Author: Juliana Allen

Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) is looking for community volunteers to help create meaningful learning experiences for students in its capstone classes. Capstone classes are centered on helping students experience what a career in that field might be like. They are a key part of completing one of the high school’s five career-focused pathways, which help students explore their interests and guide them in their course selections. For each of EPHS’s 10 capstone classes, the school is looking for guest instructors, site visits, project partners, mentors, and advisory committee members. Karen Brettingen, industry partnership coordinator for Eden Prairie Schools, said…

Eden Prairie’s beloved therapy dog, Mac, passed away last month while being comforted by his owner and volunteer therapy partner, Sheryl Cater. Volunteering to make a positive difference is something many people do in their spare time, but for Mac, helping others was his life’s calling. EPLN recently shared the story of how Cater, a retired Eden Lake Elementary gifted teacher, volunteers her time to teach students about the sport of dog sled racing. Cater also dedicated many years to volunteering with Mac, her bearded collie and close companion, for over 13 years. For most of that time, Mac was…

Capturing the Lake Conference title for boys swim and dive is no simple feat. But after an undefeated conference season, Eden Prairie High School’s team did just that with their win against St. Michael-Albertville High School (STMA) on Thursday night. Not only is winning this title a big deal amid a challenging field – it’s also the first time the team has been Lake Conference champions since 2016. The Eagles traveled to STMA on Feb. 9 for the final meet of the regular season, besting the Knights 102.5 to 75.5. Although the Eagles were the stronger of the two teams…

Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) Nordic ski team is headed to state after dominating at the Section 2A tournament this week. EP boys were crowned section champions with a score of 375, beating rival Minnetonka High School by 8 points. The girls claimed second with 379 points, 8 points behind Washburn High School. “You know how much work everyone on the team has put in, so to see it pan out for both the girls and the boys teams is just so cool,” said Will Ross, one of the Nordic boys team captains who is also a cross country and…

Do you love watching historical documentaries? Going to museums? Seeing plays? Reading articles, books, or perusing websites to learn about your favorite historical topics? If the answer to any of these is yes, consider volunteering to judge at the National History Day in Minnesota regional contest hosted at Central Middle School (CMS) on Saturday, March 4. Judging History Day is a unique opportunity to get to know students, encourage their learning, explore historical topics and stories, and connect with the Twin Cities’ educational community. National History Day is a program that promotes in-depth research and critical analysis for students in…

The sky’s no longer the limit for Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) students — starting next year, students in all grades can sign up to take new, hands-on classes in the fields of aeronautics and aerospace. These new courses were created to match student learning with a growing industry need for highly trained aviation industry employees, including pilots, aircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians, and air traffic controllers. The courses are part of EPHS’s new Pathways programs, which are suggested progressions reflecting five high-demand career fields. They are geared to provide a focused but flexible framework that guides students as…

Community members are invited to make their voices heard during a series of upcoming strategic planning sessions hosted by Eden Prairie Schools. Billed as “World Cafés,” the events will feature open forums facilitated by EP Schools students and staff. All Eden Prairie community members, including students and their families, are invited to attend and take part in the discussions which will help shape the district’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan. There are four upcoming community World Café sessions; treats and water will be provided. “In the referendum we talked a lot about how strong schools are part of strong communities, and that…

Tensions were running high last Friday even before Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) boys swim and dive team arrived for its meet against Minnetonka High School. There was more at stake than the outcome of just one meet. With both teams undefeated in the Lake Conference — and only one additional dual meet apiece left in the season — the winner of the Feb. 3 match-up would be strongly positioned to clinch the Lake Conference title the following week. The meet started at 5:30 p.m. to loud cheers from the crowd of Minnetonka Skippers home supporters and Eagles visitors. EP…

Two former Eden Lake Elementary teachers are sharing their passion for sled dog racing with elementary school students across the metro area. Longtime friends and colleagues Sheryl Cater and John Clay retired from teaching a couple of years ago. Now, they are volunteering some of their free time to educate children about the sport they love. Last month, as part of a community outreach effort by organizers of the annual Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby, Cater, Clay, and Lakeville-based musher Cheri Beatty visited Excelsior Elementary School. They brought a sled, racing gear, and two Alaskan Huskies from Beatty’s kennel. “The…

Audiences should prepare to be highly entertained by Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) Drama Club’s upcoming performance of “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Shows will be performed at the school’s auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, Friday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, Feb. 4, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Feb. 4. Viewers will be drawn in by the twists and turns of the witty, fast-paced script. All the characters — from leads to dead bodies — are brought to vivid life (or, in some cases, death) by talented student actors who fully commit to their comedic roles. The…