SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 3


Snapshot of First Day of School
SNAPSHOT: The district welcomed back students this week in early childhood programs through grade 12. Kindergarteners came to elementary school for the first time, while high school students returned to find a newly remodeled commons area. The parent paparazzi was everywhere capturing special moments. See more first day photos on Facebook.
Headlines
EPS HEADLINES



EHS GRADS OUT-PERFORM STATE, NATIONAL PEERS IN COLLEGE READINESS BENCHMARKS
The average Edina High School (EHS) graduate is more prepared for post-secondary education than their peers statewide according the 2016 College Readiness Report released by ACT on Aug. 24. Read more
COUNTRYSIDE TESTS NEW SECURITY SYSTEM
At Countryside Elementary School visitors are being asked to take an extra step prior to entering the school this year as the school tests out new security technology. 
SECOND DISTRICT SCHOOL RECEIVES ENERGY STAR
Creek Valley Elementary is the second school in the district to receive Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).


DISTRICT HIRES NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD COORDINATOR
Edina Public Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Leah Byrd as the new Community Education Early Childhood Programs coordinator. Byrd has most recently served as the district pre-k administrator for South Washington County Schools for the past five years, and as a kindergarten teacher for the 11 years previous. Read more


districtupdate
DISTRICT UPDATE
Cornelia playground relocation underway
Wet weather and contractor availability delayed the relocation of the Cornelia playground. The relocation is necessary to accommodate new additions to the building, scheduled to begin construction next spring. The dismantling and reinstallation is now underway and creative, enthusiastic Cornelia teachers and staff are finding new ways to ensure students have fund, quality outdoor play and learning experiences.

For more information on this and other construction projects, 
visit 
edinaschools.org/ConstructionUpdate, or follow us on Twitter  
If you have questions or comments regarding district construction, call 952-848-4038 or email [email protected].

iameps
I AM EPS
I Am EPS
What are you most excited for in the new school year?


"I am really excited about getting together with my friends, and math and getting smarter!" - Josh, 4th grade





Know someone who is doing great things in Edina Public Schools? Let us know! Email [email protected] with ideas for people to feature this year. 
StaffNews
STAFF 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]
Edina Resource Center provides confidential assistance to strengthen families
There is a wide array of services available to assist families and individuals with concerns big and small through the Edina Resource Center (ERC). Childcare, employment, financial support, housing, legal and transportation are just a few of the areas that the ERC is able to connect individuals and families with resources. The ERC is joint venture of Edina Public Schools, the City of Edina and the local community and service anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Edina. View this screencast (just over 2 min.) to learn more about the ERC and then visit the website.

Part time job opportunities available at schools
There is an urgent need for out-of-school-time recreation leaders in the district's before and after school programs through Community Education Services. Twenty-six positions are available at every elementary school and South View Middle School. There are a variety of hours in both morning and afternoon programs available. Rec leaders help supervise group activities and assist in the planning and implementation of activities. To learn more about the openings and see job descriptions go to the district's employment page, under Community Education Services.

Staff Wellness section offers support for healthy lifestyle
Start the new school year out right by creating healthy habits in every aspect of your life. To help you get started, there is a new  Staff Wellness section under Staff Resources on the district website. You'll find links to resources addressing health, financial, social/community and career wellness - all of which are important to maintaining a work/life balance and a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. Periodic Healthy Tips will give you new ideas to try - this month's is a brief video on 5 Easy Ways to Add Movement to Your Workday. Bookmark the Staff Wellness page and check back often for new Healthy Tips!


Grow your leadership skills through e-Leadership course
Edina Public Schools will again offer a four-session leadership skills course for all staff entitled "e.leadership." The course is open to all staff involved in leadership positions within their sites or programs, and provides training and applied learning in a collegial, cohort model. Nearly 100 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 Superintendent Ric Dressen. The first session is scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28.  The other three sessions are set for the following Wednesdays:  October 19, November 9 and December 7. Staff completing the e.leadership course will be granted � comp day, and receive continuing education units.

Here is a screencast that provides more information. (Note you must be logged into Edina Apps before clicking on the link.) You can sign up for this learning opportunity via KeepCertified. For more information, please contact Sarah Schandle.

**NEXT ISSUE of The Buzz will be Sept. 15 - submit Staff News items by Sept. 13

schoolboard
SCHOOL BOARD 
School Board Work Session - Aug. 30

Highlights of the School Board's Work Session include updates and discussion on:
  • Implementation of the district's All for All equity plan
  • Advancement of personalized learning in EPS
  • Possible changes to daily scheduling at all grade levels for 2017-18
  • Long term budgeting and other leadership updates
The next regular meeting of the School Board will be Monday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m., ECC Room 349

Complete agendas and meeting minutes are available online.
Watch video of past School Board meetings on the district website.

savethedate
SAVE THE DATE  
September 5: No school/Labor Day

September 7: EHS Open House
  • Wednesday, Sept. 7, 5:40-8 p.m.
September 8: EHS Senior Parent Meeting
  • Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m., EPAC
September 16: Homecoming!
  • Parade, 4 p.m.
  • EHS vs. Maple Grove, 7 p.m., Kuhlman Field

September 19: 2016 Edina Education Fund Golf & Tennis Classic
  • Monday, Sept. 19 at the Edina Country Club
  • Tennis round robin play begins at 10 a.m.
  • Golf shotgun start at 1 p.m.
  • Dinner and auction at 5:30 p.m.
  • Go to the Edina Ed Fund website for more information
didyouknow
DID YOU KNOW 

Adult Enrichment fall classes starting --
its not too late to sign up!
Don't let the kids have all the fun, it's back to school time for adult enrichment too. Check out the wide variety of offerings in the new fall catalog and start building your knowledge and skills, hobbies and interests, health and wellness, strength and fitness, and community. Courses meet on various schedules. View the catalog and register through the district website. Welcome to fall!

 

Contact the communications team at 952.848.3919 or email us at  [email protected] with news, story ideas or photos! 
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5701 Normandale Road 
Edina, MN 55424
952.848.3900