Meadowbrook News

Good Afternoon Meadowbrook,

A surprise day off, Halloween, and snow all in one week; it's been an exciting one!

Thank you for your flexibility with Tuesday’s unexpected closure. After wrapping up our PTO Presents event, we noticed water seeping through cracks in the parking lot near Door A. After consulting with the City of Golden Valley and our district Buildings and Grounds team, we discovered a water main break. The water was promptly shut off, and repairs were completed on Tuesday, restoring Meadowbrook’s water. The parking lot has a temporary fix, and we expect a final repair soon.

Please remember there is no school next Tuesday, Nocember 5th, as Meadowbrook serves as a polling location for Golden Valley. To ensure student safety, there will be no school or Kids & Company programming that day. We encourage everyone eligible to get out and vote! Classes will be in session on Monday, November 4, and again from Wednesday to Friday.

Lastly, to all who celebrated Diwali this week, I hope it was filled with joy and light. This weekend, we also recognize Día de los Muertos, a meaningful time for many to honor loved ones.

In partnership,

Natalie

Hello Meadowbrook Families,

With cooler weather here, please send your student with a jacket and sturdy shoes for outdoor play. Crocs and sandals have led to injuries, and slippery playground surfaces make athletic shoes or boots the safest choice. If your student likes to play in puddles, consider sending extra weather-appropriate clothing, as we don’t provide backups.

Thank you for keeping students home when they’re unwell—it really helps prevent illness. Good handwashing, nutrition, and rest all support a healthier school environment.

With Halloween, please keep “treats” at home and send healthy snacks instead to avoid allergy risks for other students.

Lastly, thank you to Second and Fourth Grade families who’ve returned Health Information Forms! If you haven’t yet, please complete and send them in.

Nurse Karen

It’s time to order your yearbook!

This year, the PTO won’t be able to provide a yearbook for each family, so please be sure to place an order if your child would like one in the spring.

Visit ybpay.com and enter code 14465725 to order. All orders must be placed by April 12, 2025.

We are excited to share updates about our elementary Schoolwide Enrichment (SWE) program designed to support and develop the unique talents of all students. Our SWE framework integrates opportunities into our curriculum for all students to explore, practice, and apply high-level, critical skills that are essential for academic success.

Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, elementary school leaders and SWE staff collaborated with district leadership to identify strengths of our current programming, as well as gaps we wanted to address. During the 2024-25 school year, we will begin to implement strategies to better align all of our sites’ offerings to the pillars of our SWE model - exploration, learning behaviors, and application. You can learn more about each pillar on our website.

At Hopkins, we believe that every student has the potential to excel. Our goal is to create a learning environment where every child’s abilities are recognized and nurtured, helping them to grow into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle real-world challenges. Here is how it works:

• Tier 1: Enrichment activities that are available to all students, customized to each school’s strengths and areas of focus.

• Tier 2: Deeper learning opportunities in areas of interest, allowing students to dive further into topics they’re passionate about.

• Tier 3: Hands-on, student-led projects that challenge students with advanced content and real-world problem-solving, fostering creativity and independence.
  
  

This comprehensive approach is backed by research and ensures that every student has access to enriching experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and other essential skills. Our work this year is to solidify our Tier 1 offerings at the elementary level, while beginning to pilot Tier 2 and 3 opportunities for students. Our school leaders will be sending updates via their newsletters throughout the school year, as we work to strengthen our Tier 1 (instruction for all students) and build the structures to support Tiers 2 and 3. We will include information in those communications regarding how students are provided access to the Tier 2 and 3 experiences.

At Hopkins, we’re committed to giving every student the chance to reach their fullest potential. Our SWE program is designed to challenge and engage all learners, ensuring that every child—no matter their starting point—can grow and thrive. By aligning our approach with the Hopkins Learning Framework, we’re focused on providing opportunities that match each student’s strengths and interests while preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.

Want to dig deeper into the research that informs our work? See the following resources:

• Video: An Overview of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model

• Article: The Schoolwide Enrichment Model: A Focus on Student Strengths & Interests

• Article: The Schoolwide Enrichment Model: A Focus on Student Creative Productivity, Strengths & Interests

• Chapter from Systems & Models: The Schoolwide Enrichment Model: A Focus on Student Strengths & Interests
  
  

We look forward to your continued support as we work together to inspire and empower our students.

Leanne Kampfe

Principal on Special Assignment

Hopkins Public Schools

In Hopkins, we’re proud to recognize and honor our Native American and Indigenous students, families, and communities. Currently, about 2% of our students identify as Native American or Indigenous, bringing unique histories, cultures, and perspectives that strengthen our school community.

This month is a dedicated time to celebrate and learn about the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native people across American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and American Samoan communities. In addition to Native American Heritage Month, we also acknowledge National Native American Heritage Day on November 25th as another opportunity to honor Native voices and the continued impact of Indigenous communities across the nation.

Throughout November, let’s join together in appreciating the vibrant cultures, resilience, and stories of Indigenous communities.

Join us for an evening of hands-on fun, participating in age-appropriate service projects that benefit local charities, our school community, and the environment. Visit MBServiceNight.blogspot.com for more details about project stations, dinner, ways to donate, and volunteer opportunities.

We need over 40 volunteers to make Service Night a success! Sign up for your volunteer slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA4AB2BA7F4C34-52853417-2024#/. Shifts are 45-60 minutes, so you can volunteer AND still participate! Kids are welcome to volunteer along with you.

