Family Update from Principal Gibbs
Family Update from Principal Gibbs
![Family Update from Principal Gibbs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706113640/mplsk12mnus/yvawnuceidugvotcrvmk/0036_Gibbs_Ryan_01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706113640/mplsk12mnus/yvawnuceidugvotcrvmk/0036_Gibbs_Ryan_01.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706113640/mplsk12mnus/yvawnuceidugvotcrvmk/0036_Gibbs_Ryan_01.jpg","width":640}])
Dear Loring Families,
As we approach the end of the second quarter, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the great things happening at Loring and to preview some things to expect for the second half of the school year. On Friday, January 26th, there will be no school for students. Teachers will be entering grades for quarter two and you can expect them in the mail by early February. We will be meeting with grade level teams to do an in-depth analysis of winter assessment data on each scholar. This will help determine instructional changes that we need to make to ensure all students continue to grow to their highest potential. Here are some highlights and things to expect for the second half of the school year:
Disney Musical – Loring applied for the Disney Musical and we were selected for this amazing program. This is a three-year commitment which will really help rebuild our drama/theatrical programming here at Loring. The first year, adults from Disney work with our internal team to provide a structure, supports and scripts to put on a production of Frozen. We are so excited to watch the process and for the final production this spring.
Advanced Learning and Gifted Programming – Loring funded two positions this year to support advanced learning instruction. Mr. Nibbs-Kohl and Mr. Raidt have been supporting students in grades 2-5 who have been identified as having advanced learning abilities based on multiple measures. Students are receiving advanced math support in 4th and 5th grade in a program called Telescoped Math. We also have students in grades 2-5 doing some advanced literacy/reading work through literature circles and small group learning teams. I’m excited to share that we are going to be adding some programming for kindergarten and first grade during quarter three. Classroom teachers and the team will reach out to families if they see advanced learning potential or behaviors from our youngest scholars. If you have questions about the advanced programming, please email Elliot.Nibbs-Kohl@mpls.k12.mn.us or John.Raidt@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Budget/Staffing/School Transformation – As we move into budget/staffing season, I have been receiving a lot of questions about the future status of Loring Elementary. Minneapolis Public Schools is in midst of a school transformation to right size our district and to get back on solid financial footing. I’m personally not worried about Loring being closed next year but am also watching the Board meetings for updates on next steps for our district. I want to lay out the timeline for the budget/staffing season and to highlight some opportunities to engage with Loring. Here is the tentative timeline for budget/staffing for the 2024-2025 school year:
o Mid-February – Loring will receive our budget for the 2024-2025 school year. I, along with our internal team, will begin working on creating staffing scenarios based on the amount of money we’re allocated and needs of the building.
o End of February/Early March – There will be many engagement sessions with families, students, and staff to get input on staffing.
o Mid-March – Loring will present the final budget/staffing model and will begin the process of filling any open positions for the 2025 school year.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
In Partnership,
Principal Gibbs