SUMMER 2015 www.edinaschools.org

IN THIS ISSUE May Term for ALL 1 May Term for ALL Pilot program leads to increased engagement, focus at end of year 2 News In Brief Toward the end of the school year at many While the standard schedule at EHS 3 Staff Spotlight high schools, after coursework is wrapped consists of six classes, many of which 4 Superintendent’s Perspective up and final exams are completed, are required to graduate, May Term for 5 Student Civil Rights Tour students are left with a few remaining days All employed a block schedule with four, 6 District’s Credit Rating of learning. However, with summer break 85-minute class periods. Students were 7 Facilities Planning Process right around the corner and coursework able to construct their schedule and May Term for ALL, cont. complete, student engagement can often choose their classes, some of which 8 City Beat decline. occurred off-campus, according to their 10 Graduation 2015 interests. 11 Recess Pilot Study A pilot program at (EHS) aimed not only to remedy the end- In the end, EHS faculty and community of-the-year slide, but also provide a unique partners created learning opportunities alternative learning experience for all that aligned with student interests, students. May Term for All, an extension passions and post-secondary transitions. of the long-standing Senior May Term program, allowed EHS sophomores and May Term for All offered more than 100 juniors to further personalize their learning classes in six categories – Arts, Career (part of the Next Generation of Edina Exploration, Cultural Exploration, Life Skills, Service to Others, STEM (science, Students were able to cooperate 8SHE]EVIEHIVXSQSVVS[EPIEHIV Public Schools Strategic Plan) during technology, engineering and math) and in creative environments, push the last six days of school in an effort to themselves physically and renew excitement for learning, increase Wellness. mentally, and grow artistically. engagement, and finish the year as strong Partners in Pediatrics supports reading for children CONTINUES INSIDE of all ages as an important part of their well-being. as it began. NEWS IN BRIEF New Concord principal excited to build All for All New Director of Research and Evaluation will help The mission of Edina Public Schools, lead district continuous improvement efforts on ‘greatness’ of Edina working in partnership with the family Edina Public Schools (EPS) proudly Edina Public Schools (EPS) proudly and the community, is to educate all announces the hiring of Donna Roper as the announces the hiring of Tony Washington as individuals to be responsible, lifelong district’s Director of Research and Evaluation. the new principal of Concord Elementary. learners who possess the skills, Roper begins her tenure with EPS on knowledge, creativity, sense of self- July 1. “I am excited that I get to be a part of this worth, and ethical values necessary dynamic organization and to share my own to thrive in a rapidly changing, “Edina is poised for a remarkable journey with experiences and skills to help Edina continue culturally diverse, global society. its Next Generation Strategic Plan and I am to be great,” said Washington. “I have been excited to play an active role in advancing this so impressed with the intelligence and important work,” Roper said. “I look forward to working with teachers and commitment of staff, students and families I’ve met through this process.” EPS School Board administrators to help make the connection between the data and what is [email protected] happening in the classroom.” Washington recently completed his fourth year as an assistant principal Randy Meyer, Chair with Eden Prairie Schools. He worked the past two years at Oak Point Leny Wallen-Friedman, Vice Chair Roper most recently served as the Director of Assessment with Eden Elementary, a grade K-6 school serving approximately 760 students. Regina Neville, Clerk Prairie Schools, a post she has held for two years. Cathy Cella, Treasurer Sarah Patzloff, Assistant Treasurer David Goldstein, Assistant Clerk South View science students use forensics to solve 'crime' Lisa O’Brien, Assistant Clerk South View’s science students ended the school year under the guise of forensic scientists as they attempted to solve the suspicious “death” of a former teacher. The cost to produce Experience EPS is largely offset by a contribution Among the experiments and research conducted, students went to the lab to test a white substance from Partners in Pediatrics. For more found at the "crime" scene. They cross-referenced those results with the results of white substances information on this publication, contact found in various South View teachers’ desks. They also tested fingerprints, lip prints and hair fragments the Communications Department at found at the scene. [email protected], or “[The scenario] is about being able to present a plausible idea about what may have happened and call 952-848-3919. backing it up with evidence,” said South View science teacher, Jim Caspar. “That’s what I grade on. The Read full articles and get more news at goal is to teach students to think critically and pay close attention to every detail with a project that is www.edinaschools.org fun and engaging." STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Retirees leave legacies of dedication

