Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Annual Report to the Community 2015-16

C ommunity Annual Report to the

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Inside...

Superintendent’s Welcome • E-STEM Schools • Green Ribbon School District • Student Clubs & Activities

Pages 1-3

E - 12 Education

• ECFE and Community Education • K-12 Education • Spanish Immersion, Gifted & Talented, Technology

Pages 4-15

About Our Schools

• Community Survey • LakerMarketplace • Financial Information

Pages 16-19

Su p e r i nte n dent ’s M essage

Ed u ca t in g all learner s to rea c h their full p ote nt i al Hello! I am so excited to be a Laker and your new Superintendent! I am already discovering that one of the best parts of my job is being in our schools and getting to watch staff and students in action.

Here at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, we pride ourselves on being a destination for outstanding education, innovation and collaboration. Our teachers, support staff and administrators are focused on achieving our mission of educating all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of our ever-changing global community.

PLSAS is a 2013 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee that integrates E-STEM (Environmental Education, Science, Technology and Math) into all curricular areas. On any given day, you’ll find students learning about math in their edible garden, conducting morning meeting in an environmental learning center, sketching for art class in a school amphitheater and creating 3-D prototypes in the Fab Lab. Through all of my experiences in K-12 education and beyond, I’ve learned to appreciate the work of educators and the strength of a supportive, inspired community. We are fortunate to have so many terrific people who live our mission -- not only on the first day of school, but throughout the school year. We are proud that our schools continue to be safe learning environments where students are engaged, challenged and have fun!

Thank you for your strong support of our students and staff. I look forward to continuing to share all that is happening in our schools and establishing relationships throughout our community to help ensure the continuation of our positive momentum. I hope you’ll follow along on Twitter (@DrTStaloch and @isd719) to watch the amazing things happening this year!

Be well, Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent of Schools

E-STEM in Action: Prior Lake High School, Redtail Ridge Break Ground for School Gardens Prior Lake High School and Redtail Ridge Elementary have broken ground for their own school gardens.

Students — whether they’re in 10th grade or they’re 10 years old — will learn firsthand about healthy eating and where food comes from by growing some themselves.

Kindergarten teacher Molly Kalina and fifth grade teacher Sara Aker are leading the garden project at Redtail Ridge, with help from the City of Savage and the Dads of Great Kids (DOGS) organization.

Redtail Ridge teachers received training from the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom program to help them use the garden for their curricula. Fifth grade students have had math lessons outside to do some measuring and students throughout the school filled the raised beds with soil, and have planted vegetables and herbs. Kids’ Company students will tend to the garden during the summer months.

The garden at Prior Lake High School broke ground in early June on the west side of the school.

Spearheaded by Deb Johnson, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher; Sam Steinberg and Lee Korby, science teachers; Emily Malone, Child Nutrition Manager; and Colleen Schmidt, Student Services, the project had been discussed for nearly a year prior to breaking ground.

The garden will grow in phases. First, there will be the raised beds and the tool shed. Then, in following years, designated areas for native plants and rain gardens, an orchard, an outdoor classroom and a fire pit.

Both gardens have been made possible by donations from residents and businesses, on top of grants from outside organizations. The community will also be an active part of the gardens’ upkeep, especially during the summer.

1

Enviro n me ntal Educ ati on Blue make

and

Gold

GREEN

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is the only district in the state to have an Environmental Education (EE) program that grows with students from ECFE through high school. Our award-winning programs have been modeled by school districts throughout the state and country.

As a 2013 U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee, we are proud of our energy efficient buildings, healthy students and school environment, and environmental literacy of all graduates.

USDE also named Jeffers Pond a National Green Ribbon School in 2013. Five Hawks received the honor in April 2014 ; Redtail Ridge in April 2015; and Glendale in April 2016.

In the fall of 2014, representatives from the USDE, including Green Ribbon Schools Director Andrea Suarez-Falken, visited Jeffers Pond and Five Hawks on its Green Strides Best Practices Tour.

Thanks to community partnerships, innovative teachers and the natural beauty surrounding our district, our schools lead the way in integration of environmental education into all aspects of the school day.

So much more than recycling...

Every school in the district has a robust recycling and composting program, and naturally, a great deal of learning happens outdoors. However, our program is unique in that EE is embedded into the core curriculum. This is a major component to the success of the program which results in students who learn to become critical thinkers and approach problem solving by studying multiple perspectives.

Every school has an outdoor classroom setting used by teachers and students.

Each year, our elementary schools host a day-long, outdoor E-STEM festival that has captured the attention of Twin Cities media and has become a tradition students look forward to each year.

2

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our EE programs at youtube.com/isd719

E-STEM

Our K-5 elementary schools are the first districtwide E-STEM schools in the state of Minnesota.

E-STEM stands for Environmental Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

E-STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to instruction and learning focused on inquiry and real world problem-solving in the 21st Century, applying hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematical practices with projects and field experiences related to the environment.

