287 News

• NEC Community Meeting Scheduled for August Friday, July 23, 2010

  A North Education Center (NEC) Community Meeting will be held on  August 17. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Winnetka Learning Center. See flier.

  For those of you who want to stay up-to-speed on NEC developments, an NEC web page has been set up. On this page you can see what is currently happening at the NEC site as well as photos and the new NEC Update Newsletters and Fact Sheets. Throughout the year,  we will be posting videos and new progress reports. You may find the NEC Update button in the right column of our home page.

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• ART SUCCESS BUILDS SELF ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  District 287 is building an art program within the Epsilon classes located at the Hennepin County Home School.

  Special Education Administrative Intern at Epsilon, Jody DeLau, tells us that once students have experienced art in the school setting, there are many positive effects.

  "We find the students absolutely love the class. They build the confidence and the skills," says Delau. "Once the student experiences success, they transfer the confidence to other academic endeavors."

  When at the District Service Center, you can see students' artwork is displayed in the Board Room. Or, watch this Epsilon art class video.

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• Honors Mentor Connection Student Named Outstanding High School Actor Friday, July 16, 2010

  Nate Irvin, Honors Mentor Connection student, has been recognized by the Hennepin Theatre Trust as the outstanding high school actor in Minnesota for 2009-2010 and was sent to the National Musical Theater Awards in New York City for further training that included performing at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway with other musical theatre students from around the country.

  More than 2,000 celebrated the best of Minnesota High School Musical Theatre in June. The Hennepin Theatre Trust hosted the 2010 SpotLight Musical Theatre Awards. This thrilling finale of another dynamic year in the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program is held annually at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis.

  Prior to graduating in 2010, Nate was featured in many roles including Minnetonka High School musicals and plays. Nate was a boy soprano for the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera and traveled around the country performing. He's also been involved in productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, the Children's Theatre Company and the Guthrie.

  Nate and his family also have been featured in several news stories. They perform backyard plays, including musicals, with up to 700 guests at each performance.

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• Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Congratulations to Gavin Osvek Wednesday, July 14, 2010

  Gavin Osvek, a student this year in our District 287 the online science mentoring program - SciMent, has been named a Davidson Fellows Scholarship award winner. Approximately 18 students are recognized annually in this national competition that also carries with it a $10,000 scholarship.

  Gavin's research project recognized that few devices currently exist to help individuals with limited muscle control in their arms to gain access to computers. Those devices that do exist are costly, rely on complex software interfaces, or suffer from low efficiency. Gavin's designed a Head Controlled Computer Interface using embedded circuitry and tested its efficiency with a group of over 25 test subjects.

  Gavin also has been recognized for his work during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in San Jose, California making this number 19 in his long list of awards this school year.

  Gavin is an Eden Prairie High school student and will continue his research and product development this year. He was featured recently in the Eden Prairie News.

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• Superintendent Lewandowski Featured in TIES article Thursday, July 1, 2010

  District 287 Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski is featured along with Bloomington and Brooklyn Center Superintendents in an online TIES article recently.

  During the May TIES meeting, Supt. Lewandowski helped describe a new data collection and sharing pilot project that has been launched through work done at District 287 to collaborate among school districts and Hennepin County. Bloomington and Brooklyn Center School Districts, District 287, TIES and Hennepin County are partners in the pilot.

  It is anticipated that using this system, communication will be increased among professionals who work with students that are in the Hennepin County schools and also have some involvement with Hennepin County services. For example, a student involved in the County's juvenile justice system may work with a social worker, family counselor, special education teacher, special education counselor and others, but under current circumstances, these professionals may not know what one another is doing. By sharing data, the groups hope that the County will realize better outcomes and more efficient service.

  Read the article.

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• West Suburban Summer School Underway Friday, June 25, 2010

  Students wanting to Dive to Adventure, become a brain surgeon, or study roller coaster dynamics, are enrolling in record numbers this year in West Suburban Summer School.

  The 32^nd year of West Suburban Summer School (WSSS) for gifted & talented students, began this week with more 70 class offerings. Students (Grades 1-11) eligible to participate in the program are recommended by their home school districts and usually are in the 90^th percentile (or above) on at least one major achievement test or have demonstrated a particular talent area.

