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June 12, 2014 | Vol. 2, Issue 40
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| In this Issue: |  |
 Summer Publications Schedule The Weekly Buzz will continue on a normal schedule during June, but switch to a reduced schedule during July and August. It will resume its weekly schedule once school begins. So be sure to check your email inbox for the latest EPS news on: June 19, July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21. We hope you all have a great summer!
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 |  EPS News | |
Congratulating the Class of 2014
 Edina High School commencement honors students and bids them to write a new story A sea of 650 students in Kelly green caps and gowns flooded Mariucci Arena with smiles, tears, shouts and laughter at Edina Public Schools' (EPS) 64th annual commencement ceremony on June 9. This was the first year graduation was held at the University of Minnesota's hallowed hockey arena, and nearly half of the 10,000 seats were full of EPS families and staff to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2014. READ MORE New Cornelia principal excited to "come home" to Edina
EPS proudly announces the hiring of Lisa Masica as the new principal of Cornelia Elementary. Masica replaces Chris Holden, who will be moving schools in July to take over the leadership
of Normandale French Immersion School.
"I am so excited about this opportunity to be part of the
Edina Public Schools again and in particular to be part of the Cornelia school community," says Masica. "I can't wait to get started and begin building those relationships with the Cornelia students, families and staff. The professionalism of the teachers there and the involvement of families is second to none and
I am eager to get to work." READ MORE
 A more organic Edina High School Students create composting club to spread awareness and increase district sustainability efforts From July 2012-April 2014, Edina Public Schools secondary buildings composted more than 90 pounds of organic material. South View Middle School contributed 41 percent of the waste; Valley View Middle School contributed 39 percent; and, though Edina High School (EHS) has the most students, the school only contributed to 20 percent of the total composted waste.
READ MORE
Great stories happen everyday!
Like Edina Public Schools on Facebook and follow us Twitter for daily stories about EPS students, staff and programs.
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| Student Voice | | |
Meaningful Summer Experiences
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Pictured from left: Shannon Peterson, Reid Gamble and Mary Walsh
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This summer, many Edina High School (EHS) students will relax and enjoy a break from school while others will be traveling the world as a doctor, participating in an exchange program or traveling with a sporting team.
Outgoing senior Mary Walsh will be going to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a month. "I'm studying Spanish, and staying with a family," said Walsh. "I wanted to do this because I wanted a study abroad experience, but my parents didn't really want me to do a gap year. When this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it."
Outgoing senior Reid Gamble will be living in Iringa, Tanzania this summer. "I am working at the Iringa regional hospital in the OB/GYN, trauma, pediatric, surgical and cardiovascular departments, aiding doctors with procedures and daily work. I will be traveling with 19 students, with 12 from Europe, seven from Australia and myself from the US. The majority of my weekends will be spent helping out in the rape clinics where rape victims from the Democratic Republic of the Congo come to receive help and treatment," said Gamble. "I will also go on safaris and travel to the Arabic island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania."
Incoming senior Shannon Peterson will be traveling with her softball team across the U.S. "I am on a softball team called the Minnesota Renegades, and there are people from all around Minnesota on the team. We are traveling to New Jersey to qualify for a national tournament in California that has the most competitive teams in the country. We are also traveling to Illinois twice, Indiana, and Ohio to play teams from those areas, too," said Peterson.
These experiences are sure to enrich these students' lives and provide interesting stories to be told for years to come.
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| Teacher Tuesday Spotlight | |
 Molly O'Keefe
Fifth grade teacher at Cornelia Elementary
Though Molly O'Keefe is one of Edina Public Schools' newest teachers, her impact is already being felt in the community. In fact, more than 15 people emailed the
district nominating O'Keefe for her exceptional and
inspiring teaching abilities during our celebration of
Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 5-9. Many
students recognize her for being a "great role model."
After completing her first year teaching in Edina Public Schools-her 10th year teaching overall-Molly O'Keefe reflects on her strategies and "awesome" work experience at Cornelia Elementary. READ MORE
Because learning never stops, we will be continuing our Teacher Tuesday spotlight throughout the summer months! Do you know a teacher or group of teachers who are deserving of recognition? Send your nominations to communications@edinaschools.org to be considered for the weekly "Teacher Tuesday" spotlight, housed on the website under the District News, Meet Our Teachers link.
