The Observer Your District Community News

THE OBSERVER YOUR DISTRICT COMMUNITY NEWS

Preparing for Success in the 21st Century

Centennial teaches knowledge and RISING TO CHALLENGES National Honor Society (NHS) skills necessary for success in the AND OPPORTUNITIES recognizes students’ accomplish- 21st century. Here’s a snapshot of College Board’s Advanced ments. More than just an honor inside and outside-the-classroom Placement Program (AP) helps roll, NHS honors students who have opportunities that challenge prepare students for college. demonstrated excellence in the areas knowledge and reward excellence: Rigorous college-level courses are of scholarship, leadership, community offered to prepare students for service and character. Seventy-five SOLVING REAL-WORLD juniors and seniors were inducted CHALLENGES Project Lead the Way leads NONPROFIT ORG. POSTAGE U.S. PAID CIRCLE PINES, MN 8 PERMIT NO. students to career exploration. In a Project Lead the Way class- “Whether students gain AP exam credit or not, they room students solve real-world are guaranteed to build the skills required to succeed challenges by using science, technology, engineering and in any post-secondary environment.” mathematics to explore, design, build and put ideas to the test. Kelly Flohaug, Centennial High School Teacher, AP Microeconomics “By introducing Project Lead the Way, we are opening more doors for students to possible careers in success on AP Exams, allowing these fields,” said Scott Johnson, students to earn college credit, in January, for a total of 137 students Director of Teaching and Learning. advanced placement, or both. in Centennial’s chapter. The program is underway at the In 2013, 538 students took 772 Middle School and will begin at AP exams. Joseph Bourdage (12) Students continue to learn past the High School this fall. and Peter Winegar (’13) were the school day in Knowledge named National AP Scholars, Bowl (KB). One of many after- Future Problem Solving Program with an average score of 4.94. school activity choices at the develops critical thinking skills. Middle School, KB is an interdisci- DISTRICT OFFICE DISTRICT ROAD NORTH 4707 CIRCLE PINES MN 55014 Students in fourth through twelfth Seniors demonstrate outstanding plinary academic competition that grades put their problem solving potential for academic success promotes academic achievement skills to the test at the Regional through the National Merit and rewards excellence. Students Bowl held at Rice Lake Elementary. Scholarship Program. Commended “train” to compete in KB competi- Two hundred students, from 15 students, Collin Bornhoft, Julia tions where students’ recall and schools, competed to solve Debuhr, Daniel Gentilini, Michael problem solving abilities, critical problems relating to “Surveillance Nardecchia, Joshua Nelson and thinking skills and teamwork skills Society.” Five of the seven Centen- Anna Nordin, are among the top are tested. Questions are typical nial teams, plus one individual, 5% of more than 1.5 million of middle grades and secondary qualified to compete at the State students who have taken the educational programs. Centennial Bowl in March. SAT/National Merit Scholarship took first place out of 49 teams Qualifying Test. at the Metro Grand Finale Meet this winter. MARCH ISSUE | 2014

ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN BEGINS FALL 2014 OPT-IN TO RECEIVE INFORMATION BY TEXT CALL FOR CENTENNIAL HALL You can subscribe to the Testing Twitter feed by Following @ISD12Testing. Centennial will provide all day kindergarten, every day and If you want to be notified of emergency, weather-related school closing information and important OF FAME NOMINATIONS at no cost to parents, for the 2014-2015 school year. If you announcements from the District by text on your wireless device, the District must have your cell phone Recognize an outstanding graduate or community member See the District website to read tweets and have registration questions, please contact Margaret Boyd at number(s), and you must indicate your willingness to receive messages. Log on to Parent Portal to for their outstanding accomplishments or impact on the view a timeline of when results are available 763.792.6006. See www.isd12.org for more information. verify numbers the District has on file. District. Nomination information will be posted online at www.isd12.org/academics-activities/ after April 1 at www.isd12.org. teaching-learning/assessments. You will not receive messages by text until you opt-in with School Messenger. Text one of these words, subscribe, optin, yes to 68453. Repeat this process for all wireless numbers the District has on file. A registration confirmation message will be sent to you by the SchoolMessenger Notification Center.

