District 287 | News Articles

Home | News

287 News

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.
(read more)
+

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
Superintendent’s Goals: Part One of Two Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski presented two goals for the 2012-2013 School year at a recent Board meeting. The first goal is to create systems, practices, and cultures that facilitate the recruitment and retention of high performing, accountable and innovative workforce for the future.
+

In examining how that goal will be measured, many of the areas will be familiar: recruitment and hiring practices are being revamped; redesigned teacher and principal evaluations will indicate staff performing at high levels or having corrective action implemented; and new and expanded professional development opportunities are being made available, including use of the Process Communication Model (see story on 10/26).

However, there is a brand new initiative that could have significant impact. It is called Results-Only Work Environment, or R.O.W.E. It goes beyond telecommuting. It’s a management strategy where employees are evaluated strictly on performance, not presence. In a ROWE, people focus on results and only results – increasing the organization’s performance while cultivating the right environment for people to manage all the demands in their lives...including work in a modern work environment.

The ROWE concept fits the entirety of Lewandowski’s goal. She is piloting ROWE with 100 staff members from: Facilities, Technology, and H.R. in the Administrative Services Division; Physical and Health Disabilities Teachers, School Psychologists and Work Experience Coordinators in the Special Education Division; and 25 staff in Teaching and Learning and Mental Health and Partnerships Divisions, including the ALC Work Experience Coordinators.

These individuals are working on goals that will be measured, and their performance will be judged on the results they achieve, the results they were hired to deliver. Each person is ultimately accountable for their work rather than being accountable to the clock. While this is not considered a big shift for some individuals, it can be a big shift for the entirety of an organization. This change was discussed in training recently with the pilot groups. Trainers offered several tips and strategies that help to reinforce our working as a highly collaborative and nimble workforce. A new mindset necessary for effectively building a results-focused culture at District 287 is underway. For more information on ROWE go to gorowe.com

On Friday, we will feature Goal Two: Raising graduation rates.
Collapse this story
MSTP Achieves Success for Educators and their Students Friday, October 26, 2012

Cindy Stevenson is the Project Coordinator for the Region 11 Math and Science Teacher Partnership (MSTP). It is part of a statewide K-12 professional development initiative that provides in-depth content and pedagogy support in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) areas for teachers in the seven-county Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region. (read more)
+

Stevenson talked about this fifth year of the project, “This year we are excited to have three hundred teachers participating this year in training on two topics: Extending Children’s Mathematical Reasoning with Rational Numbers, Grades 3-5 and Physical Science, Grade 9. This brings the total number of teachers involved in math and science professional development to over 1900 in five years.”

In order to see the success of the training in action, Stevenson encouraged viewers to go www.region11mathandscience.org to watch the Results video on the website home page. The enthusiasm of teachers and students is evident.

The reputation of Region 11 MSTP and the success of the training is affirmed by the number of schools and districts that have chosen to participate. Of the 48 school districts located in the region, 42 have participated in MSTP mathematics or science training during the five years. Thirty school districts have enrolled teacher teams in at least two different training topics over the years. Additionally, 15 private and charter schools have participated in training, with eight schools participating in multiple topics.

Increases in both student and teacher performance in math and science have been documented as part of the formal evaluation of the project.
Collapse this story
PCM at District 287 Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Professional Learning Facilitator Jenny Nelson is featured in the most recent edition of the electronic newsletter from the consulting firm that has trained over 75 district staff to use the Process Communication Model® (PCM). See the article.
(read more)
+

Jane Holmberg, Ed.D., Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, talked about how PCM came to District 287. “We are very grateful to Jenny (Nelson) for understanding how the PCM training could help us respond to the demands of our strategic plan. She was able to come into our organization, quickly look at how diverse we were, and understand that our ability to fulfill our mission rested on our learning how to be continually open, resourceful, and trusting. PCM gives us a common language and way to communicate with one another, our members, and our students that previous training hasn’t offered.”
PCM is intended to help individuals understand, motivate, and communicate effectively with others. According to the Next Element website, PCM has been researched through thirty years and experienced by about one million people in five continents. PCM provides a reliable and validated method of identifying and understanding personality structures, the impact of life events, and communication dynamics.

Jenny Nelson, Charlene Myklebust, PsyD., and Anne Becker participated in an intensive training session this summer and received certification to be PCM Trainers. In the coming months, they will begin offering this training to an expanded group of District 287 staff.
Collapse this story
Food Services…..lunches look different this year Friday, October 19, 2012

In an effort to reduce childhood obesity, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has new requirements for school lunches nationwide. Food options for District 287 students and for students across the country have changed. Kids are being served healthier foods.
+

According to the USDA website, new requirements include ensuring all students receive fruits and vegetables every day of the week, increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods, limiting the number of calories students take in, and reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium. These changes are compared to last year’s options in this chart.

