The Kenwood Courier
12/6/24
Welcome!
We’re eager to connect and partner with you this 2024-25 school year in support of your children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. You can expect to receive the Courier every Friday.
Access the Newsletter in Your Preferred Language 🗣️
- On the top of the page, you will find ADA and Translation features. To translate, click on the Translate button and choose your desired language.
- En la parte superior de la página, encontrará funciones de ADA y traducción. Para traducir, haga clic en el botón Traducir y elija el idioma que desee.
- Dusha sare ee bogga, waxaad ka heli doontaa ADA iyo sifooyinka Turjumaada. Si aad u turjunto, dhagsii badhanka Turjumka oo dooro luqadda aad rabto.
- В верхней части страницы вы найдете функции ADA и перевода. Для перевода нажмите кнопку «Перевести» и выберите нужный язык.
- د پاڼې په سر کې، تاسو به د ADA او ژباړې ځانګړتیاوې ومومئ. د ژباړې لپاره، د ژباړې تڼۍ باندې کلیک وکړئ او د خپلې خوښې ژبه غوره کړئ.
- در بالای صفحه، شما ویژگی های ADA و ترجمه را پیدا کنید. برای ترجمه، روی دکمه ترجمه کلیک کنید و زبان مورد نظر خود را انتخاب کنید.
Kenwood News & Events
Hanging out in the hammocks!
So much fun!
Agility, balance and joy in action!
Upcoming Save the Dates (please see below for details) 📆
- Dec. 13: Teacher PD Day (No School for Students)
Dec. 20: Pajama Day, K-5; All School Morning Meeting
- Dec. 21-Jan. 5: Winter Break
- Jan. 10: Coffee with the Principal, 9:45-10:30 a.m.
Playground Update 🎉
New playground, new adventures!
Kenwood’s new playground opened on Thursday, Dec. 4. What a fantastic addition to our school! Our students are delighted to have new structures to explore and play on, and we’re thrilled to have received a lovely investment in joy from the District.
Reminder: No School Friday, Dec. 13
There is no school next week Friday due to professional development. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, Dec. 16.
Gordon Coons Returns to Kenwood Next Week 🎨
Kenwood is excited to welcome back Gordon Coons (Ojibwe/Ottawa) for a presentation of his Woodlands style artwork! He will be working with 2nd grade art classes next week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Gordon is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe of northern Wisconsin. He is a self taught artist, creating works in a variety of mediums including linoleum block prints, paintings, pen and ink, creations in stone and wood and assembled sculptures. Although his artwork is more contemporary, each piece portrays a unique view of traditional Native stories. Gordon served as the 2nd grade Artist in Residence in previous years and has been a key part of Kenwood's Native American Art in the Present Tense residency since its inception, including participating in the development of Mia's Native Art, Native Voices: A Resource for K-12 Learners.
Additional Artists in Residence for Kenwood's Native American Art in the Present Tense will be visiting in the new year. Stay tuned!
Winter Giving Program for Kenwood Families 💝
Please donate by next Thursday, Dec. 12!
As the holiday season nears, we're reminded of the generosity of spirit that makes our Kenwood community so special. In this same spirit, we're proud to launch our Winter Giving Program to help ensure that every family in our school community enjoys a warm and joyful winter break. We invite you to join us by donating Target gift cards, which will be distributed to families in our school who may need extra support buying essential items this holiday season.
How to Give:
Direct Donation: Drop off Target gift cards in $25 increments at the main office with Danielle Sanders by next Thursday, Dec. 12. We of course welcome larger donations, but ask that they be provided in $25 increments for ease of distribution. Bonus: Target is offering 10% off GiftCards this Saturday (Dec. 7) and Sunday (Dec. 8) so you can multiply your impact!
Via PTA: Venmo your contribution to @KenwoodPTAMpls, and the PTA will purchase gift cards on your behalf.
If your family could benefit from this program, please contact Kenwood’s Social Worker Ally Adamski to receive a gift card from our community donations.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference for our Kenwood families. Thank you for showing your Kenwood Pride and for supporting all families who make our school community so special!
