Back to School (2014-15) Event

Mark your calendars for the Back-to-School Event being held on Thursday, September 4th.  Information about this event will be included in the mid-August mailing.

District 2014-2015 School Calendar

Please be reminded that the District no longer prints or mails a district-wide calendar.  A printable version of the calendar is available on the web site along with Free-and Reduced Price lunch information under Parents at Prior Lake/Savage District Website.

Book A Wocky

Celebrate a summer of reading with Bookawocky at the Scott County libraries! 

Bookawocky 2014 starts on Saturday, June 7 and runs through Saturday, August 9.  Kids ages 0-18 are invited to participate for fun events, programs, and rewards that celebrate kids and reading! 

It’s easy to join in the fun!  Get started by going to Kids Summer Reading (for preschoolers through kids ENTERING grade 6).

Want to participate online? Visit bookawocky.org starting June 1st, but be sure you also go to the Scott County Library’s Bookawocky sites for KIDS and TEENS to see what prizes you get when you earn badges and check out all the events!

Summer Office Hours

The school office will be open 7:00am-3:00pm through June 20th.  We will reopen on August 4th.

Grainwood's Academy Awards!

The stars were shining at our "Academy Awards" All School Meeting this morning!  Staff and students were dressed to impress!  Thank you to all the friends and family who attended.

Students were recognized for Jr. Naturalist, Perfect Attendance, Adopt-a-Hallway and Bathroom award, CARES Superheroes of the Year and Standout Student award.  Also covered was the kick-off to our summer reading program with Scholastic, "Read for the World Record".

Dot Berggren (technology) and Becky Ascheman (media) were honored as 2014 retirees.  We thank them for their service and wish them the best in retirement!

Kindergarten Graduation and Concert - Watch Via Livestream Today

For those of you who would like to watch the Kindergarten Graduation and Concert today but are unable to be at Grainwood, there is an opportunity to watch via live stream.

Go to Grainwood's Kindergarten Graduation and Concert starting at 1:30.

Enjoy!

4th Grade Jigglebots

4th grade students from rooms 261 and 263 competed in Jiggle Fest on May 23rd. Students learned about electricity and followed the unit up by completing an E-STEM project they call Jiggle Bots. Children were challenged to design and engineer a creature that would jiggle across the finish line. We are happy to congratulate Ryan Anderson as our 2nd Jiggle Fest Champion!

Birthday Book Club

Each year we invite students to donate a new book to the Grainwood library in honor of their birthday.  This
year, 153 new books were added! Thank you families and students for participating in this Grainwood tradition.  Over 540 new books have been added to our library over the last 3 years!  All students who donated this year will be recognized at our last all-school meeting on Wednesday, May 28.

Save the Date! Important Scheduling Information For Your Child!

On August 12th, 13th and 14th we will be offering the “Great Start to Kindergarten” experience for incoming Kindergarten students. A trained staff member will work with each child one-on-one to measure reading, math and social skills. The testing will take up to 30 minutes and will help us place your child in the kindergarten classroom that is best suited for him/her. Sign- up information will be coming to you via e-mail or mail if you do not have internet access.

We are also pleased to inform you that on September 8 and 9, all students in grades 1-5 will meet with their new, 2014-15 teacher individually for approximately 30 minutes for literacy assessments.

The assessment results will give teachers the data they need to target instruction for students from the first day of the school year. The first day of school for students in grades K-5 is September 10.

You will receive communication in early August that will include information on how to sign-up for an assessment appointment online.

We are already looking forward to welcoming your student to the 2014-15 school year!

Report Cards

Student report cards will be posted online and available through Family/Student Access on June 6th.  You will need your  login and password to sign in. Please make sure you have this information before school is out for the summer. If you have questions or problems logging on, please contact the school at 952-226-0300.

End of the Year Medication Pick Up

Please pick up your student’s remaining medication/inhalers/epi-pens/etc. from the health office staff on May 29th (by dismissal time).  Medications/Inhalers/Epi-Pens/etc. cannot be sent home with elementary and middle school students. Medications/inhalers/epi-pens/etc. not picked up cannot be discarded due to the tighter pharmaceuti- cal waste regulations. Please help the District curtail unnecessary costs by picking up your student’s unused medication.

#GetUpNGo Walk-a-Thon Final Update

We are happy to report that Grainwood's 3rd annual #GetUpNGo Walk-a-thon raised $7,094.17!  Our goal was met and true to his word, Mr. Glynn buzzed his hair for the event!

The weather was perfect and smiles could be seen on students and staff for the entire 20 minute walk. Thanks again to all the volunteers who put this event together, especially Kate Hopkins, Michelle Grabow and Molly Lujan.  Thank you to all the generous donors as well!  Remember, almost every dollar raised this year will be set-aside for future improvements to our school's playground, which includes equipment and blacktop.

                                                                                                                           

                       

Camp Invention - Coming to Grainwood this Summer!

