2025-04-10 Noticias de ISLA y ISLA PTO
Emily Smith
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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
Exciting Student Competitions Coming Up for 4th & 5th Grade!
We’re thrilled to share two fun opportunities for students to challenge themselves and showcase their skills!
Typing Competition
Students are invited to participate in a school-wide typing competition on May 22nd!
Leading up to the event, students can practice using Typing Club through Clever. Encourage your child to practice using all their fingers for the best results.
- On May 22, students will type a given text. Winners are determined by speed and accuracy.
- Prizes include medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each grade, and an awesome gaming keyboard and mouse for the fastest student in the school!
Spelling Bee
The classroom spelling test will take place sometime during the week of May 6–10. Each class will select the two top students to represent their class in the final Spelling Bee.
- Students will receive a practice list of 100 grade-level words to study soon. These words may appear on the test, so reviewing them is encouraged!
- The top student from each class will move on to the school-wide competition on Friday, May 9 at 1:30 PM.
Let’s cheer on our amazing spellers and typists as they prepare to shine!
Yearbook Orders
It's time to purchase YEARBOOKS! ¡Ya es tiempo de comprar el ANUARIO!
THE WINDOW CLOSES MAY 2 - PURCHASE NOW SO YOU DON'T FORGET!
Order your yearbook HERE today! Compre su anuario AQUÍ hoy!
**If you need to sign up for the first time, our school code is 1016123740893948. Please reach out to hestrada@isla.school with any questions.
ISLA STEM Science, Book or Carnival Fair
Families, you can help ISLA fundraising, enjoy a parents' night out, and provide a fun Code Ninjas STEM experience for your child! 50% of proceeds go to ISLA! You can sign up for May 10's Code Ninja event at: https://cn.mystudio.io/e/?=CNMNED/325/229307//1744134963
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
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
🌟 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
It seems like May-cember has hit a bit early for our family… So much things happening, so I will try to keep this straight to the point as we’ve got a lot of fun ahead:
- FAMFARE MEAL ORDERS DUE 4/12 BY 12PM!
Order here: https://famfarekitchen.bottle.com/FamFare is a local Mom-owned business providing hot & ready meals for 4-6 people per dish. They prep the meals in their commercial kitchen & deliver it right to ISLA for us to take home and have a quick, easy & delicious dinner!
You can choose the Hot meal, the Cold Meal, the bundle or add on any of the salad kits + frozen meals for other busy lunch or dinners!!
Make sure to choose ISLA as your pickup location!!
***Orders due Sunday 4/13 by 12pm!!
Pickup: Tue 4/15 in the back parking lot 4:00 – 5:15pm
- SPRING PTO COMMUNITY MEETING - Wednesday, April 16, 5:45 pm
Dinner & childcare provided with your RSVP +
Attendees will be entered to win a PRIZE– AWARDED at the meeting!!
Please RSVP via the form by Sun 4/13 to help us plan dinner & childcare (both free & included with your attendance!
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AVAILABLE
The links below should lead you directly to the listed event, but if the website is giving you any issues, you can follow the instructions shown on the image below.
Please reach out to Caitlin Edstrom or fiesta@isla.school with any questions.
1ST GRADE CRAFT PARTY
***TOMORROW***
Friday April 11th, 4:15 - 6:15pm
Where: Srta Bree’s classroom
Who: 1st Grade Students
Full details & tickets via this link!
AI FOR BUSINESS WORKSHOP
Tuesday April 17th 2-4pm
Where: ISLA Flex Room
Who: ISLA Parents
Full details & tickets via this link!
INTRO TO VOLLEYBALL
Friday, April 18th or May 2nd @4pm
(pending winner preference)
Where: ISLA
Who: ISLA Students grade 3-5
Full details & tickets via this link!
ISLA ICE SKATE PARTY!!
Saturday April 19th, 9:15-10:45am
Where: Richfield Ice Rink
Who: ISLA Students in grades 2-5 // roughly ages 8-12
Full details & tickets via this link!
BOW-MAKING CLASS
Friday, May 9th 4:30pm
Where: ISLA
Who: ISLA Kinder - 2nd graders
Full details & tickets via this link!
MINNEHAHA FALLS ADVENTURE
Saturday May 17th, 2-4:30
Where: Minnehaha Falls
Who: ISLA Students in grades 3-5
Full details & tickets via this link!
LAKE HARRIET PICNIC & RIDE
Saturday, May 17th
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell
Who: ISLA 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders
Full details & tickets via this link!
2ND GRADE POOL PARTY
Saturday, June 7th 10am-12pm
Where: Oak Ridge Pool
Who: 2nd Grade Students
Full details & tickets via this link!
4TH GRADE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Friday, June 13th 8:30-10:30 (due to sunset time)
Where: Van Epps Family Home in Plymouth
Who: ISLA Students in 4th grade
Full details & tickets via this link!
5TH GRADE POOL PARTY!
Saturday June 21st 1-4pm
Where: Murray Family Home in Hopkins
Who: ISLA Students in 5th grade!
Full details & tickets via this link!
MOM’S POOLSIDE ESCAPE
Saturday, July 19th
Where: Kregel Home in Bloomington
Who: ISLA Moms
Full details & tickets via this link!
2ND ANNUAL SUMMER SOCIAL
Saturday, July 26th 11-2
Where: Valley Park in Hopkins
Who: ISLA Families!
Full details & tickets via this link!
PRIVATE YOGA & POOL TIME
Date is TBD with guests
Where: The Fred in Edina
Who: ISLA Parents
Full details & tickets via this link!
MINNEHAHA FALLS SCAVENGER HUNT
Date is TBD by the winners
Where: Minnehaha Falls
Who: ISLA Parents
Full details & tickets via this link!
ISLA WINE PARTY
Date is TBD by the winners
Where: Total Wine & More (Chanhassen)
Who: ISLA Parents
Full details & tickets via this link!
- ISLA NEEDS YOUR HELP WITH BENCHMARK TESTING!
Please view the below signup genius links and find a date & time that works for you!! You will also find further information about the type of assessment & support for that day on the link!
Questions? Please connect with Craig Noles: cnoles@isla.school
- Offer up your Unique Ideas!
HUGE shout-out to ISLA parent Bri Fleetham Broman for making and decorating these adorable cookies for our staff in celebration of St. Patrick's Day (gluten free options included)!
We definitely are lucky to have the teachers we do balancing an IB education + language skills is no small undertaking. But we are also lucky to have parents like Bri and her husband Joe that ensure public charter schools like ours THRIVE!!
Thank you for starting the staff's week off on such a positive note. I saw so many smiles and joyful reactions as teachers saw their treats!
Have an idea like this you'd like to do for our staff or kids?
It is always welcomed and encouraged to do so! If you have questions on how to go about coordinating something, reach out to Caitlin Edstrom at ptosecretary@isla.school
- A FEW ADDITIONAL SAVE THE DATES
Sunday 4.27.25 @1:10pm: ISLA at the Twins!
If you missed the deadline to express your interest in attending, please connect with ISLA Parent & Twins mega-fan, Bob Sparkins at bobtheteacher@gmail.com to see if there is still a possibility to attend!
Thursday 5.15.25: ISLA at LA Dona
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!! https://dameladona.com/
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)!
Lost & Found update
Courtesy of amazing ISLA parent Laci Haviland + additional support:
Available in both English & Spanish
