Welcome to the 2022/2023 Community Connections Preview!
Thank you very much to all of the parents and families who have volunteered to host events so far! We would love to see many, many more fun gatherings submitted before our October 28 deadline! Last year we had around 70 events, let's see if we can have even more this year!!
Here are the groups that don't have a party specifically for them:
Kindergarten girls
grades 7 and up
If you think that you might be able to pull together an event, you can submit your event here. Even if the event isn't listed as needed above, it would be great to have at least 4 events for each group in each grade, so don't hold back! Ideas for Community Connections can be found on this page. Consider hosting a CC with multiple hosts to split the costs associated with the party! Thanks for considering and if you have any questions please reach out to Berit Allar.
All GRADES events & PARTIES
2022 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot!
Back by popular demand - the second annual #MerciMile Turkey Trot at Rosland Park. If you'll be in town for Thanksgiving, mark your calendars and join in for the second annual turkey day community building event and Normandale fundraiser. What better way to work up an appetite while also giving back to the school? The 1.1-mile event is family friendly, casual with no timed races, and turkey themed attire is encouraged! For returning veterans, statistical analysis audited by KPMG at the request of event hosts indicates a very high likelihood of warmer weather than in 2021! Details to follow. Hosted by Anna Sabiston, Brooke Anthony, and Rachel Root
Parents Ice Dipping in Lake Harriet
Intrigued by cold water submersion but don't know where to start? Are you an old pro? Join us for a guided winter dip into the cold waters of the "Harriet Magic Hole!" All are welcome!
We will provide a suggested packing/prep list, guidance at the hole, and loads of coffee & treats! Buy now and build courage later!
Hosted by Sheri Rosen and Natalie McMonagle.
Parents Prepare for Summer with a Cocktail Class
Back for a second year after a raving success in 2022! Join us around our kitchen island while we learn from a top twin cities cocktail mixologist how to up our summer cocktail game while enjoying light, summer-inspired pairings prepared by a local chef. Last year we had blind gin testing and vacuum compressed watermelon... come see what surprises our chef and mixologist have in store this year!
Hosted by the Olfelt Family
Breads & Spreads
You knead this class! Come learn to make beautiful breads (challah & focaccia) and classic spreads (hummus, bruschetta & olive tapenade). We’ll enjoy mimosas as we create and you’ll go home with loads of delicious goodies and recipes!
We will host one session for Normandale parents and one session for Extended French parents!
Hosted by Sheri Rosen and Adrienne Berman
Pack food at Feed My Starving Children
Come hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then shipped to organizations serving the neediest children around the world. You’ll get the chance to impact hundreds of kids in just a two hour packing shift! This is a whole-family event; parent(s) must participate with children. Kids ages 5 and up welcome and encouraged!
Hosted by the Olfelt and Trailer Families.
Parents - Murder in Margaritaland
Somewhere in the tropics between the Port of Confusion and Bay of Disarray, you’ll find that murder meets mayhem and the intrigue begins! While most vacation at Margaritaland, an exclusive tropical resort, to get away from their troubles, for one unfortunate soul, it will mean the end of their travels altogether. The night itself will be a clever concoction of chaos, crime, and cocktails in the Caribbean.
Hosted by The Allar Family, The Heinz Family, and The Glynn Family
Adult game night
Get ready for an evening of classic adult games- beer pong, flip cup, etc. open bar and tasty treats included. Kristoff the magician is scheduled to return to round out a magical night!
Hosted by Laura and Joe Heinmiller
Laundry Camp with HGTV's "The Laundry Guy" Patric Richards!
Learn the secrets to flawless laundry and never need a dry cleaner again! HGTV star and best-selling Laundry Love
author Patric Richards invites you to bring to our private class your most challenging stain and discover his miracle remedies to save your garments (including the vodka trick Kelly Ripa swears by!). All laundry levels welcome from first timers to past participants! Beverages & Appetizers will be served and laundry camp swag for all participants.
Hosted by Rebecca Sorensen & Jen Cook
Moms zumba dance party
Please come join us for a Zumba class taught by an amazing YMCA instructor. Coordination not required, it's all about fun! Class will be followed with wine and snacks. A big thanks to Platinum Dance Center for the use of their space.
