287 News

• Registration is open for two ALC Programs Opening this Fall Monday, May 20, 2013

  This week we are featuring two new innovative District 287 Alternative Learning Programs: Hennepin Gateway to College and West Education Center Alternative.

  Hennepin Gateway to College is a unique District 287 Area Learning Center that offers a second chance for high school students who have recently dropped out (ages 16-20); and students who may be considering dropping out.

  According to the Program Facilitator, Anne Runck, students in this program will earn dual credit by completing their high school diploma while earning college credits from Hennepin Technical College (HTC), Brooklyn Park Campus. This nationally recognized model helps students learn how to succeed in a college setting, under the guidance of a caring team of instructors and student support specialists.
  
  Who is eligible to apply For Hennepin Gateway to College? Students who
  • Are in grade 11 and 12 who are behind in credits and unlikely to graduate on time;
  • Read at an 8th grade level or higher;
  • Want to go to college but need a high school diploma;
  • Want a jump start on technical career training;
  • Meet ALC (alternative learning center) requirements for enrollment; and
  • Are mature students who can manage a college campus environment.
  (read more)

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  Once students are admitted, they become a part of a Gateway to College learning community at Hennepin Technical College. A learning community is a group of 20-25 students who take all of their first term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus. Learning community first term courses are English, Math, Science, Social Studies, College Strategies and Success, and academic independent study.

  Additional student support includes weekly transcript reviews and academic advising.  Onsite staff will provide personal counseling and guidance, assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management.

  Read more at www.district287.org/Gateway.

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• VECTOR go to the State Capital Thursday, May 16, 2013

  VECTOR students participated in the 2013 Lobby Day on March 6th at the Capital to stand up and advocate for the concerns of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans. Lobby Day is an opportunity for everyday citizens to experience the legislative process. VECTOR students met with their state representatives and senators and spoke up about concerns close to them. (read more)

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  Legislators “heard” about the importance of these issues through their stories and testimonies and it made a difference. VECTOR students practiced their advocacy skills, met other citizen activists, and learned more about the legislative issues that affect their unique cultural needs and united as a community.

  Significant changes to budget and program priorities are being proposed in the Minnesota Legislature this year. The needs of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing will easily be overlooked unless the community and its allies speak up.

  A highlight of Lobby Day was the rally that was held in the Rotunda of the State Capital. VECTOR student, Leng Yang, was honored to share the stage with Governor Mark Dayton. Leng was given the opportunity to help lead a community united in support behind the programs and bills which benefit the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. Leng shared a bit of his life story including the benefits he has gained by participating in the VECTOR Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and introduced a Senator. His story helped to inspire other members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, legislators and other citizens visiting the Capital that day.

  The schedules of VECTOR students during Lobby Day were packed with meetings with their legislators and the senators and representatives that sit on the committees that are reviewing our latest bill. They had the opportunity to share their life stories, advocate for the issues of importance to their community, and ask for the support of decision makers that have the ability to directly impact the services and supports that are available to them.

  Later that month, Leng returned to the Capital with fellow VECTOR student, Shayne Wilson, and their advisor, Greta Palmberg, to testify in front of the House Jobs Committee to tell the personal stories of their experience growing up with hearing loss and how the VECTOR Program has helped them reach their full potential and increase their readiness for independence. Their heart-felt testimony inspired members of the committee to speak up on their behalf in support of a bill that would return dedicated funds for employment supports for transition-aged individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing.

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• Meet our May Employee Recognition Winner Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Congratulations Jenny Nelson, our May Employee Recognition Winner. Jenny is a Program Facilitator in the Teaching and Learning Group.

  Jenny was chosen this month as a result of the excellent nomination submitted on her behalf. Here is are some details of Jenny's nomination:
  Jenny has provided numerous PEM (PCM or Process Communication Model®) training sessions for the Administrative Services Division, and the training sessions have always been of the highest quality. All staff in Admin Services have completed at least two full days of PEM training and many have participated in the review sessions she has offered as well.  (read more)

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• Congratulations Retirees! Friday, May 10, 2013

  The Annual Retirement Celebration was held on this for 16 District 287 retirees.  The event is hosted by District 287 School Board and Administrators. See photos.

  Anne Becker, General Counsel / Human Resources Director emceed the program with Ann Bremer, Board Chair, speaking to the group of retirees and their guests. Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski thanked each retiree and presented them with a commemorative plaque made by students in the West Education Center wood working shop.

  A highlight of the evening is the video made with some of the retirees. See video.

  Congratulations, Class of 2013! Enjoy your retirement!

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• Thank you teachers and specialists! Tuesday, May 7, 2013

  Congratulations teachers and specialists! This is our week to say THANK YOU to our many teachers and specialists who work with students and their families. Many lives are improved and changed thanks to your many skills and efforts.

  Recently we asked our teachers and specialists to tell us why they like what they do at District 287. The comments and information are being used by Mitch Cooper, Recruitment and Diversity Coordinator, as he talks with potential employees. Here are a few comments from our informal survey:

  “As a school counselor, my job is to establish a specialized school counseling program through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change. I have ample opportunity for professional development, innovative collaboration and problem solving as well as quality coworkers.”  -Jimmie, School Counselor

   

   

   

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  “We work with a wide range of students and are encouraged to try innovative programs that meet individual student needs. In the 13 years I have worked for the district I have been able to grow professionally and work with some amazing students and teachers."  -Kayleen, Reading Specialist
  “My job has given me the chance to grow as a professional. I’m challenged with new experiences and affords me the opportunity to share what I do and how to make a difference with students.” -Jason, Autism Specialist/Innovation Coach
  	"We provide such a variety of specialized programming that makes for a dynamic workplace. I like being part of an organization that values innovation when finding solutions to unique and important challenges.”  -Paul, Social Studies Teacher
  “We continue to see each child/young adult as an individual with specific needs and educational goals. Those needs are nurtured and challenged by a TEAM of individuals looking at all aspects of the care and education necessary to meet each student’s goals.”  -Glenda, R.N.
  	“It feels good to be supported and appreciated for what I do as a social worker as well as having a district who values and understands the importance of social emotional learning and mental health for all students!”  -Alexia, School Social Worker

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• Open Enrollment is Open on Monday Friday, May 3, 2013

  Open enrollment is the time period each plan year when eligible employees can make changes to their participation in flexible benefits, health and dental plans.

  The open enrollment period for 2013-2014 school year is Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 17, 2013. Changes made during annual open enrollment are effective July 1, 2013.

  We are also offering informational meetings throughout the next two weeks. All open enrollment information and meeting dates/times are available on the 287 Open Enrollment webpage www.district287.org/openenrollment. 

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• Administrative Services Focuses on Internal Customers Wednesday, May 1, 2013

  Executive Director Dr. Colleen Baumtrog reports key findings from the recent customer service survey.  The Administrative Services Division survey indicates that 287 staff members are generally satisfied with the customer service being provided by Administrative Services.

  The division is using the Professional Learning Community (PLC) structure to address this very important topic. They have defined customer service as “delivering an experience with dignity and respect that pleases customers by offering timely and responsive solutions.”   The team has an extensive improvement plan. To follow up on commitments to their customers, Administrative Services has invested in Process Education Model (PEM) training.  All staff has received the training. 

  Colleen pledges that as a result of the survey information and training, “287 staff can expect that staff members throughout Admin Services will respond to emails, phone calls and school dude requests within 24 hours and that they will follow through with 287 employee requests. 

  See the entire ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT.

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• Meet Doris Moylan, April's Employee Recognition Winner Friday, April 26, 2013

  Doris Moylan has been chosen as our April Employee Recognition winner. She is a School Social Worker at the Edgewood Education Center. Congratulations Doris!
  

