287 News

• 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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• EXPLORE Student Featured in Robbinsdale Publication Friday, March 26, 2010

  The success of Johnetta, a Robbinsdale student, is featured this month in a Robbinsdale School District newsletter. Johnetta's success is the focus of the article. She was in District 287's EXPLORE Program earlier this year, and she has now successfully transitioned back to Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.

  Click HERE to see the story.

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• Sandy Lewandowski Receives Communications Leadership Award Friday, March 19, 2010

  District 287 Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski has been awarded the for Excellence in Communications Award by the Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA).

  During the ceremony held during the Annual MinnSPRA Meeting this week, Sandy was recognized for her "outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications." Each year, the award highlights the importance of a leader's role in implementing an effective communications program in an education setting.

  Sandy's nomination includes letters from Scott Croonquist Executive Director of the Association of Metropolitan Districts; Dr. Don Draayer, Vice Chair of District 287 School Board; and Dr. Colleen Baumtrog, Executive Director for District 287 Administrative Services. In her nomination materials, Sandy is recognized for her communication efforts with District 287 stake holders including our 13-member districts, school board and staff. Her excellent interpersonal communication skills leading to the development and implementation of the current strategic plan was particularly noted.

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  Sandy has been our Superintendent since 2005. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Sandy worked in the district for 27 years in roles including Itinerant Teacher, Program Facilitator, Director of Special Education, and Assistant Superintendent.

  Congratulations Sandy!

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• Linda Rees Takes Top Honors for Welcome Back Video Friday, March 19, 2010

  The Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA) presented Linda Rees, District 287 Communications Liaison, with the top honors in the Star Award Program. Linda accepted the Star Award in the Publications and Electronic Media Category at this week's annual MinnSPRA conference.

  With Linda as the producer and co-writer, the Welcome Back Video features our own John Awsumb singing new lyrics to the old favorite used in the Welcome Back Kotter Series. Along with John on vocals, District 287 Facilitators, Supervisors and Administrators helped out with the chorus and various other roles in the production. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO.

  The judges described the video as follows:
  "Engaging, funny, good sense of humor. Good brand recognition. It sets the tone for the year."

  Linda has been a member of MinnSPRA for several years. She currently serves on the state board and is participating in the MinnSPRA New Professionals year long professional development series.

  We recognize and thank Linda for leading the efforts in producing this excellent video, which did get the 2009-10 school year off to a great start!

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• District 287 Receives Fourth Humphrey Institute Award Thursday, March 18, 2010

  

  The Humphrey Institute's Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center will honor the Hennepin County School Mental Health Program with a 2009-2010 Local Government Innovation Award.

  The Award is for the Project YES Program that is a collaborative effort of Hennepin County Children's Mental Health and Juvenile Corrections, Minneapolis Public Schools and District 287. Project YES was funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education and U.S. Department of Education Safe & Drug Free Schools.

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  Project YES began in 2007 with a target population of students in grades 8-12 at our Bren Road, Edgewood and Hosterman Education Center. Goals for the extensive program included: Decrease contact with the Juvenile System; Increase graduation rates; and System change and collaboration.
   
  This is the fourth Government Innovation Award received by District 287 during the past three years. Please watch for more information about Project YES following the award ceremony on April 7.

  Click HERE to read the Humphrey Institute announcement.

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• VECTOR North/InVEST Program Participate in Give Back Day Monday, March 15, 2010

  Give Back to the Community - A Day of Service was held on March 5^th at the Northwest Tech Center.

  More than 60 transition students and staff in the VECTOR North/InVEST Programs participated in this service learning event. The students and staff volunteered at several community agencies throughout the Twin Cities area and even organized an onsite food drive. 

  Open this storypage by clicking on the + and see photos and descriptions of the volunteers' work.

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  The day was full of excitement and feelings of pride and accomplishment.  The following is a description of the volunteer efforts. 

  The construction crew at Interfaith Outreach worked tearing down dry wall, installing insulation and new dry wall for an affordable housing unit in Wayzata.

  Students volunteering at Crisis Nursery in Golden Valley stayed busy making a healthy, fun snack for the children and cleaning the entire facility.  During snack time, students were able to spend time with the children-a high point of their day! 