Hosted by Molly Mammen Heinz, Anna Connelly, Gina Lamancusa, LIndsay Sexton, and Mandee Page
Parents Stitch and Brunch
Are you a knitter? Are you knit-curious? Or did you start something a long time ago and then get stuck? Do you cross-stitch or crochet or needlepoint? Join us for a crafty coffee time! We are knitters, but all handcrafts are welcome. You can come with a new project, a half-finished project, an almost-started project, or even just your curiosity. We will provide coffee and tea, brunch-related edibles, knit assistance, tips and tricks, basic rescues, and moral support. Participants provide their own project materials. If you would like to select a new knitting project prior to the event, we are happy to offer guidance and can get you a discount on a new project from our local yarn shop, Harriet & Alice.
Hosted by Sloane LaCasse and Megan Knudson
Parents International Wine and Pastries
Join us for a fun night of making Brazilian pastries and sampling delicious delicacies from Brazil. All while enjoying all the wines that are paired with them!
Hosted by Andreza Derevyanko and Tanya Rogers
MULTI-GRADE PARTIES
Kindergarten and first grade Magic Revealed
Enjoy 1.5 hours of magic fun. Jeff Johnson, Normandale dad and magician will be performing a small show and then sharing some fun tips and tricks for the aspirating magicians in K & 1st grade. Be amazed, come home with a goody bag full of your own tricks!
Hosted by the Johnson family.
Kindergarten, First, Second, and fourth Grade Family Skate Night Under the Lights
Join us at Arden Park for a fun night of skating under the lights with hot chocolate, beverages and pizza!
Hosted by the Fulmer, Panetta, Seaman, and Yurecko families.
Sixth and Seventh Grade Boys Pick-Up Soccer
Meet for a fun hour and a half of soccer with your pals at 1st Athlete in Edina. Pizza and Gatorade will be provided!
Hosted by Anna Hernandez and Tricia London
Fourth, Sixth, and High School Parents St Croix River Boat Day
Join us for a fun day of cocktails while cruising the St. Croix! Come aboard a 40 ft Formula SS fully equipt with a kitchen, salon, and full bathroom. So many options for the day - we can stop for a swim, walk some gorgeous beaches, or stop for lunch at a city of your choice including Stillwater, Hudson, or Prescott. End of July or early August - exact date TBD by guests and weather.
Hosted by Tanya and Brent Rogers
Kindergarten PARTIES
Kindergarten Girls Valentine's Day Cupcake-Decorating & Karaoke Party
We're getting the girls together to celebrate "Gal"entine's Day with a cupcake decorating party. No baking involved! Cupcakes will be pre-made, and there will be plenty of icing colors and fun toppings to choose from--everything needed to make over-the-top cupcakes. We'll then ride the sugar high into a karaoke / dance party. All the cupcake fixings, plus a snack and drink, will be provided. Each girl will bring home cupcakes and a few other goodies to share with their family.
Hosted by Laura and Cory Lukens
Winter Adventure for Kindergarten Boys
Calling all nature-loving Kindergarten boys! Join us at Richardson Nature Center for a naturalist-led winter adventure, followed by s'mores at the fire pit. There is also a sledding hill and snowshoe/kicksled rentals for those who would like to make it a full afternoon activity. Parents, we ask you please accompany your child and take the opportunity to get to know other Kindergarten parents!
Hosted by the Reichenbach family.
kindergarten moms Lebanese cooking class
Teach moms how to cook a 3 course Lebanese meal; fattoush salad, falafel and baklava. And of course enjoy eating it together.
Hosted by Mayssa Farah
First grade parties
First Grade Jiu Jitsu Class
Boys and girls welcome!! Join us for an hour-long class where your 1st grader will learn self defense, build discipline & confidence while having fun. Pizza and drinks will be provided after the class.
Hosted by Kari and Kai Thomsen and Julianna and Roman Panetta
First Grade Sledding Party
Join us for a backyard sledding party at the Priem house, complete with hot chocolate and s'mores! All family members are welcome. BYOS (bring your own sleds, but we'll have some extras).
Hosted by Hattie and Dave Priem and Marit and Tim Oberle
FIRST Grade ice skating party
Come enjoy an evening with some of your fellow Edina hockey player classmates on the ice at the Eden Prairie community center. You are welcome to drop off your child as there will be plenty of parents watching the kids on the ice. (You're also welcome to stay!) We'll be skating from 5-6pm and have the party room available from 5-7pm. After skating we'll be serving food and beverages to feed all the hungry kiddos Bring your own skating and hockey gear if you have it! Helmets are strongly encouraged.
