287 News

• Curriculum and Professional Groups Meeting Across the District 287 Sunday, March 10, 2013

  The licensed site-based staff and Early Learning Center educators from around the district met for the third time this year in 20 job-alike groups.  From the nurses to the math teachers to the social-emotional learning specialists, these groups continued their work to align district systems and learn from one another.

  Dr. Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, works with co-facilitators of each group to clarify outcomes and provide resources.

  “I am grateful to our group leaders who assure that the time together is the most productive that it can be. And I’m always impressed by the quality of the work being done and information shared in the sessions," Jane said this morning as the sessions continued. "Our staff are expert problem-solvers, and when they share their approaches and strategies, it’s the most valuable professional development anyone can have.“

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• Strategic plan featured in Newspaper article Friday, March 8, 2013

  The Sun Sailor featured the District 287 Strategic Plan in a feature article.

  Dr. Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, worked with reporter Brian Rosemeyer. Progress is the focus of the story. Read article.

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• NEC classrooms featured on KSTP TV Thursday, March 7, 2013

  The North Education Center is featured during a news report about Special Education funding. 

  KSTP Reporter Joe Mazan talked with staff and Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski, as they toured our unique classrooms set up to help our students learn each day. See report.

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• Lea Dahl honored by ALC Peers Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Area Learning Center Principal Lea Dahl has been recognized
  by the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP)
  for her significant contributions.

  (read more)

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  Lea was nominated by Mary Barrie, MDE Alternative Program Specialist. Mary’s nomination includes these observations: “Lea is a remarkable woman who is constantly looking for ways to serve students. She is truly an out of the box thinker ...... she does it all with integrity and tireless dedication for not only doing it, but doing it right.”

  The award was presented during the annual MAAP Conference. The event marked their 30th Anniversary where state leaders for were recognized for their significant contributions to the organization and ALC programs.

  When asked about the honor, Lea said, "I was honored, along with others for our many years of alternative education program building and service. I like to think of us as the original ALC wranglers."

  Congratulations Lea!

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• MinnPost Part 3 Feature Story Monday, February 25, 2013

  You will find Part 3 of the MINNPOST series posted on their site today.

  Today’s story examines funding for Special Education and other programs and services.

  See story.

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• Year Five of Strategic Plan Begins Friday, February 22, 2013

  The “Core” team, made up of two members from each member district and 287’s Strategic Integration Team (SIT) met this week to review the progress of District 287’s Five Year Strategic Plan.  The Core Team created the Strategic Plan in 2009 after Superintendent Lewandowski asked the member district Superintendents, “Should District 287 continue to exist?” (read more)

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  The mission and three Strategies in the Plan drive the work of the district.  Each Strategy has a team of five that meet on a monthly basis to review goals (expressed as results) and to adjust implementation activities.  Using Power Points, Prezi’s and skits, each of the three Strategy Teams (see Strategy Team 1 above) and the Measurement Team presented fifteen minute updates on progress for the past four years of our work in District 287.

  Core Team members (about half of which are new due to natural attrition) are Board members, Superintendents, or Executive level member district representatives from Business, Teaching and Learning, and Special Education.  Following the presentations, the Core Team asked team members questions and provided feedback on their view of progress made.

  In the afternoon the Core Team provided their assessment of how 287 might adjust the plan or particular area the district should attend to. This feedback will be considered by each of the strategy teams and the measurement team as the district enters into Year 5 of the plan.

  Take a moment to read the Year 4 Strategic Plan Progress Report 2012. 

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• Jenn Halvorson goes Above and Beyond Wednesday, February 20, 2013

  Jenn Halvorson has been chosen as the February Employee Who Goes Above and Beyond. Jenn is always responsive to her students and the teacher she works with, willing to help with any technology needs that arise in the classroom. She has been a leader in the iPad and SMART® Board initiatives that have taken place at North Education Center. Jenn will often spend time on her own exploring Innovative Apps that will be helpful for the classroom she works with and for others. read more

  Congratulations Jenn!

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• NEC Named Exceptional New Building Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Facilities Director Tom Shultz, and the District 287 North Education Center facilities team swept the International Facility Management Awards ceremony this week. The ceremony was part of the Annual Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter Dinner.

  The two honors include: Exceptional New Building Award for the Education Center and the President’s Award for Tom for “being the best representative of IFMA” in 2012. (read more)

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  Dr. Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, says the awards are well deserved.

  “It’s wonderful to have received the Exceptional New Building Award, particularly because our North Education Center was built for exceptional students. And it’s equally exciting that the IFMA recognized our own Tom Shultz as the best representative of that organization,” Jane said today. “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with a great School Board and our member districts to build NEC, and we couldn’t have done it without Tom.”

  The awards are featured today on the front page of the Sun Sailor today.

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• Superintendent Lewandowski begins annual site visits Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  This week marks the beginning of Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski’s visits to each site. You often see Sandy at our sites, but these annual visits provide time for staff to hear about the many initiatives of our District, and to ask questions.

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  Today Sandy was at the West Education Center where staff was very interested in the latest innovation, the new West Education Center Alternative opening at WEC in September. And, another new program, Gateway Academy, will open at the North Campus of Hennepin Technical College in September.

  Other topics on the agenda include:
  • Student and staff safety: Study outcomes, legislative updates and debriefing meetings held at sites.
  • The latest progress report of the "raising graduation rates in Hennepin County" initiative.
  • The District 287 employee recognition - Above and Beyond
  Sandy also fields questions during and following the informational visits.

  Sandy began the visits yesterday at Northwest Tech Center. See Calendar.

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• 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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