  The following information is from Doris' wonderful nomination:
  Doris addresses the need of all 117 students at Edgewood.  She knows each student individually, works with their families and Group Homes to coordinate services for them, provides individual and group counseling, teaches SEL classes and assists in finding solutions for students, staff and families.

  In addition, Doris co-chairs our Student Council where she assists students in planning and implementing many innovative activities throughout the school year such as; school sporting events, parties/dances, Women’s History month, Manuary challenge, charitable food drives and fund raisers, hallway etiquette, sweeten your words, name calling week, thought bubble/talk bubble technique and others. Read more about Doris

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• Thank you Administrative Professionals! Thursday, April 25, 2013

  It is Administrative Professionals Week, a time set aside to honor our Clerical staff who play so many important roles across our District.

  In recognition of Administrative Professionals Week, the Clerical Staff Development Committee hosted a staff development event for all clerical. The Stevie Ray Improv Company spent this morning with more than 50 of our clerical. Mr. Ray had them laughing, standing and learning all at the same time.

  Prior to the workshop, we took some photos of folks as they gathered to enjoy coffee provided by Local 284. See photos.

  Thank you administrative professionals, for all you do to support our programs!

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• MN State DI Tournament held Saturday Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  The 2013 Minnesota Destination Imagination State Tournament results include 43 outstanding teams that are advancing to the 2013 Global Finals in Knoxville, TN.  See results.

  District 287 is the official MN DI Coordinator. In addition to our staff, more than 800 volunteers helped at our MN DI tournaments this year. The Regional Tournaments were held in St. Paul, Blaine, Maple Grove, Moorhead, Proctor and Rochester. The State DI Tournament was held in Champlin Park. We are now preparing teams for Global Finals, the greatest level of competition. Teams from 48 states and possibly 30 countries will compete. Meet some of our teams.

  If you’re not familiar with DI, it is an educational program where student teams solve open-ended Challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Read more.

  Congratulations DI Teams. Good luck in Knoxville in May! Watch for results at MNDI.org.

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• "Analyzing the Bully" Friday, April 19, 2013

  Be the Change incorporated two main elements: a play, "Analyzing the Bully," and art.  We captured a discussion at our North Education Center Alternative and the art experience at Prairie Center Academy.

  During the past two weeks, our classrooms have participated in Be the Change Programs that are designed to end cruelty and bullying. See video Congratulations everyone on your participation in the Be the Change Program!

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• Students and Staff welcome Be the Change Tuesday, April 16, 2013

  Be the Change activities across District 287 programs were a community effort in ending bullying and cruelty. Many students viewed a play called Analyzing the Bully, which offered a different view of a familiar problem. Discussion groups following the play, art projects, classroom lessons, role-playing and idea sharing were a part of the many activities.  (read more)

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  Thanks to Be the Change site coordinators, we have gathered some photos to share with you. See photos. We also have photos from SUN at South Education Center. Students were working with visiting artists during Be the Change Week.

  On Friday, be sure to watch for our video featuring students and staff during several events.

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• Be the Change Monday, April 8, 2013

  Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski has named this week, “Be the Change.”  She has called upon our building principals and all staff to work towards ending cruelty and bullying. This week is dedicated to the district-wide bullying prevention and awareness. The District Planning Committee as well as internal building groups have been preparing for this week’s activities. See calendar.

  How can each one of us “Be the Change we want to see in the world?" One innovative tool is a video promo shot with Adam Arnold, director and psychotherapist of Blank Slate Theatre and Sandy. It has been created to promote the Be the Change initiative. See video.

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• Gifted Education Part 2: Programs Continue to Grow Tuesday, April 2, 2013

  Guiding cockroaches with implantable medical devices on their antennae is just one Honors Mentor Connection experience shared with our School Board at the March 14 meeting. HMC students shared their experiences working with professional in their career areas of interest. By this time of year, students are completing projects in preparation for the Annual Scholars Forum on April 24.

