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La Liaison
A Publication of the Normandale PTO
September 14, 2011
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The Important Dates | |
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September
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15 |
School Picture Day | |
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Gift Wrap Fundraiser begins | |
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October
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4 |
Gift Wrap Fundraiser ends | |
11 |
Parent General Membership Mtg., 7:00 p.m., Auditorium |

The 2011-2012 Interns |
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Picture Day is TOMORROW | |

Picture Day - Thursday, September 15
Re-Take Day - Wednesday, October 26 |
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Ready Set Sell! | |
Our first fundraiser of the year starts this THURSDAY! You will receive materials in your student's backpack this week for our annual Innisbrook sale. This is our second-largest fundraiser of the year and, among other things, helps us have our amazing French Interns here at Normandale. Innisbrook is featuring some great new items and well-known brands, so even if you're gift-wrapped out, you might find wonderful hostess gifts, holiday gifts, or even a little something for yourself. And, new parents, Innisbrook gift wrap is some of the finest-quality wrap available. It's heavy-duty, beautiful, and - even better - the majority of it is American-made and printed on recycled paper.
Your student will have from Thursday, September 15 until Tuesday, October 4 to sell items. And every child who participates receives a prize.
All of the orders for this fundraiser will be placed online. Here's how:
- Go to the .
- Click on the Parents EZ link and enter our school number, 101102.
- Create your student's account (or multiple accounts for multiple kids in your household).
- Start entering the items sold. You can enter as you go, or you can enter them all at once when your child has finished selling items.
- Submit your order voucher and a check(s) (NO CASH) in the provided envelope back to your child's classroom by October 4.
- Items ordered this way will be delivered to the school around mid-November, just in time for holiday gift-wrapping and giving.
It's that simple! And, if you have long-distance friends and family, they can also participate easily. When you create your child's account, Innisbrook can provide you a customized link allowing them to shop on-line, credit the items to your child's prize tracker, and have the order shipped directly to them.
QUESTIONS? Contact Susan DeSimone at 952-922-4077.
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Panoramic Photo Pick-Up | |
If you ordered an All-School Panoramic Photo last spring, but were unable to pick it up at Open House, the following other pick-up times will be available:
Friday, Sept 16 from 2:30-3:00pm at Normandale's front office
Tuesday, Sept 20, 2:30-3:00pm at Normandale's front office
You can also pick up your photo at the PTO general meeting on Tuesday, Oct 11 at 7pm.
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Wanted: Media Center Volunteers | |
Did you know that our children check out, read, and then return over 1,800 books each week from the Media Center? Tracy Pearson, our school's Media Specialist, and Ann Myre, Media Assistant, would love some extra hands to help with book checkout, reshelving, and other projects that need to be done each day. This is a fun, flexible (you choose your time) way to get involved at Normandale. Sound interesting? For more information, please contact Kris Mollison, Media Center Volunteer Coordinator at 952.922.5794, or Tracy Pearson, Media Specialist, at trapearson@edina.k12.mn.us at 952.848.4121.
A short training session/meeting for all volunteers will be held this Friday, September 16, at 2:00 in the Media Center.
We would love to have you join our team!
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Normandale Spirit Wear Available | |
Show your school pride with some new Normandale apparel. Check out the great T-shirts, sweatshirts and flannel pants available!
Click here for an Order Form.
Order forms are due back to the office by Friday, September 23. Please email Shanna Hawkinson if you have any questions.
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Social Work News | |
I am excited to begin my fifth year at Normandale. As in the past, I am available to work with students and consult with parents on a wide variety of topics such as social and friendship skills, emotional regulation, impulse control, work habits, and developing responsibility.
I also go into the classrooms and do presentations that will help support the growth and enhancement of the whole child and work to help build the foundation of a positive social climate within the school setting. This year there will be a particular emphasis on both bullying prevention and recognition and celebration of diversity. It is our goal at Normandale to continue to create a place where all students feel welcome and safe, both physically and emotionally. We want each student to feel like he/she is a worthy person who is appreciated for his/her unique talents as a student and as a person. We will encourage students to act respectfully and friendly towards each other and if there are reports that any student is feeling this is not happening; we will take each matter seriously to work towards resolution in a way that feels positive for all involved. It is recommended that parents be familiar with the Edina Handbook of rights and responsibilities, which is found under parent resources on the Edina District Website for guidelines in respect to these topics. I will begin the classroom presentations this week. Please look for any worksheets that your child will be bringing home so that you can have a discussion with him/her that helps to reinforce the idea of acting in an accepting and respectful manner towards others. If you have questions or concerns in regards to these matters, or anything else I welcome calls or visit.
My schedule this year is:
Monday and Wednesday afternoons
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday mornings.
My phone number is 952 848-4108 or you can email me.
I look forward to teaming with teachers and parents to help support our children's development as competent, caring, and responsible persons.
Sandi Stein
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Tutoring Policies | |
The Intern Committee would like to remind you that using the French Interns as tutors is prohibited by their J-1 Visas, it can jeopardize their individual visa and the intern program altogether.
There is also a list of qualified tutors approved by the district available from Verleen Howell at the district office. Her contact information 952-848-3902 or email.
There will also be enrichment classes again this year at Normandale, more information will be sent out soon, and there is the homework lab available at Valley View for the middle school students. Thank you the Intern Committee |
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Normandale Names a New Principal | |
Gerry Lee Lukaska has been named principal of Normandale Elementary French Immersion School effective Jan. 30, 2012. In the meantime, Isabelle Punchard, named director of Immersion Programs, will serve as the interim leader of the school. Click here for more detailed information on our new principal's experience and background.
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New PTO Website | |