  WSSS Instructors design classes in their area of expertise to provide high-potential students with unique experiences to challenge their abilities. Classes are focused on a theme that includes several disciplines such as math, science, writing, and art. Class sizes are small, with most limited to sixteen students.

  West Suburban Summer School does not give academic credit for courses, but feedback on student progress is given to parents and information is provided to those who wish to request credit from their home schools. This program is supported by parent tuition.

  Some of the most popular classes are Architectural & Engineering, Fencing and Camp Half Blood, based on the Percy Jackson books. So far, more than 1100 have registered for the classes that run through July, making for another exciting summer session at WSSS!

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• Hosterman Programs Moved to Sandburg Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Thanks to the extensive preparation by District 287 staff, crews of movers have relocated all of the Hosterman programs to Sandburg Middle School.

  Using trucks and carts, dozens of classrooms, offices and labs were moved last week, and are being re-created in the Sandburg location. Included in the move were more than 300 student and staff desks and work tables.

  While teachers prepare Sandburg for Summer Programs to begin on July 6, demolition plans have begun at Hosterman. According to Facilities Administrator, Tom Shultz, activity at Hosterman will include the removal of asbestos, the kitchen coolers and the boiler equipment.  On the outside, the required construction fences will be put up around the site.

  Meanwhile, the new North Education Center final schematic design is being presented for approval at the June 24 School Board meeting.

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• Minnesota DI Teams Return from Global Finals Competition Wednesday, June 9, 2010

  Minnesota's Destination Imagination teams have returned from Global Finals, bringing home gold once again from Knoxville, Tennessee!

  According to Pamela Schroeder, Affiliate Director for Minnesota, the 34 teams representing Minnesota did an excellent job in displaying sportsmanship and competitive spirit while participating in the four-day event.

  Some of the top results include:

  1st Place:
  Jam2K, Farmington, Challenge D, Middle Level
  Vermicious Knids, Eden Prairie, projectOUTREACH, Middle Level
  List of Scottish Monarchs, Maple Grove, eXtreme Dynasty, Secondary Level

  2nd Place:
  List of Scottish Monarchs, Maple Grove, eXtreme Overall, Secondary Level

  3rd Place:
  Flippers 'N Fins, St. Anthony Park, St. Paul, Challenge C, Middle Level

  Overall:
  12 Minnesota placed teams in the top 10.
  19 teams placed in the top 20.

  See photos!

  All of our teams placed in the top 50% of their challenge, and several teams earned scores in the 90's on their Instant Challenges

  The four-day global competition is the culmination of more than six months of team building and practice. The winning teams from Destination ImagiNation's 2010 Global Finals were announced during the Closing Ceremony on Saturday night.  The results were broadcast live via www.globalfinals.org from the University of Tennessee

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  The students on the elementary, middle and high school teams are among the most creative and innovative problem-solvers in the world. In May, teams advanced from regional and statewide tournaments to qualify to compete with other students from all 50 states and 12 other countries during DI's Global Finals. The competition offers an emerging view of 21st century education that has creativity, teamwork and innovation at its core.  More than 250,000 volunteers support the DI program each year.

  As part of Destination ImagiNation, students apply math, science, engineering, art, writing, research, reading, geography and more that they learn in classrooms to solve real problems. Subjects that may have only been experienced through worksheets, lectures and tests come to life during DI Challenges. For more than 25 years, teachers, parents and business leaders around the country have given their time year after year to make the organization work to fill gaps they see in the education system.

  Every year, DI creates Challenges to develop and test student skills and talents in many areas, including scientific understanding, theatrical performance, technical prowess, improvisation, and structural engineering. DI also offers a service learning challenge, which asks teams to identify and solve real community needs.  DI teams have spent months perfecting their Challenge solutions, and their presentations were bursting with distinctive creativity and innovation.

  To read more about this year's DI program, go to www.IDODI.org.

   

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• What is this new "Responsive" box on the 287 Staff page? Monday, June 7, 2010

  We know that often a staff member will have a question about the district, and she or he is not the only one with that question. The new "Responsive" box gives everyone a place to pose questions and then see the answers. We think this will help get the most accurate information out to everyone.

  So this is now a place you can ask a question about anything related to our district. Questions will be sent to the best source for answers, and then the answers will be posted for everyone to see. It may take some time to get some answers, and not all questions and answers will be posted, but everyone who submits a question will receive a reply.
  
