District 191 Newsletter - Winter 2016

Your Schools

Your Community

VOLUME 8, NUMBER 2

Winter 2016

2016 State of the District at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 Burnsville High School Cafeteria, 600 E. Highway 13 Superintendent Joe Gothard will share progress being made to implement the district’s exciting Vision One91 and describe what’s yet to come.

Vision One91 Update:

Pathways, personal learning devices and more

Students in the Advanced Automotive class assisted teacher Russ Tesmer, right, with setting up the new automotive and construction trades annex, near Burnsville High School.

W

hen the next school year begins in September 2016, Burnsville-EaganSavage School District will be changed in many wonderful ways because of Vision One91, the work to redesign our district to meet the needs of today’s learners and ensure the district’s mission of “Each Student Real-World Ready.” Here are some updates.

AcAdemics

• A new Pathways model represents a sweeping shift in how we ask students to think about and plan their Burnsville High School experience and prepare for bright futures. Pathways will be at the heart of how students are college, career and real-world ready. An exciting new course catalog is brimming with new opportunities for students to get the most out of their high school years.

• See Superintendent Joe Gothard’s column on the back page of this newsletter for information on the innovative STEA3M programming at the new middle schools.

Technology Keep up with Vision One91 progress: • On the website, view videos and more at www.isd191.org/vision191.

• Social media: facebook.com/isd191; twitter.com/isd191, instagram.com/isd191 •Subscribe to the district’s e-newsletter at www.isd191.org/news

• All students at Burnsville High School will receive Chromebooks as their personal learning devices next school year. These Chromebooks will have keyboards but will also swivel around to be touch screens.

• Middle school students will receive Chromebooks with the 2017-18 school year.

• Elementary schools will use Chromebooks during the school day (with a ratio of two students per device by the 2018-19 school year) but not take them home as secondary students will.

• New digital learning specialists will support and expand technology learning skills with elementary students.

• ParentVUE is the new portal for parents to access student information online like grades, attendance, immunizations and more. ParentVUE is also an easy way for parents to keep their contact information up to date so they can always be reached in an emergency.

• Schoology, the district’s new online learning management system, is being used by an increasing number of teachers and students.

consTrucTion

• At Burnsville High School, you can see walls going up on the west, south and east sides of the building.

• The new automotive and construction trades annex at BHS is now being used.

Students in the advanced automotive class assisted teacher Russ Tesmer with setting up the shop — what an amazing real-world experience for them.

• At William Byrne Elementary School in Burnsville, the district’s final portable classroom (40+ years old) has been removed and construction is starting on a classroom addition to the school.

District 191 earns financial award for 27th consecutive year For the 27th consecutive year, Burnsville-EaganSavage School District 191 has received an award for financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International.

The Certificate of Excellence (COE) award is considered to be the gold standard and the highest recognition for school district financial reporting.

It’s only given to school districts that have met or exceeded the standards of the program, according to ASBO. For more details, visit ww.asbointl.org.

Only three school districts in Minnesota have received the award for more than 25 years, and District 191 is one of them. The most recent award was for the 2014 report.

“This award recognizes our continuing effort to meet the highest standards of financial integrity,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “It is a prestigious accomplishment that demonstrates that we are using tax dollars wisely.”

Burnsville High School students have researched Vision One91 and now are sharing information and enthusiasm with their classmates.

Students spread information, benefits about Vision One91 A group of Burnsville High School students has taken a particular interest and formed a Vision One91 subgroup of the #BurnsvilleStrong group at their school. They’ve researched Vision One91 and have met with the architect of the project, Mark Hayes, to discuss upcoming changes to the school building.

The students have learned a lot and now they’re sharing information and supporting their classmates in the transition to an expanded Burnsville High School, which will open in September 2016 with grades 9-12.

“I am working as diligently as possible to ensure that the students’ transition from where they are now to the magnificent places that they will be in the future is simple and engaging,” said junior Tyrese Leverty who is leading the effort to spread the word. “I’m dedicated to this vision and I’d like to continue to work with it until I graduate from Burnsville High School.”

“I wish more students realized that the short-term inconveniences that came with the construction are going to be so incredibly minor compared to what is to come,” said Marissa Marsolek, an 11th grader who is a member of the group. “There are going to be so many amazing opportunities that the students will get the chance to discover and that they should be looking forward to experiencing.”

