2025-03--27 Noticias de ISLA y ISLA PTO
Emily Smith
Transportation Request for 2025-2026
We are trying to be super proactive in supporting as many families as possible to have a smooth, easy bus ride to ISLA every day. Currently, we are planning for at least 1 bus route to move into Bloomington in the 2025-2026 school year while maintaining legacy service to our Hopkins families. We are using this request to determine the extent to which we can expand our boundary into Bloomington. PLEASE complete your request by April 1 so that we have plenty of time to establish and communicate transportation plans.
Transportation Request for 2025-2026
Parking Lot Safety
We would like to remind everyone to please DRIVE SLOWLY and take your time. We have received multiple calls from the neighbors about families using their parking lot either as a shortcut or parking. Please remember that this is private property, and we do not have permission to use it. We are working to repair and build strong relationships with our neighbors, and they have noted that these reminders do tend to result in an improvement. Thank you for being examples of being good global citizens for our students and community. DRIVE SLOW AND BE CAREFUL as there are many young children around, and BE RESPECTFUL of our neighbors.
Teatro de Torti
We have exciting news Teatro de Torti is back! This parent led extracurricular will come back with 3 camps this summer:
Morning - 1-week camps:
- July 28 - August 1 - 9:00 - 12:00
- entering kinder to entering 6th grade
- Cuentistas will read well-known favorites in Spanish and English and work together using their voice and body to bring those stories to life! While in camp they’ll develop their storytelling toolbox and learn how to be great audience members when watching others perform.
- August 4 - August 8 - 9:00 - 12:00
- entering 2nd to entering 6th
- Ease on Down the Road with the Teatro de Torti team as we follow our hearts Somewhere Over the Rainbow and learn what it means to be Dancing through Life. In this jam packed, OZ themed week we look at the different storytelling of OZ, the musicals that have been inspired by it, and remember the lessons it taught us is the true MAGIC of oz.
Afternoon - 2-week camps:
Martina y Perez: A Bilingual Tale
- July 28 - August 8 - 12:30 - 16:30
- entering kinder to entering 6th grade
- In this short, bilingual children’s musical from Bad Wolf Press campers will learn how to sing, act, dance, while also learning about costumes, props, and set design. In our final day performers will get to show off their results and conclude with a FREE public performance at Centennial Lakes Amphitheater 8/8 @ 16:00!
Sign up today on this Google form!
https://forms.gle/wqfQ6GYN1rCap5Wc6
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UPCOMING BOARD ELECTION
ISLA will hold its annual school board election May 9 - May 12, 2025. Voting will be conducted online using Election Buddy or in person at the ISLA office. More information about how to vote will be provided in April. A sample ballot can be found on the ISLA website, and biographies of the candidates will be coming soon! Board Candidates
SAVE THE DATE - ISLA CAMPOUT!
Hey ISLA Community,
Some ISLA parents have been talking about doing a joint camping excursion and we are looking to make it happen this spring! This is an optional activity for those who like to camp and spend time outdoors - you will need to supply your own tent. Join us to hike, play volleyball, frisbee, s'mores, and more with other ISLA families. Due to site limitations, registration will be limited to the first 30 families. Everyone would be responsible for their own food and drinks but also encouraged to bring something to share.
ISLA Campout Sign Up - May 3rd-4th
Where: Baker Park Reserve Katrina 1 & 2 Group Camp Sites
When: Saturday, May 3rd 3pm to Sunday, May 4th 11AM
Who: First 30 families to sign up
Cost: Requested donation of $20/family - ISLA Campout Donation - Write "Campout" in the Note/Comment section.
Questions: Jonathan Wittig - jonathan.wittig@gmail.com
APRIL IS ALMOST HERE…
As we close in on the last few months of school (can you believe it??), there is still a lot of fun to be had… But I know we’ve thrown A LOT at you in the past few weeks & months with Fiesta, so we’ll keep it short & sweet with a few save the dates heading into Spring Break…
Tue 4.15.25 @4-5:30pm
April Restaurant Night: Famfare Meal Pickup!
ISLA’s favorite no-cooking-required, home-cooked meal service!! Pickup will be after school on 4.15 and orders will open the week we return to school from Spring Break (4.7.25). Stay tuned for more info after the break!
Wed 4.16.25 @5:45pm
Spring PTO Community Meeting
Join us in the ISLA Flex Room to hear the latest & greatest PTO Board updates as we approach the end of the ‘24-’25 school year and begin to look towards what’s to come in ‘25-’26! Dinner & beverages included + free childcare for your kids while the adults meet.
Please RSVP to help us plan dinner: https://forms.gle/GboBGrUFpC1PP5dH9
Sun 4.27.25 @1:10pm
ISLA at the Twins!
Let the kids run the bases, enjoy free food & (non-alcoholic) beverages included in the price of each ticket…. Hey, you might even enjoy some baseball, too! There are likely to be 300+ (currently at 242) ISLA friends & families there… So read all the details here!
Thu 5.15.25:
May Restaurant Night: La Dona Cervecería
We are so excited to return to La Dona for a fun night of connecting with new & old friends while enjoying some delicious food & drink. Mark your calendar & get ready for fun!!