DISTRICT OFFICE 4707 North Road | Circle Pines | MN 55014 | 763.792.6000 INSIDE CENTENNIAL school news

from the superintendent We hope you enjoy the new format of The Observer. Find news TACKLING HUNGER FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES WITH on our schools, students, staff and Fourth grade students researched GOAL OF 3,000 ITEMS DONATED community support, all with a new local organizations to learn what Over the past five months students, look. We also modified the logo they are doing to address hunger, staff and families of Blue Heron and added a tagline that describes then came up with their own have donated 1,000 food shelf the educational experience at solutions: a walk for hunger, items. The goal is to collect 3,000 Centennial: a three-day food drive and hot items for individuals in the Centennial chocolate stand. The project community, a drive organized Connect. Achieve. Prepare. was part of the 21st century by the student council. The class where the focus is on community is welcome to drop As you read through the news, communication, collaboration, off non-perishable items in the see examples of how our students creativity and critical thinking. school office, or if you know of connect with each other and in a Blue Heron student, send your their communities. Read about Students explore the world in the Passport Club. Fifth grader Lokeng Moua items with the child to school. how our students, at all levels, is tested on geography knowledge. In achieve, are challenged inside January, 69 students were proficient in and outside the classroom, and naming and locating 25 countries and five world capitals. how Centennial students prepare for the future as they solve real world problems. AROUND THE WORLD School Board Members Karen The Passport Club is helping 500 Lodico and Suzy Guthmueller students in grades one through and I gave a presentation on five better understand the world branding and marketing to a and what goes on within the nearly standing room-only audience at 200 independent nations. Teachers the annual Minnesota School Board introduce maps and countries to Association in January. We shared their students at the beginning with our peers the importance of Rice Lake Elementary students walk of the month and challenge the for hunger to raise awareness. They students (and families!) to learn communicating, telling the story also collected 1,000 pounds of food about the wonderful things that and raised $539 to help fight hunger locations and pronunciations of in our communities. the world’s countries and capitals. go on in our schools. CHANGE A LIFE…DONATE! The Passport Club is funded by Do you want to change someone’s In order to continue to prepare Centennial Gifted Services and the life? Well, you can! All you have to our students for success, a Centerville Parent Organization. do is donate. Mr. Gutbrod’s 5th Grade comprehensive facility study is Thanks to all the volunteers Class is working with the Circle-Lex underway to develop a long-term who help make this a rewarding Lions Club to collect and donate plan for our schools. This study is experience for the students. CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS no longer used eyeglasses. We are in concert with our strategic plan GET FIRED UP! trying to help people in developing to move the District forward, to countries who can’t afford and need better educate our students and Students at Centennial Elementary eyeglasses. You can donate now to continue creating those great assembled for the Mad Science to the end of the 2013-2014 school stories about Centennial. Fire and Ice scientific demonstrations. Mad Science is a unique, year. If you choose to change a life, GOLDEN LAKE RAISES FUNDS please send your donation to Blue Thanks to Centennial families, hands-on science experience for FOR ITS MENTOR PROGRAM Heron Elementary, c/o Mr. Gutbrod’s students and the community children that are as entertaining as Mentors and mentees at Golden 5th Grade Class. One pair of eye- for all that you do. they are educational. The assembly was paid for by Target Take Charge Lake Elementary were in the com- glasses is the ticket to change a munity packing groceries to raise life. We appreciate everyone who Brian Dietz of Education donations. funds for MWorks, which includes can donate. We hope you can help Superintendent of Schools 125 mentor/mentee relationships. change a life this year! Thank you.

- Written by Claire Peloquin

This project, in its 21st year with Mr. Gotbrod, has resulted in the recycling of thousands of pairs of eyeglasses. Just last year our Lions club turned in almost 900 pairs of glasses from his class as well as from a number of recycle locations at area businesses. Thanks to Claire for writing this and for the support of Centennial Schools so this program will continue to improve the lives of people in underdevel- oped countries. - Circle Pines-Lexington Lions Club Scientists use dry ice to shower Centennial Elementary students with Mentors and mentees paired up to bag clouds and extinguish fire in the Mad groceries at Cub Foods. Monies raised Science Fire and Ice demonstrations. will support the Golden Lake Elementary mentor program and activities designed to give kids a boost of self-confidence. INSIDE CENTENNIAL