To view an extended Q&A with Tyrese and Marissa, go to www.isd191.org. Follow the group on Twitter @VisionOne91.

Achievement: We are focused on learning and we get results STUDENTS SUCCEED

Triple A Award recipients are outstanding role models

Superintendent Joe Gothard presented trophies to spelling champion Chance Persons, left, and runnerup Brandon Vi.

Spelling bee champ In his fourth consecutive year qualifying for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Spelling Bee, Chance Persons won the championship on Dec. 14 after 21 rounds that included more than 200 words.

Chance, now an 8th grader at Metcalf Junior High School in Burnsville, placed 5th in the district bee when he was in 5th grade and placed 7th as a 6th grader. Last year, he was the runner-up and was also among 50 metro area students who qualified to compete in the 2015 Minnesota Seven County Metro Area Regional Spelling Bee in March.

Brandon Vi, an 8th grader at Eagle Ridge Junior High, was runner-up this year while Aliya Butler, an 8th grader at Nicollet Junior High, placed third.

BHS student-athletes sign up with colleges Eight Burnsville High School student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent on Feb. 3 to play their respective sports at a NCAA Division I or II college.

“All of these athletes have put together outstanding athletic careers while attending Burnsville High School, as well as outstanding academic success in the classroom,” said Jeff Marshall, activities/athletics director for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. “The Burnsville community wishes them the best of luck as they continue on with their athletic and academic careers.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO: • Max Cantrell, football, Concordia University, St. Paul • Hamza Hassan, football, Southwest Minnesota State University • Lauren LaFavre, girls’ soccer, University of Sioux Falls • Jordan Leake, football, Wayne State College • Kamal Martin, football, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities • Benn Olson, football, Northern Illinois University • Jesse Orak, football, Concordia University, St. Paul • Keenan Winge, football, Concordia University, St. Paul

State says elementary school has reason to celebrate Students and staff members at Marion W. Savage Elementary School in Savage have cause to celebrate!

The school has been named a 2015 Celebration School by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

More than 150 Celebration Eligible schools in the state of Minnesota applied for this distinction and, from those submissions, just 22 were chosen for recognition.

“Your school’s selection is a reflection of the quality application you submitted that tells the story of your efforts to improve student achievement,” said Dr. Brenda Cassellius, MDE commissioner. “I appreciate your tireless dedication to the students you serve.”

She hopes that Celebration Schools will share effective practices with other schools across the state.

By learning from one another, schools can replicate what works and close achievement gaps among students.

Using the results of the State’s Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) and Focus Rating (FR), Title I schools can fall into five groups. Reward Schools are the top 15 percent followed by the next 25 percent highest which are Celebration Eligible schools that can apply to be Celebration Schools. Two schools in District 191 were named Reward Schools last fall — Gideon Pond and Edward Neill Elementary Schools, both in Burnsville.

Jared Lozano and Emily Carlson excel in academics, the arts and athletics at Burnsville High School.

Emily Carlson and Jared Lozano have been selected as the 2016 Triple A Award recipients at Burnsville High School. “Emily and Jared have been very involved and successful and are definitely making the most of their years at Burnsville High School,” said Jeff Marshall, athletics/activities director in BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District 191. “They are amazing, well-rounded students with many talents, interests and accomplishments. They serve as wonderful role models for younger students to follow.”

To qualify as Triple “A” Award recipients, seniors must have a “B” or better grade point average and participate in fine arts activities and athletics sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League.

In band since fifth grade, Jared played the sousaphone in marching band and the tuba in regular band at Burnsville High School. He’s also been a leader in the Swing Dance program since eighth grade.

Joining the Olympic Style Weightlifting team in 10th grade was life-changing. “Weightlifting has taught me so much including discipline, and how to be mentally

and physically strong,” said Jared, who has qualified for the state meet and went to Junior Nationals in February.

“No matter what the activity, Jared always gives 110%,” said Ann Bakken, his teacher at Nicollet Junior High. “Jared’s enthusiasm, kindness and empathetic way with other kids makes them want to do the same.”

Emily has a passion for science and has presented her independent research at regional, state and international levels in the past two years. She maintains a high Grade Point Average while taking rigorous AP and College in the School classes at Burnsville High School.

She was a member of the Swing Dance group and has been part of the concert band and pit orchestra and she’s a captain on the softball team.

