287 News

• Minnesota DI Teams bring home the gold, AGAIN! Friday, June 3, 2011

  Results from the Globals DestiNation Imagination tournament include seven trophy-winning Minnesota DI teams who finished first through third.

  Eighteen MN DI teams finished in the top 10 places out 50 plus teams in their challenge and grade level. Thirty teams finished in the top 20 places.  See team results.

  We are so proud of the 41 Minnesota DI teams that competed last week!  See team photos from the Knoxville, TN event.

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• South Education Center Dances the Night Away Thursday, June 2, 2011

  The South Education Center held their first annual prom in May.
  
  Thank you volunteers for making this event happen. The students and their dates enjoyed an evening of photos, dancing and refreshments. Some students brought their toddlers as their dates.

  See the fantastic photos! Please note, it is a large document and will take some extra time to open.

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• Meet Osseo Spotlight Student, Odell Tuesday, May 31, 2011

  While in foster care and with the help of his foster Dad, Odell’s attitude towards his education took a dramatic turn.

  During one month, Odell read more than six books using his new Read 180 skills.The sketch featured in this story was made by Odell when he finished reading To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee.

  Click HERE to meet Odell. 

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• Meet Our Spotlight Student from Brooklyn Center School District Wednesday, May 18, 2011

  Throughout the next few weeks, we will continue to feature our Spotlight Students.

  Hawa Bah is an eighth grade student at Brooklyn Center High School. She came to the United States from Sierra Leone and immediately began her long struggle to learn English. Meet Hawa.

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• HMC Student Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Friday, May 13, 2011

  Ryan McCartan, Minnetonka High School Senior, participated in Honors Mentor Connection this year.  He was named a YoungArts Finalist in the category of Theater for 2011.  Ryan was the featured Minnetonka student for District 287’s Spotlight this year. When Ryan was taped for the Spotlight, he was rehearsing for his one man cabaret, a benefit for Juvenile Diabetes.  Click here to hear an interview with Ryan and his cabaret rehearsal.

  Each year, 20 YoungArts Finalists are named U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts (PSA). At the request of The Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is appointed by the President of the United States,  (read more)

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  National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, through its YoungArts program serves as the exclusive nominating agency for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Participants in the YoungArts program are the only students eligible to receive the designation of Presidential Scholars in the Arts (PSA), based on their artistic and academic achievements.

  Being named a Presidential Scholar is the highest scholastic honor available to graduating high school seniors. Each year, a group of 60 PSA nominees are selected from the 150 YoungArts Finalists. From these students, 20 winners are chosen by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and named U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, alongside 120 academic scholars at a White House ceremony. In addition to this once in a lifetime honor, the visual artists, photographers and writers present their work in an exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the performing artists perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; truly a life changing experience for any young artist.

  This years Presidential Scholars in the Arts will be on June 19 & 20, 2011 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

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• U.S.D.A. Judging Team flies in for Porcupine Sliders Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Three judges, each from different areas of the country, were at the South Education Center today for the official presentation of Porcupine Sliders. Porcupine Sliders is a recipe that has been chosen as one of 15 recipes to be judged by the national panel as part of First Lady Obama’s Healthy Recipe Contest.

  Click HERE to see video.         (read more)

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  The South Education Alternative (SECA) team of four students first prepared the slider recipe while answering questions about nutrition, portion sizes, and food safety. Following the tasting and student lunch service, the student chefs met with the judges to answer questions about what they have learned through
  this national experience in culinary arts. They observed that:

  • “Working as a team and knowing how others on the team want to do things, I have grown at being able to work around others.” - Dominic
  • “I learned more about food handling or food safety. My Latino community doesn’t practice the same food safety for handling meat, produce and cleanup. This is now important to my family.” - Adilene
  • “I am now ready to step up to be leader. I know how I can be a leader, that it is important to step up.” - Dolores
  • “Communication is key to working the kitchen. I know that if I have a knife or someone needs to move around me, I need to be aware.” - Chris

  The next step in the competition will be the announcement of the final three recipes, which the judges said would be around June 1. The final three will be invited to a live cook-off this summer.

