Meadowbrook News
April 29, 2022
From Mrs. Sawatzky
Good afternoon Meadowbrook,
The students have voted and we will be showing Space Jam: A New Legacy at our Spring Fling event on May 6th! Students really appreciated being able to have a voice in the decision. Now, if we could only have input on the weather next Friday evening!
As a parent, I recently participated in the Sideline Project which aims to improve the sidelines of youth sports in order for children, parents, coaches, and referees (umpires, etc) to have a more enjoyable experience. I found the video and follow up conversation with my children very insightful. I highly recommend you check it out if your children participate in youth sports!
This weekend begins the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is a three day Muslim festival to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. To our families celebrating, Happy Eid!
In partnership,
Natalie
From Nurse Karen
Hello from the Health Office!
We are almost at the end of the 2021-22 School Year! I thought I would touch base on what’s happening here at Meadowbrook, Health-wise. Covid-19 cases are rising a bit once again at Meadowbrook. It's nothing like we saw between the end of October and in February. The current cases are presenting with cold like symptoms. The symptoms also mimic allergies which are also on the rise. And let’s not forget, the common cold is also present. My work is cut out for me this Spring! We have plenty of rapid tests available here at Meadowbrook. Please call the Health Office at 952-988-5104 if your family is in need of a rapid test.
The most frequent question I now get is “what can I do to stay healthy?” Handwashing, and staying home when you are not feeling well are the first two things I recommend. Also, if you are a bit under the weather, wearing a mask is a kind thing to do. Getting vaccinated continues to be the best thing to keep you and your family protected. While this may not prevent getting Covid-19, it will help you to not have a serious case.
With the weather staying on the cool side, dressing your student is a challenge this Spring. Our students get outside often during the day, so don’t put away those fall-type jackets just yet. Our playground can be rather mushy after the rain, so proper footwear is helpful to prevent injury from poor traction.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please give me a call or send me an email.
Stay Healthy Meadowbrook!
Meadowbrook Mingle
Does your employer match charitable donations? Ask your employer! If you made a cash donation to the Meadowbrook Mingle (popcorn party, fund-a-need or just a straight donation), it's possible your employer will match your donation. 100% of your donation goes to programs for our students and is tax deductible (EIN # 41-1893067). Also, any dollars spent on auction items over market are tax deductible too!
One more chance! Make some memories and purchase a Great Gathering. Gatherings will be open for purchase until May 1st.
- The critically acclaimed Matt Wilson and his Orchestra Concert
- Log Rolling Extravaganza- test your courage!
- Cold Plunge for Health and Wellness (or just to prove that you are tougher than the average bear)
- Mountain Bike Family Event- Demos, instruction, coaching or just ride! Refreshments to follow
- Lawn Bowling and Happy Hour with really fun Hosts!
- Exclusive shopping experience at EverEve- 15% off, snacks and beverages galore!
Don't miss out: https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=Meadowbrook
HEF's Royal Family Fun Day
Don't miss out on the FUN! Join HEF for this FREE event for Hopkins Public Schools students on Sunday, May 1, 1-3PM at Eisenhower Community Center Gym.
Children aged 3 yrs. through 6th grade are welcome, accompanied by their adult(s). There will be two big awesome inflatables, musical instruments to try, games and prizes, balloon animals, and delicious snacks.
For more details or to register for the event, visit www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org. Thank you to our generous sponsors Aldi and Great Harvest Bread Co. Minnetonka!
Staff Appreciation Week - May 2-6
Help us celebrate Staff Appreciation Week (May 2-6, 2022) by nominating a Meadowbrook staff member who has made a difference in your life!
Appreciation Week is an opportunity to express our gratitude for all the ways the Meadowbrook staff show up each and every day. Please tell us about a staff member who has gone above and beyond to support you or your child this school year. A classroom teacher, para, office staff, or administrator, someone in the halls or lunchroom, maybe a specialist? All nominations are welcome and will be read by the Meadowbrook Staff Appreciation Team.
