287 News

• Explore the curriculum hub Monday, February 11, 2013

  Jon Fila, Personalized Learning Facilitator and Innovation Coach, has created an instructional video about the District 287 Curriculum Hub. Click here to watch video.

  Please note that the Curriculum Hub will be easier to access. There is a new button located on this home page, to the right of this story.

  Our Instructional Technology team is highly regarded internationally. This presentation team includes Jon Fila, Jon Voss and Mike Smart. Recently they spoke at the Virtual School Symposium, an international conference on online learning organized by the iNACOL organization. During the past two conferences, the team received some of the highest speaker marks and have been invited back to speak for next year's conference. Presentations have highlighted the collaborative curriculum development initiatives that fostered the creation of one of the largest collections of resources available, and have emphasized the powerful benefits of teacher-developed instructional materials.

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• David is a shining example of digital learning success Wednesday, February 6, 2013

   Today is the second annual Digital Learning Day, a national campaign that celebrates educators and the potential of technology in education.  District 287 has a rich history of being on the cutting edge of innovative digital learning.

  David Seifert, VECTOR student at South Education Center, is an example of student success in digital learning.  In May 2012  David was ready to enter Genesys Works Summer Training Program.  He was very successful in that endeavor and was hired for a paid internship at Dell.  See David.

  As you may recall, David met with Governor Mark Dayton during his visit last spring. At that time, David shared his latest music sorting program for autistic kids and adults. David’s current one-year paid internship is a result of intense training and an important set of skills.

  Nice work - David!

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• 12th Chemical Health Forum held Tuesday Thursday, January 31, 2013

   A doctor, a social worker and a personal recovery story were some of the in-depth speakers featured during the day long Chemical Health Form held at the District Conference Center.

  The workshop title, “No Hero in Heroin, No Cleanliness in Bath Salts, No Weed Control in Marijuana” was developed by the three sponsors of the day. District 287, the County/School Shared Social Work Project and the Aspen Education Group sponsored the event that drew more than 110 attendees.

  Channel 12 News also attended the event. See story.

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• Carlo Castagneri receives Lifetime Achievement Award Tuesday, January 29, 2013

  A familiar face at South Education Center and at Hennepin Technical College has been recognized by his professional group of chef peers.  During formal ceremonies, Chef Carlo Castagneri received the prestigious Culinary Lifetime Achievement Award. This exciting event took place last week at the annual American Culinary Federation, Minneapolis Chapter Dinner.

  Carlo is a respected Culinary Arts Instructor who taught at HTC for almost 30 years. Soon after his retirement from HTC, Carlo joined the SEC Cafeteria Staff. Every day Carlo greets SEC students with a smile, and encouragement to try something new and nutritious. He is usually successful when talking to the staff and students. (Photo: Carlo preps for lunch.)

  Some of Carlo’s awards include: American Academy of Chefs' Honor Society; Honorable Order of the Golden Toque (only 100 living members); Chef of the Year; Hans Gilligan Award; Certified Culinary Executive Chef; and ACF Presidents Medallion MPLS Chapter.

  Congratulations Carlo on receiving the Culinary Lifetime Achievement Award!

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• NEC Construction Team receives MCA award Thursday, January 24, 2013

  Facilities Director Tom Shultz was awarded the 2013 Minnesota Construction Association (MCA) Choice Award for the North Education Center. During their annual awards gala, the MCA presented the award to Tom, District 287 school board members and administrators, and NEC construction partners.

  Each year, the MCA Choice Award honors one project that was completed as a result of resourceful blending of construction techniques and professionals. The project must be located in the upper Midwest and is judged by the MCA Awards Committee based on a combination of the following: Community service; Professional team; Strong leadership; Aesthetics; Blending of progressive business and financial methods; Creative use of materials; Public and private involvement/cooperation; and Onsite safety.

  Congratulations Everyone!

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• Linda Johnson recognized for School Board service Wednesday, January 23, 2013

  Former District 287 School Board Member, Linda Johnson, has been named to the 2013 All State School Board. Linda continues serving on the Robbinsdale School Board.