E-STEM is available to all K-5 students. An E-STEM Implementation Committee comprised of staff from elementary, middle school and high school is currently working on implementation plans to ensure E-STEM aligns with curriculum, skills and experiences through 12th grade in all curricular areas.

Student EE Clubs & Activities

Thanks to community partners, innovative teachers and our Community Education program, students in grades 3-5 may apply to be in the popular Junior Naturalist program. Fifth grade students attend Wolf Ridge ELC in Finland, MN, which is made possible thanks to support from parents, PTCs and Friends of Wolf Ridge.

Students in grades 6-8 may participate in the middle school level EE club called Earthlings.

Students in grades 9-12 may join the EcoTeam.

In addition to service learning opportunities and leading school EE initiatives, the EcoTeam goes on local, national and international field trips. Students may earn a varsity letter in this club activity.

Environmental Education Partners Jeffers Foundation Minnesota DNR Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District Richardson Nature Center St. Catherine University Eco-STARS School Forest Program Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Three Rivers Park District

Community Education Services also provides a wide range of Environmental Education programs, including its award-winning Camp Eco-Adventure, Little Explorers (grades K-2) and Puddle Stompers (ages 3-5). Students participate in activities like creating animal feeders, tracking animals, hiking, snowshoeing, composting and more.

3

Community Education Community Education encompasses Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Kids’ Company, Youth Programs, Adult Programs and many events.

Youth Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To Register Our Youth Programs provide affordable classes offered year round for children ages 3-18. Classes take place in all of our buildings before and after school, nights and weekends. Some of the most popular youth classes include our science and art classes, summer swim lessons, along with Driver’s Education and several sports programs for every interest.

Adult Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To Register Adult Programs include perennial favorites and also high-interest trend classes such as iPad training, selling on eBay with a smartphone, and even Pickleball.

Some yearly favorites include our popular cooking classes, as well as topics surrounding parent education, personal and professional development, fitness and health.

Adult Programs also provide classes specifically of interest to those 55+ as well, including courses in computers and technology, Bridge Group, Yoga and much more. Community members 55+ can receive free activity passes to school events during the school year.

ABE, GED and ELL classes are also provided by Community Ed. www.priorlakesavagece.com

4

E a rl y Ch i l dh o o d Fa m i l y Edu c ati on Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Call 952.226.0950 For Class Information

ECFE is provided by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools’ Community Education. The mission of ECFE is to support and strengthen families. ECFE classes are 1-2 hours, depending on the age of the child, and offer parent and child interaction time, guided play for children and parent discussion time.

Early Childhood Screening • Call 952.226.0975 To Schedule An Appointment

The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are important times of rapid learning and growth.

Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing and developing offered through the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before they start school.

Parents may accompany their child through the approximate hour-long process. After the screening activities, the screener shares information on a child’s growth, development and learning.

Circle of Friends Preschool • To Register, Call 952.226.0956.

Our mission is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success, and their parents can be partners in learning. We serve children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old with a program that combines developmentally appropriate skills with academic learning opportunities. We help prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills needed to progress and succeed by collaborating with district kindergarten and early childhood special education staff.

Families have the option of enrolling their child in morning, afternoon or extendedday classes in either our traditional preschool program or our nature-based program.

Circle of Friends Preschool has received a four-star Parent Aware rating. Parent Aware is a state-wide rating tool selecting high quality child care and early education. Parent Aware helps parents in Minnesota find child care and early education providers focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. The 1-4 star ratings system measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Edgewood has earned the highest rating for its focus on healthy development, employment of licensed Early Childhood Educators with four-year degrees and staff who have in-depth training in child development and early childhood curriculum.

Early Childhood Special Education, Birth - Age 5

While all young children grow and change at their own rate, sometimes parents have concerns that their child is developing differently than other toddlers the same age. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your health care provider or call 1.866.693.GROW (4769). You can also Get Involved choose to contact the local Prior Lake-Savage Intervention program at 952.226.0980.

The ECFE Parent Advisory

Kids’ Company Childcare • Call 952.226.0090 For Information

Kids’ Company offers care before and after school, on most release days and during the summer. The Kids’ Company program at Edgewood is the Extended-Day Preschool option. This is a full day of child care with an appropriate mix of preschool instruction, self-directed play and rest time. Kids’ Co. supports families with their desire to raise happy, healthy, responsible and capable children.

Council is a parent group dedicated to assisting with the planning and evaluation of our programs. Contact Edgewood School for more information: 952.226.0950.

5

E l e me nta r y S ch o ol Our schools are recognized as leaders in Environmental Education, which is integrated into the core subject areas and is enhanced by the natural beauty of our school settings. Students are able to participate in club programs such as Junior Naturalists in grades 3-5.

Our K-5 elementary schools are the first district-wide E-STEM (Environmental Education - Science Technology Engineering Math) schools in the state of Minnesota.

