be bussed to Land O’ Lakes. The school day officially begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m. Current Northland Pines area students, open-enrolled individuals, and home-schooled students are eligible to attend the SOAR Charter Middle School.
An Informational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. Parents may attend in-person or join virtually: meet.google.com/rsf-xuvv-osu. We encourage but do not require that parents RSVP to cbrock@npsd.k12.wi.us. The in-person parent meeting will be held at the SOAR Charter Middle School, located at 6485 Town Hall Road in Land O’ Lakes. Face coverings, physical distancing and hand sanitizing are required in all of our buildings.
SOAR Charter Middle School will also hold two Virtual Tour and Question/Answer Sessions:
Wednesday, January 20 at 9:30AM: meet.google.com/oow-effr-biu
Monday, January, 25 at 9:30AM: meet.google.com/nru-zrfp-kru
If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Carie Brock, Principal, at (715) 547-3619 or email cbrock@npsd.k12.wi.us.
Each student at the School of Options and Applied Research (SOAR) Charter High School utilizes a comprehensive scope & sequence guide to structure student coursework primarily through project based learning without limiting student creativity. This shared document for students, advisors, and parents ensures students are meeting the requirements needed for advancement and holds students to rigorous expectations. Students are able to demonstrate their knowledge in and out of the school building and are expected to maintain an e-portfolio documenting these educational experiences. Advisors also provide multiple opportunities for learning including experiential learning, seminars, field studies, expeditions, guided book studies, job shadows, and traditional high school courses. This allows the students, families and advisors the ability to tailor an educational experience unique to each student.
Students and advisors use the scope and sequence to guide learning. Based on the same Pillars and Essential Learning Targets as the traditional high school, students document their learning quarterly. When they have demonstrated and documented a variety of proficient or advanced pieces of evidence under a standard, ¼ credit is earned for that particular standard. Most projects are interdisciplinary in nature and provide evidence in a variety of subject areas, although they may not meet all aspects of a particular standard. However, seminars and additional projects completed at a later time may help a student meet that standard in a cumulative effect as they build up this additional evidence. Therefore, students can expect to “snowball” their credit acquisition; laying the groundwork and foundation in their 9th and 10th grade years to build up momentum in their 11th and 12th grade years. Furthermore, SOAR High School students are able and encouraged to participate in all district organized sports and extracurricular opportunities, including all WIAA sports.
Determining if SOAR High School is a good fit for your child is a personal and potentially challenging decision to make. It is hard to say what specific type of student would benefit from project based learning the most because kids vary in so many aspects and every child learns differently. We encourage you to take time researching project based education and SOAR HS, attend informational meetings, and ask questions. The reality is that we now have two high quality high schools in our district, and we are confident that your child can be successful in either of these settings. You just need to make the decision that best fits with your values and child’s best interest.
Students at SOAR High School follow the same school calendar as the Northland Pines School District. The school start and end times are the same as the rest of the district, 8:25 - 3:25. The district provides students transportation from within any area of our district. Students may also drive themselves if parents approve.
Current Northland Pines area students, open-enrolled individuals, and home-schooled students are eligible to attend SOAR Charter High School which is located in the same building as the Eagle River Elementary School in what was previously known as the middle school wing.
An Informational Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. Parents may attend in-person or join virtually: meet.google.com/uvj-rtcr-mfv. We encourage but do not require that parents RSVP to aperry@npsd.k12.wi.us. The in-person parent meeting will be held at the SOAR Charter High School, located at 1700 Pleasure Island Road in Eagle River. Face coverings, physical distancing and hand sanitizing are required in all of our buildings.
SOAR Charter High School will also hold a Virtual Tour and Question/Answer Session:
Wednesday, January 27 at 9:30AM: https://meet.google.com/kih-cbxo-zzh
If you have any questions or want additional information, please contact Ann Perry, Teacher Leader, at (715) 479-5701 or email aperry@npsd.k12.wi.us
The Northland Pines School District is offering free breakfast and lunch to any child between the ages of 0-18 through June 30, 2021. This opportunity was made possible through the Federal Government Food Program. When a student is at school, they can get one free breakfast and one free lunch at the normal time meals are served. If students want to purchase additional items, or additional meals, they are still able to do that as well.
If your student is on a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP), Hybrid Model or if you have a student who does not attend school in-person, they may still participate and receive meals. Parents of students not attending school in-person, need to fill out this weekly meal request form by the end of the day on Thursday for meal pickup on Monday at one of the schools. Delivery is available if you are unable to come to school.
If you have any questions, please call Northland Pines Food Service Director, Maggie Bishop, at (715) 479-5800.
WE ARE OPEN!
We put the health and safety of our members and staff first, so you will notice some extra precautions in place. We will be limiting the amount of people in the wellness center at one time to 25. We have closed some of the machines to allow for proper social distancing. There are hand sanitizer stations around the facility for everyone to use.
PLEASE follow these guidelines:
• Masks are required for floor staff and members.
• Please bring your own water bottle and towel.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 6’ between yourself & others.
• Wash your hands before and after each workout.
• Please disinfect all equipment before and after each workout.
• If you are sick or experiencing any symptoms, please stay home.
• Daily attendance records will be kept for contact tracing purposes.
• Locker Rooms will be available for restroom use only.
Fieldhouse Track Walking Update
First, we would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding during these challenging times. Second, we have some exciting news for our community members who like to walk in our Fieldhouse. On Monday, December 21st, the Northland Pines Board of Education approved community members to walk on the Fieldhouse track from 5:30-7:30 AM Monday - Friday and from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturdays as long as they wear a mask and physically distance by family or individual. Please enter through Door #15 located to the South of the rear parking lot of the middle and high school.
