Countryside Elementary Newsletter
December 23rd, 2016
December 2016  
26
No School
27
No School
28
No School
29
No School
30
No School
              
January 2017

Mon
Tues Wed Thurs Fri
2
No School
3
No School
4
No School
5
No School
6
No School
9
School Resumes
10
Gr. 5 Field Trip
11
12
Edina Student Art Show/Edina library 6-8pm
13
16
Martin  Luther 
King Jr. Day
No School
17
18
Gr. 3/4 CP
Field Trip
19
Parent Engagement/
Conferences 
20
Teacher Data Day
No School
23
24
Gr. 3 Field Trip
25 
26
Kindergarten Registration
4:15-5:45
27
-Gr. 1/2 CP Field Trip
-Tasting Event
-CP Skate Night
6pm Centennial
 
30

31



Message From the Principal
December 23, 2016
 
Greetings Countryside Families!

Construction Update
As we prepare for winter break, I wanted to provide you with an update on the progress of the construction here at Countryside. We are very appreciative of our construction partner, Kraus-Anderson Construction, who has been managing the project and working hard to keep disruptions to a minimum.  In addition, I want to share some information about the safeguards in place to ensure our safety and comfort during this process.
 
As with other district construction projects, district personnel have been monitoring levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the building. The following additional assessments and evaluations are also ongoing in all buildings with construction:
  • The district's health and safety contractor, Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA), conducts independent reviews of air flow inside the building, including monitoring for CO and CO2, temperature and humidity, as well as testing for airborne particle counts and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the latter of which can create additional vapors or gases in the air.
  • Kraus-Anderson (KA) also conducts its own assessments to test for particulates and dust in the air that may result because of the construction.
  • Finally, throughout the construction process, the district is in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure compliance with state Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards.  

The above assessments are part of the district's construction safety plan to ensure that buildings are safe for learning while construction is going on. If at any time tests indicate unsafe air quality conditions, the district takes appropriate actions to correct issues and make alternative arrangements for students and staff in those areas until safe levels are restored.

As you have probably noticed, the construction of the building addition is progressing well. Contractors will continue to work on the project over winter break, and we anticipate the project being completed by early February, if not sooner. At the project's completion, the new learning spaces will become available for use the last half of the school year. The new classrooms and extended learning areas will provide a snapshot of what is to happen throughout the building during summer construction.
Stay in the Loop!

There are so many exciting projects underway in the district.  For details and timelines of all of the district's construction projects, visit  HERE
Countryside News & Announcements
Edina Students Art Show 
Artist: Violet Saxton
Edina Students Art Show 
and Artist Reception
Thursday, January 12, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join the artists and their families for this reception to celebrate the art created by students from the six Edina elementary schools.  Art will be on display December 15th, 2016 through February 9, 2017.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Edina Library and presented in collaboration with Edina Public Schools.
When there is Snow, There will be Sledding at Countryside!
When there is ample snow on the ground we allow students to sled during outside recess.  Teachers have reviewed the guidelines for safety with their students.  Please take a moment to review them with your child also.  In this way we will ensure the safety of all of our Countryside students as they enjoy this winter activity. 
  •  Go on Designated "Runs" only - see the Orange Cones
  • Only Countryside Sleds - One Person Per Sled
  • Start Down the Hill only after the Path is Clear
  • Always Return Sleds to the Top of the Hill
  • Use the STEPS Only when Returning to the Top of the Hill
  • Stay Warm and Dry - Wear Boots, Snow pants and Mittens
  • Most of All - Have Fun, Be Careful and Enjoy Winter!
MAP Testing for Grades 2-5 Begins December 19th
All second, third, fourth, and fifth graders will be taking the MAP (measure of academic performance) in math and reading this winter.  The window opens on Monday, December 19 and runs through January 26.  (Your child's teacher will let you know when these tests are scheduled.)  These un-timed, computerized, district required adaptive tests are used to measure student progress over time; they are a growth tool and are aligned with ACT benchmarks.  Although there is no way to study for MAPs, performance will likely be higher with a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.  Exercise, also, is helpful!  MAP Test scores will be mailed home and will include the history of previous years.
Sidewalk Stairs Closed for the Winter
A reminder that the stairs leading from Arbor Avenue and Tracy Avenue will not be maintained in the winter months.  These stairs will be closed, with signs posted directing students/visitors to use the sidewalks leading to the building from both directions.
Current Countryside Families &   Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2017
A reminder for parents of incoming kindergartners; the PINK card Preference
 "Kindergarten Choice Program Form" does not register your child for Kindergarten.  The enrollment packet - which includes multiple pages - needs to be submitted to the Office of Enrollment or to the Countryside office before registration is complete.  Please feel free to call the Countryside office with questions.  

