Welcome Chevy Chase to the Neighborhood @ the Edison HS Green Community Schools Kickoff!

Ice Cream Social & "Footloose" @ Edison, Thursday, March 17, 6:00 pm

Lady Tommies Tournament Begins Thursday, March 3, 7pm @ Edison!

Elementary Night @ Lady Tommies Basketball Feb. 18 7:00 pm

Attention, Future Tommies!

DON'T MISS YOUR NIGHT OF FUN AT THOMAS EDISON HIGH SCHOOL!

February 18th

Elementary School Night

We hope you'll plan to join us for this exciting Lady Tommies basketball game!

We've got lots of fun things planned for all of our Future Tommies including musical performances, a dance competition, cheering, and a Fan of the Game competition, just to make it a little bit more fun.

ALL KIDS GET IN FREE!

BELONG. BELIEVE. BECOME.

Middle School Night @ Lady Tommie Basketball Game, 1/27, 7 pm

Middle School Night!

at Lady Tommie Basketball Game

Thursday, January 27, 7:00pm

Edison vs. Patrick Henry

Edison Gym

700 22^nd Avenue NE

Come cheer on the defending sub-section 4AA champs!

Eastside Minneapolis Middle School Students get in for free! 

(regular admission $6/adults, $4students, free/children under 7)

Performances by the Edison Band and the Edison Alumni Band.

Middle school students: Win a TV with half court shot!

Compete to be “Fan of the Game.”

Sightings of Eastside Middle School Celebrities likely!

Morris Park Players' "Annie" at Edison Nov. 19 & 20

Morris Park Players Community Theatre proudly opens its 10-11 season with the Broadway musical monster-hit Annie, November 5, 6, 12, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm and November 13 and 14 at 2:00 pm at their new home of Thomas Edison High School Auditorium. Annie is one of Broadway’s longest running shows ever, full of great songs and the delightfully heart-warming tale of the Depression-era orphan girl who finds happiness with a grouchy millionaire and his loving gal.

Morris Park Players announces Annie cameo guest appearances by City of Minneapolis Council Member for Ward One Kevin Reich (Nov 5 and 12), the WCCO Radio host John Hines (Nov 6), Thomas Edison High School Principal Carla Steinbach (Nov 13), WCCO TV reporter Jason DeRusha (Nov 14), and KSTP 5 Eyewitness News sports anchor Joe Schmit (Nov 20). Nov 19 guest to be announced. Guests will perform the role of "Judge Brandeis." See cameo biographies below.

Tickets ($12-$15) are available at http://www.morrisparkplayers.org/ or 612-724-8373.

Move to Thomas Edison High School

After Folwell Middle School closed its doors due to budget cuts, Morris Park Players (MPP) needed to leave their residence in south Minneapolis after 25 years. The loyal audience of MPP has followed their productions from previous locations of Nokomis Junior High and Roosevelt Senior High for many years prior to that. Thomas Edison High School in northeast Minneapolis has invited and welcomed MPP into their Auditorium and school as their new permanent home.

Edison’s teacher Stacey Kilton will play the role of Sophie, and 12th grade student Taji Robinson, and 9th grade student Skye Horton will perform as part of the adult chorus in this production of Annie.

Dedication of Outdoor Musical Instruments at Jackson Square Park Friday, Sept. 24

Belong. Believe. Become.

The Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club is donating seven outdoor musical instruments at Jackson Square Park in celebration of its 25^th anniversary (1985-2010). The installation of these instruments started yesterday (9-15-2010) and will be completed in time for the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication on the afternoon of our homecoming game, Friday, September 24^th. Knutson Construction has donated the installation of these instruments. 

