287 News

• Open enrollment begins on May 7 Friday, May 4, 2012

  www.district287.org/openenrollment

  What is Open Enrollment? It is the period of time each “plan year” when eligible employees can make changes to their enrollment in our medical and dental plans. This includes their Flexible spending accounts too. During Open Enrollment, a change in family status or proof of good health is not required.

  The Open Enrollment period this year is May 7 - May 18, 2012. Changes made during annual open enrollment are effective July 1, 2012. (read more)

  +

  To assist employees with the Open Enrollment process, District 287 employees will have several new resources available to them.

  • Information Sessions: Starting May 7, six information sessions will be held for employees.

  • Website: A new website has been set up with explanations, forms, checklists, health and wellness information.

  • Responsive Email System: Questions can now be submitted by using the button on all pages. This button will take you into an automated email system for specific questions.

  All forms are due in the Human Resources Department no later than Friday, May 18, 2012.

  Collapse this story

• Kim Helgeson receives First CETL Monday, April 30, 2012

  Kim Helgeson, Information Technology Project Manager, received this notification last week:  “Congratulations! You have passed Part II of the Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) certification exam and are now CETL certified. You are one of the first education technology leaders to hold this prestigious designation. Wear it proudly!”

  (read more)

  +

  What does this mean?  According to the CoSN website’s press release, “These CETLs are the first to take and pass a rigorous two-part certification exam demonstrating that they have mastered the knowledge and skills needed to bring 21st century technology to our K-12 school systems.”  
  
  “The professionals who passed the CETL exam represent the future of education technology in our nation’s K-12 schools. They understand the importance of bringing current and emerging technologies to our students so they can complete in the world they’ll inherit,” said Gayle Dahlman, Director of Certification and Education for CoSN. Read full release.

  Congratulations Kim!

  Collapse this story

• The HMC Class of 2012 Celebrates success Thursday, April 26, 2012

  The Honors Mentor Connection (HMC) and the SciMent Program held their annual celebration of Mentors and Mentees during an exciting event held Wednesday. The mentees' family, friends and local school district officials also attended.

  This year, 56 students were enrolled in the combined Intermediate District 916 and Intermediate District 287 Honors Mentor Connection. Twenty-two SciMent students participated. One of the highlights of the event was the student displays of their mentor experience.

  (Read more and see photos.)

  +

  Students also took this opportunity to thank their professional mentors. Students spent six months working with one or more professional mentors in their chosen field. An example is that one student spent time with a surgeon observing clinic appointments and surgical procedures in different settings. Read more about HMC.

  Congratulations, HMC Class of 2012!  See photos.

  Collapse this story

• Thank you Administrative Professionals Monday, April 23, 2012

  This week is an important milestone for all of us who work with our Clerical staff; it is Administrative Professionals Week across the county.

  As we say thank you and congratulations to our 52 Administrative Professionals here at District 287, it is important to point out their important role in short and long term activities.  Last week, Dr. Jane Holmberg, Exec. Director-Teaching & Learning, shared the important role our clerical play in making things happen.

  “Our clerical support is vital to our being able to accomplish all our district goals,” said Jane. “I can’t think of one significant promise (read more)

  +

  we have made to staff, students, or member districts that somehow doesn’t involve the clerical staff in our being able to fulfill it. I am grateful every day for their contributions.”

  Public Relations Liaison, Linda Rees, asked some of our leaders about the role of the clerical staff in the success of their programs. Here is a sampling of their comments:

  Sandy Gaulke, Manager-SIS: “I have the privilege to work with many Administrative Professionals in my department and around the district. I am so appreciative of their attention to detail, stick-to-itiveness, and dedication to their jobs and this district. Each one brings a unique skill set and together make a great supportive team."

  Jody Delau, Principal-West Education Center: “Our program has high performing administrative professionals.  Not only do they go above and beyond professionally, they also are a delight to work with."

  Chad Maxa, Director-Information Services: “There are no words to express how valuable our clerical are to District 287. Their ability to tackle large volumes of work while managing a tremendous amount of detail is astounding.”