2020-21 Illness Procedure Update
Our focus for the 2020-21 school year is to keep our students and staff safe and healthy and continue in-person learning for as long as possible. We have been using our protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
We have said from the beginning that we would review and update our established protocol based on new information and experience. The newest change and update relates to anyone who has been identified as a close contact to a positive COVID-19 case.
First, due to increased demands, the state of Wisconsin and/or the Vilas County Health Department only have time to call people who have tested positive. As they are no longer calling to notify close contacts, it is now the responsibility of the person who tested positive. In our case, the school district calls students and staff who have been in contact to prevent spread in the community and school. This has been happening for weeks and is due to the high number of positive cases.
The second change for close contacts is very new and will go into effect immediately. Up until now any individual(s) who are considered close contacts have been unable to return to school for 14 days. Per the CDC, DHS and the Vilas County Health Department, we will now be changing that to 10 days. It is important to note that return after 10 days requires the close contact to have been symptom free for 10 consecutive days without the use of medication. Close contacts means, those who were within 6 feet of the individual for greater than 15 minutes during the infectious period. If you were not contacted your child was not considered a close contact.
We understand the challenges of your child having to stay home; however, our focus remains on keeping ALL students with in-person learning opportunities by reducing the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
Our protocols and procedures have been effective in limiting the spread and allowing us to continue in-person learning for students & staff not exposed to the individual. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Scott Foster, District Administrator, at 715-479-6487.
Sewers Needed
In the time of Covid-19, when many are wearing masks and many organizations have their rules about safe distancing and face cover wearing, a group in our area is providing facemasks for groups in need. If you have a sewing machine and would be able to sew facemasks for groups that request them, we have supplies that you may have to construct them. Area sewers have provided masks for some NP schools, AV-W, schools in Rhinelander and other area communities and counties. You may read about the Facemask Warriors at Facebook.com/groups/Northwoodsfacemasks. They are located in Rhinelander but if you contact Sherry at 715-542-2337, she will gather supplies and deliver them to the Eagle River area. Please consider joining and volunteering some of your time, after the holidays are over, to this group for the benefit of many. #Community
Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes, and St. Germain Elementary Schools will offer 4K on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students will not have school on Fridays. Parents may also choose half days for their child; however, they would also need to supply transportation as there will not be midday busing provided.
If you live in the Northland Pines School District, you may begin the registration process online: npsd.k12.wi.us/district/enroll4k.cfm beginning February 1 and then attend one of the following Registration Events:
Thursday, March 4 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• at Eagle River Elementary School (1700 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River, WI 54521)
Friday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• at Eagle River Elementary School (1700 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River, WI 54521)
• at St. Germain Elementary School & Montessori Learning Center (8234 State Highway 70, St. Germain, WI 54558)
• at Land O’ Lakes Elementary School (6485 Town Hall Road, Land O' Lakes, WI 54540)
Students become eligible for 4K if they were born on or before, September 1, 2017. (This means that on or before September 1, 2021, they’ll be four-years-old.)
The Northland Pines Board of Education requires everyone who enters our buildings to wear a face covering, physical distance and sanitize or wash hands upon entering. Please keep this in mind when you plan to attend one of the events above.
If you have any questions or if you are unable to make it to any of the registration and screening events, please contact our Enrollment Secretary, Stacy Swenson, at (715) 479-4123 or via email enroll@npsd.k12.wi.us.
If you do not currently live in the Northland Pines School District but wish to take advantage of the 4K program, you may open enroll your child into the district during the Open Enrollment period.
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NORTHLAND PINES OPEN ENROLLMENT
Parents and guardians have the opportunity to send their children to any public school in Wisconsin through the Public School Open Enrollment program. The online open enrollment application period for the 2021-22 school year is February 1 through April 30, 2021. Application materials and additional information is available on the Northland Pines School District website.
Traditionally, children in Wisconsin are assigned to public school districts based on the location of their parents’ or guardians’ residence. In operation since the 1998-99 school year, open enrollment is a tuition-free opportunity for parents or guardians to apply for their children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
Applications must be submitted during the February 1-April 30, 2021 application period. Early and late applications will not be accepted. Districts will notify applicants in June on the status of their open enrollment application. There is also an Alternative Open Enrollment application, in which applications may be submitted outside of the three-month open enrollment period, but additional restrictions and criteria apply.
If you have any questions on Open Enrollment, please contact our Open Enrollment Coordinator, Mary Mulleady at (715) 337-2527 Ext. 2 or via email mmulleady@npsd.k12.wi.us. More information on Open Enrollment can be found at: npsd.k12.wi.us/district/npsdopenenrollment.cfm
Attention Northland Pines High School Students:
Order your 2020-21 yearbook today! #PinesPride
Please Wear Your Mask Properly
Learn the correct way to wear your mask from Ernie the Eagle!
The Northland Pines School District is offering free breakfast and lunch to any child between the ages of 0-18 through June 30, 2021. This opportunity was made possible through the Federal Government Food Program. When a student is at school, they can get one free breakfast and one free lunch at the normal time meals are served. If students want to purchase additional items, or additional meals, they are still able to do that as well.
If your student is on a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP), Hybrid Model or if you have a student who does not attend school in-person, they may still participate and receive meals. Parents of students not attending school in-person, need to fill out the weekly meal request form available on social media by the end of the day on Thursday for meal pickup on Monday at one of the schools. Delivery is available if you are unable to come to school.
If you have any questions, please call Northland Pines Food Service Director, Maggie Bishop, at (715) 479-5800.
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