John Vandermyde Sr. is a member of the Rotary Club and has participated in this project with Kevin Reich, Edison class of ’85 and City of Minneapolis First Ward City Councilmember, Minneapolis Park Board staff, Minneapolis Park Commissioners, Douglas Schmitt from Schmidt music, Bob Gardner of Knutson Construction, and Beth Hulteng, Edison band teacher, as well as many members of the Rotary Club. John is also a member of the Edison Community/Sports Foundation and is an Edison Class of ’58 Alumni. Scott Lipscomb from the University of Minnesota Music Department will have his students complete a research project. This one to two year study will involve students observing how these instruments are used through the community and school. To find out more information about these instruments, please go to http://www.freenotesharmonypark.com/

Jackson Square Park is on its way to be one of the most amazing parks in Northeast Minneapolis. Please show your support and appreciation for the arts by attending the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 24^th between 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

4th Annual Edison BBQ a HUGE Event!

The 4th Annual Edison Community BBQ tally is in! The community, Edison students and staff served 1400 burgers, brats, polishes and sen yai sen lek chicken cuts. Plus, we went through 20 gallons of coleslaw, 25 gallons of potato salad, 18 gallons of baked beans, over 1500 bottles of water & sodas, 5 gallons of pickle spears, 600 lbs of melons and1000 brownies personally made by Amy Fields, the GM of the Eastside Food Cooperative. We estimate approximately 1100 people visited the BBQ!

Special thanks to the following 2010 Grill Meisters:

Legendary Grill Meister Shaun Wakaruk

Celebrity Grill Meister's Bill Jaap & Joe Surisook

Relief Grill Meister's Gerald Miller, John Vandermyde Sr. and CM Kevin Reich filled in for Legendary Grill Meister Niles Schulz this year and did a great job too.

Special thanks to those that showed up and said, "I'm here. Put me to work!"

Jennifer Arneson, Lisa Brock, Tamsen Brock, Amy Fields, Rebecca Gagnon, Egan Haugasag, Stephanie Johnson, Adelheid Koski, Sarah Larson, Shannon McDonough, Jeff Morrison, John Moore, Kurt Nowacki, Kevin Obrien, Karen Peterson, Ian Pierce, Ward 1 CM Kevin Reich, Eric Skoglund, Laura Subak, John Vandermyde Sr., Doug Werner and more...sorry if we didn't mention you.

Of course, the event can't happen without the sponsors. Thank You!

The 2010 Edison Community BBQ sponsors were...

Eastside Food Cooperative

Good Carma Volkswagen

Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association

Jim Lupient Buick GMC

Larson Dental

MM Handyman Services

M&M Mortgage

Northeast Kiwanis

Rock Solid Companies

sen yai sen lek

Signature Mechanical

West Title

Special thanks to the Edison students for their leadership and hard work!

The Edison Staff and community members working the event were most impressed this year with how the Edison Students took a leadership role! Thanks to so many Edison students for working this event so your parents, the majority of the staff and the community could relax and enjoy a great night. We all think it's great to see how many student leaders are rising to the call at Thomas Edison High School.

Special thanks to everyone who spread the word on facebook or invited others with a call, email, handwritten note or by word of mouth. It was great to see the our local newspaper, the Northeaster promote the event on several occasions too!

This was a group effort. It takes many, many mini-promoters to get over 1000 people to show up at a BBQ. This team of promoters created a great sounding board. One person noted that he had received an invite from 5 different people. Every single person that invited someone else promoted this event and should be proud for doing so.

It's a great way to start a year ! Please join us for our upcoming school events, cheer us on at our games and see our performing arts productions. To learn more about our school and to see the latest news and happenings, visit our web page at: edison.mpls.k12.mn.us. Is there an event you would like us to share with others? Please e-mail Pamela Vertina, Public Relations Coordinator at pamela.vertina@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Carla Steinbach
Principal of Thomas Edison High School

4th Annual Edison Open House/NE Community BBQ

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.

2010 Edison Tommie Youth Football Clinic

June 24, 2010

PLACE: Edison High School

Football Stadium

Time:  4-6PM

Cost: $7 (Covers Camp T-shirt and Hot Dogs)

Who: Kids K-8^th Grade

Leadership at Thomas Edison High School Stabilizes!

