EPS
EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS
Inspiring Each Student Every Day February 2016
Long-Term Academic/Facilities Process Unveiled Phase 1: Academic Design Timeline Phase 1: Academic Design Timeline
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he city of Eden Prairie has transformed over the years - once a quaint farming community to now a bustling suburb at the top of many best cities lists. Our local schools have also felt these changes– from a one building district to now eight schools and nearly 9,000 students. From chalkboards to smartboards, and notebooks to laptops– change is inevitable. Preparing students to be successful in the next century requires a focus on the future. We must empower students to find their own paths to their own dreams, create lifelong learners who are prepared for both the modern world and the future, and enable individuals to make a positive impact in the world.These reasons have called us on a new journey that will outline the vision for Eden Prairie Schools’ academic programming and facilities design over the next decade.
Academic Design Team Meetings Vision & Options Drafted for Review
Phase 2: Facilities Design Process (Similar Scope) Community Input Sessions Review & Comment on Options
Voluntary Survey Released
Designing Pathways will guide Eden Prairie Schools through academic and facilities planning for the next decade. This broad timeline outlines the first phase of the process. Check out the district website for additional information and updates at www.edenpr.org/designingpathways.
ECRWSS
DEN PRAIRIE EPS ESCHOOLS
Inspiring Each Student Every Day
8100 School Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Non-Profit US Postage Paid Permit # 253 Hopkins, MN 55343
The process, named “Designing Pathways: the roadmap to reach EACH student” includes strong community involvement, transparency, and neutrality. To ensure this occurs, the district has partnered with TeamWorks International to facilitate both phases of the project. TeamWorks is a local company that has a strong track record of working with school districts through program and facility design processes, many of which have resulted in widespread community support. See Pathways / Page 2
Process Outlined and Announced
Superintendent Makes Recommendation to School Board
Students Celebrate Valentine’s Day through Service
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ourth graders at Forest Hills Elementary conducted a “Caring Through Sharing” service learning project, which collects money to make fleece blankets that are donated to Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis. “This is the third annual blanket tying event at the school,” said Cindy Eldridge, fourth grade teacher at Forest Hills. “It is the highlight of the year for our students.” Cedar Ridge Elementary also participated in the effort by making and delivering 750 colorfully decorated Valentine’s Day cards to local senior citizens. “I’m excited for Lila to see my card I made for her, and to play games,” said Yahye, a second grader in Katie Tompkins’ classroom. Tompkins’ class visits the The Colony, a senior living facility in Eden Prairie, four times a year where they are partnered with a “senior friend.” This year all of Cedar Ridge participated in the card project through their Character Education program.