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                May/June Newsletter            

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Dear Edinbrook families:

I want to thank the entire Edinbrook Community for making my first year at EB a wonderful experience.  I absolutely enjoy working at Edinbrook and believe I have found a home.

I would also like to thank the PTO, and all the parents who participated in the various fundraisers we’ve had going this school year.  Without your help the PTO would not be able to support the programs, equipment and materials that help make Edinbrook a better place.  I would further like to thank the PTO Board for their hard work and great service to the school.  Our president, Felice Geear, will end her time as our President of PTO.  She has been an active parent at Edinbrook and I thank her for her dedication.

The three remaining PTO activities are the Scottie Fun Run on May 7^th, the Book Fair the Week of May 24^th and the Ice Cream Social on June 8^th from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.  We hope to see you at one or more of these events. 

I am excited to inform you that the School Board is coming to Edinbrook.  We will be hosting the May 4^th School Board meeting beginning at 7:00 and will have a brief African drumming and poetry performance performed by several sixth grade students.  I hope you are able to attend.

As we embark on the final weeks of the school year, there is still much to be done to ensure that we have a strong finish and that we are prepared for the 2004-2005 school year.

NWEA test reports will be sent home with students along with their final report card.  The MCA tests results will not be available until summer and will sent home in the fall of 2004. 

Summer Vacation materials will be coming home May 3, 2004 for you to preview.  Whether you decide to purchase the materials or not, it is important that students do something over the summer.  I encourage all students to spend time reading throughout the summer.

I am happy to share the results from the parent survey that 248 families completed during conferences. It is nice to see a validation of our efforts in providing children the best possible education.  In addition, your input is absolutely critical as we plan for the 2004-05 school year.  If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s safety, please call me at 763-493-4737.

Site Council has two parent openings for 2004-05.  Please let me know if you are interested.

The date for the fall open house is Monday, August 30^th from 4:30 – 6:00 P. M.  This will be the time to find out who your child’s teacher will be, buy assignment notebooks, put money in lunch accounts, etc.  Please mark the date on your calendars.  Remember school begins Wednesday, September 1^st. 

Staff changes for the 2004-2005 school year:

Ann Marie Johnston is returning to 1^st grade after taking a few years leave.  We welcome her back!

Lisa Lanners is currently teaching in 2^nd grade .5 and will be teaching 2^nd grade full time next year.

Mark Pietari will be moving from 1^st grade to 3^rd grade next year.

Jennifer King will be moving from 4^th grade to 3^rd grade next year.

We welcome Susan Bart to 4^th grade.  She is coming to us from Crest View.

Laura Siefert, EBD teacher, will be coming to Edinbrook from Rice Lake Elementary. 

We also need to say good bye and good luck to Julie Ferriss, Naomi Flick, Peg Wright, Jenny Winters, Kelly Deines and Sue Smith.  We thank them for the fantastic job they have done. 

I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the many activities planned during the last few weeks. 

Sincerely,

John Groenke                        

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Congratulation District 279 Award Recipients

Congratulations to Elizabeth McElligott and Deb Odell for receiving the “Investment in Youth” award from Edinbrook.  They were given their award during a reception, dinner and ceremony on Sunday, May 2 at Maple Grove Junior High.  This award is sponsored by the 279 Foundation.  Elizabeth was recognized as a model to youth and Deb Odell was recognized for the betterment of education.  Congratulations to both!

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7^th Grade Orientation
Brooklyn Junior High

Sixth grade students who will attend Brooklyn Junior High next year are invited to attend an informal orientation session at BJH from 8:00-9:00 PM on Tuesday, May 4, 2004.

Students and parents will gather in the main gym for a brief general assembly and then are invited to visit with designated staff throughout the building who will be able to answer questions.

Students and parents should enter through the Community Education entrance from the Park Center lot (near the tennis courts).

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O.A.S.I.S.
Osseo Area Source of Information and Support
Weaver Lake Elementary School
Media Center

Tuesday, May 18, 2004
7:00-9:00 PM

Enhancing Your Child’s Mental and Physical Health w/ Barbara Helms-Bot, M.A.

The connection between physical and mental health is important.  You will get information about children’s health issues, such as building a strong immune system, critical nutrients for normal development, ear infections, allergies, behavioral issues, etc.  Barbara Helms-Bot has15 years of experience as an educator, is the mother of two and presents wellness seminars to community groups.

CHILDCARE or TRANSPORTATION RESERVATIONS:  Call Michele Vance at 763-420-3337 a week or more prior to the meeting.

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GRASP
Grand Rapids Academic Summer Program
1-616-771-2548

www.grps.k12.mi.us/curriculum/GRASP

The GRASP program is a nine-week correspondence summer program written by Grand Rapids Public School staff in mathematics and/or reading.  It is designed for children who have completed grades K-8.  Children receive a packet of material containing all 9 lessons for the summer.  The lessons are scored, results recorded, and lessons are returned to the children.

