• Congratulations Retirees Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Family, friends, coworkers and board members gathered to thank our retirees for their many years of service.

  The celebration gave all a chance to be recognized for their many roles in the district. For the 13 employees who attended last evening, the total years of working at District 287 is 308 years.

  Nineteen district employees are retiring this school year. Some retired earlier this year and came back to share their “retirement experience.” See photos.

  This year, a video was produced that included many of the retirees. The video was produced with a combination of interviews, photos and videos. Many times during the 32-minute production, the large group applauded and laughed. See video.

  Each retiree received a cutting board plaque with their names and retirement date. These beautiful plaques were made by our students at the West Education Center.

  Thank you retirees for all you have done for our students and their families. Thank you all the time you have spent mentoring co-workers.

  Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!

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• Students Participate in National Japan Bowl Monday, May 14, 2012

  Students from Edina and Shakopee have returned from Washington D.C. where they competed in the 20th National Japan Bowl.

  Naomi Satoh is the District 287 teacher and coach for the teams. She says the students were so well prepared for the contest, that they answered the questions easily. The bar is set very high during this national contest, but our student knowledge extended far beyond the initial questions.

  This was the 20th Japan Bowl and 100th anniversary of receiving cherry trees from Japan and the Sakura festival.  Minnesota students met participants from around the country, and international visitors marking the 100th Anniversary. Students truly enjoyed their experiences.

  Here are the results:

  Edina team placed 10th out of 20 teams in level II (photo above)
  Shakopee team placed 8th out of 20 teams in level III

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• SEC Student accepted by Genesys Summer Program Friday, May 11, 2012

  Vector - South Education Center student, David Seifert, has been accepted into the Genesys Works Summer Training Program. This opportunity provides the potential for a professional internship in the Information Technology Department of the one of the Twin City’s best companies during the 2012-2013 school year.

  When asked about his thoughts about the summer training and internship, David replied, “I’m really excited and grateful for this opportunity and thanks to everyone who helped me.”

  David has a high interest in technology and has been recognized in District 287 as the developer of the “Mitzi’s Music App.” David has been working with volunteer Bjorn Stansvik from MentorMate and our District IT Director Chad Maxa. He is in the process of developing a second app for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders who need visual support to understand the passage of time.

  In February, David had the opportunity to share his Mitzi’s Music App with Governor Mark Dayton. Gov. Dayton was happy to learn about the app for a family member.

  Congratulations David!

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• CWA Student Receives Scholarship from NYRF Friday, May 11, 2012

  Brett Tuinenga from City West Academy has been awarded the prestigious Amethyst Scholarship from the National Youth Recovery Foundation. The award was presented by the national organization during their annual Amethyst Luncheon.

  Brett’s leadership and many skills were described for us. In part, here are some comments from the CWA staff:

  “Brett has gone out of his way to let all staff know that he’s “not a leader.”  Every time he steps up to the plate academically, mentors a new student, mediates a conflict between his peers, or serves as a role model in the classroom, he makes sure to remind us that he’s not a leader.  Despite these numerous examples of leadership and his positive attitude and infectious sense of humor, Brett still contends he is not a leader.”

  “By setting the tone for classroom participation and having the bravery to speak his mind, Brett paves the way for others to follow in his footsteps and begin to find their voice.  Through his constant work at his program, his job, and his ardent desire to 'get outta here,' Brett incites other students to focus on earning their credits, finding healthy hobbies, and becoming accountable.”

  Congratulations Brett!

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