  How will this work?

  • Submit  a question by clicking on the  box.
  • You will be directed to a form to complete. The form requires your name and email address.
  • You will receive an email letting you know your question has been received.
  • The question goes through the communication office to the best answer source.
  • When the answer is complete, it will be posted.

  How will I find my answer?

  • Click the same button on the Staff Resources page to see your answer.

  What if I my question is private and I don't know where to go to get it answered but I also don't want everyone to see the question and answer?

  • For private questions, please contact your supervisor or the communications department at 763.550.7185 for help in finding the information. 

  Can I see other people's questions?  Answers?

  • Yes. Click on the same button to see questions others have asked.
  • You can read answers to all questions asked by looking at the archives.

  What else do I need to know?

  • This Q/A format is intended for internal staff use only.
  • If questions are not considered for posting in the answers section, you will be notified.

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• SciMent Provided Support for Students Who Achieved Top Science Honors Tuesday, June 1, 2010

  Two high school juniors, Hari Ganti from Wayzata and Gavin Ovsak from Eden Prairie have won top honors in regional, state and international competitions with the support of a new 287 program, SciMent, which  is a hybrid of Northern Star Online Learning and Honors Mentor Connection, two long term programs at District 287. Hari and Gavin are featured in this VIDEO.

  On May 17, Gavin Ovsak received a Fourth Place Grand Award, and other special awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in San Jose, California making this number 19 in his long list of awards this school year.   View press release.

  In April at the International Sustainable World Engineering, Energy and Environment Project Olympiad held Houston, Texas, Hari Ganti, received international recognition for his engineering research to optimize air plane lift efficiency, leading to decreased fuel consumption and increased sustainability in the aerospace industry.  View press release. 

  The mission of SciMent is to reach young people with a tremendous scientific experience and to focus on the three core values: Academic Excellence, Individual Experience, and Ethics in Science. SciMent which prepares students for competition in the Intel Science and Engineering Fair stresses that the Science Fair endeavor may be one of the best experiences a student has in High School, not because of competition but because of the focus on academic rigor, scientific integrity, personal growth, team work and camaraderie.  

  Throughout the year the students:
  • Study and apply the scientific method;
  • Investigate existing research on a topic that interests them;
  • Contact professionals in this field and establish a mentorship;
  • Design and conduct a rigorous scientific study;
  • Draft a research paper;
  • Submit both their research paper and project in the Regional Science Fair; and
  • Communicate their research findings to their peers and research community.

  Read more about SciMent.

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• An Assessment Designed by District 287 Staff: Essential Skills Inventory Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  Diane Gerads-Schmidt, Barb Skelly and AnnMarie Bailey have been Augmentative Communications Consultants for District 287 with 75 years of combined experience.  They have designed a new assessment tool which was unveiled on April 28^th at the annual "Charting the C's Conference" in Alexandria.  This year the conference which is planned by the Minnesota Assistive Technology Leadership Team grew to become a cross categorical conference for specialists serving low incidence students across several disability areas.

  These three Augmentative Communications consultants have worked with districts across the state to support special education teams as they assess and provide service to students who require augmentative communication services.  This tool has been designed and field tested over the past several years as they have worked with education teams.

  According to Gerads-Schmidt, "The Essential Skills Inventory Kit" 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. Users of the tool should be able to determine an individual's strengths/weaknesses, prioritize areas needing intervention, and be able to write goals/objectives reflecting work on the areas identified. It is our hope that this tool will provide a map for developing functional communication and/ or lead to further exploration of augmented communication devices or methods."

  Take a moment to look at the product.  (Click HERE see a draft.)  To order online, click HERE.

  Patti Glumack and Deb Williamson, Program Facilitators for District 287 Itinerant Services, presented at the same conference on "Educational Applications with the Flip Video".

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• District 287 Receives THREE Northern Lights Communications Awards Friday, May 21, 2010

  The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) has given District 287 an Award of Excellence and two Awards of Merit in the Northern Lights Contest. This statewide contest recognizes outstanding work in government communications.

