Fall Conferences and MEA Break Reminder

Fall conferences are just around the corner! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child's teacher, celebrate their progress, discuss their learning, and work together to support their success.

Conference Dates and Times:

Tuesday, October 13: 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Wednesday, October 14: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

If you haven't already scheduled your conference, please reserve your time as soon as possible. Appointment availability is limited.

Sign up here: www.myconferencetime.com/Loring

No School October 14, 15, and 16

Please remember that there will be no school for students on Wednesday, October 14, Thursday, October 15, or Friday, October 16.

Wednesday is reserved for family conferences, and Thursday and Friday are the annual MEA break.

Students return to school on Monday, October 19.

We look forward to seeing our families at conferences and hope everyone enjoys the extended weekend!

Celebrating 20 Years of Kids Cook at our Community Picnic

Thank You for a Wonderful Community Garden Picnic!

What an incredible evening at Loring! Thank you to all the families, students, staff, and community members who joined us for our Community Garden Picnic and the celebration of 20 years of Kids Cook!

We were thrilled by the amazing turnout and the opportunity to come together, share delicious food, and celebrate everything that makes our Loring community so special.

A very special thank you to Starla and Robin, whose tremendous dedication, countless hours of work, and passion for our students and garden program made this event possible.

We also want to recognize our amazing students for all their hard work planting, growing, harvesting, and preparing food for the celebration. You should be incredibly proud of what you accomplished!

Finally, thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, prepared food, helped with setup and cleanup, or contributed in any way.

Events like this remind us what a wonderful community we have at Loring. We look forward to creating more opportunities to come together, celebrate, and make lasting memories!

Meet Ms. Robin and Ms. Starla , "The Garden Ladies" In Loring Schoolyard Garden.

We are Community Partners to Loring, collaborating with teachers, specialists and support staff to offer hands-on learning in an outdoor classroom.

 

Last Spring students planted Loring Schoolyard Garden and families from the school and community nurtured and maintained the garden this summer. Students will be harvesting, cooking, and learning in the garden September-November.

 

Kids Cook Classroom lessons and outdoor activities
  - Encourage students to observe, appreciate, and play in nature.
  - Teach children and their families how to grow their own healthy foods.
  - Introduce students to simple recipes they can make at home.
  - Teach teamwork, collaboration, sharing, patience, kindness, and empathy.
  - Support teachers in cultivating these same values.
  - Create outdoor spaces that offer a quiet, calm, and nurturing environment.
  - Provide reading, writing, math, art, and science activities that support learning outside of the classroom.

Each classroom and grade level will participate in three outdoor sessions focused on nature observation, gardening, and cooking.

Our interaction with each grade level will include
  
  - Day 1: Harvesting, cooking, and gathering around the table.

  - Day 2: Observations and environmental learning.  

  - Day 3: Project-oriented work to kick off the IB cumulative program alongside the IB Coordinator, Ms. Laurie, Ms. Robin, and Ms. Starla.

 

Kids Cook Classroom lessons begin on Friday with 1st grade students in Loring Schoolyard Garden. Next week 4th, 5th and 2nd graders will be harvesting and cooking.

Read about the outdoor lessons and activities each week, and talk about them at home.

 

We invite you to visit Loring Schoolyard Garden as you drop off and pick up your children.

 

See you in the Garden,

"The Garden Ladies"

---

 

Minneapolis Kids is proud to partner with Loring Elementary to provide a safe, welcoming, and engaging before- and after-school care program that supports students and families beyond the school day.

Our program is designed to complement the school experience by offering recreational, and social opportunities where children can build friendships, develop independence, and grow in a nurturing environment. We recognize that reliable childcare is essential for many working families, which is why Minneapolis Kids offers year-round programming and proudly accepts Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), helping make high-quality care more accessible and affordable for eligible families. Enrollment for before- and after-school care is available on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows, so families are encouraged to register as early as possible.

