Meadowbrook News
January 6, 2023
From Mrs. Sawatzky
Good afternoon Meadowbrook,
Welcome to 2023! I hope you've had a great start to the new year. We kicked off the new year by playing school-wide BINGO yesterday. Much fun was had by all, and pictures are below!
In Hopkins we have been learning about and making changes to our programming in order to integrate a more personalized experience for all of our students. "Personalized Learning" creates experiences and pathways for students to engage and thrive in their learning, encourages them to express their interests, gives them a voice and choice in their educational journey, and teaches self-advocacy skills. Ultimately, personalized learning promotes the anti-racist school system desired by the Hopkins community by creating an environment that provides equitable opportunities and access for all students.
On a recent walk through by members of our Hopkins Instructional Leadership Team, Meadowbrook was observed demonstrating personalized learning most commonly in the areas of Space for Learning Flexibility, Learner Voice and Choice, and Growing Independence. Descriptions of the conditions and factors of "Personalized Learning" can be found using this link and really help explain what visitors are likely to see, hear, and experience in our classrooms. I hope reading the descriptions brings as much excitement to you as it does to me!
In partnership,
Natalie
School Start Time Information for 2023-24
As we continue to prepare for the 6th and 9th-grade transition, we have a few important updates regarding transportation and its impact on school start times. In our last communication, we shared the 2023-24 calendar, which has been adopted by our School Board. We are now able to provide the anticipated start times for our elementary schools, middle schools, and high school. Please note, we will be moving forward with a three-tier bussing schedule, which impacts start and end times. Read about anticipated start times here.
Important: Open-Enrolled Families with Incoming Kindergartners!
Have an upcoming fall kindergartner? Even if you have students already enrolled in Hopkins Schools, you will need to submit an open enrollment form for your new kindergartner. Submit your Open Enrollment application by January 17, 2023, to be included in the first lottery. Find Open Enrollment forms online at HopkinsSchools.org/enroll. Questions? Please email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org or call 952-988-4110.
Come celebrate the Hopkins Orchestra Program!
These two concerts will feature our 5th - 12th-grade orchestra students on both sides of the district. The performance is located in the Hopkins High School Auditorium. The concert is free!
HOPKINS NORTH INVITES ELEMENTARY FAMILIES TO SAVE THE DATE!
Families are encouraged to bring their rising 6th and 7th-grade scholars.
6:00 PM - 6:50 PM: Rising 6th-grade students
7:00 PM - 7:50 PM: Rising 7th-grade students
WE ARE SUPER EXCITED TO MEET ALL OF YOU!
What's next for our soon-to-be middle schools?
As our junior highs prepare to transition to middle schools next year, Principal Eromosele and Principal Kampfe update us on where they are in the process and also share their excitement for what's still to come. Currently, 6th-grade educators are touring the junior high buildings to get a feel for where they could be teaching next year.
eLearning & Equitable Internet Access
Yearbooks
Wrestling Programs (PreK through Grade 6)
Did you know Hopkins has youth wrestling programs for both boys and girls for grades PreK through 6? Offered in partnership with Hopkins Community Education, the wrestling program introduces wrestling concepts through fun games and activities geared for all skill levels. The head instructors are former collegiate-level wrestlers that also teach Physical Education in Hopkins and Minnetonka school districts. We even have some national champions coaching!
Register using the links below:
If you have any questions please contact youth@hopkins-wrestling.com.
Hopkins Ultimate
Registration is currently open and includes both the winter training/practices as well as the spring season. For more information about our league, schedules, or to register, please visit our website hopkinsultimate.com or reach out to Camie Mayer - Hopkins Ultimate Recruitment at camiermayer@gmail.com.
Metro Transit Assistance Program
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to make public transit more affordable for residents of lower income. TAP provides a reduced fare pass on a Go-To Card and allows customers to use a bus or train for just $1 per ride — even during rush hour — with a 2.5 hour transfer. Signing up can be done in-person at a Transit Facility location or through the link below. Visit https://www.metrotransit.org/tap-riders for more information!
Supporting Gender Expansive Kids Parent and Caregiver Group
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child who transcends traditional binary gender roles? Hopkins Schools offers a supportive, ongoing group for parents and caregivers to ask questions, share ideas, and support one another. Click here for more information.
Meadowbrook PTO
Please visit our website for all things PTO!
Restaurant Night
- January 18 between 4:00pm and 9:00pm
- Davanni's at 663 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
- Customers may call ahead for take-out, dine in, delivery, or curbside (mention the fundraiser for Meadowbrook Elementary).
- Indicate the fundraiser in the special instructions area when ordering online.
- Order in person and mention the fundraiser for Meadowbrook Elementary.
- Also valid on Gift Card purchases!
- 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Meadowbrook Elementary School PTO!
Volunteer
If you would like to be a room parent in your child’s class or help in a variety of other ways this school year, let us know! Complete the volunteer interest form here: https://forms.gle/AZiPf7kamK6Z317Q7
Online Directory
To connect with other families at Meadowbrook, please register with our Meadowbrook Online Directory. *Please note this is different from the forms you completed for your teachers! This directory will allow you to search for other MB families, and for others to find your information if you choose.
Any questions? Reach out to us at meadowbrookelementarypto@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook , Twitter, Instragram, or our PTO website
Important Calendar Dates
January 12: Orchestra Concert 7:00pm at Hopkins High School
January 16: No School - In Honor of MLK Jr.
January 18: Restaurant Night @ Davanni's
January 24: 5th Grade Band Concert 7:00pm
January 27: No School - Grading Day
February 20: No School - Professional Learning Day for Staff
Lost & Found
Meadowbrook Elementary
Main Office Line: 952-988-5100
Attendance Line: 952-988-5110
https://meadowbrook.hopkinsschools.org/families/attendance
Online Student Directory: www.meadowbrookpto.ptoffice.com
Email: natalie.sawatzky@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/meadowbrook-elementary
Location: 5430 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422, USA
Phone: (952) 988-5100
Facebook: facebook.com/HopkinsMeadowbrook
Twitter: @MeadowbrookGV