  This prestigious award was presented to Linda during the Minnesota School Boards Association’s (MSBA) during their annual meeting held this month.  News Release

  Linda was instrumental in many of the District 287 initiatives including the new North Education Center. (In photo above, Linda assists during the NEC ribbon cutting.) Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski presented Linda this beautiful certificate.

  Congratulations Linda!

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• Part Two of the MinnPost series is online Thursday, January 17, 2013

  Writer Beth Hawkins posted the second MinnPost story this morning. The content of this feature includes the legislative tour hosted by Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski. The legislators, area school board members, and other community leaders took part in the visits to the West Education Center and North Education Center. The focus of the information: "What do schools look like for the students with severe mental illnesses, cognitive disabilities and behavioral disorders?"  See this complex story at MinnPost.com. 

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• leaders tour WEC and NEC Tuesday, January 15, 2013

  STORY UPDATE:
  Beginning today, District 287 programs are featured on MinnPost.com.
  Checkout today’s article “The safety zone: Inside a school where no student's needs are too tough.”

  December 4, 2012: Twenty-five state legislators, member district school board members, District 287 board members, and other invited guests toured West Education Center (WEC) and North Education Center (NEC). Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski led the tours today.

  WEC Principal Jody Delau and NEC Principal Amy Sward made presentations along with psychologists, paraprofessionals and teaching staff. Each talked about facility features, safety and/or instructional strategies in each building. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

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• Walk Around the Clock begins Sunday Monday, January 14, 2013

   Get ready to move with the Walk Around the Clock (WATC) online team challenge. It’s fun, interactive and keeps you moving. The goal is to be active at least 150 minutes each week with your teammates as you travel around the clock. Prizes will be awarded to the teams who track the most minutes of activity, on average!

  The Strategic Integration Team (SIT) has formed a team (see photo at left) and is set to join the “Walk Around the Clock” challenge. To learn more about WATC and registration, go to our ENERGIZE page.

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• Headway Academy features Math team teaching Wednesday, January 9, 2013

  There's something new at Headway Academy. Two teachers found a way to support their mutual students through co-teaching. 

  Dani Berry is a math teacher and Kristen Swanson is a special educator. Dani and Kristen share an office, and frequently ask each other for ideas. Eventually they began to brainstorm about operating a class through a co-teaching model since more than half of one of the math classes had both teachers. After discussion with Program Facilitator - Jan Joslin, they were given the go ahead to give it a try. Listen to Dani and Kristin talk about what they've learned. 

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• ACTION STEPS TO HELP US PREVENT INFLUENZA AT SCHOOL Monday, January 7, 2013

   The District requests that students, teachers and staff take steps to stay healthy and minimize the spread of the flu. Public health services recommend that staff and students should:
  • If sick, stay home from school or work.
  • Clean hands often with soap and water.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue or into an elbow or arm.
  • Avoid sharing personal items.
  • Get vaccinated.

  To read more click here. If you have additional questions, please contact your supervisor.

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• Music Program sends NEC Students to break Sunday, December 23, 2012

  On December 19th, Elementary students at North Education Center performed a winter musical program for parents, board members, school administrators and other students, including the Early Learning Center infants and toddlers. Led by one of their teachers, Sandi Shetka, the students  performed music and dance with an old fashioned sleigh ride theme. Watch program.

  The highlight was an original song "The Thirteen Days at NEC" which honored Superintendent Lewandowski for "building our school."

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• Scott Swanson is December Employee who goes above and beyond Thursday, December 20, 2012

  Scott Swanson is a teacher and innovation coach at West Education Center (WEC). Scott is amazing with lots of talents; and he has a passion for facilitating learning regardless of an individual’s age. He is always willing to help staff and students with technology needs and will always help individuals save time by showing them how technology can be used to make our jobs easier.  read more

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• SECA students visit college Tuesday, December 18, 2012

  Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed the week of November 12-16, 2012 as the second annual Minnesota College Application Week. During the week, schools across Minnesota and the nation raised awareness about the importance of post-secondary education. (read more)

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  This year South Education Center Alternative (SECA) participated in College Application Week for the first time. Throughout the week, potential graduates met with School Counselor Melissa Winship to research colleges and careers. All SECA students participated in a college fair on Tuesday, November 13th.  Representatives from The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Normandale Community College, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Augsburg College, Hennepin Technical College, Empire Beauty School, and Minnesota College of Art and Design spoke to students about college admissions, college life and programs of study at their colleges.

  The Jeremiah Program also spoke to the students. The Jeremiah approach uniquely prepares women to succeed in the workforce, gets their children ready to succeed in school and helps end the need for public assistance in families.  

  During the week, 15 SECA students completed 38 college applications to schools ranging from Minneapolis Community and Technical College, to St. Cloud State, to Augsburg College. 

  Senior Tony Brennan said, “The college fair gave me the opportunity to look into colleges that I never would have thought about attending before.”  See more Minnesota College Application Week resources.

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• Information for our staff, students and families Friday, December 14, 2012

  A message from Sandy Lewandowski, Superintendent of Intermediate District 287 We at Intermediate District 287 are deeply saddened to hear of the news of the elementary school shooting in Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families and their community. Safety is our first priority at District 287 and we are proactive in taking measures to keep students safe. On Monday, mental health professionals will be on standby at our sites to address any concerns and to provide support to staff and students.

   

   

   

   

   

   

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• Teachers recognized by TIES Tuesday, December 11, 2012

  
  Scott Swanson and Jason Backes were awarded the TIES Exceptional Teachers Award during the annual TIES conference held in Minneapolis. The awards were announced during the Opening Session this morning.

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  The TIES Exceptional Teacher Program is designed to honor educators who use innovative technology in the classroom setting.

  Scott Swanson (left) is a teacher and innovation coach at West Education Center.  Jason Backes (right) is an autism specialist and innovation coach at North Education Center.

  Scott and Jason will be featured in the TIES Exceptional Teachers publication.

  Congratulations Scott and Jason!

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• School Closing Procedures Sunday, December 9, 2012

  For our weather school closing procedure, click HERE. Watch for more information here, and listen to WCCO AM.

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• What's NEW in School Thursday, December 6, 2012

  
  North Education Center was featured on
  "What’s New in School" on KARE 11 this morning.

  Check out Kim Insley’s report.

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• Dr. Myklebust Speaks at AMSD Policy Summit Monday, December 3, 2012

   Dr. Charlene Myklebust, Psy.D. spoke during the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD)  Policy Summit on November 27,  2012.  More than 160 education leaders attended the Bridging Children’s Mental Health and K-12 Education Conference.

  Dr. Myklebust is our Executive Director for Mental Health and Partnerships. Her presentation was titled “Children’s Mental Health in Schools: Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going.”  (read more)

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  The agenda also included  video presentations, a keynote from a University of Minnesota Professor of Psychiatry and panel discussions on “What’s Working In Minnesota,” and Getting to Solutions for Minnesota’s Children.”

  Click here to read more about the conference.

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• Superintendent team speaks at National conference Friday, November 30, 2012

  Inform, Innovate, Implement…is the tag line for AESA’s Annual Conference in Tampa Florida. On November 28 and 29, Superintendent Sandy  Lewandowski, Dr. Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, and Mike Smart, Innovation Coach and Online Facilitator presented two sessions on topics that match the tag perfectly.

  The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) is the national organization that provides support to regional educational service agencies through providing professional growth opportunities, technical assistance, advocacy and research.  At this 27th annual conference, the District 287 team presented “Digital Resources in the Adjacent Possible,” showcasing the cooperative work on more than 180 projects that have increased student achievement and helped staff work more efficiently.

