Meadowbrook News

November 3, 2023

Text reading explore, create, innovate on a blue background

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A stylized H with a gold star above the word Meadowbrook

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Gold circles on a light yellow background

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From Principal Natalie

Good Afternoon Meadowbrook,

With much appreciation, I am excited to share that Meadowbrook was awarded two HEF grants! The first will fund 'Soft Start Bins' for 2nd grade classes. These bins will help our students start their day with curiosity and allow them to ease into the day; fostering a growth mindset. The second grant was received by our Kids & Company staff in order to fund a 'Naturescape' project in the west courtyard. Improvements in the west courtyard will allow that space to be utilized for learning and play for all Meadowbrook students. Additionally, Kids & Company will specifically use the space for projects, gardening, and outdoor play.

I want to call your attention to the PTO section below. Our PTO has a lot going on and offers a variety of ways for your to get involved. From restaurant nights, spirit wear, and our upcoming Community Service Night, there is something for everyone!

Lastly, a few reminders:

This weekend Daylight Savings time comes to an end and clocks will be turned back one hour on Sunday.
There IS school for elementary students on Monday, November 6th. Secondary students only have the day off for conferences and grading.
There is no school on Tuesday, November 7th which is a professional learning day for our staff.

In partnership,

Natalie

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Native American Heritage Month

This month is used to highlight and honor the amazing culture and contributions of Native Americans. One of Meadowbrook's core values is rooted in the practices of Native Americans and other indigenous cultures. This core value revolves around the use of Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices are based on understanding and honoring the power of community, and the importance of using restorative practices to repair harm rather than punitive approaches.

Students and staff at Meadowbrook are working together to make this paradigm shift so that we can collectively create and maintain the best environment for social/emotional and academic learning. As we continue to dive deeper into Restorative Practices, we work to honor the Native American tribes whose practices and values we are learning from.

PTO Corner

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PTO Presents

You are invited to the first "PTO Presents" event on Monday, November 13 from 7-8pm in the Meadowbrook media center. Bring a friend! Childcare will be available.

The presentation and interactive dialogue will be focused on Personalized Learning in your Student's Classroom. Learn about the shift from a traditional classroom to a modern classroom that offers personalized learning experiences. Hear how the delivery of instruction is changing to better engage students and to provide them with a more holistic approach to learning.

The presentation is expected to last 20-30 minutes with time for questions and discussion at the end. After the presentation there will be a brief spotlight of special projects taking place at Meadowbrook this fall!

As we look towards the year ahead, we would love to hear what topics interest you? What questions might you have? Feel free to bring ideas to the meeting or email them to MeadowbrookElementaryPTO@gmail.com

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Meadowbrook Spirit Wear

The Meadowbrook Spirit Wear Sale is OPEN! Check out the great items, designed by Meadowbrook caregiver Mike Minick! Store closes on Monday, November 13. Items delivered to Meadowbrook in early December. Youth and adult sizes available.
https://greenboybrand.com/meadowbrook-fall-2023

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Community Service Night

Looking for opportunities for your family to practice kindness and serve others? Join us for Service Night on Friday, November 17th! The gym will be set up with over 12 service project stations in which the whole family can participate. Projects will benefit local charities, our school community, and the environment.

We are collecting hygiene items to be packed in kits for both adults and children in need. Each grade level will be collecting a different hygiene item. If you’d like to participate, find your grade below and send donations to school by Tuesday, November 14th. Each classroom will have a collection box for donations. The grade level that collects the most items will win the Golden Service Night trophy!

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

Prefer to shop online? Check out our Amazon wish list. You can also make a financial donation directly to Service Night via PayPal to purchase supplies for project stations (please select “Service Night” from the drop-down menu).

We need over 40 volunteers to make Service Night a success! Shifts are 45-60 minutes, so you can volunteer AND participate. Sign up for your volunteer slot here: Volunteer Sign Up Sheet.

Follow our blog MBServiceNight.blogspot.com for more detailed information on project stations, our community partners, the dinner menu and more.

Special thanks to the Golden Valley Community Foundation for their financial support!

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November Restaurant Night:

Join us on November 16th from 4:00-8:00pm at Noodles and Company in Golden Valley. 25% of all in-store and online orders will be donated to the Meadowbrook PTO.

Online Directory:

To connect with other families at Meadowbrook, please register with our Meadowbrook Online Directory

How to Help:

Volunteer - Complete this form to express your interest: https://forms.gle/4G39cpzZQ8kddGXs7

Download the Box Tops for Education app and scan your receipts after shopping. Any qualifying purchases will go directly to Meadowbrook PTO- no need to 'clip' anymore!

Any questions? Reach out to us at meadowbrookelementarypto@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook , Twitter, Instragram, or our PTO website

District-Wide Announcements & Events

Kindergarten Information Night

Calling all future kindergartners! Hopkins Public Schools is hosting a Kindergarten Information Night on Thursday, November 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Hopkins High School. If your student is starting kindergarten in the fall of 2024, you’re invited to join us to learn more about how we encourage young learners to pursue their interests, find their purpose, and discover their talents. Learn more.

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Hopkins Pride Gear: Embracing Authentic Inclusivity

Hopkins Pride Gear is another way for our community to show their Authentic Inclusivity and Love. Order your gear here. It can be sent to your child's building when the items come in! Proceeds support our student LGBTQ+ groups.

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Gender Expansive Caregiver Group

Are you the parent or 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. For more information, please follow this link.

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School Nutrition Educational Benefits Form

During the 2023-24 school year, Hopkins Public Schools is joining Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. Under this program, all students can receive ONE breakfast and ONE lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs. You can complete the 2023-24 Free Meal Application for Educational Benefits form here .

Paper copies can be filled out and dropped off in the Meadowbrook office as well.

To Contact the Student Nutrition Office:

Email Nutrition@HopkinsSchools.org or call 952-988-4060