ANNOUNCEMENTS
News & Information for Greenwood Elementary


1/16/14
From the Desk of Mr. G
Sad News
Many of you are aware of the fact that one of our kindergarten staff members, Mrs. Lisa Damask, recently lost her newborn baby boy.  I've been approached by several parents wanting to help support Lisa and her family.  The school will be extending an optional opportunity to parents to donate between $1 - $5 dollars for a special memorial for Lisa's son.  The plan will be to buy an international star from the star registry and name that star after her son.  We feel this will be a special reminder of the light he brought to their lives for the short time he was with us, and Lisa and her husband can be reminded that his gentle light will shine on wherever they may go.  The money collected (above and beyond the $110 cost to name a star) would be used to buy a nice frame for the star registry certificate and special memento with the coordinates of her son's star.  Anything donated above and beyond that would go to Lisa's family.  Money can be turned into the main office by January 23rd and placed where PTA Twins Ticket money always goes.  Please direct anyone with questions to me...I'm happy to help.  For more information on the international star registry you can go to http://www.starregistry.com.au/index.html.
 
Around the Horn
This week's student podcasters bring a great blend of humor and professional reporting "awesomeness!" Check out our talented 4th graders as they take you "Around the Horn" in grades K-5.  Click the picture to access the video.



More Students, More Needs
The school has an important responsibility to inform and communicate with our families.  Please do not hesitate to contact me or review additional information on the district's website here.
  • Referendum FAQ #6: How will you support freshmen in their transition from middle school into a 3,900-student high school?  
  • Successfully transitioning middle school students into the high school has always been an important priority. Many initiatives are in in place to make sure students and families feel welcome and supported. For example, the Link Program consists of junior and senior students who lead orientation activities and personally connect with every incoming 9th grader. Counselors also visit 8th grade students and parents at the middle schools in February to talk about registration and each middle school is invited to spend a special day at WHS in the spring. There is also a "Demystifying the High School" event held in January to answer parents' questions and help alleviate concerns about the transition. In addition, more counselors and advisors will be added as the student population grows to meet the needs of each and every student. - See more at: http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/Page/16294#6.
To view videos from high school students reflecting on their experiences, including the transition to the high school, please click here.

We also have a DVD available for check-out to parents of current 5th graders.  The DVD is a recording of the PTA presentation (Q & A) on students' transitions to the middle schools.  Please stop by the office to check-out the DVD. 

Wayzata Public Schools to host Community Referendum Meeting
Residents living in the Wayzata Public School district are invited to attend a referendum information meeting on January 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Wayzata High School Auditorium. Representatives from the district will be on hand to answer questions about residential tax impact and provide information on why there is a need for expansion due to residential growth in the district.

The meeting will provide information about the two questions on the February 25, 2014 election. The questions on the ballot are as follows:
  • Question 1: Request to approve $109.645 million in bond funding to expand Wayzata High School, build a new eighth elementary school and upgrade safety, security and technology infrastructure districtwide.
     
  • Question 2: Request to renew the existing technology levy, which funds technology equipment and support districtwide with approximately $2.7 million annually.
For more information about the referendum, visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/referendum, email [email protected] or leave a message on the referendum hotline at 763-745-5050.  For information on where to vote, visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us for your specific polling location.
Kindergarten Open House is January 30th
Greenwood Elementary will host a 2014 Kindergarten Open House from 6:00 to 7:15 pm on January 30.  Families should be prepared to attend with forms and required information in order to complete their enrollment.   For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.  For additional information and to print the 2013/14 Kindergarten registration packet, click here.
Volunteers needed for Grant Committee
The PTA is looking for four parents and three Greenwood staff members for their Grant Committee.  Members must attend two meetings to review and vote on all grant requests.  If interested, please contact Jennifer Vivanco at [email protected].
Fifth Grade Choir to Present Annie
Greenwood's 5th grade concert performance of Annie is only two weeks away.  All parts are picked and our singers are very excited!   Practices are being held after school and students will need to arrange a ride home.  Please pick up your child at the Home Base door, Door 6.  To print the choir practice and performance schedule for the next two weeks, click here.   Questions?   Contact Ginny Gardner at [email protected].
News from KICKS
The 5th grade KICKS (Kids in Community Kare and Service) students are gearing up for a Pennies for Patients drive that will run January 27-31st. Look for more information coming home soon and in next week's e-News!
Proud to be part of
Excellence. For each and every student.
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 20th - No School, Martin Luther King Day

Tuesday, January 28th, 1:00 pm - student performance; 6:30 pm, parents, relatives and friends - Fifth Grade Choir will present the musical Annie.

Friday, January 24th - No School

Thursday, January 30th, 6:00-7:15 pm - Kindergarten Registration Fall 2014

Quick Links
Sincerely,
Greenwood Elementary

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


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