Thirty district staff members retired from Edina Public Schools developing Project Lead the Way programming across the Custodians sought to make each day easier for staff in their this spring. In addition to the early-morning alarm clock and district. Media specialist Cathy Heller leaves her mark at South buildings. Paraprofessionals did the same by assisting teachers rush-hour traffic, they leave behind legacies of caring dedication View, having launched the Cyber Café and led the effort to and students in classrooms. And teachers know they will miss to Edina students throughout the district. develop the courtyard garden. In 31 years of service, Penny the camaraderie of their peers. “Edina teachers are amazing Kodrich, retiring director of the special services department, professionals and it has been a privilege to know them as This year’s retirees come from every area of the district — said she was most proud of having hired hundreds of colleagues and friends,” said Judy Scanlon, a second grade teachers, bus drivers, media specialists, a secretary, a social “remarkable teachers and specialists.” teacher at Highlands who is retiring after 22-years. worker, a nurse, paraprofessionals, custodians, and an office assistant. Each has impacted the learning experience of EPS Connections made over the years with students, families and Each of the 30 has their own retirement “bucket list.” They look students, leading by example through their commitment to the staff makes retiring bittersweet. Bus drivers, for instance, may forward to time with grandchildren, longer weekends at the jobs that they held. In total, the 2015 retirees contributed a have specialized in driving for field trips and athletics, a regular cabin, travels, volunteering, reading and doing what they want, combined 572 years of service to EPS. school route, or driving a special education route. They each when they want to do it. The School Board honored the retirees grew attached to their young charges. “Small things make such on May 27, thanking them and wishing them well on the next Among the retirees was Katherine Oberle, a 27-year a big difference when you are driving special needs students,” exciting phase of their lives. teacher, who spearheaded an effort to develop said Bill White, who retired after 19 years with EPS. a dry creek bed and other creative, nature-based play areas To read more about the 2015 retirees and view the at Highlands. Retiree Fred Mutchler was instrumental in event photo album, scan the QR code at right. SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSPECTIVE CALENDAR 2015-16 BACK TO It's All About the Kids SCHOOL DATES: Keeping our focus on the needs of learners in all we do Please check with your school for As Edina Public Schools concludes another school year, we are busy detailed back-to-school information gathering feedback and data to assess our successes and areas of and additional August events. growth, which will in turn help guide our future plans. Throughout this data gathering, I have found that some of the best feedback comes from Wednesday Aug. 12, 2015 attending the many end-of-year culminating programs and activities Get Connected Day: across the district. These opportunities always provide me with valuable I am proud to see that this continues to be a successful recipe for our South View, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. insights, whether it is learned from observing and participating in the Valley View, All day schools today, and it lays the foundation for what we need to carry with events themselves, or from the many informal conversations I am us in the future. Wednesday Aug. 19, 2015 fortunate to engage in along the way. Get Connected Day: When I think about my nine years in Edina Public Schools, I am Edina High School, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. A favorite insight gleaned this spring was from one of our retiring reminded of a key guiding question that Dr. Ken Dragseth, former Edina teachers. When asked to summarize her career as an Edina teacher, superintendent, used as district, school or classroom level decisions Wednesday Aug. 26, 2015 she paused and said simply, “It’s all about the kids.” While simple, I find Get Connected Day Make-up: were being made. Just as the retiring teacher said in summarizing her this statement to be very powerful. I have been witness to this focus on Edina High School, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. career, Ken too would challenge all of those involved with the decision- the kids played out in numerous ways over the past school year by many making to first ask, “Is it good for kids?” It is clear that decisions rooted of our students, staff, families and community members. Edina Public Thursday Aug. 27, 2015 in being student-centered are always best and why it continues to guide Elementary Open Houses: Schools’ commitment to the success of all learners was felt throughout our decisions today. Check your school for times our schools this year, from our earliest learners entering their classrooms on the first day of school to the 673 graduates walking across the stage Monday, Aug. 31, 2015 I look forward to advancing this tradition and commitment as we plan for at commencement to the cheers of thousands of parents, relatives, First Day of School: Grades 1 - 12 2015-16 and beyond. While we have many changes and transformations friends and staff members. ahead of us, Edina Public Schools will also continue to lead with our Tuesday Sept. 1, 2015 core mission question — Is it good for kids? First Day of School: Kindergarten, Edina has a great tradition of being student-focused. During the last Edina Family Center and ECSE week of school, I visited with a graduate from Edina High School’s Class of 1955, which is planning for their 60th reunion this summer. Her edinaschools.org/calendar reflections of her time in Edina included a “blend of teachers caring for the kids and challenging them to chase their dreams.” Ric Dressen,Superintendent [email protected] STUDENT VOICE TECH BYTE Civil right tour helps students see, know their history Student documentary will keep the race conversation going “Life-changing” is how Edina High School (EHS) junior Faith Bichanga described the Civil Rights Research Tour (CRRT), in which she, and classmates Santino Kretz, Eemanna Rivers, Guled Said and Doma Morris participated over spring break.

