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Minnesota DI Teams Return from Global Finals Competition Friday, June 12, 2009

MN DI Teams during opening ceremonies

The Minnesota Destination Imagination teams have returned from Global Finals and have once again brought home the gold from Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Minnesota DI Teams Return from Global Finals Competition

Delano Middle Level Team: 1st Place & Renaissance Award

Coon Rapids Secondary Level: 1st Place

The Minnesota Destination Imagination teams have returned from Global Finals and have once again brought home the gold from Knoxville, Tennessee.
According to Pamela Schroeder, Affiliate Director for Minnesota, the 36 teams representing Minnesota did an excellent job in displaying sportsmanship and the competitive spirit while participating in the three-day event.

Some of the top results include:
1st Place:
Coon Rapids - Melonie & the Maniacs - Secondary Level
Delano - Wow! - Middle Level - also awarded the Renaissance Award.

2nd Place:
Delano - The Final Moment - Secondary Level
Maple Grove - DI-us eX Machina - Secondary Level

Eleven Minnesota placed teams in the top ten.

THREE of our teams earned a perfect score of 100 on their Instant Challenges

The three-day Globals Competition is a culmination of more than six months of team building and practice. The winning teams from Destination ImagiNation's 2009 Global Finals were announced during the Saturday night closing ceremonies event. The results were broadcast live via www.globalfinals.org from the University of Tennessee.

The students on the elementary, middle and high school teams are among the most creative, innovative problem-solvers in the world. In the spring, the students advanced from regional and statewide tournaments to qualify to compete with 10,000 other students from all 50 states and 8 other countries during DI's Global Finals. The competition offers an emerging view of 21st century education-one that has creativity, teamwork and innovation at its core. More than 250,000 volunteers support the DI program each year.

As part of Destination ImagiNation, students apply the math, science, engineering, art, writing, research, reading, geography and more that they learn in classrooms to solve real problems. Subjects that may have only been experienced through worksheets, lectures and tests come to life during DI Challenges. For more than 25 years, teachers, parents and business leaders around the country have given their time year after year to make the organization work to fill gaps they see in the education system.

Every year, DI creates at least six Challenges to develop and test student skills and talents in many areas, including scientific understanding, theatrical performance, technical prowess, improvisation, and structural engineering. DI teams have spent months perfecting the solution to the one Challenge they selected, and their presentations were bursting with distinctive creativity and innovation.

To read more about this year's DI program, go to www.IDODI.com.

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District 287 Receives Local Government Innovation Award Friday, April 17, 2009

The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs honored Intermediate District 287 with a 2008-2009 Local Government Innovation Award at a 3 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, at the Humphrey Center.
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The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs honored Intermediate District 287 with a 2008-2009 Local Government Innovation Award at a 3 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, at the Humphrey Center.

Located in Plymouth, Intermediate School District 287 provides resources and educational services to 13 area school districts. The district provides special education, area learning center, itinerant, mentor connection, career and technical education, and online education services to its member districts and to other districts upon request.

One of these programs, the Area Learning Center (ALC) uses non-traditional methods to help learners achieve academic and learning skills, incorporates trade and vocational skills in the student's learning plan, assists students in coping with personal crises and move on to academic and social growth, and helps students make the transition back to mainstream schools, to higher education institutions and to the workplace.

The ALC partnered with Hennepin County and the Best Buy Corporation to create new opportunities in career development for these at-risk students. By collaborating with public and private entities, District 287 enhanced the quality of education for its students and earned a Local Government Innovation Award.

The non-traditional C-Train program is housed in the South Education Center Alternative (SECA) program. "The health services, office competencies, and copper cabling certifications offered in the C-Train program will provide students with industry-recognized certificates that will enable them to obtain living wage jobs that may also serve as pathways to more advanced education," says Dr. Charlene Myklebust, PsyD, Director of Professional Learning in Intermediate District 287.

"I am very impressed with the quality of the many applications we received. The winners deserve the publics' gratitude for real innovation that saves taxpayer dollars in these difficult economic times," says Jay Kiedrowski, senior fellow at the Humphrey Institute.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs launched the awards program in 2006 to recognize outstanding Minnesota local governments. Awards are given to cities, counties, and schools that have demonstrated results in improving local services in collaboration with public, nonprofit, and private organizations; increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness; and management process improvement. The Local Government Innovation Awards are presented in partnership with the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), and the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA).