  Judi-Mari Ringe, Supervisor - Northwest Tech Center: “Clerical staff set an important positive professional tone for customer service with staff and public.  They take care of a multitude of details so staff can have time and be successful with students. They work to keep pace with being innovative to make our operations efficient!”

  Ginny Nyhus, Assistant Supervisor-Care & Treatment: “Administrative support is integral to the operations of Care and Treatment programs. Our support staff act in multiple roles to support multiple programs each with a different flair.  All of the staff appreciates their dedication to the programs, the support they provide and the diligence they exhibit with regularity.”
  
  Linda Oberg, Coordinator-Social Emotional Learning: “Our SEL clerical support is always welcoming, efficient and does things in such a quiet confident manner that you hardly know she worked on a very complex problem and it’s DONE!  I know when I ask her for help I will get the right answer to my sometimes confusing question!  She is an absolute lifesaver for me.“

  Thank you Administrative Professionals, for all you do to support the work our staff does with our students and their families!

  Collapse this story

• Mark your calendars Monday, April 16, 2012

  The 2012-2013 District 287 Calendar is approved by the School Board and is now available.

  Each year the school district calendar reflects the language found in our contracts and agreements for each bargaining group. In particular, the student contact, staff duty, and the 10-month clerical days match contract language. (See the list of important dates.)

  +

  The major school breaks, late start and non-student days are similar to 2011-12 school year. To minimize disruption for our member districts and families with regard to transportation, considerable work is done to examine their calendars.

  If you have any questions about the calendar, talk with your supervisor

  Dates of interest for 2012-13 – Mark your Calendars!
  • August 20 - August 23, 2012:  Four-day New Instructional Staff Academy
  • August 27:  First day back for returning 2209 staff
  • September 4:  First day of school for students
  • December 24, 2012 - January 1, 2013:  Winter Break
  • March 25 - March 29:  Spring Break
  • June 6:  Last day for students
  • June 7:  Last day for 2209 staff
  • Eight non-student days
  • Twelve Holidays
  • Four late start days

  Collapse this story

• Employee Recognition Program names first recipient Thursday, April 12, 2012

  The Employee Recognition Program selection committee announced their first winner this week: Kim Kallroos. She is the clerical support for Gifted Education Services of the District 287 Teaching and Learning Department. Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski notified Kim while she was working at her desk … while peers cheered.

  Kim was nominated for the Employee Recognition by a co-worker who described her as “a peacemaker, team builder and trouble shooter as she navigates her many responsibilities of the Gifted Education Department." (read more)

  +

  Kim’s application indicated an example of her daily “solutions oriented” approach to her job. One Friday afternoon she was observed “patiently and professionally” attending to nine tasks in four programs during a 45 minute period of time.

  Kim has worked at District 287 for more than 22 years. She began in the Financial Aid Department of the Hennepin Technical College, when we were one organization. Kim has also worked in the accounting department on the first floor of the District Service Center. Read more about Kim.

  Nominations are in the Committee’s pool of candidates for the April Award in Special Education and Care and Treatment Division. Nominations are due the 5th (of each month.) For May, you may notice the application has changed a bit. You may find the application and all of the information at www.district287.org/Recogntion.

  Congratulations Kim Kallroos!

  Collapse this story

• Culinary Arts Student featured on Channel 12 Tuesday, April 10, 2012

  Chef Jim Chapman, Instructor of Culinary Arts at Hennepin Technical Pathways of Intermediate District 287, guides students in culinary arts….. every step of the way. One of his  students, from   Robbinsdale, was interviewed by Channel 12 News last week and shared these thoughts with the reporter. (read more and see news video)

  +

  "Well, it's Cooking for Independent Living," Vincent Jennings, 19, said of his class. "I thought it would be a good program to get introduced into the culinary world."

  Instructor Chapman shared his observations of the class and Vincent’s participation.

  "Vincent truly, truly, does use this stuff every day," Chapman said. "He comes back and tells me he tried something we made in school or he changed it a little or, can I do this instead of that? That’s what makes it fun for me."

