SEPT. 11, 2014 
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5

CLASSROOM SNAPSHOT |
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It's never too early to think about life after graduation

As part of Spirit Week at South View Middle School this week to celebrate Homecoming, students and staff were encouraged to wear "college apparel" on Thursday, Sept. 11. Several students donned sweatshirts, t-shirts and sweatpants of their favorite college. But it is more than just wearing the clothes, the day also serves as a reminder that it is never too early to think about plans for after high school, which is why EPS is committed to ensuring all students have the essential skills they to thrive in college, career and life.

EPS HEADLINESHeadlines
The latest stories about what's happening in our schools
EHS STUDENTS SHARE PASSION FOR EDUCATION WITH PEERS AROUND THE WORLD
Edina chapter of She's The First seeks to advance international women's education

 

When Edina High School (EHS) senior Nicole Wothe deboarded the plane that had brought her back from her mission trip to Guatemala this summer, she felt oddly unfulfilled. Wothe signed up for the trip because she wanted to make a global impact. During her time in one of the country's small villages she helped build a home for a family with three daughters.

 

"I thought it would be a life-changing experience, but I got back home feeling like I hadn't done much," she says. "All I had given them was a house. When we drove away from the daughters, I realized what they really needed was an education. Without one, they will not be able to leave the village or become independent."

 

This led to Wothe and two of her EHS peers starting a She's The First chapter at EHS.

Read more

 

 



 

16 EHS STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and and is based on PSAT scores taken as juniors. Read more.
NEW CLASSROOMS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
In addition to new sneakers and backpacks, some kindergartners at Cornelia and Concord elementary schools got brand new classrooms.
SEPT. 8-13 HOMECOMING SCHEDULE & INFORMATION
Homecoming is just around the corner! Click here for the full schedule of events and game information. Join the community and be a part of one of the biggest Edina celebrations. [Photo by: Edina Magazine]
TEACHER TUESDAY SPOTLIGHTTeacherTuesday 

Tony Harmon

Paraprofessional at Valley View Middle School

 

Tony Harmon's job history in Edina Public Schools (EPS) tells us that he has been a paraprofessional at Valley View Middle School for the past 14 years. What it doesn't reveal, however, are the intricate details and of the many roles Harmon steps into a daily basis - his most famous being the beloved crossing guard who helps students walk and travel safely during the busiest times of the day.

 

Harmon was originally hired to work as a security guard at Valley View, but after noticing a need for a crossing guard, he volunteered himself to take on that job as well. As someone who strives to give 110 percent to everything he does, Harmon takes his job to protect and help students very seriously. In 2013, Harmon was honored at the Connecting With Kids Leadership Breakfast for his impact on EPS and ability to make personal connections with students.

Read more about Harmon's philosophy on connecting with students every day, as well as past Teacher Tuesday profiles.

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.
 
STAFF NEWSStaffNews
Important EPS employee news

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].

  • Our condolences to Colleen Tabrizi, special education para at Cornelia, on the recent passing of her mother.
  • Our condolences to Yvonne Peralta, Success Center teacher at Normandale, on the recent passing of her father.

 

IMPORTANT HEALTH UPDATES:

Enterovirus D68 
 
There has been a lot of media attention lately about a cold-like virus impacting children in several states. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is closely monitoring the spread of the virus and as of earlier this week had not had any official cases of Enterovirus D68. However, many hospitals and clinics are reporting increased cases of acute respiratory infections. EPS Health Services is in contact with MDH as well as county and local public health officials and will update staff and families should additional precautions be warranted. In the meantime, we are all reminded that the best prevention of this and other viruses is frequent hand-washing and covering your cough. Additional information can be found in MDH's Frequently Asked Questions

 

EPS Staff Flu Shot Clinics
It's that time of year! Be prepared and avoid the flu by getting your flu shot. Once again, the District is offering two opportunities for staff and their families to receive a flu shot: flu shot
  • Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7-9 a.m. EHS, Community Room 
  • Thursday, Oct. 9 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. SVMS, inside Door 7 
NOTE: You should not receive the vaccine at this clinic if:
  • You are allergic to any component of the flu vaccine 
  • You have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (sometimes called French Polio) within 6 weeks of receiving a previous flu vaccination
Be sure to bring you health insurance or Medicare part B card to the clinic