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS Centennial’s International Students bring value to our community. GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Thanks to our host families this Since the beginning of the school year for giving these students the year students have collected food experience of living and going to for a local food shelf and par- school abroad. ticipated in ‘Feed My Starving Carina-Lisa Gaerlinger (Germany) Children’ by packing food for Haiti. Denny Quach Nguyen (Germany) Leon Menzel (Germany) CALC students also read their favorite Eva Pegelhoff (Germany) childhood books to Golden Lake Marianna Gorska (Poland) Elementary kindergarten students, Alexandre Goumaz (Switzerland) and two students volunteered All seventh grade students participate Athina Weber (Switzerland) their beauty expertise to prepare in the Courage Retreat, led by Youth students for the Snowflake Prom Frontiers and CHS Peer Leaders, to build positive school communities. at the High School. COURAGE RETREAT FOR SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS Peyton Greve, Christina Collins, INDIAN EDUCATION All Centennial seventh grade Adam Lindberg, Eric Thomas and The Spirit of the Earth Sweetheart GRADUATES HONORED students spent the day together Jacob Head. Congratulations Ellie Powwow was attended by more at a Courage Retreat, led by Youth Jensen, winner of the Bee, who will Graduation ceremonies honored than 200 parents, students, staff and Frontiers and 75 CHS Peer Leaders, take the written exam for eligibility three students at the Pines School community members. The Grand in December. The retreat inspires at the State level. since the District’s acquisition in Entry began with a presentation of character by empowering a single 2012. Prior to the acquisition, two flags followed by drummers and grade level of students to act with students in 22 years had graduated dancers from around the area. The moral courage and identify social from the School. Most students Osseo Drum and Dance Team gave fears and peer pressures. The re- return to their home school to a demonstration and exhibition of treat was held at the High School. earn their diploma. traditional dancing and drumming. CENTENNIAL HIGH LEADS STATE WHERE IN THE WORLD IS? SCHOOLS IN BLOOD DONATIONS The Middle School held its Geog- Centennial High School leads the raphy Bee in January. Contestants state in the number of students were Sixth Graders Christopher who donate blood during a school- Meng, Katelyn Ramacher and Ellie day blood drive. The High School Lange; Seventh Graders Corey Lar- has sponsored a drive for more son, Sean Buster, Ellie Jensen and than 40 years, with more than Sarah Holicky; Eighth Graders 4,500 students participating. The latest drive in December collected 173 units.

More than 200 people attended the Spirit of the Earth Sweetheart Powwow in February. student news

, honored Caprisha Buchanan , honored Governor as State The cast and crew of Slide/Over CAPRISHA BUCHANAN MORGAN KOENIG Front row, left to right: Donald Pack (12), NAMED GOVERNOR SELECTED FOR MINNESOTA Anastasia Laska (11), Jaimie Hertz (11), Madeline Sorenson (11); Second row: Centennial’s Caprisha Buchanan (12) HONOR CHOIR Jordan Uecker (11), Nathan Navratil (10), received the highest honor possible Morgan Koenig (10) has been Ryan Eichenauer (12), Justin Litman (12); Top row: Sami West (12), Erin Hartford (11), at the Minnesota Girls State Amer- selected to sing in the 2013-2014 Will Rafferty (10), Tatum DeBlieck (11), ican Legion competition where she American Choral Directors Isabelle Sorenson (9), Courtney Klein (9). was honored as Girls State Gover- Associations 9/10 Honor Choir. The one-act play is a fine arts activity sponsored by the Minnesota State High nor. The American Legion Auxiliary Koenig will rehearse and perform School League. Girls State is the premier program at the Minnesota Music Educators for high school seniors where they Association Conference under the learn how government works, direction of Dr. Allen Hightower, develop leadership skills and an Professor of Music and the appreciation for citizens’ rights. Director of Choral Activities After an application and interview at Luther College. process, Buchanan was selected to participate in the Auxiliary. Only one senior from each Minnesota high school is eligible to apply. Centennial’s one-act play, Slide/Over was one of nine one-acts chosen for performance at the Minnesota State Morgan Koenig will sing in Thespian Society Conference. the American Choral Directors Associations 9/10 Honor Choir. CENTENNIAL DUALS TAKEDOWN CANCER IN JANUARY

