Buddy Time Kindergartners at Normandale French Immersion Elementary spent quality time with their high school buddies from the advanced French classes at Edina High School. Experience Edina PublicPublic SchoolsSchools // SpringSpring 20202020 Noteworthy Board approves calendars The School Board approved academic calendars for the 2020-2022 academic years. Features of the calendar include; before Labor Day start dates; Election Days as no-student days; four Early Release days each year for staff development time. The last day of school in 2021 is June 4, and is June 2 in 2022. edinaschools.org/calendars Cornelia receives Energy Star Cornelia Elementary School has received Energy Star Students in EHS foods classes learn knife skills from culinary professional, Chef Jeff Riley, right, from Chef Jeff Catering. certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It recognizes the building’s performance in Community expertise enhances curriculum the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy nder the umbrella of Edina Public Schools’ “Having additional instructors adds more variety to efficiency and reduction of volunteer program is the Curriculum Resources the class and teaches you about new ways of fitness,” carbon dioxide released into Program (CRP). It connects teachers with said Stephen, another eighth grader. the atmosphere. Cornelia is U the fifth district school to earn community experts to enhance classroom curriculum. Jan Larson is a retired teacher and is active in the MN the Energy Star as a result of Carynn Roehrick, volunteer program manager, said Herpetological Society. She spends time in the elemen- upgrades and projects under curriculum volunteers provided 611 classroom presen- tary schools during their reptiles unit. At EHS, she the district’s 10-year facility tations in the last year. maintenance plan. presents in the comparative anatomy classes. She sees “At Edina High School, for instance, they might be sharing her expertise as a reinforcement of learned doing a unit on healthy relationships, so we bring in curriculum. “It adds a visual component to their educa- people from the community who have worked in that tion. Students get to see, and in some cases, touch live field or have expertise in that area,” said Roehrick. “It animals,” said Larson. “What I teach is a reinforcement really elevates the learning beyond what you can get in a textbook. It also builds community connections by “It really elevates the learning getting community members into the schools.” beyond what you can get in a textbook. It also builds community Many volunteers return every year to be a curriculum connections...” EHS senior receives resource, and new presenters are recruited, recom- human rights award mended, or offer their services directly. From entrepre- of what the teachers have pre-taught and sometimes, Olivia Pierce is one of two neurs, artists, and firefighters to mechanical engineers adds details the students have not been introduced to.” recipients of the City of Edina and physicists, students have opportunities for real- Laurie Lopesio, a volunteer yoga instructor, said it is Human Rights & Relations world learning from experts. “We get new people Commission’s 2019 Tom Oye the students that really make the experience worth- every year and work to diversify our speakers,” said Award, which honors socially- while. “They are welcoming, they listen with a great Roehrick. minded residents and their deal of respect, and are earnest and open in their effort pursuits of equity and fairness. Physical education classes at Valley View Middle to participate,” she said. “At the end of class, many Pierce formed a faith-based student group at EHS to foster School brings in multiple curriculum volunteer in- students are surprised by how much more they can a more compassionate climate structors in areas like self-defense, fencing, and yoga. do than they previously thought. When I volunteer to at school and served on a “They make students eager to learn. These activities share my gifts with the students, those gifts become volunteer medical team in become something to look forward to,” said Katarina, theirs to give to others.” Haiti. As a speaker at last one of the eighth graders in the class. “They help year’s TEDxEdina, she talked ensure a fun and positive learning environment.” B edinaschools.org/volunteer about unconscious racial bias. EHS grads post higher ACT scores in all subject areas Noteworthy test-takers in Edina High School’s Class 2019 ACT College Readiness Report ACT of 2019 posted higher average scores than previous years in all subjects, according to the EHS teacher selected l College English Composition 2019 ACT College Readiness Report. Average scores in 2019 Economic Educator Benchmark is 18 on ACT English test EHS teacher Steven Cullison the English and Reading tests are the highest for EHS 89% EHS ACT-tested students met benchmark; was selected by the Minnesota in the past five years. The College Readiness Report Council on Economic Educa- is