Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021
EPHS Signing Day
This morning, 13 EPHS seniors signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate sports at a Division I or II college. There were 20 students in total who committed, but only 13 were present for the event this morning, and are pictured.
Sixth Grade Students Back in Person Today and Secondary Return in Hybrid Feb. 8
Summary of the return to hybrid learning for grades 7-12

  • Feb. 4 & 5: No school for students in grades 7-12 for teacher planning; full-time, online students at these grade levels also do not have school.
  • Feb. 8 & 9: Cohort A in person / Cohort B virtual learning
  • Feb. 10 & 11: Cohort B in person / Cohort A virtual learning
  • Feb. 12: No school for students K-12 (as previously scheduled)
  • Week of Feb. 15: Continue with hybrid learning model (Mondays/Tuesdays cohort A is in person, Wednesdays/Thursdays cohort B is in person, Fridays are virtual learning days) There is no school on Monday, Feb. 15 for grades K-12 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
School Tax Levy for 2021 Supports the Mission to Inspire Each
In December, the School Board approved the school tax levy for taxes payable in 2021. This is an annual process that helps the board set the next school year’s budget, which is approved by July 1.

About 23 percent of the school district’s operating budget comes from property taxes, which includes voter-approved referendum. At the time of the 2014 referendum, it was projected to maintain programs and services for five years. With the 2021 budget year, Eden Prairie Schools will have operated with no reductions to programs and services for seven years -- effectively extending the life of that levy by two years so far. The 2019 referendum was a bond to support renovations at Central Middle School, neighborhood preschool housed at Eden Prairie elementary schools, classroom updates at all schools, and improved safety and security. All of those projects, including construction at Central Middle School have been underway since 2019.

The total school tax levy is increasing by 2.14 percent over last year. Here’s how that affects an Eden Prairie home valued at $400,000: If the home’s value goes up by 1 percent, there would actually be a decrease of $10 from taxes payable in 2020. This is because of financial management by the school board and district staff, and because the value of all properties in Eden Prairie (homes and business) also increased.

Eden Prairie Schools provides all of its budget and financial documents on its Finance Department webpage. This allows residents and members of the public to review them, along with documents from previous years.
Start & End Times
Eden Prairie Schools has final school start and end times for the 2021-22 school year. Find all of the background and research at Eden Prairie Schools' Start and End Times Study.
See the Unmatched Opportunities at CMS: Join the Virtual Event
More details are on the CMS Registration Hub.

CMS Virtual Parent Orientation THURSDAY NIGHT:
  • Incoming 6th grade students: Thursday, Feb. 4 • 6:30 p.m.  
Stay Actively Involved with Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are a great opportunity for parents/guardians to stay actively involved in your student’s education. All students are learning in a new model this year, so we encourage you to take this important opportunity to talk with your teacher(s) about your student’s progress.

All conferences will be virtual or over the phone, and schools are using online scheduling systems to select available time slots. Once you select a time, you will receive a link via email to the virtual tool that will be used for your conference. If you need assistance logging in, please contact the Parent Helpline at 952-975-7094. For more details on your school’s conferences, visit our website.
Eden Prairie High School Theatre Presents Antigone
Eden Prairie High School’s winter play is a modern adaptation by Emily Mann of Sophocles' classic Greek tragedy, "Antigone." Antigone and her uncle, King Creon, have deeply divided beliefs. Each unable to compromise, they bring about the destruction of everyone around them.

Performances in the EPHS Performing Arts Center are as follows:
  • Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 6 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now! You can purchase tickets by following this link: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/HTU. The purchase window closes about five hours before each performance. Seating will be arranged on a first-come (purchased), first-served basis in terms of preferable seating in the PAC, and in accordance with COVID-19 safe distancing guidelines. There is a 25% capacity maximum attendance limit for each performance.

The Thursday, Feb. 4 performance will be live streamed on YouTube at no charge. Visit the EPHS Drama Department website for more information.
Watch and Subscribe to EPHS Activities on YouTube
EPHS Student Activities is now on YouTube and live streaming various athletic events. Check out the schedule and watch past events on demand.
Follow EPHS Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Interns on Social
EPHS students Peter and Nick took over the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce social media accounts to showcase local restaurants. Check out where they went and their reviews on Facebook.
Honor Someone Outstanding with a FEPS Legacy Award Nomination, Open Now
The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) is accepting nominations for the 2021 Legacy Awards. FEPS established the Legacy Awards in 2008 to honor outstanding teachers, staff, students, volunteers, alumni and community members who contribute to the success and excellent reputation of our school district.

Nominations can be submitted online on behalf of the outstanding individuals from across Eden Prairie who have gone above and beyond making a difference in the lives of Eden Prairie students. Four winners will be awarded for their contributions; one in each of the following categories: Teacher of the Year, Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Alumnus or Community Leader of the Year.

Eden Prairie Optimist Club Essay Scholarship Contest
The Eden Prairie Optimist Club is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase “Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism?” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for the 2020-21 school year.

The contest includes three age categories with the essays judged separately in each age group. The club will be awarding Barnes & Noble gift cards for first, second, and third place winners in each age group. The winner in the top age group moves on to further competition to compete for the $2,500 scholarship. Learn more about the scholarship on the EP Optimist's Facebook Page.
Featured Opportunities:

  • Paraprofessionals: Do you take pride in watching students grow and discover new things? If so, apply to be a paraprofessional with Eden Prairie Schools. We are hiring multiple paraprofessionals. Check out our website for more details.

  • Custodian (Night, Non-Licensed) – Multiple Openings at Multiple Locations - Eden Prairie Schools is looking for someone who enjoys creating a safe environment for all staff and students as a night custodian. These are great opportunities to work with a fantastic team, students, and the public. Check out these opportunities.
Feb. 3: Grade 6 students return to in person learning
Feb. 4: CMS Virtual Parent Orientation for Incoming 6th grade students • 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 & 5: No School for Grades 7-12, teacher planning days
Feb. 8 & 9: CMS & EPHS Cohort A in person / Cohort B virtual learning
Feb. 10 & 11: CMS & EPHS Cohort B in person / Cohort A virtual learning
Feb. 12: No School, K-6 conferences & 7-12 professional development
Feb. 15: No School, Presidents' Day
Feb. 22 – Mar 5: District-wide student survey, grades 3-12