All K-5 elementary schools offer a strong curriculum that integrates technology and is adapted to the individual learning needs of students. Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our schools.

Students also have access to iPad and Chromebook carts.

All students receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science and health. Students also receive instruction in art, music, media and physical education.

All students learn and practice the principles of Responsive Classroom to teach the social skills of C.A.R.E.S. (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Control).

The SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary is a full-time gifted program offered to qualified students in grades 3-5 throughout the district and outside of the district’s attendance boundaries.

The district provides special education services for children birth through 21 with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of service delivery models are offered including home-based services for infants and toddlers and a variety of school-based services.

6

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our elementary schools at youtube.com/isd719

MCA Testing

Elementary school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP Testing

Elementary school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math. The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to determine a student’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and designed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

MCA-III 2015 Reading Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

3rd Grade

70.4%

58.7%

11.7%

4th Grade

73.3%

57.9%

15.4%

5th Grade

79.2%

66.7%

12.5%

MCA-III 2015 Reading Growth Grade Level

% of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade

58.6%

5th Grade

50.7%

Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

3rd Grade

86.5%

70.9%

15%

4th Grade

87%

70%

17%

5th Grade

75.1%

59.7%

15.4%

MCA-III 2015 Math Growth % of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade

73.9%

5th Grade

69.5%

Our K-5 elementary schools are: Edgewood (Early Childhood/La ola del lago Spanish Immersion), Five Hawks, Glendale, Grainwood, Jeffers Pond, Redtail Ridge, SAGE (Gifted & Talented) and WestWood.

7

Parents have the option to register their kindergarten student for: • Full-Day K • Full-Day K Spanish Immersion Spanish Immersion students attend La ola del lago at Edgewood School. Call 952.226.0043 to register.

MCA-III 2015 Science Scores

MCA-III 2015 Math Scores

Grade Level

Kindergarten Options

Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

5th Grade

69.4%

59.1%

10.3%

Reaching Every Learner

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a program designed specifically for students who qualify for additional support in reading (grades K-9) and math (grades 4-8).

Early intervention paired with relevant data provides a model to bring teachers together to make wellinformed instructional decisions and work to close the achievement gap. Student progress is monitored weekly to drive instructional decisions and maximize student achievement.

Last year, 39.5% of students receiving intervention in reading or math exited intervention because they met grade level exit criteria. In addition, 71.3% of students that received interventions in reading and 48% of the students that received interventions in math made more than one year’s worth of growth during the 201516 school year.

Visit our website for more information about La ola del lago and SAGE Academy www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

SAGE Academy La ola del lago

SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary offers a truly exceptional education to Gifted students. SAGE is designed to challenge, support and inspire learners.

SAGE (School for the Advancement of Gifted Education) is a school-within-a school available to students who qualify in grades 3, 4 and 5.

Our teachers are well-versed in differentiation and curriculum modification for high-ability learners. SAGE Academy is part of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and welcomes students from within the district and outside its boundaries. As part of the public school system, there is no tuition cost to parents.

Core curriculum acceleration is provided for all SAGE students. Curriculum is supplemented with rigorous programs and special events such as: • Math Olympiads • Word Masters • Mock Trial • Interact Curriculum • William and Mary Curriculum • Philosophy Slam • Poetry Slam • SAGE Science Fair • Greek/Latin Word Etymology

8

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!

La ola del lago offers a full day of core curriculum in Spanish to students in grades K-2.

Language immersion education is the most effective type of language acquisition instruction. The goal of language immersion is for students to become proficient in the target language and increase cultural and global awareness.

The immersion classroom is similar to traditional Kindergarten, first and second grade curricula, except all classroom instruction is in the Spanish language.

In the classroom, the teacher speaks the Spanish language the entire time using expressive tones, exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and many visual aids.

To draw students into using the language, teachers often use songs, useful phrases, chants, and rhymes and carefully structure the day with familiar routines.

La ola del lago is currently housed in Edgewood School.

We will be adding a new grade each subsequent year, with the ultimate plan to be a K-5 elementary school.

The location is subject to change for future years as we monitor district enrollment growth and development.

Learn More About SAGE

Learn More About La ola del lago

To learn more about qualifying criteria used for admittance into SAGE, visit our website at www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us.

For testing and touring dates, call 952.226.0400.

To learn more about immersion education, visit our website at www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us.

For tours, call 952.226.0903.

M id dl e S c ho ol Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks are partner schools conveniently located across the street from each other.

Because of their close proximity, staff at each site work together to benefit students by creating class opportunities and electives that could only be offered by the two schools working together.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, social studies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and world language programs.

Advanced and remedial course options are available to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

Both schools offer several elective options, which are supported by state-of-the-art technology with a two-to-one computer-to-student ratio, along with SMART boards in every classroom.

Some of the elective options include World Languages, Project Lead the Way engineering program, automation and robotics, band and choir.

