FALL 2017 www.edinaschools.org Teaching practices flex with needs of students Personalized learning is a verb, says Tricia Pettis, not a binder or a thing.

It is the collaboration between a student and that feeds student interests, confidence and love of learning, while ensuring academic standards are achieved. “Personalized learning engages students in their learning process,” she said. “They are not passively receiving information.”

Jamie Hawkinson describes personalized learning as a team effort that begins with learner and teacher but spreads throughout the classroom as students recognize their own and others’ strengths and talents. “They find their passion and become resources for one another,” Hawkinson said.

Pettis, a grade seven language arts teacher at South View , is in her 17th year of teaching. Hawkinson, is in her eighth year teaching fourth grade at Creek Valley Elementary School. They say personalized learning is a culmination of best practices for engaging students, personalized learning is student centered and a partnership between teaching standards and sparking passions that have transformed their teacher and student. “We are giving learners skills that we haven’t given teaching practices to help them reach every student in their classrooms. them before and teaching them how to learn,” Hawkinson said. “Personalized learning is non-racial, non-cultural, non-ethnic, non- religious,” Hawkinson said, “it is about each individual learner.” Personalized learning is an active method of teaching that flexes the when, where and how of learning to meet each student’s needs, unlike Unlike individualized or differentiated teaching, both of which the one-size-fits-all teacher lecture model of old. are teacher-designed for individuals or small groups of students, Continues on Page 6 Superintendent’s Experience #EPSnewguy The expression of learning on opening day, it was fun to see the students this community and meeting more community and the power of a smile and meeting one another with high members in the coming weeks and months. fives and fun greetings as they explored their If you see me out and about, please introduce As a career educator, there are three new domains and reengaged with each other. yourself. expressions that I love and fill my professional I am excited for the remaining sites to have soul. The first is the smile on kids’ faces their construction completed next summer I’ll be the guy with a big smile. when they enter school and see their friends. so they too can hear the excited exclamations Another is the enthusiasm and care that the and see the smiles as they encounter new and adults display for the beginning of the new improved spaces. year. The last is the smile on a child’s face when they have learned something new, Edina Public Schools is fortunate to have a solved a problem, or performed their work. I supportive community that understood the look for these expressions in schools because need for facility improvements to support they are a measure of learning and of caring the continued learning of our students. The relationships that go beyond a test score or a community can and should take credit for letter grade. These expressions are indicators the smiles in our schools. Whether it be new of engaged, dynamic student learning. They are spaces, new curriculum, new teachers or new personal and individualized to each and every activities and opportunities, the Edina Public learner. I am proud to say that I see all of these Schools community plays an important role in expressions happening on a daily basis in and supporting our teachers who, in turn, support out of the classrooms in Edina Public Schools. our students with great enthusiasm and artfulness in teaching a child to learn the skills For many staff, families and students, Edina they will use for the rest of their lives. is smiling because the construction at six of our sites is now complete, with construction As the new guy at the helm, I am excited and nearing completion at . We humbled by the care and pride this community are already seeing how the new and enhanced has for its kids and schools. The many smiles learning spaces provide creative and exciting we see are a reflection of the mission of Edina environments where students and teachers Public Schools as we all help our young people are collaborating. Many spaces that were once to thrive and carry with them a lifelong love dark now have natural light, and airflow has in learning, no matter where their path will John W. Schultz, Ph.D., Superintendent improved. As I was walking through our schools lead. I look forward to learning more about [email protected] #EPSnewguy District seeks to temper levies, reduce tax impact While voters on Nov. 7 will decide on a renewal to the MDE in late summer, at which time state consecutive years that MDE has recognized EPS and increase of the expiring operating levy formulas are applied and levy calculations are for excellence in financial reporting. to fund Edina Public Schools’ (EPS) day-to- made. The proposed levy is presented to the day operations, there is another levy process School Board at its September meeting. The According to Bauck, the school district has underway working to balance its impact. This final amount of the annual levy is not known a few options available that can favorably year’s annual levy certification process includes until November, however, when the county impact the tax burden. She said there may be a hunt for opportunities to trim, shift or adjust releases a tax “calculator” that applies changes opportunity for savings in the long-term facility numerous other smaller levies within the in the local tax base to the school district’s levy maintenance levy and some other levy areas. District’s control to lessen the impact of the numbers. MDE also tracks the use of the levy Also, the levy for interest on District debt is proposed operating levy increase. funds. This is the amount that is then provided mandated by MDE to be 105 percent of the on property tax statements, after which the amount needed, resulting in a slight overage The annual levy is referred to in singular, School Board acts to approve the final levy in each year. Over time MDE reconciles the levy however it is actually a group of smaller levies December. account, but Bauck said the district can request aimed at very specific District needs, such as the adjustment earlier, lowering the amount it safe schools, long-term facilities maintenance, The challenge to forecasting, Bauck said, is to would need to levy this year. career and technical, facility leases and minimize the average increase in the district- others, that are often referred to as “non- controlled annual levy amount each year to “We want taxpayers to know there are many voter approved levies” on one’s property tax avoid major swings in the amount levied. Over aspects of district funding that we cannot statement. Together, these levies represent the past six years, the annual levy increase control,” Bauck said, “but we always work to less than one-fourth of a taxpayer’s total (not including voter-approved levy amounts) manage variables to try to keep local taxes as annual school levy, according to Margo Bauck, has averaged 2.57 percent. “We don’t want to low as possible.” director of business services. The see the levy going up and down dramatically,” Department of (MDE) has assigned Bauck said. “That’s not good for us and it’s not authority for these levies to local school boards, good for taxpayers.” However, changes to state but maintains oversight and reviews the tax formulas, new legislation and shifts in the proposed levy before it is formally approved by local tax base – none of which the District can the school board. control -- also have an effect. The success of EPS’ financial forecasting and overall financial EPS begins the levy certification process in July, stewardship is reflected in the Aaa credit rating preparing a proposed levy that is payable the assigned by both Moody’s Investor Services, following calendar year. The District’s data go as well as Standard & Poors, and the 12 www.blizzardmn.com Student Voice EHS student talks about her first days of high school By Avery Greene, 10th grader at Edina High School Everyone goes into high school with some sort of expectation. For years, our juvenile minds have been fueled with all kinds of pop culture regarding the token “American high school experience.” We had movies like Mean Girls, Clueless, and High School Musical, portraying a high school experience far more incorporative of the social aspect to their lives, with no regard to academic strife whatsoever. Everyone fits into a strict social group, where “warring” is common between. I can say for certain that these representations are absolutely nothing what “real” high school is like.