  Click here to see Channel 12’s story and video.

  Collapse this story

• PCA Students Return from Europe Wednesday, April 4, 2012

  Paul Bennett, Social Studies Instructor, at Prairie Center Academy, has just returned from  accompanying five PCA students on a trip to Italy.  You can follow the photo journey from Milan to Rome to Capri and more.  They saw it all!  (Photo at left is at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Click on photo to enlarge.)

  Paul expressed his thoughts about the trip.  “The best outcome of the trip was that I had five PCA students learn how interesting it is to be in another country and experience (read more)

  +

  another culture. Not only did they learn about the history, geography, and culture of Italy, they also learned about Canada because we shared our experience with schools from Manitoba and Alberta. The most rewarding part of the trip for me was when I heard several of my students talking about how they want to come back to Europe in college and even start studying a foreign language.”

  Paul kept a blog during the trip. Click here to see additional posts and photos.

  Collapse this story

• NEC looks more and more like our school Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  The July 20th North Education Center moving date is just around the corner. Because construction continues ahead of schedule, program administrators are anxious to get settled in the new 3-story NEC.

  In the meantime, groups are touring the classrooms, labs and lunchroom. Most recently, the Special Education Directors Advisory Committee (SEDAC) toured many of the classrooms (enlarge photo).   (read more)

  +

  According to Tom Shultz, District 287 Facilities Director, several tours have been hosted at the site: District 287 staff, construction industry groups, school board members, administrators and vendors.

  The NEC building is in different phases of completion. Some of the areas showing progress include: walls; electrical inspections and then panels and doors; and cabinets.  All areas need “finishing” with trim, tile, additional cabinets and paint.

  Outside work will continue as weather permits. The piles of dirt remain on the west side and the grounds are muddy. Planning for roads, parking and playgrounds is underway.

  Furniture design and color choices are coming together.

  See NEC photos.

  Collapse this story

• Local 2209 Contract approved Friday, March 23, 2012

  During their regular board meeting on March 22, the District 287 School Board unanimously voted to approve the 2011-2013 Master Contract between Intermediate District 287 and ISD 287 EM Local 2209.

  To reach contract agreement the negotiation team from the District and Local 2209 used the Interest Based Collective Bargaining model. See updates. This is the first contract negotiated with the IBCB model.

  See contract signed by Union representatives and District administrators 

  Collapse this story

• Superintendent Marks mid school year Thursday, March 15, 2012

  Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski has spent much of the past two weeks visiting sites around District 287. As a part of Strategy Two of the Strategic Plan, Sandy planned these mid-year visits to further clarify the lines of communication, and the goals of our district.

  During these visits, Sandy took time to update staff on three key topics. These topics included: The Tipping Point, Strategic Plan Year Three Progress Report, and the new District Employee Recognition Program.

  To watch the presentation if you were unable to attend one of the six events, or to read more about documents mentioned in the presentation, click here.

  Collapse this story

• Curriculum Groups meet across district Wednesday, March 14, 2012

  Licensed Site-based Staff, Early Learning Center Educators, and Instructional Administrators participated in our third and final Curriculum and Professional Learning sessions on the district-wide professional learning day. Many licensed staff attended multiple sessions.

  This year the curriculum group leaders and literacy leaders are working together to embed literacy into each discipline such as math, social studies and science. The Career and Tech folks spent much of the afternoon session with instructors presenting “Share one of your best lessons.”  
   
  We caught up with six groups. See photos.

  Collapse this story

• exciting College news for North Vista Student Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Alexandra Dempsey, a student at North Vista Education Center, has been accepted at St. Catherine's University in St. Paul. She was awarded a $40,000 scholarship and plans to major in physical therapy.

  After visiting several colleges, both public and private, Alex is very excited about attending St. Kate’s because it was her first choice. She fell in love with St. Kate’s during an overnight campus visit last year. While visiting St. Kate's, Alex attended three classes and slept in the dorms to get a feel for the whole college experience. She defined this visit as an “Aha!” moment; Alex loves the small campus feeling and just knew it was the right college for her. See more info and video.

