WIldwood eNews September 25, 2025

Past issues of the eNews are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/enews

important dates mahtomedi public schools

Upcoming Events

September 26: Fun Run @ OHA 9 am - 2 pm Volunteer Sign Up Click Here
October 2: Zephyr Get Together (4:30-7 pm) at Pine Tree Apple Orchard
October 3: Free Childcare for Early Voting (3-5 pm)
October 8: PTO Meeting @ OHA 7 pm
October 9: Wildwood Picture Retake Day
October 14: Kdgn Field Trips to Pine Tree Apple Orchard
October 14-24: OHA Bookfair
October 16 & 17: Prof. Conferences/Fall Break-No School
October 20: Teacher Professional Day- No School
October 20: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4-8 pm
October 21: Parent/Teacher Conferences 8 am-4 pm-No School
October 23: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4-8 pm
October 23: Spirit Wear @ WW and OHA Volunteer Sign Up Click Here
October 23: Hospitality Teacher Buffet Volunteer Sign Up Click Here

This Issue's Top Highlights

KNOW

Wildwood picture retake day is coming. It is scheduled for October 9th.

DO

Please look below to sign up for Parent/Teacher Conferences. This is an important time to connect with your child's school and teacher.

Early Voting is now available. Free childcare is available on October 3. Click here to Learn More.

Principal's Spotlight on Learning

Each month, Principal Scott Briske spotlights learning happening at our school. This month, the Principal's Spotlight focuses on Community & Partnership.

I want to highlight our community partner, the Mahtomedi PTO. The MPTO's efforts are a testament to their commitment to Wildwood's students. Their calendar is packed with a variety of school events that bring everyone together from the energetic Fun Run and Family Fun Nights to the academic Book Fair and Spirit Wear Sales.

Fundraising is a major part of the MPTO's mission, and the Fun Run and Spring Fling are their biggest events of the year. These annual fundraisers, supported by community sponsors, allow the PTO to generate significant funds. Throughout the year, there are also smaller opportunities for the community to contribute, all of which support the organization's work.

These funds are put to excellent use, contributing to essential upgrades at the school. Thanks to the MPTO, students at Wildwood can enjoy state-of-the-art technology like the Lu Interactive Playground, as well as new books and wobble stools. The MPTO has even provided adaptive indoor climbing wall play equipment, ensuring that all students have access to fun and engaging physical activities.

The MPTO also plays a vital role in enhancing the learning experience through field trips. By providing $6,000 for field trips each year, the MPTO allows students to go on unique learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These trips offer hands-on, real-world encounters that enrich their education.

Beyond the students, the MPTO shows its appreciation for the dedicated teachers and staff. They provide meals and snacks for teachers during long days, and host Thankful Thursday monthly treats. The MPTO also organizes events to observe Teacher Appreciation Week, which is a time to acknowledge and express gratitude for the hard work and dedication of Wildwood's educators and staff.

Thank you, MPTO, for all of your hard work and support!

School News

What is on the Referendum Ballot for Mahtomedi Public Schools?

Mahtomedi Public Schools will hold a two-question referendum on November 4 - one for operating revenue and one for facility improvements. Voters will consider two ballot questions:

Question 1 is an operating levy that would provide $575 per student to maintain class sizes, preserve academic programs, and support long-term financial stability.
Question 2 is a $28 million bond for district-wide safety, security, and infrastructure improvements, modern learning spaces, ADA-compliant fine arts updates, and athletic upgrades. The passage of Question 2 is dependent on the approval of Question 1.

To learn more about the referendum, visit our referendum web page at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/elections

Wildwood Conferences

Fall conference time for Wildwood Elementary is approaching. We will be holding conferences on the following dates:

Oct 20th (4 PM-8 PM)
Oct 21st (8 AM-4 PM)
Oct 23rd (4 PM-8 PM)

We will be using our conference scheduling system, PTCFast to facilitate appointments.

To schedule an appointment, please use the following link to create your WW account. When completing the registration process, please be sure to include the phone number that you would like us to contact you if we need to get a hold of you during conferences.

Choose the teacher(s) you want to meet with, click submit, complete the sign-up form and submit. You will need to repeat this process for each student you are requesting a conference for. After completing the registration process, you will see the following message:

"Thank you for registering. Please check your email at the address you provided. You will find an email with the subject header "Select Date/Time for Teacher Conference Now". Just press the link in the email and you will be able to pick a time slot for the conference."

Note: Email sometimes does not get delivered immediately, please allow up to 15 minutes. You might also check your Spam folder.

Use the link in the email you receive and simply choose the time for your conference meeting.

At the bottom of the form, you can choose to register for additional classes if you will be meeting with more than one teacher, or you can confirm and exit. Scheduling of conferences will open today and close one day prior to the scheduled conference day.

You will receive a confirmation via email of record to let you know that the appointment was scheduled. If you have any issues or questions, please contact Nanette Chow at the Wildwood office at 651-407-2102, nanette.chow@isd832.net, for support.

Our staff looks forward to connecting with you.

Wildwood-Art Adventure-Winter

Art Adventure is an enrichment program for schools offered through the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). For one session per week during a three week period in January, “Picture Person” and Classroom Assistant parent volunteers will present artworks in First and Second grade classrooms paired with a small art project. Wildwood's 2026 theme is Let's Celebrate Life. Learn More about Art Adventure

We will be needing one Picture Person and one Classroom Assistant per classroom. Volunteers must have the required background check completed every school year. View Open Volunteer Slots for Wildwood on SignUpGenius

Questions?

Wildwood Art Adventure Contact

Around the School

Wildwood Fun Run

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Fun Run at Wildwood a success! While it was held in the gym this year, the students had fun! So many smiles and giggles!

STEM Observations

Students have been using their senses to make observations in the outdoor classroom during STEM. We have heard birds, seen wooly caterpillars, and touched slimy worms! Thank you to a local Scout troop that helped pull weeds to keep our outdoor classroom clean!

Second Graders in Media Class

Our second graders are reading passages while doing book “scoot” to determine if
the passage is fiction or non fiction.

Kindergarteners in Media Class

Our kindergarteners are learning about fiction and non fiction books by comparing
two books about the same topic.

Get Involved

Calling All Card Sharks and Strategy Game Enthusiasts!

Sign-ups are officially OPEN for Card Sharks/Strategy Games, and we can’t wait to see kids dive into the fun! This is a great opportunity for students to learn new games, build problem-solving skills, and bond with friends.

Here’s what you need to know:
Spots fill up quickly, so don’t wait!
Volunteers needed! As a bonus, if you volunteer, your child automatically gets a spot.

Find all the details and sign-up information here:https://mahtomedipto.com/enrichment

Let’s make this an unforgettable experience for everyone involved! Who’s ready to shuffle the deck and strategize?