Partnering with the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association and the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, the Centennial Duals 2014 was dedicated to helping takedown cancer. The Minnesota INSIDE CENTENNIAL wrestling “family” has an extremely strong group of members that have the potential to make an impact on the fight against cancer. The duals raised $500 for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund where 90% of all dollars raised go directly to cancer research and treatments. sports

TWO CENTENNIAL STUDENTS TWO CENTENNIAL COACHES NOMINATED FOR “TRIPLE A” RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMITMENT TO ATHLETES ACADEMICS, ARTS & ATHLETICS Coach Matt Watson, Assistant David McGough and Jill Conrad, Varsity Offensive Line Coach, Alpine skier Taylor Lindy (12) won the Centennial High School Seniors, was named 2014 Butch Nash Section 7 ski race in February for the have been nominated for the Min- Outstanding Assistant Coach by third straight year and finished third nesota State High School League the Minnesota Football Coaches in the state. Academics, Arts and Athletics Association. Watson is one of eight Award (Triple A). The award ac- recipients in Minnesota to receive David McGough is nominated for the knowledges a male and female high this high honor. Minnesota State High School League Academics, Arts and Athletics Award school senior with a 3.0 grade point (Triple A) average, or higher, who participates Coach Neil Kruse was named the in athletics, fine arts, theater, speech 5AA Boys Cross Country Coach of and music. Both McGough and the Year. This is Kruse’s third time Conrad are participants in a variety being named Boys Cross Country of programs at Centennial High Coach of the Year. In his career, School and in our community. he’s been named section Girls Coach of the Year and the 2007 The MSHSL’s Administrative State Girls Cross Country Coach Regions will review the Triple A of the Year. Two Centennial girls soccer players accepted scholarships from NCAA Division I nominees from its member schools. teams. Madison Butina (left) signed with the Centennial is in Region 5AA and University of Arkansas—Little Rock Trojans, will compete with 16 other schools. and Maddie Korus (right) signed with the Jill Conrad is nominated for the Minnesota Chicago State University Cougars. State High School League Academics, v Arts and Athletics Award (Triple A)

Mike Matheson (10), SEASON LEADERS IN WRESTLING varsity wrestling The regular season for wrestling has closed with an overall record of 14-12 for varsity and 13-3 for junior varsity.

FIVE STATE QUALIFIERS RECORD 1. Jack Bergeland (11) 106 1. Jack Bergeland (11) 33-2 2. Jake Bergeland (9) 113 2. Jake Bergeland (9) 33-3 3. Mike Matheson (10) 126 3. Tom Handley (12) 29-6 4. Tom Handley (12) 160 4. Mike Matheson (10) 23-12 TEAM POINTS CENTENNIAL’S 5. Noah Benson (11) 170 5. Kodie Sickmann (12) 21-14 1. Jack Bergeland (11) 170 2. Jake Bergeland (9) 159 ONCE UPON A 3. Tom Handley (12) 156 TAKEDOWNS PINS 4. Kodie Sickmann (12) 111 1. Jack Bergeland (11) 154 1. Tom Handley (12) 21 MATTRESS 5. Mike Matheson (10) 107 2. Jake Bergeland (9) 101 2. Jack Bergeland (11) 17 3. Tom Handley (12) 86 3. Jake Bergeland (9) 16 IS A WINNER! 4. Mike Matheson (10) 65 4. Kodie Sickmann (12) 13 5. Wyatt Schmitz (10) 39 5. Mike Matheson (10) 12 Centennial High School’s fall production of the musical, Once Upon a Mattress, is the recipient of several awards from the Hennepin Theatre Trust. The entire cast received the award for “Honorable Mention activities Vocal Performance by a Chorus.” The production also received the FAMILY, CAREER AND CENTENNIAL THEATER highest number of individual honors: COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTICIPATES IN MN STATE OF AMERICA COMPLETE THESPIAN SOCIETY Jordan Uecker (11) and Maddie Theis (11) SUCCESSFUL FOOD DRIVE CONFERENCE Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role FCCLA (Family, Career and Eighteen members of the Centennial Kaitlyn Boyer (11) Community Leaders of America), Theater Department participated Honorable Mention Performance a volunteer organization that in the Minnesota State Thespian in a Leading Role raises money to help our com- Society Conference. Students munity, completed a successful attended workshops taught by Erin Hartford (11) food drive in November. FCCLA Twin Cities theater professionals Outstanding Performance in a surpassed their goal of 2,100 food and participated in theatrical Supporting Role items, collecting 3,250 food items performances, competitive Hanna McLevish (11), Tatum and $837.21 in cash donations. events and other activities. DeBlieck (11), Emilie Tomas (11), On average, every student at Joy Turner (11) and Alex Hines (11), CHS donated two items. Donations Two students received the top Honorable Mention Performance helped feed families during the rating of “Accomplished:” Kaitlyn in a Featured Role FCCLA was featured at the Centennial winter Thanksgiving holiday. FCCLA Boyer (11) for her monologue acting Adam Drabek (10), Sami West (12), pep fest. Assistant Principals Bryan Carlson thanks everyone who contributed! event and Maddie Theis (11) for her and Michelle Baland took the bet to wear Ryan Eichenauer (12) and David crazy wigs if a food drive goal was met. From solo musical event. McGough (12) left: Erin Nelson (12), Assistant Principal Honorable Mention Performance Bryan Carlson, Sara Parkos (11), Assistant Principal Michelle Baland, Jenny Howard State Student Board Members in a Supporting Role (12), Kirsten Magsalin (10), Eric Ripken, Erin Hartford (11) and Sami teacher, Haley Billadeau (10), Chris Ripken, West (12) helped organize the teacher and Kiah Breidenbach (10). conference and led workshops. development

