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.

• 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.
  

Earlier this month, the fifth graders spent a week at STARBASE, where they were immersed in engineering, science, and technology learning opportunities. They loved the experience and our teachers and parent volunteers raved about the program, too!

Dear Kenwood Families,

March has been and will continue to be a whirlwind of fun activities and learning! STARBASE, Camp Widjiwagan, The Children's Theater, Midwest Food Connection, Art Adventures, Brother Ghana, Pi Day, The Young Author's Conference, trips to the School Forest, a St. Patrick's Day parade (with bagpipes!), and All School Morning Meeting, in addition to the important math, reading, phonics, writing, science, and social studies lessons, have kept students engaged, curious, and eager for more!

I announced the Read-A-Thon winners this morning, and am so proud of how many students participated, of how many minutes students read, and of the generous fundraising that you all made possible. The arts opportunities mentioned above couldn't have happened without your contributions. We are grateful.

Budget season is coming to a close, and I will share information with you about Kenwood's allocation for 2024-25 next week. We will have to weather a significant budget reduction, but I'm feeling confident about what lies ahead for our students, their families, and for our incredible staff.

I wish you all a peaceful weekend!

Heidi

Thanks for your flexibility and understanding as we have juggled the date for the 2nd and 3rd grade concert. We have reserved the gym for April 25 at 6:30 p.m. The concert will last about 45 minutes. The kids and I look forward to sharing what we have been learning in music class with you!

Ms. Sue

suzanne.pehrson@mpls.k12.mn.us

For families of students who ride the bus, please be on the lookout for possible changes in timing. If this happens, you will receive a bright pink quarter sheet of paper with updated times.

If you have any questions, please call the main office at 612-668-2760. Thank you!

For those interested in outdoor adventure and animals, try horseback riding or go on a fishing adventure. If you’re a Swifty, join our Taylor Swift Fan Club class. For more classes and schedules, click here. The program runs Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 24 through August 8. This is a sliding fee-based program. Afternoon extended care is available for an additional fee.

Questions? Email Summer Coordinator Nam Pham or call 612-668-2740.

Join Our Quest: Let’s Build Our School Community Together

Welcome to the first edition of our Community Spotlight in the Kenwood Elementary newsletter. As a member of the site council and a parent deeply invested in our school’s growth, I’m excited to launch this series to celebrate the diverse tapestry of families that make Kenwood special. But first, let me share our story and why this initiative matters.

My name is Tesla Miller, a proud Latina and member of the vibrant Kenwood Elementary community. Our family's journey to Kenwood has been filled with discovery and learning. Raised in Washington D.C., my life has always been surrounded by a rich mosaic of cultures and diversity, highlighting the importance of a multicultural environment for our children.

When our family first considered Kenwood for our daughter, Aspen, who is now thriving in second grade, and our youngest, Miles, who eagerly awaits his start in Kindergarten next year, one of our initial concerns was how well the school's diversity mirrored the wide world around them.

My initial observations at school events consistently sparked both curiosity and concern. The gatherings appeared predominantly white to me, leading me to question if the diversity we deeply value was adequately represented throughout the school community. Determined to understand more, I initiated a conversation with the school's administration, and this dialogue proved to be eye-opening!

What I discovered was both surprising and heartening, far exceeding my initial observations. Kenwood is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, with approximately 50% of students identifying as BIPOC and more than 20 languages spoken within our community. This diversity, coupled with Kenwood’s strong commitment to inclusive education and an abundance of learning resources, truly transformed my perspective. Engaging in deeper conversations with school leaders, I learned about the numerous specialized programs and initiatives designed to support every student's success, foster an inclusive environment, and celebrate cultural diversity.

Our family's journey towards understanding diversity and attempting to deepen our involvement in education has been enlightening. We've moved beyond simply helping with homework and attending school events to engaging directly with educators, understanding the curriculum, and ensuring it reflects the evolving world we live in.

