October News and Events
October 6, 2026
Hello Eisenhower families,
I want to send a HUGE thank you to our Parent Teacher Organization and our families for supporting our annual Hike for Ike Fundraiser. Together we raised over $9,000. Though it will take time, much of this money will go toward updating portions of our playground. This fundraiser has supported students in many ways over the years. Examples include our new soccer field with nets, the gaga ball pit, and new flags and rain ponchos for our patrols. Among other things, our PTO also dedicates some of these funds to our health and social work offices as well.
School Safety Drills
As safety is always our top priority, we conduct 11 safety drills each year. Conducting these drills helps to ensure that staff and students are prepared and confident to respond in the event of an emergency. Each drill is taught and conducted with a focus on procedure while utilizing age-appropriate language.
- 5 fire drills: to practice a quick, calm and orderly evacuation. Students learn their designated exit routes and how to gather safely outside of the building. We have already completed two of these drills.
- 4 safety drills: used if there is a safety concern inside, or close to, the building. Staff and students secure the classroom and remain silent and out of sight. We have already completed one of these.
- 1 secure drill: used if there is a concern outside of the building. All exterior doors remain locked as usual and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building.
- 1 severe weather drill: typically held in the spring. Each classroom is escorted to an assigned place away from exterior walls and windows.
When clear structures and expectations are in place and staff/students understand what to do if something unexpected happens, worry is often replaced with confidence.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
In partnership and appreciation,
Lillian DeRung
Principal, Eisenhower Elementary
Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conference schedules are ready for parents to access.
October 22, 4:10 - 8:00pm
October 26, 1:00 - 8:00pm
Directions to schedule your preferred times are below.
- Go to: http://myconferencetime.com/eisenhower
- Click on the name of your child's teacher. If you have more than one child attending our school, click on "Register for Multiple Conferences" and follow the prompts to schedule your children.
- Select the desired date/time for your conference by clicking on "sign up." Submit the requested information.
- Indicate if your preference is to attend conferences in person or digitally.
You will receive an email confirmation and reminder of your conference, as long as you enter your email address.
Skating FUNdraiser!
Join us for some fun and raise money for the school! Halloween costumes are welcome but not required for this event. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
Health Office News
Hello from your School Nursing Office!
I would like to take a few minutes to tell you a little about myself.
My name is Elizabeth, but the kids can call me Ms. Liz - it's just easier for them!
I am married and have two beautiful, grown daughters....
I have worked in the medical field for 31 years in some capacity or another.
I will be traveling back and forth between Eisenhower and Sand Creek, no definite days have been set yet.
At each school I have a trusty sidekick, the health para.
Here at Eisenhower I will be working with the health para, Ms. Nicole and although we are both new to the school, together we have lots of years of nursing experience and have the kids covered!
I would be happy to answer any questions at any time, just give me a call.
Here's to a great school year!
Elizabeth
D. Elizabeth Betts BSN, RN
Eisenhower Elementary 763-506-2300
- Please consider sending an extra pair of pants and underwear for your child to keep in their backpack in the event they have a bathroom accident. The health office also
appreciates donations of gently used or new sweatpants and leggings sizes 5-12. See our Amazon Wishlist here! - Wondering if your child is well enough to come to school? Please click on this link: Is My Child Well Enough
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for Oct 22nd-28th and get your reader psyched to pick out their own books! Start exploring together: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/eisenhowerelemsch1
Voters to decide Permanent School Fund allocation formula on Nov 3
Along with casting votes for candidates for office this fall, ballots for voters in Anoka-Hennepin and across Minnesota will include a question that, if approved, would adjust the Minnesota Permanent School Fund to increase revenue for education without increasing property taxes.
What is it? The Permanent School Fund was formed when Minnesota became a state in 1858 as proceeds from land provided from the federal government were directed to fund public education for children as included in the state constitution. A change or amendment in the constitution requires a statewide vote.
Why it matters: The majority of revenue to operate Anoka-Hennepin Schools is provided by taxpayers at the state, national and local level. Permanent School Fund revenue is generated through timber sales, mining, land leases, and other resource activities generated by the 2.5 million acres of land and 1 million acres of mineral rights managed through the fund.
The question: The ballot question would increase the funding allocation from the PSF to 4.5% of proceeds, up from the current 2.5% allocation. For Anoka-Hennepin, this would result in an estimated $33 increase in per-pupil funding or $1.2 million annually. If not approved by voters, the fund would remain at its current allocation level, the land would remain in trust and operations would continue in their current format.
Go deeper: The ballot question was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature following a 134-0 vote in the House of Representatives and strong bi-partisan support in the Minnesota Senate. This action followed a recommendation from a non-partisan task force assigned to study and recommend updates to the allocation formula with the goal of providing a sustainable funding source to support Minnesota’s children in alignment with the original purpose of the fund.
