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The Kenwood Courier
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4/26/24
Welcome!
We’re eager to connect and partner with you this 2023-24 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
Go Team Kenwood Blue
The 5th grade team placed 4th out of 23 teams at the MathMasters competition last Friday.
Congrats, 4th & 5th Grade Mathletes!
In 4th grade, Otto and Cora tied for 10th in the Fact Drill Round. In 5th grade, Simon took 4th, Mason took 11th, Cal took 12th & Ben took 15th.
Volunteer Appreciation 💙
To those who clean tables, sweep floors, open milk cartons, encourage peaceful conversations, and distribute utensils and napkins in the lunchroom: thank you.
To those who share their passion for reading with our students and listen to our students unlock stories and ideas: thank you.
To those who help our students see that math is a beautiful, creative subject: thank you.
To those who walk to the School Forest, ride on buses to exciting field trip destinations, supervise 5th graders at camp, pick apples in the orchard, listen to music in beautiful halls, share art with young artists: thank you.
To those who organize really fun fundraisers, plant seeds, build gardens, reach out to resident artists, harvest (and house) pumpkins, organize sledding parties, provide winter gear to those in need, create Kenwood swag, tidy our cabinets and shelves: thank you.
To those who document the beautiful things that happen at Kenwood and share what we love about our school with others: thank you.
To those who join meetings, share feedback and ideas, serve on committees, and listen deeply, with understanding: thank you.
To those who welcome a new family to Kenwood, organize before and after school activities, provide nourishing meals to staff, stuff folders, serve as class PTA reps, and offer words of encouragement and kindness: thank you.
To those who imagine the possibilities at Kenwood and share your visions with others: thank you.
To those who move furniture, order new resources, think inclusively, and cheer us on: thank you.
Volunteers, your time, your ideas, and your dedication to our students, staff, and families are visible every day. Thank you for your many acts of kindness and generosity. We appreciate you!
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-25: Wednesday, May 15
Save the date for kindergarten registration on Wednesday, May 15, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet kindergarten teachers!
Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport, immunization records, and your early childhood screening if you have already completed it. You can also email these documents in advance to Kenwood School Secretary Danielle Sanders. Look out for the registration link and more information to be sent out to parents soon.
Kindergarten Registration 2024-25
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 08:00 AM
Kenwood Elementary School, Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Spring Picnic: Thursday, May 16 🌷
Please save the date for our annual Kenwood Spring Picnic, Thursday May 16 from 4:15 to 6 p.m. on the playground. There will be a FREE dinner for all students, along with their caregivers and siblings under 18, as well as fun activities, music performances from students, and much more! We’d love some volunteers. Click here or visit the link below to sign up. We hope to see you there!
Playground Update
On April 23rd, the Board of Education decided in a 5 to 2 vote at a special meeting not to approve the construction contract for the new playground at Kenwood and two other MPS elementary schools. The Board indicated they want to provide more input into required playground features to ensure inclusive structures and practices. Our playground won’t be replaced until the Board provides further direction about the parameters it expects the District to use. It’s important for the Kenwood community to know that an occupational therapist, a Kenwood teacher, and a Kenwood parent joined me in playground planning meetings with the District, and we were very intentional about considering and selecting structures to support safe and inclusive play. We look forward to learning more about a new timeline for designing and building the new Kenwood playground. I encourage families to reach out to the Board to learn more about the decision and what we can do to help our playground redesign move forward.
Last Call for Lost & Found Items: May 10❗
Please check the lost and found for missing clothing items by Friday, May 10. After that date, all unclaimed items will be donated.
Families of Kenwood
The Yagloa Paucar Family
Justin is a fourth-grade student at Kenwood. We are grateful to Justin’s family for taking the time to share about their journey from Ecuador to Minnesota and their advice for other parents.
Family Background and Culture
Our family moved from Ecuador to Minnesota in November 2023. In Ecuador, events we celebrate include Carnival, Holy Week, and the Day of Corn to celebrate our harvest and tourism. It is when we give thanks to Mother Earth for her productivity. There is also an annual running of the bulls. In addition, we celebrate El Paseo Del Chagra (which pays homage to Ecuador’s cowboys). Normally the Chagras get ready with their horses and then start the parade. As a family, most of our traditions relate to gastronomy. We try to teach our son about our culture by eating traditional dishes. This includes cuy served with potatoes and peanut sauce and hornado served with mote and agrio.