Registration for the 2026-27 school year is currently ongoing where openings remain. We encourage families to plan ahead, as enrollment fills quickly. We look forward to partnering with Loring families to provide consistent, high-quality care that helps every child thrive both in and out of the classroom.

For direct questions regarding site specifics, please reach out to the Loring Minneapolis Kids Program Coordinator, Alex Bell at alex.bell@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-806-1443. For questions regarding enrollment, billing and schedule changes, please reach out to the Minneapolis Kids main office at : mpls.kids@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-3890"

Welcome Back Loring Families!

 

You may know me as Ms. Gebhard the 2^nd grade teacher, but I am so excited to take over the International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator role this year! This year is a big year for us, as we will be going through IB Authorization to move from a candidate school to a certified IB school. We will know more of what that will look like in the coming weeks. I look forward to partnering with students and families this school year! Please reach out with any questions, comments or ideas. 

I wanted to share a little bit about what being an IB school will mean to our community here on the Northside. As IB scholars we focus on becoming successful learners through the IB Learner Profile Attributes. Each month we focus on a different attribute that pairs our Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and Leopard PRIDE awards together.

The month of October we focus on being BALANCED. 

The IB Learner Profile Balance aims to develop learners who are balanced. Our goal is to allow students to discover and understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives. Focusing on the intellectual, physical and emotional in order to achieve well-being for themselves and others. We would like our students to recognize their interdependence with other people and with the world in which they live.

 

How can families help develop students who are Balanced at home?

• Create a daily schedule that includes time for schoolwork, outside physical activity, arts and music, rest, and balanced meals.
• Allow time for a variety of activities daily with your children (school activities, indoor play, outside play, active play and quiet activities).
• Model doing a little bit of everything in front of your child: play, learn, exercise, rest, eat healthy foods.
• Praise your child for demonstrating a balance lifestyle.
• Visit many different places to learn: libraries, museums, nature trails and nature preserves, parks, Historical Parks.
• Explore different hobbies: yoga, jogging, knitting, cards, marbles, and collecting stickers.

 

Smile.

 

Dear Loring Elementary Community,

 

I am reaching out to let you know that this past Tuesday there was a board presentation that provided an update on the school transformation process. While no decision has been made, at least one of the proposals recommends closing of Loring. I imagine you may have many questions and encourage you to review the information on this website and the different resources to learn how these proposals may impact your family. 

 

I recommend you first use the interactive map to determine how each option could impact your family. You are then invited to share your feedback using this digital engagement tool, and you can attend one of the upcoming Community Meetings.

Attend a Meeting

All meetings will be held from 6 - 7:30 p.m. 

Interpreters (Spanish, Hmong & Somali) and childcare will be available. 

South High School: Oct. 6, 2026

North High School: Oct. 7, 2026

Southwest High School: Oct. 8, 2026

Roosevelt High School: Oct. 9, 2026

 

 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Again, these are just proposals, so please share your feedback on or before October 16. The feedback will be shared with the school board and the broader community on October 20. The school board then will determine how we move forward. 

 

We will continue to ensure your student has the best experience here at Loring and we will support our kids and each other as we move forward together. 

 

Sincerely,

Principal Jackson

 

Flyers for families announcing absences can be reported on the Parent Portal along with other portal features. 

• Parent Portal Flyer - English
• Parent Portal Flyer - Spanish
• Parent Portal Flyer - Somali
• Parent Portal Flyer - Hmong

Join MPS Community Education this fall for classes and events across the city designed for families, caregivers, and kids of all ages. Whether you want to move together, pick up a new hobby, or celebrate the season, there’s something for every family. Register here. 

 

Questions: CE.Comms@mpls.k12.mn.us | 612-668-3866 

Help Our Students Shine – Become a Tutor!

Every child deserves the opportunity to be a successful learner. That’s why Loring ELementary is looking for AmeriCorps tutors to help students build their skills and confidence.