  The crew at Habitat for Humanity installed laminate flooring, cleaned out a garage and painted doors and trim at a home in St. Paul.

  Students volunteering for the American Refugee Committee addressed Thank You letters to send to donors who gave to the Haiti relief project. 

  ARC Value Village volunteers sorted and organized clothing and household items that had just arrived as donations at their Brooklyn Park location.

  Maranatha and St. Therese put students to work helping with elderly residents, including getting the elderly to the beauty shop and cleaning.

  Students and staff at Bridging helped those in need. One group worked on measuring, sorting and folding towels and sheet sets, while another group organized and bundled silverware. 

  The students on the food drive committee brought 142 pounds of food to CEAP, the food shelf in Brooklyn Park. 

  At the end of the day, students and staff proclaimed this a great experience, one they wish to repeat!

  

   

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• J-Quiz Teams Place in Regional Competition Thursday, March 11, 2010

  

  During the recent Japanese Language and Culture Competition, J-Quiz, our District 287 teams finished with more awards than in any past competition. Students from Naomi Satoh's Japanese language courses at Edina comprised five teams, all of which placed 4th or higher. Satoh is one of several Japanese language teachers who are employed by 287 to provide instruction in low incidence World Language to member district schools.
  
  Four out of five teams advanced to the finals rounds and the two 1st place teams will compete in the National Japan Bowl on April 8 and 9 during the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

  The Japan American Society of Minnesota (JASM) sponsors the annual competition that includes more than 45 teams from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Students use their Japanese skills to write compositions, participate in cultural activities, and compete against the other schools. 

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• Don Draayer Publishes Two Books Wednesday, March 10, 2010

  District 287, Board Vice Chair, Don Draayer is featured in the Lakeshore Weekly News this week. Don, who is the former Superintendent of the Minnetonka School District, has written two books, the "Minnetonka School District Story" as well as "A Journey of Thanksgiving."

  Click here to read the article.

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• Superintendent Lewandowski Makes Site Visits Friday, March 5, 2010

  During the past three weeks, Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski made visits to seven sites to talk about Strategic Shifts for District 287.  More than 800 staff members had an opportunity to listen, to participate and to ask questions.

  Sandy focused on three important points of the strategic shift:

  ♦ The economy and budget reductions;
  ♦ Individual decision-making by customers; and
  ♦ Decision Resources Stakeholder survey confirmation of effectiveness.

  To illustrate the first point, Sandy utilized a role playing activity in which two staff volunteers, acting as superintendents, wrestled with major budget cuts while facing large special education tuition costs for students served by 287.  One volunteer 'Superintendent' said "I have never thought about it [budget issues] in this way before.  These were really hard questions.......I'm glad I'm not you."

  Sandy provided examples of what she labeled as "extreme belt tightening."  She talked about how moving to large facilities has maximized our "economies of skill" and "economies of scale."  By consolidating smaller sites, both support staff and operations costs are reduced.  She also talked about how we will continue to invest in and explore new ways to use technology as an investment in our future.

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  Sandy reminded the audience that the new strategic plan supports individual decision-making by our customers.  The new mission statement "ensures that each member district can meet the unique learning needs of its students."

  Sandy highlighted results from the Decision Resources Survey which indicated high ratings of customer satisfaction for the quality and value of programs and services from 287.  The survey done in relation to the strategic plan included responses from the 13 member district superintendents, special education directors, teaching and learning directors, and 287 Board members, in addition to a randomly-selected Board member from each member district. Morris summarized the results, saying, "The report is a validation of the kinds of things the district has been doing over the years." He cited significant positives related to communications and to the value of the service, calling the district a "fantastically effective enterprise."

  And, in closing, Sandy answered questions.  She described this part of her visits as one of the best parts.  She said "The questions were great in every site and were reflective of the concerns for the well being of the students they serve."