We look to spotlight as many dedicated staff members as possible during Appreciation Week with shoutouts on the morning announcements. Plus, every nominated individual will be entered into a daily gift card drawing!
How to show your appreciation:
Choose one of these two easy options to submit a nomination for consideration:
1) Online: Submit a nomination using our online form here. OR
2) Email the following information to mbappreciation@gmail.com:
- Your Name:
- Name of staff member you are nominating:
- How has this staff member made a difference in your school year?
Spring Fling
NEW! Fun Family Community Event - Outdoor Movie Night
Mark your calendars and plan to grab your blankets and chairs and join us for a fun family movie on Meadowbrook Field! Our students have voted and we will be showing Space Jam: A New Legacy.
- Next Friday, May 6th, Movie start time 8:00 pm. Arrive anytime after 7:30pm to claim a spot on the Meadowbrook field (weather back up is cafeteria)
- Free Popcorn
- Small selection of snacks and beverages for purchase ($1 each item, cash only) and you are welcome to bring your own
Run Meadowbrook Run
Save the date for our 6th annual Run Meadowbrook Run!
When: Saturday, May 21
- 8:00am for 5K Run and 9:00am for 1 Mile Fun Run
Where: Brookview Park, Golden Valley
Registration is open! Visit RunMeadowbrookRun.com for more information.
Volunteer Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA8A92BA4FC1-rmrvolunteers1
Come run with us!
Kindergarten Bridge
If you have an incoming kindergartener that will be joining us for the 2022/23 school year, come join us for an in-person family-friendly event! Kindergarten Bridge will introduce your child to a kindergarten classroom, allow you to meet other kindergarten families, and provide you with tools and resources on how to prepare your child for their first day of school.
This event is intended for families who have already enrolled their child at the specified Hopkins Public Elementary School noted below. Due to limited space in the Kindergarten classrooms, we will be limiting each event to 30 families. Register early to secure your spot!
Meadowbrook Elementary: Tuesday, May 17 2022. 6:30-8:00 p.m. [register]
The Hopkins Kindergarten webpage also has been updated with dates, times, and registration information for this event series. Or, you can view the collection of Kindergarten Bridge events on Eventbrite.
We look forward to seeing you and your family at Hopkins Kindergarten Bridge!
Plant Sale Pick up and Volunteers
Our beautiful spring plants will soon arrive! If you have not yet signed up for a time slot to pick up your plants, please do so here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DA8AD28AAF8C70-2022
We also have a need for more Plant Sale volunteers on Saturday May 7th & Sunday May 8th; morning and afternoon shifts are available. Help spread Springtime cheer! You can sign up to help here: https://tools.ptoffice.com/Signups/Balloons4605
Last Chance for VirtualEDU Priority Registration!
Supporting Gender Expansive Kids - Parent and Caregiver Group
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child who transcends traditional binary gender roles? We 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.
Exciting Summer Opportunity for Scholars Entering Grades 7, 8, and 9 - Space Limited
The Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools© program is a six-week multicultural literacy-based experience that is deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement. Scholars of the program immerse themselves in engaging curriculum, activities, and opportunities that exercise critical thinking, camaraderie, social-emotional learning, and much more.
Scholars entering grades 7, 8, and 9 for the 2022-23 school year are encouraged to attend. Space is limited, early registration is recommended. To register, CLICK HERE. For more information, please reach out to Paris Timmons at 952-988-4843 or paris.timmons@hopkinsschools.org.
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!
Hopkins High School Girls Soccer
Excitement is building for the 2022 High School Girls Soccer Season!
- Open to all girls entering 7th - 12th grades.
Pre-Season Informational ZOOM meeting - Tuesday May 10th , 6:30pm
You are invited to attend this Zoom meeting hosted by Varsity Coach, Justin Hegre, Varsity Team Captains and the Girls’ Soccer Boosters. The meeting will cover important information for the fall 2022 season including summer training, tryouts and team expectations.
Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89317398295?pwd=QVYxdE ZvZmJwM3FkTjZZdDc2eUVFUT09 Meeting ID: 893 1739 8295
Passcode: 4GKWQk
Questions, please email hopkinswomenssoccer@gmail.com
More info @ hopkinsroyalswomenssoccer.shutterfly.com
HEF Partners with Great Harvest Bread Co. for Gratitude Gifts!!
Gratitude Gifts are a wonderful way to wrap up an extraordinary year. Send your thanks to ANY Hopkins staff member.
Gratitude Gifts generate many smiles from grateful, hard-working, innovative, and adaptive staff. For a $25 donation to HEF, we’ll deliver a sleeve of delicious cookies from Great Harvest Bread Co. in Minnetonka, along with your personal message.
Place your orders by Friday, May 20. Gratitude Gifts will be delivered on Thursday, May 26.
To order now, visit www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Wolf Ridge Summer Trip
Hello Hopkins Families,
For 35 years, Hopkins Community Education has offered an opportunity for students to take a 5-day summer trip to Wolf Ridge ELC in Finland, Minnesota. Covid has made this trip impossible over the past two summers. The change in the Covid landscape has made this summer possible, but we know the clock is ticking towards summer.
Our summer program is an overnight camp for students entering 5th through 12th grade. Often, students return from year to year. Our program is staffed by Hopkins teachers from our elementary school buildings. Scott Stillman from Glen Lake is the lead teacher. While there is a considerable cost to this program, this is a break-even cost for us to provide this camp. Also, scholarship funds are very limited this year.
Please complete the following survey as soon as possible. Based on responses, we will either start planning or just wait until next summer.
Our dates for this year would be June 27 to July 1. The cost would be $575 and there would be a limit of 45 students. Also, please know we would need to reach 40 students to make this summer happen.
Once we know more information, we will reach out to families who are able to attend this summer.
Royals Athletic Center
Hopkins Public Schools and City of Minnetonka announce new name for the high school athletic center!
2022-23 Calendar
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.
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.
The Meadowbrook PTO has a new website, check it out! This is where you can access the online directory and so much more!
What's better than Restaurant Night? Restaurant WEEK!
Monday, May 9 through Sunday May 15, visit Culver's in Golden Valley and order a Concrete Mixer to support the PTO. For each Concrete Mixer sold, Culver's donates $1.00 to the Meadowbrook PTO! Dine-in, Carry-out, or Drive-through. Support school's PTO--and a locally owned restaurant--and satisfy your sweet tooth! Only at Culver's of Golden Valley, 8845 7th Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427.
The PTO needs your help next school year! The 22-23 school year will be the final year at Meadowbrook for our current Co-Presidents and Treasurer. We are looking for a few people to work with us next year to learn the tasks of these roles to take over the following year. PTO can’t happen without YOU! Please email if you would like further information about these open positions - meadowbrookelementaryPTO@gmail.com.
To view other open positions for the 22-23 school year, please visit our website: https://meadowbrookpto.weebly.com/who-we-are.html
Any questions? Reach out to us at meadowbrookelementarypto@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, or our PTO website
Hopkins Public Schools is Hiring!
If you or someone you know would like to be a part of an inclusive school community on a mission to transform what education looks like — we need you! We currently have positions open in transportation, nutrition, event coordination, marketing and communications, teaching, early childhood, special education and more. Ready to get started? View our Careers page.
For additional information about paraprofessional support jobs in special education, please email Heidi Wilhelm at heidi.wilhelm@hopkinsschools.org or call the Special Services Department at (952) 988-4044.
Important Calendar Dates
May 6: No School: Professional Learning for Staff
May 6: Spring Fling (Outdoor Movie Night) Event
May 7-8: Plant Sale Pick Up
May 9-15: Culver's Concrete Mixer Fundraiser - Golden Valley Culver's
May 17: Kindergarten Bridge 6:30pm
May 21: Run Meadowbrook Run Event at Brookview Park
May 30: No School: Memorial 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