Meadowbrook News

September 13, 2024

Text reading explore, create, innovate on a blue background

A stylized H with a gold star above the word Meadowbrook

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From Principal Natalie

Greetings Meadowbrook!

It’s been another great week, and we’re seeing so much positive progress in our classrooms and community! However, we also know that transportation continues to be a stressor for some families. We appreciate your patience and communication when things aren’t running smoothly, and please know that we are working closely with the transportation department to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Each year, schools in Hopkins are asked to set three goals to help us move closer to realizing the vision of Vision 2031. These goals guide how we teach, how we create a positive school environment, and how we make sure our systems work efficiently.

Learning and Teaching Goal - This goal focuses on how we approach learning and teaching in a way that helps all students succeed. This year, we’re continuing to use Project-Based Learning (PBL). This means students learn by doing projects that connect to the real world and their own interests. Through these projects, they build important skills like critical thinking, working with others, and solving problems. In January, we will host a Student Showcase where student projects will be on display and you won't want to miss it!
Culture Goal - Our culture goal is about building a school environment that is safe, caring, and supportive. This includes using Restorative Practices, which help us respond to behavior in a way that builds understanding and keeps relationships strong. Our school-wide "Ways of Being," and Progressive Response to Student Behavior, which you’ve seen in past weeks, are a big part of this.
Operations Goal - This goal aims to address issues in our systems that make it harder for staff to do their jobs efficiently. By focusing on improving the ways we use data, we will be able to make stronger decisions about how we teach, support students, and build a positive school culture.

As we work toward these goals, I will share updates of our work with you. I am also looking to form a Caregiver Advisory Council to gather ideas and feedback from our community on how we are doing. I am seeking a group that represents the diversity of our school community. If you are interested in serving on this council, please email me at natalie.sawatzky@hopkinsschools.org.

In partnership,

Natalie

Picture Day is just around the corner on Thursday, September 26th, and we need your help to make it smooth and fun!

Step into the spotlight as a fashion consultant, hype person, and logistics support. It’s a fun day where you can help scholars shine and keep things running smoothly.

Sign up below to be assigned to a photo station and ensure every student is camera-ready.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4AACA629AAFD0-51393778-meadowbrook

Let’s make Picture Day unforgettable!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th! About 6% of our Meadowbrook student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. We want to honor the rich and diverse culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans!

Here are some key facts about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th.
The month-long celebration is a time to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation's history.
Click HERE to learn more!

Want to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your family this weekend ? Click HERE!

Also, below is a video you can watch with your children of the book: Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage by Tracey Kyle.

Monthly PE Newsletter

PTO Corner

Meadowbrook Carnival

Thank you so much to our Meadowbrook community! We’ve filled 50% of our volunteer slots for the Meadowbrook Carnival. We're well on our way to a fantastic event, but we need everyone to help us fill the remaining slots.

Ready to jump in and lend a helping hand? Sign up for your preferred time slot and activity today!
Wristbands are on sale now! Only kids participating in games and activities need a wristband.
Thank you to our 2024 Meadowbrook Carnival sponsors!

We’ll see you on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 3 - 6 p.m.!

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Angela Higgins & Amy Becklund

Meadowbrook Carnival Co-Chairs

Monthly Newsletter

Restaurant Nights

What are Restaurant Night funds used for? The sales from Meadowbrook Restaurant Nights are used for PTO funds. These funds provide many opportunities for all students and teachers. This includes, but is not limited to field trips, equipment for classrooms and the media center, artist residencies, and transportation costs for events and field trips.

How much did Meadowbrook family's contributions to Restaurant Nights make last year?Through June, 2024, we raised a whopping $4,801.06 for the Meadowbrook community (not including our June Nautical Bowls fundraiser)! From the Culver's event alone, our community received $2,500! As you can see, these events are of great benefit to the students and staff at Meadowbrook, and each time you dine to donate, it is greatly appreciated!

Tuesdays at The Local: Tell your friends, tell your neighbors! This year Meadowbrook is partnering with the Local in the West End; every time you or someone you know dines or gets take-out at the Local, mention "Meadowbrook PTO" and a portion of the proceeds will be provided to the Meadowbrook! This is an on-going partnership, taking place every Tuesday!

September Restaurant Night: Punch Pizza (5799 W 16th Street, St. Louis Park, MN)

Date: Thursday, September 19th, 2024
Time: 4:00pm – 8:30pm
Meadowbrook PTO is organizing a fundraiser with Punch Pizza which will result in 20% of our proceeds going to the school.
Place your dine-in or takeout order in-store or online – no code needed! Just be sure to MENTION that you are with Meadowbrook Elementary. The event will be a fun night for all at the West End Punch Pizza location. Students, parents and all those supporting us will enjoy an evening of delicious Neapolitan pizza!

How to Help The PTO:

Volunteer with us! Click here to learn about our many volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone!
Visit the PTO website, MeadowbrookPTO.weebly.com for current info on all things PTO!
Sign up for the PTO’s monthly newsletter to stay in-the-know on all PTO events, activities and opportunities. Sign up here!

Any questions? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at MeadowbrookElementaryPTO@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, or our PTO website.

District News

Hopkins Public Schools Safety Event on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Hopkins Public Schools invites parents, students, staff, and community members to join us for a thoughtful conversation about student safety and to explore what holistic safety means within our district. This event will be a welcoming space to share information, ask questions, and engage together as a community, ensuring that every student is supported in a safe and caring environment. Learn more

Hopkins Education Foundation News

Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) is excited to welcome students back to school! This is HEF's 30th year supporting Hopkins students and teachers. We started the school year by meeting new students and families at kindergarten nights, celebrating Hopkins schools at our Rock-n-Royal block party, and opening up a new season of classroom Spark Grants and Awesome Fund student club grants. We can’t wait to hear the great ideas students and teachers have for our schools, and how we can kickstart learning opportunities. Learn about all the ways Hopkins Education Foundation supports Hopkins students and how you can make a difference, at HopkinsEducationFoundation.org.

2024-25 District Calendar

Community Sponsored Activities

Girls on the Run

Attention all third, fourth and fifth graders! Do you like to run and be active? Do you like making new friends? Do you want to learn more about yourself and how to be a kinder person towards others? Then Girls on the Run is the right activity for you!

Girls on the Run will be starting the fall season Monday Sept. 9. The team will meet Monday and Wednesdays afterschool until 5:30. Registration is currently open!

https://www.gotrmn.org/

Hopkins Boys Travel Basketball Registration Open (Grades 3-8)

Come be a part of the great Hopkins basketball tradition!

Visit www.hrbbabasketball.net for more information and to register for the 2024-2025 travel season. Open to all boys in the Hopkins district grades 3-8.

Hopkins Girls Basketball Association Registration Open (Grades 3-8th)

Come join the fun! Registration is open for the 2024-2025 travel season. Open to all girls in the Hopkins district grades 3-8. Evaluations begin Saturday, Sept. 14th. Learn more about our program and registration at www.hopkinsgba.org