As part of our district’s 1:1 Technology Initiative, all 8th graders receive an iPad mini at the beginning of each school year.

Other middle school features include: • A swimming pool in each building.

• WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) transition program for all incoming 6th grade students.

• Earthlings Environmental Education club.

• An outdoor amphitheaterstyle classroom and servicelearning opportunities.

9

Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks have been selected to work closely with the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center to gain a better understanding of birds of prey, populations, ecosystems and ecology. This partnership includes a planned online learning lab that provides information, curriculum and activities to students nationwide.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our middle schools at youtube.com/isd719

MCA Testing

Middle school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP Testing

Middle school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math.

The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to determine a student’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and designed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

MCA-III 2015 Reading Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average Difference Between of Students District and State Proficient

6th Grade

77.3%

63.9%

13.4%

7th Grade

74.1%

55.6%

18.5%

8th Grade

66.6%

56%

10.6%

MCA-III 2015 Math Scores

Our district was one of seven in the U.S. to be accepted

by NASA to bring an experiment aboard NASA’s Reduced Gravity Flight. Teachers and students tested how acoustic energy behaves in micro gravity.

ATLAS (grades 7-8) Alternative Learning Program

ATLAS provides a small, safe and positive middle school environment where teachers have the opportunity to work even more directly with students in all subject areas. ATLAS follows state curriculum and is designed to encourage student participation and school success. For more information call 952.226.0587.

Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average Difference Between of Students District and State Proficient

6th Grade

79.5%

57.6%

7th Grade

80.1%

55.1%

25%

8th Grade

76.4%

57.8%

18.6%

21.9%

MCA-III 2015 Science Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

8th Grade

71%

2015 State Average Difference Between of Students District and State Proficient 45.3%

25.7%

10

H ig h S c h o o l PLHS has been named one of the best high schools in America by Newsweek based on its quality teaching staff along with its Advanced-Placement and college-level course offerings.

A new three-story addition to the high school opened in 2014, including new classrooms and collaborative teaching spaces, as well as a small-scale Fabrication Laboratory, or Fab Lab. Students can make almost anything in the Fab Lab, using the same technologies used by today’s workforce.

All students in grades 9-12 have their own iPad mini, which is part of our district’s 1:1 technology initiative.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, social studies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and World Language offerings.

PLHS is committed to E-STEM (Environmental Education - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative through programs such as EcoTeam, Project Lead the Way engineering and an award-winning robotics program.

Other Prior Lake High School features include: • 85% of the class of 2016 plan to continue their education at either a two or four-year college or university.

• PLHS students consistently exceed state and national averages in ACT and MCA IIs/IIIs test results.

• PLHS offers Advanced-Placement (AP) courses with increased pace and content depth designed to prepare students for post-secondary education.

• There are 31 sports and 20 activities available to students.

• PLHS is an International Peace Site.

11

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

MCA Testing

PLHS students continue to score above the state average on

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIs and MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

Preparing Students for Success After High School Eighty-five percent of the Class of 2016 from Prior Lake High School plan to continue their education at either two or four-year colleges or universities.

MCA-III 2015 Reading Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

10th Grade

71.4%

57%

14.4%

Survey Says...

In a recent survey, 96% of parents said Prior LakeSavage Area Schools prepared their child well for success after high school.

MCA-III 2015 Math Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

2015 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

11th Grade

70.6%

48.7%

21.9%

96% Prepared for Success after High School

MCA-III 2015 Science Scores Grade Level

2015 District % of Students Proficient

10th Grade

70.3%

2015 State Difference Between Average of District and Students Proficient State 54.6%

15.7%

Ninety-three percent of parents said they are proud of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and would recommend our schools to their friends.

93% Recommend our Schools

PLSAS offers 31 different sports and 20 activities for students, and is supported by the Laker Athletic Booster Club and Patrons of the Arts and Activities. Our district is part of the South Suburban Conference. There are also 16 student-led clubs at PLHS.

12

School Board Scholars

2015 ACT Average Scores by Subject

To be a School Board Scholar, a PLHS student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to our 378 School Board Scholars!