mentoring program; Powerpack, a joint effort between the community food shelf and area churches and donor news schools to ensure that children MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CENTENNIAL STUDENTS have enough to eat; Communi- ty School Supply Project, a local GIVING TO THE GOLDEN effort by area businesses and LAKE ELEMENTARY MENTOR churches to provide area children PROGRAM adequate school supplies; Robot Reading under a shade tree at the Summer Fun Program, a learning Team MakerBot 3D printer, which Jim Feneis and his company, and enrichment program that received will allow high school students Quik Stage, Inc., has been an funding from CAEF. to use and experiment with this ongoing donor for the Golden emerging technology; and an Early Lake Elementary Mentor Program, CAEF ANNOUNCES GRANT Childhood Program, “What Kids M-Works. RECIPIENTS Need to Succeed” by Katy Smith. In January, the CAEF Board Centennial parents Roger and Ann Stawski This grant money will enhance The program boasts increased purchased yearbooks for every 8th grader awarded $11,450 in grant money learning, promote self-respect, self-esteem/self-confidence, last spring. to 10 area programs. Grantees are provide teacher training, ensure improved attendance and behavior, the Summer Fun Program, a seven that students have adequate grades and work habits in students. CAPTURING A MILESTONE to eight week summertime learning Financing is provided by grants, nutrition and supplies, and help “Make a little difference in lives of Centennial and enrichment program; Everyday donations, and other various purchase emerging 21st century students.” That’s exactly what Roger and Kids, an afterschool tutoring pro- funding sources. technology. Ann Stawski did for students last spring at gram; Empowering Young Women, Centennial Middle School by purchasing a presentation by the “Fight Like HELPING THE COMMUNITY 120 yearbooks for students who could not a Girl” Foundation to all middle AND INVESTING IN EDUCATION afford to buy one. school and senior high girls empha- At its 11th Annual “Reach for the sizing personal safety; Movement Stars” Gala on March 1, CAEF When their son, Jack, came home with the Solutions, a library of movement honored Jennifer Gramse and yearbook order information, Roger and Ann tools available to Golden Lake Solomon Tilleskjor with the 2014 thought about their own yearbooks and the Elementary students; the 7th grade Significant Investment in Help- meaning of having classmates’ autographs Courage Retreat, an anti-bullying ing the Community awards, and and endearing messages, a memento that program run by the CHS Peer presented Leslye Erzberger and they have kept throughout their lives. The Leaders for all Centennial seventh Rebecca Twait with the 2014 Stawskis wanted every eighth grader to graders emphasizing respect for Significant Investment in Education have the same opportunity of celebrating self and others; MWorks Mentoring, Taylor Feneis, a senior at Centennial awards. Details will follow in the a milestone and commemorating their a Golden Lake Elementary High School and MWorks mentor, next Observer! donates $250 on behalf of her father’s last year in Middle School. Donating is not company, QuickStage, Inc., to the Golden something new for the family. Lake Elementary mentor program which Tyler Pitlick (’09) made his debut in the NHL, helps students with self-esteem and playing for the Edmonton Oilers. provides positive role-modeling. The The Stawskis have contributed to the program is directed and facilitated by mentor program and scholarship funds at Golden Lake Elementary Lead Teacher Eric Nelson and Terri Klebe (right), Golden Lake Elementary. “Get engaged,” a paraprofessional at the school. the Stawskis challenge others. “By giving directly, you can see the impact, the benefits of your gift and make a positive difference in the District. It’s rewarding and easy to do.”

