A Note from the Principal 
Dr. Tim Anderson


Superintendent Dressen recently sent a message to you suggesting that, after a contentious and divisive campaign, we are now sorting through the realities of the outcome. He shared that for some, it is a time of celebration, for others, it is a time of sadness. For all of us, it is a time filled with many emotions and questions about what lies ahead. Some of the recent incidents and discussions of race and culture that we've experienced here in Edina and nationally have left us with confusion on how to heal and unite.

Superintendent Dressen also shared with you that now that the results are in, we need to put aside our differences and focus on what lies ahead. One way we plan to do this is by continuing to encourage each other and our young people to continue to stay engaged in the conversation. Over the last few days and weeks, we have been talking with students, parents and staff members on how to work together and move forward so that the youngest among us can thrive and reach their full potential. We at South View agree with Dr. Dressen that we need to model for our children how to have courageous conversations and challenge one another when we see wrongs in our midst, while also showing them the power of coming together, of partnership, of community. We have emphasized to staff that one of the best things educators can do is to allow space and time for students to have open, honest, age appropriate conversations. We know this is a teachable period of time in our history that can be used to explore a variety of issues, including:
  • Issues of Constitutional and fundamental issues of democracy - such as the right to vote, and the peaceful transfer of power, separation of powers and the First Amendment.
  • Bias, Discrimination and Civil Rights - Everyone has a voice and a right to their personal opinion. However, we must treat one another with respect and not tolerate bullying or discrimination, nor allow for the violation of district core values.
  • Diversity of race, culture, experience, opinions and background - The life experiences, cultures, languages and backgrounds represented in our students can be a great way to spark a classroom conversation that draws a connection between the diversity of our country and the diversity of our classroom.
  • Respectful civil discourse - we model how to respectfully engage in dialogue and debate as a way to understand other viewpoints; engaging in discussions of tolerance, acceptance, listening for understanding and the need for individuals to feel valued and respected.
  • Winning and losing - we talk about how elections can teach us to both win and lose with dignity and grace. No matter one's personal beliefs, the democratic process allows for one candidate to be elected while the other is not. Change and outcomes are not about winning and losing but about understanding and moving forward.   
In short, we have been projecting to those expressing concern that regardless of the outcome of the election, we need to reinforce that our schools are safe places for discussion and dialogue, that healthy debates are critical to finding solutions, and that Edina Public Schools is committed to the serving the needs of ALL students, families and staff. We need to honor and respect diverse views, experiences, cultures, race, and backgrounds.  

South View continues to be defined by themes of safety, respect, and learning and we will rehearse these themes in our work with students regularly going forward. Like Superintendent Dressen, I thank all members of the Edina Public Schools community for their continued support and collaboration as we prepare our students for their future, a future that is filled with change and uncertainty, but also hope and promise.

- Tim Anderson, Ed. D., Principal


Online News Archives
SVMS Calendar

 
SOUTH VIEW CALENDAR

    • Nov. 17 - 8th Grade Band Concert 6pm
    • Nov. 17 - 9th Grade Band Concert 7:30pm
    • Nov. 18 - Grand/Special Person's Day
    • Nov. 23 - 25 Thanksgiving Break
    • Dec. 1 - Arena Style Conferences
Student Services Corner
The latest news from your SV counselors and School Social Workers

Test Anxiety Tip
As your students get older and tests become longer and more challenging, it is not unusual for them to experience some test anxiety. The best way to combat these feelings of nervousness around testing is for students to go into the testing situation with a thorough understanding of the content. Students are working on assignments each night, so there is often a temptation to postpone studying until the night before a test. This is one of the main contributors to test anxiety. Studying a subject for just a few minutes every night is more effective. Students can review their notes, run through vocabulary words, and ask you to "quiz" them on the content.  Even just ten minutes a night devoted to studying a particular subject will help students feel more confident and prepared for testing.

Carmine LeVoir - 6th & 7 Grade Counselor
952-848-4410
Janet Schmiel - 8th & 9th Grade Counselor
952-848-4412
Janet.Schmiel@edinaschools.org
Doug Eischens - School Social Worker

Jill Bents - School Social Worker
952-848-4481

Laura Polson - Student Services Secretary
952-848-4402

Announcements 

WIN Schedule Adjustment
Please note that due to the December 7th early release, WIN days will be December 8th and 9th at 7:40am.

Way to go Peer Insights!

Our SV Peer Insights Unified Team raised over $6,000 for Special Olympics as they participated in this year's Unified Dance Marathon at the Mall of America last Saturday. It was so much fun & the kids had a blast!!  
DanceMarathon_20161112_1375.jpg

Thanksgiving
For the first time in many years, we have classes on the Monday/Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week. Please remember that these are scheduled school days and if students miss a test for a planned trip we encourage students to make the effort to hopefully take them before they leave.

After School Activities

Grandparent's & Special Persons' Day
SAVE THE DATE, NOVEMBER 18th , 2016!
Grandparents' & Special Persons' Day is right around the corner. South View will open its doors to welcome grandparents and special adult friends of 6th graders on Friday, November 18th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive at 8:30. Guests should enter doors 6 or 7 near the Dragseth Wing. This inter-generational day promotes goodwill and understanding for students and their guests. Students: invite your grandparents, neighbors, or other favorite adult friends to spend part of the school day with you at South View. Planned activities include a continental breakfast, a tour (guided by the 6th grade host), music, and much more.  Students will escort their guests to all of the events.  
To register, please click here !


Weekend Back Pack Food Program   
Students receive a food package every Friday, which is placed in their locker, for the entire school year.  Food packages contain 2 meals that require preparation, as well as some food items that are grab 'n' go. Please contact Doug Eischens to register.

VEAP Holiday Toy Program
Parents with children ages 0-18, living in the home,
will select gifts and winter wear items from the VEAP Toy Store.
Call 952-888-9616 as soon as possible beginning November 3rd to set up an appointment.

If you have any questions, please contact Doug Eischens, School Social Worker,  at 952-848-4411 or doug.eischens@edinaschools.org


If Your Child is Ill

Congratulations Edina Cycling Team!
The Edina Cycling Team earned the state championship title this year in the Minnesota High School Cycling League!
In addition to the team's success, the following Edina athletes achieved individual success:
Jack Ellingson (Senior) - 3rd place - Varsity Boys
Alec Manderscheid (Junior) - 5th place - JV Boys
Alex Bourgeault (Junior) - 8th place - JV Boys
Gabi Mazion (Freshman SVMS)- 2nd place - JV Girls
Meryl Sudeith (Freshman SVMS)-  2nd place - Sophomore Girls
Michael Crater (SVMS)- 5th place - 8th Grade Boys


Lost and Found
Please remind your child to stop by the lost and found to claim their belongings. Any items left after Thanksgiving will be donated.



 


 

4725 South View Lane, Edina, MN 55424

Office: 952-848-3700 | Attendance: 952-848-3702

 




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