Feb. 20, 2014 | Vol. 2, Issue 25

In this Issue:

newsEPS News

 

French-style Service Learning at Normandale fosters 

independent, dynamic schooling environment

Students exercise language, communication and math skills for an international cause 

"Cela co�te $2.50 (That costs $2.50)," says a 3rd grade Normandale student, standing behind a mock cash register. 

On the other side of the counter, the 1st-grade customer hands the cashier three dollar bills. The cashier stops to think, using the subtraction by addition skills his teacher taught him earlier that week to come up with the proper change. READ MORE
 
 
 
 

  

Highlands' "Theaters of Learning" provide 

dramatic twist on classroom lessons

Special class series connects students of all ages around shared interests through personalized learning activities  

Six years ago, Highlands Elementary Discovery teachers developed a three-week personalized learning experience for students called, "Theaters of Learning" (TOL). With a focus on creativity and collaboration, the annual classes 
give students a chance to explore an area of study that interests them. READ MORE
 
 

South View Middle School thinks spring with plans for courtyard garden

Service-learning project provides foundation for future produce garden

 

For South View Middle School (SVMS), a produce garden has the potential to impact nearly every aspect of the school's learning environment. Applicable across all disciplines, students can measure, observe, grow, build, experiment and see key concepts come to life. 

  

This potential inspired South View Media Specialist Cathy Heller to make the dream to create a produce garden in the currently underutilized SVMS courtyard space into a reality. By partnering with several community organizations and an 8th grade math class, SVMS was able to secure $2,000 from the Whole Foods Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant to start the project this spring. READ MORE

  

 

Edina Public Schools World Language Teachers agree, communication proficiency leads to positive outcomes  

  

As part of Discover World Languages month, four world language teachers share their passion and expertise on Spanish, German and Chinese. How does learning a world language benefit students? Teachers Chandra Erickson (Spanish), Dan Baron (German), Chloe Lu(Chinese) and Susan Engen (Spanish) weigh in:  

READ MORE

  
 
 
voiceStudent Voice

World Languages at Edina High School 

Photo credit: Bridgit Loeffelholz
 

Written by Hannah Sommerville, 

EHS Zephyrus
 

Edina High School offers seven different world language courses to students. Ranging from Chinese and Japanese to American Sign Language and Latin, there's no doubt that there is a good variety for students to choose from. While students are only required to take two years of a language at the high school level, many students stick the course and even go on to take the Advanced Placement tests their senior year.

 

Senior Megan Green, who has been taking Spanish since 3rd grade, explains that "Taking a language throughout high school basis for the language, even if you aren't fluent now. Also, in class you get to learn about different cultures in addition to learning the language, through movies or notes."helps prepare you for becoming fluent later-it provides a good

 

Green is currently considering minoring in Spanish in college and wants to use a potential study abroad time in college to live in a Spanish speaking country.

 

In addition to the benefits of taking a language at school, Green got the opportunity to travel to Spain last Spring Break through a trip that Spanish Teacher Alejandro Diaz-Andrade organizes. Although the trip is open to any students, Green explained that her Spanish background was a major influence in her deciding to go on the trip.

 

After being tutored in French as a child, now EHS junior Ally Nelson joined the French Immersion program in second grade. She hopes to use French in the future. "I want to study abroad at some point, travel a lot, and maybe teach French, or English in a French speaking country."

 

"My favorite part about taking French is that I'm now fluent in it, and have great opportunities to meet other people, and also I can have secret conversations with my friends and nobody else knows what we're saying!" Nelson says. Like Green, Nelson has also traveled abroad.

 

"I've been to France five times now, and two of those times I've gone with a school group and stayed with a French host family. Now I have really good friends that have shown me parts of French life you can't just learn about in a textbook."

 

Not all students continue on with their language into college, but a base language opens many doors of opportunities. Senior Andrew Brandt has been taking Latin since 6th grade. He is planning on using his Latin background to study Italian in college. Latin was beneficial to him when it came to the SATs because knowing how derivatives work was important. After studying Latin, he enjoys seeing English words and knowing their roots.

 

While taking a world language is hard work, it also comes with advantages. The Latin class sets aside a week for "Latin Week," which is a week of eating Roman food, challenging other classes to Roman games.

           

Nelson says that in the end, "I would encourage everybody to try another language, even if it's hard, because it really pays off!"

 

teachersNominations for "Teacher Tuesday"

 

New website feature created to showcase the diverse, 

innovative and inspiring educators of Edina Public Schools

 

Know a teacher or group of teachers who are deserving of recognition? Send your nominations to [email protected] to be considered for the weekly "Teacher Tuesday" spotlight, a new website section housed under the District News, Meet Our Teachers link.

 

Teacher Tuesdays will be featured on all district media outlets. Click here to learn about this week's honoree, 3rd grade Teacher Sophie Toner, whose dedication to service learning is impacting Normandale Elementary and Haitian students alike.

 

staffnewsNews for EPS Staff

 

Staff Milestones 

To submit an entry for Staff Milestones, please include staff name, job title/type, employment location and major life event/announcement information to [email protected]. 

 

Reminder to take advantage of TIES February Workshops

Click here to browse a list of available classes, then schedule and complete a registration form online. From learning how to use YouTube effectively in the classroom, to a class on flipped learning and personalized coaching, there is something for everyone. Classes are free for all Edina Public Schools employees.  

  

Register for Connecting With Kids Leadership Breakfast on Feb. 28

Connecting With Kids is a program of the Edina Community Foundation that supports the mission of connecting all children with the community resources they need to become responsible, healthy and caring adults. 

