The Kenwood Courier
5/17/24
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
Kudos to students who biked, walked or rolled to school on May 8 👏
3rd grade Art Adventure trip to Mia
Library Books Due May 24 📚
Please be sure to return all Kenwood library books by Friday, May 24. Thank you!
Sound Garden Celebration
Adapted from Karin Olson
Kenwood’s third grade students collaborated with a team led by local artist/composer/ director/producer/musician JG Everest to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience in the DNR-designated School Forest. Their work commenced on Earth Day and included weekly sessions with artists. Everest composed music to complement the sounds of the forest, emitting from over 40 small wireless speakers nestled in bird houses, felt mushrooms and other subtle spots. Visitors were treated to a peaceful, beautiful opportunity to connect with the natural world and hidden truths. Poems created by the third graders in English, Spanish and Arabic hung on branches along the trails, and intricate sculptures made of natural materials graced key spots. All classes got the chance to bathe in the sights and sounds.
Thank you to Kenwood teachers, students, and PTA for making this experience possible!
Spring Picnic Gratitude
Huge thanks to Kenwood PTA for their hard work to plan such a fun, nourishing event!
Thanks also to all students and families who were able to join for the Spring Picnic. It was wonderful to see the high volume of turnout from Kenwood families and our community, and it was a beautiful wrap-up to the school year.
Kindergarten Registration 🎒
We hosted a wonderful group of families and incoming kindergarteners on Wednesday morning! Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Elfering provided a 30-minute immersive experience in their classrooms while families met with Principal Johnson, staff, and PTA representatives to learn about Kenwood. All our new Woodchucks left the school grinning and excited to come back in September! We can’t wait!
'24-25 Transportation Information 🚸
It's time for families to plan for their transportation needs for next school year! Families can fill out the Transportation Request Form through Friday, June 14.
Please complete this form to ensure your student has a bus stop for the first day of school. All families should submit the form, even if your student will not need a bus or if your information will stay the same for next year.
Every Meal Last Delivery & Summer Food Resources
The last delivery for the Every Meal Weekend Program will be the last day of school, Friday, May 14.
Please see attached for flyers regarding the Free Meals for Kids App that families can access during the summer months. For an additional list of food resources and programs during the summer months, please click here.
Field Day 2024 is May 29 😎
Volunteers needed!
This year’s Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29. If there is inclement weather, it will take place the following day (Thursday, May 30). This year Mr. Kramka is expanding Field Day to include more events than years past. Students will rotate through 9-10 different event stations at the Kenwood Park Field for about two hours with their classroom teachers and other support staff. See the schedule below.
- Session #1 - K, 1st, 2nd: 10:00am-12:00pm
- Session #2 - 3rd, 4th, 5th: 1:00pm-3:00pm
To make this a successful event, adult volunteers are needed to help facilitate events, set up, clean up, and more. If you are available and willing to support in this way, please sign up for a shift here. Mr. Kramka needs a lot of help to make this a positive and successful experience for all of our Kenwood Woodchucks. If you are not able to commit to volunteering, you are still welcome to stop by the field for a shorter period of time to cheer on our students.
Reminder: Kindergarten & 5th Grade Completion Ceremonies 🎓
Kindergarten Completion Ceremony
Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024, 03:00 PM
Kenwood Elementary School, Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, USA
5th Grade Completion Ceremony
Thursday, Jun 13, 2024, 10:00 AM
Kenwood Park, West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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 24 -August 8 with morning (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) and afternoon (1 - 4 p.m.) sessions. If parents need a little extra time we also offer extended care that goes from 4 - 5 p.m. There’s an option for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at Kenwood Super Summer!
Mpls Kids '24-25 Registration Open for All Families
Mpls Kids 2024-25 School Year Registration is open for all families. 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
All Community Requests 💛
Questions? Contact Keri Mabry. Thank you!
School Lunch Menu
Monday, May 20
Cheese Omelet with Pancakes
Bagel Yogurt Pack
- Served with Diced Seasoned Potatoes
Tuesday, May 21
Beef Hamburger with Bun
Black Bean Burger with Bun
Roast Turkey and Cheddar on Flatbread
- Served with Baked Beans
Wednesday, May 22
Meatballs with Marinara & Penne
Italian Crumble Pasta Bake
Smoked Turkey and Swiss on Pullman
- Served with Dinner Roll, Green Beans
Thursday, May 23
Baked Herb Chicken with Yellow Rice
Soy Nugget with Yellow Rice
Cheddar & Chickpea Flatbread Pack
- Red & Gold Beets
Friday, May 24
Beef Pepperoni Pizza
Turkey Bologna & Cheddar on a Bun
Community News & Events
Superintendent's May 20 Listening Session & Survey
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams is currently on a listening tour in order to hear from MPS families. She's asking three questions:
What excites you about MPS?