Emily leads by example, according to BHS science teacher Dr. Jennifer Hugstad-Vaa, who said, “She exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded individual and to give of herself to help others succeed.”

Both seniors will be going to college next year. Jared is interested in the field of psychology while Emily plans to study medicine and become a doctor.

Student makes history at chess powerhouse school Zander Gorton made history at Metcalf Junior High School this year by winning three consecutive school championships when he was in 7th and 8th grades and now in 9th grade.

“No other student has done this in the history of the school,” said Brian Ribnick, a math teacher at the school who has been chess director for 33 years. “It’s a remarkable accomplishment.”

Every year Metcalf students compete in an all-school competition to determine a chess champion. This event also serves as team tryouts for students attempting to qualify for the school’s trophy-winning traveling team.

“Metcalf students earned three national titles in 2015 and the school’s 28th state chess title, so when they play against each other, the competition is fierce,” said Ribnick.

This year was no exception, with Zander being the eventual school champion. “Zander works at the game,” said Ribnick. “He is very creative and is able to create brilliant plans to outwit most of his opposition.”

Zander’s interest in chess increased back when he, along with all 4th graders in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, participated in two-week residency with a chess master through a unique and long-time Community Education program.

2

Zander Gorton

Community Connections: Together everyone achieves more BHS junior recognized for outstanding volunteer service Egeziharya Yilma was selected to represent Burnsville High School at state-level judging for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award that recognizes Minnesota’s top youth volunteers of 2016.

Egeziharya created Project Pencil last March to collect school supplies for children in Ethiopia. After securing approval from Principal Dave Helke, Egeziharya set up a collection site in the main hall of the school and began gathering new and slightly used school supplies including folders, markers, backpacks, erasers and more. She hoped to fill six suitcases but surpassed her goal. Over the summer she traveled

with her father to Ethiopia with seven suitcases of school supplies, worked with the Ethiopian Department of Education, and distributed supplies at several schools.

“Egeziharya developed a great service project and used real-world ready skills to implement and make it successful,” said Helke. “We’re very proud of our students who work to make a positive difference in the world.”

Five other students received Prudential Spirit of Community Certificates of Merit in recognition of their volunteer service. They are Maedin Abegaz, Hau Bui, Benjamin Hubbard, Stephanie Nkatia and Jaylin Wong.

Ready, set, roll!

Egeziharya Yilma developed a service project and used real-world ready skills to make it happen.

School start times will change next year A proposal to change school start times so that schools at each level — elementary, middle and high school — will start at the same time was approved unanimously on Jan. 28 by the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Board of Education.

Under the plan, school days will be: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: 9:15 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS: 7:47 a.m. to 2:47 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS: 8 a.m. to 2:36 p.m.

The goal of the new schedule is to ensure students have equal opportunity to participate in after-school activities and provide more opportunities for teachers to collaborate with peers at different schools.

The approved plan was created after the District sought out and received feedback from parents and staff members on two earlier proposals.

The primary changes will be: • Five elementary schools will start later that they currently do (Gideon Pond, Neill, Rahn, Sioux Trail and William Byrne),

• Burnsville High School will start almost 30 minutes later than it does now, • Eagle Ridge Middle School will start about 40 minutes earlier to match with Nicollet and Metcalf, • Middle school days will be about 20 minutes longer to accommodate increased learning through an 8-period day, • Elementary school days will be 15 minutes longer to increase learning and accommodate bus schedules.

Teacher variety show will BHS Hall of Fame raise scholarship money nominations Nearly 150 employees in Burnsville-EaganSavage School District 191 are involved in the upcoming 28th annual Class Acts comedy variety show to raise money for scholarships for graduating students.

So far, Class Acts has raised more than $242,000 to help students at Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School pay for college.

This year’s show, dubbed “World Tour” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on March 10-12, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 12. All performances will be in the Mraz Center at Burnsville High School, 600 E. Highway 13. Staff members will sing, play instruments, act in skits, tell jokes and dance. There will also be a basket raffle again this year.

Tickets are $5 and available 30 minutes before each show. Tickets can also be purchased in advance by contacting Holly Foldenaur at hfoldenaur@isd191.org.

Board awarded for noteworthy training Members of the BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District 191 Board of Education were recognized at the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Leadership Conference Jan. 14 for earning the District Award of Distinction. Only six districts in the state qualified for the award this year. To qualify, a district must have a majority of board members who received at least 100 hours of board training.