Ikedinachukwu Abasiri Aditya Acharya Kailey Ahlstrom Fabeeha Ahmed Carleigh Allan Hannah Amundson Gwen Andersen Maggie Andersen Sophia Anderson Nicholas Angelo Kristyn Arends Hayley Arnold Anna Arvidson Emily Baer Rachel Bane Marissa Bauer Elizabeth Baumler Jake Beer Hannah Beers Nicole Bellis Lauren Benedict Claire Benson Emily Benson Jared Benson Alyssa Benson Christina Berg Gabrielle Bergeron Jack Bernick Rachel Bezdicek Kathryn Bickett William Bingham Emily Bjorlin Aaron Blanchard Logan Bloedel Keegan Bloedel Alexa Bloedow Erin Bornholdt Cassandra Boutelle Grace Bowser Kathleen Boyle Marissa Brannen Alondra Bravo Brittany Brezinski Gabriella Brinkley Carly Brosious Emma Brostrom Riley Brostrom Ryan Brown Matthew Bruton Jonah Burke Hannah Caldwell Jennifer Carlson Ann Carlson Emma Chapman Jay Christensen Maxwell Christopherson Jacob Cohn Bennett Cooper Jessica Corcoran Courtney Cornelius Tyana Dahlager Ellen Decesare Madison Deile Mayme Deis Elise Desimone Sarah Dingman Kailey Dobransky Lillian Drewes Henry Drewes Madeleine Dumke Hannah Dunn Colin Dwyer Alex Easton Erik Eichstadt Hannah Enck Alyssa Erickson Jacob Ernste Matthew Evans Luke Everson Anna Feldt Sarah Ferrier Jamie Fonder Stephanie Forby Ella Francis Ethan Franzen Jenna Freak Tanner French Kayli French Shea Friedges Zachary Fuller Morgan Fust Benjamin Gabbard Madison Garcia Katie Gauquie Amber Germscheid Megan Giese Carly Gifferson Sara Gilbert

13

Caitlin Giles Piper Gilpatric Abigail Glaser Kelly Gleason Sophia Golay Emma Gordon William Grider Brandon Grund Adam Grund Garrett Gueltzow Karina Gunderson Jacob Hadley Chloe Hall Reilly Halverson Morgan Haney Joseph Hanson Emily Hansson Jenna Harju Lauren Harris William Heger Sydney Heger Matthew Heger Elizabeth Heile Jadin Heilmann Brandon Helget Lindsey Henderson Taylor Hendrix Alexis Hennen Duncan Henry Evan Herschi Cassandra Herubin Catherine Hesse Benjamin Hildebrandt Shannon Hockman Mackenzie Hoeg Nicole Hoepner Scarlet Hoffman Megan Hofslien Melinda Hong Alyssa Hough Claire Houle Kylen Hovis Katherine Huntington Angelina Huynh Michelle Iwen Abigail Jansen Agasthi Jayatilaka Alyssa Johnson Chandler Johnson Sophie Johnson Colton Johnson Maggie Jokinen Grace Jondal Andrew Jones Madeline Juell Eva Juhl Keaton Kaisersatt Alexis Kapp Amelia Kapusinski Nick Kartschoke Hallie Keiper Mikayla Kelly Leah Kelm Ciera Keough Allison Kepner Nathan Kero Lauren Kiewiet Alexandria Kimble Jamie Kimble Noelle Kirscht Doris Klein Mor Mason Kobernick Margaret Kobs Jack Kortes Taylor KraemerHopkins Austin Kraft Lauren Kreutziger Jessica Krosnowski Zachary Kulstad Anders Kvalseth Cole Lacko Sydney Lance Snowell Landherr Elizabeth Lavan Madison Lawler Luc Le Jake Lee Britain Lehrer Marie Lemercier Morgan Lemner Paul Lenz Haileigh Lenz Andrea Lerick Noah Lichtenberger Moira Ling Emma Loader Alayna Lotto Abigail Lowen

Mandy Lu Madeline Lundquist Kevin Luth Marissa Machalek Dylan Machalek Madeline Mackin Samuel Mader Braeden Malotky Donovan Malsom Breanna Malz Megan Manderfeld Alexis Mandery Nicole Martinson Devin Mays Carson McCalvy Alexa McCutcheon Ryan McDonald Mitchell McDonald Mikayla McEnery Kennedy McGarness Caroline McGraw Rachel McKiernan Grant Meagher Brice Michka Jillian Miedema Jacob Miller Nathan Moorse Levi Morlock Gabrielle Mosher Ellen Muelken Abigail Muraski Allison Murawski Curt Murphy Austin Murr Ryan Murr Samantha Murray Suriya Murthy Courtney Myers Claire Neary Kayla Nelson Jacquelyne Nguyen Jasmine Nguyen Thao Nguyen Vy Nguyen Joseph Numainville Jack Nusbaum Jordan Olson Ryan Olson Kenneth O’Neil Katherine Oppold Noah Orham Jacob Ornes Chidera Osuji Brianna Overlid Lauren Pahl Rikki Palma Erin Palmer Anna Panek Jack Patton Katherine Pavelka Leah Pavlish Lucas Pearson Luiza Pearson Brooke Pederson Megan Perera Hannah Peters Adam Petersen Nicholas Peterson Tia Peterson Elise Pfeiffer Chanda Pham Dawson Phan De’Angelo Pillai Nicholas Pink Alexandra Pinkowski Jacob Pohl Nicklaus Pomije Paige Pribble Michael Rademacher Megan Radtke Allison Ramsey Kaitlyn Rapley Katrina Rasmusson Mckenzie Reis Mckenna Relling Carson Relling Allison Renfroe Jacqueline Resh Micah Richter Sydney Rickert Alexa Ring Allison Robideau Hanna Rock Joshua Rodriguez Emily Roemer Jillian Roscoe Raquel Ruhme Kate Ruth Samantha Sage