  +

  Enrollment at North Vista has allowed Alex to continue high school before and after giving birth to her daughter, Ava, in November. At North Vista, she received classes in prenatal care before the baby was born and parenting classes after Ava was born. Ava is enrolled in the onsite Early Learning Center.

  Alex is able to graduate on time this year, taking traditional classes and acting as strong role model in the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Her college preparatory classes include: an engineering class (for college credit), accelerated math and science classes, and the on-going AVID Program.

  Alex credits many people for her academic success including support from family, friends, and teachers. It is Ava that is providing additional motivation to go to college. We talked with Alex today. See Alex and Ava. Collapse this story

• Paul Bennett advances to Toy Semi-Finals Friday, March 2, 2012

  
  Exciting news today:

  Paul Bennett, instructor from the Prairie Center Academy, is advancing to the semi-finals of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Program. Read more

  Collapse this story

• DISTRICT 287 ADDS NEW CARE AND TREATMENT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Thursday, March 1, 2012

  Care and Treatment settings describe programs where children and adolescents receive treatment for mental illnesses, chemical dependency, or other conditions, or programs to which they have been court ordered. These programs include some hospital settings. In the spring of 2011, District 287 was asked by member districts and the Special Education Advisory Committee to provide the educational component on their behalf for six programs. 

  The total capacity for students across all sites is 245. There are a total of 23 licensed and 12 education assistants teaching in the sites. Two sites operated by PrairieCare in Maple Grove and Edina are currently at near capacity and is expanding this year to serve an additional 50 students.

  We caught up with the District 287 School Board “Get on the Bus” tour at two of the sites, Headway Academy located in the Eisenhower Community Center and West Academy located in the Bren Road Education Center. See video.

  Collapse this story

• Congratulations Vista Program – 40 years of serving pregnant and parenting teens Monday, February 27, 2012

  The year was 1972. Richard Nixon was president; American swimmer Mark Spitz won a record seven gold medals in the Summer Olympics; HBO began as the first subscription cable service; the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the US Senate; and Continuing Education Center/Parent Infant Education (CEC/PIE) was born.

  CEC/PIE, known today as the Vista Programs, have served an estimated more than 8,000 students during the last 40 years. The dedicated staff has taught academics and parenting skills. More than that, they have taught young parents to have confidence in their abilities to raise healthy, happy and well adjusted children. (read more and photos)

  +

  Today there are two Vista sites, located now in Robbinsdale and Richfield that provide onsite, state approved, day care services for teen parents. Highly qualified Parent-Child Specialists care for children ages six weeks through preschool.  Additionally, the Vista Academic teachers teach to the full spectrum of academic need--from development of basic skills and recovery of high school credits up to rigorous college preparation courses as part of the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Program.

  This milestone was an opportunity to celebrate the many students and staff who have made these very special and very effective programs worthy of celebration. On February 9, a celebration was held for staff, students, school board members and administrators. The many highlights of the evening included two former students who spoke about their experiences in the Vista Program and where they are today. See more photos.

  Collapse this story

• Congratulations Sandy on your National Recognition!! Tuesday, February 21, 2012

  

  Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski was honored at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education in Houston, Texas on February 17, 2012. Sandy was named first runner-up from a field of twenty five women nominated for the 2012 AASA Women in School Leadership Award.  See video of ceremony.  (read more)

  +

  The Women in School Leadership Award recognizes exceptional leadership of active, front-line female administrators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. The award pays tribute to the talent, creativity and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools. This year, an award was given in two separate categories: superintendent and cabinet-level leader. The criteria include demonstration of strength in both personal and organizational communication, professionalism and community involvement.

  About AASA
  The American Association of School Administrators, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. The mission of AASA is to advocate for the highest quality public education for all students, and develop and support school system leaders.

  Collapse this story

• It’s School Board Recognition Week Monday, February 20, 2012

  Our District 287 School Board is made up of 12 board members; one from each of our Member Districts. Thank you for working so hard to make sure we can best serve our students and their families.