 Thomas Edison High School is pleased to announce that Carla Steinbach will continue as principal. It has been determined that since a formal turnaround plan is on file with the district and state, Edison is able to keep their existing principal. Edison is fortunate to have the tremendous support of their staff, students, parents and community members. Many came together and attended information meetings, sent letters to the state, and gave feedback to the district. This support was invaluable!  Yes, that's Carla with Will Smith in that photo to the left...

Bye Bye Birdie at Edison This Weekend!

Edison "Turnaround" Community Meeting

April 14, 2010 - 7:00 pm

An important conversation about Edison's future.  The MN Dept. of Education identified Edison as "persistently low achieving" based on test results and graduation rates prior to the "fresh start" that went into effect in Fall 2007.  Based on new state and federal requirements, MPS is required to make some structural changes which will be discussed at this meeting.  Please join us, past, present and future Tommies!

AGENDA

1. Introductions and welcome

2. Review of the state’s list of lowest performing schools and why Edison is included

3. Review performance data

4. Review Edison’s reform efforts to date

5. Discuss turnaround model requirements

6. Seek input and feedback from parents—how could we use these resources most successfully at Edison

Minutes: February 22, 2010

Attendees: Dean DeGroot (NEMS), Stephanie Ollila (Edison), Larry Umphrey (Waite Park/Audubon Park), Huy Nguyen (NE Park), Marcia Thomas (Pillsbury/NEMS), Sara Ackmann (Parks/Rec), Alita Bergan (Waite Park Community Council), Jill Davis (NEMS, MPS School Board), Liz Wielinski (Park Board), Jenny Arneson (Waite Park), Chris Aarseth (Edison), Mike Iacarella (Edison), Sarah Larson (Audubon Park Neighborhood), Kris Solz (NEMS/Edison), Bridget Altmann (Marcy/Edison), Troy Wellington (Edison), Shaun Wakaruk (Parks Wrestling), Jamison Rusthoven (Edison), John Washington (MPS District), Mandy Larson (Edison), Tammy Rusnacko (Waite Park), Angie Powell (NEMS), Kimberlee Adams (NEMS), Debbie Nelson (NEMS), Kurt Nowacki (Edison), Shannon McDonough (City Council Aide), Kevin Reich (NEMS/City Council Member), Laura Ericksen-White (Pillsbury), and Paul Werni (Waite Park/Parks Wrestling)

Jenny Arneson led a discussion on sports in NE as a follow-up to last Spring’s initial meeting on the subject.

The goal was to address sports competitiveness and gaps in offerings, with participants who were provided key questions to address. Ideas to fill these gaps were brainstormed, with special focus on middle years sports opportunities.

• What has been accomplished in the effort to fill the sports gap?
• What needs to be done, and how can we work to accomplish our goals?
• How can K-8 fit within the middle school/high school partnership?
• How can the Parks best help kids make the transition to competitive or high school sports?
• How can the community assist with the recruitment, publicity, and funding needed to make NE athletic pathways thrive?

Paul Werni said that the youth wrestling team (Minneapolis United Team) was recently involved in an individual competition at the gopher state tourney—NYAF. Kids from all over Minneapolis competed with various teams outside of the city and metro. At this point, competition is relegated mostly to one league. Paul reported that currently there are 15-20 kids from NE; some clubs/leagues have over 130 kids; most practices have been held at Edison. There is a desire to have a central location in NE, with more opportunities for competitive matches. The United Team has kids that go thru 6th grade. Minneapolis Park & Rec. can provide wrestling through 7 & 8th grades. Efforts are underway to attempt to get wrestling facilities at NE Middle School (NEMS).

According to one coach, kids can join HS teams from 7th grade onward. If wrestling occurs at NEMS, the team will need to join a league (probably outside of Minneapolis). A transition is needed for wrestling at the middle school ages—same age group competition. Middle School wrestling in the parks hasn’t seemed to work in the past. The sentiment is that if no competitive wrestling is in place, a number of wrestlers will choose to leave MPS. There is an information void about these opportunities. Some kids get brochures/etc., while others lack the information. Kimberlee Adams said NEMS is interested in having a wrestling program. Space could be made available in the cafeteria and sometimes in the gym; transportation costs would likely be covered by NEMS and possibly expenses for uniforms, but details still need to be sorted out. What other costs exist?