Experience at Kenwood
Our son has told us how he is being taught and it’s very different than in Ecuador, but he likes the new experience that he is obtaining. He likes going to school and is excited to get ready in the morning. He likes math and participating in the newcomer student affinity group, which we have heard a bit about. Justin really loves how his teachers treat him. He has made special connections with Ms. Suedbeck and [ELL Teacher] Ms. Alice, who he says is very patient and kind. Learning English has been challenging, but he enjoys the way it is being taught. We know Justin misses Ecuador, but he is adapting well.
We like the way our son is being taught and appreciate the way we have been welcomed as immigrants within the Kenwood community. A challenge has been how to communicate with teachers and knowing what’s going on all the time. It is hard as adults to learn English, but it’s important that we are involved. As we tell our son, the process of moving is hard but not impossible. In terms of engagement, the school can help with teaching newcomer families how to interact with the school and how to guide our children. More events where we can learn about the school system and culture, such as the orientation we attended in February, would be helpful.
Advice for Other Families
We believe we must watch over our kids, especially as they can be treated differently for being from other countries, which can be traumatizing. We have good communication with our son. We speak about everything and what he’s going through, good or bad. We are not only his parents but also his friends. He knows that Dad and Mom are always going to stand with him and stand up for him.
Kenwood Super Summer
Kenwood Super Summer is back! This summer we will be offering weekly camps such as Taylor Swift Fan Club, Fishing Adventures, E-Sports, Horseback Riding, and many more. Programming will run from June 24th -August 8th with morning (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and afternoon (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) sessions. If parents need a little extra time we also offer extended care that goes from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. There’s an option for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at the Kenwood Super Summer!
Mpls Kids '24-25 Registration Open for All Families
Mpls Kids 2024-25 School Year Registration opens today, April 26, for new families in addition to families with current Mpls Kids before/after school contracts. Please register early. We expect space to fill fast. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Mpls Kids is the district’s before and after school program with a site at Kenwood for youth in grades K-5. We are a CCAP certified center. MN's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps families pay for child care so parents can pursue work or school. To see if you qualify for this assistance call 612-348-5937, or apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov. New for 2024-25 at Kenwood: Reduced component rates are available for families that do not qualify for CCAP but are experiencing financial hardship. Rates are determined by school bell times. https://ce.mpschools.org/youth/mpls-kids
Reminder: Order Your Yearbook by Next Friday!
Order online at ybpay.com (Kenwood code: 14946024).
Standard cost is $14.50 with scholarships available. When you check out online you can select a scholarship book at a lower price or help the scholarship fund by donating when you purchase your book. The deadline to order is Friday, May 3. Look for fliers and physical order forms to go home in backpacks next week. If you have any questions, please contact daisy.j.simpson@gmail.com.
Plant Sale: May 3-5 🪴
The Kenwood Annual Plant Sale is coming up next weekend, the weekend of May 3-5, in the Kenwood schoolyard. Proceeds from the sale benefit the 5th-grade class trip. Please sign up to volunteer with orders and checkout.
PTA Board Election: Thursday, May 2
PTA Board Elections for the 2024-25 school year will be held at our May meeting - Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m., both in-person in the Kenwood Media Center and remotely via Google Meet. We will be voting on the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer at this time.
Nominations are still open - if you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, or if you have questions, please email KenwoodSchoolPTA@gmail.com. In addition to the board positions above, we are still seeking volunteers to help with the following roles: fundraising, yearbook editor, event photographer (in support of the yearbook editor), and co-teacher appreciation lead, as well as members at large.
True Food Tasting: Friday, May 3
Kenwood will host a tasting of a fresh, healthy MPS recipe next Friday. During lunch, all students and staff members will have the chance to sample Carrot & Beet Salad -- a sweet and savory salad paired with a housemade honey-mint dressing. True Food Tastings aim to get students excited about trying new foods. Students who try a sample will be asked to share a one-word description of the dish and will receive a True Food Tasting Sticker. Take home recipe cards will also be available!
We're still seeking volunteers to help between 10:50 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. with set up and distribution of samples to students and staff. To sign up, please email Keri Mabry. Thanks!
Art Class with 5th Graders: Tuesday, May 7 & Friday, May 10
Dear Parents,
On May 7 and May 10, watercolor artist and mom Angela Erdrich and her daughter, Kenwood alumna, Shivani Patel, will be instructing the fifth grade class on painting watercolor self-portraits.
We are asking that all students submit a digital photo of themselves. Parent volunteers will print it the exact size that we will be painting, 4 x 6 inches. Students will be tracing the photo and Shivani will teach how to transfer it onto watercolor paper. Parents who would like to volunteer on the days of class, please contact Family Liaison Keri Mabry.
- Email digital photos to: jennylefevere@yahoo.com
- Deadline for submitting a photo or drawing: Wednesday, May 1
Instructions for choosing a good photo to paint
- The space is filled with mainly head and shoulders.
