This month, we are taking time for gratitude and reflecting on our core values. We believe community benefits when each person contributes and relationships flourish on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. Watch this video from Dr. Swanson and Dr. Stanley on gratitude. Share your gratitude with the community using #EPGratitude and #EagleWay. More importantly, share your gratitude with others!

Thank you for your on-going support to your students and Eden Prairie Schools. We shared a message on Tuesday informing our community of the upcoming shift in our district’s learning models due to the changing nature of this pandemic. The rapid statewide increase in COVID-19 is beginning to show up locally. Although our district’s safety and mitigation strategies have been effective, the projected trend is that case rates will grow significantly.

Last year, Eden Prairie Schools announced a process to study its start and end times, including the scientific literature showing that start times for secondary students increase their well-being in several ways. The study process was designed to consider potential adjustments to school times for the 2021-22 school year, when there are number of other program adjustments starting in the district. Watch two prominent experts on the subject by visiting Eden Prairie Schools’ Start and End Time webpage. We recorded presentations to our community in February from Dr. Conrad Iber and in April from Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom. They have done extensive research on the effects of school times on adolescents.

Last month, the School Board heard an update from Superintendent Josh Swanson on the district’s start and end time study process. A task force of parents/guardians, community members and staff met between April and September. They reviewed the research, heard from other school districts that moved their school start times, looked at the connection between school hours and the transportation budget and more. Watch Parent Post for details on the task force’s findings, and next steps, including community input.

We appreciate and celebrate our educators and support professionals and are grateful for the work they do every day for each student. Please join us as we thank our staff who inspire us every day!

Eden Prairie children up to the age of 18 (and TASSEL students) are eligible to receive no-cost meals both for in-person and virtual learning days. No income qualification is needed; the program is open for all children. This program was anticipated to end in December of 2020, but has recently been extended for the entire school year of 2020-2021. To sign up for food the week of Nov. 17-20, 2020, click on the appropriate link below. More information will come on how to pick up meals when the district transitions to distance learning.

Join us virtually to meet the principal, take a peek inside the school, and gather information for this important step in your child’s life. Students are invited to a special story time with teachers. All events start at 6 p.m. The meeting links will be posted at edenpr.org/Kindergarten the week of the event. If you missed an event, they will be recorded and available to watch at edenpr.org/Kindergarten.

Join us virtually to preview Central Middle School and Eden Prairie High School. The meeting links will be posted on our website the week of the event.

Nov. 12: Oak Point Virtual Kindergarten Kick-off Event

Nov. 16: Prairie View Virtual Kindergarten Kick-off Event

Nov. 17: Eden Lake Virtual Kindergarten Kick-off Event

Nov. 17: CMS Preview Night

Nov. 18: EP Online Virtual Kindergarten Kick-off Event

Nov. 18: EPHS Preview Night

Nov. 19: Eagle Heights Virtual Kindergarten Kick-off Event

Nov. 26 - 27: No School, Thanksgiving Break