What is one thing working well in MPS?
If you were Superintendent, what would you change first?
The last listening session will take place at Justice Page Middle School on Monday, May 20, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Hmong, Somali and Spanish interpreters will be available. Childcare will be available.
If you cannot attend, you can take the 100 Day Plan survey on the MPS website.
Superintendent's Listening Session
Monday, May 20, 2024, 06:00 PM
Justice Page Middle School, West 49th Street, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Youth Performance Company (YPC) Summer 2024 Classes
YPC’s classes are designed to appeal to a wide variety of artistic interests, personalities and abilities. Theatre education promotes problem solving skills, working cooperatively, leadership and self confidence. From beginners to experienced — learning never stops for the dedicated artist. Explore your potential and fuel your passion for theatre at YPC!
Please see the attached flyer for more information. Register online at youthperformanceco.org.
Loppet Paddling Family Program Summer 2024
Participants will learn water safety and fundamental paddling skills using cooperative activities and games. We will learn about equipment, body position and stroke technique, communication with your partner, and ways to steer the boat with more ease and confidence. Equipment is included!
- Ages 9-13 and an adult 18+
- 2x/week for 4 weeks: Mondays/Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. or 9:30 – 11 a.m.
- 2 sessions: June 10 – July 10 (no July 3); July 15 – August 7
- Location: Cedar Lake (Brownie Lake/Lake of the Isles)
- Cost: $270/pair (1 youth and 1 adult)
For more information and to register, please download the attached flyer or visit the website.
Scouting After School
Focused on good citizenship, character development, team building, and leadership, Scouting After School provides a free, fun and adventurous program for students interested in the world around them. Scouts explore various topics through hands-on activities, science projects, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities designed to engage, enrich and excite. For more information about summer camps and programming, visit the website.
Medical Assistance (MA)/MinnesotaCare Renewal
Need to renew your Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare? Are you or do you know of families on Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare that received an envelope with a blue circle on it? If so, then it’s time to renew. Families can check their renewal date on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ website. For assistance, families can reach out to MPS Family Resource Center at 612-668-4280, Portico Healthnet at 651-489-2273 or search for another navigator on the MNsure website.
Summer EBT Program Available for Students
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently announced a Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) program to begin in Summer 2024. The S-EBT program will provide families with eligible school-aged children $40 per month per child ($120 total) during the summer months to purchase healthy foods with funds on EBT cards.
What do I need to do to ensure my student receives S-EBT?
For MPS students already approved for free/reduced eligibility:
- Ensure that household contact information is up-to-date with the district, including parent or guardian name, address and phone number. Contact your child’s school if updates are needed.
For MPS students whose household did not yet complete an Application for Educational Benefits:
- Complete an Application for Educational Benefits online on LINQ Connect. You will receive a letter in approximately 10 business days letting you know if your child qualifies for free, reduced or paid eligibility. Only free or reduced students qualify for S-EBT benefits.
S-EBT Benefits will be distributed by MDE and the Minnesota Department of Human Services during the summer months. Visit the MDE website for more information on S-EBT program.
Pangea World Theater Summer Camps 2024 🎭
Pangea World Theater's summer camps are week-long full day camps that explore the art of theater through folktales, production, and playwriting. Students in grades 4-6 (as of Fall 2024) of all experience levels are invited to play, learn, and create together. All camps are pay as you're able. For more information, download the attached flyer or click here.
Questions? Email Education Lead Sarah Tan.
Articulture Summer Camps 2024 🎨
Articulture offers week-long art camps throughout the summer. Each week offers a different theme to pique creative interests. The camps for children are usually broken up into two different levels for age-appropriate curricula: grades K - 2 and grades 3 - 6. For more information, download the attached flyer or visit articulture.org.
MPRB Neighborhood Day Camps 2024 🥾
Kids will learn self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and develop attitudes and practices that build character and leadership. To register, scan the QR Code on the attached flyer or visit minneapolisparks.org/register and search "Neighborhood Day Camps." You can also register in person at your local park.
- Who: Minneapolis youth ages 8-13
- What: $125/week, except at 14 fee-optional sites. Scholarships available.
- When: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Two locations host camps in every park service area
- Good to Know: Pack a lunch, swimsuits suggested, camps take place primarily outdoors so dress appropriately. Camps may travel offsite with youth.
MPRB Fall Youth Sports 2024 ⚽
Registration opens on Wednesday, July 10 for co-ed flag football, tackle football, soccer, and volleyball. Register online at minneapolisparks.org/register, visit your local recreation center, or by calling customer service at 612-230-6400. Scholarships are available through the MPRB Fee Assistance Program. Reach out to your local recreation center if you have questions.