Meadowbrook News
December 9, 2022
From Mrs. Sawatzky
Good afternoon Meadowbrook,
Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of attending two listening sessions with caregivers of Black and African American students. While I am proud of the transformative work that Meadowbrook and our district has done in order to disrupt the racism that lives in the education system, we still have much work to do. And, we are looking for individuals to collaborate with in this work. If this interests you, please consider joining our Caregiver Advisory Committee, which is a group of Meadowbrook caregivers that is representative of our Meadowbrook demographics. Please let me know if you would like to be included in this collaboration by sending me an email at natalie.sawatzky@hopkinsschools.org.
Additionally, we are currently in the planning phase for opportunities for caregivers to develop their antiracist mindsets and skillsets. If this type of learning interests you, please complete this form to help guide our planning.
Lastly but not least importantly, there was an important email sent to all families today regarding next year's start times. In the email you will see that Meadowbrook's start and end times will not change next year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
In partnership,
Natalie
P.S. Remember there is no school next Friday, December 16!
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.
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.
Winter Gear
The cold and snowy weather has arrived! Please make sure to send your child with boots, snow pants, hats and mittens to school each day with the plan to play outside for recess. The district guideline for staying inside is 0 degrees or wind chill of -10 degrees. If your child needs winter gear, please contact our counselors, Nicole Sobanski and Julie DeGroot. And don't forget to make sure all of the items are labeled with your child's name, making it easier to find if/when lost!
eLearning & Equitable Internet Access
MLK Human Rights Contest
The MLK Human Rights Contest provides a path for children and youth to follow as they grow. Quotes from Dr. King and the over-arching themes give children and youth a starting point on the path to understanding Dr King's message to the world. Students may submit any kind of original work that exemplifies the themes, including artwork, essays, poetry, songs, raps, videos, and more. Students are encouraged to base their entries on these specific themes and prompts:
- Pre-K-K: "We cannot walk alone." (Theme: Inclusion)
- Grades 1-3: "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." (Theme: Equality/Justice)
- Grades 4-7: "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." (Theme: Equality/Justice)
- Grades 8-12: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." (Theme: Equality/Justice)
Prizes will be awarded to two students in each of the following grade groupings: Preschool-Kindergarten, 1-3, 4-7, and 8-12.
Submissions are due by 4pm on December 21, 2022, to Tara Olmo at 7800 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427 or tolmo@goldenvalleymn.gov.
The contest is sponsored by the City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. for more complete entry information about entering, visit www.goldenvalleymn.gov/DEIC
6th Grade End of Year Celebration Planning
Although it feels like we just started the school year, we know the last day of 6th grade/Meadowbrook will come all too quickly. A small group of us have started planning the end of year celebration for our 6th grade grads and would love your help! The celebration will take place on the last day of school. We're looking for as many people as we can to help with the following committees: Slideshow, Website, Food, Music and Activities. We cannot do it all without your help - it will truly take a village to make our students’ last day at Meadowbrook memorable. We plan to have an informational meeting on Wednesday, December 14th at 7PM. It will be a virtual meeting. If interested, please contact knemgar10@gmail.com to get the zoom link.
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.
HEF Gratitude Gifts
What better time to thank the special people who foster the success of our Hopkins students every day? For every $25 donation made in the name of a Hopkins staff member, HEF will deliver a bundle of scrumptious, over-sized cookies from Great Harvest Bread Company, Minnetonka along with your personal note of thanks. Donations made will also help HEF to fund future grants for Hopkins Public Schools in the spring!
Donate and order Gratitude Gifts by Dec. 14 for delivery before winter break: www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
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!
Hopkins Beds for Kids
Did you know there are children in our area that do not have their own bed to sleep in at home? The Hopkins Police and Fire Departments, in conjunction with Hopkins and Minnetonka Rotary, are honored to be able to provide beds to families in need. If you or anyone you know is in need of a bed, please contact Jake Moser at 952-935-7556 or jmoser@hopkinsautobody.net.
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
Join us at Ice Dreamzzz!
- Tuesday and Wednesday December 13 and 14, 4pm - 9pm
- Location: Waterford Plaza, 10100 6th Ave N STE 122, Plymouth, MN 55441
- When ordering, mention Meadowbrook and Ice Dreamzzz will donate 20% of the amount of your order to the PTO!
Support this Meadowbrook family-owned business while enjoying a sweet treat!
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
Lost & Found
Important Calendar Dates
December 12-14: Restaurant Days @ Ice Dreamzzz in Plymouth
December 16: No school - Professional Learning Day
December 22-30: No school - Winter Break
January 2-4: No School - Winter Break
January 16: No School - In Honor of MLK Jr.
January 27: No School - Grading Day
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