Countryside Elementary Newsletter
December 9th, 2016
December 2016                                               
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
12
13
B and Concert
2:55 pm &
 6pm
14
15
Parent Engagement/
conferences
16
Tasting
 Event
19
20
G r. 1 Field Trip Old Log
Theatre
21
22
23
2:30 pm
CP Gingerbread
Houses
26

No 
School
27

No 
School
28

No 
School
29

No 
School
30

No 
School
Returning Monday, January 9th, 2017
Looking Ahead to January

Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 16th: No School 

Teacher Data Day, Jan. 20th:  No School

Kindergarten Registration Day, Jan 26th, 4:15-5:45 pm
Message From the Principal
December 9, 2016
 
Greetings Countryside Families!

Donations/Support Needed for Countryside Families

I am often asked how our families can support others in need here at our school.  At this time we have identified families who would benefit from donations to cover the cost of basic needs - food, cold weather gear, household supplies and school related expenses.  If you are able to help, donations of grocery store or Target/Walmart gift cards would be very much appreciated. 

 In addition, to help families navigate the upcoming holiday season, donations of gender neutral unwrapped toys (board games, blocks, art supplies, books or movies) and gift cards so parents can make some loving choices for things their children need/want, would also be put to good use.  Donations should be directed to our School Social Worker Mrs. Tuma or the Countryside school office.  Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide.  Your generosity will help to make a difference for our students and their families.
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
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.
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 untimed, 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!  You will be able to access your child's MAP results via School View within several days of the close of the testing window.
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 Nurse Hickey and Mrs. Tuma will match them with students in need.  Also, having extra hats and gloves on hand is always a help at recess timeJ  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.
Fit Friday Update
Fit Friday Fall program is complete! The 8 week spring program begins March 10, 2017
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.   The next tasting event is Friday, Dec. 16th introducing kohlrabi sticks and ranch.
PTO News and Event Information
 Looking for cute Countryside apparel or water bottles for your child?
 Visit the PTO WEBSITE/MY SCHOOL ANYWHERE HERE
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
Help Build Profile for the Next Edina Public Schools leader
Students, staff, parents and community invited to help build profile for next Edina Public Schools leader
 
With the announcement of Superintendent Ric Dressen's retirement at the end of the 2016-17 school year, the Edina School Board and its search consultant, BWP & Associates, are seeking community feedback on the skills and qualities desired in the next leader of Edina Public Schools (EPS). To help gather this input, BWP is facilitating a variety of community engagement opportunities, including one-on-one interviews, focus groups, an online survey and community forums.
 
COMMUNITY FORUMS (Dec. 14-15)
Students, families, staff and community members are invited to attend one of two community forums to share their thoughts and insights with the search consultants. NOTE: To ensure all voices are heard from, focus group participants are asked to NOT attend the community forums but instead share any additional information or input via the online survey.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 7-8 p.m. in Normandale Elementary Auditorium
    (5701 Normandale Rd) *park in the GOLD (south) lot and enter DOOR 10
  • Thursday, Dec. 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in room 2 of the Edina Senior Center
    (5280 Grandview Square #101)
 
ONLINE SURVEY (Dec. 7 - 23)
Students, staff, parents and community members are encouraged to share additional insights via a brief online survey, available in English and Spanish. Please share your ideas by completing the survey by Friday, December 23.                                   
In order to ensure accurate results, please complete only one survey per person. All data will be collected by BWP from which a candidate profile will be developed and shared with the Board for approval. This profile will help BWP identify the most highly qualified individuals for this very important position and will assist the Board in selecting the right leader for EPS.
 
Click on the following links to be taken to the online survey:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To learn more about the search process and timeline, visit the district website at www.edinaschools.org/SuperintendentSearch
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.
Edina Resource Center 
Edina Resource Center is here to help!

The Edina Resource Center (ERC), a partnership between the City of Edina, Edina Public Schools and the community,  is your connection to information resources and services. It is a free and confidential service to those that live, work or go to school in Edina. If you or someone you know is in need of a resource, please contact the ERC for assistance.
Countryside Elementary
5701 Benton Ave, Edina MN 55436
Office 952-848-3700
Attendance 952-848-4702