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Feb. 20, 2014 | Vol. 2, Issue 25
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| In this Issue: | |
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| EPS 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 1 st-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
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| Student 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!"
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| Nominations 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.
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| News 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.
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| Classroom Snapshot of the Week
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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.
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| School 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
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| Upcoming Events |
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Detailed calendars of events for each school can be found online. Important upcoming dates include:
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 OlymPOPS, the 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.
Women 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.
PCN 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. Russian 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. PCN 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.
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| Did 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.
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Be(e) a part of the Buzz
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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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