Thursday Folder
9/12/13

From the Desk of Mr. G

Bus Safety Reminders

The safety of our students is always our top priority from the time our students get on the bus in the morning until they arrive at home. The elementary principals and their staff are committed to ensuring student safety and they review protocol and procedures before school starts and throughout the year. While we all work hard to help students get on the right bus, mistakes can be made and having some additional safety measures in place with your child is important. Thank you for helping us keep students safe by sharing the following reminders with your student.

  • Remind your student of their bus route number(s). Remember that morning and afternoon route numbers may be different.
  • Make sure your child has their bus ID card attached to their backpack.
  • Particularly for younger children and especially early in the year, ensure they are aware of who will be at the bus stop to meet them at the end of the day and what to do if they don't see that person there.
  • Remind your student that it is important to ask their bus driver for help if they are confused or have any questions.

Map testing

Students in grades 2-5 will be taking the MAP test in the next few weeks.  MAP stands for Measure of Academic Progress.  The MAP is an adaptive, computer based assessment that helps educators measure student growth in reading and mathematics over the course of a school year. The data gleaned from this assessment can also help educators find the correct placement of students into smaller group settings so they are being instructed at their instructional level.  Our district will also use the MAP results as one piece of information for the district-wide Vision 21 identification process for 2nd grade students. Classroom teachers will be sharing specific testing dates with families.

 

To watch a video about what students will be doing please click here.

             

For more information on the MAP test you can click this link which takes you to the Wayzata Public Schools website.

 

Staffing Update:

We recently hired five class reduction para professionals to work directly with our 4th grade students and staff for two hours each day.    

  • Leah Sanderson-Starr will be with Ms. Warden's class.
  • Judy King will be with Mr. Vrudny's class.
  • Kristal Gruis will be with Mrs. Kirchner's class.
  • Joy Monro will be with Mrs. Scheurman's class.
  • Jeanette Sanders will be with Mr. Nguyen's class.

Kind regards,

 

Mr. Brad Gustafson, Principal  

Early Release Info.

A question came up at our recent 1st grade Curriculum Night, and we wanted to let everyone know what to expect in the event that the district determines that an early release is needed due to winter weather or other reasons.  (This is not something that happens often, but it's always good to have a plan in place.)

Parents can select how they are notified using the district's communication tools and parent portal.  For example, you could select to receive text messaging, e-mail phone calls, and also provide the numbers that should be contacted.  Directions for the early release will be included in the communication that the district provides.

Greenwood is a first tier school, and buses will be at our school in the first wave of dismissals.  Parents should notify the office if transportation plans vary on the day of an early release.  If busing is part of a family's normal routine, then students would board buses.

If you find yourself unable to pick up a child on an early release day please contact the school and transportation department immediately.
   

Innisbrook Fundraiser is underway!

Our fantastic fall fundraiser begins today! Innisbrook packets featuring gift wrap, chocolates and other gift items will be coming home with your child today, Thursday, September 12th. Easy ordering instructions are provided in each packet. One important note: please retain the envelope the packet comes in (for returning money to school) AND the order form (to help you remember who ordered what when products are delivered in November). Payments are due on Friday, September 27th.  

 

Please help support the Greenwood PTA as proceeds generated from this fundraiser will help to fund field trips, classroom supplies, Media Center materials and much, much more. The top seller in each grade will earn a bowling and lunch party with Mr. Gustafson. The top selling classroom will receive a Jimmy John's lunch party, compliments of Jimmy John's in Plymouth and the Albert Family. Our goal this year is $31,000 in sales. Together, we can Make More Happen this year at Greenwood!  For questions about the fundraiser, please contact Heather Felt at [email protected] or Greta Homme at [email protected]

Pastries with Parents is Sept. 24-26

It's time again for Greenwood's annual Pastries with Parents event!  For those new to Greenwood, Pastries with Parents is an opportunity for the kids to show off their school and have fun sharing a donut or muffin with us before the school day begins. Please refer to the following schedule.  Click here for the flyer.

  • Last names that begin with R-Z (Tuesday, September 24)
  • Last names that begin with I-P (Wednesday, September 25)
  • Last names that begin with A-H (Thursday, September 26)

Please go directly to the cafeteria with your child between 7:00-7:35 a.m. on your assigned day to enjoy a pastry together!  If you are not able to attend on your assigned day, please feel free to go on one of the other days.   

 

**Parents are welcome to walk their kids to class at 7:35 a.m. but we ask that all parents exit the building by 7:45 a.m..  Thank you!**

Greenwood School Directory

Make sure your family is included in the Greenwood student directory.  Find a link on the school website, under FOR PARENTS, then PTA.  Or click here.  If you are interested in advertising in the Directory, please contact Cindy Lorentz at [email protected] by Friday, September 20th. It is a great way to reach all the families and staff at Greenwood! Advertising rates are very reasonable.

Spiritwear 

There is still time to order your Spiritwear!!!  Open house was a big success...thanks for your support!  If you didn't get a chance to stop by....feel free to fill out the order form (click here to download) and send it (payment attached) with your child to school. To view the Spiritwear flyer, click here. Contact Becky Nuss with questions at [email protected].  

Cub Scout informational meeting 

Cub Scout Pack 538 will hold an informational meeting from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Monday, September 16th, at the Hamel Community Center, 3200 Mill Drive, Hamel.  Click here to learn more. 

What's Happening in Community Education

Destination Imagination is a world-wide creative problem solving competition for kids.  Using creativity and critical thinking skills, teams of 6 to 7 members work together for 12-16 weeks to find creative solutions to challenges.  Teams present their solutions at tournaments.  Join us for an Information Night for Parents on October 1 6:30-7:30 pm at Central Middle School.

Visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ces/destinationimagination
to learn more about Wayzata Destination Imagination t.
  • MacPhail Center for Music is offering cello and violin lessons to students in grades 2-5.  Weekly lessons are held after-school and evenings in our elementary schools.  Visit  www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ces/MacPhail  to learn more about this opportunity.  Join us on September 19th 6:30-7:30 pm at Central Middle School for an Information Night.  You can learn more about the program, meet the teachers and rent an instrument all in one evening! 
  • Fall WISHES Youth Enrichment catalogs are now available.  Visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ces/catalogs
Lunch Menu

To view September's lunch menu, click here.  

Events
September 12th, -- 5:00-6:00 pm, 2nd Grade Curriculum Night, 5:45-7:00 pm, Kindergarten Curriculum Night

September 12-27th, -- Innisbrook Fundraiser


September 16, -- 6:00-7:00 pm, 5th Grade Curriculum Night

September 17, -- 5:30 pm, 3rd Grade Curriculum Night

September 18, -- 4:30 pm, 4th Grade Curriculum Night

September 24th, -- Picture Day

September 24-26th, -- 7:00-7:00 a.m. -- Pastries for Parents 
Quick Links
Sincerely,
Greenwood Elementary



Greenwood Elementary
18005 Medina Road, Plymouth, MN 55446-2919
Phone: 763-745-5500 Fax: 763-745-5591  


Connect WITH THE US  Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter