KPF Newsletter 5/20/26
May 20, 2026
Minneapolis - Uppsala Educator Exchange Fundraiser
This year, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Minneapolis - Uppsala Educator Exchange Program! This incredible, unparalleled professional development opportunity allows Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) educators to visit Sweden to engage with international colleagues, school leadership, and city officials to enhance classroom learning. This year we had 18 MPS educators participate from the following sites: Andersen Middle School, Anthony Middle School, Armatage Elementary, Pillsbury Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Kenny Elementary, Lake Harriet Lower & Upper Elementary, Hiawatha Elementary, Keewaydin Elementary, Hall STEM Academy, and the Davis Center.
Because our educators invest their own time and funds to cover airfare and lodging, we are launching a special fundraiser to help make this life-changing experience possible for more of our MPS staff next spring.
How you can help: It’s time for some spring cleaning! We are collecting gently used shoes to raise funds for the program. Every pair you donate helps reduce the costs of travel for an MPS educator.
Get Involved: Clean out your closets: Gather up your gently used shoes that are in good condition.
Donate: Kenny Lobby
Share: Spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors!
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe, and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.
After the Kenny Spring Carnival on May 28, the Kenny neighborhood will fill with the sound of music, from bluegrass, to jazz, to acoustic folk, and more on a dozen local stages! Local musicians will perform acoustic music outdoors at their respective homes, or at neighbors’ porches or yards, while others stroll through the neighborhood enjoying the sounds of their talented neighbors.
Keep an eye out on the Kenny Neighborhood Association's Facebook and Instagram as further details are announced!
Contact Kenny neighbor Sarah Linnes-Robinson at admin@loveyourneighborhoodmpls.org if you have questions regarding this event.