A reception will follow the awards ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/pnlc/events_happenings.html.
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Staff Receive Scholarships Monday, March 30, 2009

Kayleen Taffe and Sherry Landrud, Reading Specialists have received notification from MDE that they have been chosen to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship to attend Literacy in Disability Camp at Courage Center June 28 through July 3. Only twenty scholarships were granted Statewide. Congratulations Kayleen and Sherry!
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Kayleen Taffe and Sherry Landrud, Reading Specialists have received notification from MDE that they have been chosen to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship to attend Literacy in Disability Camp at Courage Center June 28 through July 3. Only twenty scholarships were granted Statewide. Congratulations Kayleen and Sherry!

Reading Specialist, Kayleen Taffe works with students
Benjamin Whitney (L) and Carol Balloy (R).
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TIES Survey Wednesday, March 4, 2009

TIES Learning and Technology Department is conducting a short survey to help them develop summer workshops that meet our staff needs. Please take 5-minutes to complete their survey. Click here to take the survey.
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TIES Learning and Technology Department is conducting a short survey to help them develop summer workshops that meet our staff needs. Please take 5-minutes to complete their survey. Click here to take the survey.

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Taften Colbaugh Achieves Master Level Interpreter Monday, February 9, 2009

Taften Colbaugh is an Educational Interpreter for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing that attend programs at the Northwest Tech Center. We salute Taften for his recent accomplishment of achieving the distinction of becoming a Master Level Interpreter, one of only six in the state of Minnesota.
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Taften Colbaugh is an Educational Interpreter for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing that attend programs at the Northwest Tech Center. We salute Taften for his recent accomplishment of achieving the distinction of becoming a Master Level Interpreter, one of only six in the state of Minnesota.

Educational Interpreters are members of an educational team supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in their educational environments. Interpreters contribute goals and objectives related to a student's communication needs and work along side the classroom instructors using American Sign Language to deliver instruction in the student's language.

Taften distinguished himself after completing a two year Interpreter Training Program and passing a rigorous test that led to the National Interpreting Certificate.

His colleagues say he is the ultimate professional, and is a self-imposed perfectionist. Denise Haage, Taften's Mentor at District 287 says "Students respect him and like him very much."
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Thank You District 287 Board Members Friday, December 19, 2008

Twelve outgoing District 287 Board Members were honored at the December Board meeting on 12/18/08.

The 12 Board members are departing from the 26-member board as part of the restructuring under the guidelines of the new strategic plan. The full board approved the plan during the November meeting. Since then member districts have determined a single delegate who will represent each district. Previously, each of the 13-Member Districts had two representatives.

Those 12 outgoing members were honored during a short reception with a plaque made by students, and during the meeting with an official resolution.

Thank you for your many years of service!

Twelve outgoing District 287 Board Members were honored at the December Board meeting on 12/18/08.

Those 12 outgoing members were honored during a short reception with a plaque made by students, and during the meeting with an official resolution.

Thank you for your many years of service!

Maureen Andre-Knudsen (Edina)	Helen Bassett (Robbinsdale)	Tim Culver (Bloomington)	Kenneth Daniels (St. Louis Park)	Jan Eian (Eden Prairie)	Pat Gleason (Wayzata)
Dean Henke (Osseo)	Charlie Hurd (Minnetonka)	Cheryl Jechorek (Brooklyn Center)	John Johns (Westonka)	Marvin Johnson (Orono)	Pam Kriesel-Koll (Richfield)

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TIES Exceptional Teachers Honored Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Three of our Intermediate District 287 Teachers are being honored with the TIES Exceptional Teachers Award. Kathy Enselein, Denise Goldman, and Beth Kowski were recognized as TIES Exceptional Teachers at the TIES 2008 Education Technology Conference held in Minneapolis on December 9.

Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski nominated the teachers for the TIES Exceptional Teacher Award. The program recognizes teachers who model the best practices in using technology in their classroom and engaging students in learning.
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Three of our Intermediate District 287 Teachers are being honored with the TIES Exceptional Teachers Award. Kathy Enselein, Denise Goldman, and Beth Kowski were recognized as TIES Exceptional Teachers at the TIES 2008 Education Technology Conference held in Minneapolis on December 9.

Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski nominated the teachers for the TIES Exceptional Teacher Award. The program recognizes teachers who model the best practices in using technology in their classroom and engaging students in learning.

Kathy teaches in the PHASE Transition Program for students (ages 18-21) who meet the eligibility criteria of Development Cognitive Disabilities. Using simple technology such as Ablenet switches, Kathy has creatively adapted turning the pages of electronic books; providing the operation of kitchen tools (blenders and mixers); and making jobs (materials duplication and shredding) access possible. Kathy is an exceptional teacher who has opened the door to multiple opportunities for our students with some of the most complex learning challenges in our district.