Samantha Sanvik Akshat Sarkari Cade Schanzenbach Samantha Schmidt Katelyn Schmidt Madison Scholl Zachary Schons Emily Schriever Grace Schroeder Lauren Seme Madison Shimek Morgan Shimek William Shupe Shauna Siech Abigail Simpkins Samuel Skare Henry Skinner Megan Skoczek Connor Smith Sydney Soeffker Danielle Sorensen Morgan Soukup Lauren Stach Samuel Staloch Jacob Stefanisko Gabrielle Stephans Sydney Straub Quinn Sturm Nolan Stutelberg Vivian Sukhtipyaroge Eleanor Sullivan Elizabeth Tenquist Teagan Tersteeg Grant Thram Jack Thram Amy Titus Justin Todd Siri Torvik Mylan Tran Rebecca Triebenbach Nathan Uk Kelli Unruh Maya Van HeterenFreeze Marco Van HeterenFreeze Rachel Vander Weit Goldie Vang Trisha Venkata Haley Wagner Michael Walerius Jenna Wallskog Christine Wattermann Peter Webb Heidi Wedel Daniel Wee Brandon Weideman Amelia WeightmanBragg Jewel Weiss Jacqueline Welke Morgan Wendt Tanner Wermerskirchen Elizabeth Wilk Rachel Williams Courtney Winger Chantelle Winger Brennan Wolfe Kyle Wong Alyssa Wong David Wu Nahum Yelizarov Yevangelina Yelizarova Sydney Yotter Sophia Zak Megan Zentner Alexander Zheng David Zheng Jasmine Ziegler Samantha Zielinski Sophia Zielke Morgan Ziskovsky Alyssa Zoeller Anna Zollar Matthew Zwinger Thomas Zwinger

Prior Lake High School

Minnesota

National

ACT The ACT consists of curriculum-based tests of educational development in English, math, reading, and science designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework. A perfect score on the ACT is 36. PLHS students posted an ACT composite score of 22.7 which exceeds the state average of 20.5 and national average of 21.

Commissioner Cassellius Visits Redtail Ridge

Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius visited Redtail Ridge on January 5, 2016 as part of her tour of schools with multiple Reward School designations.

Redtail Ridge has received the Reward School designation for four consecutive years.

Recognized annually by the Deptartment of Education, Reward Schools are Minnesota’s highest performing Title I schools. These schools have demonstrated exceptional student outcomes and success in closing achievement gaps.

In addition to Redtail Ridge, Five Hawks and WestWood Elementary Schools also earned the Reward School designation for 2015-16.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

Bridges Area Learning Center (grades 9-12) The goal at Bridges ALC is to reach all learners, especially those who struggle in traditional schools. Bridges offers personalized instruction with staff who have a flexible approach to teaching. Students experience small class sizes and flexible school schedules in a nontraditional setting.

Eighty-five percent of students graduate from Bridges with a diploma from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

For more information call 952.226.0840.

Advanced Placement Program at PLHS Prior Lake High School has been recognized by the College Board of Advanced Placement for increasing student access to AP course work and test scores.

PLHS offers Concurrent Enrollment options enabling students to take college-level courses taught by PLHS teachers. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment, earning college credit at the time they successfully pass the course.

Advanced Placement Exams Students Meeting or Exceeding Proficiency # of students taking the exam # of tests taken* # of tests passed* % of tests receiving a 3 or above (passing)

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

538

515

624

898

811

1003

721

608

784

80.3%

75%

78%

* Students may have taken one or more tests

National Merit ScholarshipÂŽ Finalists In 2015-16, two outstanding PLHS seniors, Austin Kraft and David Zheng, were named finalists in the National Merit ScholarshipÂŽ Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million that will be offered next spring.

MNCAPS to Launch in Fall 2016 PLSAS and Lakeville Area Public Schools have joined to form MNCAPS, the Minnesota Center for Advanced Professional Studies. Beginning in the 2016/17 school year, juniors and seniors from both districts will be offered two tracks to choose from: Business and Medicine/Healthcare. Students will be mentored by employers, while receiving high school and college credit.

MNCAPS

Minnesota Center for Advanced Professional Studies LAKEVILLE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PRIOR LAKE - SAVAGE AREA SCHOOLS

http://mncaps.org 14

Scan the code to go to our website and learn more about Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Te c hn o l o gy E- 12 Technology in the Classroom One of the district’s Strategic Directions is to integrate technology for teaching and communications and increase the capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills.

The use of technology in the classroom is a critical component to achieving our goal. All of our schools are working toward implementing the 4 C’s of 21st Century skills: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity.

