Host Family Newsletter - St. Paul Preparatory School

Host Family Newsletter
October 2015 Issue #1
Host Family of the Month
We have so many incredible host families who deserve to be recognized and
appreciated for all the things they do—big and small. Each month we will
do a prize drawing and feature one of our outstanding host families in the
Host Family Newsletter.
Families will be entered for the drawings when they are nominated by staff,
students, coordinators or other families. Nominations should be sent to the
Host Family Department by the 25th of each month.
Let’s get nominating!
Insurance and Medical Visits
THANK YOU!! We’ve been getting a great response already from host parents when
they have needed to take their students to the doctor. We have appreciated the
phone calls or emails to inform and report to us that you have brought your student
in to see a provider and the reason why. Before you leave the clinic, please request
a discharge summary. These can then be scanned and emailed to us at
[email protected], faxed to us at 651-686-9601, or your student can
deliver them directly to the Nacel office upstairs on the 2nd floor. Having these
narratives from your students’ visit have proved to be extremely helpful ,
informative AND have aided in more efficient claims processing.
IF you didn’t receive your student’s blue insurance packet, please contact your
coordinator to request one. The blue packets are specific for each student and
contain the medical release forms you will need to present to the medical facility
when you bring your student in. New insurance cards with accurate dates and
policy numbers will be going out to all the families for every student by the end of
next week. Should your student move from your home to another family, the blue
packet and insurance card should move with them. Please feel free to contact us if
you have any questions.
Culture Corner
Brazil
Current SPP Students: 4
Official Language(s): Portuguese
In a few words: Sim (Yes) Não (No) Obrigado/a (Thank you)
Por favor (Please) Olá/Oi (Hello/Hi) Adeus/Tchau/Até logo (Goodbye/See you later)
Student voices—My favorite thing about Brazil is…:
“...the food (brigadeiro, guaranà) and GIRLS (so cuuute).”
“...we are very friendly.”
“...the receptive people that live there and the amazing food.”
Norway
Current SPP Students: 2
Official Language(s): Norwegian and Sami
In a few words: Ja (Yes) Nei (No) Takk (Thank you) Vær så snill (Please)
Hallo (Hello) Ha det (Goodbye)
Student voices—My favorite thing about Norway is…:
“...the Healthcare System.”
“...the really good chocolate.”
Spain
Current SPP Students: 6
Official Language(s): Spanish
In a few words: Si (yes) No (no) Gracias (Thank you) Por favor (Please)
Hola (Hello) Adios (Goodbye)
Student voices—My favorite thing about Spain is…:
“...the tropical weather, the caring people and the spectacular views.”
“...Catalunya.”
“...the funny, happy mood of the people and the weather.”
“...the food!”
Germany
Current SPP Students: 4
Official Language(s): German
In a few words: Ja (Yes) Nein (No) Danke (Thank you) Bitte (Please)
Hallo (Hello) Auf Wiefersehen (Goodbye)
Student voices—My favorite thing about Germany is…:
“...it is very historical and have beautiful cities.”
“...schnitzel and girls.”
Quick Fix Meals on a Budget
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat
4 cups broth (or water and bouillon cubes)
4 (15oz) cans chili beans
1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes
Chili seasoning to taste
1 cup elbow macaroni (dry)
1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Brown meat in a large pot. Add all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Bring to a boil then
reduce the heat to a simmer. Add pasta and simmer for 13-15 minutes. Once pasta is tender
remove from the heat. Top with cheddar cheese and cover. Let sit for cheese to melt and chili
to thicken. Enjoy!
30 Minute Taco Rice Skillet
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat or 2 (15oz) cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup salsa
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup white rice (dry)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Sour cream
Crushed tortilla chips
Directions:
In a large sauce pan brown ground meat and drain (if substituting beans, add 1/2 tbsp to pan).
Add water, salsa and seasonings, bring to a boil. Add rice and stir. Turn heat down to low and
cover for 15 minutes. When water is absorbed and rice is tender, stir in cheddar cheese. Serve
hot and top with salsa, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips.
Twin Cities Happenings
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

Visit the Bell Museum of Natural History for FREE every Sunday (www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/)

Explore the Three Rivers Park District with FREE family fun days at Richardson Nature Center
in Bloomington (www.threeriversparks.org/events/Groups/family-fundays.aspx)

Learn about Minnesota’s rich history for FREE every Tuesday at the History Center in St. Paul
(www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/ )

Get up close and personal with the historic collection of Military Aircraft for FREE at the
Commemorative Airforce Hangar and Museum in South St. Paul
(www.cafmn.org/index.php/museum/visit-our-hangar-museum)

Enjoy the many colors of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for FREE every third Thursday
(April-October) and EVERY Thursday (November-March). (www.arboretum.umn.edu)

Take in some art at the Walker Art Museum in Minneapolis. Admission is FREE between 5-9pm
every Thursday and all day on the FIRST SATURDAY of the month. (www.walkerart.org/targetfree-thursday-nights)

Art is always FREE for your viewing pleasure at MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Arts) located off
of Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. (http://new.artsmia.org/visit)

Bring the family to the Mall of America for a FREE movie on Saturday mornings at 10am.
(http://theatresmoa.com/event/family)
MEA WEEKEND

What is MEA and what can you do for those days off? Check out this article for more information
on why we have MEA days and find some suggestions for fun activities for the long weekend:
http://minneapolis.about.com/od/ThingstodowithChildren/a/Things-To-Do-On-Mea-Weekend-NoSchool-Days-At-The-End-Of-October.htm
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES

Trail of Terror: The Trail of Terror is big; in fact, it claims to be the largest Halloween event in
the Midwest! - The Trail of Terror runs Friday through Sunday, October 9th through 31st. General
Admission tickets are $19.95 or $16.95 if purchased in advance. - See more at:
www.trailofterrormn.com

Zoo Boo at Como Zoo: ZooBoo is a non-scary Halloween fundraising festival for families and
young children. For this unique fall fundraiser, the grounds of Como Zoo transform into a world of
fairytales and fun! Over 200 live costumed characters interact and entertain children. This magical
event offers families a safe trick-or-treating alternative plus many Halloween surprises. Visit
Como Zoo between 4:30-7:30pm October 17, 18, 24 and 25.
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/events/special-events/

Fright Lights Halloween Spectacular at Nickelodeon Universe: Halloween-themed light and
music shows take place Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm,
8:30pm, 9:30pm and Sundays at 7:30pm from October 1st—31st.
www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/1282
October’s Monthly Check In Questions (MCR)

How does your student get to school and how long is the commute?

Do you know the difference between an unexcused and excused absence?

Have you received any feedback directly from the school regarding grades or attendance?

Do you know how log in to PowerSchool to view your students grades and attendance? (If
they don’t’ know login info, contact [email protected] and that they are expected
to check PowerSchool regularly.)

How many times a week do you have dinner with your student?



Does the student eat what you prepare? If not, what does your student eat?
Who is the main companion of your student?
Describe a typical weekend with your student.

How many hours a day does your student use his/her computer?

Does your student have any friends that don't speak their language? Do they socialize with
them outside of school?

Do you have any plans with your student for Halloween?