Hosted by Lindsay Melander, Angela Holland, Jacqui Hartung, Jen Reiner, Maggie Arnold, Selma Carlson, Alissa Figarella, Kimmy Olson
First Grade Boys Outdoor adventure
Come to the Richardson Nature Center for an afternoon of outdoor fun with other first grade boys! Spend the first hour with one of the naturalists on staff and the second hour around the campfire making tasty treats. You will have the option to drop off your child for the time period or spend time around the campfire with other parents.
Hosted by Anna Sanberg, Cynthia Vessey, and Noelle Johnson
First Grade Girls Gingerbread House Decorating
Kick off the holiday season with decorating Gingerbread houses ! Drop your 1st grader off for a few hours and have them enjoy pizza, decorating, and holiday games! They will come
Home with a gingerbread house to enjoy as a centerpiece or to share with the family!
Hosted by The Johnson Family, The Rogers Family, & The Farmer Family
First Grade Girls Painting Party
Come ready to paint with your first grade friends. Dress for a mess! We'll offer a potato print project, along with some time to be creative amongst friends and enjoy a fun treat.
Hosted by Marit Oberle and Anne Johnson
First Grade Girls Skating Party at Xcel Energy Center
Join the Sells, Sertich and Anderson families along with other first grade girls and their families for a fun skating party on the home ice of the Minnesota Wild.
First Grade Dads American Whiskey - Bourbon and Rye
An evening tasting American whiskeys - we'll sample Kentucky's finest bourbon and rye, and maybe venture afield to neighboring states as well. We'll plan to sample four whiskeys, discuss what makes bourbon different from Scotch and other whiskies of the world, and explore the difference between whiskies made with corn, wheat and rye. Tasting note sheets will be provided if you wish to record your impressions, and the evening may conclude with special appearance of some harder-to-find brown liquors or ones from overseas. Whiskey and robust snacks provided.
Hosted by the Searle and Vessey familes
First grade moms night
Come out of the cold to meet other 1st grade moms for good wine, heavy appetizers, and great conversation. Cheers to that!
Hosted by Alison Olfelt, Valerie Dorman, Noor Lamba, Selma Carlson, Kelly Rogers, Annie Sirkin, Alisa Emilija
Second grade parties
2nd Grade Boys Flag Football Game
Join 2nd grade dads, Patrick Mulvehill and Garret Grev for a pick-up flag football game for 2nd grade boys. We'll have 20-30 minutes of practicing and scrimmaging, followed by a game. We'll have snacks/beverages at the end! Parents invited to drop off or stay to watch the action! A guaranteed afternoon of fun.
2nd Grade Boys Bowling Party
Join a group of 2nd grade boys at Tuttle's bowling alley in Hopkins on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Party will include one hour of bowling and one hour of pizza and arcade games.
Hosted by Molly Mammen Heinz, Betsy Mulvehill, Annie Kragness, Tisha Backer, Katie Glaser, Jenna Farrell, Kruti Shukla and Ali Anderson Thang
Second grade girls sledding party
Meet at the Bermans house for an awesome afternoon of sledding, hot cocoa and snack!
Hosted by the Berman, Dunning, Movern & Olson Families
Second Grade Mother/Daughter Rock Climbing
Join other second grade moms and their daughters for a fun rock climbing adventure! We will spend the morning climbing at Vertical Endeavors Minneapolis. Purchase ONE ticket for the pair. Each ticket includes climbing time, a climbing harness, and belayers from the gym. We will provide some light snacks.
Hosted by Katie Hall, Angie Kim, Jasmine Foo, and Sarah Castenada
Second grade parents French Alps Raclette Dinner Party
Come enjoy a typical French winter dinner!
We'll have a full course meal centered on a Raclette dish paired with French Savoy wine.
Who's craving melted raclette cheese and cured meats served with potatoes?