Tutors serve during school hours and spend their days providing students with extra practice and skill building. With the support of an on-site coach, tutors use activities proven to help students improve in reading or math.

No experience? No problem. Our tutors come from all walks of life. Whether you're a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent, or retiree, you can make a great tutor!

Part-time and full-time positions for the 2026-27 school year are available beginning in October. Tutors receive a paycheck every two weeks plus an education award to pay for qualifying college tuition or student loans. Tutors aged 55 or older may gift the education award to their child, grandchild, stepchild, step-grandchild, or foster child.

Ready to make a difference in our community and help students succeed? Learn more and apply at Join.ReadingandMath.org. Questions? Email Join@Ampact.US or call 866.859.2825.

Free meals for kids available at community sites 

Although Minneapolis Public Schools students receive free breakfast and lunch meals while at school, we want to provide some resources for families who may need food assistance outside of the school day. 

Whether it’s after school, on school-release days or during the summer, kids 18 and under can visit participating community sites for no-cost healthy meals and snacks from Minneapolis Public Schools. Children do not need to attend MPS to participate.

• Community sites include Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) parks, Hennepin County Libraries and other local community sites. 
• A list of sites is available on the MPS website.
• Contact the park or library directly for building hours, meal times and types (breakfast, snack, super power box, dinner). 
• The Free Meals for Kids app can also help determine hours and meal types.
• Visit the City of Minneapolis Food Resources webpage for additional information.

 

Groveland Food Shelf 

1900 NICOLLET AVE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55403

612-871-0277

info@grovelandfoodshelf.org

Hours: 

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tuesday & Thursday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

 

Harvest from the Heart - Food Distribution Center

3817 Pleasant Ave. S.

Minneapolis, MN 55409

PHONE: (612) 822-2101

EMAIL: help@harvestfromtheheart.org

Hours of Operation

Tuesday thru Friday: 11AM - 4PM

Saturday: 10AM - 1PM 

 

Joyce Uptown Food Shelf's

3041 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis 55408.

(612) 825-4431

info@joyceuptownfoodshelf.org 

Hours/Horas Monday/Lunes: 10:30AM – 5PM

Tuesday/Martes: 9:30AM – 5PM

Wednesday/Miercoles: Noon - 5pm

Thursday/Jueves: 11AM – 7PM

Friday: 9AM - 12PM

 

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Food Shelf

A primary resource for North Minneapolis families (2220 Plymouth Ave N, Food Shelf Entrance on 14th Ave N)

 

Second Harvest Heartland All Year Round

Families can call 866-844-3663 to find the nearest food shelf or pop-up distribution instantly.
 

Park Avenue Food Share

The third Friday of every month

FREE FOOD! All are welcome to pick up free groceries at our Food Distribution - OR come and help out!

Location: Park Ave Church parking lot (or the lower level Dining Room if weather is inclement)

Questions? Contact Chris: chrisbeegee@gmail.com

 

Stable Homes Stable Schools

 Some families may qualify for rent assistance. Contact ciara.graham@mpls.k12.mn.us to connect with the Site Based Lead who will guide you through the referral process.

 

Every Meal Weekend Food Program

 This program is already underway. Free four to five pound bags of nutritious non perishable food are sent home with students on Fridays.

 • Free for all families

• No qualifications required

• No personal information collected

• Families may join anytime

• Bag options include East African, Latino, Southeast Asian, Variety, or Ready to Eat

 To participate contact Family Liaison kyler.johnson@mpls.k12.mn.us 

IMPORTANT PICK UP AND DROP OFF REMINDERS

 

• Building Hours: 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM

• Drop Off: Door 6 on Sheridan, 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM

• Pick Up: Door 6 on Sheridan, 2:55 PM to 3:15 PM. For parent pick up at 2:55 enter on Sheridan and 45th for student safety.

• Early Pick Ups: Arrange before 2 PM

• End of Day Transportation Changes: Report to the office before 12:00 PM

• Entering the Building: Adults must have a prearranged meeting with staff. Students walk to class independently for safety and confidence.