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| 2014-15 Calendar Information | |
Back to School Mailing  After surveying EPS families in April on how they use the print and online calendars, and assessing the cost of producing the print publication, we have decided to discontinue the full calendar publication to concentrate our efforts on helping families fully utilize the online calendar features. We will still send out a back to school mailing to all families in early August, which will include an abbreviated calendar with key district dates, as well as district-wide information, updates and forms. This will help further streamline communications and help reduce costs. Mark your calendar! Back to School Dates Please check with your school for detailed back to school information and scheduled events: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014 Elementary teacher assignments posted to SchoolView Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014 Valley View and South View Get Connected Day Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014 Edina High School Get Connected Day, Cornelia Open House Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 Edina Family Center, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Concord, Countryside, Creek Valley, Highlands and Normandale Open Houses Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 First Day of School: Grades 1-12 Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014 First Day of School: Kindergarten, Edina Family Center and ECSE |
| 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 communications@edinashools.org.
- Congratulations to Meg Schlukebier, math teacher at Valley View, on the recent birth of her son, Martyn.
- Our condolences to Angela Kieffer, FACS teacher at Edina High School, on the recent passing of her mother.
Be part of the 2014 VEAP Back to School Program
 VEAP is collecting donations for the 2014 Back to School Program to serve up to 3,500 students in K-12 by providing them with a new backpack and grade appropriate school supplies. Please donate to help our neighbors in need. Every child deserves the tools for success in school! From July 16-Aug. 12, the Edina Resource Center will be collecting donations at inside door #3 at the Edina Community Education Services Office. For a list of needed items, visit VEAP's Back to School Program website. Click here for info about the Edina Resource Center or call Lana Davis at 952.848.3921.
Important Reminders
Employment verification for home loans, refinancing, etc.
All information needed by a lender for employment verification can be provided by yourself
from your myView account to your lender.
- Paycheck stubs
- Wages and benefits
- Employment verification
- Work history
Let the the Edina Volunteer Program serve you
Those interested in using the Edina Volunteer Program
as a resource for the 2014-15 school year can click here for
a request form and additional information. Whether you need
a short-term or long-term volunteer, or have an academic or non-academic need, the program wants to hear from you to ensure they recruit the volunteer base necessary to meet your needs. Questions? Call or email Carrie Cabe - 952.848.3938.
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| Classroom Snapshot of the Week
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Edina Public Schools' 64th Commencement Ceremony
The Edina High School Commencement Ceremony on June 9, was more than a time to recognize 650 EPS seniors for graduating. It was an energetic celebration, full of inspiring speeches and memories to last for a lifetime. View the complete graduation photo album online.
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| School Board News |
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School Board Work Session Recap - June 10
The Board recently held a work session to receive a demographic study and enrollment projection update from consultant and former State Demographer Hazel H. Reinhardt. The Board also discussed updates to the district's 10-year alternative facilities plan, which addresses ongoing maintenance and infrastructure needs. In conjunction with those needs, the Board discussed the project scope and estimated tax impact of a potential 2015 bond referendum to address facilities.
Board Regular Meeting Preview - June 16
The Board will hold a meeting on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. in ECC, Room 349.
Key agenda items include:
- Approval of the preliminary 2014-15 comprehensive budget and the revised 10-year alternative facilities plan, as well as action on secondary grade configurations, direction to plan for the future relocation of all 9th graders to the west campus (at a date to be determined), and a process for identifying and implementing power standards, common assessments and grading for learning.
- Discussion of the revised Birth to Grade 5 Study Recommendations, School Board committee and liaison appointments for 2014-15, and revisions of district policy, including updates to the bullying prevention policy per recent changes in legislation.
Previous School Board Meetings
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| Upcoming Events | | |
Detailed calendars of events for each school can be found online. Important upcoming dates include:
 Edina Thespians' present "Fiddler on the Roof" June 19-20 at 7 p.m., Edina Performing Arts Center The cast of the Edina High School fall musical, "Fiddler on The Roof," has been selected to perform at the International Thespian Festival (June 23-28 at the University of Nebraska). More than 2,800 students will be in attendance, and only 10 schools were selected to perform. You have two chances to attend a send-off performance before the cast leaves town. Purchase your tickets online for either June 19 or 20 at 7 p.m. at the EPAC.  Wise Guys Carnival & VEAP Food Drive July 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Kuhlman Field Save the date for the sixth annual summer Wise Guys Carnival & VEAP Food Drive. Every non-perishable food item that you donate is worth one ticket for games, food, a dunk tank and fun for everyone! Admission is free, so invite your friends and neighbors and come make a difference in the community while enjoying the outdoors together. |
| EPS In The News | |  She's an 'All-Star' - Edina's Abby Eckland Abby Eckland of Edina High School was recently named to play in the All-Star Series, which will be Sunday, June 8, at Caswell Park in North Mankato. The All-Star event includes six teams of Minnesota seniors. Each team will play a game at noon and a game at 2 p.m. Eckland is the first Edina player in six years to be chosen to play in the All-Star Series. Read more from the Sun Current. |
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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 communications@edinaschools.org 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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