Crimson Newsletter - August 2023
Greetings, Crimson Families!
If it's August, then the countdown has begun to the start of a new school year!
Things are definitely picking up here at Maple Grove Senior High. Some fall activities have begun captains' practices, while the first practices and tryouts officially begin next Monday, August 14. Many of our office staff have returned and are working hard in preparation for Student Orientation, onboarding of new staff, and the arrival of students.
When your kids arrive to school on Tuesday, September 5, they'll have the finest group of educators ready to welcome and introduce them a new year of learning and growth. They're going to challenge the kids to inquire, to think critically, to collaborate, and to persevere through the ups and downs of a school year – all while providing the necessary support. We are truly fortunate to have such an excellent collection of educators in all roles and positions here at Maple Grove.
Please check out our Crimson Activities webpage for information on everything activities, and also click here for a full list of Crimson student groups, clubs, and fine arts programs. We want students to be involved – it's great to be a Crimson!
A reminder that Student Orientation is on Wednesday, August 23 (see below for more information). We're looking forward to seeing our Crimson Family back in the building.
Until then, we hope you continue to enjoy the summer days with your families, and extend our sincere gratitude to each of your for your partnership and support.
Yours very sincerely,
Bart Becker, Principal
Submit your nominations for the Crimson Activities Hall of Fame!
It's that time of the year to submit nominations for the Crimson Hall of Fame Class of 2023!
Inductees of the Class of 2023 will be honored at halftime of the homecoming football game on Friday, October 6.
Please submit your nominations here. Go Crimson!
- August 14: First Day of Fall Activities
- August 23: Student Orientation
- Grade 9: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (arrive at 7:45 a.m.; enter through the A Doors and proceed down to the cafeteria)
- Grades 10-12: Drop-in basis any time between 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Students will learn about The Crimson Way – Motivation, Gratitude, Scholarship, and Honor;
- Have their school pictures taken (dress sharp!);
- Visit our Activities Fair to learn about the many sports, groups, clubs, or fine arts programs;
- View their tentative Tri I schedules;
- Purchase Activity Passes ($30); and
- Drop off forms, medications and/or diabetic supplies to the Nurse.
- September 5: First Day of School
- September 12: Learning Conferences (families follow their students' schedule and meet teachers from 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.)
- October 2: Homecoming Week
- October 10 and October 17: Tri I Academic Conferences
With the new school year approaching, it's time to fill out an Educational Benefits application for 2023-24. Qualifying households are eligible for a variety of cost-saving opportunities; click here for more information. Depending on income, families who apply may receive free or discounted prices for:
- Field trips
- Clubs, activities and athletics
- Band instruments
- ACT and AP fees
- Home internet rates with certain providers
- Xcel Energy account assistance for electricity bills
Building a Better Future – Phase II, is the second phase in improving our schools as determined through a multi-year research process that involved staff, families and community members. Their work revealed critical safety/security needs, teaching and learning needs, and building space needs with regard to programming and current and predicted population growth. A big thank you goes out to everyone who volunteered countless hours to closely analyzing the needs of all our schools.
Phase II, which in addition to addressing critical school building needs, expands on efforts already made in Phase I and continues strategic plan work. The priorities in this portion of the plan are:
Secure learning environments with enhanced safety.
Spaces for math, science and career programs, specialized learning services and growing student populations.
Access to similar learning experiences at all district schools, including program opportunities, class size levels and the functionality of spaces.
It’s been more than 20 years since the community has been asked to reinvest in school building needs. Voters made their voices heard during Phase I of the Building a Better Future plan – education is a priority to our community. Now, voters can make their voices heard again on November 7, 2023, by considering these school building needs. If the ballot question is approved, the tax increase would be less than $7/month for the average-value home in our district ($300,000).
This final phase of Building a Better Future meets the overall needs of our schools for the foreseeable future – equipping students with what they need to succeed both today and many years to come.
Visit district279.org/BetterFuture for additional details, a look at both phases of Building a Better Future and answers to frequently asked questions.
Graduate Spotlight - Dr. Emily Taras
Crimson Dance honored as the 2023 All-Metro Sports Award Dance Team of the Year
After earning their eighth state championship in program history last February, our Crimson Dance Team was named the 2023 All-Metro Sports Awards Dance Team of the Year by Star Tribune!