PTO Quick Links
Kudos to the Community
There are so many wonderful humans in the ISLA Community & we would really LOVE to give special shout-outs to those that deserve it!! Please check out this new page on the PTO Website to see these shoutouts!! If you’d like to share a positive experience you’ve had with a teacher, staff member, LA, parent, grandparent or even a student– Please complete this form (available in English & Spanish)!
Please review this week's Lost & Found update:
Available in both English & Spanish
LIFE AFTER FIESTA…
Earlier this week, you should have received a post-Fiesta wrap-up email. In case you missed it, I’ve also linked it here: Fiesta Recap + Video! Fiesta is ISLA PTO’s largest fundraiser and party each year as we work to raise 100% of the funds needed to support the Language Ambassador Program where we bring student teachers into ISLA classrooms from across the country to share their language, traditions, culture and give an inside look into their lives while we share our lives with them. It is truly an immersive experience for all!!
THANK YOU for your support!!
– ISLA PTO Board & Fiesta Committee
🌟 Join Our Yoga through STEM Program! 🌟
Get ready for yoga! This program is for kindergarten through 2nd. The class integrates yoga with academic subjects while maintaining traditional yoga practices. Each lesson is designed to build upon previous knowledge and creates meaningful connections between yoga and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) This course will be presented through The Minnesota Technology Network (MTN) and Sra. Maldonado. The MTN is a non-profit committed to innovation in technology, media, and the arts since 1984, collaborates with initiatives like Technitium.org to provide hands-on STEM learning and professional development.
Why Join?
- Interactive Learning: Each session connects yoga and STEM practices
- Friendship: Meet new friends and work together on exciting projects!
Dates: April 14-May 19
Room: 248
Days: Mondays
Grades: K-2
Time: 3:50-5 pm
Capacity: 20
Cost: $180 ("full pay") $90 ("reduced") $45 ("free")
Click here to register
Remember to update PickUp Patrol.
Folkloric Dance
We are excited to introduce the Spanish Immersion Dancing Program designed to immerse students in the vibrant cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through dance. The program promotes language learning, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. Students will enhance their Spanish language skills while learning traditional dances that reflect the diversity and richness of Latin America. The goal is to prepare students for exciting performances and events at various schools and cultural events.
Dates: Week of April 14-May 19
Instructor: Lina Pinto
Room: Buenos Aires
Grades: K-5
Days: Mondays
Time: 3:50-5:20 pm
Capacity: 25
Cost: $125 (full pay); $65 ("reduced"); $15 ("free")
Click here to register
Remember to update PickUp Patrol
🌟 Join Our STEAM Extracurricular Program for 3rd to 5th Graders! 🌟
Dive into the world of innovation and creativity with our exciting STEAM program! Designed for students in 3rd to 5th grade, this hands-on program encourages critical thinking and collaboration through engaging projects. Spintronics is learning computer logic tables through circuits and learning basic coding through Turing tumble, using both circuits and computers off screen experiences.
This course will be presented through The Minnesota Technology Network (MTN) and Sra. Maldonado. The MTN is a non-profit committed to innovation in technology, media, and the arts since 1984, collaborates with initiatives like Technitium.org to provide hands-on STEM learning and professional development.
What’s in Store?
- Integrate STEM through Spintronics - Build mechanical circuits with Spintronics, the first physical equivalent of electronics ever built. Feel the pull of voltage and watch the current flow. Build crazy contraptions that behave just like electronic circuits. You ll never see electronics the same way again
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your imagination and make new friends! Sign up today and get ready for a journey of discovery! 🎉🔧🌈
Dates: Week of April 16-May 21
Room: Exporacion
Days: Wednesdays
Grades: 3-5
Time: 3:50-5 pm
Capacity: 20
Cost: $180 ("full pay"). $90 ("reduced") $45 ("free")
Click here to register
Remember to update PickUp Patrol.
Craft Club
Get crafty with the LA's
Dates: April 14-May 19
Instructors: Kris, Pablo and Niki
Room: Art Room
Days: Mondays
Grades: 1-5
Time: 3:50-5:00 pm
Capacity: 21
Cost: $72 (full pay); $36 ("reduced"); $18 ("free")
Click here to register.
Remember to update PickUp Patrol.
Futbol (Soccer)
Get kickin with the LA's
Dates: April 17-May 22
Instructor: Dayan & José
Grades: 1-5
Time: 3:50-5 pm
Capacity: 15
Room: Gym
Cost: $72 (Full pay) $36 ("reduced") $18 ("free")
Remember to update PickUp Patrol.
Vocal Stars Choir
In Vocal Stars Choir, we start by exploring our voices through simple and enjoyable songs. We’ll learn how to sing with confidence, use different vocal techniques, and discover what makes our voices unique. It’s all about having fun and feeling great while developing our singing skills. We will dive into different music styles and work on creating our own melodies. Whether you love pop, musical theater, or anything in between, you’ll have the chance to experiment with new sounds and develop your musical creativity. With plenty of encouragement, we will build confidence and learn to control our voices.
- Wednesday 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Class Levels: Grades K-5
- Dates: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
- Registration: https://www.travelinglessonsacademy.com/service-page/isla-edina-vocal-stars-choir-1?referral=service_list_widget
- Materials: None
- For more information please contact: Leah Halonen: leah@travelinglessonsacademy.com
- Cost: $20 per session, $120 total
