What a Privilege
We are all familiar with the saying ?Äúhow fast time passes when you?Äôre having fun.?Äù
As we wind down the school year, I hope you take the time to reflect on this year?Äôs successes and challenges as well as the opportunities to set new directions for how we support each other and educate our students in the future. My biggest highlight of the year has been the honor and privilege to work with an amazing staff in serving the EV-W students and communities.
The strengths of our staff and active engagement with kids, committee work, and district initiatives enables our schools to be the leading educational provider in central Minnesota. The positive connections with kids, educational opportunities and exceptional learning wouldn?Äôt happen without the extraordinary time and energy provided by the outstanding staff at Eden Valley-Watkins Schools. Our educational organization wouldn?Äôt be as effective without a truly dedicated staff working on behalf of students. We are very fortunate to have talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff that support our youth on a daily basis.
I want to thank our EV-W staff for providing a nurturing and welcoming environment as we continually strive to better serve our students and communities.
Ag2School Tax Credit Passed
Legislature recently passed, and then Governor Dayton signed, a major provision aimed at reducing farm taxes owed for school bond payments. This 40-percent tax credit for agricultural land is a major win for farmers and school districts struggling to pass building bonds to improve facilities.
Eligible ag land consists of class 2a, 2b, and 2c property typically referenced as agriculture and forests, other than the property consisting of the house, garage, and surrounding one acre of land on the homestead. The 40-percent credit is used to reduce the tax impact of school district?Äôs bonded debt for facilities.
USDA Summer Meal Program
Schools have been designated as the best sites for summer meal efforts. In most cases, children and parents are familiar with local schools and schools are known for providing nutritious food in a safe and welcoming environment. The Eden Valley ?Äì Watkins School District will assist the USDA as well as other Federal and State agencies by providing serving sites within our schools. Designated serving sites, dates and times within the school district include:
?Ä¢ Watkins Elementary ?Äì We will be serving breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m.-
1 p.m. when swimming lessons are in session: June 5-30 (Monday through Friday), July 10 ?Äì Aug. 17 (Monday through Friday).
?Ä¢ Eden Valley Elementary ?Äì We will be serving breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. The dates are: June 19-30, July 10-20.
?Ä¢ EV-W High School ?Äì Breakfast will be served 7:30-9 a.m. and Lunch will be served 11 a.m.-
1 p.m. The high school will be serving meals starting June 5-30 and July 10-Aug. 17 (Monday-Friday).
You can learn more about the USDA Summer Meal Programs by contacting Food Service Director Brittany Hirschauer at (320) 453-2900, ext. 1106, or visiting: www.summerfood.usda.gov.
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Eryn Eken, daughter of Traci and Jason. Eryn is described as a very caring and compassionate friend and classmate to her peers. Throughout her school career, Eryn has been involved in SADD, Student Council, German Club, Drama, Speech, Band and Choir. Following high school graduation, Eryn plans to attend North Central University and pursue a degree in Intercultural Studies. The EVW administration and staff are extremely proud of Eryn and her many accomplishments. Congratulations!