Parents, please note that the Online Data Verification system is down this week for maintenance. Once it is back up, you'll be able to register your student for next year.

See below for some after-school activities that will start up soon. All after school activities will be held from 2:30pm-4:00pm.

Transportation via bus can be arranged; however, we are reserving the limited spaces on the bus due to Covid safety measures for students who need transportation on a regular basis. Sign up for transportation will be completed through registration.

Deadline to register will be Wednesday, April 28

Tennis - Mondays and Wednesdays

May 3rd - May 26th

Registration

Track - Tuesdays and Thursdays

May 4th - May 27th

Registration

EW Spring Musical - Mondays and Wednesdays

April 26th - May 26th

Registration

Creative Writing Group - Thursdays

May 6th - May 27th

Registration

GSA - Thursdays

May 5th - 26th

Registration

Quiz Bowl - Tuesdays

May 4th - May 25th

Registration

Any questions, email Liz Gosselin at liz.gosselin@moundsviewschools.org.

We would like to congratulate these amazing 8th grade students who qualified to compete at the National History Day Regional competition! Twelve of these students were also selected to move on and represent Edgewood at the virtual National History Day State competition, competing against top projects from throughout Minnesota. Their projects, which ranged in topic from secret WWII missions to the Chicano Movement to the Camp David Accords, all centered on the theme of Communication in History. Congratulations to these promising young historians!

Pictured left to right (back row): Hasna Yousuf, Mr. Lane Dooley-Jesso, Eden Rios, Lulu Semakula, Abby Otten, Callie Lane, Hailie Herzog, Cy Treuenfels, Ms. Zoe Kourajian

(front row, left to right): Veronica Lindquist, Savannah Hepola, Madison Kmiecik, Lizzie Lockwood, Beatrice Kaden, Paige Nguyen, Andrea Perez, and Stephanie Nazareth

Not pictured: Aili Vasel, Kamlyn Arboe, Karen Sanchez, Anas Enanaa (of Irondale), Ms. Sandy Solheim

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) will take place this spring. Below provides information pertaining to testing at Edgewood this spring. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has instructed Mounds View Schools to administer the MCAs to all students between April 5 and May 21.

Previously, we have communicated dates of the Reading, Math, and Science (8th only) MCA assessments; however, due to many of our families celebrating Eid-al-fitr on May 12th and 13th, we will be moving the Math MCA assessment to a week prior.

The Math MCA assessment will take place on the following dates:

6th Grade - May 4th

7th Grade - May 5th

8th Grade - May 6th

Test information for in-person learning students

Testing for in-person students will look similar to how it has looked in previous years. Testing will take place over one full day. Unless you wish to opt your student out of testing, you do not need to take any action, as testing will occur during the school day. There will be no make up dates for testing.

Edgewood will be holding a spring choir concert this year but it is going to be very different than any concert we have had in the past. In order to be as safe as possible, while still providing a performance opportunity for our students, we will be having an informal concert after school for each grade level in the performance gymnasium. All choir students are welcome, including our distance learners at home! Here are the details:

6th Grade Concert: 2:20-3:30 PM on Tuesday May 4, 2021

7th Grade Concert: 2:20-3:30 PM on Wednesday May 5, 2021

8th Grade Concert: 2:20-3:30 PM on Thursday May 6, 2021

All students and staff will still be expected to wear a mask at all times. Due to capacity restrictions, we are choosing to not have a live audience at any of the performances. However, a recording of our performance will be sent out to all families via email after the concert is finished. Students are not expected to wear any certain clothing, but we always encourage students to feel their best in their attire to elevate their performance. At 3:25, students and staff will clean up the performance space and leave for the day. All students need to be picked up from school or walk home. Activity buses may be available; however, Ms. Cummings Cervenka will communicate information regarding bussing as soon as it is available.

Performing is essential to all of our music students and is a part of their performance grade. If any student or family does not feel safe participating in their concert, please email me as soon as possible. A make-up assignment will be available to any family who reaches out to excuse their student. Please call (651-621-6647) or email Ms. Cummings (elizabeth.cummings@moundsviewschools.org) if you have any questions!

Irondale will be hosting our current in-person learning 8th-grade students for their annual high school tour. The date of the tour is Friday, May 14, 2021, from 9:45am-12:45pm.

Students will arrive at Edgewood at their normal time as they would during the week for breakfast. From 7:45-9:30am, students will have time for activities that include open gym. All students are to report to Edgewood first before we depart to Irondale.