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• A Day in the Life of a Therapy Dog Monday, March 1, 2010

  Therapy dogs are a very important part of the day for many students.  There are  five therapy dogs currently working in District 287 buildings including Bren Road Education Center, Hosterman Education Center, South Education Center, Northwest Tech Center, and Northland.  All of the dogs belong to Intermediate District 287 staff who work in those buildings.  In order to be a part of the therapy dog program, owners and dogs must pass an on-site test following the rigorous training program. District 287 dogs and owners were trained and tested by Natural Connections Learning Center (formerly MN LINC)

  Emmie and owner Kate Wessel, LICSW, were followed during a routine day at work in Hosterman Education Center.  Click HERE see the day from Emmie's point of view through the "Emmie cam", a flip video camera attached to her collar.

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• Thank YOU District 287 School Board Thursday, February 25, 2010

  This week District 287 joins other districts across the state to celebrate Minnesota School Board Recognition Week. The 287 Board is unique in some ways and similar to regular K-12 Boards in other ways.

  The Board is unique in its composition: 13 members each represent and act as a liaison for their respective member district. The manner is which they serve, however, is similar to other School Boards. They are the decision-making body that provides district direction, making some the tough decisions required to keep our students learning. They provide leadership by
  ◊ Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues
     related to student achievement;
  ◊ Creating a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach; and
  ◊ Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems.

  During the February 25 School Board Meeting, we are proud to recognize our 13 Board Members. We thank them for their commitment and willingness to devote countless hours to build better programs and services each year.

  District 287 Board:

  Arlene Bush, Represents Bloomington
  Greg Thielsen, Board Treasurer, Represents Brooklyn Center
  Carol Bomben, Represents Eden Prairie
  Peyton Robb, Represents Edina
  Sally Johnson, Represents Hopkins
  Don Draayer, Board Vice-Chair, Represents Minnetonka
  Michèle Kunz, Represents Orono
  Steven Antolak, Represents Osseo
  Nancy Rowley, Board Clerk, Represents Richfield
  Linda Johnson, Board Chair, Represents Robbinsdale
  Pamela Rykken, Represents St. Louis Park
  Carter Peterson, Represents Wayzata
  Ann Bremer, Represents Westonka

  If you would like to learn more about our District 287 Board, click HERE.

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• PCA Students Raise Funds for Haiti Earthquake Victims Wednesday, February 24, 2010

  Two students at the Prairie Center Alternative (PCA) Program are using their Modern Problems Course project to raise money for the children of Haiti.

  For PCA students, Dani Smith and Kat Samuels, the Haiti project started as an assignment for the Modern Problems Course. During this course being taught by PCA teachers, a student must demonstrate an understanding of how economics impact our world and world events. One of the assignments students can choose is to create a business idea and think about how this business will impact our local community, country and world. Included in this project is the "think process" about the goods and services they would like to provide, the qualities they want people to associate with their company or organization, the purpose or mission of the business, and the overall look and feel of the business. Students are expected to develop a marketing strategy and plan.

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  When the January 12^th earthquake happened, Dani and Kat had been in their Modern Problems course for one week. The more they learned about Haiti, the more Dani and Kat believed something needed to be done.  They abandoned their initial business idea of setting up a mobile tanning business and began to research how they might develop a nonprofit business designed to help the people of Haiti. Instructor, Paul Bennett, supported their change of business model with enthusiasm and additional resource ideas.

  Dani and Kat came up with a business plan that they would put into action.  They designed T-shirts and crafted pens and necklaces to sell. They created the poster boards, designed the presentation around their goals and their research, and decided on the charity to send the money they raised for Haiti.

  The charity Dani and Kat selected to receive their collected donations is UNICEF because they are focused on Haiti and most of the money people sent to them goes to helping children. They also discovered that the majority donations go directly to helping people.

  Their initial goal of raising $400.00 was surpassed. Dani and Kat have raised more than $800.00.  The money will be sent to UNICEF this week and their Haiti project will be winding down. 

  Modern Problems Course teacher, Paul Bennett has summarized the project for District 287 administrators:
  "It has been a life changing assignment. Our entire school has benefited from the project in so many ways.  Kat and Dani's energy and enthusiasm for Haiti and service learning has inspired others to get involved.  They have been sharing the project with groups throughout the district. With each presentation, their confidence and determination grows.  Dani and Kat understand how their work can help make a difference for people who have experienced tremendous pain and suffering."