Click the link below to read the Loring Elementary Family Handbook.

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13WJVC1MDfZN45HDaNCNLobFMErQxVFkKpUAP2fBqA_0/edit

VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT IN THE SCHOOLS!

Volunteer Applications

• English and Spanish online application

Volunteers can also complete a background check request form here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Minneapolis Public Schools remains committed to supporting every student and family in our community.

 Regarding immigration enforcement, all children have the right to a public education, and MPS does not collect or share information about immigration status. Student privacy is protected by law, and school staff follow clear procedures to keep students safe and supported. Families are encouraged to review available community resources and to make sure emergency contact information is up to date.

Learn more here: https://www.mpschools.org/families/supporting-mps-community

General Safety Reminders

• Our Emergency Management Safety Security (EMSS) team supports safety efforts across the district. Our normal safety protocols require exterior doors to remain closed and locked and all visitors are required to be vetted. 
• During this time of heightened safety precautions we ask that guests limit unplanned visits unless for a specific purpose. During pick up and drop off, please move as swiftly as possible. This helps to ensure the safety of our students and staff and reinforces our goal of securing MPS property from unknown visitors.
• We encourage students and families to use the HelpMe App and website to access resources and make reports. Reports can be shared anonymously. 

 Responding to Potential Immigration Enforcement Action

• MPS has a process in place to respond if immigration agents come to a school, including verification of identity and possession of a judicial warrant. 
• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent or a lawfully-issued subpoena or court order.
• MPS does not collect or maintain information about the immigration status of any student or their family members.
• MPS has a resource webpage with more details and information. 

 Traveling to and from school 

• If you have concerns about getting to and from school safely, you can contact the school to explore alternative transportation options.
• For students who use MPS transportation, our drivers are trained and in the event that they feel the drop-off location is unsafe for any reason, they will keep your student on the bus and we will contact you to make alternative arrangements.
• When possible, we encourage students to travel to and from school in groups, as well as to remain observant and aware.   

 Attendance

• As always, we support our families to make the best decisions for their students. Our hope is that students will always come to school, but in the event that students will not come to school, we ask that you follow our attendance procedures including notifying the school of any planned absence. 
• We have resources and support for students who are having challenges with attendance and we encourage you to contact your school if you’d like to learn what resources are available to you. 

​​​Dear Loring Families,

The budget for the 2026–27 school year was submitted on March 6. As part of our annual planning process, we have made several staffing adjustments for next year based on district funding levels and projected student enrollment. Below is a summary of those changes:

• Band reduced by 0.1 FTE due to lower district funding for band.

• Advanced Learner (AL) reduced by 0.2 FTE based on projections showing fewer students qualifying for the program next year.

• Interventionists reduced by 0.2 FTE due to reduced funding.

• Spanish reduced to 0.5 FTE; we will maintain this position to ensure we continue meeting our IB program requirements.

• 1.0 Admin TOSA position eliminated due to funding changes and updated funding guidelines.

• Family Liaison reduced by 3 hours per week.

• Art increased by 0.2 FTE to reach full-time status and support teacher prep times.

• Music increased by 0.1 FTE to reach full-time status and support teacher prep times.

While budget adjustments are never easy, we remain committed to supporting our students and staff and maintaining the strong programs that make Loring a special place to learn.

Environmental Health & Safety Notifications

Minneapolis Public Schools provides annual Environmental Health & Safety notifications for families and school employees. These materials include information about:

• Asbestos monitoring and management
• Lead-in-water testing
• Radiofrequency equipment
• Radon testing
• Minnesota’s Parent Right to Know requirements for pesticide and herbicide applications

Families can review the required notices and available translations on the MPS Environmental Health & Safety webpage

An estimated schedule of applications of pesticides is available for review or copying at the school office, and a parent or guardian may receive prior notice of each unscheduled application if specifically requested.