During the tour, students will have the opportunity to eat school lunch at Irondale. Students can either bring a lunch or buy lunch at Irondale. We will survey students next week on which lunch option they are choosing. As the tour ends, we will depart and come back to Edgewood. Students will have another opportunity for fun activities from 1:00-2:15 pm.

We understand that this is on a Friday, but we view this as a critical opportunity to experience high school next year. We greatly encourage all full-in person learners to be a part of this experience; however, we understand if you wish not to have your student a part of the tour. Busses will be provided for both morning and afternoon pickup.

If you have any questions about what the tour will include, please contact Mr. Reed, Associate Principal at Irondale, at 651-621-6820.

The online yearbook order sales have ended. We will have a limited supply of yearbooks available to purchase for $20 at the end of the school year. If you are interested in purchasing one when they are available, please contact Shannon at shannon.mildenberger@moundsviewschools.org.

The spiritwear store is now open and ready for orders! You can find the links for all Mounds View schools here.

The April lunch menu can be found here.

Edgewood will maintain a 4-period day, with 100-minute class periods. The Daily Bell Schedule is viewable here. Students will attend class periods 1, 3, 5, 7 on Monday and Wednesday, and attend class periods 2, 4, 6, 7 on Tuesday and Thursday. Students will attend all seven of their classes remotely on Friday. Class periods on Friday will be 30-minutes in length. Teachers may assign students independent work that is to be completed on Friday afternoon.

We strongly encourage all in-person students and their families to get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks through the end of the school year. Students involved in any extracurricular activities or sports should consider getting tested every week.

There are many options to get tested. You can visit a community testing site, get tested through your healthcare provider or order an at-home test kit. All options are quick, easy, and free to you. Find out more about each option here.

Looking for some support and resources for you and your family during this time? Check out our "EVENTS AND RESOURCES" section below.

Edgewood Parents & Teachers (EPAT) is an organization in which parents and Edgewood (EW) teachers and administration work together to help meet the needs of the EW students and staff.

As we did not have a fundraiser this year, there are still ways to contribute to EPAT! Our funds help to provide funds to teachers for additional items they would like for their class that are not covered by the school's budget. Some examples of this are tools, books and other various supplies that enhance our students' learning. Our funds also help to provide items for some of our extra-curricular activities. Here are some ways in which you can donate:

• Amazon Smile (Group Name: Edgewood Middle School PTO)
• Tasteocracy (Group Name: Edgewood Parents and Teachers PTO Group)
• Direct Donation

If you would like more information or are willing to volunteer your time to support the EW community, please contact margaret.meyer@moundsviewschools.org or lockwood.kimberly@gmail.com.

Seventh & eighth grade athletes that wish to participate on a high school team will also register online. Before you begin your online registration, approval must be obtained from the middle school principal or dean, the high school activities director and coach. In addition, signatures from both student & parent/guardian are also required. Please complete this Middle School consent form and deliver to the high school activities office before you begin the online registration.

Just a reminder to please have your student bring a reusable water bottle to have at school incase they get thirsty. Drinking fountains currently are not available but students can fill bottles at the water filling stations.

Just a reminder to call our Attendance Line at 651-621-6601 if your student will be out of school. You may also note an absence in ParentVUE. If you need to pick up your student early for an appt., etc., you may call the front office or leave a message on the attendance line to call them out of class early and ready for pick-up. Just leave the student's name, reason for leaving early, and time of pick-up so we can get a pass to them to leave class.

In addition to leaving voicemail messages, parents and guardians can now electronically record student absences, including future and/or planned absences. Log into ParentVUE and select “Record absence” next to your child’s name to begin the process. School staff will review new entries daily. Detailed instructions are available here.

CHROMEBOOK 101

Everything you need to know about your Chromebook can be found here.

Additional information can be found here.

The 2021-22 school year calendar was updated with a modified start date of Wednesday, September 8, due to the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashana. The previous start date was Tuesday, September 7. Visit the calendars page at moundsviewschools.org/calendars to see the current calendar and the next two school year calendars.

In addition to the youth programs and enrichment opportunities available through the District's Community Ed Department, a number of activities, camps and youth programs are hosted by area cities, local businesses, community organizations and school PTA groups. Please see offerings available in the district attendance area here.