Children successfully completing (70% accuracy) at least 7 lessons are awarded a certificate, and those successfully completing all 9 lessons receive a medal soon after Labor Day.

Deadline:  Enrollment must be POSTMARKED by June 21, 2004.

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Let's Go Band   

May will start off with a huge musical experience for all of our 6^th grade band students.  Some 210 students from 12 elementary buildings in our district will combine for a concert on Monday May 3^rd at Osseo Junior High. They attended two after school practices at Edinbrook Elementary to prepare for this concert.  It is really a fun and exciting experience for the band students to get together to perform in this large All District group.        

The Edinbrook 6th grade band will perform a concert for the 4^th thru 6^th grade on Wednesday, May 19^th at 2:30 P.M.  The concert will feature songs from the All District concert, as well as songs played by the individual sections of the band.  Look for some guest faculty musicians. Parents are welcome.         

In lessons, students have continued their work on the band music and on performing “Go For Excellence” lines throughout their lesson books.  A number of band students from Edinbrook have already earned their songbook.  Good luck to them as they continue to work towards this individual goal!

The last day for lessons at Edinbrook is May 26^th.  For 21 sixth grade students at Edinbrook, the first year of band is coming to an end.  They have done a great job this year learning the basics of playing their instruments.  It is quite amazing to see and hear the amount of progress that students have made with just one lesson each week.  Next year, band is a regularly scheduled class at the junior high and band students will meet every other day opposite Phy Ed.

A big thank you goes to you parents for all your support this year and good luck to your young musicians next year.

Robert Naslund – Band Director                                                    

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May Orchestra News

 
We have almost reached the end of the school year and all of the students have done a fabulous job.  The 5^th graders have gone from not knowing anything about orchestra to being able to play a full concert with music in parts.  The 6^th grade students have expanded their knowledge of their instrument and gained much more independence as players.

5^th Grade
Rehearsal at Elm Creek Elementary School on April 28^th from 4:15-5:30
Rehearsal at Elm Creek Elementary School on May 3 from 4:15 – 5:30
CONCERT – Wednesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm
(students should arrive for the concert at 6:00)

6^th grade:
“McTour” day is Friday, May 7th

One last date to keep in mind is Wednesday, June 2.  This is the last day to turn in registration forms for summer orchestra.  Summer orchestra is a fun learning opportunity for students and an excellent way to improve their skills on their instrument.  It is also a good way for students to meet other students from around the district who also play in orchestra. 

It has been a pleasure to work with your students this year.  I am looking forward to seeing the 5^th graders again next year as 6^th graders and the Junior High teachers are looking forward to receiving these outstanding Sinfonia players.  Thank you, parents, for all of your support. 

Ms. Ninnemann

763-391-7200 mailbox 27516

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Edinbrook Proudly Presents :                
Edinbrook Talent Show                        
Mark your calendars for the annual talent show featuring our talented Edinbrook students.  The evening performance will take place on Friday, May 14, at 7 p.m.  This will be an event your family will not want to miss!! 

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EVERYBODY’S CAFÉ
Lunch   

May 18^th:  Chicken Patty, French Fries, Vegetable, Fruit

May 24^th:  French Toast, Sausage Links, Tri Tater, Fruit, Orange Juice

June 1^st:  Chicken, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Bread Choice, Fruit

**NO ALTERNATES FOR JUNE LUNCHES

June 2^nd:  Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Lettuce Salad, Hot Vegetable, Bread Choice, Fruit

June 3^rd:  Ham/Cheese on Bun, Onion Rings, Hot Vegetable, Fruit, Fun Fruit Snacks

June 4^th:  Hot Dog, Oven Potato, Baked Beans, Fruit, Cookie

June 7^th:  French Toast, Sausage Links, Tri Taters, Fruit, Orange Juice

June 8^th:  Corn Dog, Oven Crisp Fries, Hot Vegetable, Fruit, Ice Cream Bar

June 9^th:  Chicken Patty, Oven Crisp Fries, Hot Vegetable, Fruit

June 10^th:  Tony’s Pizza, Hot Vegetable, Fruit

The last day students may charge a hot lunch or milk will be Wednesday, June 2, 2004.  ALL LUNCH CHARGES ARE TO BE PAID IN FULL BY JUNE 4, 2004.  Please be sure you have enough money in your lunch account for the remainder of the year.  If you have any questions, please call Benitia Peterson at 763-391-8407.

Breakfast        

Week of May 3^rd:
Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Egg & Cheese Sandwich; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Toast

Week of May 10^th:
Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Pancakes; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Toast

Week of May 17^th:
Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Bagels; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Toast

Week or May 24^th  
Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Cereal & Yogurt; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Pop Tart

Week of June 1^st: 
 Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Toast

Week of June 7^th:  
Cereal & Pop Tart; Breakfast Pizza; Cinnamon Roll; Cereal & Pop Tart

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