2023 Back to School Announcements

2023 Back to School Announcements
Posted on 08/22/2023
2023 Back to School Announcements

We are excited to see so many families at back-to-school events and look forward to welcoming learners back on Tuesday, September 5th. As part of your preparations for the new school year, please review these recent news items and announcements below.  


Recent News:    

First, here are some recent news items you may have missed over the summer months:

 

 

Please Complete the Annual Update!

At the beginning of each school year we ask parents and guardians to update their information in the Infinite Campus parent portal. This includes reviewing important contact information as well as providing information which the Minnesota Department of Education uses for planning purposes. Please take a few minutes to review the Annual Update in your Parent Portal account. Directions for accessing the Annual Update and additional information are available here. 


Self Service on School Issued iPads

New for the 2023-24 school year, required apps for learning will be available through Self Service on school issued iPads. Apple IDs are no longer required and the Apple App Store will not be accessible on a district iPad. Please note that this only applies to district iPads and does not impact any personal Apple IDs that an individual may have with Apple and use with other devices.


About Student Data Privacy & Educational Software

Farmington Area Public Schools, ISD 192 uses a variety of digital tools, including technology vendors and software, to support learning as we help all learners develop the skills necessary to succeed in a complex and an ever-changing world. 


We have an inventory of our district curriculum, testing, and assessment tools posted on our website under Services > Technology and include an outline of the student data elements which may be utilized within each tool. This list is maintained and communicated annually to all families at the start of the school year and is available for review at any time. 


Please reach out to Andrew Baldwin, Instructional Technology Director, ([email protected]) if you have additional questions regarding specific digital tools used by the district. 


Don’t Forget to Apply for Educational Benefits

ISD 192 has joined Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. Starting this school year (23-24), all students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits such as reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs. 


How to Apply: 

You may apply online via your Wordware Account. Login and click on the blue Apply for Free/Reduced Benefits button. An application form is also attached to this email and may be submitted by mail, email, or fax. Paper applications are also available in your school office.   


If you send in an Educational Benefits Application and do not receive a notification letter within two weeks, please call us to ensure that we have processed your application at the number above. If you have questions about Educational Benefits or need assistance, please call 651-460-3823 and Food Service Staff will be happy to assist you. 


Opt-In to Text Messages 

In addition to emails and phone calls, you can opt to receive emergency notifications in the form of text messages from ISD 192. ISD 192 will utilize the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about school closings and safety alerts.*


You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587. You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”. SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy PledgeTM so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.


*Terms and Conditions: Message frequency varies. Standard message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. See schoolmessenger.com/tm for more info.


Register for School! 

If you have a school age child new to ISD 192 or know of a family not yet registered, please register for the 2023-2024 school year as soon as possible. Farmington Area Public Schools utilizes an Online Registration system.  If you do not have a computer or access to the internet, or if you have enrollment questions or would like assistance with the enrollment process, please call 651-463-5052.


Attachments: 

Educational Benefits Application (English) 

Educational Benefits Application (Spanish)