Messages from Mrs. Bergman
Greetings Countryside Families!
We have had an amazing week here at Countryside. Our students and staff are settling into a great routine and we have ironed out some of the “wrinkles” that always occur during the first weeks of a new school year.

Outdoor Lunch Plans/Update:
Our outside lunch has gone well for these first couple days. We appreciate the support of our parent/grandparent volunteers and we will send updates as needed, including a new sign-up when we get closer to the beginning of October.
· Kindergarten Update – look for a communication from the classroom teachers on the start date and logistics specific to kindergarten.
· Students eating in the cafeteria will continue to sit with their classmates at assigned seats.
· Please note that we will be eating in the cafeteria on rainy days.

Plan for Individual Quarantine:
Elementary parents received an email last night from the district outlining the plans should a student/family need to quarantine for a period of time. Please review that letter and know that classroom teachers are ready to respond in the event your child needs access to this level of instruction. The planning process includes the check-out of a device through our District Media and Technology Services department.

If After School Plans Change . . .
If your child’s after school plans change, please remember to call the school office BEFORE 1:00 PM. This will ensure the time needed for our office team to notify your child and the classroom teacher.

Student Absences and Illness/COVID Reporting Form:
Please report all student absences to the Countryside Attendance line at 952-848-4702 or online through the parent portal. If you choose to call the attendance line, please leave a voicemail message with your student's name, date, and reason for the absence. Online absences will be reported directly through the parent portal system to our Edina Public Schools attendance system.
Should you need to report an ill student, please go directly to the Countryside Webpage and click on the link below.


From the PTO – Did you know. . . “You shop. Amazon gives.”
Did you know Countryside Elementary PTO can receive cash donations from your Amazon purchases? Since August 2021 we have received $121.04 from purchases on AmazonSmile.
You receive your same Prime Membership perks when you shop AmazonSmile. Make sure you are shopping with smile.amazon.com and have designated Countryside Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization as your charity to start supporting.

Opportunities to be Part of the EPS Team:
As a parent of student(s) in Edina Public Schools, you may be or you know people who may be a perfect fit in a supporting role. You’re invited to consider becoming part of our team.
  • Early-Riser or Available After School?
Provide a safe ride to school and back home by becoming a school bus driver! We will provide paid training and support for obtaining the required driver’s license.
Starting pay ranges $18 to $19 per hour and up!
  • Available During the Student Day?
A special education paraprofessional (assistant) position may be for you. Under the guidance of the teacher, you would assist with student learning and growth.
Starting pay ranges $17 to $20 per hour.
To view the detailed job postings and to begin an application, please visit the Employment Page on our website at this link, and click on the job you’d like to view. Or call Human Resources Specialist, Megan Kooman at 952-848-4006 for more information.
Weekend Meals Available – Every Meal Program:
We are excited to partner with Every Meal to offer a free weekend food program to all students. Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.
· Free for all families
· No qualifications required for enrollment
· Students enrolled in the program will receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, non-perishable food each week
· Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected
· Families may choose from a variety of different weekend food bag options
· Please complete the enrollment form (linked below) or contact Marya Dumke, our Countryside Social Worker at Marya.Dumke@edinaschools.org to enroll your child. · Every Meal Enrollment (Google) Form: Every Meal Enrollment



PTO News
ONLINE DIRECTORY:
Don't forget to update Membership Toolkit,
the Countryside online directory! This directory will be your go-to location for student and family contact information. In order to publish the information
online, existing families need to confirm their contact information and new families will need to sign up. If you have any questions, please email: pto.countryside@gmail.com.

You can also pay the 2021-22 Annual PTO Membership Donation. This donation helps fund several PTO initiatives such as classroom instructional enhancements, room coordinator funding, scholarship assistance and more. Thank you for your support! 

SPIRIT WEAR - ORDER BY EOD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th!
Order Countryside or Edina shirts, hats and other fun apparel in
our Spirit Wear store until the end of day Friday, September 10th! You will need to copy and paste this link into your browser: edinacountrysideapparelfall2021.itemorder.com - A few things to note:

  • These are custom items made specifically for Edina Countryside Elementary so no returns or exchanges will be possible.
  • A portion of the proceeds from this online store will be returned by General Sports to Edina Countryside Elementary to help support our school.
  • When ready items will be delivered directly to the school.
  • Products will go into production after the order close date of September 10th so please allow at least 4 weeks after September 10th (based on manufacturer stock availability) for delivery. No late orders will be accepted.
  • You can also find this link on our FB page or in Membership Toolkit 


THIS WEEKEND: Edina's Give and Go - GEAR SWAP!
Do you have school and sports gear your students have outgrown or no longer use? Check out Edina Give and Go's GEAR SWAP happening Sunday, September 12th at the Kuhlman Field, west entrance. Gear donations will be collected on Saturday, September 11th. Click here for more details on what to donate or if you want to volunteer!