The following are just a few of the tools we have implemented to change the way we are teaching and engaging students in their learning.

• The School Board approved an expansion of our 1:1 technology initiative, which put iPad minis in the hands of all students in grades 8-12 in fall 2015.

• Prior Lake High School features a small-scale fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab), where students can make almost anything using the same tools and technology used by today’s workforce.

• Schoology, a learning management system, is a digital extension of the classroom. It replaces traditional teacher webpages for all students K-12.

15

• Google Apps for Education enhances students’ ability to access, collaborate and share what they have been learning in school.

• iPad and Chromebook carts are available in all buildings and for all grade levels.

• Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our classrooms, early childhood through grade12.

• SWAT (Students Working to Advance Technology) Teams have formed at the elementary and secondary levels, giving students an opportunity to increase their tech knowledge, help their peers and teachers alike.

What do parents say?

In a 2016 survey, 78% of residents surveyed stated it was “absolutely essential” or “very important” for students to have the ability to use computers and other technology effectively and efficiently.

34% Absolutely Essential

20% Somewhat Important

44% Very Important

3% Not Too Important

20 16 Co m mun i t y Sur vey •

The community has high regard for our teachers and the education that is provided to students. A majority of respondents indicated the first things that come to mind when thinking of Prior Lake Savage-Area Schools includes good education, good teachers and excellence.

•

Parents were also asked about the importance of certain school district characteristics. Parents indicated the four most important characteristics are: - Quality of teaching staff, at 93%; - Overall college preparation, at 84%; - Basic academic coursework & skills development, at 83%; - Academic achievement, at 81%

•

According to The Morris Leatherman Company, PLSAS registers some of the highest job performance ratings in the Metropolitan Area. A comparatively high 69% rate the job performance of the school board as either “excellent” or “good;” 23% rate it as “only fair” or “poor.” Seventyfour percent favorably rate the job performance of the superintendent and administration. Ninety-three percent rate our teachers as either “excellent” or “good.”

•

Eighty-six percent of respondents said they trust the school district to do what is right for children.

•

Parents have a high satisfaction level when it comes to school safety. When asked if Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools provides a safe learning environment, 21% strongly agreed, 74% agreed, 3% disagreed and 2% declined.

•

Fifty-three percent of those surveyed currently enroll their pre-schoolers or infants in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs. When asked how likely parents are to enroll their preschooler in ECFE programs: - 68% said very likely - 30% somewhat likely - 2% said not likely - Of those who indicated not likely, some of the reasons given included, not enough time, no need or not interested at this time.

Survey Says...

In a recent survey, parents said they believe children receive an excellent education from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Forty-two percent (42%) rate the quality of education Excellent and 49% rate it Good.

42% Excellent 49% Good

Eighty-six percent of residents said they trust the school board to do what is right for children in this district. Fourteen percent said they disagree or were undecided.

86% Agree

16

Educators of Excellence

Ninety-three percent of parents rated our teachers as either good or excellent. Five percent gave a fair rating.

56% Good

37% Excellent

Each year, outstanding teachers are nominated by their peers based on exemplary teaching performance, positive leadership and inspiration to colleagues.

•

In a comparative analysis conducted by Morris Leatherman, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools possesses one of the most effective communications systems in the Metropolitan Area.

Sixty-six percent feel either “very informed” or “somewhat informed,” while 35% admit to being “not too informed” or “not at all informed.”

The “informed” rating is at the top of the Metropolitan Area.

“In viewing characteristics of the schools and satisfaction with school district services, every aspect is awarded a positive rating.”

- Bill Morris, Morris Leatherman Survey Analysis

The 2015 Educator of Excellence Award recipients are (left to right): LeAnn Weikle (1st grade teacher, Jeffers Pond); Ben Tressel (District Technology Integration Specialist), Randi Erlandson and Rob Hahn, (Prior Lake High School music and choir instructors).

Lakers on the Leading Edge

Have you ever been to a Math Carnival or created a Rube Goldberg machine?

Our incredibly creative teachers use examples like these to make learning fun and engaging for their students. In an effort to publicize all the innovative things happening throughout the district, Digital Learning Specialist Jessica McMahon created Lakers on the Leading Edge blog.

The blog highlights new and different ways teachers are focusing instruction using the 21st century learning skills: creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

Visit the blog to see more innovation: http://leadinglakers. blogspot.com.

The 2016 district-wide survey was conducted by The Morris Leatherman Company and contains the results of a sample of 400 randomly selected adult residents residing in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District. Professional interviewers conducted the survey by telephone between January 28th and February 11th, 2016. The typical respondent took 18 minutes to complete the questionnaire. The results of the study are projectable to all adult Prior Lake-Savage School District residents within ± 5.0 % in 95 out of 100 cases.

17

New School Lunch Program Satisfies Students Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools’ Food Services Program debuted a new name, new look and some new meal options in 2015-16.