In 10 days, the group travelled thousands of miles across southern District Media and Technology Services states visiting historic civil rights locations, meeting top elected officials is implementing two enhancements in several cities, touring historically black colleges, and learning about to the SchoolView parent portal, both the history of black people in the United States. They were part of a designed to make life a little easier for group of 50 students from Twin Cities-area high schools on the tour, parents. sponsored by the West Metro Education Program (WMEP). Online access to update contact and health information was made available on May 13, allowing parents to update The most significant thing I email, phone and other contact learned is that you have to know information and submit new information yourself and know your history. to update student health records. - Guled Said, EHS junior Coming soon is FeePay, a one-stop online opportunity for parents to pay fees for activities, field trips, school “When we got off the bus, we were tired,” said Bichanga. “They Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and toured Tuskegee age child care, community education separated us and made us walk around while they ‘inspected’ us as they University, among many other stops. courses and more. would at a slave sale. They looked at our teeth to see how old we were More information about FeePay will and our hands to see if we would be better to work in the fields or in the The EHS CRRT students (pictured above) plan to keep the conversation be shared with parents in August. house.” about race going with activities and events at EHS next year, building Find tutorials about both of these on their learnings and tour experiences. A springboard for those enhancements on the district website In addition to the “slave experience” at the Museum of Slavery and Civil conversations will be a documentary produced by the CRRT student under the Parents tab. Rights in Selma, Ala., the students walked across the Edmund Pettis group. View a trailer for the documentary called “Unapology,” on the Bridge, visited the museum at the Lorraine Motel where WMEP website (www.wmep.k12.mn.us) under Student Programs, click on 2015 CRRT. THE BOTTOM LINE BY THE NUMBERS EPS receives top credit ratings from investor service firms During the 2014-15 school year Ratings key to sale of referendum-approved facilities bonds

Two of the country’s top investment rating services recently gave Edina plan and a 10-year capital improvement plan, both of which are robust, Public Schools’ (EPS) triple-A ratings, the highest rating attainable by a updated annually and shared or adopted by the board.” school district. The ratings are critical as the district moves ahead with increase in EPS Facebook Next Generation facilities planning and the issuing of bonds per the May Both firms remarked on the good financial policies and practices of the audience 5 referendum. The announcement came just prior to the district’s sale of district in alignment with national financial management standards, the general obligation bonds, which the School Board approved on June 25. strong and stable tax base of the community, and moderate overall debt burden. The district’s stable enrollment and strong financial performance, “Normally, we don’t seek ratings from two firms, but with the upcoming “with at least five consecutive operating surpluses,” as noted by sale and size of this bond issue, we felt it prudent to do all we can to Standard & Poor’s, were also factors in the district’s high rating. hours of district videos attract investors and get the best deal for our taxpayers,” said Margo watched by you Bauck, business services director for EPS. “We are very pleased with Read more about EPS Next Generation Facilities Planning at these high ratings, which should assure investors, and the community, www.edinaschools.org/FacilitiesPlanning. that the district is well-managed financially and our facilities plans, and future, are sound.”