For me personally, what most exemplified this difference was lunch. Every single day I eat lunch with new people, whether it’s new people joining my usual group, or that I move to a different area of the lunchroom. No matter the case, I have been welcomed by whoever I sit with, and felt welcoming to whoever sits with me. I have learned that it’s okay to be part of many different friend groups! Everyone is, there’s no defined line between a theoretical high-school hierarchy. I consider myself friends, or at least friendly, with juniors, seniors, freshmen, jocks, nerds, you name it. I was not expecting this to occur, and I gotta say, I This is the aspect of change that I have noticed the most through the have been pleasantly surprised. I am taking different classes than most transition. Now, I actually have to do my homework every night. I have to of my friends and my peers, so I actually do not see anyone I know until stay on top of my academics. This is especially prominent when factoring 5th hour. I was worried about this at first, but I was able to interact in my sports and extra-curriculars. Every high school sport practices positively with new people in my classes, and I am excited for what the every single day after school. I run cross country, which often includes year has in store. races on Saturdays as well, taking up hours and hours in a day. I have The less talked about aspect of high school, at least in terms of media, is learned that every minute counts. Ten minutes spent waiting for a ride? the academic rigor that comes with it. Coming from the middle school, I Read a page or two of European history. Get to class five minutes early? was very used to having only four classes a day, every other day. When Do a problem or two in math. It makes all the difference. I wish good luck I was assigned homework, it wasn’t due the next day, and I could put it to everyone, and a good rest of the year! off for long periods of time. It was an absolute haven for procrastination. Middle school students partner with staff to develop engaging after school opportunities “I just need a place where I can hang out and do something fun after completed in the school with my friends, where my little sister isn’t bugging me, and first two weeks of where my dad isn’t hassling me about my homework!” programs. Students are able to choose When Edina Community Education Services (CES) held student focus from a variety of groups about the future of after-school programs for Edina middle clubs and activities, school students last spring, this desire came through loud and clear. ranging from intramural sports, With numbers in SURGE, the former school-age care program for middle cooking and comic school students, dwindling and only a handful of students participating book clubs, to study at South View and Valley View on any given day, program manager, time and computer Carrie Proctor, knew it was time for a change. “Students were telling coding. us that they wanted more flexible, interesting, dynamic, choices after school,” she said. “They wanted to have a hand in deciding what clubs we Students, teachers and staff are equally enthusiastic about new choices should offer.” that let middle school students explore and express their growing independence. “I love being able to create this atmosphere where I To determine what that change might look like, CES staff spent the don’t direct it. I just let the kids take the lead,” said Dan Geere, 6th grade summer researching trends and best practices and visiting neighboring teacher at South View who is facilitating the popular Tinker Club this fall. districts to create a new after-school model that could better meet Geere’s classroom is stocked with piles of old clocks, small appliances student needs. The ideal program would involve even more students and pieces of wood. Kids utilize hammers, wedges and vices with in the program and provide more safety, security and accountability limitless curiosity. “Kids often don’t get a chance to be free and explore beyond the school day. like this,” Geere said. “I am glad we can meet that need for them.”