NEW! Summer afternoon adventures

Are you looking for a way to have your elementary student engage with their peers this summer without a full commitment to day camp? Summer Adventures is an active camp where students can participate in a variety of gym games, outdoor activities, sports, arts and crafts and more!

Open to students entering grades 1-6 in the fall of 2021.

Session 1: June 21 - July 15

Session 2: July 19 - August 5

Monday-Thursday | 1-3 p.m | Locations: Island Lake, Pinewood and Valentine Hills | $150 per session

Click here to register now!

NEW! Summer sports and fitness

Stay connected and active over the summer with your friends and other middle schoolers! Join the Middles School summer sports and fitness program and participate in a wide variety of games and activities that may include flag football, tennis, ultimate frisbee, pickleball, basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and more! Additionally, we will be talking about how active lifestyles and healthy habits are good for the mind and body.

Open to students entering grades 6-8 in the fall of 2021.

Session 1: June 21 - July 15

Session 2: July 19 - August 5

Monday-Thursday | 12-2 p.m | Locations: Chippewa, Edgewood and Highview | $150 per session

Click here to register now!

On Saturday, April 17, Mounds View High School will be hosting its annual Music For Mounds View benefit concert from 6:30-8:30 PM. Music For Mounds View is a concert full of student performers created in an effort to raise money for local and national charities and bring together the community. This year, our proceeds will be donated to the Washburn Center for Mental Health, World Central Kitchen, and the Swenson Brain Cancer Initiative.

This concert is open to the members of the Mounds View district as well as the general public. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is limited to 120 people and we ask that no more than three people from one household attend. To make sure we do not exceed this number, we are asking those who are interested in signing up to register through our Sign Up Genius (one person per slot), which will be linked below and available on our Facebook and Instagram pages (@musicformoundsview).

We are thrilled to announce that we have seven incredible students showcasing their talents at this year’s event. The performers include Aurora Weirens, Britta Bramsen, Emma Pagal and Lauren Cosgrove, Lily Bronson, Namitha Narayan, and Zoke Sackih.

Along with the concert, we will be hosting a silent auction. Attendees will be able to bid on various themed baskets prior to the event and the winners will be announced at the end of the concert. All proceeds from the auction will be split between the three charities we are supporting!

Tickets are $12 for students/seniors and $15 for adults; guests will purchase them at the event. Join us for a night full of music, charity, and unity!

In partnership with Hazelden Betty Ford and other area school districts, join us for a virtual event focused on youth substance use and how to have conversations with teens. Connect with District chemical health staff to learn about resources in the community to support you and your teen.

Details:
When: Monday, May 10, at 7pm
Where: Virtual event
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0JC_xpiaJsiEhHXa7mL40ia1Id6pi-UMS4ll6BIMzvoPZIA/viewform

The Special Education Parent and Professional Advisory Council presents

“Celebrate Success 2021”

Celebrate Success is an annual event where a panel of past and present students, who have received special education services, share their post-secondary plans and aspirations and experiences in K - 12+ education.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Online Virtual Meeting

https://meet.google.com/vkg-mvxg-vmu?authuser=0

6:45-8:15 p.m.

Virtual Book Clubs for grades 6-12, (including some great manga and graphic novels!). Click here for more information and to register!

Grab bags for teens (give 'em some general information about you like and they'll pull books for you to try!!). Click here to sign up.

Information on the summer reading programs for teens coming soon!

Supporting Mental Health in Challenging Times – Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative has provided a variety of FREE Prerecorded Workshops for caring adults who aren’t formally trained in mental health (but may also be a useful refresher for mental health professionals).

More than Sad: Suicide Prevention for Parents - April 22 webinar that helps teach parents and caregivers how to recognize the signs of depression and other mental health problems, strategies to talk with their child about mental health, and learn how to access mental health services and supports.

Parent/Caregiver Support Group for Children with Internet Gaming Issues – NEW support group offered by Sage Prairie to help parents/caregivers set healthy limits with their children regarding video games and screen time.

What are appropriate consequences for bad behavior? - Targeting positive behaviors can be just as important (at home and in classroom).

Life Planning Series: Guardianships - Participants will learn about the guardianship-conservatorship laws with a focus on the purpose, legal procedure, and considerations after appointment and changes to laws adopted by the State Legislature in 2020. Tuesday May 4, 2021; 6:30-8:00 PM Location: Online Web Streaming

Webinar Series: Staying Connected with Students and Youth During COVID-19 - This 4-part webinar series explores research on belonging and connectedness, the key tenants of virtual communication for educators, and effective strategies for building virtual connectedness. Catch-up on the first session here: Link.