  During ceremonies held this week, District Communications Liaison-Linda Rees and Executive Director-Dr. Jane Holmberg were recognized for the following projects:

  VISUAL DESIGN - THEMES: Award of Excellence
  Orange Shoes will Lead You!
  This category included logos, illustrations, posters, billboards and advertising.

  INFORMATIONAL VIDEO: Award of Merit
  Online Learning: No Barriers, No Boundaries (click to see video)
  This category included instructional and public education issues.

  OVERALL WEBSITE: Award of Merit
  www.District287.org
  The website category included entire website entries and other online applications such as social media and featured topics.

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  The competition of the Northern Lights is open to communicators in the public sector (including federal, state, regional, and local government agencies, non-profit agencies and school districts) and to those in the private sector who have completed work for Minnesota non-profit or government communicators. Others competing in the contest included state agencies, colleges and universities, cities and school districts. To view other entries, click HERE.

  Northern Lights Contest entries for the contest required 3-ring binders of quantitative information, much of which had been done as a result of the District 287 Strategic Planning and Member District Surveys.

  Congratulations to all of the team members who work to create great communication tools!  The team includes the internal Key Communicators who keep the website current and active.  Members:  Julie Bess Gavaras, Wauneen Mgeni, Tab Johnson, Fran Legler, Heidi Seidenkranz, Jan Walsh, Sue Stwora, and Jean Wiley.

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• Celebration Salutes District 287 Retirees Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Retirees enjoyed an evening of celebrating their many accomplishments as District 287 employees, and being acknowledged by friends and supervisors. 

  The event, hosted by our District 287 School Board and our Administrative Team, gave retirees to the opportunity to celebrate with their family, friends and colleagues. With the total years of service among our retirees being more than 220, there was quite a bit of material for stories!

  To see photos, click here.

  Thank you and Congratulations to our retirees!

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• SIXTH ANNUAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY FESTIVAL AT NORTHWEST TECH CENTER Thursday, May 13, 2010

  A group of NWTC staff had a great idea to research native student cultures and to share the research through artifacts displays, food tasting and a native dress fashion show. Their idea has turned into an annual Cultural Diversity Festival. Students research their native culture, or one they choose. Information gained through the research into the cultural heritages creates a sense of pride and builds self esteem. 

  Tina Sunda, Northwest Tech Program Facilitator, has been at the helm to plan this event for the past six years. Staff and students create displays, provide food tasting and host activities that enhance the cultures. One can see an Indian Barbie Doll or a former student's African jewelry.

  Special Education Supervisor for Northwest Tech, Judi Marie Ringe talked about the fact that "we have students from very far and wide lands, all over the world and this is an opportunity for them to showcase what they know and what they experience in their culture and have other people celebrate that.  We love this event!"

  When asked about the tradition of holding this yearly festival, Tina replied, "I think the exciting thing for me is the self esteem of the students.... [It] gives them a sense of pride and there is nothing else like it in the world!"

  Watch the festivities!!

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• Anne Runck to be Recognized by MN Association of Career & Technical Administrators Monday, May 10, 2010

  Anne Runck, C-Train Program Facilitator, has been awarded the Minnesota Outstanding Educator award from the Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Administrators during their Spring Conference.    

  Two years ago, District 287 was fortunate to hire Anne who came to us with 20 years of experience teaching, supporting and helping students achieve their dreams.  Anne has consistently advocated for those students who have often been neglected through the traditional education structure. She has helped countless numbers of students reach success.

  Anne has been instrumental in expanding the C-Train offerings, coordinating scheduling with South Education Center Alternative Program (SECA) and supporting C-Train teachers and students. Being a self-starter and taking an idea and "running with it" Anne actively worked with the Bloomington/Richfield Community Education to offer Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide to community members. Through Anne's continued leadership C-Train will continue to grow and expand.

  Anne will be recognized for this honor at the District 287 Board meeting on May 13.

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• C-Train Expands Student Programs Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  C-Train is an award winning innovative Career and Technical education program that provides a chance for students to:
  • Earn industry-recognized certificates;
  • Earn high school credit;
  • Learn career skills; and
  •Transition to post-secondary education.

  The C-Train Program, located at the South Education Center (SEC), has been given several prestigious awards including the Local Government Innovations Award by the Nonprofit Leadership Center at the Humphrey Institute in 2008 and in 2009.

