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AUG. 29, 2014 
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

THE DAY WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR ... WELCOME BACK!

The first day of the 2014-15 school year in Edina Public Schools was full of laughter, smiles and learning as more than 8,400 students returned to the classroom for a fresh start. PreK and kindergarten students began one day after their grades 1-12 peers and were greeted with open arms and cheers at various all-school assemblies. Click here for an online K-12 photo gallery of the first day of school.  

EPS HEADLINESHeadlines
The latest stories about what's happening in our schools
STUDENTS REFLECT ON THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL


 

Before the first week of school came to a close, Edina Public Schools visited classrooms at the elementary, middle and high school levels to talk with students about their 2014-15 school year experience thus far. Here you will find six reflections from the students we talked to, each sharing why they were excited to come back to school and what they have already been learning. Read more.

 






MEET OUR NEW SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
David Boosalis and Eric Carlson were selected 
jointly by the Edina Police Department and the district as part of a long-standing partnership focused on enhancing a safe school community. Read more.

2014 MCA TESTING
DATA EVALUATION
According to recent data from the Minnesota Department of Education
EPS remains a high academic performer, with students outperforming state peers by 10-20 percentage points. 
Read more.

PRE-K FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS
The Edina Family Center celebrated its first day of school on Aug. 26. Click here for an online photo gallery capturing our youngest learners on their first day of learning in the Family Center. 

KID PRESIDENT PEP TALK FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

With the first week of school coming to an end, in 

the words of Kid President, "It's time to wake up people!" By staying motivated and inspired, we will be better able to continue living out this year's theme of Bringing Hope and Happiness to Our Future. Click here, or on the photo, for a pep talk from the inspiring Kid President. 

TEACHER TUESDAY SPOTLIGHTTeacherTuesday 

Katie Burk

Vocal music teacher at South View

 

After student teaching at Valley View Middle School last fall, Katie Burk joins Edina Public Schools this year as a vocal music teacher at South View Middle School. With this being her first teaching job, Burk is excited to learn from staff and the choral music team, where she will be teaching three choirs and two sections of the 6th grade World of Music class. She is also eager to work with students, who inspire her to be the best teacher that she can be on a daily basis.


"I am inspired by their energy, passion and journey of self-discovery, and I am honored to play a part in their growth as musicians and learners!" she says.


Read more
about Burk's hopes and plans for the 2014-15 school year and her knack for curriculum development.


Do you know a teacher or group of teachers who deserve recognition? Send your nominations to [email protected] to be considered for the weekly blog spotlight.
 
COMMUNITY NEWSStaffNews
Important news for EPS families and the community

REMINDER: USDA sets new "Smart Snacks" nutrition criteria

In an attempt to stifle childhood obesity and improve school nutrition, the U.S. government passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in December 2010. A recently enacted new aspect of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act includes new nutritional standards for all foods regularly sold in schools, including those sold as fundraisers during the school day.  


These new requirements are the result of new the 
USDA's new "Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards* (see picture below), which took effective on July 1, 2014. It is NOT the result of the district's transition to our new food service vendor, Chartwells. The Smart Snacks guidelines provide updated nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold to students during the school day on the school campus, outside of the district's school meal program. Click here for a detailed flyer about USDA's "Smart Snacks in School."


*Note: All fundraisers from PTOs and school clubs/groups must be approved by the school's principal. Groups selling food must submit a Fundraiser Request Form 60 days prior to the date of the fundraiser.
 

Next Generation FATF UpdateSchoolBoard

Facilities Advisory Task Force Aug. 26 Meeting Recap

On Aug. 26, the Facilities Advisory Task Force (FATF) held its inaugural meeting to analyze pertinent information and consider options for facilities to meet the need of EPS' Next Generation learners. After a review of the group's charge and meeting process, the FATF participated in team development activities to get to know one another better and encourage group engagement, during which they discussed what school was like for them and how their experience was different from school today. Members also identified any preconceptions they had about current EPS facilities. The FATF then heard from Superintendent Ric Dressen and Director of Teaching & Learning Randy Smasal on the history of Edina Public Schools and the Next Generation Strategic Plan

 

Visit edinaschools.org/FATF to learn more about how the group will work together to rethink and envision facilities to meet the needs of Edina Public Schools' Next Generation learners.