According to Wanda Nickolai, Kitchen Supervisor for District 287, the most noticeable change this fall is for staff in the kitchen. School funding for food is tied to a very strict set of guidelines. Nickolai attended training sessions and worked on menus during the summer. Every menu must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) listing ingredients and label information for each ingredient in a recipe. Nickolai planned menus according to the new guidelines using products that looked familiar. “One example is whole grain buns,” she said. “I am buying whole grain breads that appear to be the same, even though the percentage of grain has increased.”

Nickolai’s thoughtful purchasing, her presentation of fruits and vegetables as a friendly invitation, and her encouraging attitude have paid off. Students at South Education Center were asked about what they thought about the lunches this year. Most of the students didn’t seem to notice a difference. Most were happy with choices, and most liked the taste. A few students said there could be more choices, or that they simply, “don’t like salad.” See students.

Calories are limited in the new rules. The maximum number of calories a student can have for school lunch in an average week is defined by age. Off camera, one student, an athlete, said he was hungry and could not focus on his work. Students can have as many fruits and vegetables as they want. Most are not choosing this option, yet.

Food Services Supervisor for the District, Rose Hobson shared her appreciation to those who are working hard to create healthy choices and encouraging students to learn to eat well. Staff has noted that school meals may be the only meals some students have each day. A district-wide task force is meeting to address the “hunger” concern.
Collapse this story
Meet Tab Johnson, October's Employee who goes above and beyond Monday, October 15, 2012

“Solutions” is another way to describe Tab. Whenever we are presented with a new process or method, Tab always learns the system first to iron out bugs. She deals with the issues so that we can enter our information, and poof! we have useable data. When I or my colleagues struggle, Tab is the one who figures out how to solve the issue for us....." read more

Collapse this story
HealthPartners 2011 Medical Loss Ratio Rebate UPDATE Thursday, October 11, 2012

The federal Affordable Care Act requires health insurers to spend at least 85% of the premiums they receive on health care services. No more than 15% of premiums may be spent on administrative costs. (read more)
+

This federal law is referred to as the medical loss ratio (MLR) standard or the 85/15 rule and it is intended to ensure that consumers get value for their health care dollars. If a health insurer does not meet that rule it must rebate the difference to employers no later than August 1, 2012 for the 2011 enrollment year. Employers then have 90 days to refund the employee portion of the rebate. (Please see original website story from July 25, 2012 for more information.)

Intermediate District 287 received a 1.3% MLR rebate from HealthPartners for the 2011 plan year. A portion of this rebate must be distributed to eligible current employees and retirees who are on the District’s health insurance plan.

There are specific guidelines from the federal government on how the MLR rebate can be distributed. Rebates were calculated by the District’s insurance consultants based on the IRS regulations. The pool of eligible current employees consists of those employees hired before June 30, 2012 who made an employee contribution towards payment of their health insurance premium on September 15, 2012.

Current eligible employees will receive their portion of the rebate as a one-time payment of $30.25 on their October 15, 2012 paycheck. Retirees who are eligible for the rebate will receive a check by the end of October.
Collapse this story
SEC Literacy News: Student success Tuesday, October 9, 2012

South Education Center Reading Specialist, Cathy Pinkosky talked about reading and literacy for the 2011-2012 school year. “I think that it [literacy] exploded in terms of just the teachers embracing the challenges and figuring out the pieces of the puzzle.” Cathy also talked about how teachers are better able to use formative assessments to inform their instruction with the new approaches that were used.
+

The Ventures Curriculum, originally designed for ELL use, was introduced as a reading curriculum for students 18 to 21 in the transition programs at SEC. They found it to be a good fit because it parallels learning areas in transition programs which affords naturally occurring opportunities throughout the day to work on reading skills. Many students are beginning to read for the first time.

In the SUN (Students with Unique Needs) program, students are using another new curriculum called “Early Literacy Skill Builders” that focuses on twelve fundamental skills that students need to learn pre-reading skills. It is an interactive curriculum that allows interaction with the SMART® Board which is very reinforcing for the SUN students. Teachers said that almost all of the students ages 5 to 21 are able to participate at some level with positive results.

The number of non-readers who have found success with new tools is exiting for teachers and students. The SEC students featured in this video are great examples. Teachers are looking forward to refining the curriculum for this school year, now that they have a year of experience under their belts.