  C-Train is supported by Hennepin County with technology resources provided by the Best Buy Children's Foundation. 

  The video depicts new program options including video of the day when the St. Paul Police Department brought their Canine Unit to the Law Enforcement class. Play VIDEO

  And, take a look at their new C-Train brochure.

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• Hennepin Technical Pathways in the News Friday, April 30, 2010

  Hennepin Technical Pathways instructor Chef Rob Graham provided a unique opportunity for high school students enrolled in his culinary arts class:  learning about butchering. Graham was featured in the Eden Prairie News on April 22.

  CLICK HERE TO READ the Eden Prairie News Article.

  Rob Graham has taught culinary arts for our Career and Tech program, Hennepin Technical Pathways, housed at the Eden Prairie Campus of Hennepin Technical College for more than 30 years. Students under Rob's tutelage often go on to culinary arts programs at renowned schools across the country.

  The students butchered a whole cow.  "I was grossed out," said student Talia Villella about how she reacted to the initial class.  Graham responded, "Some of them are horrified by it, some of them are really enjoying it."

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• 2010-2011 Focus on Curriculum and Instruction Tuesday, April 27, 2010

  During the regular meeting of the 287 School Board last week, Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski announced plans to focus district resources and energy even more directly on curriculum and instruction during the 2010-2011 school year than the district has in the past. Lewandowski presented a plan that builds on structures already in place to centralize support to high quality teaching and learning.

  "Over the past several years," she said, "we have invested in reading instruction and Social Emotion Learning (SEL) as well as created Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), curriculum work groups, and a sound technology infrastructure. Next year, we want to take this to a new level."
  
  Elements of the focus include:
  • adding more reading support,
  • beginning to add math specialists,
  • infusing technology access and training, and
  • coordinating curriculum review and purchase.

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  The district has prioritized these efforts in budgeting and staffing, with the goal of investing even more purposefully to increase student achievement. One of the examples of ways in which staff will be supported is through coaching and idea sharing for teaching math. 

  This year Mary Peters, math instructor at North Vista, head of the math curriculum group, and the 2009-10 District Teacher of the Year, has spent a small part of her time helping identify how to increase math understanding in several special education programs. In addition to her onsite coaching at Hosterman, Mary also sends a monthly communication that gives tips and ideas for applying math in any setting.

  Recently Mary cited the book About Teaching Mathematics by Marilyn Burns and passed along this math strategy that can be adapted for many levels and incorporates reading as well:

  1) If a = $.01, b = $.02, c = $.03 and so on, what is the value of your first name?
  2) Using this alphabet system, one of the days of the week is worth exactly $1.00.  Which one is it?
  3) Find other words that are worth exactly $1. (Hint: there are over 100 that are identified in the book).

  Next year, Mary will be able to work with a team to offer even more instructional ideas and help faculty determine the best curriculum purchases. Building on the success of the reading and SEL curriculum support structures, the new, coordinated instructional focus sets forth an exciting vision.

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• School Board Approves 2010-2011 Calendar Friday, April 23, 2010

  Plans for the 2010-11 school year are well under way across district, including the approval of the official school calendar by the District 287 School Board at their April meeting.

  Several considerations go into setting the calendar, including the member district calendars and 287 staff priorities. The calendar includes both instructional and non-student days as well as recognizes other important dates. The Board commended the calendar not only for its content but for its easy-to-understand layout as well.

  Would you like to see the calendar? Click HERE.

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• NEC Plan Recognized in Finance & Commerce Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  The extensive planning and operations for building a North Education Center (NEC) were recognized today in Finance & Commerce, the daily journal of Minnesota business news.

  The article featured on the Finance and Commerce home page declares the proposal "a lesson in financing finesse." This description is in part due to the use of Qualified Construction Bonds that will save roughly $7 million in interest, and the construction of the building at a time with materials costs are lower.

  See article.

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• Edgewood Artist in Residence is a Drummer Monday, April 19, 2010

  Fode Bangoura is an Artist in Residence at Edgewood Education Center for several weeks.  He worked with EXPLORE students teaching African history through the art of drumming.  When asked about the goal of the drumming class, Bangoura said, "I am trying to bring them together to learn about African culture with drumming and dancing."