Our initial conversations with Kenwood's administration were aimed at addressing our concerns but ultimately enriched our understanding of the school's strong commitment to both diversity and educational resources. This dual realization taught us the power of active involvement and open dialogue, benefiting not just our children but the entire school community.

We're still navigating this path, figuring out how to best support our children and their school in embracing diversity and ensuring every student feels valued. It's a new role for us, but one we're embracing with open hearts and minds, hopeful about the positive impact we can make together.

As the first family featured in the Kenwood Elementary newsletter, we're honored to share our story. It is our hope that by doing so, we can inspire others to share theirs, creating a tapestry of narratives that reflects the true diversity and unity of our school community. Together, we can foster a welcoming environment where every child and family feels valued and a part of something larger than themselves.

Now, we turn to you, our Kenwood families. With the launch of the Community Spotlight series, we aim to showcase the diverse array of cultures, backgrounds, and stories that make our school unique. Your participation is vital. By sharing your family's story, you contribute to a fuller, more accurate portrayal of our school's diversity, encouraging a deeper sense of community and belonging for all.

I invite every parent and guardian to join us on this journey toward inclusivity at Kenwood Elementary, especially those from underrepresented groups. Your involvement is critical, whether by volunteering, joining discussions, or simply being present at school events. It's particularly important if you're a person of color or from one of the many beautiful countries represented in our community. Share your story, connect with others, and let's collaborate to build a school community where diversity is celebrated, and every family feels at home. Together, we can create an environment where every student has the chance to thrive and feel supported.

As part of this journey, we're eager for your family to be the next feature in our newsletter. Don't worry about having to write anything yourself; a member of the school team will reach out to help craft your story. If you're interested in being featured, or if we reach out to you, please consider saying yes and helping us to highlight the wonderful diversity of our community. Reply to Keri Mabry to let us know you're willing to share, or keep an eye out for our tap on the shoulder. Your narrative is an essential piece of our collective mosaic.

As we continue to welcome new students, we're tracking Kenwood community requests for donations. If families or community members are able to assist with any of the requested items, we're extremely grateful. Donations can be dropped off in the main office at Kenwood - please be sure to label items accordingly so they don't get mixed up with other deliveries.

Questions? Contact Family Liaison Keri Mabry. Thanks in advance!

Cheese Omelet

Pancakes

Bagel Yogurt Pack

• Served with Diced Seasoned Potatoes

Beef Hamburger

Beef Cheeseburger

Black Bean Burger

Roasted Turkey & Cheddar on Flatbread

• Served with Baked Beans

Meatballs with Marinara & Penne

Italian Vegetable Crumble Pasta Bake

Smoked Turkey & Swiss on Pullman

• Served with Green Beans, Dinner Roll

Baked Herb Chicken

Baked Soy Nuggets

Yellow Rice

Chocolate Chickpea Flatbread Pack

• Served with Mixed Vegetables

Beef Pepperoni Pizza,

Cheese Pizza

Turkey Bologna & Cheddar on Bun

Learn the amazing art of bobbin lace-making alongside other fiber arts like finger knitting and crochet, needle felting, and embroidery in this week-long spring break camp for youth ages 7-12 years old. Scholarships available!

To learn more about the Future Fiber Artists: Lace Making Spring Break Camp (April 1-5 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.) and register, download the attached flyer or visit: https://textilecentermn.org/product/ffa-lace-making-april2024/.

MPS students are invited to submit their black-and-white drawings of their favorite places to go in

Minneapolis! The City of Minneapolis is updating their Walking Routes for Youth map, which

shows routes to all the schools in Minneapolis. This MPS project creates the “back” side of the map, a beautiful poster that inspires us to use active transportation and reflects the talents and

vision of MPS students. For more information, click here.

In collaboration with Project Success, Anwatin Middle School is producing and performing Annie Jr. on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. General admission tickets will be available at Anwatin the night of each performance. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $5. For more information, click here.

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!