WESTONKA News ~ April 15, 2016  

The Westonka Edge: Small school advantages, big school opportunities, real-life success stories!™
This Week's News
Borg Report
FPS State
DI State
Girls Design the World Exhibition
Solo-Ensemble Contest
Band Leadership Workshop
Westonka in the News
Sports Highlights
Community Ed. Classes
Upcoming Events
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School Board Approves Budget Adjustments--
For 2016-2017 School Year
The Westonka School District has proven fiscal responsibility by receiving the MDE School Finance Award year after year, by building and maintaining an unassigned fund balance and by earning a strong Aa2 credit rating--all while having the lowest total school property taxes in Hennepin County. 

On Monday, April 11, the school board approved an expenditure reduction/increased revenue plan for the 2016-2017 school year. Please read the Borg Report for more information about our budget planning for next year.
 
Future Problem Solvers Advance to Internationals--
Advisor Julie Taintor Receives Special Award
Seventh-graders Michael Kurtz and Carson Meritt placed first for their project on teen homelessness
It was a night of celebration for the Westonka Future Problem Solving (FPS) program April 9, as students from Grandview Middle School and Mound Westonka High School gathered at Centennial Middle School in Lino Lakes for the state competition. A total of 15 Westonka students will advance to 2016 FPS Internationals June 1-5.

In what she called the highlight of her "entire teaching career," advisor Julie Taintor received the Honorary Adult Future Problem Solvers Award at state. 

Pair of DI Teams Advance--
To Global Finals

Six Westonka Destination Imagination teams competed in the state competition in Champlin, Minnesota on April 9. Two of those teams finished second in state in the Structural Challenge and will advance to the Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee, in May.

Girls Design the World Exhibition Opens--
At Minneapolis Institute of Art
Last fall, three Mound Westonka High School students--sophomores Joelle Hoernemann and Amy Howarth and junior Breanna Hrkal--were were among 20 Minnesota high school students selected to participate in a cross-cultural exchange program called Girls Design the World: Supporting Green Communities with STEAM. 

After months of brainstorming, collaboration and prototyping, the young women will share their work with the public at a special exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), which opens this Saturday, April 16.

MWHS Musicians Shine--
At Solo/Ensemble Contest
Mound Westonka High School musicians had a great showing at the Region 2AA Solo/Ensemble Contest at Buffalo High School on April 7. 

A total of 37 band students in grades 9-12 participated in 21 events that included solos, duets, trios, quartets and quintets. Another 30 choir students participated in 24 different vocal events.

MWHS Band Students Challenged to 'Go All In'--
At Leadership Workshop
Mound Westonka High School band leaders were inspired to be "better musicians, better students and better leaders" in their music program at a band leadership workshop on April 4. 

Westonka in the News
Region: Girls softball
Sarah Peka struck out five batters, leading Minnetonka to a season-opening 5-2 win over Mound Westonka Tuesday at Legacy Field. 
Hilltop Primary students jump rope to support the American Heart Association
Hilltop Primary School students, led by the Hilltop Student Council, participated in the American Heart Association (AHA) Jump Rope for Heart campaign in March. 
Sports Highlights
White Hawks Improve to 2-0
The Mound Westonka High School baseball team defeated Southwest Christian Academy 8-5 in an away game April 9. Senior pitcher Colton Odash earned the win, improving the White Hawks' record to 2-0. Click the link below to view photos from the game.
 
Upcoming Community Ed. Classes
Check out the Westonka Community Education classes starting next week!

For more information, visit westonka.ce.feepay.com or call 
(952) 491-8040.

4/19
Chef's Academy: Chocolate Lovers - Shirley Hills (grades 1-4)
4/20
Chef's Academy: Chocolate Lovers - Hilltop (grades 1-4)
4/22 
Water Safety Instructor Blended Learning
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 15
GMS Spring Musical, 7:00

Saturday, April 16
MWHS Jazz Band/Wind Ensemble Recording Session, 8:00
Boys Tennis Invitational at Pine City, 9:00
Baseball Varsity Jamboree at Fridley, 2:00
GMS Spring Musical, 2:00

Sunday, April 17
GMS Spring Musical, 2:00

Monday, April 18
Grandview Book Fair Begins
Boys Tennis vs. New Prague, MWHS, 4:15
Girls Softball at Lester Prairie, 5:00
Girls Lacrosse at Holy Family, 6:00

Tuesday, April 19
ACT Test, MWHS
Girls Golf at Dassel-Cokato, 4:00
Boys Tennis at Orono, 4:15
Track & Field at Watertown, 4:15
Baseball vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake, MWHS, 4:30
Girls Softball at Glencoe-Silver Lake, 4:30

Wednesday, April 20
Boys Tennis at Chanhassen, 4:00

Thursday, April 21
Girls Golf at Litchfield, 4:00
Boys Golf at Rockford, 4:00
Baseball at Rockford, 4:30
Tennis vs. Rockford, MWHS, 4:30

Friday, April 22
Girls Golf at Waconia, 4:00
Boys Golf at Waconia, 4:00
Boys Tennis at St. Peter, 4:00
Girls Softball at Watertown, 4:30
Grandview Spring Fling

Saturday, April 23
DECA International Competition, Nashville, TN
Girls Softball Tourney at Maranatha Christian Academy, 9:00
Boys Tennis at St. James, 9:00
Baseball at Annandale, 3:00

Sunday, April 24
DECA International Competition, Nashville, TN
 
Looking Ahead

April 25
Shirley Hills Culver's Night
 
April 26
Shirley Hills PTA Meeting
Hilltop Grade 2 and 4 Concerts

April 28
8th and 9th Distinguished Student Breakfast

April 29
10th - 12th Distinguished Student Breakfast

May 6
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Day

May 7
MWHS Prom

May 9
Shirley Hills Fourth-Graders to Wolf Ridge

May 10
Special Election Day

May 16
Hilltop Fourth-Graders to Wolf Ridge

May 21
Westonka 2016 Color Run
 
Click here for the full 2015-2016 Westonka School District Calendar 
 
Westonka News Contact

Feel free to contact me with suggestions or questions neugerb@westonka.k12.mn.us.

Becca Neuger
Communications Coordinator 
Westonka Public Schools

5901 Sunnyfield Rd E   

Minnetrista MN 55364

952.491.8003 | www.westonka.k12.mn.us 
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