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From the Principal
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Dear Normandale Families,
PARENT INPUT FORMS
Spring is almost here and planning for next fall has begun at Normandale! Each spring, teachers and support staff meet and confer to develop class lists for the coming year, striving to create classes where optimum learning for all students can take place. It is our goal to have balanced classes across each grade level. Although teacher requests are not considered, if you have specific information about your child that should be taken into consideration, please complete this Parent Input Form. Note that this form is optional. Additionally, information that comes in after the deadline will be more difficult to consider since the placement process will have already started. The due date for this information is MARCH 25.
We consider many factors as we try to stabilize our classes and accommodate individual needs such as gender balance, emotional/social combinations, balance of performance levels, special learning needs, teaching/learning styles, and behavioral factors.
LA FRANCOPHONIE On Wednesday, March 3 Normandale celebrated La Francophonie- the French speaking world! Interns across all grade-levels developed presentations and activities for students. These presentations and activities touched on the songs, dances, food and stories of French speaking countries like Switzerland, Sénégal, Canada, Belguim etc. Some of the themes included: Tintin, formula 1 Grand Prix, chocolate, clocks and watches, cheese etc. Ask your student what presentations they attended.
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Last Chance: Imagination Fair Registration
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Throw a Pie at Principal Holden
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 Want to Throw a Pie at Principal Holden?
If yes, then the Normandale carnival is the place to be on Saturday, April 16th from 4:30 -7:30 p.m. in the ECC gyms.
There will be food, games, face painting and, of course, the fabulous Normandale carnival raffle. We'll have cool prizes including a hover board, an overnight school lock-in for 10 students, a first pitch opportunity at a MN Twins game, and much, much more!
All profits go directly to our award-winning French immersion program.
So, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. and watch this space for updates.
Oh, and, start thinking about what flavor of pie you want to throw. :)
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From the Health Office
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Please, stop sharing!
Influenza is on the rise in Minnesota, and we've already seen a few cases in Edina. Symptoms of an influenza-like-illness (ILI) include a fever over 100 degrees accompanied by a cough and/or sore throat.
We will be working with the staff and students at Normandale to decrease exposure to germs. Please keep sick children at home to prevent the spread of illness, and remember that good hand washing is your best defense! Thank you for your help!
Remember that children should not return to school until they've been fever-free for 24 hours.
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Empty Bowls: 3rd Grade Service Learning Project
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Thursday, March 10th, 2016
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (Lunch) and
4:30-7:00 PM (Dinner)
Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park
Normandale's 3rd graders will be participating in a unique, hands-on service learning project called Empty Bowls. Empty Bowls is a Fundraising event put on by STEP of ST Louis Park (St Louis Park Emergency Program).
The basic idea for Empty Bowls is simple. Participants create bowls to donate to the Empty Bowls fundraiser. At the fundraiser, the bowls are displayed, and guests are served a simple meal of soup and bread donated by local businesses. Guests may choose one of the donated bowls to keep as a reminder that there are always people faced with empty bowls in the world.
Normandale's third graders have been making two bowls each inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's flower paintings. These flower-shaped bowls will be fired and glazed in our kiln. When the bowls are finished, our third graders will pick one bowl to donate to the Empty Bowls Event and one bowl to keep. The bowl they choose to keep will be photographed and posted on Artsonia and then returned to them.
Please try to make it to this wonderful event to support a worthy cause! Thank You!
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La Liaison Needs You!
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 La Liaison is looking for an additional editor to learn the ropes this school year and step up for the 2016-2017 school year!
Editing La Liaison is a great way to scoop school news first and give back to the Normandale community.
During weeks where you are the primary editor, you can expect to devote a little of your Wednesday afternoon or evening and a little of your Thursday evening or Friday morning to helping your fellow Normandale parents be a little more informed and possibly a little less frazzled.
If you've ever dreamed of opening an inbox that only contains happy news and easy tasks, then this is the opportunity for you!
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From the District
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Hearing rumblings about budget plans for next year?
Stay informed, follow along with the work of the Budget Advisory Task Force
Members of the district-wide Budget Advisory Task Force (BATF) held their first meeting Feb. 23. After reviewing multi-year budget forecasts for the district as well as a history of budget adjustment processes in the past, the task force split into smaller groups and spent time prioritizing from two lists of options for budget reductions, one representing district-wide options, the other elementary/secondary options.
From here the group will begin to prioritize potential adjustments, including budget reductions, reallocations and revenue generators. The BATF will meet again on Feb. 29 and March 8, information from which will inform administration in their recommendation to the School Board on March 14.
Note that all meetings are open to the public. You can also learn more about the BATF and review meeting materials and their work on the district website.
Planning for Next Gen gifted services is underway
SAVE THE DATE: Community invited to review draft recommendations, provide feedback
As part of the district's implementation of its Next Generation Strategic Plan, a study of gifted and talented services has been looking at how best to personalize instruction and continue to challenge learners so their can achieve their full potential. The study's design team, comprised of teachers and administrators, have developed draft recommendations that will be shared with stakeholders this spring. In addition to gathering feedback from staff and the Gifted Advisory Committee, the district is also seeking broader parent and community input.
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- WHAT: Gifted and talented program study recommendation input sessions
- WHEN
- Monday, April 11, 5-6:30pm
- Monday, April 18, 6:30-8:00pm
- WHERE: Normandale Elementary Auditorium
- For more information, contact Debra Richards, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, 952-848-4935
Summer School Program for Advanced Learners
Intermediate District 287 offers a summer school program for advanced learners. ISD 287's criteria for registering students: Test scores in the 95th percentile or higher, or 120+ on an IQ test. Parents must complete the Nomination Form and submit it with test scores or provide alternative supporting documentation as outlined on the Nomination Form. Parents should contact ISD 287 directly with questions about the criteria and Nomination Form.
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Edina Community Ed: Spring Play Registration
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 This year's spring play, presented by Drama Kids, is "The Cleanest Town in Texas." This is the highlight of the Drama Kids school year! There are no auditions, and every child performs.
Edina Community Education is now registering students who wish to participate in the spring play. The Drama Kids class for Normandale runs on Tuesdays from April 12th-May 24th. Register your student now to secure their role in the play! Since we cast the play the first day of class, late registrations cannot be accepted.
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Happening in the Community
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Edina PCN Presents Fight or Flight: Understanding Your Child's Emotions, and Ours!
Monday, March 14, 2016
7:00-9:00 pm, Edina Southview Middle School Auditorium, FREE
 Todd Mullikin, LPCC and owner of Mulliken Counseling Center in Edina, will help parents and educators navigate the sometimes tricky world of our children's emotions - and our own!
With over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, some topics of discussion will include the shaping of emotions, fighters versus flighters, and how to fight fair with our kids.
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.
- La Liaison needs You
- Imagination Fair Registration
- Spring Play Registration
- From the District
- Happening in the Community
- Last Week's News
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