  • All meeting materials and resources are available online.
  • The next FATF meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Edina Community Center, Room 350. All meetings are open to the public.
EPS IN THE NEWSInTheNews
 
Learning from the masters (Sun Current) 
1998 Edina High School graduate Kyle Hawkins recently completed 
a Supreme Court clerkship, saying that his educational background
helped prepare him for the 
demanding workload and expectations. 

Now that he has completed the clerkship, Kyle is trying to discern the next step in his career. Read more about 
his Supreme Court work experiences here.

UPCOMING EVENTSevents
  • Sept. 1: Labor Day (No School)
  • Sept. 2
    • Creek Valley Fest, 5-7 p.m.
    • Sept. 2: Facilities Advisory Task Force Meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
      Edina Community Center, Room 350
    • Edina High School PTO Forum: Your Student and the Law, 7-9 p.m.,
      Edina Performing Arts Center
  • Sept. 4
    • SVMS Back to School Night For Parents, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    • VVMS Curriculum night for grades 7-9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Edina Homecoming Week
Sept. 8-13 Activity Schedule

Monday, Sept. 8: Homecoming Powder Puff Bonfire 6-9 p.m., EHS Lower Fields

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Homecoming King & Queen announced, with a Coronation at 2:30 p.m. in the EHS Gym

Friday, Sept. 12: Pep Fest at 10:15 a.m.; Parade at 4:30 p.m. from Edina Country Club to Community Center; Homecoming Game at 7 p.m. at Kuhlman Field

Homecoming Game Ticket Information
  • Tickets will go on sale and gates will open at 5 p.m.

  • Ticket prices are $5 for students/seniors and $7 for adults. Pre-school kids are free. Senior citizens (age 65 and older) can purchase a ticket for $5; give them a student ticket.

  • All students 9th grade and older MUST present a student ID in order to purchase tickets. If a student ID is not present, they will not be allowed in the stadium without an adult.

  • All students 8th grade and younger need an adult chaperone. The adult must purchase a ticket and enter the stadium with their student(s).

  • Senior citizens (age 65 and older) can purchase a ticket for $5; give them a student ticket.

  • Parents of students in Hornettes, Dance, Hip Hop, Cheer, or Band (or any other group performing) MUST buy a ticket for admission into the stadium.
  • There is no re-admittance for anyone who leaves the stadium for any reason
  • Historically, the stadium sells out for Homecoming, please be aware:
    • There will be lines until we sell out.
    • Please note that buying a ticket does NOT guarantee fans entrance into the stadium if it reaches capacity. There will be no refunds.
    • The home side will sell out first. At that point, Edina fans will be directed to the visitor side.
    • After the stadium sells out, there is no entry for anyone even if they have a pass. 
Saturday, Sept. 13: Homecoming Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. at EHS. Note: Dance tickets are NOT available at the door. Dance tickets will be on sale Sept. 8-12 during lunch at EHS.

DID YOU KNOW?didyouknow
Beyond ECFE parent classes - Enroll today!

Attention parents: You came to rely on the Edina Family Center's high-quality, Parent Aware 4-Star ECFE classes for children from birth to age 5. Now that your child has moved on to elementary, middle or high school, where can you find that supportive community and the

answers you need for your parenting concerns? The Edina Family Center is proud to offer "Beyond ECFE" classes to meet your needs. 

 

Set some time aside once each month to learn new parenting skills, replenish your toolkit, and build your confidence as a parent. Engage with leading-edge, research-based information and strategies to promote healthy, age-appropriate child development. Guided discussion time allows you to share your joys and concerns, your challenges and experiences-and benefit from group wisdom.

 

Click here to register online!

 

Help us keep the 2014-15 school year Hope & Happiness theme alive. 

Contact the communications team at 952.848.3919 or email us at  [email protected] with news, story ideas or photos! 
Missed an issue of EDINA In The Know? Click here for archives.
 
 
5701 Normandale Road 
Edina, MN 55424
952.848.3000

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