 Lost But Found

Our bin for Lost But Found items is overflowing!  Next time you are in the building, please check it out and reclaim the treasures that belong to your family!  We will again do a donation of unclaimed items after winter break, so now is the time to check it out.
Donations Needed-Winter Gear
If you have any gently used winter coats, boots, snow pants, mittens or gloves, and hats that your child has outgrown, please consider donating them to Countryside.  We have students in all grades and sizes who 
would benefit from items such as these.  Please drop them off in the Countryside office and Ms. Baker/Ms. Killian and Mrs. Tuma will match them with students in need.  Also, having extra hats and gloves on hand is always a help at recess time. Thank you in advance for any donations you can make. 
A Fun Opportunity at Countryside!
 
 Register 
Dressing for MN Winter

With our unpredictable winter weather upon us, I would like to remind students that they should come dressed appropriately for changing weather conditions.  Students will go outside for noon recess unless it is raining or the temperature or wind chill is below zero.
Wellness Committee Seeking Volunteers 
The Countryside Wellness Committee is looking for volunteers to help with our monthly food tastings.  Volunteers will help get the food ready to be sampled and then serve to students during their lunch hour.  Volunteer slots open January-May.
PTO News and Event Information
 Looking for cute Countryside apparel or water bottles?
 Visit the PTO WEBSITE/MY SCHOOL ANYWHERE HERE
Cookie Decorating With Shannel Winkel & Shelley Ryhmers!

Thank you to the Miller family, who bid on this event at the Countryside Bash. Mrs. McClure's 2nd grade class enjoyed making & decorating cookies with our wonderful kitchen staff!
Countryside Get Togethers
Hey Countryside families!  Were you unable to attend this year's Bash or didn't get a chance to purchase a spot to enjoy one of our fun Countryside Get Togethers (aka Hip Happenings)?  Well, it's not too late!  You still have a chance to buy spots for the following events:
 
3rd Grade Bowling Party at Park Tavern
1st Grade Sledding Party
7th Annual Oceans Spa Pedicure Night
Mama's Happy Shopping Event
Moms Night Out 50th & France
5th Grade Boys Sledding Party
 
Limited spots remain so check out the link below soon!  It will take you our online store.
 

District News
Edina Public Schools Partner with Fraiser
F raser is one of the largest and most experienced providers of children's mental and behavioral health services in the Twin Cities. Fraser is partnering with Edina Public Schools to provide school based mental health services for students in kindergarten through 5th grade starting the 2016-2017 school year. This partnership is designed to meet the social, emotional and behavioral needs of children and their families. 
If you have concerns about your child and wish to pursue Fraser services, or have questions, please speak with the school psychologist ( Jake Mathiason ) or social worker (Sarah Tuma) at your child's elementary school for more information. They will guide you through the next steps for accessing Fraser services.  
For additional information please click  HERE
Attendance Policy Reminders for Vacation Time
  Going Out Of Town?
Planned Absence Form can be found on the Countryside website or by clicking HERE
Please note that an absence due to an excused vacation still counts towards your attendance record.
Countryside Elementary
5701 Benton Ave, Edina MN 55436
Office 952-848-3700
Attendance 952-848-4702