HAPPY NEW YEAR

Many feel this is a time to renew our commitments to what or who we want to be. As a school district resumes classes, school employees and students come back from a vacation refreshed and ready to take learning to a higher level. I too get excited when we can officially say, "Wow, we are now in the second half of the year."

Just imagine, we have been in school for about 3 1/2 months while there's just another 3 1/2 months before state testing takes place. Once completed, we start to see the realities of graduation for these 2010 graduates. Juniors start to think like seniors while seniors start to imagine life on a college campus. Administrators start to panic about our readiness for the 2o10-2011 school year.

For me...wow, another year older, but then again, another year better!

Happy New Year Everyone

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY: PARTICIPATION FEEDBACK

We are in the second year of working together as an administrative team to align our work as a School District with our Mission, Core Values and Strategic Directions. As administrators of the School District we are working diligently to deliver on our vision to achieve excellence in teaching, learning and engagement assuring success for all of our students.

To assist us in developing our capacity as a leadership team we are seeking feedback from all staff members to assist us in goal setting and planning our work toward continuous improvement. As staff members, your perspective and feedback is critical to our ability to reach our vision. We began our district wide feedback process last spring by gathering information from all administrators regarding my performance as Superintendent. I used that feedback to set my goals for this school year. Next, we will be gathering feedback regarding the performance of executive directors and building administrators.

We invite you to participate in an all staff meeting in your building in the coming months where you will be invited to develop constructive feedback regarding the performance of your administrator(s). The meeting will be focused and facilitated by the Executive Director of Human Resources. Your feedback will be used by the Superintendent and your administrator(s) to guide their administrative growth and development.

We will begin meeting with staff in all buildings beginning in January. Please look for information from your administrator regarding the date and time of your feedback session. Your administrators will be selecting a time before or after school that will allow as many staff members as possible to attend. This is a voluntary process, but I strongly encourage you to attend and share your perspective. I would like to thank you in advance for your time and participation in this process.

To My District 742 Family

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a restful winter week off. I realize that many of you are traveling to spend time with family for the holidays; please drive carefully and enjoy your family and friends.

This should be a great time for all of us to reenergize our batteries so that we can soar into the 2010 year with a great deal of enthusiasm to make a difference in the lives of children. We are so blessed to be working with these students as we prepare them for a wonderful future, and students should feel blessed that they are getting a great start in life by being apart of this wonderful family.

Happy Holidays everyone,

Steve

Skyward Parent Portal

The school district has a new student information system called Skyward. This is a wonderful system for the schools, but it also offers a great parent portal that allows all parents access to their child's records (gradebook, assignments, attendance, and etc.).

The school board meeting tonight will be televised starting at 7 PM, and I have a student from Apollo that will be demonstrating the use of the parent portal system. This will help parent to understand how to use this and the value it has. Please tune in at 7 PM and it will be shortly after the start of the meeting.

ZAP: Zero's Aren't Permitted

The ZAP (zero's aren't permitted) program is a program that Sartell has put in place to mirror the same programming that South Junior High (Middle School) teachers have been doing. It was developed by our teachers after talking with some of Wayzata's middle schools staff at an RTI (Response to Intervention) conference in Rochester. Therefore, The St. Cloud Area School District applauds Sartell for embracing the ZAP program in their middle school, and we hope it is successful.

United Way 742: Funds Raised

The United Way campaign has wrapped up in District 742. Our total dollars raised this year was $45,440.17. This compares to $38,360.77 last year. We had 418 participants compared to 374 that participate last year. District 742 has a total of 1600 employees.

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP CAPACITY: PARTICIPATION FEEDBACK

We are in the second year of working together as an administrative team to align our work as a School District with our Mission, Core Values and Strategic Directions. As administrators of the School District, we are working diligently to deliver on our vision to achieve excellence in teaching, learning and engagement assuring success for all of our students.