Deb Nelson reported that a few NEMS students are playing at the HS level to get competitive sports. How can we get separate teams so they can get same-age, challenging competition? Games played in middle school occur right after school; Parks/Rec. games occur in the evening. What may work for one sport may not work for another because of the scheduling and facility differences between sports. For example, there are limited swimming facilities: NEMS has a pool; the University of MN provides opportunities for 6th/7th graders, but it can be an expensive option. There is the need for trained staff, i.e., liability issues, and there are start time differences between sports.

Mike Iacarella mentioned the issue of park identity. Everything is spread out and no one knows where/what sports are offered at the various parks. Park Identity also plays out in terms of funding issues (e.g. Bottineau Boosters only want to fund Logan Park). Larry Umphrey told of efforts to establish several “pots" - districts that funnel kids towards Edison. Having certain parks specializing in certain sports during the seasons will enable the community to know where to go. Also, pooling kids from several parks for one sport (e.g., Upper NE Soccer) will also allow for viable teams to be created.

Laura Ericksen-White said that her local park (Windom) has been a wonderful skating rink, but it is no longer available. She was concerned that with the early closing of the rink, nearby kids will skate at St. Anthony. This is a problem, because it opens the door to kids/families exploring other options there for hockey. Larry mentioned that there are cost issues in keeping the rinks open after President's Day. Sara Ackmann stated that this will change next year. What’s the cost to keep rink open for 2 more weeks? Is this an expense that parents/organizations could cover?

Kevin Reich questioned how could we ensure resources at Parks. Perhaps there could be plans to better manage the resources? Jill Davis stated that a Middle School Sports group existed in the past. We need a NE Sports Collaborative—looking at collaborative efforts for pooling resources. Community Foundations also need to be explored. Jill stated the she recently spoke with the CEO of Graco, who is an Edison graduate, and their foundation funds sports. Kevin added that Graco is currently funding some sports efforts, but not in any systematic fashion. Perhaps we need a clearinghouse to provide this structure. Laura mentioned that parents who work at Graco can get $1000 scholarships if they volunteer for any nonprofit. Finally, Jill mentioned that Dick Mammen (MPRB) is willing to host a kick-off lunch to get something going on this topic.

Kurt Nowacki posed the following question: Can Edison Sports Foundation form a subcommittee to allot money to local sports?

Jenny asked if Bottineau Boosters Club could expand their focus. Mike wondered who to talk with there? Bernie Kunza? Dick Anderson? Gold Brick Club? We need sponsoring for teams/shirts. Lion’s Club needs to get back on track—fund NE and not St. Anthony.

Kimberlee believes that Parks & Rec sports should not compete with local school teams. Better coordinated efforts need to take place to prevent this.

Deb Nelson mentioned that kids at the schools are from all over the city, not just NE and North.

Tammy Rusnacko supported the efforts of having programs for fun vs. competition. But for those kids who want to be on competitive sports teams, the community needs to provide options. If competitive teams start younger, these athletes will be competitive in high school. What programs are going to make that happen?

Kimberlee stated that in order to build these strong programs, one needed strong parent involvement with funding.

John Washington stated that the MPS City Conference website captures the whole season of high school sports—which can be useful for parents. http://www.mplscity.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=6

When asked about linking to this site, John said that it would be expensive to add a link to other sports team sites.

Liz Wielinski mentioned that the Minneapolis Park & Rec. Board was having new IT developed, which will enable consumers to see what is happening at each field. It will then be easier to tell what is going on city-wide. It is uncertain when this site will be ready to go.