In assigning the credit ratings, both Moody’s Investment Services and times you interacted with us Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services remarked on the district’s fiscal on Twitter stability and long history of responsible financial management.

In its awarding of an Aaa underlying rating and an Aa2 enhanced rating, Moody’s stated, “The stable outlook on the district’s underlying ratings reflects the expectation that the district will maintain its sound financial operations given conservative management and a growing enrollment times you visited our website trend that positively affects operating revenue.” Similarly, Standard & Poor’s assigned a AAA long-term rating to the Thank you to our EPS district’s facilities bonds, noting, “The district has a five-year financial online community! MAY TERM cont.

Whether they were expanding on a passion or exploring an interest District begins facilities planning for the first time, students enriched their learning through the variety of process, seeks stakeholder input classes available. Core planning teams help identify design criteria for learning “I am so impressed by the high school staff and the offerings they put out for students,” said Mellanie Pusateri, EHS May Term advisor. The first phase of construction planning for Edina Public Schools’ (EPS) Next Generation Facilities is underway as the district gathers input and invites From Women’s Self Defense to Theater for All; from The Physics of participation in the process from its stakeholders. Interstallar to The Life of Malcolm X; and from College Essay Boot Camp to 212 Leadership Team (taught by EHS principal, Bruce Core Planning Teams (CPT) will be formed for each of the 10 school sites Locklear) – if a student wanted to study it, May Term for All likely that will undergo construction, as approved and funded by the passage of Spring 2016 offered it. the May 5 facilities bond referendum. Construction at the sites will include: EHS Additions & Renovations through Fall '17 building security enhancements, creation of a variety of Next Generation “[May Term] is the best thing we’ve ever done,” said Locklear. “There learning and activity spaces, and infrastructure improvements. is always that time at the end of the year after AP testing when classes are winding down and engagement falls. May Term completely A five-phase planning process has been outlined by the district, in Summer 2016 changed the atmosphere in school during the last few days.” partnership with Wold Architects and Engineers and Kraus-Anderson Highlands, Countryside, Construction, the construction management firm for the project. The Concord, Early Childhood Mike Toth, an EHS sophomore, agreed. “One of the biggest differences facilities planning process includes: Additions & Renovations between May Term for All and the rest of the year is the atmosphere of the classes." Toth participated in Bikes, Birds and Biomes, Intro to • PHASE 1: Schematic Design - Establishment of scope, criteria and Swing Dancing and Beginner Knitting because “my Mom knits quite tone of the project often and I thought it would be fun to learn how.” • PHASE 2: Design Development - Transitions from the overall scope Spring 2017 developed in Phase 1 into detailed drawings and specifications Valley View & South View Renovations Inspired by the growth and success of the 10-year-old Senior May • PHASE 3: Construction Documents - A more detailed, coordinated Term, a program in which seniors complete off-campus projects or set of documents is developed for the bidding process and to help internships of their own design, Pusateri and Angela Kieffer, an EHS ensure minimal change orders over the course of the project counselor, submitted a Next Generation pilot study proposal last spring • PHASE 4: Bidding - Contact of potential bidders and also Summer 2017 to create May Term for All. identification of issues within the construction documents as identified Cornelia, Normandale, by bidders CreekValley Additions & “We saw the benefits with seniors and thought all students could learn • PHASE 5: Construction Administration - Construction commences Renovations and grow if given more opportunities,” Pusateri said. “Students who and discussions continue with the district and architects regarding TIMELINE* CONSTRUCTION NEXT GENERATION participated in May Term for All strongly support the student choice progress and potential issues through out the construction phase *preliminary schedule aspect. They were asked to fill out surveys in the final days of the The role of the CPTs is to