Denise and Beth are teachers at the South Education Center Alternative Program. The team developed a Cyber Book Club for their students (Grades 9-12). During their "Book Club Fridays" students read and blog on the Cyber Book Club Wiki page by responding to questions about their books. This book club has brought the concept of leisure reading to students who may not otherwise be exposed to choosing a book "just for fun reading."

In addition to being recognized at the conference, each teacher is featured in the TIES Exceptional Teachers publication and receives a certificate.

The accomplishments of these teachers can be viewed at www.ties.k12.mn.us/TIES_2008_Exceptional_Teachers.html.

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Responsive. Innovative. Solutions. Friday, October 24, 2008

The Intermediate District 287 School Board has affirmed a new Strategic Plan. At their October 23rd, 2008 meeting, the Board endorsed the plan for the district's future that includes a new mission statement, core values, strategies to achieve the mission, and objectives to measure progress. A significant shift in this new plan is to move from one-size-fits-all to a more tailored approach for each member district.
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The Intermediate District 287 School Board has affirmed a new Strategic Plan. At their October 23rd, 2008 meeting, the Board endorsed the plan for the district's future that includes a new mission statement, core values, strategies to achieve the mission, and objectives to measure progress. A significant shift in this new plan is to move from one-size-fits-all to a more tailored approach for each member district.

Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski introduced the plan, saying "this is a time that requires responsive, innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing public schools. Recognizing the immediacy of these new demands, Intermediate District 287 set out to create a new strategic plan that would direct our energies to meet member districts' emerging needs." She also thanked the over 60 staff members who sat on teams to put details to the plan so that, as one of the core values states, " the impossible becomes possible."

In the months to come, District 287 and member district staff will have more opportunities to learn about the plan and how it affects them. In the meantime, the full text of the adopted plan is available here.
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Curriculum Meetings Wednesday, September 3, 2008

In preparation of the new school year, Curriculum Meeting were held at sites around District 287.

Click "more" to view photos.
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In preparation of the new school year, Curriculum Meeting were held at sites around District 287.

Jane Holmberg and Mary Peters lead North Vista staff
while sharing curriculum ideas for Math.
(pictured: Brad Wing and Jane Holmberg)

Left to right- Terry Gerszewski (back of her head),
Erin Hassemer, Bonnie Rinker, Mary Peters, Nick Grady.

Bryan Klotz and Greg Lucas presented
Science curriculum to Edgewood staff.

Judi Marie Ringe and Greta Palmberg met with
Transition Program staff during a
pre-school year work session.

During a workshop held at North West Tech Center,
student transportation guidelines were discussed
with staff that may be transporting
District 287 students.
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Back to School Thursday, August 21, 2008

On Monday August 25, the Back to School Workshop at Hopkins Center for the Arts will begin promptly at 9:00. It's not too late to "get on the bus." Sign up by 8/21 by clicking here. Buses will leave at 8:15 to get you there on time. Bus pick-up sites: DSC, Hosterman, NWTC, SEC, and Bren Road. If you don't work at one of those sites, you are welcome to ride the bus from a convenient location.
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On Monday August 25, the Back to School Workshop at Hopkins Center for the Arts will begin promptly at 9:00. It's not too late to "get on the bus." Sign up by 8/21 by clicking here. Buses will leave at 8:15 to get you there on time. Bus pick-up sites: DSC, Hosterman, NWTC, SEC, and Bren Road. If you don't work at one of those sites, you are welcome to ride the bus from a convenient location.

The morning will be filled with great speakers: Mike Smart, 2007 Teacher of the Year; Martha Davies, 287 graduate; Ann Blein, parent; Don Drayer, Board Member; and, an address from the Superintendent. And, you will see over 20 great videos by your program, about your program! They are amazing!

When you arrive, go to the table assigned to your supervisor… the site where you will be working. Thanks to Netrix, there is a gift for you.
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Summer Moves Tuesday, August 5, 2008

This summer we had approximately twenty-five (25) programs moving locations with over 40% of our staff on the move! Wow! Staff have been busy juggling students, boxes, technology updates, and new phone connections.
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This summer we had approximately twenty-five (25) programs moving locations with over 40% of our staff on the move! Wow! Staff have been busy juggling students, boxes, technology updates, and new phone connections. In an effort to streamline our communications, reduce duplication of efforts, and provide consistent messages, the Administrative Team have stayed connected through various technology tools and face to face communications overseen by Michelle Axell.

The Windows SharePoint Services helps the programs stay connected by providing easy access to documents and information related to the Summer Moves.