  Bangoura, from Guinea West Africa, is a member of the Guyana National Ballet.  He is a well known professional African drummer with several CD's to his credit.

  Here's a video from class.

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• Rainbow Concert Presented at Hosterman Friday, April 16, 2010

  On March 25^th, parents and siblings were treated to an uplifting musical performance as Hosterman elementary and middle school students presented the "Rainbow Concert".  One parent in attendance commented, "I never thought I would see my child in a school program.  It was wonderful!"

  Teacher Sandi Shetka teaches music intertwined with school academics. Sandi said of her performers, "The students are focused and energized by the joy of music. Their favorite song is "What can one little person do?" which incorporates some historic Americans studied during Black History month in February."

  Superintendent Lewandowski is in Washington, D.C. this week and is meeting with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.  She will share a video of the Rainbow Concert of students performing the song, "What can one little person do?"

  Watch! The video says it all.

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• Intermediate District 287 Receives $15.6 Million in federal bonds for construction of North Ed Center in New Hope Thursday, April 8, 2010

  District leaders estimate economic conditions could bring total costs down by 30 percent to replace school building.
  

  The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has just announced that District 287 is one of 10 Minnesota school districts authorized to issue no interest or low interest Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB). Under the QSCB program, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, school districts must issue the bonds by December 31, 2010, and use the proceeds for construction, repair, or renovation of public school facilities.

  District 287 received $15.6 million in bonding authority, which will be used to construct a North Education Center (NEC) on the existing Hosterman site located at 5530 Zealand Avenue North in New Hope. Interest savings on the no or low interest QSCBs are estimated at $7 million.

  "We are pleased that our district will be able to take advantage of current economic conditions and federal stimulus funds to replace a school building in dire need of repair," said Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski. "NEC will have the additional benefits of providing long-term predictability to our lease costs and a suitable and stable home for our students."

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  District 287 leases Hosterman from Robbinsdale Area Schools. Lease costs were projected to rise an average of 5 percent per year in the coming years. The building required extensive renovations to its infrastructure to meet the needs of its highly vulnerable special education student population. The District applied for the QSCBs while examining available properties and reviewing the cost differences between building and renovating. The QSCB award supports District 287's efforts to repurpose lease cost dollars to provide an updated educational site with no additional levy impact. As part of this project, District 287 is purchasing the Hosterman site from Robbinsdale Area Schools.

  Current construction projects are pricing 15%-20% lower than traditional rates. Combined with historically low interest rates and federal stimulus funding, District leaders estimate that these factors could bring the total cost of construction and financing down as much as 30 percent.

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• Meet Therapy Bird - Buddie Monday, April 5, 2010

  Buddie is a parrot who lives with Hosterman teacher, Sandi Shetka. Buddie is a Therapy Bird who comes to Hosterman three days a week.  His primary student focus is Sandi's Middle School classroom and ATTAIN. 

  Buddie is extremely popular with students and is a frequently requested guest. According to Deb Barnes, ATTAIN staff member, "Buddie has a calming effect on the students when he is in the classroom. He also makes them happy, when he sings and dances, so do they!"

  Click HERE to see the Buddie video captured by Hosterman staff and edited in ATTAIN by Mike, a student from Northwest Tech.

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• Toddler Literacy is on a Pathway at SEC Thursday, April 1, 2010

  Follow the pathway marked on the floor when you enter South Education Center. Parents and toddlers follow the path, stop to look at the photos, and talk about the day as they head to the Child Care Center. The Child Specialist staff focuses on early literacy with the children of the parenting teens attending SECA.

  The staff and parents created a long pathway consisting of the toddler's photographs and tips about the importance of early literacy in the lives of toddlers.  The pathway is a simple reminder of the importance of early literacy in the overall development of children. Child Care Specialist, Lilli Rehm said, "According to research, all of the differences found among families - education level, parents' IQ, socio-economic status, race- the best predictor of academic performance in children was the amount of talking that was directed to the baby."

  Child Care Specialists who are engaged with children and their parents regarding the importance of Early Literacy at SECA include:  Dawn Anderson, Jillian Berg, Latrina Burton, Sharon Gerber, Kristen Sammartano Weeks and Lilli Rehm.  Click HERE to see their Early Literacy materials.

  We have a video of the children while on the Pathway.  Click HERE to watch it.

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