Dean DeGroot believes in the value of developing of “coaches clinics” through community education. If 1-2 classes were offered each quarter throughout the year, it would provide training for community members who may be more willing to coach amateur sports as well as provide a way of linking families with kids to the various sports offerings in the community.

Jamison Rusthoven has a vision of the Edison gym as more of a community gym, opened 24/7/365. He needs help finding ways to utilize it and staff it. He mentioned that his coaches at Edison are very motivated to be involved in the community. They are also open to conducting coaches’ clinics. John mentioned tapping into the Hennepin Youth Sports Foundation—dollars from Twin’s Stadium sources—tap into this, since money is being offered to local sports initiatives.

Mike believes there needs to be more involvement with The Northeaster—coverage of more local sports information. St. Anthony/New Brighton has their own newspaper. Marcia Thomas also stated that there are online options for covering sports. Marcia added that Pillsbury School offers cross-country skiing classes. Skis are donated. This could provide a link to middle school youth.

Key Sports Issues and Action Items:

• Funding: coordinating with organizations.
• Coordination between school, park, and community.
• Need a central sports information website with updated schedules. Who are the contacts? HS schedules are currently available, but not other levels of sports.
• Form a committee, which will report to PEN on a quarterly basis.

NE Sports Committee:

Chris Aarseth

Sarah Ackmann

Kimberlee Adams

Jenny Arneson

Jill Davis

Laura Erickson-White

Kurt Nowacki

Angie Powell

Tammy Rusnacko

Jamison Rusthoven

Kris Solz

Marcia Thomas

Larry Umphrey

Paul Werni

Liz Wielinski

Next PEN Meeting: Monday, March 15, 6:30 pm @ Edison Media Center

Agenda items: Sheridan Arts Work Group update, Special Ed./CSO Transitions Report (SEAC Rep.), Friends of NE Youth non-profit formation

Lady Tommies Make History!

Congratulations to our Thomas Edison Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team for winning the first game in our sub sectional semi-final tournament. This is the first time in history that our Girls’ Basketball Team has advanced to the sub-sectional finals. The final score was 63 for Thomas Edison and 60 for Blake.

Dedra Carr had a double double with 11 points and 19 rebounds. Anna Moore led the Lady Tommies with a 27 point, 8 assists and 9 steals…Congratulations!

We had many fans in the stands. Let’s show our school spirit and support our team at tomorrow’s night basketball game. We are playing Washburn and the game starts at 8pm and will be held at Mounds Park Academy High School in St. Paul.
Edison High School will be providing a bus for all basketball fans to and from Mounds Park Academy school in St. Paul for the Girl's Basketball Sub-section finals. The bus will depart at 7 pm from the front steps of Edison High School and will return immediately following the game (roughly 9:15 pm). 
The cost is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids - this included the price of admission at the game. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. The bus is limited to the first 40 people to respond via email to Amanda Klann @ Amanda.Klann@mpls.k12.mn.us

Edison Talent Show & "Child Soldiers" Film Benefit

Talent show starts at 3:30 p.m. and the film showing of “Child Soldiers” starts at 5:00 p.m. This is an educational documentary about child soldiers around the world. The film showing is part of the Human Rights Forum, and the talent show is a service learning project for Ms. Novak's Humanities class. Complimentary popcorn sponsored by EASTSIDE FOOD CO-OP.

Winners of the talent show will move on to a city-wide show – Minneapolis MOSAIC Finals – the MOSAIC event is on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at First Avenue, downtown Minneapolis.

The cost is $3 for the talent show. Proceeds will benefit the "Invisible Children" organization, which builds schools for former child soldiers.

Lady Tommies Varsity Basketball Team Plays in Region 4AA Tournament!

March 6, 2010, 7:00 pm

Congratulations to Thomas Edison High School’s Girls’ Basketball Team for being the number #1 seed in the West Subsection bracket of the Region 4AA Tournament.  We will host only ONE home game for the play-offs (the semi-final game).  The game will be played here at Thomas Edison High School on Saturday March 6th at 7 pm.  We will be playing either Blake or Columbia Heights.

