South school briefs: Burnsville coffee fundraiser spreads cheer

As part of a class project, two Burnsville High School students collaborated with a local coffee shop, JoJo's Rise and Wine, to create a new mocha drink that is raising money for the #BurnsvilleStrong campaign. Bailey Kump and Emma Toomire, who are enrolled in a marketing class, came up with a drink called "DECA the halls," which incorporates peppermint candy cane sprinkles. When customers buy the drink, $1 is donated to #BurnsvilleStrong, which was launched to commemorate nine Burnsville High School graduates who have died recently. "DECA the halls" is available through Dec. 30.

The students also created a marketing plan to promote the drink as part of teacher Meggan Malone's class. In the past, Malone has had students create and market specialized burgers at Burger Jones as well as working with other local companies such as Mozza Mia, Aspire Beverages, Junior's Sports Cafe and Venue 13. Malone is also the school's adviser for DECA, a business and marketing club for high school students.

Ten elementary schools in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district will hold kindergarten information nights during January, aimed at parents and guardians of kids starting kindergarten in the fall of 2015. Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to start kindergarten. The events are a chance to meet teachers and the principal and learn about curriculum and other programs. Here's the schedule:

• William Byrne Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 6

• Edward Neill Elementary — 6 p.m. on Jan. 13

• Harriet Bishop Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 15

• Sioux Trail Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 20

• Rahn Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 20

• Sky Oaks Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 21

• Vista View Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 22

• Gideon Pond Elementary — 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27

• Marion W. Savage Elementary — 6 p.m. on Jan. 29

Parents can learn which attendance areas they live in by using the District 191 SchoolFinder online at www.isd191.org/schoolfinder.

SAGE Academy, the Prior Lake-Savage district's full-day gifted program for students in grades 3 through 5, will be holding a parent and guardian information night at 6:30 Jan. 12 at WestWood Elementary (5370 Westwood Dr. SE, Prior Lake). The program is open to students who qualify and who live within district boundaries and those who may open-enroll. Call 952-226-0400 with any questions.

Kindergarten registration for South St. Paul schools will be held on Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Kaposia Education Center (1225 First Av. S.) and at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Center Elementary (357 Ninth Av. N.).

Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to start kindergarten.

Visit the transportation page at www.sspps.org or call 651-457-9470 to determine if your child lives within the Lincoln Center Elementary or Kaposia Education Center attendance boundaries.

He was hired as a South St. Paul secondary math teacher in 2001, but left to pursue a graduate degree. He has also worked as an assistant professor at Bemidji State University and in Edina as a data coach and director of research and evaluation.

He holds a bachelor's degree in math education from Bemidji State and a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Schmidt lives in South St. Paul with his wife and three kids. He will begin his new role on Jan. 1.