Considering this research, CES launched a new middle school program “We’re excited to see where this new model for after school activities model this year, where students sign up for various clubs and activities can go,” adds Proctor. “It’s so exciting to have kids already suggesting based on their interest. Activities are offered Monday-Thursday from new club ideas for the winter session. We are going to be steadily 2:30-4:30 p.m. Students registered in activities ending at 4:30 p.m. adding clubs as we build momentum. We’d love to have every student receive a pass to ride the activity bus home. A scholarship system is in participate in at least one club or activity that they are excited about place for students whose families need financial support. this year.” Proctor also noted that they will continue to assess the new program’s effectiveness as the year goes on as part of their continuous All indications suggest that the change has been a good one. improvement process. Registrations are up dramatically this fall, with over 482 registrations Learn more at edinaschools.org/youth

FALL 2017 www.edinaschools.org Personalized Learning continued

“Some students don’t access the information in the way you as a teacher are presenting it (e.g. in a lecture), but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn,”said Pettis. “In the past, if they didn’t fit the mold they were left out. Now they come in eager to learn.”

The focus is on partnering with students to grow their learning preferences, interests and passions. Personalized learning helps students grow in self-knowledge and then develops some amount of ownership over their learning by allowing choices in how to learn and show mastery of academic standards.

The foundation of personalized learning is the knowing the learner. A Learner Profile is an online document developed by each student about themselves that begins with their reflections on their hopes, dreams and aspirations. They further build their profile by recording their learning choices and tracking their progress. After a unit of learning they again take time for reflection, recording the progress of their work, if their choices worked for them, and why or why not. The profile helps learners come to know more about themselves and how they learn. It gives them -- students may choose to participate in a traditional teacher seminar confidence and the ability to actively engage in their learning process (direct instruction), work in a teacher-assisted group or a small by being able to advocate for themselves when they meet with their collaborative group, or to work individually. teacher. Technology is often assumed to be the primary vehicle for personalized “I conference with each student at the beginning and the end of each learning, but Hawkinson said that, too, is a choice students make with unit. They are part of the process,” Pettis said. “We talk about their guidance from the teacher. Most often, technology is used as a research learning preference and if the choices they make are working for them. tool or as a vehicle to share knowledge with the rest of the class. “I don’t I also encourage them to stretch, to get out of their comfort zone and want to see them on the Chromebook all day,” she said. “We look for a try a different learning style. If you are comfortable all the time you are balance and use technology when it fits.” not learning.” The success of personalized learning practices is evident to Hawkinson Fourth graders are less aware of personal preferences or being able to when her students can demonstrate mastery of standards. They create express them, Hawkinson said. So her approach to personalized learning timelines, take photos, blog about their research, write their own books is also flexible. and create comic books. One group of girls wrote a play, using recess and flex time to rehearse before presenting it to the class. The choices “They can’t voice how they like to learn at this age. They need the students make not only show their academic competence, they are a language to express how they like to learn and to recognize it in glimpse into the interests and talents that excite the students to want themselves,” she said. “I have them think about, ‘How do I feel when I am to learn more. According to Hawkinson, personalized learning is the doing this kind of work?’ We build awareness of the learning process.” difference between “I have to” and “I want to.” As personalized learning techniques are embedded in classrooms at every grade level, students will have more self-knowledge about how Hawkinson and Pettis have a difficult time containing their enthusiasm they learn best at a much younger age, she added. Using Learner for personalized learning. They see these best practices engaging Profiles as a springboard for student self-knowledge and student- their students like never before. Pettis now splits her days between teacher conferencing is a personalized learning practice that is growing teaching seventh graders and coaching her colleagues in the practice of throughout the district. personalized learning.