To develop our capacity as a leadership team we are seeking feedback from all staff members to assist us in goal setting and planning our work toward continuous improvement. We want staff members' perspectives, and feedback is critical to our ability to reach our vision. We began our district wide feedback process last spring by gathering information from all administrators regarding my performance as Superintendent. I used that feedback to set my goals for this school year. Next, we will be gathering feedback regarding the performance of executive directors and building administrators.

I want all staff members in our buildings, in the coming months, to develop constructive feedback regarding the performance of their administrator(s). The meeting will be focused and facilitated by the Executive Director of Human Resources. The feedback will be used by the to guide their administrative growth and development.

We will begin meeting with staff in all buildings beginning in January. Administrators will be selecting a time before or after school that will allow as many staff members as possible to attend and participate in this process. This is a voluntary process, but I strongly encourage all employees to attend and share their perspective at the buildings where they are assigned.

Vision 2014: District VisionCards

The District’s VisionCard process began with the Strategic Roadmap, which includes the Mission Statement, Core Values, Vision, and Strategic Directions for the District. VisionCards are key tools for accountability and feedback and are used to measure and articulate progress on the District’s Strategic Directions and move towards achieving the District Vision and Mission.

School Improvement Plans are built on the VisionCards, and they provide a good structure so we can be consistent building-by-building in continuously improving. We solicited input on the VisionCards, including gathering opinions from community, parents, teachers, and administrators on what they think is important in our District.

We will again present information on the VisionCards at the December 17th Board of Education meeting with a request for Board adoption.

SCHOOL MESSENGER: INSTANT COMMUNICATIONS

We are to the point of implementation with School Messenger. We are dealing with two companies; the product is School Messenger, and the Skylert portion is tied to Skyward. Guidelines/criteria will be established regarding use of the system. The District Communications Team has developed a communications protocol for District-wide email; the Communications Team will be a great starting point. Principals serve as part of this team, as well as representatives from every employee group and building.

A decision will also need to be made regarding attendance dialing. Secondary schools currently use an automated system, however, elementary schools continue to do individual phone calling. Utilizing attendance dialing would free up secretarial time at the elementary buildings.

Discussion was held regarding a timeline for implementation of the system. It was suggested that a plan to have the system up and running by April would allow ample time to develop guidelines/criteria for use regarding what types of items/messages will be communicated.

Next Steps/Key Messages: The January Communications Team meeting will be held to identify the necessary talking point that will be used with staff and parents to explain the system; we will use the protocol developed for District-wide emails along with other suggested criteria. The Communications Team will work on developing an overall protocol regarding the use of instant messaging.

I will pilot the system with district-wide issues, weather closing announcements, etc. Staff will be notified first via e-mail, followed by instant messaging to parents.

VOTE: St. Cloud Times Difference Makers 2009

For the past 16 years, the Youth Service Project at the Area Learning Center in St. Cloud has adopted the St. Cloud Veteran's Medical Center as the site for our youth service project. This project pairs at-risk adolescents with area veterans as they decorate various buildings for 10 holidays throughout the school year. They also play bingo with the veterans in the Adult Day Health Care Program and make crafts and decorations for the veterans in the Community Living Center.

This has made a difference, not only in the lives of our local veterans and their families, but also in lives of the students that participate in the Youth Service Project. Many of the past graduates still participate during the school year. In fact, I participated in this last year and all have a wonderful time.

Kathy Lyerly and Mike Myers-Schleif are the facilitators of this program. They raise funds for the program (with student help) and plan the gifts and crafts that students make for the veterans.

Both the Youth Service Program and Kathy Lyerly and Mike Myers-Schleif have been nominated as St. Cloud Times Difference Makers 09 by the St. Cloud Times Editorial Board. The column appeared in the Local section in the St. Cloud Times today, December 3, 2009. Starting today and ending at midnight on December 1th, you can vote for both the Youth Service Program and for Kathy and Mike. You simply visit www.sctimes.com/differencemakers or www.sctimes.com/opinion and click on "Difference Makers." You can vote multiple times and for both programs. There are no prizes or rewards beyond recognition.