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
e.Leadership: an opportunity to grow your leadership skills 
Edina Public Schools will again be offering e.leadership, a four-session leadership skills course for all EPS staff. The course is open to staff members involved in leadership positions within their sites or programs, and provides training and applied learning in a collegial, cohort model. Over 70 teachers, custodians, coordinators, administrators, and support staff have completed the training.  The commitment involves four 1�-hour sessions over the fall and early winter months, which are facilitated by Research and Evaluation Director 
Chad Schmidt and Superintendent Ric Dressen. 
  • Meeting time: 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Meeting dates:
    • Thursday, Sept. 25
    • Tuesday, Oct. 21 
    • Tuesday, Nov. 11 
    • Tuesday, Dec. 9
  • Location: Edina Community Center, room TBD 
  • Registration: Sign up via KeepCertified
  • Program details:
    • Click here for a screencast that provides more information (note you must be logged into Edina Apps before clicking on the link). 
    • For additional information, please contact Chad Schmidt
NEXT GENERATION FATF UPDATESchoolBoard

Facilities Advisory Task Force Sept. 2 Meeting Recap

 

The third meeting of the Facilities Advisory Task Force (FATF), which is focused on considering options for future district facilities to meet the needs of EPS' Next Generation learners, held its third meeting on Sept. 9.

 

The FATF first heard examples of Next Generation learning spaces and discussed what is relevant and appropriate for Edina Public Schools. They they worked in small groups, reviewing draft options on for key program areas, including K-12, early learning, community education, athletic/activity spaces, safety and security, and maintenance. The groups were charged with assessing all of the data they have received to this point and developing a potential package of between $100 and $125 million. The groups shared their choices and rationales, to wich some common themes and values emerged: 

 

  • Equitable distribution of basic + flexible spaces K�-12
  • Early childhood and specialized spaces as needed
  • Safety and security, but incorporate into basic upgrades
  • Maintenance and Flexible Furniture as part of flexible learning spaces  

 

Administration will use this value assessment to help frame potential options for the group to evaluate and discuss at future FATF meetings. 

 

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. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Edina Community Center, Room 350. All meetings are open to the public.
SCHOOL BOARD UPDATEboard

September Board Meetings

On Sept. 8, the School Board discussed leadership plans to advance the district's Next Generation Strategic Plan. Discussions included reviewing board parameters for the upcoming Gifted and Talented Program Study, 2015-17 School Year Calendar Planning, and the Facilities Advisory Task Force. These parameters, known as a Guiding Change Document, will be revisited at the Board's Work Session on Sept. 22. Read more in the Sept. 8 Board Recap


 

The Board's next regular meeting is slated for Sept. 22 at which they will be discussing the district's World's Best Workforce Plan, hear an assessment update, and continue strategic discussion. A finalized agenda will be posted by Friday, Sept. 19.  

 

Previous School Board Meetings 

UPCOMING EVENTSevents
Edina High School and Edina PCN Presents: Life of An Athlete
Sept. 18, 7-9 p.m., Edina Performing Arts Center

Learn about the residual effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and brain development, as well as how sleep and nutrition affect concentration, energy levels, training and performance. Keynote speaker and Olympic Trainer John Underwood will talk about the curriculum for the Life of An Athlete program and how it can help students reach their full potential and become healthy leaders - in the classroom, on the field and in life. This forum is open to the community and presented in collaboration with Edina Committed, the Activities Department and Edina PCN.


2014 Candidate Forums
Sept. 22 & 30, starting at 7 p.m., Edina City Hall

 

The League of Women Voters of Edina will hold candidate forums at informed voter Edina City Hall before the Nov. 4 general election. You will have an opportunity to hear opening remarks, ask questions of the candidates and hear 

their closing remarks. The schedule is as follows:


 

Monday, Sept. 22: 

  • House District 49A Candidates at 7 p.m. 
    with Dario Anselmo and Ron Erhardt
  • House District 49B Candidates at 8 p.m. 
    with Barb Sutter and Paul Rosenthal

Tuesday, Sept. 30: Edina City Council Candidates at 7 p.m.


 

Curriculum Night Dates to Note:
  • Sept. 16: Highlands Curriculum Night at 6 p.m.
  • Sept. 23: Highlands Kindergarten Curriculum Night at 7 p.m. 
DID YOU KNOW?didyouknow

Edina High School Homecoming

Hornet Pride! 


Congratulations to this year's 2014 Homecoming Royalty!

Show your Hornet Pride and be a part of the community celebrations on Friday, Sept. 12:
  • PARADE - 4:30 p.m.
    • Click here for Parade Route
  • HOMECOMING GAME - 7:00 p.m. (vs. Rosemount HS at Kuhlman Stadium)
    • Pre-Game Show - 6:30 p.m.

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 The Weekly Buzz? Click here for archives.
 
 
5701 Normandale Road 
Edina, MN 55424
952.848.3000

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