Congratulations students and literacy team!
Collapse this story
What does Innovation look like? Friday, October 5, 2012

How do you know if what you are doing, suggesting, creating is truly innovative? Intermediate District 287 is innovative. It is part of our brand. It is the part of the strategic plan that assures our members that we strive to improve our performance and services through continuous attention to innovation research and the principles of innovation because innovation is the foundation of strong education. The Strategy 3 Committee developed a Report Card to show our District’s progress. (read more)
+

Mike Smart and Jane Holmberg unveiled the district's new Innovation Report Card to school administrators from around the state at the annual fall conference of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators on October 1 in Brainerd, Minnesota. Their presentation supported the conference theme of innovation and highlighted the use of indicators of innovation to report how the district purposefully cultivates a culture that generates new ideas and takes risks to solve challenging problems.

The report card measures five areas:
• Commitment to Innovation
• Output and Collaboration
• Culture of Change
• Market Success
• Innovation Diffusion

The indicators of innovation in the report card are most often used in the private sector. But, at District 287, we think they apply to us. We emphasize innovation; we do not innovate for the sake of innovation. We innovate to help students learn better; to help staff work more effectively; and to make our district services more efficient.

Take a look at how we measure up!
Collapse this story
Targeted Services event held at 287 Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Did you know that dropout prevention, or increasing graduation rates, can start as early as kindergarten? Intermediate 287 Area Learning Center (ALC) offers Targeted Services for eligible, K-8 students. (read more)
+

These students are at risk of not graduating from high school and qualify for up to 20% more school time to help them stay on track for on time graduation. Targeted Services are a part of the larger Area Learning Center programming choices under the direction of Principal, Lea Dahl.

Last week, student data contacts, coordinators, teachers and administrators from member districts and Minneapolis and East Carver County attended an annual Targeted Service training at District 287 conference center. District 287’s Program Facilitator, Lynda Benkofske, organized the workshop. District 287’s role is to provide training, to support districts through our Student Information Systems, and to be the link for the entire member district managed targeted service programs. There are about 50 Targeted Service programs within the 287 ALC.

Benkofske commented, “Members made presentations about their programs. It was a time for colleagues to learn about tips and tools that are working in other programs. And, Dr. John Fry, Assistant Principal at North Education Center, provided information on effective strategies for engaging at-risk students.”

Targeted Services is conveniently offered at the student’s school, before or after school hours and in the summer. The curriculum and supplemental materials used complement and extend the student’s regular school day program and provide educational, fun and motivational experiences along with social emotional learning.
Collapse this story
ATTAIN program prepares books for fellow students Friday, September 28, 2012

PowerPoint versions of illustrated books have been produced by the workers in the 287 ATTAIN Programs (Assistive Technology Training and Information Network) for about 10 years. Staff member Mary Frush, ATTAIN Lab South, has been the champion of this project since she came up with the idea while working with students in ATTAIN. (read more)
+

These digital books are primarily children’s titles. The format is made so that even the most severely physically limited students who cannot access traditional books because of physical or visual impairment or inability to read text can access and read books independently. Formats of the more than 100 titles were recently standardized and all electronic versions are accompanied by a print version.

Electronic books can be checked out at the North Education Center and South Education Center Media Centers by teachers at those sites, or Itinerant teaching staff. New titles are added as book titles are requested. Students will continue this book project including the summer VOS Program (Vocational Outreach Services). Student workers also help to manage the check-out system during the school year.

Click here to see the book list.
Collapse this story
Student Hip Hop artist featured at SEC Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Joey Hause is a hip hop artist. Joey is a poet. And, Joey is a student at South Education Center. His favorite genre is Christian Hip Hop music. Joey’s poetry reading at SEC last spring is featured in the video.
(read more)
+

In a recent interview he talked about his third book, “To be honest my biggest hope in all of this is that people’s lives will be changed. It will make them stop and wonder.” When asked about his poetry reading, he responded “I think it was a great success, I feel like any time even to have a small crowd….I’m adamant about my beliefs, and my beliefs were made obvious in my poetry…and I had a lot of people come up to me and say how amazing it was and how powerful it was….”

When Joey met Governor Mark Dayton (see photo above) on his visit to SEC, he handed him a book of his poems. Joey talked about his thoughts about that moment.