  Congratulations, Porcupine Sliders Team! See KARE 11 Story Collapse this story

• Congratulations Retirees Wednesday, May 11, 2011

  

   

  The annual District 287 Retirement Celebration was held on Tuesday. The event hosted by our District School Board and Administration included 90 guests who marked the retirement of 16 employees. Best wishes to all of you in your retirement. See photos

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• Thank you teachers! It is National Teacher Appreciation week. Monday, May 2, 2011

  Thank you teachers for all you do to support learning for students, their families and one another. During the school year, your many roles include mentor, guide and model for so many in and around your classroom.
  
  At District 287, our teachers specialize in many non-traditional classroom roles while working with our unique learners. Here are a few examples:
  • More than 110 students, around the state, are learning Chinese via internet connections and ITV interaction.
  • Students in the ATTAIN Labs (Assistive Technology Training And Information Network) train in software applications that can be used for vocational purposes. Many of the students use assistive technology specifically designed for their work environment. (read more)

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  • Students with EBD (emotional behavioral disorders) work with classroom and itinerant licensed staff to define and achieve weekly, monthly and yearly goals.
  • Each summer more than 40 teachers lead 1,100 students through West Suburban Summer School in diverse classroom settings that range from swimming pools to roller coasters to sound labs.
  • Teachers in our Vocational Education Training (VET) Program coordinate work-based learning for students, ages 14-21, with cognitive, emotional, behavioral, sensory or neurological disabilities.
  • Teachers at the South Education Alternative and North VISTA support pregnant and parenting teens, recent immigrants with limited formal schooling and those who need practical, credit-based make up and work experience programs.
  
  Our teachers work with more than 5,000 students every year. We appreciate you and all of your efforts! Collapse this story

• U.S.D.A. Judging Team will be at SEC for “Recipes for Healthy Kids” National Finals Monday, April 25, 2011

  The three-person judging team from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be meeting with South Education Alternative (SECA) students and judging their Porcupine Sliders Recipe. The new Porcupine Sliders Recipe has moved on to the final 15 (of 350) in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Recipes for Healthy Kids Contest. The May 9 visit will determine if the SECA recipe will be one of the final three winners who participate in a cook-off this summer.
  
  While at the South Education Center, the judges will observe SECA students making Porcupine Sliders, and the building’s students eating the “kid friendly” creation. Judges also will taste the Porcupine sliders. Minnesota Governor - Mark Dayton and Minnesota Education Commissioner - Brenda Cassellius also have been invited to attend the judging.
  
  In the meantime, you can support the SECA students with a vote in the Recipes for Healthy Kids Popular Choice Award. To vote, visit the Recipes for Healthy Kids website at www.recipesforkidschallenge.com.  Anyone can vote and we are encouraging everyone to take a minute to vote. The top ten recipes in each category, including five additional selections, will be published in a Recipe for Healthy Kids Cookbook to share with schools, students and families. Voting ends on May 31, 2011.

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• Thank You - Administrative Professionals! Sunday, April 24, 2011

  This is Administrative Professionals Week. We set aside this time to recognize and celebrate the clerical and other administrative professionals for their growing and diverse contributions to the workplace.

  Here at District 287, more than 50 administrative professionals support the 120 programs and services that we offer our member districts and their students. This year, our Administrative Team salutes all of your work in helping our teams meet their goals and objectives.
  ♦ “The skills and passion of our clerical support staff allow District 287 to meet the needs of our students, their families and our member districts. They provide a critical component of our success and we are grateful for their contributions!”  –Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent
  ♦ “Our special education secretaries are routinely asked to juggle multiple tasks including constant interaction with students and staff. They are one of the pillars of our programs and we greatly appreciate their skills and support.” –Laura Keller Gautsch, Ex. Director: Special Education
  ♦ “An important part of our culture is innovation and change. Our administrative assistants are on the front lines of change, always implementing new procedures and processes while adapting to new technology. This requires very sophisticated knowledge AND a great sense of humor. Fortunately our group has both!” –Dr. Jane Holmberg, Ex. Director: Teaching & Learning
  ♦ “I am so grateful to our clerical staff for their conscientious attention to the many details in our procedures in Administrative Services. They are real day makers!” –Dr. Colleen Baumtrog, Ex. Director: Administrative Services
  ♦ “Our clerical staff are so important because they interact with hundreds of people including representatives from Hennepin County, community and private agencies, foundations, consultants, programs within 287 and our member districts. I frequently hear comments about our friendly and helpful staff.” –Dr. Charlene Myklebust, Director: Mental Health and Partnerships

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• Edina's SpotLight Student Attends NEC Wednesday, April 13, 2011

  Aiden is a talkative and engaging second grader at North Education Center. Meet Aiden and his teacher - Chelsea.
  