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  The second session focused on District 287’s current initiative to lead multiple districts with Hennepin County to increase graduation rates as a regional model. Participants learned about the challenges in leading large-scale shared vision and understanding important elements in the balance between autonomy of many stakeholders while bolstering collective political will to address an outcome.

  AESA Program Information:
  Powerful Shared Services to Increase Graduation Rates
  Shared Services
  What happens when many school districts and county services make a declaration that “All our kids are all our kids” and then adopt an ambitious goal to increase graduation rates dramatically in the region? Regional service agency personnel know there can be a big gap between aspiration and implementation. That’s the gap this session will explore. Participants will learn about one region’s experience coordinating efforts to identify and eradicate barriers to graduation. Leadership staff from Intermediate District 287 (the Minneapolis, MN region) will describe their role and what they have learned in leading this major effort. In addition they will share how they have provided the sense of urgency, offered staff support, and piloted innovative solutions. Participants will leave this session (1) having reflected on the challenges faced by regional service agencies facilitating any large-scale shared vision or service and (2) understanding important elements of one implementation model that attempts to balance the autonomy of many stakeholders while bolstering collective political will to address the dropout crisis.
  Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN
  Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent, Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN
  Mike Smart, Innovation Coach/Online Learning Facil., Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN
  
  Cyber Education/Hybrid Learning
  Blended learning, online learning, flipped classrooms, oh my! With the upsurge of digital resources in education, school districts are scrambling to integrate the potential of on-demand learning into existing systems and schools. Come hear how one school district in Minnesota is applying current research in creativity and innovation to fuel a transformation in digital learning opportunities for students. In the past two years, administrators and innovation coaches in this award-winning district have worked hand in hand to develop more than 180 new projects that increase student achievement and help staff work more efficiently. Participants in this session will learn of the innovation model that drives the program, and explore the development and implementation of several of the district’s projects that center on digital resources, blended learning, and online learning. Participants will leave this session with ideas on how to implement an innovation model in their organizations and how to successfully integrate digital resources into student learning and staff development.
  Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN
  Sandra Lewandowski, Superintendent, Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN
  Mike Smart, Innovation Coach/Online Learning Facility, Intermediate District 287, Plymouth, MN.
  
  

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• Anne Runck goes Above and Beyond Saturday, November 24, 2012

  Anne Runck is the "November Employee who Goes Above and Beyond" because she  is extremely flexible in her job, taking on new challenges yearly.  She has done an amazing job leading in C-TRAIN and has been invaluable in her leadership within the AVID program at South Education Center Alternative (SECA). She is constantly responding positively to challenges within education and with our students. (read more)
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• Karen Bendtsen named Arc teacher of the year Wednesday, November 21, 2012

  Minnesota Arc issued a Karen Bendtsen news release from the annual award ceremonies. She was awarded Arc Teacher of the year. See photo at left.

  Karen is an instructor at the South Education Center. She has been a teacher for approximately 30 years and has worked with students in many of our programs. Some of Karen's accomplishments mentioned during the November 16 ceremonies include a proposal for a Minnesota Arts Board Arts Learning Grant and received funding for an Art Garden program.

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  Arc is a statewide organization that provides workshops, information, one-on-one advocacy for families and their children with developmental disabilities, public policy advocacy, and other support services. Each year, Arc honors an outstanding teacher who has demonstrated excellence in educating and including students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

  The award announcement was featured in Karen’s local paper.

  Congratulations Karen!

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• Joe’s work in ATTAIN goes to graduate school Friday, November 16, 2012

  Nancy Sherman, clerical staff at North Education Center, is working on a graduate degree. She wanted to make customized posters from photocopies of some black-and-white line drawings for a presentation. Her dilemma: how do you turn a letter-sized, simple line drawing into 24 x 26 color posters? She turned to the ATTAIN Lab at the NEC. (read more)

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  For more than ten years, the Assistive Technology Training And Information Network Program (ATTAIN) has been helping high school students learn critical computer skills that can lead to jobs. The students learn to create projects for: Multi-Media and Desktop Publishing such as banners, posters, charts, and calendars to name a few.