Let's recognize the wonderful things that the Youth Service Program and Kathy and Mike have provided for our district's students.

GOOD TO GREAT: LOOK TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD

“Absolutely ­NO Excuses”

LEADERSHIP/ATTITUDE/CULTURE

1. Get the right people (genetically coded for the cause) – Incredibly self-disciplined
2. Set extremely high expectations – create a culture driven by productive people
3. Do not sway from cause – a culture that educates all kids to perform
4. Incredible passion/love for what we do
5. It’s not about “us” as adults
6. Look inward for next leader; always work to develop the next superintendent
7. The right people actually motivate the leader
8. Don’t tolerate having people that de-motivate
9. Create a culture of rigor of a higher, harder standard; we can’t afford to fail kids

WORK FOR THE CAUSE

1. Be 100% successful (ex: all kids reading @ grade level by end of 3rd grade)
   Channel our energies – three circles (equates to a great life)
2. Passion and love for what we do as we align with our values.Make a distinctive contribution/difference; be the best in the world by accomplishing our goal to educate all students to grade level; be wired for this kind of work (discover what you’re made to do and pursue it by committing to excellence.
3. Work to have a robust resource engine that can fund us with our high expectation level (don’t choose this circle first).

The Power = When ALL three are present and make a living at it, we will be successful.

When we sustain all the above, we experience the greatness.

Forecast Released: Not Good!

The November Budget Forecast was released today and it shows a projected shortfall of $1.2 billion for the current biennium - 2010-2011. The shortfall is almost entirely due to lower than expected revenues which are now forecast to fall $1.156 billion below earlier estimates. The lower revenue projection is largely due to lower than expected income tax collections which plummeted by $827 million.

Compounding the bad news, the projected shortfall for the 2012-2013 biennium is now projected at $5.4 billion - without including an adjustment for inflation. The $5.4 billion figure includes repayment of the K-12 aid payment deferral but does not include repayment of the K-12 property tax recognition shift.

You can access the documents related to the forecast here at http://www.doer.state.mn.us/ forecast. You can watch the budget forecast press conference including reactions from Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders here at http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/media/index.php?ls.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING!

All Staff,

I just wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for all you do, and especially for your work and dedication to children. I realize that I expressed my passion for giving to the United Way in these past few weeks, but I did it with the best of intentions. Please accept this as my "thank you" to you for giving during these difficult economic times. I am proud to be working for such a wonderful school district where employees understand that we are here to make a difference in the lives of children.

Sincerely,
Steve

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching

Kari Dombrovski
Saint Cloud, MN - Science

Kari Dombrovski teaches second grade science and mathematics at Talahi Elementary School in the St. Cloud Area School District, where she has worked since 1986. As a district science instructional leader, Ms. Dombrovski supports teachers in their science teaching and has conducted many in-service workshops to help connect science with literacy, mathematics, and other content areas. She was instrumental in the district's movement toward using research-based science curriculum kits for science instruction. On the district's Science Vertical Team, she helps K-12 educators align instruction with State standards.

Ms. Dombrovski's instructional and program improvement activities include chairing the district's K-6 Science Committee, serving as an Advisory Panel member for the Minnesota Department of Education to develop scenario-based test items for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-Series II Science Assessments, and serving on the Minnesota Science Teacher Association Board.

Among her colleagues, Ms. Dombrovski is recognized for her strength in integrating science into all areas of the curriculum. She uses hands-on learning experiences such as field trips, classroom activities, and experiments to weave science, literacy, and mathematics standards seamlessly. She has won praise for creating a learning environment in which students are held to a high standard while receiving individualized support. At Talahi Elementary School, she is known as both a model for effective science instruction and a helpful resource for other teachers.

As a member of the Advisory Board of Saint John's Arboretum at Saint John's University, Ms. Dombrovski has served on an advisory group, written and reviewed lessons and activities that are part of the arboretum's program, and trained teachers in implementation. Ms. Dombrovski has a B.S. in elementary education and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction from St. Cloud State University, both of which she earned with high honors. She has also participated in a master's plus program for environmental science at several postsecondary institutions.