alumni news

CAREER DISCOVERY If you are a Centennial graduate or a member of the community interested in sharing your career story with our students, please contact Leslye Erzberger, [email protected] or by phone at 763.792.5089.

Tom Gustafson (’97), right, shared his career path with Centennial students through the school’s Career Speaker ON THE BIG SCREEN Series. Jerry Pounds (’97), left, a classmate and long-time Disney animator Tony Smeed (’89), has created friend of Gustafson’s, is a several productions including Chicken Little, Meet Special Education Teacher the Robinsons, Bolt, Glago’s Guest, Prep and Landing, at the High School. Super Rhino, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph and Frozen.

CAREER DISCOVERY PROUD CENTENNIAL ALUMNI Tom Gustafson, M.D. (’97), spoke to Centennial High School students Centennial Alumni arrange for gatherings at various times throughout interested in medicine as part of the Career Speaker Series. Other speakers the year and are planned through social media. Over the Thanksgiving include Joey Kaiser (’10), a graduate of UW-Stout in Applied Math, Computer holiday, alumni classes of the 70’s, 80’s and beyond gathered at the Blue Actuarial Science; Brady Swenson, a Physical Therapist with the Institute for Heron Grill in Lino Lakes to listen to the band Touch of Rust, which has Athletic Medicine; and Nathan Sosinski, a Public Criminal Defense Attorney. three CHS Alumni in the band—Mike Smeed (’87), Victor Flint (’85) and Todd Hamman (’86). PLEASE SEND YOUR ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI PLEASE SEND YOUR hear about our to want We alumni! Send Centennial [email protected]. to information staff news

Paula Andrzejewski and Phyllis Hitchcock, Health and Physical Hitchcock were honored as Education Teacher at Centennial High Technology and Information School, pioneered a health hybrid Education Services (TIES) class, the first of its kind at the school. Mark Domschot receives the Exceptional Teachers. The award The course provides students a mix Exemplary recognizes teachers who model of face-to-face and online instruction, Service Award the best practices in their classroom allowing teachers and students to for Cooperating Teachers by the and engage students in learning. utilize 21st century technology. It is College of St. School districts participating in the expected that most students will Scholastica. TIES Exceptional Teacher award experience online learning in their program are members of TIES, post high school experience, so The College of St. Scholastica an education technology consor- learning these skills now may be awards Centennial Middle tium of 48 Minnesota school advantageous. Her positive attitude School social studies teacher Mark Paula Andrzejewski and Phyllis Hitchcock districts. and lifelong learning mindset helped Domschot the Exemplary Service are among 91 educators honored as TIES Exceptional Teachers. From left, her integrate this new learning Award for Cooperating Teachers Minnesota Education Commissioner Andrzejewski, a fifth grade teacher management system along with a based on his modeling and fostering Brenda Cassellius, Paula Andrzejewski, at Rice Lake Elementary, is always digital curriculum to deliver this new of teaching dispositions: Lifelong Phyllis Hitchcock and TIES Executive Director Betty Schweizer at the TIES 2013 looking for new ways to increase opportunity for students. Learner; Healthy Relationships with Education Technology Conference. student learning. This year she was Children; Understanding of Human awarded a technology grant to Renee Dietz, a classroom teacher Diversity; Creativity, Problem Solving, bring iPads into her classroom. for children ages three to five, is a Divergent Thinking; and Promoting Her passion for science and the candidate for the 2014 Minnesota Positive Social Interaction. effective integration of technology Teacher of the Year. This year’s are transforming the way students program will name the 50th Domschot was nominated for learn. She has created a science Minnesota Teacher of the Year, this award by his fall 2013 College community in her classroom where celebrating the tradition of excel- of St. Scholastica Student Teacher, students use iPads to document lence in teaching in Minnesota. The Heather Kraabel. In her nomination, evidence, collect and track data winner will be chosen from a field of she described the incredibly and record their conclusions. 128 candidates of pre-kindergarten positive impact Domschot’s Renee Dietz, a classroom teacher for children, ages three to five, is a Andrzejewski is committed to through 12th grade teachers from mentorship had on her as she candidate for the 2014 Minnesota improving her craft as a teacher, public and private schools. completed her student teaching Teacher of the Year. all to better impact her students. experience.