The PTO is proud to announce the launch of its new website. Please visit the new site and tell them what you think by using the new online suggestion box, research volunteer opportunities, and find out what the PTO is all about.
A huge MERCI to Kim Whalen for the countless hours she has volunteered to create the website.
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Reduced PTO Fees | |
As a result of successful fundraising events over the past few years, the Normandale PTO was able to reduce the French Intern Donation portion of PTO Fees for the first time. Last year the donation per child was $155 for those not participating in fundraisers. This year we have dropped the higher payment option and are now asking for only an $85 donation per student . This is a savings of $70 per student for many Normandale families. Thanks to the whole Normandale Community for your enthusiastic support of our French Intern Program.
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Playground Improvements | |

Thanks to a joint effort between the Edina School District, Normandale Capital Improvement Fund, and the Normandale PTO, our playground has had a makeover! The "ramps to nowhere" have been removed freeing up additional space for a new calm zone and "Eiffel Tower" climbing structure. Make sure to check it out!
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Party at Pinstripes | |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR--this year's adults-only fundraiser for our wonderful immersion program will be Saturday night, November 5, at Pinstripes on France Ave. Plan to join us at 7:00 p.m. as the entire community comes together for music, dancing, delicious food and drink, a massive wine wall, an auction with "must-have" items for your kids, and the chance to sign-up for wonderful community connections. More information and directions for purchasing tickets coming soon!
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Girl Scout Troops Forming | |

Do you have a daughter K-5 interested in Girl Scouts?
Registration for 2011-2012 is open until September 17 so sign up today! Troops will be formed for groups with 2 adult volunteers New leader training is September 24 from 9:00-11:00am.
Questions about becoming a leader? Contact your school representative.
If you know of any more girls who would like to join, please direct them to our website to fill out the interest form.
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Free Admittance to Edina High School Soccer Games | |

Edina Varsity Soccer and the Edina Soccer Association Host
Youth Soccer Jersey Night
September 20, 2011
The Edina High School varsity soccer teams and the Edina Soccer Association are hosting Jersey Night at their double-header vs. Lake Conference rival, Minnetonka at Kuhlman Stadium on Tuesday, September 20. Any youth soccer player wearing an Edina Soccer Association jersey will be admitted to the games free of charge.
Experience the excitement as the girls, currently ranked 3rd in the state coaches' poll, start things off at 5p.m. The boys, who currently hold the #2 ranking, follow at 7p.m. Join in on the fun, meet the players after the games, and celebrate soccer in Edina!
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Barnyard Boogie | |
Sponsored by Edina Park and Recreation, the Barnyard Boogie event is for ages 7 and under. Enjoy a full size petting zoo, crafts, popcorn, animal crackers, lemonade and kid friendly D.J. music. Register online or pay at the event. Questions: Call 952-826-0367.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
10:00-11:30AM
ROSLAND PARK, EDINA
$4 / PERSON
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La Liaison is published every Wednesday. Submit articles to LaLiaison_MN@hotmail.com by noon Monday prior to your desired publication date. Unless designated otherwise, articles will be published in La Liaison for two issues and then removed.
Editors: Deb Gardner and Angie Porter . |
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