  In honor of Minnesota School Board Recognition Week, we asked our own School Board, “Why you want to be on the 287 School Board?”  Here are some of their responses.
  

  Board Chair, Ann Bremer, Westonka:
  "More importantly than what drove me is why I stay….magic happens here.  I love to hear about it- be a part of it- watch it grow, change and happen!"

  (read more) 

  +

  
  Carter Peterson, Wayzata:
  "Interested to know what other districts are doing and to know more school board members."

  NEW Board Member, Sherry Tyrrell,  Robbinsdale:
  "Robbinsdale’s representative to the board was leaving after 9 ½ years. Her passion for the work 287 does on behalf of our highest needs children, the caliber of board members, and staff were all factors in my desire to be Robbinsdales’s newest rep. I look forward to working with this district for the continued benefit of all our kids."

  
  Peyton Robb, Edina:
  "Lack of knowledge of how students that are tough to deal with are able to be accommodated."

  
  Dean Henke, Osseo:
  "To better understand and advocate for the students and programs of 287."

  Other new Board members this year include: Nancy Gores from St. Louis Park and Bob Quam from Minnetonka.

  Thank you District 287 School Board for all you do for our students and staff!

  Collapse this story

• Governor Dayton Visits SEC Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Governor Mark Dayton and Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius spent this afternoon at the South Education Center (SEC) with students and staff.  They chose SEC to launch the new initiative encouraging businesses to adopt schools and school districts across the state.  See release.

  Last year, Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski heard about this business partnership idea during Governor Dayton’s State of the State Address. Since then, District 287 has continued working with the business community on many levels. See video of the Governor's visit or  (read more)

  +

  “We have business leaders working as mentors and speaking in classrooms,” Sandy told Governor Dayton today.  “An unusual alliance developed recently when our student team took National First Place while competing in the First Lady Michelle Obama Recipes for Healthy Kids contest.”

  The student team competed with the help of a local corporate chef from the Paràsole Group of Restaurants. While developing a healthy recipe, Porcupine Sliders made of lean ground turkey and rice, the students also used math, public speaking and healthy living skills.

  During today’s news conference, Governor Dayton presented awards to business partners and District 287 for building the alliance. The businesses who received awards were Paràsole and TE Connectivity.

  “I would like to thank you as Minnesota business leaders, for supporting this school district,” Governor Dayton said during the news conference. “There are so many opportunities across the state for business and schools.”

  In addition to the news conference, Governor Dayton spent most of his time at SEC talking with students and staff. Students in classrooms and in the hallways greeted Governor Dayton.

  See photos of the events. See television story.

  Collapse this story

• “We sure put a lot of thought into this building." - Staff See NEC Thursday, February 9, 2012

  District staff toured the North Education Center (NEC) this morning. Most staff will be located at the site when moving begins this spring.

  Tom Shultz, District 287 Facilities Director, lead tours of the 1st floor. We asked Tom what questions our teams were asking.

  “When our employees come in the door, they automatically want to see where their programs and rooms will be located,” Tom said after the tours. “They also want to know if the windows will have shades, because it is so bright throughout the 1st floor.”  See More

  +

  The energy efficient system was designed specifically for our unique learners. Some of these features include: rooms with multiple corners; movable walls to accommodate our changing student needs; several exits; and a quiet heating/air conditioning system.

  “About 400 students will attend programs when the doors open this fall,” Tom told the visitors. “Our community here will be pregnant/parenting teens with babies, special education and other programs that will require specific building needs. We think we have met many of their needs with this building.”

  The completion on the building sections varies from no sheet rock on the walls, to carpet and paint completed. Additional tours will be held this spring and summer.

  To find out the latest NEC news, go to www.district287.org/NEC, or click on the icon on our home page.

  Collapse this story

• Energize with Bingo Wednesday, February 8, 2012

  The 2nd Annual Health & Wellness Bingo game begins on Friday, February 10.

  The District 287 Energize Committee has prepared all that you will need to participate in this competitive game.