Vote: In order to gain approval for a Minnesota constitutional amendment, a majority of all voters participating in the election would need to vote yes. If a voter leaves the question blank, it counts as a no vote.
Learn more: Detailed information is available at https://www.mnpsfamendment.org/.
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE
“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?”
Voters who bypass voting on the ballot measure are considered “no” votes.
Community Ed
Drawlandia starts Tuesday October 6 4-5 pm 4 weeks
Back-to-school season is bursting with creativity at YR! During this session, students will explore a fascinating world of characters, patterns, texture and vibrant color. Appetites don’t stand a chance against the realistic pizza drawing our students will create as they focus on proportion, detail, and shading techniques. Our adorable baby sloth will help students practice expression and character
design, while our art history portrait of Hiawatha introduces cultural appreciation and portrait composition just in time to celebrate the fall season. Each lesson blends imagination with strong art fundamentals. Presented by Young Rembrandts
Click here for more Drawlandia info
The Spook-tacular Scramble meets Tuesday October 13 4-5 pm 1 week Join us as we turn everyday recyclables into an ethereal art installation! In this class, we’ll be "cracking" into our creativity by transforming ordinary egg cartons into a Gallery of Ghosts. Students will learn how to deconstruct, sculpt, and style their own miniature specters, giving "trash" a second life as a spirited work of art. We’ll be building a hauntingly beautiful collection that proves imagination has no limits. Click here to register for The Spook-tacular Scramble Cheer Camp meets Wednesday October 28 5:15-6:15 pm 4 weeks This cheer camp provides athletes with an introduction to cheerleading. Campers will learn several cheers with focus on body control, jumping, proper hand movements. Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive attitude! Campers should bring a water bottle and wear athletic clothing and shoes. Presented by DASH Sports
Picture Retakes
Reminder from the Office
When picking up your student for appointments, please make sure to do so by 3:30pm. If you come to pick up after 3:30pm, we may ask for you to wait until 4:00pm in the parent pick up line.
Also, if your student’s afternoon transportation changes, please notify the office, 763-506-2300, by 3:00pm and we will communicate that to the student(s) and teacher(s). We are not able to take a student's word for this change and if we don’t hear from the parents and/or guardians, we would then have to send the student(s) home by their normal form of transportation.
Thank you for your help during the busy part of the day.
Parenting News
Pre-K to Grade 3 Parenting Education: Did you know?
Conferences are most families’ first official chance to connect with teachers and talk about their child’s progress. To feel prepared and take advantage of this opportunity, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Include your child in the conference. Let them know why you’re going to school and ask them if they have any questions for their teacher.
- Write down the questions you’d like to ask the teacher. For example:
- “Can you show/tell us examples of _________________?”
- “At home, how can I reinforce what they’re learning in school?”
- “How can we partner to work together and support my child?”
Want to learn more or have other questions? contact Elizabeth Fujitake.
Social Worker News
School Pictures
If you need assistance with the cost of school pictures, please contact, Josie Gall, Social Worker at 763-506-2369 or josie.gall@ahschools.us
Winter gear
Winter will be here soon! We have winter clothing to give to students. If you are in need of winter gear for your student, please fill out the following form:
¡El invierno está sobre nosotros! Disponemos de ropa de invierno para regalar a los estudiantes. Si necesita equipo de invierno para su estudiante, complete el siguiente formulario:
Sign Up for the Free and Reduced program!
Although all students receive free and reduced lunch, families are still encouraged to sign up for the program! There are many additional benefits to the program including receiving SUN Bucks, a financial food support program. See the flyer for additional information.
You can apply, or reapply, anytime during the school year if your household circumstances change:
- Apply through SchoolCafe - Creating a SchoolCafe account for Parents.
- Pick up an application from the school office or cafeteria.
- Request an application from Child Nutrition at 763-506-1240.
Holiday Gift Help - Christmas Committee
Apply early! Space is limited.
Families can support student success, consider the impact of school attendance
Students need to attend school to achieve in school. Anoka-Hennepin Schools aims to share attendance and resources and tips with families to support student success.
Every day counts: Research shows that missing 10 percent of school negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month! (Attendance Works.) District student services staff and attendance secretaries at each school may reach out to families throughout the school year if your student is at risk of truancy.
Why it matters: The more involved students are in school, the more likely they are to enjoy and want to attend school. Students who attend school 95% of the time are:
More likely to be on track to graduate on time.
Do better in reading and math.
Are less likely to fail a class.
Are more likely to have the credits needed to graduate.
Families can make a difference: We can all work together to support students. Consider how you can help your student attend to achieve!
Teach your child to organize their clothes, lunch and books for school the night before, so they are prepared in the morning.
Encourage your child to participate in before- or after-school activities. Students who are involved at school usually enjoy school more and are more likely to want to attend each day.
Schedule non-emergency health and dental appointments outside of school hours; and schedule vacations for days your children don’t have school.
