La Liaison

A Publication of the Normandale PTO 

Update on Todd Chowan

We all know Todd Chowan as a gifted musician and a dedicated teacher who taught at Normandale for 16 years in grades 1, 2 and 5 before moving to the high school a couple of years ago. As many of you know, Todd has been battling cancer for a few months. His health has recently taken a serious downturn. Todd is now at home, receiving hospice care to manage the pain and help him feel comfortable.  Todd is doing relatively well: he feels no pain and is at peace. As is evident by the messages on his Caring Bridge site, many of us want to tell him how much we love and appreciate him.  We encourage you to leave a message on Todd's Caring Bridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddchowan.  He will be pleased to see the outpouring of support from the Normandale community.

Help the Interns with Rides

It's getting cold outside and thus harder for the interns to get around town by foot and bike. The Neighborhood Network (NN) is a great way to help our interns get out and about!  The NN is comprised of parents willing to provide rides for the interns so they can go and explore the Twin Cities, socialize with other interns and do fun things.  At this time of year, there is a particular need for rides to the airport as many interns travel during the winter break.

The NN also supports Host Families by helping with driving.  It is also another way to get to know our wonderful interns working with our children!  We especially need help in the 55439 zipcode.

Please click here to learn more.  Questions? Contact Alex Christianson or Christine Columbus.

Ice Skating with the Interns!

Skating with the interns this Sunday, December 11th at Braemar Ice Rink 2:00pm to 3:30pm.  

Sibling Kindergarten Choice Program Preference Forms

Sibling Kindergarten Choice Program Preference Form

Due by 4:00 P.M. on January 9, 2012

Please remember that current Normandale families who have sons or daughters who will be kindergarten age by September 2012 must turn in their Kindergarten Choice Program Preference Form by 4 p.m. on January 11 to the District Office to receive sibling enrollment preference at Normandale. Late forms do not guarantee placement and will be numbered in the order they are received and placed at the end of the waitlist if a lottery is necessary. Preference forms were sent in the kindergarten mailing to parents in early November and can be turned in as soon as you have made your decision.

We certainly encourage you to make your decision early and get your forms in ASAP to be certain you don't miss the deadline.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Isabelle Punchard at 952-848-4199. 

Thank You for a Great Turnout at Barnes & Noble!

Thank you to all who stopped by Barnes & Noble on Friday to support Normandale Elementary and to those who ordered online! The stacks of books and games so generously donated to the classrooms and media center will be delivered this week.

A special thank you to Bonnie Leroy for coordinating the event, to James Hawthorne and the Normandale Chorale who put on a truly "gleeful" performance, and to our Interns who entertained everyone with their fabulous renditions of French stories.

All of your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Stack Up Against Hunger Appears in Edina Sun!

Normandale's participation in Stack Up Against Hunger appeared in the Edina Sun!  Click here to read the article. 

In addition to the generous donations listed in the article, we also helped attain a new Guinness Record - 412,259 stackers completed 30 minutes of stacking on one day.

Thank you for Stacking Up!

Happening in the Community