FREE April Webinar Series (Chemical Health Trainings) One designed for Parents and One for Teachers/Staff- Supporting and Inspiring Students this Spring.CEU’s: 1.5 free CEUs offered for the following Boards: Behavioral Health, Social Work, Education, Nursing.

Dates: Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00pm-3:30pm – Teacher Training

Thursday, April 29th, 6:30pm-8:30pm – Parent and Community Education Event

Registration: Click here! – Teacher Training; Click here! – Parent and Community Event

“TGIF” Educator Wellness Podcast: Relationships Matter

The District’s mental health specialists have created a weekly wellness podcast for staff called “TGIF: Educator Wellness." Listen to this Friday’s new episode about “Relationships Matter”. We know that all youth need positive relationships to navigate challenges and thrive. Saying relationships are important for a young person to learn and grow is like saying water is important for a swimming pool. Julia Geigle is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), and a mental health specialist for the district. You can listen here or many places that you listen to podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more).

How to Manage Complicated Feelings During the Chauvin Trial – article: tips from four Minneapolis-based mental health professionals.

Recovery Road Podcast – free podcast from Hazelden Publishing where you’ll find powerful thoughts, excerpts, and reflections from Hazelden’s most popular resources. Now more than ever we need to find calm in the chaos, stay focused on self-care, and commit to long-term recovery.

MN Vaccine Connector - The State of Minnesota is using this tool to contact people for vaccine appointments, including at the new Minnesota State Fair clinic that is due to open April 14th. For language or other assistance with signing up, call the hotline: 1-833-431-2053. The web-based sign up is also available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.

Urban League Twin Cities Vaccinations - The Urban League Twin Cities is teaming with Stairstep Foundation/His Works United, Messianic care, and Black Nurses Rock TC to provide Covid vaccinations to community members 18 years and older. By appointment only - call 612-254-1228 to schedule.

Staying Safer During Ramadan - Many Minnesota families are looking forward to observing Ramadan. In preparation, Muslim faith leaders and Imamns across the state collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Health to establish recommendations for safer celebrations during this time of COVID. For a poster version of these recommendations, click here.

Celebrate Safer - Looking for ideas for safer celebrations in general? MDH has some tips to consider for helping to slow the spread of Covid while planning events.

About COVID-19 and Variants - we’re hearing a lot about the spread of Covid variants in the news. This link includes current and accurate information about what we’re seeing in Minnesota.

Dr. Lynn Ogawa on the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health Medical Director Dr. Lynne Ogawa joins NineNorth’s Cities Speak podcast to discuss the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, clarify the process of the vaccine rollout, and share notable positive experiences in helping distribute vaccine.

If you are looking for basic needs resources, please find more information at this link.

For parent support, please click on this link.

For student support, please click on this link.

For LBGQT support, please click on this link.

You can also find the resource guide and other information on our district website. We are here to help!

Need help getting food? Or want to help others who do? - Many Minnesotans are facing financial difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and there are supports available to help! Our own Ralph Reeder Food Shelf offers weekday scheduled appointments. Click the link to learn more about how to schedule an appointment for a pick up or to make a donation to the food shelf. And new this week, Minnesota is launching a program to help connect families with personalized assistance and information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - more information available at www.mnfoodhelper.org.

If you shop on Amazon, Edgewood Parent & Teachers (EPAT) asks for your help to support Edgewood while you shop!

AmazonSmile is operated by Amazon; the only difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Edgewood Middle School.

Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages.

Our group name is "Edgewood Middle School PTO" and you can also now set up your mobile app to place orders using AmazonSmile! For more information about the AmazonSmile program, click here.

Joining the Tasteocracy community is easy! Using our online sign up form, provide your contact information and a small amount of demographic information. Minutes after you submit, you will receive an email welcoming you to the Tasteocracy community. Each tester may have only one account.

Tasteocracy and the clients who work with us value your participation and compensate you for your time and opinions. The amount of compensation is related to the length of the test. Tests that have a longer time commitment have a higher compensation amount. All tests average at $40 per hour of participation.

Our group name is "Edgewood Parents and Teachers PTO Group". For more information about the Tasteocracy program, click here.

Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor llama 651-724-2854. Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau 651-724-0396. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala 651-724-7482.