Art Adventure with Mia
While we're still a few months away from the start of in-class programming with Art Adventure from the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), there are a number of upcoming opportunities for adult volunteers to attend an in person training at MIA in preparation. Art Adventure is an opportunity for students to experience art from MIA's collection across various cultures and periods, up close and personally through reproductions, technology, and props, encouraging creativity, critical thinking and global awareness.
Art Adventure relies on adult volunteers to introduce classroom students to a variety of preselected artworks from MIA. No art expertise is needed but past volunteers have found the in-person training sessions available at MIA very beneficial in preparation.
We're still looking for volunteers to work with the following classrooms: Ms. Sklar; Ms. Elfering; Ms. Maupin; Ms. Tostenson; Ms. Kronmiller. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please email Marstal Aamodt at marstal.aamodt@gmail.com.
School Lunch Menu 😋
Monday, Dec. 9
Cheese Omelet with Pancakes
Bagel Yogurt Pack
- Served with Syrup; Diced Seasoned Potatoes
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Beef Cheeseburger with Bun
Beef Hamburger with Bun
Black Bean Burger
Roast Turkey and Cheddar on Flatbread
- Served with Seasoned Corn
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Chicken Nuggets with BBQ Sauce
JIC BBQ Soy Nuggets Smoked Turkey and Swiss on Pullman
Thursday, Dec. 12
Turkey Nacho Grande
Fiesta Crumble with Cheese
Cheddar Chickpea Flatbread Pack
- Served with Tortilla Chips; Fresh Salsa; Pinto Beans
Friday, Dec. 13
No School
Community News & Events
Santa at sota clothing Minneapolis: Saturday, Dec. 7
Trek on by to sota clothing Minneapolis (1009 Franklin Ave W, Minneapolis 55405) on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. for holiday shopping AND a FREE photo op with Santa!
Bring your kids (furry ones, too!), friends or the whole family for a timeless holiday photo with Santa. This event requires you (or a family member) to take the photo, so bring your camera.
Help Bring Joy to 125 Kids This Holiday Season 🎁
A teacher at Lucy Craft Laney in North Minneapolis is holding a fundraiser for an annual holiday party she holds for over 100 students. Traditionally, students enjoy a special lunch, desserts, games, and a gift bag. If you are interested in donating, please click here.
MPS CTE Saturday Explorations Event: Saturday, Dec. 7
Saturday Explorations is a FREE program offered through the MPS Career & Technical Education department to promote career exploration and hands-on activities for students in elementary and middle school. Children and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn and build items together.
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
- Time: Two sessions, 8-9:30 a.m. or 10-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Roosevelt Tech Center
- Who: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students (must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver)
Students will participate in a workshop focused on construction and woodworking and will have the option to build a Robot or Porcupine. All tools and supplies will be provided for student use. Register soon as spots are limited. If you will be bringing more than one child to this event, please fill out a separate form for each child. Questions? Email steven.vue@mpls.k12.mn.us.
MPS Students: Are you curious to see how your school meals are made? Join a behind-the-scenes tour of MPS Central Kitchen!
Get an engaging, hands-on look at Culinary & Wellness Services' True Food approach. This 1.5-hour tour is designed for students ages 5+, offering interactive opportunities to explore the inner workings of MPS school meals. Caregivers must attend with students. Space is limited to 20 students and their caregiver(s), so reserve your spot soon. Sign up here!
Tour dates are Friday, Dec. 13 (School Release Day) and Friday, Feb. 28 (School Release Day), both starting at 8:30 a.m. Questions? Please contact Jaime Harris.
Taste of Anwatin Open House: Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Taste of Anwatin is an annual community tradition that is held in December of each year at Anwatin Middle School (256 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, 55405). Enjoy food, games and activities, a craft fair, band and choir concert, and more!
Practice Reading Skills with Let's Read Tutors 📖
K-5 students can get FREE support in developing their reading skills at some library locations. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one-on-one to work on grade level reading skills.
Let's Read is intended for students:
- In grades K-5
- Reading below grade level
- Able to meet with their tutor every week on the same day and at the same time
Find more information and a list of Let's Read locations. Sessions are scheduled in advance by appointment only. To schedule a session, have families speak with staff at any Let's Read location or email LetsRead@hclib.org.