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• Minnesota Student Survey Being Conducted in February and March Friday, February 12, 2010

  Intermediate District 287 is asking students in the 9th through 12th grades to participate in the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey.  This voluntary survey is conducted in schools across our state every three years.

  The survey is given to obtain useful information from students about how things are going at schools, with their peers and about health-related thoughts and behaviors.  The information helps us develop and maintain effective programs and provide better services at school and through community groups.  The statewide information assists in guiding state programs.

  Parents are being notified by a Connect-Ed message (to their phones or e-mails) about the process to let the district know if they do not wish their son or daughter to take the survey. More information and whom to contact to opt out, click HERE on the "Minnesota Student Survey Parent Notification Letter" from District 287.

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• NWTC Staff Appreciation Celebration Wednesday, February 3, 2010

  On Friday, January 22, to build and maintain an excellent school climate, the staff of NWTC took time to purposefully practice the positive aspects of teamwork: celebration, humor, laughter and spontaneity. The day included lunch, donations to staff from the business community of Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park and an improvisation event led by Comedy Sportz.

  Judi Marie Ringe, Supervisor, said "Staff are what makes student achievement happen - when these great teams are energized, supported and encouraged to team, laugh and improvise - they build a reserve of resiliency and then are able to accomplish amazing success for our students."

  Staff that helped to make this event happen include: Donna Boese, Evelyn Leupke, Darla Jackson, Tina Sunda, Kimber Doty, Amy Tiedens, and Judi Marie Ringe.

  Students also wrote notes to the staff expressing their appreciation.

  Click HERE to see more photos from the event.

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• School Board Briefs Friday, January 29, 2010

  Click on this link for the summary of the September 23, 2010 School Board Meeting or past Board Briefs

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  Click on this link for the summary of the September 23, 2010 School Board Meeting or past Board Briefs

  
  

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• Online Learning: No Barriers, No Boundaries Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  On January 26, Jon Voss, Ph.D., Supervisor of Northern Star Online, and Mike Smart, Online Learning Facilitator at District 287, spoke to the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) Winter Conference. The AMSD Conference was titled On-line Learning: Fad or Future? More than 160 Superintendents and their cabinet members from around the state attended the session.
  
  Jon and Mike joined other experts from around the state to share their expertise on the topic. Mike was a panelist with other teachers who talked about "Engaging Online Classrooms" and Jon Voss moderated a panel discussion on "Resources for Online Development."
  
  Jane Holmberg, Ed.D., Executive Director of Teaching Learning at District 287, has been an integral part of the planning the AMSD Winter Conference along with Jon, Mike and Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski.
  
  To support the key messages of the Conference, Linda Rees, Communications Liaison at 287, produced a video. The video invites conference participants to answer these questions:
  1. What are the current barriers to online learning in your school, district or jurisdiction that you can directly affect?
  2. What are your own concerns or hopes about online learning and who are you talking with to get answers?

  To see the video, click HERE. To view the handout, click HERE.

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• District Submits Memorandum of Agreement for Race to the Top Friday, January 22, 2010

  Intermediate District 287 has joined the over 300 school districts to sign on to the state's Race to the Top (RTTT) application. RTTT, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides competitive grants to states that are engaged in education innovation and reform. In December the Board authorized the Superintendent to submit a memorandum of agreement to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) indicating district interest to participate in the federal grant program if Minnesota were to receive the award.

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  The agreement outlines district responsibilities in three major areas: (1) standards and assessment, (2) data systems, and (3) great teaching and leaders. For the first two areas, districts not only would receive dollars directly to coordinate activities but also would receive support for professional development from the MDE. The estimated funding for District 287 for these two areas would be $561,526 over four years. For the third area, participating districts would receive Q-Comp funding to implement our state's alternative compensation system no later than 2012-2013. That current dollar figure for four years is estimated to be $1,719,120. The total direct funding for the district, therefore, is being estimated by the MDE at $2,280,646 over four years. The Board agreed this opportunity for additional resources aligns well with efforts the district has already undertaken to directly impact student achievement.

  The MDE will know if Minnesota has been awarded the grant by April, 2010. At that time, all districts that have submitted a memorandum of agreement will have 90 days to submit a workplan to the MDE that clarifies how the budget will be used.

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