Drama at the State Capitol
Legislative leaders, the Governor and his agency heads, worked through the week to find a way forward on a new two-year budget. Earlier reports described the legislative tone as cordial, but similar to previous sessions. Lawmakers are once again struggling to negotiate in our best interests. Let?Äôs face it, none of us get everything we ask for, and it?Äôs time for a political compromise to finish the state?Äôs work and meet designated deadlines.
As we enter the last week of the session, the legislative majorities and leaders need to decide if they?Äôre going to put a budget plan on the Governor?Äôs desk; and if so, do it by the end of the week in order to leave the last week to hammer out a final plan. The Governor has vowed to veto much of the tax and spending plans that have been discussed thus far. Hopefully, our elected government officials will negotiate in good faith, exercise fiscal responsibility, and complete their duties on time. It?Äôs important that we continue our advocacy efforts for the investment and passage of bills that will support our rural schools, businesses, and agriculture.
USDA Summer Meal Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) operates summer meal programs to address childhood nutritional needs. Many children receive limited meals with limited nutritional value in the summer months when school is not in session.
Once again, the USDA Summer Meal Program and Seamless Summer Option have partnered with Federal and State agencies to ask local organizations and schools to serve free meals to children age 18 years and younger. USDA provides the funding; State agencies administer the program; and local organizations and schools will be reimbursed for the meals and serving costs.
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:
Watkins Elementary ?Äì We will be serving breakfast from 8-9:30 and Lunch 11-1 when swimming lessons are in session: June 5-30 (Monday through Friday), July 10 ?Äì Aug. 17 (Monday through Friday).
Eden Valley Elementary ?ÄìWe will be serving breakfast from 7:30-8:30 and Lunch 11-12:30. The dates are: June 19-30, July 10-20.
EV-W High School ?Äì Breakfast will be served 7:30-9 and Lunch will be served 11-1 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.
Community Satisfaction Survey
The school district recently released its third-annual Community Satisfaction Survey. The community survey is located under the News tab of the District home page (www.evw.k12.mn.us) and will be available until June 1. We?Äôre seeking feedback and input from all of our community and school-district stakeholders. The survey responses will be compiled, analyzed, and then used to assist our decision-making toward continuous improvement. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your constructive feedback.
End of Year Reminders
?Ä¢ Our third and final Public Informational Meeting for facility updates is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Eden Valley Elementary Cafeteria.
?Ä¢ The last student day of the 2016-17 school year is Thursday, June 1. As in the past, we?Äôll dismiss students early to accommodate graduation plans and preparation. Student dismissal times will be:
a. Watkins at 1:00
b. EV Elem. at 1:10
c. EV-W HS at 1:40
?Ä¢ The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 will take place in the JP Gym on Thursday, June 1 at 8:00 p.m.
?Ä¢ Training for designated staff in levels 5-7 of the Barton Reading and Spelling System takes place on June 5, 6, and 7.
Word of the Week
Abscond ?Äì To leave quickly and secretly to hide oneself. ~ www.greatexpectations.org.
Weekly Quote
?ÄúTeaching is the achievement of shared meaning.?Äù ~ D.B. Gowin
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Isaac Stommes, son of Delores and Michael. Isaac is described as a responsible and dedicated student who works hard to achieve academic success. Throughout high school, Isaac has been actively involved in football, wrestling, FFA, and Investment Club. Following high school graduation, Isaac plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The EV-W administration and staff are extremely proud of Isaac and his many accomplishments. Congratulations!