A free eNewsletter online tool is sent to supervisors and clerical staff that allows for up-to-the minute updates in an easy and fun manner for the subscriber. Click here to view the current issue.

Netrix and 287 Computer Techs offered open house style meetings at regional locations for staff to ask questions, state concerns, or just understand the technology changes happening this summer.

Amy Kuklock created a phone resource web-page that provides a phone training calendar, phone number lists by site, and the new phone system user guides. Click here to visit the site.

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Summer Strategic Plan Update Thursday, July 17, 2008

Member Superintendents Affirm Strategic Direction at their May 30 meeting.

Teresa Arpin of Transformation Systems addressed the superintendent body, giving an overview of 287's currently drafted strategic plan. She began by stating the collective group is creating the future for 287 and then gave a brief history of the Core meetings and subsequent meetings of the Measurement and Action Teams.
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Member Superintendents Affirm Strategic Direction at their May 30 meeting

Teresa Arpin of Transformation Systems addressed the superintendent body, giving an overview of 287's currently drafted strategic plan. She began by stating the collective group is creating the future for 287 and then gave a brief history of the Core meetings and subsequent meetings of the Measurement and Action Teams. Based on input from these groups, the Core Team will meet for a third and final time in September to develop the final plan which will be presented to the 287 Board for approval. Arpin pointed out how the draft mission statement now reads "The mission of Intermediate District 287 is to be the premier provider of innovative specialized services to ensure that each member district can meet the unique learning needs of its students." The strategic plan is based on core values, the new mission, and 287 being a premier provider (not most expensive) to meet each member districts unique needs.

Arpin introduced members of the Core Team who were invited to attend the first part of the meeting as a resource to the superintendents' learning about the plan. The introductory comments by these members confirmed the plan was drafted through a consensus process and there is excitement about the potential for transformation through this direction.

The attendees-superintendents and core team members-were placed in groups for a "café" conversation asking for responses on two questions:
1. which core value resonates the most for you and
2. what does the mission of 287 now make possible for your school district?
Responses were shared that identified (1) "integrity" being essential to be collaborative; (2) the need to clarify before implementing the plan if 287 & member district group is a collaborative, consortium or cooperative; (3) how the plan allows for strong individual relationships between districts to be built; (4) the hope that 287 can facilitate between other collaboratives on behalf of the member districts; and (5) the plan allows comparison of working and time agreements.

Representatives from each of the three Action Teams reviewed the three associated strategies of the plan:
1. Design and implement communication systems to include accurate and trusted data that guide individual and collective decision making and clarify perceptions;
2. Develop streamlined and transparent communication and decision making systems to build trust and relationships to achieve our strategic objectives; and
3. Design and when necessary redesign a continuum of direct and indirect innovative services with the priority to ensure that each member district can meet the unique learning needs of its students.
The superintendents also were given a list of result statements for each of the three strategies. These results represent a year's worth of work and are stated as an end product. The ensuing discussion clarified that action steps and cost-benefit analyses have been created for each result. These will be presented as recommendations to the Core Team.

Notable points from the presentation and discussion included:
- A move is in process to "de-clunk" the advisory model, beginning with a consolidation of the committee process.
- The concept of direct individual and group conversations will allow for a more customized, nimble approach to individual projects.
- Baseline data will be collected early in the process, noting that Strategy 1 builds the foundation for Strategies 2 & 3.
At this point the Superintendents also expressed:
- Affirmation of understanding how elements of the plan inter-relate, and
- Affirmation that elements of the plan capture the current needs of member districts and have the power to transform the relationship and improve service.
- The need for common talking points for member district superintendents to use when advising their boards of this new initiative. Superintendent Lewandowski pledged this development and will be available to meet with individual boards if requested.
Also discussed was that while fiscal structures are not explicitly part of this plan, there is a possibility the new strategic plan will cause members to review the fiscal structure.

After guests from the strategic plan teams were excused, Arpin led a discussion where the attending superintendents shared insights and possible guidelines on how to implement the new strategic plan. Among the points were:
- Importance of alignment of the leadership and finance structures with the new plan
- Need to be aware of changing state funding challenges
- Need to determine common systems for superintendents so they can support 287
- The TIES model of operation as both a business and public service provider might be one to research
- The importance of cross district collaboration in the advisory structure
- The implications of superintendents now appearing to be wearing the customer hat as opposed to the governance hat
Other ideas were shared, all of which were noted and will be taken into consideration during the plan's implementation. Sandy ended this agenda portion by thanking the staff at Transformation Systems for their excellent facilitation.
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