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OCTOBER 2, 2015 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9
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I AM EPS |
 It's all about giving back for EHS senior
Sid Ramesh is a senior at Edina High School (EHS), and when the final bell rings and most students go home, he is just getting started.
Ramesh is a member of the 212 Leadership Group and one of six students on its cabinet. He is also co-founder of a non-profit organization that provides free ACT and SAT tutoring, and a member of the tennis team. And then of course, there is homework.
If you have an idea for someone to feature, email us at communications@edinaschools.org with the subject: I am EPS Blog. Or tweet us using the hashtag #IamEPS with your story and what makes you Edina Public Schools.
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DISTRICT UPDATE |
EHS facilities planning moves into design development
 With the School Board's approval of the schematic designs in September, planning for renovations and additions at Edina High School now moves into the design development (DD) stage. The schematic designs helped identify what kinds of spaces needed to be included and where they should be located in the building. The DD stage will engage a variety of user groups, starting with building teachers (including ninth grade) and other staff. Focus groups will also include student and other users of the facility as needed. More detailed blueprints and drawings will be developed to incorporate input and research gathered as part of the Next Generation Facilities Plan. To learn more about EHS facilities planning, visit edinaschools.org/EHSconstruction.
Elementary teams continue planning on schematic designs
The core planning teams (CPT) for each of the elementary schools resumed meeting this week. The first two meetings of the elementary CPTs were held collectively to develop criteria that would be consistent across all elementary schools. This week the teams met by site to discuss ways to improve learning and activity spaces at their individual site. The teams hope to finish their recommendations later this month.
To learn more about facilities planning at the elementary schools and follow along on the progress of the CPTs, visit edinaschools.org/ElemConstruction.
Similar core planning teams for early childhood and middle school sites are slated to begin meeting this this month.
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NOTES FROM CHARTWELLS |
Chartwells features local apples at school lunch
By Courtney Sanders, Registered Dietitian
 No time to make it out to an apple orchard this fall? No problem! Chartwells, the district food service provider, has partnered with a local orchard, Circle K Apple Orchard, for a fresh and delicious variety of apples all fall. Each week a unique variety of apples will be available. Students can learn about these apples with signage on the lunch line. This week there are McIntosh apples and next week there will be Cortland apples. If your student tries them all, ask which varieties are their favorite.
Don't forget - students always get a fruit with a student meal but everyone is welcome to purchase ala carte apples or fruit, even if you bring lunch from home. October is National Farm to School Month, which is a nationwide celebration of local foods and school partnerships. Watch our October menu for local food features!
Fun Apple Facts:
- Minnesota scientists have been breeding apples that can survive Minnesota winters since 1924.
- There are over 24 Minnesota apple varieties. The famous Honeycrisp apple is our state fruit and was developed at the University of Minnesota.
- Apples will remain crisp and juicy longer (10 times longer!) if you refrigerate them. Keep the apples in the humidifier compartment or in plastic bags with small air holes to keep a high moisture level.
- Apples are thirst quenching because they contain about 85% water. They are a perfect snack food because their natural sugars provide quick energy, while the bulky pulp makes the eater feel full.
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COMMUNITY NEWS |
 Participate in online calendar survey
You are invited to participate in a brief online survey about your academic calendar preferences, This survey is facilitated by the Edina Public Schools (EPS) Department of Teaching and Learning and resulting data will inform the School Board in their development and approval of the EPS academic calendar. The survey will remain open until noon on Friday, October 9, 2015 and you may access the survey HERE.
City's Community Conversations begin Oct. 5
 The Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) will hold a series of five Community Conversations in October. Community Conversations will help identify areas where Edina succeeds as a supportive community, as well as areas in which the community could improve. The events will be held at:- Monday, Oct. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Parklawn Estates Apartments, 4141 Parklawn Ave.
- Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m., Cedars of Edina Apartments, Event Room, 7340 Gallagher Drive
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7-9 p.m., Oaks Braemar Apartments, Community Room, 7150 Cahill Road
- Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., Yorkdale Townhomes, 3280 W. 76th St.
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m., Edina Highland Villa Apartments, Community Room, 5250 Villa Way
"Obviously, the demographics in Edina are changing, as we've seen in Vision Edina and the statistics
coming from the schools," explained HRRC Member Jasna Burza. "We want to find out who the people
in our community are and [if] they feel welcome. And not just do they feel welcome, but is Edina
inclusive? This feedback may help how we shape Vision Edina moving forward."
Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible to attend a conversation. Persons from diverse economic, racial and social backgrounds are encouraged to attend. The HRRC plans to hold additional Community Conversations in the next year. The information gathered from these Conversations will be summarized and presented to the HRRC. For additional information, contact HRRC Staff Liaison MJ Lamon at 952-826-0360 or MLamon@EdinaMN.gov.
CES seeks Building Aides
Community Education Services is in search of Building Aides to work evenings in buildings throughout the district. These are paid positions with varying hours, but are primarily in the evenings (approx. 5:45-9:15, M-F). Weekend hours may also be available. (District hourly employees, please note that if you have another assignment you would need to stay under 40 hours for the work week.) We are looking for organized, friendly and reliable staff to take on these key roles in our buildings. If interested please apply online on the District Employment page under the posting Building Aide.
Archery Instructor Training Oct. 17
Community Education youth enrichment programming is looking for adults interested in coaching after school and/or evening archery clubs for students. Basic Archery Instructor Training will be held Oct. 17 at the South View City Gym, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact CES Youth Enrichment Manager Lori Murphy, x3967.
Hwy 100 closures for Oct. 2-5
Beginning Friday, Oct. 2, weather permitting, motorists should expect the following closure and detour on Highway 100 between Highway 62 and I-494. The road and ramps will close Friday by 10 p.m. and reopen by 5 a.m. the following Monday.
- Closed: Southbound Hwy 100 between Hwy 62 and I-494
- Detour: Westbound Hwy 62 to southbound Hwy 169 to eastbound I-494; or eastbound Hwy 62 to southbound I-35W to westbound I-494
- Ramp closures: southbound Hwy 100 to eastbound Hwy 62; westbound Hwy 62 to southbound Hwy 100; eastbound Hwy 62 to southbound Hwy 100; 70th Street to southbound Hwy 100; 77th Street to southbound Hwy 100
For more information, or to sign up for e-mail project updates, visit the project website . For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.
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Two school board candidate forums scheduled
Seven candidates running for three seats
 Candidate Forums provide an opportunity for the community to see and hear the seven candidates running for three open seats on the Edina School Board. The candidates are Melanie Allen, Layla Avila, Claudia Carr, Cathy Cella, Amir Gharbi, Sarah Patzloff and Leny Wallen-Friedman. Watch the League of Women Voters Edina website for posting of video of the Sept. 10 candidate forum held at City Hall. And don't forget, election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Learn more about school board candidates online
Find more information about the school board candidates on the School Board Elections page of the district website. Look for Meet the Candidates and a list of external links. The links are provided by the candidates. The content provided on these external links is solely the responsibility of the candidates and not the school district.
School Board Meetings
Watch video of past School Board meetings on the district website. The next regular meeting of the School Board will be Monday, Oct. 19. Complete agendas and meeting minutes are available online.
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EVENTS
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 Oct. 3: A Musical Tribute Honoring Bill Webb
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m. at EHS Fick Auditorium
- Free and open to the public
- Concert will feature wide selection of music and several guest conductors. See story for details.
Oct. 19: Parenting in the Digital Age
- Monday, Oct. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at South View Media Center
- Free and open to the public
- Presented by district technology staff
Nov. 5: World's Best Work Force Public Hearing
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 7-8 p.m., Edina Community Center, Room 350
- Pursuant to state World's Best Workforce (WBWF) legislation, the School Board will host a public hearing on the district's WBWF 2014-15 report, and plans for 2015-16.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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Multicultural Dates to Note
Nearly every day of the year, different cultures and religions are celebrating a holiday or event. Here are a few for the month of October, as well as days and weeks recognizing important aspects of our lives. Expand your cultural awareness and learn more about many of the cultural observances by clicking here.
 October is National Bullying Prevention Month
- Oct. 4-10: Fire Prevention Week
- Oct. 4-5: Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
- Oct. 7: International Walk to School Day
- Oct. 12-16: National School Lunch Week
- Oct. 12: Canadian Thanksgiving
- Oct. 13: First Day of Navaratri (Hindu)
- Oct. 20: Birth of the Bab (Baha'i)
- Oct. 21-25: National School Bus Safety Week
- Oct. 31: Halloween
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5701 Normandale Road
Edina, MN 55424
952.848.3000
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