If you know your child needs to miss school, contact the office as soon as possible to coordinate plans as soon as possible.
Kindness Poster Contest
This year's theme: Believe in Kindness
- Use 11x17 paper from school
- Follow poster directions, must have theme written on it
- Write your name, grade and Eisenhower on the back of your paper
- Posters are due to your teacher by October 23rd
Volunteer
Let’s all thrive together!
Volunteering not only benefits our school but also
offers you the opportunity to connect with other parents, gain new experiences, and make a positive impact on your child's educational journey.
Volunteer Handbook - Safeguard Policy - Chaperone Guidelines
Eisenhower Volunteer Application - Eisenhower Criminal Record -
All Current Volunteer Opportunities
FALL SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR - Do you enjoy helping students reach their reading potential? Being a cashier? Then we have a volunteer opportunity for you. Our Eisenhower PTO is looking for volunteers October 22nd - October 28th to be a cashier at the book fair located in the school gym. You’ll be cashiering and straightening displays as needed. Volunteers are also needed to help with the setup and takedown of the Book Fair. NOTE: Volunteers will receive a $5.00 coupon to use at the Scholastic Book Fair.
HEARING & VISION SCREENING - Mrs. Betts, Nurse and Mrs. Ramirez, Heath Para, are looking for 6 volunteers on November 6th and 13th. Volunteers will be helping with hearing and vision screening or escorting students from the classrooms. Mrs. Betts and Mrs. Ramirez will review the screening with volunteers and will be available for questions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist nurse with the screening of hearing & vision of students
Record information that you observe
Assist other volunteers as needed
Work under the direction of and in cooperation with school nurse
Always treat all situations with confidentiality
Training provided by school nurse
LifeTouch Retake Day - LifeTouch is looking for volunteers for the upcoming picture retake day on Thursday, October 29th. Please bring a snack with you for the day. Volunteers will assist students with fixing their hair and clothing as well as other duties assigned by Lifetouch Photography including walking to classrooms to pick up students for retakes. As in years past all volunteers will receive a code for 50% off a picture package!
Watch Dogs - Is an innovative program being used by schools across America which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father-figures in their student’s life. Our goal is to have you spend a day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears. Watch Dogs will be volunteering at recess, the lunchroom and in gym class. Your Watch Dogs day will start at 10:50 and end around 3:50 pm. After you check in at the main office your day will start in our lunchroom. While in the lunchroom you will be visiting students and helping open lunch items as needed. Next, you will be heading outside to join students at recess. At recess please feel free to visit and play games. Your day will end at Physical Education (PE). Please feel free in joining the class, you never know what fun exercise themed event they will be working on. My favorite is the giant parachute. During the day, if you have any questions, please feel to ask a staff member or stop in the office.
Coffee & Community: Folder Fun! - Want to catch up on school news and connect with other parents over your morning brew? Come help us stuff the weekly "Take Home" folders! It’s a small task that saves our teachers a ton of valuable classroom time, and we’d love to see you there. When: Every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Workroom Volunteer - Are you a master of the copy machine? A laminating legend? Or perhaps a cutting connoisseur? We need YOUR energy in the staff workroom! We are looking for awesome volunteers to help us out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whether you have one hour or two, your help makes a world of difference for our hardworking teachers.
Flexibility is our middle name! Pick any time that fits your schedule between 9:30-noon or 2:00 - 4:00 PM. You'll be helping with copying, laminating, and prepping project materials. Don't worry about the details—staff will provide easy-to-follow request forms, and I (or our friendly office team) will be right there to provide all the training and answers you need!
PTO Planning Committee & Board Members - Are you ready to make some magic happen? We’re looking for enthusiastic chairs and teammates to help us dream up and deliver our favorite family traditions! From the high-energy Hike for IKE and our cozy Bookfairs to the legendary Family Dance, and delicious Food Nights, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. Check out the list below to see where you can jump in and lead the way as a coordinator or board member!
Every Meal Food Distribution Tri 1 - We are looking for volunteers to distribute food for the school's Every Meal program. Every Meal works to fight hunger in our community by filling the gaps in food access that children face during weekends, summers, and extended breaks. Volunteers will be placing food in Students' lockers on Friday mornings from around 10:00-11:00 am.
Thank you and I look forward to working with you here at Eisenhower
Kathrina DeKruyff-Glass – Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC)
Kathrina.dekruyffglass@ahschools.us
763-506-2340
Family Engagement Night
Character Strong
This month's trait is RESPONSIBILITY. Kids are learning to be dependable, make good choices, and take accountability for their actions. Check in with your kids about what they have learned.
Upcoming Events
PTO meeting - October 8
MEA No School - October 15-16
Conferences - October 22 & 26
Bookfair - October 22-28
Kindness Poster Due - October 23
No School - October 26
Picture Retakes - October 29
Skate Fundraiser - October 30
This e-newsletter is published by Eisenhower Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.