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Principal's Weekly
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Dear Normandale Families,
My vision as your principal is nothing less than to create the best immersion school program in the country.
To bring that vision to life, I will start by collaborating with teachers, staff, and students to define our strengths as well as the most important opportunities for growth.
Part of this process will be research involving our students and asking them to define what they think makes our school special--and what they believe we could improve to make it even better. This week I have received input from colleagues on the best age-appropriate instructions for drawing insights out of our students and then launching the research next week with personal visits to classrooms. Options for our students to share their thoughts include making a drawing, writing me a letter (in English or French), or making a short video (5 minutes or less).
On Tuesday we will welcome Extended French Valley View teachers and administration to our first staff meeting. We are looking forward to hearing their thoughts on how well-prepared our students are for their middle school. What suggestions do they have for us and are there any trends they have noticed over the years?
I will report back to you as the results roll in!
My best,
Mme Lukaska
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Classroom Information Night
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Please come and meet your student's grade level team. Learn about the curriculum, routines and expectations for this upcoming school year. There are two repetitive sessions from 5:30-6:10pm or 6:20-7:00pm. The locations for the grade level presentations are:
- Kindergarten - Room 351
- 1st Grade - Auditorium
- 2nd Grade - Room 350
- 3rd Grade - Room 348
- 4th Grade Room 349
- 5th Grade - Room 303
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Parking Lot Safety
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Please be sure to follow the guidelines for parent drop-off and pick-up as noted under the section titled "Safety Reminders" under the Information from the Normandale Office on our website. There is also a link here to our traffic plan for those of you not familiar with this procedure.
As the semi-circle to the school entrance is a Fire / No Parking Zone, parking is not permitted there at any time. This includes pick-up after school from Community Ed classes, Success Center, French Enrichment or any other after-school offerings. Parents are required to park in the lot and pick up their student(s) from the teacher directly at the room where their class is being held. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom and exit the building on their own.
Thank you for partnering with us and respecting these guidelines to ensure the safety of all students.
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School Start Time
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Please remember:
School start time this year is 8:30AM
Students dropped off should arrive no earlier than 8:20am
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Bus Seating Assignments
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On Wednesday, September 18th, all Normandale bus drivers will be completing their bus seating charts. If your child is not on the bus on this day, please make other arrangements with the driver.
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Art Adventure Presenters Needed
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 Art Adventure is an art appreciation program for students in grades 3-5 based on original paintings, sculpture, textiles, and photographs from the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This year theme is Sources of Strength. All Art Adventure training is provided, and no experience is necessary. This is a great way to get involved with your child's education at Normandale!
What does the program involve? Interested students in grades 3-5 will sign up this fall. Seven programs will take place between November and May (one per month). Presentations take place over the lunch hour (about 45 minutes). Each program involves one piece of art and is conducted in English. Volunteers discuss the artwork and lead a related project. Ideas for these projects are available from the training and other Art Adventure resources.
Who can present? This is a great opportunity for parents and grandparents.
What is the time commitment? The time commitment involves 2-3 hours at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for a training/overview session (there is also an optional classroom tips session (2 hours) at the Edina Community Center. Our goal is to sign up 3-4 presenters for each grade so that each volunteer presents 2-3 times over the school year.
Do I have to pay to volunteer? Training is paid by the MIA. Background checks for volunteers are paid by the PTO. Presenters are responsible for any materials provided for projects.
When does the training start? Training at the MIA will take place between September 13 and October 29 (numerous day sessions and two evening sessions are available). The ECC classroom tips session is slated for October 15.
How do I sign up to present? For more information, contact Rick Hauser at 612/412-3154.
Photo Credit from the Minneapolis institute of Arts. "Sunburst," by Dale Chihuly.
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Meet Two New 1st Grade Teachers
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 My name is Cara Coen-Pesch and I am delighted to be returning to Normandale as a First Grade Teacher.
It seems like yesterday that I taught Fourth Grade here, but it's actually been almost ten years! I took some time away to nurture my young family and volunteer at my children's school. I'm excited to return!
In addition to teaching Fourth grade for three years at Normandale, I taught French for the Minneapolis Public Schools and the MN Waldorf School, and worked as a student travel coordinator for high school students. As an undergraduate at Concordia College Moorhead, I enjoyed working as a camp counselor and assistant to the dean. My Masters Degree is from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.
I am a strong advocate of immersion education, having helped launch a Spanish Immersion school near my home district. Both of my children, ages 13 and 10, are immersion students so I'm familiar with the journey immersion parents are on. (Hold on tight! The rewards are amazing!) In my classroom, we will be singing, playing, reading, calculating, creating, conversing and caring for each other. Ours will be a place where we have fun, stay safe and everyone is learning.
I enjoy singing, hiking and camping with my family and I look forward to a wonder-filled year at Normandale! ~ Madame Coen-Pesch
 My name is Amandine Schonecker and this is my 2nd year at Normandale French Immersion.
Originally from Strasbourg, France, I received my Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a Master's degree in Education from the University there. In 2011-2012, I worked on the first grade team as an intern with Madame Heffelfinger. Last year, I taught Kindergarten in a private international school in Switzerland. The school was in a ski station in Villars sur Ollon next to Gsdaat. My job was to teach half-day in French and half-day in English. My students ranged in ages 3-6, both French speakers and nonnative speakers. During the winter season in addition to Kindergarten I was a ski instructor after school.
Now I am back in first grade! I am thrilled to be a part of this teaching staff. The Normandale community is the best I've worked with.
I adore teaching children and am inspired by their readiness to learn and the gift of a second language. I am delighted to get acquainted with you and your child and wish you all a terrific year in 2013-2014.
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Last Week's News
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Previously included La Liaison articles are listed below in case you missed them.
- Principal's Update
- Picture Day
- PTO, Important Forms are due
- Communications from Normandale
- Welcome Back and welcome new staff
- New Teacher Bio: Mme Kazemba
- Call for Media Center Volunteers
- Call for Innisbrook Volunteers
- Hornet Hustle
- Edina Give and Go
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Happening in the Community
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What does the Edina Resource Center do?
We are a free and confidential service that
connects families and individuals to
community information and resources.
Who does the Edina Resource Center serve?
Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Edina.
How do I contact the Edina Resource Center for assistance?
Give us a call, send us an email or stop by and visit us.
Phone: 952-848-3936
Email: contact@edinaresourcecenter.com
In Person: Edina Community Center
5701 Normandale Rd.,
Room 171 (North side, Door 3)
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. to Fri.
Website: www.edinaresourcecenter.com
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU!
Stay connected with Edina Public Schools by visiting the EPS website, and/or the EPS Facebook Page.
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