Part of giving students more ownership of their learning is explaining the “We all became teachers because we have a passion for kids. academic standards, which are the goals for units of study. “We show Personalized learning lets all kids learn and I don’t have patience for our thinking to students so they know why they are doing the work,” anything else,” Pettis said. “People are coming here to see what we are Pettis said. With the goal in mind and equipped with self-knowledge doing. Education is evolving just like everything else in the world. “ about how they learn best, students are given choices in how they will access (get) information, engage (do) with the lesson, and express (show) “I am excited for my students. I am seeing things in kids that they their mastery of the standard and what they have learned. never thought they could do,” Hawkinson said. “I have tears in my eyes For example, after a classroom discussion on themes in the book they because I love these kids. They see how proud I am of them and they are reading, Pettis allows learners to make a choice. “Some may read feel intrinsically proud of themselves.” alone, others may read aloud with a partner,” she said. “Kids who read faster may read an additional book on the same theme.” Read more about personalized learning in Edina Public Schools at www.edinaschools.org/personalizedlearning When it comes to the formative work for the unit – the “do” portion

Mention code EDN17 to start your winter adventure! New learning spaces extend elementary classrooms Students from Kany Seck’s fourth grade class and Katherine Thomas’ poems, while other students need a quiet place to read. first grade class at Normandale Elementary School met earlier this fall to “Having those areas helps us provide kids more choice in how they collaborate on their language arts work. This partnership, called Reading learn,” Seck said. “Kids have different learning modes. We have had good Buddies, takes place nearly every Wednesday. ideas in the past but not the space to implement those changes.” At Concord, the emergence of extended learning spaces, including a At Concord Elementary School on Oct. 12, students from multiple grade large learning commons outside of the media center, has made it easier levels gathered to hear from guest speaker Christopher Eliopoulos, to bring together large groups of students for guest presenters. “It would illustrator of the Ordinary People can Change the World book series. Stu- have been a challenge to get this many kids into the old media center for dents learned about the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks and Albert an author visit,” said Laurie Holland, Concord media specialist. “It’s nice Einstein, while also learning how to create illustrations of each historical not to have to take over the gym for these kinds of activities. figure. Holland is most excited for the potential she sees in her new media Reading Buddies and author visits are nothing new to Edina elementary commons. Whether it be group projects, working with robotics or the schools. What has changed are the spaces in which such activities can school’s 3-D printer, “it’s great to have room for kids to pursue the things take place. that interest them,” she said.

For Seck and Thomas, these partnerships always created challenges in Both Holland and Seck noted that teachers are figuring out how best to space. About 50 students would gather in one classroom, with some use the new spaces. “We are all learning along with the kids,” Seck said. “I groups sitting on the floor in the hallway. Now, with each grade level love that we can just push the furniture out of the way really quickly if we having access to learning commons at Normandale, they have the space need to.” comfortably to accommodate this activity. Parents are excited, too, according to Seck. “During our goal-setting con- Each of the new learning commons feature a variety of furniture, all of ferences at the beginning of the year I had a row of all the new furniture which can be easily moved depending on the activity. For Seck’s poetry available for parents to try,” she said. “And kids are reminding us every unit, some groups of students needed a space to practice acting out their day of different ways we can use the spaces.”