“Any time I can use my positive writings to kind of influence a person of authority to make just and moral decisions, that’s always great for me," Joey said. "I hope it gives him inspiration. And, it was a highlight of my short career here.”
Collapse this story
Thailand Educators event held at HTC Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Twenty-eight education officials from Thailand spent the day at Hennepin Technical College learning about the structure of our students beginning their technical career exploration in high school, and then setting their own career path to attend Hennepin Tech followed by a college or university. (read more)
+

Dr. Fred Finley from the University of Minnesota hosted the Thailand-US Education Round Table. Dr. Finley has worked and studied in Thailand which led to the round table development.The guests included university presidents and the Deputy Secretary-General from the office of Higher Education. Dr. Finely greeted the group by saying this was great opportunity to establish connections for collaborations.

“As this day goes on, we hope that everyone in this room will continue dialog to that ideas and plans can be adapted to cultures in Thailand and Minnesota,” said Dr. Finley in his opening remarks. “Please spend the day understanding the programs that we each offer.”

Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski acted as facilitator for the round table. She says she was impressed by the number of education levels represented in this delegation.

“We work with Hennepin Technical College who works with four-year colleges to help students set their own career paths,” said Sandy. “We appreciate the opportunity to learn with this group of visiting educators as they consider high school structures, technical school offerings and resources necessary to create a four year program.”

The visit included tours of the campus and time spent in classrooms.
Collapse this story
Student Ribbon Cutting held at NEC Monday, September 17, 2012

Students at the new North Education Center (NEC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. The ceremony, lead by NEC Principal Amy Sward, included greetings from Vice-Principals and music from elementary student singers. (read more)
+

The actual ribbon cutter was chosen from a pink and purple box of student entries. Students signed up to be chosen by putting their names in the box in the cafeteria. Aaron was chosen to use the large ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon. (See Aaron and Principal Amy above.) The ribbon was made by students and staff during these first days of school.

Following the ceremony, students enjoyed cold fizzies on the beautiful east patio. The Assistant Principals joined students during this social time.

“Students were flexible and patient,” said Assistant Principal John Fry. “They enjoyed the activity and meeting students from other programs in the building.”

This is the second NEC ribbon cutting. The first event took place last month prior to students returning.
Collapse this story
Meet Tom Shultz: September Employee of the month Thursday, September 13, 2012

This month, Facilities Director, Tom Shultz, is the District 287 Employee who goes "Above and Beyond."

Read more.

Collapse this story
Welcome Back Video online now Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The staff events of August 27 at the new North Education Center were captured on video and in photos.

Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski and student speaker Jacary are featured in two separate videos. Along with Sandy and Jacary, you will see our other student performers. See Sandy. See Sandy’s Prezi. See Jacary.

Collapse this story
WEC: New name and great attitude Friday, September 7, 2012

Bren Road is now the West Education Center (WEC). Since moving into the refurbished business building in 2005, the site has been known as Bren Road Education Center.

The rebranding began this year for Bren Road Education Center and with that change comes a new name. As the populations and staff have changed, so has the focus of programs. Changes include hiring practices for new staff. (read more)
+

Teachers are hired dual licenses, content area plus special education. The literacy programs have taken off. And, math is a favorite subject of many students. There are building wide curriculum projects focused on a specific region. A student may learn about the history and culture of India, create an authentic Indian dish in Culinary Arts, and design an art project based on the cultural influence of the region.
Other changes have taken place over the past year include focused attention to making Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) an integrated part of the building culture. The school mascot is the Bull Dog. Students earn bulldog bucks to redeem in the school store when they practice the strategies that have been defined and posted for student practices. The new positive culture is known as “The Bulldog Way.”

And, there is now an in-house work setting for students learning job skills, the Bulldog Café…..check it out in this video.
Collapse this story
Welcome Back Students Tuesday, September 4, 2012

North Education Center students began arriving at 7:30 this morning for an 8:00 start in the Alternative Learning Center Programs. Shortly after 8:30, more buses, vans and cars brought students for other programs. At left, Gavi arrives with his parents, Leon and Kirsten.

NEC Building Principal, Amy Sward, greeted students along with other excited staff. She said “It’s finally here, the school year begins today! Welcome back everyone!” (read more)
+

District Administrators traveled to sites this morning. Administrators at NEC included Special Education Executive Director - Dolly Lastine, Facilities Director - Tom Shultz along with NEC Assistant Principal John Fry.
Welcome back everyone! Enjoy your week! See more photos. Collapse this story
Meet Jan Walsh, our August Employee who goes Above and Beyond Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Jan Walsh, from the Administrative Services Group, was chosen as our Above and Beyond employee for August. Jan was nominated by her peers for her responsive actions for the needs within the entire Administrative Services, as well as site and program needs. Read more.