“These boards walk the walk,” said Kirk Schniedawind, executive director of MSBA which is a statewide nonprofit organization representing 332 Minnesota public school boards. “They know that learning is lifelong, and set the example for their students to show that a well-educated board means better results for student achievement.”

Preschool registration

ISD 191 Early Childhood Programs believe that children best through play. Teachers support and nurture the growth of the whole child with emphasis on developing social and emotional skills for life.

Registration is now open for Tiny Tots Preschool, a 4 Star Parent Aware rated preschool expanding to include several elementary school locations in addition to Diamondhead Education Center. Registration information is available at www.communityed191.org.

due March 11

Nominations for inductees into the Burnsville High School (BHS) Hall of Fame Class of 2016 are being accepted now through March 11. Nominations can be submitted electronically by going to www.isd191.org/halloffame.

Nomination forms can also be picked up in the BHS office.

The Hall of Fame recognizes former students or retired staff members who have made exceptional achievements in their field, significant contributions to BHS and/or unique contributions to the community on a local, state, national or international level. It also recognizes any school group or team that has extraordinary performance in a given year and is significant to the history of the school, as well as individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the operation and success of BHS. New members will be inducted at a ceremony at the school prior to a home football game on Friday, Oct. 7, and also honored during half-time. For more information about the BHS Hall of Fame or to submit an application, visit http://ow.ly/WXEaK

Superintendent receives new threeyear contract

Schoolwide book club builds literacy, community

A new three-year contract for Superintendent Joe Gothard was unanimously approved by the seven members of the BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District 191 Board of Education in January. The contract starts on July 1, 2016, and continues until June 30, 2019 for Gothard, who joined the district on July 1, 2013.

Board members praised Gothard’s leadership and the direction that district is headed with Vision One91. Board Chair Dan Luth said it has been an exciting first three years with Gothard at the helm and added, “I’m excited to know we have another three years of your service as you continue to serve our children in a very, very exceptional manner.”

The same book was read and then discussed during winter break by students, parents and staff members at Sioux Trail Elementary School in Burnsville. It was a way to build community while developing literacy, according to Principal Shannon McParland.

Called “Sioux Trail Reads: One School, One Book,” everyone read the book “Storm of the Century” about Hurricane Katrina by Stephanie Peters. It’s historical fiction with a mix of graphics and text in 56 pages.

Then on the last day of break, an online group discussion of the book took place. The school provided questions that could be used before, during and after reading the book.

3

Check out log rolling this spring through ISD191 Community Education! Log Rolling is fun and it’s a great workout. It’s an excitng actvity for kids, adults, and families. Opportunities start in early April at Eagle Ridge Junior High and Nicollet Junior High. Registration information is available at www.communityed191.org.

Remembering Dick Hanson

The District 191 Community honors the legacy of legendary teacher and coach Dick Hanson, who passed away on Jan. 26, 2016. Hanson taught at Burnsville High School from 1960 to 1992, and was head football coach from 1969 to 1993. Read more at www.isd191.org/coachhanson.

ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER This newsletter is sent periodically to all residents in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 to provide information about schools, which are a cornerstone of the community. If you have comments, send them to Ruth Dunn, district communications director, at rdunn@isd191.org or call 952-707-2020.

CONNEC T WITH US Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 strives to keep residents informed and involved in their public schools.

To get news, pictures, events and more delivered to you where you want them, “Like” us on Facebook, or/and follow us on Twitter and Instrgram. facebook.com/isd191 twitter.com/isd191 instagram.com/isd191 Residents may also sign up for the District 191 e-Newsletter at www.isd191.org/enews.

D I S T R I C T C O N TA C T I N F O Phone: 952-707-2000 Web: www.isd191.org E-mail: info@isd191.org Welcome Center (Enrollment): 952-707-4180

SCHOOL DISTRICT 191 BOARD OF EDUCATION DAN LUTH, Chair .......................................(952) 440-1290 dluth@isd191.org ABIGAIL ALT, Vice Chair...........................(952) 898-0243 aalt@isd191.org JIM SCHMID, Clerk ....................................(952) 882-1651 jschmid@isd191.org SANDRA SWEEP, Treasurer .....................(952) 250-7097 ssweep@ isd191.org DEEDEE CURRIER, Director ....................(952) 882-7746 dcurrier@isd191.org RON HILL, Director ...................................(952) 440-1016 rhill@isd191.org BOB VANDENBOOM, Director .............(651) 454-9516 bvandenboom@isd191.org MAEDIN ABEGAZ, Student Advisor Joe Gothard, Superintendent ..............(952) 707-2001 superintendent191@isd191.org School District 191 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.