Cornelia Elementary Media Center Concord Elementary Learning Commons

Normandale Elementary Learning Commons Normandale Elementary Learning Commons Nursing students conduct screenings in partnership with district The best partnerships are a win-win, which is Finding enough parent volunteers to do the Each year a small number of students are a great description of the Edina Public Schools’ screenings also has been a challenge. recommended for follow-up with a health care relationship with the nursing program at Metro provider following the fall screenings. But that State University. This fall, Metro State nursing “The parents have been great,” Heiman said, is not the only time a student can be screened. students will conduct vision and hearing “but fall is a really busy time.” She said parent If a concern arises during the school year, any screenings at Edina’s elementary schools. It volunteers will still be needed to shepherd student, at any grade level, can be screened for is an opportunity for the college students to students from classrooms to screenings. vision and hearing in the nurse’s office at any get hands-on public health experience while time in the school year, Heiman said. providing expertise and significant volunteer The Metro State students are registered assistance to EPS. nurses who are pursuing their Bachelor of “We have vision and hearing screenings every Science degrees in nursing. Included in their year to support education,” Heiman said. “If According to Mary Heiman, health services requirements are studies and experiences in students aren’t seeing or hearing they won’t coordinator for the district, this is the first time community and public health, among which do well academically or socially. We want to the district will have nurses do the screenings, are shadowing a public health nurse and be sure we are doing what we can to help our although they have been participating as completing a public health project. students learn and be their best.” observers for a number of years. The nursing students will make the Edina “This is a way to have a stronger community screenings their project, with time spent partnership,” she said. “And it is a great way learning how to do screenings and working in a for the student nurses to be able to experience simulation lab before they come to the schools. the school environment, to learn about school Twelve students will also shadow Edina school health and about working with elementary- nurses, whose licensure includes public health. aged students.” In addition to the student nurses, the District Each fall, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th graders are is further improving its screening capabilities screened for vision acuity or clarity of vision; by phasing in LED vision boxes. The lights are kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders have brighter, Heiman said, and they find that not as their hearing screened. It is a complicated many students need to be rescreened. exercise in scheduling. Screening days need to be organized around lunch and recess, testing School vision and hearing screenings are days and days off of school, and around the recommended by the Minnesota Department availability of a space that is quiet and available of Health as a “practical approach to identify for an entire day. children in need of professional services.” Read more stories at edinaschools.org/news News In Brief Read more about EPS excellence at edinaschools.org/excellence EHS Seniors Five EHS seniors named EHS grads out-perform state, named to National Hispanic Scholars national peers in ACT scores, National Merit, college readiness benchmarks College Board The College Board, which achievement provides Advanced Placement Edina High School graduates lists curriculum and SAT college are well prepared for post- entrance exams, has named secondary options, averaging five Edina High School seniors scores about five percent National Hispanic Scholars. Orchestra program recognized higher than state and national The National Merit Scholarship Program with Meritorious Award by peers, according to the 2017 announced that 16 Edina High School seniors They are: Jonah Calvo, MNSOTA College Readiness Report have been named 2018 semifinalists and 31 Antonio Flores, Ian Layton, recently released by ACT. EHS have been named to the commended students Connor Silva, and Juan Uribe. The Minnesota String students earned an average list. Students qualify for the and Orchestra Teachers ACT composite score of recognition by achieving a Association (MNSOTA) has 26.3, compared to the state The EHS semifinalists are among 300 in score that is in the top 2.5 recognized Edina Public average of 21.5 and national Minnesota and about 16,000 in the nation, percent among Hispanic/ Schools’ (EPS) orchestra average of 21.0. A perfect which represents less than one percent of Latino students who took program with the 2017 score is 36. U.S. high school seniors. They will compete for the PSAT in their junior year. Meritorious Orchestra scholarships worth more than $32 million. They must also have earned Program Award. The award In addition, EHS grads meet a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or honors a school or program or exceed ACT college- Commended students are among the top five higher by the middle of their that has “made significant readiness benchmark scores percent of more than 1.6 million students who junior year and provide other contributions to string in all content areas — English, entered the competition. application materials. Each education in the state.” math, reading and science year, the NHRP recognized Currently there are almost 700 — at rates that are 27 to 38 While these students will not continue in the approximately 5,000 of the students in grades 5-12 in the percent higher than state and competition for scholarship awards, they are 250,000 Hispanic/Latino orchestra program. national averages in. recognized by the National Merit program for juniors who take the test. their exceptional academic promise.