Show your Tommie Spirit and cheer our team onto vicotry!  There will be face painting and prizes will be given away, including the chance to win a 42” flat screen plasma TV.  This is a game that you will not want to miss!

Lady Tommies Coach Charlita Williamson wins Coach of the Year Award!
Congratulations Charlita for being selected as coach of the year for the Girls’ Basketball Minneapolis conference.  She was nominated by her colleagues for her effortless work on building and leading our Lady Tommie Basketball program.

 

Minutes: January 25, 2010

Attendees: Dean DeGroot (NEMS), Mark Jensen (Edison), Jerry Pedersen (Edison), Jean Neuman (Sheridan), Lloyd Winfield (NEMS), Marcia Thomas (Pillsbury/NEMS), Kate Anderson (Waite Park), Alita Bergan (Waite Park CC), Jill Davis (NEMS/School Board), Liz Wielinski (Parks), Jenny Arneson (Waite Park), Michelle Woster (Pillsbury), Jenn Bennington (Waite Park), Mike Iacarella (Edison), Lupe Castillo, Suzanne Durkacs (Marcy), Tony Schrepfer (Edison), Bridget Altmann (Edison), Troy Wellington (Edison), Donna Andrews (Marcy), & Pamela Vertina (Edison).

MPS Board Update: School Board Director, Jill Davis

Jill told the group about some details families should consider regarding Changing School Options (CSO).  No major time changes for kids in NE, except that all K-5 and K-8 programs will have 15 minutes added to their school day.  Transportation changes will occur for Pillsbury and Waite Park, with families receiving transportation to their community schools only, depending on where they live.  Families that live north of Lowry will be bused to Waite Park; those that live south of Lowry will be bused to Pillsbury.  Jill suggested that principals collaborate with one another to make this transition as smooth as possible rather than be competitive in these efforts. 

Pam Vertina asked about the impacts of CSO on ELL.  Apparently, no clear details have been provided on this issue but should be shortly.

Suzanne Durkacs inquired about letters being sent to 8th grade families informing them of where their children are going next school year to high school.  Jill was unaware about when/how the letters would be sent by the District but was going to get clarification.

Edison has recently been approved for offering IB, which is good news for the community.  There have been some special education program shifts made as a result of CSO.   Life Skills will be located at Edison.  Principals can exert influence over special education programs, but the community also has a say in programming. 

New schools initiatives.  Jill mentioned that February 9^th is when the Board will vote to consider recommending the start-up of two schools to start for the 2010-11 school year: Pierre Bottineau French Immersion School will start as a K-1 program and eventually become a K-5 school, located in North Minneapolis.  When asked why the District is interested in French Immersion, Jill explained that similar programs in the country have done well at reducing the achievement gap.  The other school considered for 2010-11 is the MN School of Science Charter School.  It will start as a K-6 and eventually become at K-12.  This program still needs to apply with the State of MN before it becomes operational.  These schools' focus will be the lowest performing 25% of kids in the district.

The self-governed Art School planned to be housed at Edison High School is going to be provided with more time to develop math and science resources.  It could possibly be approved to start in 2011, if all the details are completed and in place.

What’s Happening at Our Schools?—Representatives from each NE school provided a brief update based on the following points:

·       Key activities/initiatives/changes this year

·       Challenges & concerns

·       Ways PEN can help out (1-3 wishes/needs)

Suzanne Durcaks (parent) and Donna Andrews (Principal) provided an update on Marcy Open:  Currently, the school has 630 kids, which was described as “packed” and provides “Open” education and highlights arts integration, its international peace site theme, great fundraising opportunities, Labyrinth (an Artist-in-Residence program), Project Success, Minneapolis Kids, and Community Education.  The school also has connections with five colleges, with student teaching opportunities.  Marcy offers music opportunities as well, including band, rock band, and orchestra.

Wishes for Marcy: More space—like a parking lot (pretty land-locked) and having a greater partnership with Edison.