We are seeking supply donations for hygiene kits! Each grade level will be collecting a different hygiene item. Find your grade below. If you’d like to participate, please send donations to school by Tuesday, November 12th. Donations can be sent with your student to their classroom. The class in each grade level that collects the highest number of items will win the Golden Service Night Trophy!

• Kindergarten - Lip Balm & Tissues (small packs)
• 1st Grade - Toothpaste (full-size)
• 2nd Grade - Toothbrushes (individually packaged - adult sizes)
• 3rd Grade - Shampoo (full-size)
• 4th Grade - Body Wash (full-size) or Bar Soap (individually packaged)
• 5th Grade - Deodorant (full-size)
• Kids & Co / Preschool - New Socks (adult and kid sizes) & Disposable Handwarmers

Last year, we collected over 1,600 hygiene items! Let’s do it again, Meadowbrook. Thank you for supporting Service Night!

Monthly Newsletter

• August
• September
• October

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.

• 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.

• November Retaurant Night: Wednesday, November 6th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Golden Valley Chipotle. Chipolte will donate 25% of sales to our PTO! You can order online for pickup using code: BPVD7PR or show the flyer in the restaurant.

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.

It may seem like fall has just started, but we’re already heading toward November next week, which means it’s time to start thinking about thanking Hopkins teachers and staff. Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) aims to help make the gift-giving season easier on busy parents. Order a HEF Gratitude Gift for each of the special teachers and staff who have made a difference in your child’s life.

Each Gratitude Gift includes a loaf of delicious bread, a restaurant gift card, and a personalized note. And, best of all, HEF will package and deliver it for you before winter break. Orders open on Friday, November 1. Start thinking about the teachers, paras, bus drivers, coaches, cafeteria workers, and other Hopkins Public Schools staff who deserve your gratitude. Your gift orders ($25 each) support HEF’s teacher grants that kickstart learning opportunities for Hopkins students. Visit HopkinsEducationFoundation.org to order.

Thursday, November 7 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Gatewood Elementary, 14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka, MN

All Hopkins families are invited to join the Gatewood Elementary community for a fun and festive Hay Day event! Enjoy seasonal treats like apple cider, hot cocoa, and donuts while meeting friendly goats and chickens. The evening will feature a hay ride, driven by Mr. Ike, and a cozy campfire (weather permitting).

In addition, you can experience a candlelight stroll through our outdoor learning spaces, where you'll have the chance to interact with various components of our Outdoor Learning School. This event is open to all, so bring your family and friends to celebrate the fall season with us. We look forward to seeing you there! Registration is recommended.

Maximize fun with your friends at this special Friday night event for all 4th and 5th graders. Unleash your game skills with gym games and competitions. Dance the night away with a DJ and enjoy snacks that are available for purchase. The middle school swimming pool will also be open for swimming! RSVP is required. Learn more.

Are you the caregiver of a child who transcends traditional binary gender roles? We are offering a supportive, ongoing group for parents and caregivers to ask questions, share ideas, and support one another. Some children may identify as transgender, gender fluid, non-binary, gender queer, gender expansive, or simply move through the world in a much more gender-free type of way.

This is for parents and families from all of Hopkins schools -- and from all grade levels (elementary, middle, and high school, and beyond). Laura Jensen, Hopkins Schools LGBTQ+ Community Liaison will facilitate the meetings. This is not a group to debate the issue, rather for parents looking to support their child.

North Middle School, 5-6:30 p.m. Room 506 (use side parking lot, Door R)

Questions? Email Laura.Jensen@hopkinsschools.org

The Golden Valley MLK Human Rights Contest provides a path for children and youth to follow as they grow. Quotes from Dr. King and the over-arching themes give children and youth a starting point on the path to understanding Dr King's message to the world. Students may submit any kind of original work that exemplifies the themes, including artwork, essays, poetry, songs, raps, videos, and more. Students are encouraged to base their entries on these specific prompts:

• Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
• Quote: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
• Quote: “Life’s most persistent and urgent questions is, ‘What are you doing for others?’.”
• Quote: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
  

The contest is open to students in grades Pre-K-12 who live in Golden Valley, attend a school in Golden Valley, or attend a Robbinsdale Area District or Hopkins District school. Prizes will be awarded to two students in each of the following grade groupings: Preschool-Kindergarten, 1-3, 4-7, and 8-12.

Submissions are due by Monday, Dec 16, 2024, 4 pm, to Seth Kaempfer, 7800 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427 or skaempfer@goldenvalleymn.gov.

The contest is sponsored by the City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. for more complete entry information about entering, visit www.goldenvalleymn.gov/DEIC

November 5: No School: Staff Professional Learning

November 6: Restaurant Night - Chipotle Golden Valley 4:00-8:00pm

November 15: Meadowbrook Service Night

November 27-29: No School - Thanksgiving Break

December 6: No School - Staff Professional Learning

December 23 - January 3: No School - Winter Break

Main Office Line: 952-988-5100

Attendance Line: 952-988-5110

https://meadowbrook.hopkinsschools.org/families/attendance

Email: natalie.sawatzky@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/meadowbrook-elementary
Location: 5430 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422, USA
Phone: (952) 988-5100
Facebook: facebook.com/HopkinsMeadowbrook
Twitter: @MeadowbrookGV