  Using Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word software, and the large format printer, ATTAIN student worker, Joe Mielke, scanned the line drawings, added color and text, and created the posters which Nancy used the next day for her class. (Click on photo above to see one poster.)

  Joe’s posters caught the attention of Nancy’s communications professor who asked Nancy for a duplicate set of posters to use in his other classes. Joe sent a new set of posters for the professor and has learned that others at the university are using the posters for instruction.

  Nice work - Joe! Thank you for bringing your talents to creating customized instructional materials for a well-respected institution of higher learning. Your posters will be seen and appreciated by hundreds of graduate students at the university.

  About Joe Mielke: Joe is a NWTC (Northwest Tech Center) InVEST High School sophomore who works at the ATTAIN Tech Lab six hours per week. His home district is the Robbinsdale School District. 

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• Anti-Bullying Activites happen at our sites Friday, November 9, 2012

  PACER Center created an Anti-Bullying campaign in 2006 which has evolved into a month long focus on the message:  The End of Bullying Begins with Me. The Minnesota Department of Education embraced the idea for Minnesota. 

  During October, a variety of activities were reported throughout District 287 schools and programs. We've gathered a few reports from our sites. (read more)

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  • Chris Mann, Assistant Principal at Edgewood Education Center, reported that Student Council members led the students and staff in acknowledging anti-bullying by wearing orange on October 17.

  In addition, students in the Explore Program created an anti-bullying rap.

  • Kimber Doty, Program Facilitator at Northwest Tech Center, shared their activities. Unity Day was celebrated on October 10 at VECTOR/InVEST/Venture Transition Program at NWTC.

  Earlier in the school year, guest speaker, Willie Bridges from the Hennepin County Attorney’s office and member of the Governor’s task force for bullying prevention spoke to students at NWTC. Since then, they have engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the effects of bullying and ways to build a culture to prevent it.

  In order to plan Unity Day, a student committee met to prepare activities which included wearing orange shirts and wrist bands; placing posters in the halls and classrooms with expectations and a protocol to use when bullying is observed or reported; and signing a unity banner.

  • Ruth Norman, Program Facilitator, and Heather Miron, Social Worker, at North Education Center, shared their site activities for the month. Elementary Student Council members started the day by leading students and staff in the following pledge: “I pledge to stand up against bullying because change starts with me.”  The people who took the pledge then received an orange ribbon to wear showing their support to end bullying in our school.

  People outside of elementary programs saw the ribbons and soon the student council members were asked to go to the ALC programs to present the anti-bullying program. More than 150 orange ribbons were passed out to staff and students.

  The NEC Middle School student council received training on how to lead others in taking the pledge against bullying.

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• Part two: Superintendent Goals - INCREASING GRADUATION RATES Thursday, November 1, 2012

  Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski’s second big goal is: Facilitate a process with Hennepin County school districts and Hennepin County Commissioners that results in a regional plan to raise graduation rates in Hennepin County.
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  Work on this goal had its beginning in 2010 when Superintendent Lewandowski brought together the 18 Hennepin County Superintendents and Hennepin County Commissioners to talk about the 68% graduation rate in Hennepin County. That meeting launched a significant regional initiative, led by Sandy.

  To present this goal to the 287 Board, Sandy previewed and the Board discussed the DVD produced for the September 28 meeting of the Hennepin County Superintendents and Commissioners. The DVD features Char Myklebust who discusses systemic barriers to graduation, particularly barriers created by school suspensions, the lack of follow-up after lapses in attendance, and lack of consistent transportation for students in alternative learning sites. These barriers were discussed at the meeting where Hennepin County leaders were invited to continue efforts to achieve the Countywide graduation goal by creating a safety net through a secure system of hand-offs to well-matched educational options, assuring a safe landing for every student at risk of dropping out.

  A summary of meeting outcomes and next steps to achieving the goal are summarized in the document  “What Board Members Should Know about Recent Progress to Achieve the Hennepin County Graduation Goal.” Collapse this story