From the Desk of Dr. G Happy Thanksgiving! This Thanksgiving, we are more grateful than ever for our incredible, supportive Greenwood community. Thank you for navigating these uncharted waters with us, and for all of the support you've shown along the way. Though it may look different this year, I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with many things to be thankful for.
In addition to the flexibility you've shown as we prepare to transition to Distance Learning, I am also thankful for the continued generosity of our Greenwood families this school year. Your support of Greenwood PTA fundraising – such as Grizzly Dash: The Final Lap – helps our PTA make investments that enhance the school experience for every Greenwood student, no matter what learning model we're currently in.
If you're curious as to what your donations help fund, you can view some examples here: I know our Greenwood teachers and staff share in my gratitude for your support and generosity… but you don't have to take my word for it! You can read what they have to say below.
Thank you again for your support and partnership. We appreciate you.
In partnership, Brad Gustafson, Principal Here's what Greenwood teachers are saying about PTA funding… "Every year the PTA generously gives teachers funds to use in their room for the benefit of students. Each student benefits from the variety of supplies and/or scholarships I am able to purchase because of the PTA. [Otherwise], I would have to use my own money or skip activities." Hollie Villas, 4th Grade Teacher
"The PTA has really helped new kindergarten families build relationships and create a school community throughout the school year. The funding has benefited our classroom by supporting field trips, special projects, classroom celebrations, and classroom materials, such as diverse books, class headphones and morning work bin materials." Caitlin Eames, Kindergarten Teacher
"Greenwood PTA has always helped the physical education department stay up to date on equipment needs. I feel very fortunate to have such a caring and understanding group of parents in our corner!" Mary Hurwitz, Phy. Ed. Specialist
"PTA is amazing at helping me fund those specials items that make Greenwood unique. [For example, STEM bins, Jimu robots, Breakout EDU]. This year is so unique, but one thing my students love is Digital Breakout EDU. These challenging puzzles are so motivating to kids, and great to use in class or virtually!" Erin Bloom, Gifted & Talented Specialist
"PTA funding helps me purchase items that I know are best for kids, without worry of spending my personal money. I have used my PTA budget to purchase engaging, fun manipulatives for my students to use to practice reading. When I can purchase engaging materials for them to use they are excited about learning, and their learning soars!" Nichole Baker, Kindergarten Teacher
"There are many supplies that enhance our curriculum that are not provided by the district [such as photo processing for classroom projects, materials for experiments, maker space supplies]. We can't purchase everything out of pocket; PTA funding helps bridge the gap. The students really enjoy the 'extras'! These things make learning more fun! We SO appreciate all the time and effort the PTA puts into making Greenwood even better!" Tina Sheldon, 1st Grade Teacher
Did You Know? Setting-up Screen Time Controls on Student iPads The Screen Time feature available on all student iPads lets you know how much time your student spends on apps, websites, and more. Using this tool, you can make informed decisions about how they use their devices and set limits.
Spirit Wear! Get into the winter spirit with some cozy spirit wear! Shop local and place an order before Sunday November 29 for delivery before winter break! See flyer for more information.
Reminders Book Fair! Our fall book fair will take place online November 30 through December 13. The book fair is a great place to do holiday shopping. Grandparents and others may even purchase gift certificates during the event that will benefit Greenwood. With kids spending more time at home, hopefully they are getting in lots of reading time! Scholastic has a wide variety of book options. Many are available at affordable prices, making it easier to get lots of great and interesting books in our kids' hands! A link to the fair will be forthcoming.
PTA News Don't miss "Grizzly Dash: The Final Lap" next Tuesday, December 1 Grizzly Dash: The Final Lap is a one-day, online-only PTA fundraiser taking place on Giving Tuesday on December 1. We're counting on your donations to help support dozens of important PTA investments this school year.
Please see our flyer for more information, and watch for an e-blast on Tuesday, December 1 with detailed instructions on how to donate. Thanks in advance for the support.
Questions? Contact PTA President Karin Helmey.
Save the Date: Our next PTA meeting is December 3 Join us for our second PTA meeting of the year on Thursday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting will kick off with a presentation from principal Dr. Brad Gustafson, who will provide an update on our learning model and COVID-19, followed by a Q & A. The PTA Board will also update attendees on fundraising results, outlook for the remainder of the school year, and other important PTA happenings. All are welcome! Hope to see you there.
Meeting ID: 878 3874 4653 Passcode: 314826
Contact PTA President Karin Helmey with questions.
November PTA Calendar Now Available Along with our vendor, Fun2Raise, the PTA is excited to launch a printable digital calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. With the continued uncertainty around school and event dates, this will give us more flexibility to provide you with up-to-date information, as it will be updated and sent out frequently. Plus, there are lots of great offers from local businesses!
Have you joined the Greenwood PTA? There's still time to join the PTA this school year! Together, we bring dozens of unique programs and experiences to Greenwood throughout the school year to help our students grow and flourish. New this year, our memberships are available online only, for $13 per member. Join today. Contact PTA Secretary Molika Gupta with membership questions.
Box Tops for Education has gone digital! To help raise funds for our school when you purchase Box Tops for Education products, now all you have to do is scan your receipt in the new Box Tops app - no more clipping! Just search for Greenwood Elementary School, Plymouth, MN, and start scanning today!
New, you can also email your digital receipts from grocery delivery to receive credit for your Box Tops for Education online purchases.
Support the PTA all year through AmazonSmile One of the simplest ways you can support the Greenwood Elementary PTA year-round is by selecting us as your beneficiary organization through AmazonSmile. It's super easy! Visit smile.amazon.com today, select "Greenwood PTA - Minneapolis, MN" as your charity of choice, and Amazon will automatically donate a percentage of every purchase you make to our PTA.
Follow us on social media! For the most up-to-date information from the Greenwood PTA, follow our social media.
Volunteer Needs
Around the District Thank a Teacher this holiday season with a bundt cake! Cakes and certificates will be delivered as long as it is safe to do so. If deemed unsafe, certificates will be emailed and cakes will be delivered at a later date. November Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update
Community Ed Destination Imagination More Youth Classes:
Space available in Wayzata Kids Full-Day Preschool Fall ECFE classes are available at the Wayzata Early Learning School Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information.
Calendar School Events District Events Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Wednesday, January 20, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM School Board Meetings |