  The District 287 Gifted Education Programs include individual success stories and team adventures. We are the Minnesota coordinator for the Destination ImagiNation Program, a creative problem solving team challenge. Right now regional tournaments are finishing up around the state. Then teams will move onto the state tournament on April 20, and Globals Finals in May. Each year, thousands of team members, families and volunteers take part in this multi-level competition. (read more)

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  West Suburban Summer School is in its 35th year.  Students are enrolling in classes such as Engineering Design and Dive Adventure.  Last summer 824 students took one or more classes, and the district is on pace to enroll many more this year. Some of the new classes are Creative Cartooning and Teen Cuisine. Once gifted students are identified by their schools, they are eligible to enroll in WSSS Classes. See WSSS video.

  Northern Star Online also offers special opportunities for students wanting advanced coursework. District 287 coordinates NSO which is the largest online consortium in the state for supplemental coursework. NSO has grown to more than 1000 students this year.  Some of the reasons gifted students enroll in online courses is to have access to Advanced Placement courses their home schools might not offer, such as AP Art History, or to free up needed room in their schedules, or to learn a less-commonly-taught language such as Chinese. This year, many of the students are participating for the 2nd and 3rd year.

  Discover more about our Gifted Education Programs.

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• Dr. Jane Holmberg talks and writes about Gifted Education Monday, March 25, 2013

  The Grants and Research Office (GRO) hosts a monthly Friday Forum with the region's leaders in Gifted Education with varied topics and agendas. One ongoing topic is the changing role of Gifted Education.

  While each district develops Gifted Education programs to meet student needs, Dr. Jane Holmberg, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, began an innovative discussion by posing the question “Is gifted education as we know it outdated?”  Read Jane’s compelling article.

  In the discussion, the group confirmed the need to stretch schools to offer more than proficiency.  In meeting the needs of gifted learners, schools will ensure that “Every student has the right to learn something new every day.” This practice builds capacity for all learners.

  Also included in the discussion was a poll for the $12 funding per gifted student. Weigh in on the poll.

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• School Board hears positive reports from CORE Team meetings Tuesday, March 19, 2013

  During the District 287 School Board meeting, Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski introduced Dr. Steve Barone from Transformation Systems, Ltd., who joined via teleconference to provide an overview of the recent Core Team review of the strategic plan.

  Steve summarized assessments made by the Core Team, suggesting their perspective was “unusual and positive” in four respects:
  1. Members report seeing the shift in 287 staff from understanding their role as a service provider to students to understanding that school districts are their primary customer,
  2. Members observe a responsiveness from 287 to what customers are seeking,
  3. Members can count on 287 to be accessible when they have a need, and
  4. Members acknowledge 287’s willingness to customize rather than provide a one-size-fits-all solution.

  Board members serving on the Core Team added their assessment of the February 21 review: (read more)

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  Michele Kunz, Orono representative, reported feeling energized about the level of responsiveness and enthusiasm shown by staff groups who presented.
  Nancy Rowley, from Richfield, added that there was a palpable difference in the environment and culture from the first very intense Core Team meetings and the most recent one.
  Hopkins’ representative, Laura Ronbeck, observed that this was her first Core Team meeting and she was pleased to see the caring among all participants who were willing to work together and free to say what needed to be said.

  Steve agreed that he had observed the most important shift, the shift in the culture. Staff is committed to the plan, with none yet declaring they are finished. Sandy added she is seeing the continuity of purpose as she travels throughout the district and, because the district is beginning the 5th year of a five-year plan, decisions will be made about how to refresh the plan within the next 18 months. To review the Year Four Report that was recently published, click here.

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• Minnesota Student Survey Being Conducted in March Monday, March 11, 2013

  Intermediate District 287 is asking students in the 9th through 12th grades to participate in the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS.)  This voluntary survey is conducted in schools across our state every three years. This year the MSS will be available online only and during the week of March 18-22.

  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 is available on the “Minnesota Student Survey Parent Notification Letter.”

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• 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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