  Health & Wellness BINGO is a six-week program that encourages healthy activities. Here is how it works:
  • Each week pickup a different Bingo card.
  • Mark the squares for your chosen activities.
  • Submit your Bingo card by noon each Friday.

  This fun Bingo game is completely voluntary, and free to our employees. All participants receive a Bingo dauber. Useful prizes will be awarded each week.

  To get started, watch for details from your site Energize Committee member.

  The Bingo activities will be inspiring, and hopefully, your peers will be encouraging!

  Collapse this story

• Art Grant Continues at SEC Tuesday, February 7, 2012

  South Education Center received a Minnesota State Arts Learning Grant from the State Arts Board to fund a year-long residency with Public Artist Anne Krocak.  

  SECA, SUN Transition, Intersect, Phase, SUN, CIP, VECTOR, and FOCUS programs will all gain real world experience as public artists while creating an Accessible Art Garden and Collaborative Mosaic for the entrance to the school.

  This fall their first step was heading out on a fieldtrip to the Walker Sculpture Garden to do “hands on” research.  All student/artists engaged with the artwork to find their favorite piece and describe “why” they liked it. Students used this research to understand what public art is and get ideas for the art that they will create at SEC. (see more photos)

  +

  Collapse this story

• AVID Training Expands Friday, February 3, 2012

  AVID stands for: Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID is a program built to prepare underrepresented populations to be college ready. AVID is a program aimed at the academic middle (C students) who are generally the first ones in their family to go to college and generally lower income and culturally diverse. 

  AVID is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change. (read more)

  +

  In January of 2012, Anne Runck and Lea Dahl just completed required, District Director training of 126 hours. Both are now official AVID District Directors. This means they have been trained on how to implement an AVID program with integrity.   

  District 287’s AVID programs began in the Area Learning Center (ALC) at South Education Center Alternative (SECA) in January of 201. North Vista Education Center (NVEC) started in January 2012. 

  The AVID admission process is rigorous and requires students to write applications, interview with staff, commit to homework and engage in more difficult Advanced Placement (AP) coursework while they are enrolled with us. Fourteen students at SECA and 16 students at NVEC are enrolled in AVID at this time. 

  Lea Dahl said, “We look forward to celebrating AVID graduates at our annual high school graduation events.”

  Anne Runck looks forward to expanding the opportunity, “My hope is to bring AVID to other ALC sites (perhaps member district sites) and also to some of our Special Ed sites as we grow.

  Collapse this story

• Chef Instructor Rob Graham takes 1st in Ice Carving contest Tuesday, January 31, 2012

  Instructor Rob Graham won 1st Place during the Annual St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carving Contest. Rob includes ice carving instruction in Culinary Arts classes for students enrolled through Hennepin Technical Pathways (HTP). In continuing to hone his skills, he competes in the Winter Carnival Ice Carving competition each year. Last year we captured Rob teaching his ice carving art at HTP. See Rob carving with students video.

  Rob and his team have competed in this contest for 20 years. (read more)

  +

  This year’s sculpture, “Das Wintermachenmachine - Dr. Seuss' Winter Making Machine” was designed by Rob because of our mild winter and our love of snow activities. The sculpture includes several characters working on the “winter machine”.

  “This carving has something we haven’t done before, lots of actions taking place all at once,” Rob said this morning in his classroom at Hennepin Technical College. “We try to remember that we are judged on efficient use of the ice, creativity and originality.”

  Rob’s team members also won the “Peoples’ Choice Award”. This award is tabulated from ballets completed in Rice Park by visitors attending the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Collapse this story

• NWTC Students Prepare for College Wednesday, January 25, 2012

  During the past two weeks, we have been featuring programs specific to the unique learners at the Northwest Tech Center (NWTC).

  Greta Palmberg is an instructor at NWTC. Because she knows the challenges of being “college ready” for her students, Greta has spent several years honing the process for this transitioning population.

  Using Minnesota’s e-folio as the tool, students are compiling their individual portfolios. This online program provides organizational tips and portfolio ideas. See NWTC class projects.

  Collapse this story