Baylee Goodman shares community ed a smile in the LEGO® corner at KC Preschool held at Centennial Elementary. KC Preschool is a component of the ANNUAL REPORT Kids Club program, sponsored by OUTLINES SERVICES Centennial Community Education. Register today for fall 2014. Nearly 30,000 residents 7:1 received services via Centennial Community Education during For every dollar of state support, the 2012-13 school year, according Community Education generates an additional $7 more. to annual reports. The reports, www.isd12.org required by the Minnesota AUDIT RESULTS SOLID CLICK ON THE COMMUNITY ED TAB ON THE WEBSITE Department of Education, TO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD COURSE GUIDES. Community Education showed tabulate services provided to strong audit results for the year residents, from new born babies ending June 30, 2013. ADULT CONTINUING KC PRESCHOOL to senior citizens. EDUCATION (ACE) Register today for fall. Openings available The audit, compiled by MMKR Public Earn your GED, brush up on basic skills, or at Centennial, Golden Lake and Rice Lake Accountants and Co., states, “The prepare for college entry exams. Classes are free. Elementary schools. PLEASE NOTE: Community Services, Special Call 763.398.2980 to schedule an orientation. KC Preschool at Blue Heron is full. Revenue Fund ended the year with AQUATICS SCHOOL READINESS 30K revenues exceeding expenditures, The summer activity guide will be mailed PRESCHOOL increasing equity by $355,810, ABC RESIDENTS to district residents in mid-March and Register today for fall. All classes are held compared to a planned fund posted online. at the Early Childhood Center, co-located received services via Centennial balance increase of $185,286.” at Rice Lake Elementary. Community Education in 2012-2013 KIDS CLUB Community Education took in Summer registration information will COMMUNITY EDUCATION Program areas include Adult $3.3 million in revenue (fees, state be posted online in mid-March. The summer activity guide will be mailed to Continuing Education, Aquatics, aid and levies) and reported $3 district residents in mid-March and posted online. Adult/Youth Programs, Driver million in expenditures. Statewide, Education, Early Childhood community education generates Screening, Early Childhood more than $7 in additional revenue (ECFE and School Readiness for every $1 of state levy and Preschool), Kids Club, KC Pre- aid support. school and facility use and rental.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS CREDITS The 2014 School Board meeting calendar is published online at www.isd12.org. DESIGN Meetings are held at 6:30p.m. at the District Office unless otherwise indicated. Ladywithafan Design Meetings are also cable-cast on cable channel 20. PRINTING SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Modern Press Christina Wilson, Chairperson John Burns, Director EDITOR The Observer is published for residents of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington, [email protected] [email protected] Krista Bergert Lino Lakes and the students in the Centennial School District. All residents receive Karen Lodico, Vice Chairperson Ray Culp, Director this publication because of their support for the district through tax payments. [email protected] [email protected] Suzy Guthmueller, Clerk Brian Dietz, Superintendent/Ex-officio DISTRICT OFFICE 4707 North Road | Circle Pines | MN 55014 | 763.792.6000 [email protected] [email protected] Cable TV channel 20 | www.isd12.org Barb Regnier, Treasurer [email protected]