Jan was recognized during our Back-to-School events. She was surprised when her name was announced. Congratulations Jan!

Collapse this story
Justice for Kids Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski delivered the district Back to School Message to more than 800 staff at the new North Education Center .Her message: Education is the business of “justice for kids.” See PDF.

Sandy said she was inspired by a TED Talk from Bryan Stevenson, human rights attorney, who shared some hard truths about America’s justice system starting imbalance. The talk fit perfectly with what she was preparing for her message.

Sandy shared the long term purpose of the Administrative Team meetings which is to share and create key systems, structures, and resources across divisions and departments to achieve the district’s strategic goals. She invited everyone to focus on the four key goals for instruction, technology, high performing staff and innovation during the upcoming school year.

Sandy challenged all staff to think about the fact that every student deserves a “rock star” all day, every day. She left the audience with the message that we must all work together, leaders and staff, to know what works for students and to deliver it 100% of the time. Everyone needs to be on the same page. It is our work. It is “justice for kids.”

See more photos from Back to School events.

Collapse this story
Welcome Back Kicks off the new school year Monday, August 27, 2012

The official start of the school year began today with two district-wide events held at the new North Education Center.

Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski led each event. Some of the highlights included student performers (see student speaker at left) and staff tenure awards. In addition to the staff tenure, Board Chair Ann Bremer, awarded our "Above and Beyond" staff with silver lanyards.

Prior to the start of each event, Local 2209 provided beverages and healthy snacks. Our Energize Committee handed out water bottles.

Watch for more details later.

Collapse this story
NEC officially opens with Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 23, 2012

More than 200 gathered for the North Education Center Ribbon Cutting today.

Member districts, public officials, neighbors and staff were on hand when one of our own students cut the ribbon with the assistance of District 287 Board Chair Ann Bremer. The formal part of the program also included the unveiling of the commemorative cornerstone by Facilities Chair Peyton Robb, and a “Welcome” from New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken.

Another highlight was meeting some students who will be attending classes at NEC. An Alternative Learning Center student spoke; and the mother of an elementary student shared her son’s many successes in 287 programs.

In less than ten days, students will arrive at the building. Congratulations to our School Board, Administrative team and NEC staff!

Channel 12 News toured the building today. See story.

See photos.

Collapse this story
Edgewood Gardens built with community partners Friday, August 17, 2012

Many students at Edgewood Education Center have never had firsthand opportunities to see vegetables grow, smell fresh herbs or dig in the dirt.

In late January, staff and students had a brainstorming session that generated many ideas for creating a school and community garden. Classrooms filled - wall to wall with seedlings. Students made marker tags while learning about the plants. The Alternative Learning Center shop class built planters.

The Home Depot, on Boone and 94 is Edgewood’s neighbor. A staff member wrote a letter to their foundation. The Home Depot Foundation awarded a $2100 grant to Edgewood’s Community Garden Project. The generous donation covers the cost of materials to build the garden. A special donation was pavers for students who use a wheel chair so they can have easier access to their garden. In addition to the Foundation’s support, the Minnesota State Horticultural Society is donated planting boxes, more dirt and plants.

On May 31, dump trucks delivered soil from the Home Depot. The whole school was involved in a garden planting day and dedication. More than a dozen Home Depot Foundation volunteers were there to work side by side and guide the gardeners who planned to grow twenty kinds of vegetables and herbs.

Of course there are some flowers too. Instead of trellises, older playground equipment was repurposed for vegetables and vines. Harvesting has begun.

See the students and their gardens.

Collapse this story
Culinary Arts students experience meat processing Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Students enrolled in the Culinary Arts class at Hennepin Technical Pathways butchered a cow during the month of June. Attention focus was not a problem in the fast-paced fact-packed Culinary Arts class. Chef Rob Graham demonstrated his talents and skills as a chef as well as his passion for teaching.

During an interview, Rob said “Spring semester we talk about meat processing, we watch a video. We go through all the usable parts of the animal and how the market works, how the prices are driven. Then when we’re ready to cut, we get in a whole beef…and as chefs when they go out into the industry, I want them to know if they are getting a good piece of meat or not.”

Click here to watch the process in action!

Collapse this story
Student Service Project is for animals Thursday, August 9, 2012

Chris Shidla, instructor in the Options Program and North Education Center, developed a service learning project with her students. They made blankets and pillows for dogs that are awaiting adoption and/or surgery at the Golden Valley Humane Society, and for District 287’s therapy dogs. The pillows are used during surgery.

As part of the completing the project, students delivered the blankets and pillows. See video of our students.

Collapse this story