Eisenhower Elementary Newsletter
XinXing Academy, Community School and Juntos
Friday, May 27, 2022
Principal's Message
As joyous as last night was, my heart is heavy over the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As a school leader, and a parent myself, knowing that this happened in an Elementary School affects me both as an educator and a mother. In times like this, it can be comforting to understand the safety protocols that we have in place.
Here are additional measures we take:
- Students and families are welcomed and monitored closely during drop off and pick up. This is done by administrators and staff who are present at arrival and dismissal.
- The doors to our schools are locked and all visitors need to be let in through the main office.
- All visitors must check in at the office and wear a visitor sticker during their visit.
- We practice "Lockdown" Drills with students. While we do not go into great detail about the circumstances for why we would use this drill, students practice "going to their safe areas."
Another way in which we can maintain safety and security is to adopt a "see something, say something" culture at Eisenhower. If you see a door propped open or another security threat, please let school staff know as soon as possible so that we can intervene.
May the children and teachers of Uvalde rest in peace.
Spring Arts Cultural Festival Fun!
Paw Pride Students of the Week!
MPORTANT - Transportation Registration for 2022-23 required
Like many other school districts, Hopkins is moving towards an opt-in transportation policy. If you need transportation, you must register. This week, you should have received an email from Hopkins Public Schools from “noreply@qemailserver.com” asking you to select your needs for transportation for next school year. Please fill out this registration survey for each of your children before June 12. If you have multiple children, you received an email for each child.
If you or someone you know did not receive a form for a child, you can use this open form (you/they will need to populate the child’s information).
From The Nurse's Office
Please pick up any unused over-the-counter or prescription medication(s) that your child has in the health office by the last day of school, Friday, June 3rd. Medication cannot be sent home with students. Please plan to keep any critical medications at school through the last day so they are available for use if needed.
By school district policy we are required to discard/ destroy all remaining medication by June 6th. The school cannot store any medication for the following school year.
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school health office at 952-988-4304 or Nurse Laura at laura.kelzer@hopkinsschools.org.
Non Edible Treats
As a reminder, we no longer have edible treats in the school for celebrations. As a school we are focusing on other fun, non food related activities.
For more information, click on the button below.
DONATIONS NEEDED
The end of the school year is fast approaching. Before we say our goodbyes to our teachers and staff, we are asking for your support one last time to honor each of them!
Around 1000 district employees have been invited to attend a year end party! They will be treated to food, music, prizes, and fun!
In order to make this happen, we are asking for families to donate money, items, and to borrow lawn games. Please click on the link below and sign up if you can help support the end of school celebration!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E48A5AF2DAA8-hopkins
Thank you for your support!
Hopkins School Board Listening Sessions: Racial Equity Policy
PTO Corner
This week, we are launching the Eisenhower Online Directory, a secure space for Eisenhower families to share contact information. We are using a vendor that allows us to easily roster the classrooms from year to year. Starting next week, we will be sending frequent communications to facilitate and encourage registering your selected contact information to make it easier to communicate with fellow schoolmates and facilitate community building outside of school. Please plan to register and start connecting!
PS: Many thanks to our parent volunteer, Jeffrey Bennett for all his hard work! Sign up now! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_BROW0JXHhfb3Ox57UqXbxg-O7u20jA2/view?usp=sharing (additional emails and fliers will be sent out as well.)
Upcoming Events
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day - No School
Wednesday, June 1 - Senior Walk Day
Friday, June 3 - 6th grade party and Last day of school
2022-23 Calendar
Supporting Gender Expansive Kids - Parent and Caregiver Group
are offering a supportive, ongoing group for parents and caregivers to ask questions, share ideas, and support one another. Some children may identify as transgender, gender fluid, non-binary, gender queer, gender expansive, questioning or simply move through the world in a much more gender free manner. Our first meeting will be in person on May 18, 2022 from 7-8 p.m. at North Junior High, Room 506. This is for parents and families from all of Hopkins schools -- and from all grade levels (elementary, junior high, high school, and beyond). Laura Jensen, Hopkins Schools LGBTQ+ Community Liaison will facilitate the meeting. Please RSVP via email at laura.jensen@hopkinsschools.org. This is not a group to debate the issue, rather for parents looking to support their child.
Summer Program for Scholars Entering Grades 7, 8, and 9
Monday-Friday, June 13 - July 29, 2022
Hopkins North Junior High
10700 Cedar Lake Rd Minnetonka, MN 55305
The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools© program is a six-week multicultural literacy-based experience for scholars entering grades 7, 8, and 9 in the 2022-23 school year that is deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement. Scholars will immerse themselves in engaging curriculum, activities, and opportunities that exercise critical thinking, camaraderie, and social-emotional learning.
Space is limited, register today!
Support local farms and our schools!
NOW available to ALL Hopkins families- We are excited to announce that the Hopkins Elementary PTOs are partnering with Friendly Hmong Farms to offer all Hopkins families fresh vegetables and flowers this summer!
Order your veggie box a la carte (for pickup in June, July, and August) or subscribe for the entire 3-box series season. Every box will contain an assortment of peak season vegetables and herbs, along with favorite recipes from our community chefs (both home and professional). Every box and bouquet is homegrown in MN and assembled by our farmers. The Best Part? For every 3-box subscription purchased, Friendly Hmong Farms will donate one box to a family-in-need in our school district! Funds raised will be used to support all Hopkins elementary schools. It's Friendly Hmong Farms' commitment to equitable education.School Start Time Schedule Summary
Next year, Eisenhower, Glen Lake and Tanglen will begin at 7:50 a.m. and end at 2:20p.m. with the first bus pick up time being close to 7 a.m.
Next year, North Junior High, West Junior High and Hopkins High School will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m. It is possible junior highs will have a later start time for the 2023-24 school year.
Next year, Alice Smith, Gatewood and Meadowbrook will begin at 9:33 a.m. and end at 4:05 p.m., which is the same schedule they currently have.
Beginning in 2023-24, all elementary schools will be on the same schedule, most likely beginning at 7:50 a.m. and ending at 2:20 p.m.
VirtualEDU will continue to operate from 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. next year.
Resources
Please contact your school counselor or social worker if you are in need of resources for mental health, food, etc..
ICA Weekend Food and Hygiene Bags
Masks now strongly recommended, not required
COVID TESTING
COVID-19 Updates
Hopkins Public Schools COVID-19 Dashboard remains live on our website. Please remember to have your child complete a daily health screening every day before attending school. It is very important that you keep your child home if they are experiencing any signs of illness.
Please note, our isolation and quarantine protocols have changed. We have shortened our isolation requirements to a five-day protocol for students who meet the requirements. You can review the changes here.
Weekly Testing and Rapid Testing
While supplies last, we will continue our weekly saliva testing program for scholars and staff. Due to an Omicron subvariant and spring travel, we’re seeing an increase in cases. We have plenty of rapid test kits for our scholars’ and families’ use. If you want a test kit, even for peace of mind, please see your school nurse or main office and ask for one.