Kari's remarks: Receiving this award means I have been highly recognized for my lifelong passion for and perseverance in science education of Minnesota's youth and their educators. I believe the exemplary science educators I have had in my life and the support of my family and my colleagues have fueled my passion for learning. My life's goal is to perpetuate this love for learning and receiving this recognition is a tremendous igniter to keep the passion burning as I try to be an exemplary science educator.

Reach Out and Read: United Way

Children who live in print-rich environments and who are read to during the first years of life are more likely to learn to read at and above grade level. About 16 percent of parents of children age 3 years and younger do not read at all with their children, and 23 percent do so only once or twice a week. Percentages are even lower among low-income families, whose children face the highest risk of literacy problems.

The Central Minnesota United Way recognizes the importance of developing reading skills at an early age through its Imagination Library book distribution program. Children from birth to their 5th birthday can be enrolled in the program and are eligible to receive free books. The child receives a new, age-appropriate, hard cover book — sent to them at their home each month until their 5th birthday. Programs like Reach Out and Read, efforts of the United Way through Imagination Library, or other early literacy programs are critical to support. The difference made through early reading skills is too significant to ignore.

Go to http://www.unitedwayhelps.org/ to learn more about this and all that the United Way Does for children. Then, please consider giving to the United Way of Central Minnesota. I am challenging the St. Cloud Area School District 742 employees to give at least $1 per pay period starting January of 2010.

Happy Thanksgiving and give thanks to the United Way for what they do.

LEADERS WORKING FOR STUDENTS

District 742 Staff and Community,

An editorial in last week's St. Cloud Times charged St. Cloud School District 742 administrators with putting themselves in front of kids in a recent round of contract negotiations. As Superintendent of this school district for the past 17 months, I can assure the St. Cloud Area School District communities that the principals, assistant principals, directors and assistant directors work tirelessly on behalf of students, providing leadership that is critical to the delivery of quality educational programming.

There is no doubt that we are facing daunting budget deficits for the next several years that threaten to cut deeply into our ability to deliver the educational programs we envision for our children. The Board of Education, the administrators and I are committed to our core values of excellence, learning, leadership, partnership and respect. Even with the challenges we face, it is our obligation to provide a quality education to all students.

As we continue our work in collective bargaining with all of our employee groups, I have no doubt about the commitment of our administrators, and all employees, to the success of our students and the school district. I am confident that, together with our Board of Education, the leaders of this district will continue to work together to make the decisions necessary to serve the needs of students well, both now and into the future.

Steven Jordahl
Superintendent of Schools

District 742 Core Values
Excellence: A continuous and relentless pursuit of the highest standards of rigor and relevance while being accountable to each other in all we do.
Learning: Keep the student at the center of our planning, preferences and choices while assuring many opportunities to maximize thinking, learner access, potential and success in a differentiated learning environment.
Leadership: Act courageously, fulfill our responsibilities, and collaborate with our constituencies to bring valued perspectives to our decisions.
Partnership: Engage in our shared mission with trust, competency, transparency and interdependency with all stakeholders: staff, students, families, community, organizations, and school board.
Respect: Honesty, authenticity and compassion in our words and actions while valuing the strengths, and the contributions of all, in this diverse community.

Star Watch at McKinley Education Center

Mike Lynch's Minnesota Star Watch Party will come to McKinley Education Center Dec. 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs to use while getting to know the constellations and other wonders in our skies. The event is hosted by District 742 Community Education and the Area Learning Center West & PACE Program. After a brief indoor orientation, we'll go outside and get close and personal with our universe. Lynch will use large reflecting telescopes, including a giant 20" reflector, one of the biggest mobile telescopes in the upper Midwest for close up views of the planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. View the flyer for more information.