- No selfie type photos because the shoulders and face will not appear symmetric.
- For simplicity, choose a closed mouth, "Mona Lisa Smile" because teeth are difficult. For a challenge, choose expression and an open mouth.
- If your child prefers to submit a portrait drawing, it needs to fill most of the 4 x 6 inch space.
- If you have a color printer at home and can print the photo yourself, that would be helpful. Make sure you crop it and print it to fill exactly 4 x 6 inches.
4-5 Grade Concert: Thursday, May 9
Please mark your calendars for our 4th and 5th grade concert on Thursday, May 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event will take place in the gym. The students, Ms. Hunt (band) and Ms. Sue (music) are excited to share what we have worked on this year. It will be a fun night of gathering as a community and enjoying some good music. We hope you can join us!
4-5 Grade Concert
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 06:30 PM
Kenwood Elementary School, Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, USA
All Community Requests 💛
Questions? Contact Keri Mabry. Thank you!
School Lunch Menu
Monday, April 29
Beef Sambusa
Lentil Sambusa
Bagel Yogurt Pack
- Served with Bariis Rice, Basbaas Sauce, Diced Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday, April 30
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Chickpea and Strawberry Jelly Sandwich
Roast Turkey and Cheddar on Flatbread
- Served with Brown Rice, Green Beans
Wednesday, May 1
Chicken with Waffles
Baked Soy Nuggets
Waffle with Syrup
Smoked Turkey and Swiss on Pullman
- Served with Diced Seasoned Potatoes
Thursday, May 2
Lasagna Roll with Marinara
Cheddar & Chickpea Flatbread Pack
- Served with Dinner Roll, Mixed Vegetable Blend
Friday, May 3
Ferndale Turkey Hot Dog
Black Bean Burger with Bun
Turkey Bologna & Cheddar on a Bun
- Served with Baked Potato Wedges
Community News & Events
Minnesota Humanities Center: Learning from Place, April 27 & May 4
Please visit the links below to learn more and register for these exciting events tomorrow and next weekend. Questions can be directed to Kenwood parent Corey China: corey@mnhum.org.
- Learning from Place: Cedar-Riverside/West Bank: April 27, 1 to 4 p.m. The Cedar-Riverside/West Bank neighborhood in Minneapolis is one of the most diverse communities in the Midwest, with a longstanding tradition of activism, cultural diversity, and the arts. Build your cultural understanding during this interactive, in-person experience that includes a walking tour with several stops led by Abdirizak Bihi, host of KFAI’s Somali Link Radio.
- Learning from Place: Hmong St. Paul: May 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of St. Paul’s vibrant Hmong community! St. Paul is home to the largest Hmong population in the United States, with deep roots on the East Side.
Spring and Summer 2024 Programs
Join Garden staff for tours, birding and much more for all ages! These programs are FREE, and no registration is necessary. Email ebwg@minneapolisparks.org or visit minneapolisparks.org/ebwg for more information.
- Garden Tour: Every Open Garden Day, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Flower Hour: Thursday evenings, May 2 - June 27, 5-6 p.m.
- Summer Solstice Celebration: Thursday, June 20, 5-8 p.m.
- Evening Bird Stroll: Thursdays in May and June, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Garden Storytime: Thursdays, May 2-Oct. 12, 10 a.m.; Saturdays, May 4-Oct. 19, 3 p.m.
- Knitting in Nature: Select Thursdays, May - August, 5-6:30 p.m.
- Spring Nature Journaling: Sundays in May, 2-3 p.m.
- Quaking Bog Walks: First Saturdays and Third Sundays, starting in June
Listening Sessions with Superintendent Dr. Sayles-Adams
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams and members of the school board will be hosting sessions throughout the city over the next several weeks to gather feedback from families and community members. Hmong, Somali and Spanish interpreters will be available at all sessions, and childcare will be available at all in-person sessions. For more information, click here.
Minneapolis Schools' Parent Legislative Action Committee
Interested in getting connected to lobbying efforts on behalf of MPS? To join the Parent Legislative Action Committee list, parents and community members can fill out this form.
MPS Lobbyist Josh Downham sends out updates at key points in the session and action alerts. One primary aspect of the work at the state capitol is getting local representatives and senators to elevate education funding to the top of their priority lists and create programming that attracts and retains Minneapolis families.
Let's Stay in Touch!
Email: keri.mabry@mpls.k12.mn.us
Website: https://kenwood.mpschools.org
Location: 2013 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Phone: 612-668-2760
Click here to share photos for the 2023-24 yearbook!