Hosted by Marion and Khai Le Binh
Second Grade Dads' World Whisky Tasting
An evening tasting whisk(e)ys from around the world. Maybe you know bourbon, or Scotch, but did you know there's a whole world distilling grain into a delicious drink? Want to try spirits from countries like Japan, India, Ireland and, of course, Scotland? Curious why the parentheses around the "e" in the first sentence? We'll plan to sample four and discuss what makes them the same and different and what that says about the countries they come from. Tasting note sheets will be provided if you wish to record your impressions, and the evening may conclude with special appearance of other spirits from around the world and closer to home. Whisky and robust snacks provided.
Hosted by the Leder and Vessey familes
second grade Moms - Hosted Bar After Barre...Method, that is!
Workout some of the stresses of the day with some of your other second-grade moms in a Barre session at Bar Method Edina. Then stick around for wine, cocktails and light bites after! It will be sure to leave you warm and smiling on a cold January winter night!
Hosted by KT Anderson
THIRD Grade PARTIES
Third Grade Girls Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Celebrate the holidays with your 3rd grade friends! Create gingerbread houses and decorate Christmas cookies while enjoying hot chocolate and sweet treats together.
Hosted by Alison Olfelt and Susan Frey.
Third Grade Girls Blanket-Tying: Charitable Event
Does your third grade daughter love helping others? Would she enjoy making fleece tie blankets that will be given to hospitalized children to spread kindness and help bring them comfort? If so, this is an event for her!
Send your daughter to the Lovaas residence on a nice, spring day. Harley, the therapy dog who has visited some of the third grade classes at school, will be there to “help”. We will spend time outdoors, teaming up to tie fleece blankets for kiddos who are admitted at Children’s Minnesota. Music, games, snacks, and lots of good energy that comes from helping others will be part of the fun as well!
Hosted by Julie Lovaas, Sheri Rosen, and Kate Parramon
THIRD Grade Boys Tactical Urban Combat Nerf Games
Join other third grade boys for 1 hour playing multiple different nerf games in Minnesota's largest indoor nerf area at Tactical Urban Combat in the Eden Prairie Mall! Kids will enjoy games like capture the flag while going through obstacles including buildings, barrels, tires, and crates. All equipment and eye safety protection is provided in the session, you just need to show up ready to play! Moms and Dads have a full 60 minutes to get lost shopping in Scheels or grab a quiet cup of coffee in Barnes & Noble while your boys yell, scream, and burn off some energy!
Hosted by the Zimmerman family, Jeff & Ashley Johnson Family ,and Joe & Katrina Rueter Family
THIRD Grade Boys Winter Get-Together
Join us for a 3rd grade boys winter get together! These little men will have a chance to burn their energy sledding on the hills of Arneson Acres Park with their buddies. We will have hot cocoa bar, a popcorn machine and snacks. We will also have a movie playing inside the Terrace Room for those kids that need to take a break from sledding to warm up a bit!
Hosted by the Widmoyer, De La Mater Family, Melang Family, and the Clifford Family.
Third Grade Moms Wine Night
Get together with fellow 3rd grade moms to chat over wine. Light appetizers/snacks will be served. Hope to see you there!
Hosted by Berit Allar, Darrah Widmoyer, and Emily Reichenbach.
third grade mamas and mai tais
Join fellow Normandale mamas for an evening of Hawaiian munchies and mason jar Mai Tai drinks, along with the opportunity to learn the relaxing art of making Hawaiian ribbon leis. Instruction and all supplies will be provided. Just bring yourself and the spirit of aloha!
Hosted by Julie Lovaas.
third grade parents Raclette and Pierrade night
A raclette and pierrade night just like you are in the Alps.
Menu starts with homemade onion soup followed by a salad, french baguette and charcuterie. Then enjoy grilling some vegetables and tenderloin meat slices while melting the famous raclette cheese. Finish up with a delicious homemade chocolate lava cake and vanilla ice cream. Red and white wine will be served.
Hosted by Khalil and Mayssa Farah.
Fourth Grade PARTIES
Fourth Grade Winter Break Hockey Party
Join fellow fourth graders (boys and girls welcome!) for a skating/hockey party the afternoon of December 31st at Pamela Park Ice Rink and Pond. Adult Supervision, Pond Hockey, Snacks, Treats and Hot Chocolate provided!
Hosted by Aaron and Angie Lapensky
Fourth grade boys Top Gun: Maverick pizza and movie night
Join the 4th grade boys for pizza and a showing of Top Gun: Maverick (along with all you can eat homemade popcorn and candy!) in a home theater experience.
