Eden Prairie Schools Community Education
Family Resources Program Newsletter-January 2020
Welcome 2020! May this new year and decade bring happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations in your life.

I hope you were able to enjoy time off over the holidays. We're excited to continue our collaboration work of building awareness and connection in 2020!

As always, please feel free to contact me with suggestions or other content you would like included in the future e-newsletters.
Thank you for all the work you do!
Reta Johnson
Community Resources Specialist
Eden Prairie Schools
Phone #952-975-7030
JANUARY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IMPACT COUNCIL MEETING: 1.9.20 TODAY
All are welcome to attend the bi-monthly meeting of the CEIC Thursday, January 9th, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at The Perch located in the Eden Prairie High School (north entrance door #1). At this month's meeting, there will be a presentation by Royal Credit Union about their partnership with our schools and community and then the group will continue to work on prioritizing community-wide gaps in services. Learn more about the CEIC by visiting Community Education's web page.
CREATE BOWLS TO END HUNGER: 1.10.20, 1.12.20
The Eden Prairie Art Center has t wo empty bowls workshop events coming up where participants can learn how to make a clay or glass bowl to take home and then will be able to make a second piece that will be donated to PROP's Empty Bowls Project. Participants will be able to learn a new skill, make friends, and donate to a wonderful cause.
MYHEALTH CHILDREN'S DENTAL CLINIC: 1.15.20
A low cost dental care clinic will be offered at 15 8th Avenue South in Hopkins on January 15th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This clinic provides services for children from birth to age 26 years old and pregnant women. Services that are available are exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, oral health education, fillings, crowns and extractions. Children's Dental accepts all forms of insurance and offers reduced cost care under an income based sliding fee scale. To set up an appoi ntment, call 612-746-1530 and ask to have your appointment at the myHealth for teens and young adults location.
ANXIETY IN YOUNG CHILDREN: 1.16.20
Do you have an anxious child? Join us to discuss typical fears and anxiety during the early childhood years and learn how you as a parent can support your child in times of stress. This event takes place Thursday, January 16th at Eden Prairie Community Education, 8040 Mitchell Road. The cost of this event is $10 and childcare and a pizza dinner are available for an additional charge. Learn more and register!
CITY’S OUTDOOR WINTER BLAST CELEBRATION: 1.18.20
Embrace the north on Saturday, January 18th at this outdoor celebration filled with activities for all ages including sledding, skating, arts and crafts, outdoor games, crafts, snowshoeing, and bonfires. There will also be a DJ and food. The event is free and takes place at Staring Lake Park at 14800 Pioneer Trail from 11:00 am-2:00 pm.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION’S ANNUAL WINTER WARM UP OPEN HOUSE: 2.1.20
Community Education is hosting its annual indoor Winter Warm Up event on Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 a.m. - noon at the Education Center (8040 Mitchell Road). This event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a wide variety of activities for kids including face painting, kindness activities and crafts, a Rapunzel performance by Schiffelly Puppets Entertainment, Usborne book fair and the Tassel Cafe. Several local nonprofits and service providers will also be present to share resources with families.
EMPTY BOWLS: 2.18.20
Together our community stands up and says, no more hunger, we are here for you! Join us for PROP's 8th annual Empty Bowl's event-raising funds to end hunger. Empty Bowls will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 18th from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. This free event will have soup, handmade bowls, a silent auction, and local entertainment. A freewill donation is appreciated. 100% of proceeds go to PROP Food Shelf to help those in need. Learn more about this event.
POST-IT, BABY! A POSTPARTUM JOURNEY THROUGH ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Join us on Saturday, February 8th from 10:00 a.m.-noon for this free performance by Lauren Drasler, followed by an optional community dialogue about the show. Childcare is available for children 6 weeks-10 years for a fee of $5/child benefitting PPSM. Pre-registration is required for childcare by emailing lolivas@edenpr.org by Tuesday, February 4th to secure your spot. This event will be held at The Historic Gym located at 8100 School Road in Eden Prairie.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota (PPSM/PSI-MN) is the voice for mental health during and after pregnancy. They are a trusted ally for families and practictioners providing support, advocacy, awareness and training during a vulnerable time. PPSM connects anyone who is struggling to support and quality resources, along with reassurance that you are not alone. To learn more about their helpline, provide and resource list, or to donate and volunteer, visit the PPSM webpage.
FAMILY RESOURCES PROGRAM CAREER SUPPORT
Melissa Laubach will now be assisting the Family Resources Program through Community Education. If you or an individual you work with could use extra support finding job openings in the area, writing a resume, or help with interviewing skills, Melissa can now provide assistance with her extensive training and background in employment services. You can reach out to Melissa by calling 952-975-6949 or emailing her at melissa_laubach@edenpr.org to set up an appointment.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EDEN PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL TEST DRIVE
Can I make it living on my own for one month? This is the challenge posed to high school students who participate in Royal Credit Union’s Test Drive….Next Stop Reality. The program held on February 12th at EPHS, provides students with a simulation of real life when it comes to managing money and finances. As a volunteer, you can pick a station you would like to work at such as transportation, housing, or childcare and help students that are assigned a random job and salary figure out which options will be best to help them stay on budget to pay all their bills for a month. This is definitely an eyeopener to show how expensive the real world can be. To volunteer or learn more about this beneficial program, view the Test Drive sign up genius. 
TUTORS NEEDED FOR EDEN PRAIRIE MATH AND READING CORPS
In Minnesota, 1 in 3 third graders struggles to read at grade level and less than 60% of eighth graders are proficient in math. You can make a difference by giving your time and talent to help students build their skills and confidence! Tutors work with students during school hours throughout the school year. No matter if you’re a recent grad, career changer, stay-at-home parent or retiree, you can make a great tutor. No experience? No problem. Tutors receive great training, so they are well equipped to help students grow.
Part-time and full-time positions are available. Tutors commit to serving 35, 25, or 18 hours a week throughout the school year. Tutors also receive perks such as a paid stipend every two weeks, and money for college tuition/student loans. Free health insurance and child care assistance for those who qualify. Apply at:  www.readingandmath.net/  or connect Amanda at amanda.swanson@servetogrow.org  
On January 7th, fifteen parents enrolled in Eden Prairie Schools’ Family School programs read stories they had written about their lives to an audience of their families, friends, and other community members. The evening was a great success, and included stories about parenting, friendship, navigating new homes and cultures, and the importance of education. Magazines containing the stories were distributed to all in attendance. 
Metro South Adult Basic Education, Eden Prairie Schools Community Education, and Nystrom Printing all contributed to this wonderful event. 
Eden Prairie Schools | Community Education | 952.975.6940 |  ComEd@edenpr.org