Camp Invention is Coming to Grainwood featuring the Morphed Program  

June 9-13 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

This camp is for students who are entering 1^st to 6^th grade!

Please go to www.campinvention.org to register!

Students take apart electronics to build an epic, insect-themed pinball machine in our I Can Invent: Pinbug^™ module. They’ll use tools to uncover mechanical guts and upcycle them into bumpers, targets and scoreboards. Then they’ll angle their way into pinball physics, anatomy and math by propelling the ball onto the playfield with the ultimate DIY cardboard launcher and insect leg flippers to rack up points and win the Pinbug Jackpot. 

Design Studio: Morphed!^™ is a participant-led module that allows your students to invent and tinker with circuits and design solutions to nature-based challenges. Children work together as entrepreneurs, team leaders, and designers as they prepare to bring their invention to market in an environment modeled after real-world research and development spaces. Set your students’ imaginations free as they receive video messages sent by inventors from the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the  

In our Amplified^™ module, students explore the dynamic realm of the five senses on a bionic adventure. They’ll form research teams and unlock clues to uncover nature’s blueprints, which hold the key to superhuman senses. To build essential STEM skills, they’ll develop bionic gadgets and explore sensory illusions. They’ll even shoot information down zip-lines to a bionic brain in a final challenge to decode a mega-sensory mix-up. Amplify your students’ senses in this sensational module!

Students build morphing vehicles that operate on land, in the air and underwater in our exciting Super Go^™ module. They’ll utilize nature’s designs to explore energy, fuel, movement, and animal features, and then they’ll apply these discoveries to motor-powered vehicles, in preparation for the Super Go Road Rally. Your students will build ramps, tunnels and high-speed STEM skills that put them on the fast track to success.

Thank you!

Walkathon Goal - ALMOST THERE!

The clock is ticking!  Only 1 day left to turn in your money for Grainwood's Get-Up-N-Go Walk-a-thon, which is Thursday, May 22nd.  So far we have raised $5,550, but need your help to meet our goal of $7,000!  Remember, if we meet our goal, Mr. Glynn will buzz his hair (let's not disappoint the students and Mr. Glynn)!!!

Thank you for your support!

And the Award Goes To...

Grainwood Students and Families

You’re Invited!

What: The Grainwood Academy Awards

When: May 28^th at 9:00 AM

Where: Grainwood Gym

Come see who wins and who is lucky enough just to be nominated! Meet us on the red carpet in your fanciest attire!

Last Day of School

The last day of school at Grainwood is just around the corner.  The final day of school is May 29th.  This will be a three hour early release day.  The school day will end at noon. 

Lost and Found

See anything familiar in the below picture?

Please come take a look at our lost and found  Any items not claimed by the last day of school will be donated.

CARES Heroes of the Week

Keep in Touch with Classmates Over the Summer!

As summer break approaches, we want to remind you to pick up a student directory if you haven't already.

A students directory is a handy resource when setting up play dates or planning that summer Birthday party.
They are available in the office for $2.00

#GetUpNGo Update

Dear Families,

By now, most likely all of you have heard about the extra added incentive tied to the Walk-a-thon this year.  YES...if the students raise $7,000, I will have my hair buzzed!  (Thank you CARES Heroes!!!)  With approximately 1 week to go, please assist your child in their fundraising efforts and have all raised dollars returned to Grainwood by Wednesday, May 21.

More importantly, I want to remind everyone why we have a walk-a-thon and the role it plays to assist Grainwood students and families.  Years ago, when Grainwood moved away from participating in the all-district elementary carnival (now on hiatus), we wanted a fundraiser that promoted healthy habits and provided 100% profit.  It was also important that volunteer hours for such an event were reasonable and could accommodate family involvement.  We found this in the #GetUpNGo!

Almost every dollar raised this year will be set-aside for future improvements to our school's playground, which includes equipment and blacktop.  (New blacktop alone will cost $56K.)  While there are no specific plans in order, PTC is dedicated to putting these funds aside and accumulating dollars over the course of a few years to assist in the necessary upgrades for both the playground and blacktop.  (District dollars would also be included.)

Please come join us next Thursday, May 22 at about 1:30 PM for the third annual #GetUpNGo.  Walk or watch, come be a part of our wonderful new tradition!

Sincerely (but a bit nervous),

Patrick Glynn
Principal

P.S.  My barber gladly offered to participate on her day off!

Middle School Tour

On Monday, May 19th, fifth graders will be going, by bus, over to the middle schools for a short tour of the buildings they will be attending in 6th grade.  This gives them a chance to walk through, talk to a counselor and get a tour from current students.








Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the current middle school students and an adult representative of the middle school.

Summer Skills Books

Dear Grainwood Families,

With this extremely long summer ahead of us, we are offering your child an opportunity to keep his/her math and literacy skills sharp until school resumes again in the fall on September 10.  Summer Skills Books give children an academic edge and self-confidence when they return to school for the following year.  Please consider integrating these books into your child's summer routine.