Area Learning Center

I will be presenting information about the closing of Wilson and moving the program to McKinley as part of the budget adjustment recommendations at Thursday evening’s Board of Education meeting. Discussions have been held regarding moving PACE out of McKinley with the intent of possibly moving it to the City Life building. This space would allow for an enhanced Career Tech Education programming, which is currently being explored. We are also looking at how to support the program administratively; the Level IV EBD Program is currently housed at City Life. We could also look at the Night School component possibly going to City Life. We have met with the Waite Park Mayor and Police Chief, and they continue to have some concerns regarding the Wilson Program moving to McKinley.

We are having a discussion with the St. Cloud Police Department regarding some of the Safe School levy funds currently paying for a Police Liaison Officer at Wilson possibly being transferred to Waite Park for McKinley.

I firmly believe that the ALC programming will be enhanced by making this move. Opportunities at McKinley for the Wilson Program include Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), lab space, science room, gym, and cafeteria. The City Life building would allow opportunities for PACE programming in various areas, including economic literacy, a reading program, art studio, automotive program, service to community projects, etc., as well as a gym and wellness center.

The total budget reduction for the ALC Program move will need to equate to $350,000, part of which will be operating costs due to closing the Wilson building. The administration will work with the ALC staff in figuring out the details of the remaining reduction amount. It could be an opportunity for the staff to redesign staffing patterns.

At Thursday’s meeting, I will review the recommendation to proceed with the closing of Wilson and moving the ALC Wilson Program to McKinley for a total budget reduction amount of $350,000. Board Members have received background information regarding the recommendation as part of their Board packet for the meeting. Rather than itemizing details of the plan, I will indicate that the ALC staff will be involved in working through the options and details of the plan.

I will also present information at the Board Meeting indicating that Discovery is being looked at as the site for ABE, Early Childhood Program, Family Literacy, a “Sun School” concept, and restructuring plans (AYP) with a possible move of 6th graders to North. Community Education offices could either remain at McKinley or be moved to Roosevelt. This entire plan/process has involved extensive discussion, and I am extremely confident that this will work in the best interest of this district (we alway want to do what's best for all children in this district.

GIVE WITH YOUR HEART

The United Way Campaign is underway and I am personally challenging all employees of the St. Cloud Area School District 742 to give with their heart to United Way this year. It's difficult to comprehend the number of children that are directly or indirectly impacted by the United Way of Central Minnesota. So much of what we give goes to the children that come to us everyday to learn with hopes of having a successful future.

Please, Please, Please give financially from the heart.

I challenge every employee to give through payroll deduction, but my real challenge goes even deeper by asking that all employees seriously give what's equivalent to one hour of wages each paycheck or at least one hour of wages each month. Last year, our district gave about $42,000 or $1 per person from each paycheck, and that's with some giving at a leadership level of $1000.

We work with these children everyday; we see their needs first-hand. Therefore, I want us to take a leadership role at giving to the United Way by finding it in our heart to rise well above the giving that was done in the past.

Skyward Access and Instant Messaging for Parents

We began seeing family access activity with the parent portal about 4:00 Thursday (15 minutes after posting the link on the web site). We could not figure out how people were getting in since the letters arrived at the post office at 1:00 the same day, but regardless, we are really excited about the access all parents will have. It looks like parents are clicking the tab "forgot password" and getting a new password sent to them. This is no problem from an implementation standpoint. It is actually good to have activity to see how it reacts.

Soon, we will be prepared to use our Instant Messaging service where we will be able to send out communications to all parents that have signed up for the service. An example would be the instant message that could be sent to phones through voice mails and text messages or the messages that could be sent via e mails at work and/or at home. Parents will have the option of getting messages in one or all of the above mentioned ways. Examples will include information about weather alerts, crisis drills, upcoming events, parent/teacher conferences, and etc. The information may come from individual classroom teachers or coaches, entire buildings or the whole district. This will certainly improve communications.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Update

Dr. Julia Espe, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, presented information on a Race to the Top reform effort coming from the federal level that equates to $4.35 billion dollars worth of funding to encourage and reward conditions for education innovation and reform, achieving significant improvement, making academic gains, closing gaps, improving graduation rates, or student preparation for college. Funding will be awarded to states, and each state is to come up with a plan; it will be a competitive grant that will or won’t be received as a state. The State of Minnesota is currently in the process of collecting input from various entities, including school districts.