  
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• Spotlight Videos Feature Member Districts Monday, April 11, 2011

  Member Districts Spotlight features are completed. Each District’s video has overall reports from District 287 and students’ stories. During the Orono School District Spotlight video, we feature Chinese classes.

  District 287 provides teachers in less commonly taught languages such as Chinese.  At Orono High School, learning Chinese takes on many different forms. As a Chinese vocabulary exercise, students learn to tell time and practice common Chinese phrases.  See video.

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• Click n’ Talk App is Talking Across the District Monday, April 4, 2011

  The Click n’ Talk App is a new innovation developed by District 287 Augmentative Communication Specialists with the support of District 287 Information Technology. The talking photo album is for individuals with communication challenges and can be used for sharing information, increasing vocabulary, improving literacy skills, enhancing cognitive functions.

  As with most Apps, the Click n’ Talk customization features allow the user to import personal photos or web images, create novel text presentation and record a verbal message.

  The target population includes individuals of all ages who may display one or more of the following:
  • Developmental Cognitive Delays
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • English Language Learners
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Pre-School (Early Language Learners)
  • Limited Vocabulary
  • Poor speech production/no speech

  See Click n' Talk App in use!      (MORE)

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  Seventy-five years is the combined experience three Augmentative Communications Specialists who are on the Click n’ Talk development team. Their careers have included working with districts across the state to support special education teams as they assess and provide service to students who require augmentative communication services.
  
  Supporting the need identified for the Click n’ Talk App is District 287’s Technology Services Department. They have created an app that can be used with the iPod and iPad. The app compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. (Requires iOS 3.2 or later.) The cost is $2.99.  Go to Click n' Talk product page.
  
  This is the 2nd innovation launched by this hands-on team. One year ago they launched The Essential Skills Inventory Kit. It is a simple assessment tool that allows speech clinicians, teachers, families and care providers to take a comprehensive look at an individual's functional communication skills. Collapse this story

• Special Ed Director from Uzbekistan Visits SEC Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Nargis Ziyavatdinova spent time with staff and students at the South Education Center. She is here from Uzbekistan as a guest of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) on the official exchange known as the “Gold Tour”.

  Nargis has developed a special education program in Uzbekistan that includes students who live in dorms, or as we would know them, group homes. Other students, who live at home, attend special education programs only 2 to 3 days per week because of transportation challenges. (more)

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  While visiting the South Education Center, Nargis toured special education transition programs and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) facilities in the building. During the stops, District 287 staff and students talked with Nargis about their schedules, classes and work assignments. Through an interpreter, Nargis told SEC Principal Paul Eastwold that she is looking for information on work partnerships with companies, and how to structure the work day and responsibilities for students with special needs.

  “I am glad to know that some of our programs are going in the right direction,” Nargis said. “Now we might be ready to build a work program since we have been approached by a silk factory owner who is concerned about the futures of students with disabilities.”

  Some of the tools Nargis discovered included word walls, student schedules built with pictures and sketches, and the apartment at SEC where Transition students develop life skills.

  “We have not thought of students living in an apartment on their own,” said Nargis. “Independence, such as apartment living and jobs, is a new part of our special education.”

  Eighteen representatives from 15 countries each toured programs in their area of study in at least three cities. Their individual tours began with a luncheon hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the White House. Some of the other areas of study include community health, cancer research, agricultural practices and economic developments.

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• Students are Successful in First Responder Course Friday, March 18, 2011

  Recently ten students successfully completed First Responder, one of the new course offerings of the C-Train Program at the South Education Center. The First Responder Course has been designated as an approved program by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board in Minnesota.

  According to C-Train Program Facilitator, Anne Runck, this rigorous course requires 72-hours of online training and hands-on classroom instruction. Topics covered include such topics as human anatomy and physiology, patient assessment for the professional rescuer, and injury and shock management. (read more)

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  Among the ten students completing the course, nine will receive three certification cards-CPR/AED, First Aid and Pediatric. Eight students also passed the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board-First Responder two-year license with an opportunity to advance to EMT (emergency medical technician) classes.

  C-Train is growing each semester. Currently high school students can earn several industry recognized certificates while earning high school credit. Students are now transitioning to post-secondary education with this jumpstart on their careers.

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• Porcupine Sliders Recipe Included in “Recipes for Healthy Kids” National Finals Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Students and staff at the South Education Center Alternative Program (SECA) were notified that their new Porcupine Sliders Recipe has moved on to the final 15 (of 350) in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Recipes for Healthy Kids Contest.

  First Lady Obama and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) launched the recipe competition in September. The contest rules and guidelines were very strict but also challenged school district teams to develop creative, nutritious, and kid-approved recipes that schools can easily incorporate into National School Lunch Program menus. The National School Lunch Programs are administered by the USDA.

  According to Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski, students contacted some of their favorite restaurants in search of a chef to work with as a mentor.  Local Corporate (read more)

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  Chef-Todd Bolton (Parásole Group of Restaurants) volunteered to work with the team of four SECA students, Family and Consumer Science Education teacher-Terry Guthrie, School Lunch Supervisor-Wanda Nickolai and the Nurse-Mary Lair.

  “Prior to submitting the nutritious recipe, the Porcupine Sliders recipe was revised several times, removing fat by baking the meat instead of frying. Next, the students prepared Porcupine Sliders for the school,” said Lewandowski. “This experience provided a lifelong lesson in healthy eating, persistence, team work and a math lesson in preparing food for the large group.” 

  Minnesota Commissioner of Education, Dr. Brenda Cassellius was notified by the USDA the Porcupine Sliders recipe has moved into the final judging. She says this news is very exciting for the SECA Program.

   “Not only are these students learning about making healthy food choices at school, they’re using strategic thinking and collaboration to apply what they learn in a creative way,” said Commissioner Cassellius. “My compliments to the students, their coach, mentor chef for their award winning and delicious Porcupine Sliders!” See Minnesota Depart. of Education announcement.

  The recipes will be posted on the Recipes for Healthy Kids website for voting for the Popular Choice award, which will close May 15. For a complete list and to vote on your favorite recipe, visit the Recipes for Healthy Kids website at www.recipesforkidschallenge.com.  Anyone can vote and we are encouraging everyone to take a minute to vote

  Schools that entered the top five recipes in each category will also be visited by a judging team that will include a USDA official, an American Culinary Federation chef, and a school nutrition professional. The judging team will determine the three finalists (one from each category) that will participate in a national cook-off event this summer.

  The top ten recipes in each category, including five additional selections, will be published in a Recipe for Healthy Kids Cookbook to share with schools, students and families.

  To see the recipe, click here.

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• Literacy at Bren Road Education Center: Part 3 Monday, March 7, 2011

  The Literacy Program at Bren Road Education Center is using Read 180 to incorporate poetry, vocabulary and oral reading into student curriculum. Students are enjoying the activities and the new books they have discovered. 

  See Bren Road students.
  
  To commemorate our week of celebrating our literacy program successes, we have posted the official Read Across America student poem. Click here to read.

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• National Read Across America Week: Part 2 SEC Literacy Lab is a Success Thursday, March 3, 2011

  The South Education Center Literacy Lab continues to grow with new materials and resources for our students.
  
  Using Read 180 in conjunction with the many multi-media resources of the Literacy Lab, the goal for staff and students is to close the gap on student achievement.

  Check out the SEC Literacy Lab.

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• District 287 Celebrates March 2 – Read Across America Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  A week-long celebration of literacy began today, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.
  
  District 287 is especially proud to celebrate Read Across America. We are in our 4th year of our literacy Initiative developed for the unique learners in our programs. During the next week, we will feature three stories about our Literacy Programs.

  Watch our Literacy Program in action - reading and making Stone Soup.

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• Culinary students carve sculptures Monday, February 28, 2011

  Hennepin Technical Pathways’ students are using this cold winter weather to further pursue their Culinary Program.

  On the Eden Prairie Campus, students design and carve their ice sculptures using graphing and mathematics, and various tools including a chainsaw. 

  See sculptures.

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• Thank you District 287 School Board Tuesday, February 22, 2011

  During this Minnesota School Board Appreciation week, we are taking time to thank our 13-member School Board for all they do for our students and staff.

  Our School Board members each represent one of our Member Districts. Many of our board members are on their local school board and all are chosen for their willingness to learn about and provide direction for our unique district programs and services. Meet our School Board.

  This year, Ann Bremer (Westonka School District) was elected Board Chair. Many members serve on committees and spend time each month attending events in support of our district. For instance, in addition to their regular meeting this week, several members teleconferenced with our new ALC Plus Program staff at South Education Center. 

  Congratulations School Board!

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• SECA Discovers BrandLAB Industry Leaders Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  A Harvard study last published this month details the current education systems failings when it comes to preparing young adults for successful careers. The report centers around the one-size-fits-all approach in the U.S.  that isn’t working for all of our high school students. Instead the Harvard study suggests emphasizing occupation instruction.

  An example of District 287 classes that are taking the broader look at career paths is the BrandLAB Program being co-taught in the South Education Center Alternative Program (SECA).  The classes are being co-taught by District 287 English Language Arts Instructor-Denise Goldman and leaders in the marketing, advertising or design industry. This semester-long curriculum could lead to summer internships and college scholarships through the BrandLAB organization.

  The SECA classroom is one of only 12 in Minnesota with BrandLAB Curriculum this year. KARE 11’s What’s Cool in School featured the BrandLAB at SECA.

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• To All Businesses: District 287 schools are eager to be adopted Wednesday, February 2, 2011

  Governor Mark Dayton and Education Commissioner Dr. Brenda Cassellius met with leaders of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts recently. During their presentation Commissioner Cassellius and Governor Dayton suggested that Minnesota businesses could each adopt a school.

  See news release. See SUN Newspaper article. See Star Tribune article. See KARE 11 story. 

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  Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski heard the idea and today contacted Gov. Dayton and Comm. Cassellius to let them know District 287 has taken to heart their business sponsorship idea and has communicated our interest in a unique way. Sandy has had several of our school site signs updated and has asked Principals to work with our Executive Directors to prepare an outline of specific needs at our sites. Collapse this story

• Pathways' Automotive Classes Are examples of Harvard Study Results Wednesday, February 2, 2011

  Students in District 287’s Hennepin Technical Pathways Automotive Repair and Automotive Technology courses are perfectly poised for the future. Jeff Goergen, instructor at the Eden Prairie Campus, challenges students to put skills learned in class to work during open shop on Fridays. Jeff encourages students who have an aptitude for the work to go as far as they can. VIDEO
  
  A two-year "Pathways to Prosperity Study", published this week by Harvard University Graduate School of Education, tells us that roughly one-third of high school graduates will need just an associate's degree or an occupational credential.  While the number of jobs that require no post-secondary education have declined, the researchers note that only one-third of the jobs created in the coming years are expected to need a bachelor's degree or higher.  Read more of the Harvard study.
  
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• SECA Entrepreneurship Class Begins Production Wednesday, January 26, 2011

  The Entrepreneurship Class recently learned to use an embroidery machine to craft customized messages on hats, shirts, blankets and scarves. The class is part of C-Train Career and Technical Education at South Education Center Alternative (SECA). Students are learning marketable skills through hands-on work experience with academic goals in math and literacy are embedded.
  
  Recent projects required skills from two ALC programs. Scarves were embroidered at SECA and then taken to North Vista Education Center where the Family & Consumer Science Class sewed together the two pieces of material. The scarves returned to SECA for cutting and tying, and quality control.  Measuring and cutting provided practical application of math skills. Reading directions and inventory tied together literacy and math. See the projects.
  
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