Tanglen Update

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This spring, students in our district and across the state will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). Students with cognitive disabilities take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) instead of the MCA. These assessments are administered as part of federal and state law and are important tools to measure the progress of learning.

The MCA results are critical for our work in improving instruction, supporting equity, and for providing another piece of information about individuals. The MCA results also represent our community to the public. We believe that with strong test participation, we will be better able to equitably serve all of our students and accurately represent the vitality of our schools.

Although parents and guardians have always had the right to refuse standardized testing, administering the MCA is not optional for the district. A parent refusal form must be on file with the school one week prior to testing. If one is not on file, students will be assigned a test session.

There is no need for students to study for the MCAs, and we ask you to support your student’s participation by making sure they get a good breakfast before the test and a good night’s sleep the night before.

If you have any questions about MCA testing and/or your student’s needs, call our office at 952-988-4900

The following link also has more information about the MCA (including translated materials): https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests/

Student non-profit, Minnesota Play for All, and Minnesota's award-winning children's book author and illustrator, Nancy Carlson, collaborated on a book, A Swing for Samara. The book is inspired by the true story of the Glen Lake Playground Project. A Swing for Samara celebrates the power of compassion and inclusion. The book is beautiful and so incredibly special for our Hopkins community. The book is available for pre-order online (Target, Amazon, etc), but we are offering this book at a reduced rate through our website. https://www.mnplayforall.org/

I am looking forward to next Friday...and it might not be for the reason that pops into your head! Next Friday we get to celebrate students in our school community who are exceptional role models of TEAMWORK, our character strength of focus for March. Our monthly assemblies are a highlight for me, for the students are so excited to cheer on classmates and friends who are doing great things to make our school community better. Be watching this section of the update next Friday for a link to the short news clip I will be sharing with our students of a great example of teamwork that I encourage you to watch as a family.

On Tuesday, March 25, sometime between 7:15 and 7:45 PM I will be given a few minutes to brag about our amazing school at the Hopkins School Board meeting. I will be highlighting some of the things that make Tanglen Elementary a special place. If you would like to hear me proudly talk about our school for a few minutes, here is a link you can use to view the meeting live on Tuesday night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPRIL_rNwPg.

Enjoy the weekend ahead!

Dr. Jim Hebeisen - Proud Tanglen Principal

Email: jim.hebeisen@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary/l-h-tanglen-elementary
Location: 10901 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4900
Facebook: facebook.com/tanglenelementaryschool
X (Formerly Twitter): @LHTanglenSchool