The core education reform areas they are looking for are: internationally bench-marked standards and assessments to prepare students for post secondary education; recruiting, developing, retaining and rewarding effective teachers and principals; building data systems to measure student success and inform teachers; and turning around lowest performing schools.

There are nineteen selection criteria for states to address when submitting their applications. Dr. Espe stated that we participated as a District in some input sessions, and most of the input we gave was to look for some more system-wide resources for our District. Districts are asked to forward ideas, comments, and/or questions to the Minnesota Department of Education via their website.

The MDE will be drafting the letter for the entire State, and School Boards and Teachers Associations will be asked to jointly sign the letter if Districts are interested in pursuing this funding. Board Members indicated that after a review of the letter, they would be interested in pursuing. Dr. Espe will meet with the St. Cloud Education Association to seek their support in signing the letter. She reiterated that signing the letter does not bind the District in any way.

The deadline to submit the letter is November 30th.

2010-2011 Budget

We have reviewed with the school board the recommended budget adjustments in the amount of $700,000 coming forth from the administration for the 2010-2011 year. This has been a four-month budget process with three public meetings, and each building held meetings where administrators presented information to staff. Board work sessions were also held to discuss the budget adjustment options. The administration ranked the $700,000 needed for adjustments in 2010-11 as a 1-2-3 ranking, with the remaining budget adjustment options as ranked 4-10.

The 1-2-3 ranking is as follows:

1. Increase Third Party Billing
2. Close Wilson (includes one FTE administration reduction)
3. Defer Fund Balance Increase from 2008 levy Referendum (one-time savings)

If the Board follows this recommendation, extensive communication will take place with parents, the City of Waite Park, as well as with parents and communities of Discovery and Kennedy Schools due to the possible movement of some students (boundary changes) to accommodate Community Education Programs at Discovery that are currently housed at McKinley.

There is a lack of support from the City of Waite Park in consolidating the ALC Programs at McKinley, but we are working with the Mayor and their law enforcement to communicate plans that will hopefully alleviate their concerns. We do want to make sure that our decisions are about the students of the district first; we really care, not only about students and faculty, but also about the community, and that we desire to be a good partner with them.

A response will be forwarded to the City of Waite Park relative to their expressed concerns. If Board Members have other questions or would like more information, they are asked to contact Superintendent Jordahl or La Shawn Ray, Principal of ALC.

PARENTS UNITED FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Parents United for Public Schools is a statewide, grassroots organization of concerned and informed Minnesota parents and citizens committed to Minnesota’s leadership in quality public education. To learn more, please go to http://www.parentsunited.org and watch the great video below.

Parents United seeks to:

Actively educate and engage a growing statewide network of parents and other citizens who will act on behalf of Minnesota’s public school children; hold elected officials accountable for providing the necessary policies and funding to enable public schools to meet state and federal academic standards and allow all students to reach their highest potential; and, continually work with parents, school officials, teachers, business and community leaders across Minnesota to promote an environment in which public schools can flourish.

Use of Web 2.0 tools increases student collaboration, say educators

More educators in New Jersey are utilizing the tools of Web 2.0 technology, which allows students shared access to content and more collaborative learning. While some educators caution about the downside to the latest technology -- like its propensity for distracting students -- others say wiki pages, classroom blogs, video conferences and online chats help students learn how to be creative and prepare them for college and the real world.

Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.), The | 11/07 Bookmark and Share

This story published in ASCD SmartBrief on 11/09/2009

2009 ‘PARTNERS IN EDUCATION’ AWARDS

The District 742 Board of Education is pleased to announce the list of 'nominees' and 'honorees' for the 2009 ‘PARTNERS IN EDUCATION’ AWARDS.

The ