HOPKINS

SCHOOL

DISTRICT

Tuesday, March 14

* Hopkins’ Reduce the Use Coalition, in conjunction with Ridgeview Medical Center and Tonka CARES, presents “Rescuing your Teenager from Depression,” featuring Norman T. Berlinger, MD., Ph.D., from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Minnetonka High School Arts Center, 18301 W. Hwy. 7, in Minnetonka.

Depression in teenagers can be deceptive, and can go undiagnosed. Adults often mistake symptoms as typical teen angst, anger or anxiety, or teens may mask symptoms with high-energy activity.

Berlinger initially missed the signs of his own son’s depression. He said that by combining parental love with his scientific skills, he developed a set of techniques to lead his son out of depression.

In this seminar, he will share 10 parental partnering strategies, including unmasking hidden depression, sharing the care with professionals, making your home a healing place and reducing the risk of recurrence. Berlinger is a bioethicist and a pathologist, following a distinguished career as a surgeon.

There is no fee for the session, but pre-registration is required. Call 952-988-4073 or 952-401-6812 to register.

MINNETONKA

SCHOOL

DISTRICT

Begins March 9

* Minnetonka elementary schools are holding creative fund-raisers to benefit the ICA Food Shelf.

From 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, Minnewashta Elementary, located at 26350 Smithtown Road, in Excelsior, will hold its fifth-annual Full Bowl Project. Sculpted and glazed ceramic bowls created by fifth graders will be up for sale, as will creations by fourth graders, who used polymer clay and sculpted it around household metal spoons. Minnewashta staff and community artists will also donate bowls and spoons for a silent auction throughout the evening. Local businesses will donate soup and rolls.

From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, Clear Springs Elementary, 5701 County Road 101, will hold its third-annual Full Bowl dinner. Fourth graders are making bowls for auction. Great Harvest Bread will contribute rolls, and parents are donating the soup and supplies.

From 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, Scenic Heights Elementary, 5650 Scenic Heights Drive, will hold its fourth annual Full Bowls Spaghetti Dinner. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for kids and seniors, (suggested donation) are available at school offices or at the door. Student-created bowls will be for sale. There will also be a school-wide display of student art.

WESTONKA

SCHOOL

DISTRICT

March 9-10

* Parents and children eligible to attend kindergarten in Fall 2006 are invited to attend either of two Kindergarten Round-Up sessions sponsored by the Westonka School District. The evening session will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at both Shirley Hills Primary and Hilltop Primary School. The morning session will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, March 10, at Shirley Hills Primary, and from 9:30-11 a.m. at Hilltop Primary School.

Principals, teachers and other staff will discuss kindergarten options (including half-day and all day, every day), curriculum and testing, health, transportation, special services and parent volunteer opportunities. Children may play in the kindergarten room, enjoy refreshments with teachers and new friends and take a short school bus ride with their parents.

Free child care is available during Kindergarten Round-Up for children ages 3 and older (children younger than 3 may attend a Round-up session with their parent). Register in advance by calling 952-491-8046.

Families considering open enrolling their kindergartner are invited to attend, as well. People considering open enrollment may also arrange private tours by calling either school.

Parents who cannot attend Kindergarten Round-Up are requested to call their child’s primary school to request registration information.

For more information about Kindergarten Round-Up, or to request registration materials or tours, call either of Westonka’s primary schools – Hilltop at 952-491-8509, or Shirley Hills at 952-491-8409.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Begins March 14

* Redeemer Lutheran School, 115 W. Wayzata Blvd., in Wayzata, is announcing a series of “Terrific Tuesdays” on March 14, 21 and 28. Prospective families and students are invited to come to Redeemer, visit classes, and experience what Redeemer has to offer those families and students both in the preschool and grades K-8.

Redeemer Lutheran School is operated by Redeemer Lutheran Church and is located at the intersection of Ferndale Road N. and W. Wayzata Blvd. For more information or to schedule a visit for one of the “Terrific Tuesdays,” contact the Education Office at 952-473-5356.

Saturday, March 18

* Step By Step Montessori is holding an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children can enjoy face painting, refreshments and arts and crafts projects while parents tour the facility, meet staff and learn about Montessori. Step By Step provides care to children from 6 weeks to 8 years of age and offer full-time and part-time care. For more information, call 763-557-6777.

Sunday, March 19

* West Lutheran High School, 3350 Harbor Lane in Plymouth, is hosting an open house for all interested families who have students who will soon enter ninth through 12th grades. The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. Families may tour the school, receive information about curriculum and extra-curricular activities, and talk to faculty and staff. Registrations are being accepted at all grade levels. For more information, contact the school at 763-509-9378.