Hosted by Jenna and David Estlick
Fourth Grade Boys, Barre & Bubbles
Calling all 4th grade moms and boys! Join us at Lifetime Southdale for a barre class with bubbles to follow while the boys play games in the gym! We get a workout and girl time while the boys get to play with their friends! Win win!
Hosted by Erin Schultz, Kayla Schwein, Sarah Johnson, and Alyssa Thomas
Fourth Grade Mother/Daughter Holiday Floral/Craft
Mothers and 4th Grade Girls! Please join us for some Holiday Crafting fun! We will be creating simple floral arrangements and decorating ornaments together.
Enjoy light appetizers, sweet holiday treats, and wine/champagne for the Moms:) We hope you can join us.
Hosted by Molly Borg, Tisha Backer, and Betsy Mulvehill
fifth Grade PARTIES
Schools Out: FIFTH Grade Party at SkyZone!
Get a "jump" on fun for your 5th graders! School is out on Friday, March 10th, so join us at SkyZone Edina for fun, pizza and cupcakes.
Hosted by Molly Schmidt and Rebecca Sorenson
Fifth Grade Boys Tubing at Theodore Wirth
If you are a 5th grade boy, join us for some thrilling tubing times at Theo Wirth Tubing Hill. We'll have snacks and hot drinks too.
Hosted by Bill and Michelle Moser
5th Grade Father/Son Flag Football Game
Celebrate warmer weather and the end of another great school year with a Father/Son flag football game at Pamela Park! You bring the energy, we will bring the snacks.
Hosted by The Reichenbach Family
Fifth Grade Girls Mother/Daughter Yoga
Start the New Year feeling ZEN and Connected with Mother Daughter Yoga on 1/8 at SWEAT Fitness Studio (former Physical Culture space). The SWEAT instructors will lead us in a basic and introductory level yoga that will leave everyone feeling their best!
Hosted by Krissy Schneider
Fifth Grade Girls Conquer Ninja Warrior
Get together with other 5th grade girls to beat the obstacle course at Conquer Ninja Warrior! Memories will be made and fun will be had!
Hosted by Beth and Spencer Kehoe
Fifth Grade Girls Dance Class
Fitness Dance Class at SWEAT Fitness Studio (former Physical Culture studio)! We will choreograph and learn the dance in the hour - the most fun way to move! NO DANCE EXPERIENCE Required - just bring a fun attitude and comfortable clothes and get ready to get your groove on!
Hosted by Krissy Schneider
FIFTH Grade Parents the grape gathering
Please join us for a 5th grade parent's night out of French wine tasting. We will explore wine from different French regions, indulge in heavy appetizers and share stories about our children's Normandale experience.
Hosted by Mark and Tamara Reilly and Wade and Gretchen Kram.
Sixth grade parties
Sixth Grade Cooking Event at the Way Cool Cooking School
Join us at the Way Cool Cooking School in Eden Prairie over Winter Break for some serious fun and hand on food creation! Cooking Class Theme will be geared towards Tweens and may be French Cooking or Holiday Treat Decorating. Exact date over Winter Break TBD. Attendees will get to enjoy their creations as well at the end of class!
Hosted by Angie Lapensky
Sixth grade boys kickball party
Meet for a fun afternoon of kickball in the park. We'll provide pizza lunch, snacks, and gatorade too!
Hosted by Sheri Rosen & Jeremie Kass, Adrienne & Efrem Berman, Marina & Joe Levine
Sixth Grade Girls Mother-Daughter Skincare and Makeup Tutorial
Join us to learn about clean skincare and makeup with Alyssa Thomas (Beautycounter) and Ingrid Kent (Haven Beauty). They'll be showing us mamas how to achieve the perfect smoky eye for that special night out. Plus, as our daughters start to dabble in makeup (in many cases for the first time), they'll be teaching them all about the importance of taking great care of our skin first and foremost, as well as the concept of 'less is more' when it comes to makeup at the younger ages. Sparkling juice for the younger set, Champagne for the ladies and snacks for all!
Hosted by Sarah Johnson, Anna Hernandez, and Stephanie Pierce
sixth grade parents Southern dinner
Enjoy a Southern BBQ dinner with us. We will serve brisket with southern side dishes (Mac and cheese, corn bread, cinnamon apples and more)
Hosted by Marcela Palavecino and Jason Brown