an indicator of the future-readiness of high school average EHS score was 26.6 tion as the 2019 Economic graduates. ACT, in collaboration with postsecondary College Algebra Educator of the Year. The institutions across the country, has established Bench- l award was given in recognition Benchmark is 22 on ACT Math test of his commitment to excel- mark Scores which predict a 50 percent chance that a lence in economic education. student would obtain a B or higher in corresponding 72% EHS ACT-tested students met benchmark; Cullison, a graduate of Edina college courses. average EHS score was 25.2 himself, has taught economics and other courses for six years. The average ACT test scores for 2019 EHS graduates l College Social Science “I enjoy teaching economics increased over last year’s average in each of four sub- Benchmark Score is 22 on ACT Reading test because it’s applicable and jects. (A perfect ACT score is 36.) Additionally, the 78% EHS ACT-tested students met benchmark; relevant for students,” he said. percentage of students meeting the benchmark average EHS score was 26.9 indicating college-readiness increased over last year. Edina continues to be one of the top performing districts l College Biology in the state with more than 95 percent of students par- Benchmark Score is 23 on ACT Science test ticipating in ACT testing. The EHS Class of 2019 earned 74% EHS ACT-tested graduates met benchmark; an average ACT composite score of 26.3, compared to average EHS score was 25.8 25.8 in 2018. Six students in the class earned perfect composite scores of 36. The state average composite score is 21.4. Student selected for Senate Youth Program Newsweek ranks EHS in top 500 of Best U.S. STEM Schools Yash Mangalick, an EHS junior, is one of two students selected dina High School is one of two Minnesota The district has a “strong foundation” in STEM to represent Minnesota at the public high schools among the top rankings on learning, according to Dr. Randy Smasal, director of U.S. Senate Youth Program in Newsweek’s list of America’s Best STEM High teaching and learning. EHS offers more than 10 AP Washington, D.C. The week- E long program provides an Schools. Orono High School (ranked 356) and Edina STEM courses and funding from the Edina Education opportunity to experience na- High School (ranked 363) are the only public high Foundation provides the SMATH Lab for support in tional government in action. It schools in the state listed in Newsweek’s top 500. areas of math and science. is geared toward students who have expressed an interest Newsweek partnered with STEM.org to rank 5,000 Principal Andy Beaton lists many STEM courses the in pursuing careers in public U.S. schools. Criteria included: STEM courses offered; school offers that go beyond required coursework: service. activities to strengthen skills such as media proficien- multi-variable calculus, discrete math, college alge- cy, environmental literacy and social/cross-cultural bra, organic chemistry, anatomy, forensics, physical awareness; celebration of diversity and topics for a universe, cyber security and Project Lead The Way. wide variety of learning needs; access to technology; Smasal said, “Flex time combined with state-of-the- project-based learning; opportunities for real-world art makerspaces and flexible learning spaces in every challenges and introduction to career opportunities school offer opportunities to practice collaboration in STEM fields. and creativity.” Experience is mailed periodically to all residents in Edina Public Schools, District 273, to keep you up-to-date on the activities and accomplishments of students, staff and the district. Questions or comments are welcome at [email protected] or 952.848.3919. Edina Public Schools Main: 952.848.4900 [email protected] Enrollment: 952.848.4585 Superintendent John W. Schultz, Ph.D. 952.848.4000 [email protected] Edina School Board [email protected] South View team receives personalized learning Trailblazer Award Erica Allenburg Matt Fox A team of South View Middle School educators and administrators were honored by the Institute for Personalized Julie Greene Learning with the Trailblazer Award at the group’s 10th Annual National Convening. Receiving the award are (left to Ellen Jones right): Janel Wieland, science teacher; Tami Jo Cook, dean; Ryan Carlson, assistant principal; Tricia Pettis and Michaela Owen Michaelson Loo, personalized learning coaches. (Not pictured: Tim Anderson, principal.) The award recognizes leadership in “forging Janie Shaw a path for others” in personalized learning. Members of the team gave several presentations as part of Convening pro- Leny Wallen-Friedman graming which brings together educators from across the country to discuss emerging best practices, share lessons and introduce new topics on personalized learning. Voices Choices, support and learning South View Middle School students addressed the School Board when teachers and administrators were recognized for receiving the Personalized Learning Trailblazer Award.