Edison Junior Achievement Honors

Congratulations to the Edison students who took 4th place in the Junior Achievement National Competition of the Year on Tuesday, July 20. Their Edison Tommie Co., which created and marketed a cookbook triumphed over 20 other teams from the United States and Canada, all of whom went through district and state competitions before getting to the national level.

Sustainable Transformation for Our Failing Schools

Here in Minnesota and in more than a dozen other states, community organizations are gathering to share new information about who is affected by the current approach to school "turnarounds", and to propose a sustainable transformation plan that puts resources where they are really needed, and engages the community in decision making. Please join concerned parents, students, teachers, and community members to learn how together,... we can make important changes to give all of our kids the opportunities they deserve.

Where: Fairview Park Recreation Center 621 29h Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 When:  Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 Light refreshments will be provided! ___________________________________________________________________ Minnesota Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC) is a new non-profit committed to building power in low-income and moderate-income neighborhoods through community organizing, civic engagement, and education. NOC is a member-funded and member-run organization that takes on the social and economic justice issues that impact our community the most. Whether it's huge issues like healthcare and bank reform, or a small neighborhood concern like getting a stop sign installed at a dangerous intersection, NOC members work together to apply their collective strength and get things done. Learn more at www.mnnoc.org

MPS Kids Really Can Eat Well!

From its colorful salads, trendy sandwiches and new menu of fresh entrees, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) are making big strides with Farm to School. Rosemary Dederichs, MPS Director of Nutrition, knows the challenges inherent in sourcing 25,000 servings of farm-fresh produce, but her collaboration with produce supplier Cre8it, Inc. and a new venture with organic grower Featherstone Farms are proving that the district's volume challenges can be met.

MPS staff work with Twin Cities-based Cre8it to purchase local produce like tomatoes, onions and peppers for Garde Mange (translation: fresh cuisine) salads and sandwiches. Plus, Cre8it will supply locally grown, pre-cut cabbage, potatoes, squash, cranberries and other fresh foods on days when fresh fruits and vegetables are menued.

Beginning in September 2010, MPS will also partner with Featherstone Farms to incorporate Featherstone's organically grown produce into the district's meal offerings. This effort grew out of a partnership developed by a school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Featherstone's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Lastly, MPS is developing a comprehensive communications plan to help inform students and parents about its fresh new menu and locally grown foods.

For more detailed information, contact:

Rosemary Dederichs
Phone: 612-668-2820
Rosemary.Dederichs@mpls.k12.mn.us

Art in the Park @ Windom

Kids in grades K-6 are invited to Windom Park, 2251 Hayes St NE, for a free art program put on by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 20, 22, 27 & 29, 1:30 pm.  Visit www.artsmia.org or call 612-870-3104 for more information.