The Laker Educational Foundation (LEF) connects the resources of generous parents, staff, alumni, residents and community businesses, with educators and students of all ages to enrich opportunities and foster excellence within the community.

Since 2005, LEF has awarded more than $307,000 to prepare our students and community for success.

There are many events taking place throughout the summer and early fall. All community members are welcome to attend.

Dan Patch 5K - Promoting Education & Healthy Lifestyles June 2016 Annual Blue Jeans Bash Friday, October 14, 2016 MN Horse & Hunt Club www.lakerfoundation.org

18

The department is now called Child Nutrition Services to reflect our commitment to offering healthy food options for students to keep them fueled for learning throughout the school day.

There’s also a new logo in all of our cafeterias called Laker Marketplace. The logo symbolizes our commitment to educating students on making healthy food choices, while serving a wide variety of food items.

Here are some other changes we’ve made: • Online menus via Nutrislice • Nutrition education in the lunchroom • Farm-To-School menu items • Garden bars in each school with fresh lettuce and 3 to 4 fresh vegetable options, served daily.

• Lake House Café coffee shop at PLHS • More made-from-scratch menu items The revamped program has more students choosing school meals. Since Laker Marketplace launched, meal participation among students has gone up across all grade levels: • Elementary: 5% • Middle School: 3.5% • PLHS: 5.5% At PLHS, the overall student satisfaction with school lunch at has gone from 42% in 2015 to 72% in 2016.

At its June 6 meeting, the school board voted to continue opting out of the federal lunch program at PLHS after a successful first year piloting the program. After expenditures, the lunch program’s net gain at PLHS was $72,796.

Visit our website for complete financial statements and reports www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Co n s o l i d ated Fi n an ci als General Fund Revenues Fund

June 30, 2014

June 30, 2015

Increase (Decrease)

Percent

Local Property Taxes $7,466,027

$13,063,615

$5,597,588

42.8%

State Sources

60,577,804

61,166,707

588,903

>1.0%

Federal Sources

1,509,050

1,313,872

(195,178)

-14.8%

All Other Sources

1,330,896

1,710,060

379,164

22.1%

$70,883,777

$77,254,254

$6,370,477

8.25%

Total Revenues

The increase in taxes in 2015 compared to 2014 relates primarily to the tax shift whereby the State withholds State-aid payments, but instructs school districts to advance recognize tax revenue to offset the aid withheld.

General Fund Expenditures Salaries $ 40,107,491 $43,768,311 $3,660,820

Employee Benefits 16,709,193 18,083,290 1,374,097

8.4%

Purchased Services

7.6%

8,000,257

8,362,953

362,696

4.3%

Supplies & Materials 2,313,056

2,539,509

226,453

8.9%

Capital Expenditures 3,444,409

5,184,838

1,740,429

33.6%

Other Expenditures 184,742

1,004,483

819,741

81.6%

Total Expenditures $70,759,148

$78,943,384

$8,184,236

10.4%

Revenue by Source General Fund 2% All Other Sources

2% Federal Sources

Expenditure by Object General Fund 3% Supplies & Materials

4% Capital & Other Expenditures

79% State Sources

ed as rch s Pu ce % ervi S

11

17% Property Taxes

23% Benefits

59% Salaries

Ways We Save

There are many ways our district operates efficiently to reduce costs and keep dollars in the classroom.

Here are just a few ways taxpayers benefit: • Our district is committed to maintaining a positive fund balance per district policy.

• The district continues to update school building components to be more energy efficient with lighting, heating and cooling.

• Joint purchasing agreements help us save money on items such as instructional supplies.

• Our district’s percentage of district and school administration is amongst the lowest in the Metro.

• Transportation contracts are negotiated to reduce busing costs.

• Our district maintains a self-insured employee health-care program that offers excellent service while lowering costs.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools consistently earns finance awards for its fiscal management including the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the 19 School Finance Award from the MN Department of Education.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 30 Prior Lake, MN

Our mission is to educate all learners

to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of our ever-changing global community.

Pictured (left to right) 2015 School Board: Chad Rittenour, Ben Hanson, Dan White, Todd Sorensen, Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch, Stacey Ruelle, Richard Wolf and Melissa Enger.

On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to thank the community for its continued support. Our students are building on their successes and, through community input, we continue to study and implement new programs that will benefit our E-12 population.

Our Strategic Plan has guided our vision since 2009 and will continue to be our focus into the future.

Strategic Directions • Increasing measurable student growth and achievement • Continue financial accountability to community while using available resources to educate students and maintain class-size targets • Expand innovative programming to meet family needs

We hope you will find this Annual Report helpful and see the many ways our staff and students are carrying forth the Mission and Strategic Directions our community has helped shape.

• Expand and embed environmental focus across the district

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Board of Education

• Engage parents, families and community to strengthen a culture of respect and inclusion

• Integrate technology for teaching and communications; increasing capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills

www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us