FALL 2017 www.edinaschools.org 5 Facts about the 2017 Operating Levy DID YOU KNOW? the current levy set to EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS · Increased participation and other fees CONTINUING TO · Fewer teachers and support staff expire in 2018 provides DEFINE EXCELLENCE · Reduced professional learning opportunities, and more. 2017 OPERATING LEVY Nearly every Minnesota school district 12% The local operating levy approved by voters 4 relies on a local operating levy to support of the district’s 1 in 2007 is expiring. daily operational expenses. operating budget • In 2007, voters approved an operating levy • EPS receives 70% of its revenue from the without a renewal the district will face that provided needed resources to support the State. EPS receives 25% of its revenue from day-to-day operating expenses of the district. local funding, including an operating levy that • The 2007 levy will expire at the end of the expires at the end of the school year. school year if not renewed. • State funding has historically not kept pace $13 million+ • If not renewed, the District would be faced with inflation, creating an ongoing funding gap, in budget cuts for the 2018-19 school year with a loss of $13.3 million in local revenue, while expenses continue to increase. which is equivalent to approximately 12% of its To sustain and maintain annual revenue. Edina Public Schools remains committed to ballot the quality education being a good steward of the community’s 5 nov 7 and prevent cuts, the If voters renew Edina’s expiring levy on investment in its public schools. November 7, schools will continue to district is seeking to • Stewardship - EPS has a Aaa credit rating from yes renew and increase the 2 receive levy support. both Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, the highest existing operating levy • If approved, the EPS will be able to maintain credit rating available. no as part of the the quality of programs and services expected • Transparency - EPS has received the November 7 election. in Edina and prevent $13 million in cuts, Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from allowing the district to: the Minnesota Department of Education for 12 · Attract and retain high quality years in a row. teachers and staff • Management - EPS routinely makes difficult Per Pupil for taxes payable · Ensure students have skills they need to be budget reductions and finds innovative prepared for college, career and life solutions to live within its means. In the last 2018 $1,857.46 · Provide personalized learning opportunities 10 years, it has made over $8.5 million in ($445 increase) for all students adjustments in the last 10 years, only 10% of · Remain competitive nationally which have come out of direct instruction. $2,075.07 and internationally • Community Support - Annual community, 2020 ($217 increase) family, staff and student surveys consistently If the levy is not renewed, the district will show high support for Edina Public Schools. face a budget shortfall of more than $13 3 94% of residents say EPS provides a million for the 2018-19 school year. · quality education new levy will keep pace with neighboring districts • A loss of over $13 million will result in · 91% of residents give high quality ratings reductions in programs and services. to EPS teachers $2000 • The district would need to undertake a · 92% of residents agree that the community community process to identify reductions, gets a good value from its investment in $1500 likely resulting in: public schools · Reduced course offerings $1000 · Fewer activities and program options

$500

Twelve candidates vie for four EDINA Eden prairie HOPKINS MINNETONKA wayzata $0 seats in Nov. 7 School Board election 2017 2018 2020 Edina voters will elect four of 12 candidates to the School Board when they go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Two incumbents and 10 newcomers are running for one of four open seats -- Gabe Aderhold, Erica Allenburg, Chad Bell, Faisal Deri, Matthew Fox, David Goldstein, tax increase on MEDIAN value Edina home Heidi Hilliker, Ellen Jones, Matt Loucks, Owen Michaelson, Lisa O’Brien and Chris Tuescher.

The candidates participated in two candidate forums held in September and October, one sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Edina and the other sponsored by the Edina Parent Leadership Council. or Video of both forums are viewable on the district website. Early voting $15 $182 is available through Monday, Nov. 6 at Edina City Hall, and for voters in Bloomington and St. Louis Park from their respective city offices. Polls per month per year are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7.

