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Letter from the Director

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”― Rainer Maria Rilke

Queridas Famílias:

I know that it does not feel like April yet outside, but inside the ISLA classrooms, it is clear that we are in our last phase of the year.   We have started our “State Assessment” phase, --the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA’s), so thank you all for being extra conscious of bedtimes this week.   Now that student-led conferences are completed, teachers begin the mad dash to finish the final units of inquiry, prepare for final projects and concerts; fifth and sixth graders will soon begin researching topics and forming mentor groups as they dive into their exhibition work, which is the culminating academic product of the Primary Years Programme.

I have been discussing the eclipse next week with our nurse Tanya Nelson, and we have consulted with MDH and other authorities. Because of the risks involved, we have decided to have our students participate outside by following a live stream of the event in the classroom.  According to health officials, every eclipse period also brings numerous cases of solar retinopathy or retinal burns, even outside the zone of totality.   We will be utilizing resources from the National Science Center, the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota, and other resources to deliver engaging lessons to students before watching a bit of the live stream.  

I have some unfortunate news today:  Sarah Ashby, our International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator, has resigned her position for next year. The search for her replacement will begin shortly. She will continue her duties until the end of the year, and you might still see her this summer when she will coordinate the ISLA summer camps, but after 13 years of service to ISLA, she will be continuing her journey in another district come September 2024. Thank you Sarah for everything you have done for ISLA, and good luck with your new adventure!   

Atentamente, 

Jeremy

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Fundraising Committee Corner

ISLA students are excited to let their families know about a project they’ve been working on with Sra. Maldonado in la clase de Exploración! In February and March, students created a piece of artwork through a program called Square1Art! You now have the opportunity to purchase a unique gift or keepsake that highlights your student’s artwork! This Friday, students will bring home a flyer that shares more information about how to view your student’s artwork and order a keepsake. This program also functions as a school fundraiser and up to 50% of all purchases will come back to ISLA School and ISLA PTO.

With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day around the corner, what better way to get the special people in your student’s life something personal! Or perhaps consider an end of year gift for your student’s teachers or LA.

1. Search for your child’s artwork on the website.
   1. School: ISLA International Academy
   2. Search by your student’s first or last name (note - a small percentage of students did not submit artwork due to absences - if you are unable to find your student’s artwork, you can upload a picture of another piece of their art).
2. Add your student’s art to your account by clicking the blue ADD TO MY ART button.
3. Click the red SHOP NOW button and find something special for a loved one.

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Orders must be completed by Wednesday, April 24th. Please email the fundraising committee at fundraising@isla.school if you have any questions.
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**Special thanks to La Brigada de los Abuelos - Several abuelo volunteers spent many hours supporting students and Sra. Maldonado with this project!**

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Highlights

As we continue to work on improving the PTO Website to be the go-to source for info, we will be trying to condense some of the info included in Noticias. Here’s to progress– And make sure you keep tabs on the website!!

‍FamFare orders due by SUNDAY!

So far this year, we have raised $3,354!!! Please visit the PTO Website for the full schedule!

Tuesday 4/9 4–6pm
FamFare Kitchen (meal pickup at the school)

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This night is a little different from our other restaurant nights– Famfare Kitchen is owned and operated by two Minnesota moms out of a professional, commercial kitchen– They provide hot, homemade, family-style meals that serve 4-6 people. This is a business my family uses often, and it is such a lifesaver– Plus delicious!! Place your order by Sunday, April 7th for it to count towards ISLA!! I'm so excited to share this family favorite with our ISLA Community. Just don’t forget to order some freshly baked cookies for dessert!

What's on the menu?
HOT: Pork Carnitas Taco Bowls (one of our very favorite dishes from FamFare!)
FROZEN: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (this one just gets tossed in the oven for about 45 minutes and BAM, dinner is ready!!

DESSERT: Chocolate chip cookies

How to participate

1. Sun 4/7: Order using our dedicated sign up link.some text
   1. Payment made via signupgenius after you choose your meal(s).
2. Tuesday 4/9: Pick up your meals at ISLA between 4-6pm by the covered parking area
3. Go home and enjoy a hot meal without a mess or stress!

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Join Us at the Twins Game May 5

ISLA students, family members, faculty, and LAs are heading to Target Field to watch the Twins against the Boston Red Sox, and kids run the bases after the game. Tickets are $48 per person, which includes ballpark food and water/soda. Be part of the fun by requesting ticket information today. Go to this link to get the details from ISLA parent and group organizer, Bob Sparkins. The deadline to secure your spot in the group is April 5.

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Help the PTO Raise Another $10,000+ by Volunteering

Members and friends of the ISLA PTO are serving concessions for Twins games this season, and you can get involved by working one or more games. Each game our group brings 10 volunteers, the PTO receives at least $1000! Get more details and share your availability by filling out this volunteer survey ASAP.

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• • • Get involved • • •  

You can find more information on all of these topics on the PTO Website!Serve lunch

Click here to see available time slots!

Box Tops for Education
Get started!!

Mabel’s Labels

Visit their website and search for International Spanish Language Academy

Teacher Wishlists

Click here to view the full list of teachers broken down by grade!

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Fiesta Updates

‍Any remaining auction items are ready for pick-up in the office across from the wonderful Emily!! They are on top of the file cabinet sorted by item#.

Please pickup your items ASAP as this space is also used by the staff! Any items not picked up by 4/26 will be returned

Great Gatherings: All March and April hosts & winners have been connected via email from fiesta@isla.school and we will continue to work on connecting all events hosts & winners in the coming weeks!

There are still tickets available for Great Gatherings that we will leave open until the event is held or they sell out! There are some REALLY FUN events on the site- Please go check them out at: https://e.givesmart.com/events/sgz/i/_Great%20Gatherings/

Please use this folder to share any photos you may have taken during the event.

Raffle drawings for the school sponsored events will be announced by 4/21.

Questions? Reach out to Caitlin Edstrom on Facebook or via email at fiesta@isla.school

THANK YOU ISLA!! We are so grateful for this community!

Upcoming Great Gatherings:

4/11 Bow-making Party! A fun afternoon designing & creating hair bows/bow ties. All materials and great company provided!

4/14 Nature Center Head to Westwood Hills for lunch and fun– There will be some outdoor activities as well as some time indoors for food, dessert and a fun animal show led by a naturalist!

4/24 Reciclearte: Calling all art lovers!! Snack on some Nutella with pancakes while working with recycled materials to create a fun project!

• • • Final Numbers • • •  

The Fiesta Committee is so excited to share that you all helped us raise $88,381 at Fiesta!! You can watch the full video update on Facebook. Thank you so much to our amazing community. This has been a team effort that you all are included in and we are so excited to see this outcome for our kids, our school and the Language Ambassadors!!

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