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From the Principal
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FRENCH CONNECTIONS
Over the past year, it has been fun for me to renew and grow Normandale's French connections. (Ask me about my connection to the movie, The French Connection.) Maintaining French language and culture at a French immersion school in the middle of North America requires outreach. This school year we are leveraging our connections to Francophone organizations as we make French language and culture come alive for students and staff. French Embassy: The French embassy is working hard to help schools and educators in North America that teach French. What does this outreach look like at Normandale? This summer the French Embassy paid for Karen Meyer, Grade 3 teacher, to attend a three week immersion teaching and learning experience in Vichy, France called Cavilam. In addition, the Normandale Media Center was the beneficiary of a $500 grant from the French Embassy, which was used towards the purchase of French children's books. Finally, I will be representing Normandale at a national seminar on French bilingual education and immersion taking place at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. L'Alliance Francaise: Normandale continues to grow its connections with the local chapter of the Alliance Francaise in Minneapolis. Last year, our third grade students attended a screening of the movie " Une Vie de Chat" sponsored by the Alliance Francaise. This year Normandale is reciprocating and has invited the Alliance Francaise to partner with us as we invite author Annie Groovie to share her craft with Normandale students. Annie Groovie will spend 5 days in November with all Normandale students and staff during her author visit. Association Canadienne des Professeurs d'Immersion (ACPI): Every other year, ACPI hosts a French immersion conference in Canada. Over the years, Normandale has sent numerous teachers to this conference. Their participation in this conference has helped Normandale with both French immersion pedagogy and curriculum. This year two teachers from Normandale will be attending the ACPI conference in British Columbia.
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Cultural Liaisons
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Hispanic Liaison
My name is Blanca Diaz de Leon, I am the new Cultural Liaison for Hispanic families within the Edina Public School District. This is a new position created to improve the communication between the district and the Hispanic community.
I look forward to getting to know you and your family. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to share any ideas on how to improve your experience in the Edina Schools with me. I am available to support you in any issue related to your child's education and to listen to your ideas. Please feel free to email me or call me directly at 952-848-4052 if you have any questions and/or concerns.
Mi nombre es Blanca Díaz de León, soy el nuevo Enlace Cultural para las familias que hablan español en el Distrito Escolar de Edina. Esta es una posición nueva creada para mejorar la comunicación entre el distrito escolar y la comunidad Hispana.
Espero poco a poco empezar a conocer cada familia, aprovecho esta oportunidad para invitarlos a compartir conmigo ideas de cómo mejorar su experiencia y la de su estudiante en su paso por las escuelas de Edina. Estoy a sus órdenes para apoyarlos en cualquier asunto relacionado con la educación de sus hijos y para compartir sus ideas. Por favor siéntase libre de llamarme directamente (952-848-4052) o contactarme por correo electrónico.
Somali Liaison
My name is Abdul Abdullahi, and I am the new Cultural Liaison for our Somali families within the Edina School District. This is a new position, created this year to support families, students and staff to enable the district to better serve our community. Please email me or call me directly at 952-848-4051.
Magacaygu waa Abdul Abdullahi. Anigu waxaan ahay Xiriiriyaha Dhaqanka ee lashaqayn doona qoysaska Soomaaliyeed ee Dugsiyada Degmada Edina. Tani waa jago cusub oo la abuuray sanadkan si ay taageero uhelaan qoysaska, ardayda iyo shaqaalaha dugsiyada, una xoojiso hormarinta adeegyadda loo qabanayo bulshadeena. Fadlan igala soo xiriir lambarkayga ah 952-848-4051 ama cinwaanka email kayga oo ah Abdullahi.abdullahi@edinaschools.org. Mahadsanid!
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First Annual Family Service Night
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Save the date for Normandale's First Annual Family Service Night!
Thursday, October 22 from 6:00-7:30pm, Normandale Auditorium
Watch for more information to follow in future newsletters.