Jean Neuman (Principal - Sheridan Arts Magnet), told of the various activities happening at the school.  Although Sheridan is comprised of mostly Northside kids, efforts are underway to establish some connection with Edison.  Jean told of February being “I want to Read” month, with February 8^th being Parent Involvement Day.  Arts integration and service learning opportunities are available at the school. 

Dreams/wishes for Sheridan include: having local performance artists provide theatrical experiences for the school and community.  Also, on a practical note, having more navy blue/Kelly green uniforms available for kids would be nice.

Marcia Thomas (parent - Pillsbury) provided an update about this soon-to-be community school.  Their chess team won local City awards, and students took part in a Lego League tournament.  One of the GEMS (Girls in engineering, math, and science) teams won a regional competition, and a 5^th grade teacher won a learning fellowship in science education. 

Wishes: boots, mittens, gloves, especially for younger grades as well as snow pants, new or gently used.

Kate Anderson (staff - Waite Park Community School)  told of the various activities/efforts provided by their PTA.  Hi-5 is now available at WP, and data indicates that 75% of kids who start Hi-5 stay throughout the elementary school grades.  Kate told of some parents being rather sad about the boundary changes at WP, which will impact a number of kids/families.  She shared information about math and reading programming occurring. 

Wishes for WP: perhaps an information packet could be created which highlights programming at WP, NE Middle, and Edison HS.  Otherwise, having all 3 schools available at the school showcase downtown Minneapolis would necessitate greater recruitment.  Help the community deal with boundary issues, be an advocate, and assist with marketing efforts.

Lloyd Winfield (Assistant Principal -  Northeast Middle School):  NEMS will continue to have a 9:30 start time, offering a variety of sports, with the possibility of a wrestling program to start.  A fundraiser was recently completed, raising sufficient funds for the spring musical (“Seussical”).  Band offerings have expanded and there is now choir available.  NEMS has a debate team; some discussion was in regard to partnering with Edison in debate competitions.  A new parent group was established this school year and Mr. Winfield reminded the group that NEMS has the only middle years IB program in NE.

Wishes for NEMS: Money, equipment, signage, and PR.  There was a suggestion of possible literature drops in the blocks near NEMS, with the hope that the community better understands the great programs and opportunities that exist at the school.

Jerry Pedersen (Asst. Principal), Pamela Vertina (staff), & Bridgett Altmann (staff) gave an overview of happenings at Edison High School.  Fundraising opportunities have emerged at the school, with several events scheduled. Several new features at Edison include: recently certified as IB program, a drum line is now in place, efforts are being made to bolster the arts, with 4 Artists-in-Residence in place.  A human rights initiative started this school year, whereby several public events have and will take place. One event happening in April is about the Holocaust with a survivor providing insights to the participants; students gain service hours by taking part in these forums.  A talent show will also take place.  Later in the spring, Edison will be showcasing their first musical theatre production in years: “Bye Bye Birdie”.  The Morris Community Players will also be collaborating with Edison on productions.  During Art-A-Whirl, Edison’s parking lot will be a Park & Ride stop.

Wishes for Edison: Art props, helping kids with scripts for the musical, establishing more arts in-roads (e.g., NEMAA--) http://www.nemaa.org/, and community support in PR for  productions.

Future Considerations/next meeting: 

PEN will meet on Monday, February 22 at 6:30 – 8 PM at the Edison media center.  The agenda:  Revisiting sports opportunities in Northeast: coaches, athletic directors, park board people, and other interested community members will be present.

Celebrate African American History Month!

Thomas Edison High School and the African American Cultural Awareness Club would like to invite you to share with them in their celebration of African American History Month. There will be a full slate of activities, including a Film Festival (see poster above),  a Poster Contest, a Food Drive for the earthquake survivors of Haiti, African American Parent Involvement Day (Febraury 8, 2010), and a Speech Contest (see poster below) open to students from all high schools held at Edison on February 25, 2010. 

Come celebrate our young people and African American heritage at Thomas Edison High School!