• For more information or to order online please visit the  SUMMER SKILLS website.
• An informational flyer and copy of the fax/mail-in order form can be found HERE.  (A copy of this flyer and order form will also be sent home with your child).

Parents...we also welcome you to review a sample of the Summer Skills Books we have on-hand in the Grainwood office.

CARES Students of the Week

Reminder - Grainwood Day at Edelweiss is tomorrow!

Grainwood Elementary invites family members and friends to Edelweiss Bakery for year number 4 of "Grainwood Day at Edelweiss."  10% of all in-store sales of any menu items purchased tomorrow Saturday, May 10th will be donated to the Grainwood Elementary Activities Fund and Healthy Snack Program.

Come out and see classmates and Grainwood families while enjoying the delicious Edelweiss bakery goods. A big thank you to Mark and Julie Bowles, owners of Edelweiss, for their support!

Volunteer Tea

Volunteers and your children, please join us for a breakfast treat recognizing you for all that you do at Grainwood!  

When:  Tuesday, May 13 
Where:  Grainwood's cafeteria
Time:  7:45-8:15am


Thank you again for all you do, the Grainwood staff looks forward to celebrating with you!

Grainwood's Environmental Learning Festival (EE Day) Thursday, May 8th

Grainwood's Environmental Learning Festival (EE Day) is on Thursday, May 8th.  Our theme this year is WATER IS LIFE! Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades will be outside at Grainwood participating in environmental activities. The 2nd graders will be at Lakefront Park participating in their environmental activities. Students in 2nd grade ONLY, please remember to bring a bag lunch. Students in all other grades (K, 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th) will be eating school lunch at Grainwood. All students in each grade level should wear a shirt according to their grade level color (see below):

Kindergarten (wear BLUE)
Topic: What makes a bird a bird?

1st Grade (wear GREEN)
Topic: Animals in their habitats

2nd Grade (wear RED)
Topic: Animals of the Wetland/Meet Reptiles and Amphibians

3rd Grade (wear WHITE)
Topic: Biotic Index, Macro Invertebrates

4th Grade (wear ORANGE or PINK)
Topic: Enviro Scape

5th Grade (wear Prior Lake colors-BLUE AND GOLD)
Topic: Live Raptors/Adaptations for Survival


Reminders for the day...your child will be spending the majority of his/her day outdoors learning about our surroundings through the context of science, math, social studies, language, phy ed, art and even music. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Layers are best (t-shirt, sweatshirt and/or jacket). Tennis shoes are a must. Crocs, flip flops or sandals are not conducive to the activities your child will be a part of this day. Students should also bring a reusable water bottle they can carry throughout the day. They should come to school with sunscreen on, but also prepared for rain!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation week is next week, May 5-9.  Please take this opportunity to let your child's teacher know how appreciated they are!  We love our teachers!!

CARES Students of the Week

Grainwood's CARES Heroes for the week of April 28th!

May Nurse's Notes

May 2014 Nurses Notes

·         Annual Health/Emergency Contact Letter

The 2014-2015 Annual Health/Emergency form will be sent to your home over the summer. Please mail or return the form by the first day of school.  Please make sure you send it to the Health Office of the school where your student will be attending in the fall.   If mailing, please mark the envelope “Attention Health Office”.

·         Emergency Action Plans

If your student has asthma, seizures, diabetes, severe food allergies, or severe bee sting reactions, we request completion of forms specific to these conditions yearly.  They will be sent home with your student before the end of this school year.  Please return them to school next August with medications and doctor orders, as needed.

·         End of Year Medication Pick-up

Medications/Inhalers/Epi-Pens/etc cannot be sent home with elementary and middle school students.  Medications/Inhalers/Epi-pens/etc not picked up cannot be discarded due to the tighter pharmaceutical waste regulations.  Please help the District curtail unnecessary costs by picking up your student’s unused medication.  We recommend leaving rescue medication (Epi-Pens etc) at school until dismissal of the last day.  Please pick up all medications no later than May 29th (by dismissal time).  Please call your schools Health Office if you wish to make other arrangements.

·         Summer Camps

Listed below are resources for summer camps for kids!

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/196033301.html

www.ymcatwincities.org/camps.                                                       

http://thebestcamps.com/best-minnesota-camps.html.

      

Enjoy Summer Break!

Health Services

Community Education - Summer 2014

• To learn more about the fun and enriching programs Prior Lake - Savage Community Education has to offer please click HERE.

• You can also visit the Community Education Website here or using the link on left side of this blog.

• Feel free to contact the Community Education office at 952-226-0086 with any questions about summer programs and how to get your child registered.

Tomorrow is MN Wild Day at Grainwood

To celebrate our MN WILD and their success so far in the Playoffs, tomorrow is MN WILD Day at Grainwood!  Wear your WILD apparel to school (no hats please).

Go WILD!