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Mile Run Dates
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For parents interested in cheering on their children or running along with them, please join us on the track during your child's PE day (they only have PE one of the days listed below). You can either meet us on the track or check in at the front office and join us in the small gym for a warmup and stretch beforehand. We warm up and stretch in the gym first, so the mile starts about 10-15 minutes into classtime. If you're not able to make it, ensure your child gets adequate rest leading up to the mile run, double check that they have their running shoes, and ask how it went later that day.
Grades 2-3: September 22 or 23
Grade 4: September 23 or 24
Grade 5: September 22 or 23
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Pinstripes Fundraiser - Volunteers Needed
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SAVE THE DATE!!!!
French Connections Adult Fundraiser November 7, 2015, 7:00 PM
Pinstripes - 3849 Gallagher Drive, Edina
This year's Pinstripe's fundraiser is one you will NOT want to miss! And, there is still time to get involved by helping with this year's event!
We are looking for individuals to assist with silent auction soliciting; please consider volunteering for this important school fundraiser. In addition, if you have an item/event to contribute for this year's silent auction or community connections, please let us know. We will pass along appropriate forms to fill out and get the ball rolling.
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Art Adventures Volunteers
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Art Adventure Volunteers Needed for grades 3-5!
URGENT! We need parent volunteers to teach a 40 minute Art Class over your child's lunch hour.
Don't know anything about art? No problem. Free training is provided at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Learn all about art from different time periods, countries, and cultures.
Expand not only your child's horizons, but yours as well. It's a great way to volunteer without a huge time commitment:
- Teaching: 40 minutes/month over lunch 2-3 times per school year
- Training: 2-3 hours (evening or morning) lots of training dates to choose from
Please email Kathy Tran if you are able to volunteer. If we don't get volunteers, we won't be able to continue this amazing program! Thank you!
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| Coat Drive | |
Ahh, glorious September. Cooler air, pumpkin spice lattes, kids back in school. This can only mean one thing: the back to school closet PURGE!
You know that coat your 8-year-old wore three times before going through a growth spurt? Or that "lost" jacket recovered in the school Lost and Found last June, far too late to be of use to anyone?
We have a place for you to bring those coats! Normandale Elementary is participating in Pilgrim Cleaner's "Coats for Kids" drive this year. Bring your gently used coat to school from September 14-October 9 and Pilgrim Cleaners will clean them and distribute them to 8 local charities. We will have a drop off box near the office.
Not only is this a great way to unload your clutter, it's a wonderful way to get your kids thinking about giving to those in need.
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Logic Club
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Logic Club for Grades 3-5 -- Starts September 21st
The mind is a beautiful thing. Let's push it to the limit!
Logic Club is for students in grades 3-5 who are interested in exploring logic-based games and puzzles. We'll play Rush Hour, Squeezed Out, Chess, Sudoku, Rubik's Cube, Rubik's Magic, Brick by Brick and much more. Don't know how to play these? I'll teach you! We'll also ponder riddles and create mazes.
You may not have known that Mr. Hannemann has a passion for logic games, and even coached a chess team to 1st place in a southern California regional tournament. Now you do!
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Edina Fitness Club
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Edina Fitness Club for Grades 3-5, plus a new K-2 Class!
The focus of Fitness Club is to help students get ready for the school day by firing up their bodies and increasing overall fitness, strength, and flexibility. Workouts are designed to be adjustable to any fitness level. A snack will be provided after every class.
- Starts September 21st
- 7:45-8:15am
- 2, 3 or 4 days/week
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Happening in the Community
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Capturing the Excitement of Edina Public Schools!
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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.
- Volunteer Training
- Coat Drive
- From the Normandale Office
- Picture Day Reminder
- Innisbrook Fundraiser - Be One in a Minion
- PTO Dues and Yearbook Orders
- Pinstripes Fundraiser - Volunteers Needed
- School Apparel
- Happening in the Community
- Last Week's News
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