West school briefs: Truth-in-taxation public hearing slated

Eden Prairie Schools' truth-in-taxation public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 in the Administrative Services Center Board Room, 8100 School Rd.

Truth in Taxation is a process the Legislature enacted in 1988 to enhance public participation in Minnesota's property tax system. As part of this process, property tax statements are mailed by Hennepin County to Eden Prairie property owners in mid-November. These statements indicate the proposed amount of property taxes an owner will be required to pay, and when public hearings will be held.

The proposed property tax statements do not include the successful November school district referendum.

Eden Prairie High School's Term 2 conferences will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 in the south commons of the school, 17185 Valley View Rd.

All households will receive an explanation of the process during the second week of the term. There is also a video tutorial, copy of the information letter, and link to the online site found on the high school website at http://ephs.edenpr.org/.

Households without access to a computer can contact the high school at 952-975-8000.

New this year, the Parent Teacher Organization in conjunction with EPHS staff will present an academic showcase during conferences. Parents are invited to stop by the north hallway (near the auditorium doors) to visit with students as they display examples of how and what they learn in a cross section of EPHS classes.

It will run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the store's Ridge Haven location, 13131 Ridgedale Dr. A percentage of the day's sales will be donated to the schools to help them buy books.

To participate, present a coupon upon checking out. It can be downloaded at either schools' website. You also can go to www.BN.com/bookfairs, using the ID 11471109 at checkout. The online sale is open from Dec. 6-11.

Children can enjoy stories while parents learn about Minnetonka's kindergarten program at upcoming informational sessions.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, programs will be held at 9 a.m. at Deephaven Elementary, at 9:30 a.m. at Excelsior Elementary School and at 10 a.m. at Clear Springs, Groveland and Minnewashta schools. At 9 a.m. Dec. 16, Scenic Heights Elementary will host a session.

Parents can learn about kindergarten as well as other district options, including its English program, Chinese and Spanish immersion programs, as well as Ready Start K program designed for 5-year-olds with summer birthdays.

Blue Water Theatre Company of Wayzata will present "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins at 7 p.m. Dec. 4-6. Tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for students. They're available at www.bluewatertheatre.com, or at the door.

The cast is made up of 53 students in grades 6-12 from 15 west metro area schools.