Brandon Colpitts lives in Lowry Hill. He’s mostly known as Elyse’s husband. Sadie Rubin lives in East Isles. You’ve probably seen her on her bike.
"To be a great city with real public safety, we must have great public schools."
This holiday season, with the barrage of bad news, here’s some good news: you can actually do something that makes a difference, right here in our neighborhood.
And before you scroll past thinking, “Kenwood Elementary? They’re fine!,” let’s clear something up: looks can be deceiving.
Behind the lake views and historic houses are classrooms full of kids whose families work multiple jobs and rely on the school for far more than reading and math.
Looking to support immigrant families?
At Kenwood Elementary, families speak more than 20 different languages.
Hoping to help address food insecurity?
More than half of Kenwood students live in low-income households, and thanks to parent volunteers and one incredible lunchroom staff member, every child gets a free hot breakfast and lunch.
Worried about neighbors who are under- or unhoused?
Every day, Kenwood provides a safe public space where kids can learn, play and belong.
If you’re ready to invest in your community — and/or unload that tax refund likely coming your way — start with your local public school.
Every family you want to support is already here at Kenwood Elementary. Public schools have become de facto hubs for food, clothing and care, and they’re stretched far beyond their original mission.
So this year, go local with your holiday giving. Consider Kenwood. And if your heart belongs to another public school, great — find their PTA and give to them. They need your help just as much.
Brains & Brushes: Art, culture and creative learning
Help us get kids to the Minneapolis Institute of Art for in-person Art Adventures — we need bus money. The PTA also funds artists-in-residence so art stays in the curriculum even when it’s not considered “essential.” Who wouldn’t want to bring in Brother Ghana to teach African drumming or buy pencils and sketchbooks so kids can draw (even if your kid keeps drawing you with prominent ear hair)? One of our former Woodchucks was The Purple One, after all.
Boots & Mittens: Practical essentials for families
The PTA provides gift cards through our social worker for families facing financial hardship, and the need keeps growing. The Kenwood Closet offers free, gently used clothing, shoes and outerwear, and we’re always in need of kid and adult gloves, boots, snow pants and all the gear that makes Minnesota winters survivable. Drop off your gently used items or donate funds so we can keep everyone warm. Our Outdoor Classroom and School Forest are open year-round, and being outside is kind of our thing — so let’s make sure every kid can join in.
Hearts & Connections: Events and gatherings
We want to increase our family-centered, low- or no-cost events that bring our diverse community together. Think family movie nights, cultural celebrations and
neighborhood potlucks — because nothing says “let’s hang” like a PTA folding table and a crockpot. Donate funds, volunteer your time or help sponsor an upcoming event. You’ll be building the kind of community every child deserves.
Schools & Safety
To be a great city with real public safety, we must have great public schools. They’re where we invest in the future and in each other, and where we prove that public still matters.
So if you have the time, the resources or both (and yes, volunteering is actually fun), give back to a public institution that centers kids, builds equity and empowers our future citizens. Support Kenwood Elementary.