Superintendent’s Column

New middle schools will meet learning needs of grades 6-8 We’ve had the unique opportunity to create new middle schools as we align grade levels as part of Vision One91, our work to redesign the district to meet the needs of today’s learners. Our goal is to create the best possible school to Joe Gothard specifically meet the social-emotional and academic needs of students in grades 6-8.

Teams, led by our three junior high principals, have come up with an exciting and innovative design for the middle schools. We’re taking the best of what we had in all three junior highs and sharing it in all three new middle schools. We know that STEM at Metcalf, Gifted/Talented at Eagle Ridge and AVID college prep at Nicollet are positive experiences for our students.

So we want to make sure that every middle schools

offers these wonderful programs to their students. opportunities to explore their academic interests, so We’re also adding quality elements that we’ve come we’ve created an eight-period day with more options.

We’re adding 20 minutes to the school day for an across in extensive research of best practices.

Our focus is STEA3M. This will be Science, advisory period that will focus on college/career Technology, Engineering and readiness, social and emotional 3 Math along with the three As: learning standards, community We know that STEA M the Arts, AVID, Advanced building and enhancing the learning. The curriculum relationships between students is a foundation for will be interdisciplinary and and teachers. When students high school, college project and inquiry-based, so are more connected to teachers students will be learning in and their school, their academic and career success. ways similar to how adults performance increases. function in the workplace.

Rigorous Honors classes will The STEA3M mindset will be embedded in be offered in core subjects for each grade level. In all lessons and will challenge students to reach addition, there will be two periods of the day where their highest potential. We know that STEA3M is students receive instruction at their level along with a foundation for high school, college and career students at the same level. This will provide students success. We are preparing our students to succeed with enrichment, acceleration or intervention -- based in the real world, so that all doors are open for them on what they individually need to succeed. to follow their dreams.

For more about our exciting new middle schools, Middle school students should have increased please visit the district’s website at www.isd191.org.

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 32254 100 River Ridge Ct. 100 River Ridge Ct. Burnsville, MN 55337 Burnsville, MN 55337

In this issue: Vision One91 progress . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 Triple A Award winners . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Chess history at Metcalf . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Start times will change . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 HOF nominations open . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Are you new to the district?

Welcome to Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191! Enrollment for all new students takes place online at www.isd191.org/enroll or at the district’s Welcome Center, lower level, of Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway. For more information, call the Welcome Center at (952) 707-4180 or email at welcomecenter@isd191.org.

Neill Elementary teacher is candidate for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Teacher Patty Herkenhoff shares her love of math with students

A few years ago, Patty Herkenhoff was working in retail management and looking for a career change. She started working as an educational assistant in Burnsville-EaganSavage School District 191 and discovered what she really wanted to be: A teacher.

So she completed a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s while working full-time and being a mom and wife. She was hired in 2008 to teach 6th grade at Edward Neill Elementary School in Burnsville. She’s been at the school ever since, also teaching 5th and 4th grades. She now works as an interventionist to boost students’ skills in math — a subject she loves.

Herkenhoff is now among 114 candidates to be the 2016 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Over the coming weeks, a 25-member panel of community leaders will name a group of semifinalists and finalists. The 52nd annual Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 15.

“Patty is the kind of teacher who will bend over backwards to make sure every

student’s needs are met, every staff member feels included, and every facet of the school runs smoothly,” said Edward Neill Principal Elizabeth Vaught who nominated Herkenhoff for the honor. “Patty will solve a problem before you know it exists and she’ll always make sure you feel cared for. Neill Elementary is a great place for students to learn and staff to work because of Patty’s daily contributions.”

Herkenhoff is proud to be part of Neill Elementary, which has earned Reward School status from the State of Minnesota for three consecutive years, placing it among the top 15 percent of Minnesota schools that receive federal Title 1 funding.

She attributes the success to the way staff members have built relationships with families and students and also effectively used data to boost student achievement.

She’s a proud graduate of Burnsville High School as are her three children. “This district offers some remarkable opportunities to students — more than other districts,” she said.