To view video of candidate forums, find links to candidate information, By Continuing to Define Excellence we and a link to the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder, visit can give every learner in EPS the skills www.edinaschools.org/boardelection they need to be prepared for college, career and life. Construction and new technologies CALENDAR provide security enhancements at district NOVEMBER 2017 Security enhancements have been completed last fall, using roping systems to direct visitors into 1 How to Talk with Children About at most district buildings where additions and the office to sign in and receive a visitor badge, will Race (PreK-Gr. 5 Focus), 7p.m. renovations have been completed. Security continue at these schools throughout the 2017-18 Normandale Auditorium enhancements were one of three primary areas school year. 7 ELECTION DAY: District Operating for the Next Generation Facilities Plan funded by Levy & School Board Elections the 2015 bond referendum. The plans include “The new entryways are on a system that renovations of main office areas at all sites in allows building staff to schedule when they can 8 How to Talk with Children About order to create controlled entrances and be opened and whom can enter,” said Steve Race (Gr. 6-12 Focus), 7p.m. access to schools, as well as updates to Buettner, director of the Department of Media Normandale Auditorium security technologies. and Technology (DMTS). “District technology staff 13 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., worked with staff in each building to train and Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 Creating controlled entrances required the set those schedules to best serve their needs.” 22-24 No School - Thanksgiving Break relocation of main offices at the Early Learning New security technology includes badge readers, 28 Information Night Center, Countryside Elementary School and intrusion alarms, intercoms and zone-lockdown Concord, Cornelia, Countryside, Edina High School to spaces adjacent to the main systems. In addition, the district is currently adding Creek Valley & Normandale entrances of the schools. The relocations, and new security cameras throughout the district. Elementary, 7 p.m. main office renovations at Concord and Cornelia Security at the completed Transportation Services elementary schools, created entrances that Facility is also much improved over what was channel visitors who arrive after school has begun available at the former site. The entire facility is DECEMBER 2017 into the main office to sign-in and obtain a visitor’s fenced and includes security technology similar to 5 Continuous Progress Program badge. All other doors are locked during the school the school buildings. Also, there is indoor garage Information Night: Countryside day and are accessible only to staff using a badge space for every bus and district vehicle. Elementary, 6:15 p.m.; Highlands reader system. Elementary, 7 p.m. In addition to facility enhancements, the district 7 Late Start - 2 Hours The same security enhancements will be continues to update its protocols and processes for implemented as the next phase of construction building security. “We know that human behavior is 11 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., progresses at Creek Valley and Highlands as, or more, important than facility improvements Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 elementary schools, and South View and Valley when it comes to ensuring a safe and secure 25-29 No School - Winter Break View Middle schools. Improvements at these sites environment at all of our schools,” said Valerie are scheduled for completion in fall 2018. Until Burke, director of community education services JANUARY 2018 then, security modifications that were put in place and coordinator of the district’s security program. 1-5 No School - Winter Break

8 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Burke added that the district is Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 continuously looking at ways to 15 No School - MLK Jr. Day improve security protocols and work 22 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., closely with staff, students and visitors Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 with training and reminders about 26 No School - Teacher Data Day district policies and procedures. “We all have a role in keeping our schools Please visit www.edinaschools.org/calendar and buildings safe,” she said. for details and a complete list of events “We are excited to see these new security features come online,” said Buettner. “We will continue to train, monitor and improve these systems so they balance security with our tradition of welcoming all.” www.blizzardmn.com

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DEB STORTZ

As the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) specialist, The first tier is what all Edina students receive – core Deb Stortz affects kids throughout the district every day. instruction. When students need addition supports, they may move to tier two or three. Her work is focused primarily on continuously analyzing ways to improve the District’s instructional system, collaborating The types of supports range from , to with staff from across the district and integrating general learning specialists, to Advanced Academic classes. “This education with other district educational services. provides a more personalized learning approach for our students,” said Stortz, who began working in EPS in 1983 as She collects and uses data to make instructional decisions a reading teacher at Edina High School. “It always centers on and align student support teams in each school, develop what would benefit the individual student.” effective interventions for students, and measure the effectiveness of those interventions. Stortz does this through a multi-tiered approach.

FALL 2017 www.edinaschools.org SKI

SNOWBOARD

RACE

FREESTYLE ME NTI COD ON E ED GRADES K-12 TO ST N17 YOU A R RT GET YOUR KIDS AD WIN VE TER OFF THE COUCH NTURE! ALL ABILITY LEVELS AND ON THE PROFESSIONAL SLOPES! INSTRUCTION

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