provide input during the first phase — Schematic Design. The CPTs will help determine the program, and the results overwhelmingly support this type of learning.” overall layout of the building design and how different areas will relate to each other. This will begin by establishing design According to the survey, 92 percent of participating students said they criteria for the architects to work from as they develop detailed plans for individual rooms and spaces. The purpose of the gained knowledge during their May Term for All classes. Additionally, 85 CPT approach is to ensure that the eventual design is truly representative of the entire school community. percent believed that EHS should continue the program. “Our goal is to create a learning environment that meets the changing, diverse needs of students at every grade and learning level,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “The best space designs will result from total community involvement by May Term for All is the best thing all of our stakeholders, working collaboratively with experts who will help us turn those ideas into a reality.” we've ever done ... it changed the Each CPT consists of members selected from a cross-section of the users of the facility, including students, staff, parents atmosphere in school. and community members who completed an application process to be considered for one of the CPTs. A call for applicants was held earlier this month, with nearly 80 community members applying to serve on the various teams. The teams will meet five to six times over the course of two to three months, for tours of other facilities and collaborative meeting time to Similarly, a survey of EHS staff indicated a positive impression of learn about, problem solve and innovate the Next Generation learning spaces for EPS students. May Term for All, with 74 percent indicating the program was good for students. When asked whether May Term for All should be continued, The core planning team for Edina High School (EHS) began its work 65 percent recommended continuation, with another 26 percent this month, including touring other high schools as part of their research indicating support with some improvements. into Next Generation learning spaces. (Read more at edinaschools.org/ EHSconstruction.) Early childhood, elementary and CPTs Many of the staff responses regarding changes they would make to the will begin their work in the fall. program revolved around the schedule – citing that it was sometimes difficult to fill the entire 85-minute period. Others, however, praised In addition to the CPTs, the design process will include several user group the longer class time, saying that it would be hard to cover very much input opportunities to ensure the various users interests are represented in the final design.The district also plans virtual material in a shorter class period. and in-person community engagement sessions over the next several months to provide updates and keep the community in the loop design and construction. “I know we have to work out some tweaks in the schedule,” said Pusateri, “but I am thrilled with the outcome of this program and hope The district’s goal is to complete the first three phases of planning in fall 2015, so that the bidding process and contract we can see it grow.” assignments can happen in winter 2016. Construction is slated to begin in the spring and summer of 2016, continuing While May Term for All will require more extensive evaluation, through summer 2017. Pusateri’s initial reaction to the program is that it was a success. “This schedule and opportunity can allow students and staff to engage More information about each phase of the facilities planning process and a description of the role of the core planning differently,” she said. “[May Term] also seemed to address student and teams can be found on the district website at www.edinaschools.org/FacilitiesPlanning. This website will also archive all staff wellness issues. Stress levels seemed low in the building and CPT meeting materials and minutes, allowing all members of the Edina Public Schools community to stay informed on the excitement levels were high!” district’s progress in updating its learning and activity spaces. Futsal Sports Court Added To Braemar Arena CITY BEAT Kaylin Eidsness, Edina City Senior Communications Coordinator This month, a Futsal Sports Court will be installed as a new seasonal addition to the Backyard that the staff will run recreational programs and Rink at Braemar Arena for City residents. sell additional time not used by the Soccer Club.