 

This year's Community Leadership Award recipients were chosen because of their direct and positive impact on Edina, specifically by fostering greater ties between youth and adults

while building developmental assets in children.

  • Dr. Beverly Claflin, Director of Music at Mount Olivet
  • Edina Fire Department
  • Nancy Schaber, Fairview Southdale Volunteer Specialist
  • John Flynn, Camp Enterprise Leader
  • Kathleen Foye MacLennan, STRIVE volunteer & ACCESS founder
  • Creek Valley PTA Wellness Team
Register online to attend the leadership breakfast on Feb. 28 at Braemar Clubhouse from 7:30-9 a.m. The event keynote speaker will be KFAN radio personality, Ben Leber.



snapshotClassroom Snapshot of the Week

 

Edina Family Center students earn Olympic medals in mock games
 
This week, Edina Family Center students transformed the Edina Community Center hallway into a hockey arena for a mock rendition of the compelling U.S. vs. Russia hockey game, practicing key motor skills for early development. Students also received special "Ochie Sochi" medals which they created themselves with gold paper and marker. Click here to learn more about Olympic-themed activities in Edina Public Schools. 

 

boardSchool Board News
 
Feb. 24 School Board Meeting Preview
Following a work session at 5 p.m., the School Board will have a regular meeting at 7 p.m. In addition to recognizing three staff members for their excellent achievements, the Board will receive a report on budget plans and a leadership update for 2014-15. Also on the agenda: 
  • Capital Projects Budget for 2014-15
  • Creek Valley Mechanical Improvements
  • Highlands Mechanical Improvements
  • Purchase of Data and Internet Lines and Service
  • Review of Student Policy 502 and Review of Student Policy 533. 
Previous School Board Meetings

eventsUpcoming Events

Detailed calendars of events for each school can be found online. Important upcoming dates include:  

sleepy

Edina Concert Band's OlymPOPS Concert

Feb. 21-22, Feb. Feb. 27-28 and March 1 

in Fick Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The Edina Concert Band will play their instruments with a salute to the Olympics, celebrating the spirit, work ethic and jubilee that characterize the historic event. Titled OlymPOPSthe show will feature an opening ceremony parade of instruments by section, videos of band members undertaking Olympic endeavors, skits and a variety of Olympic-themed musical arrangements. An abbreviated, MiniPOPS,version of the play will be on March 1 at 1 p.m. in Fick Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the door.

 

 

islamWomen and Islam

Thursday, March 6 in Edina Community Center Room 165 from 7-9:00 p.m.

This community education class gives an overview of the role of women in society according to Islamic teachings. Islamic Resource Group will talk about common misconceptions regarding Muslim women, and explain gender equity in the spiritual, social, and economic aspect of life. Muslim women and culture/diversity will also be discussed. The presentation concludes with examples of Muslim women and their role in history and today.The cost to attend is $10. Click here to register online.  

  

Edina Public Schools staff receive 20% off all Edina Community Education classes. Please call 952-848-3952 to register. 

 

parenting

PCN LogoPCN presents "Learning From Mistakes: 

Moving Outside Your Comfort Zone"

March 10 at Creek Valley Gymnasium from 7-9 p.m.

This free forum will prove engaging for parents, grandparents, teachers and children ages 9 and older accompanied by an adult. Paul Bernabei, Director of Top 20 Training, will provide training seminars and materials to empower youth and adults to develop their potential and the potential of others.

  

  

  

russiaRussian Dinner Party Favorites

Tuesday, March 11 in Edina Community Center, Room 165 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

In Lesson 3 of Blini, Borscht, and Beyond: A Series on Russian Cuisine, learn to make exquisite versions of Russia's most beloved entrees and small bites. Prepare satisfying Cabbage Rolls, rich and luscious Beef Stroganoff, and fluffy Russian blini topped with classic garnishes. Master these and other recipes to wow your guests - don't be surprised if questions about your Russian heritage arise around the dinner table! The cost to attend is $59. Click here to register online. Instructor Gary Krasner has held the Executive Chef position for the past fourteen years at Moscow on the Hill.

 

Edina Public Schools staff receive 20% off all Edina Community Education classes. Please call 952-848-3952 to register.   

 

 

pcnPCN Annual Open House

March 12 in the Edina Community Center, Room 351 at noon

Learn what the Edina Parent Communication Network (PCN) is all about. This is your chance to connect with other dynamic members and leaders of our community. A complimentary, light lunch will be served for all attendees, so come hungry and ready for some engaging conversation. 

  


  

comm youthCommunity Opportunities for Youth

Looking for additional youth/family events and activities happening in and around Edina? Want to advertise your group's activities? Then check out the Community Opportunities for Youth Facebook page.

  

  

  

didyouknowDid You Know?

Edina Public Schools offers many language resources
Fun fact: Our families speak 44 languages at home!

What we offer:
  • Translations are available on our website in the header, next to the search bar. 
  • Spanish, Latin, Chinese and French classes are available to all middle school students.
  • Spanish, German, French, Latin, Chinese, Japanese and American Sign Language classes are available to all high school students.
  • Edina Community Education offers Spanish classes for elementary students.
  • Our English Learning (EL) program serves nearly 300 EPS students. EL meets the needs of students who are English Language Learners in grades K-12. This program addresses two areas: language acquisition and cultural adjustment.

Be(e) a part of the Buzz

 
Help us make the Weekly Buzz REMARKABLE. Contact the communications team at        952.848.3919 or email us at  [email protected] with news, story ideas or photos!

Missed a past issue of the Weekly Buzz? Check out archived issues online in the Staff Resources section of the district website. 



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