“We like the space at Braemar Arena a lot,” said Jeff Northrup, Vice President of the Edina “The addition of the Futsal Sports Court is Soccer Club’s Board of Directors. “We’ll have the ability to host tournaments or leagues. Plus, it’s important for the diversity of athletes who visit a venue that draws people from all sorts of different sports to one location.” Braemar Arena,” she said. “We want the Soccer Club to feel part of this facility. They will only Futsal, a sport similar to soccer, but played with five players per side, different balls, goals and add to our hub of activity!” rules on smaller fields or courts, has gained popularity among soccer clubs as a component of winter training programs. The Sports Court will be installed each spring shortly after the ice melts and removed in At its April 21 meeting, the City Council accepted the $55,440 donation from the Soccer Club to October, so the Backyard Rink can get prepped for ice. buy a Sports Court. In exchange for the donation, the Soccer Club will receive up to 500 hours of scheduled practice hours annually for 15 years or for the life of the Sports Court, which will be For more information about the Futsal Sports Court, contact Miller at 952-833-9502. installed inside the boards and glass of the Backyard Rink.

The donation and amenity gives the City the ability to use the Backyard Rink year-round as well as attractEdina more 2" diversex 10.5” usersad 6-4-14.pdf to the facility. 1 In6/4/14 addition, 11:04 Braemar AM Arena Manager Susie Miller said

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CMY K CALHOUN • France & Excelsior • 952.562.8787 ISD 273 SUMMER 2015 5701 Normandale Road NON-PROFIT Edina, MN 55424 ORGANIZATION edinaschools.org US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 91349 TWIN CITIES MN STAY CONNECTED Great stories happen everyday. Sign-up for the EPS In the Know weekly eNewsletter at edinaschools.org/know or scan the QR code at left.

@edinaschools /photos/edinapublicschools SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS /EdinaPublicSchools EdinaPublicSchools School Board Candidate Filing Period July 28 – Aug. 11 This November, Edina Public Schools voters will go to the polls to elect three School Board members. The period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of School Board begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday,on July 28, 2015, and closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. Affidavits of candidacy must be filed in person at the EPS District Office (5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424).

School Board Information Session Monday, August 3, 6 p.m. This information session is intended for residents interested in learning more about what it is like to serve on the Edina School Board. Current Board members and district administrators will discuss expectations and responsibilities of being a school board member, and details on running for office.

For more information about running for the School Board or the November election, visit edinaschools.org/BoardElection. SNAPSHOT EPS Congratulations, Class of 2015! With performances by the EHS Choir and Orchestra, a speech by retiring Language Arts teacher, Martha Cosgrove, and 673 graduating students in attendance, parents, family and friends gathered at Mariucci Arena Sunday, May 31 to celebrate the Edina Class of 2015. Scan the QR code to the right to see our Flickr album of the event. COMMUNITY EDUCATION Recess pilot study will create consistency during important playtime This fall, familiar faces will create consistency for some they will experience consistent language and application of Normandale and Concord elementary students whose days rules, as well as an inclusive philosophy throughout their day. It begin and/or end with out-of-school time (OST) care. Students is also expected to help stabilize recess staff, which generally enrolled in KIDS Club and WISE Guys through Community experiences a high rate of turnover. Education Services (CES) will see recreation leaders from their OST programs on the playground supervising recess “Research shows that discipline issues in the afternoon shrink activities. It is part of a CES pilot study that aims to improve the when students have a positive experience on the playground experience for young learners whose days at school are longer. during lunch,” said Meg Barrett, CES youth program coordinator. “Kids will see the same staff before, during and Forty OST staff are training with Playworks, a national after school. They will know one another and what has gone on nonprofit organization that provides guidance to schools and during the day.” youth organizations to ensure that every child plays “safely, inclusively and with joy.” By training and employing staff that Barrett said the pilot study also partners with the district’s many students already know to work during recess periods, teaching and learning department, which is promoting collaboration between classroom and playground staff. Under the new model, OST staff will “touch base” as students return to their classrooms regarding any issues or incidents that occur PIP PSA-1 2.5" x 1" ad 6-4-14.pdf 1 6/4/14 11:03 AM on the playground that may impact a student’s afternoon. C

“Playgrounds are outside classrooms where we teach conflictM resolution, leadership and collaboration,” Barrett said, “all while Y Illness and injury can’t wait working to ensure that every child has a positive experience at for an appointment. play.” CM

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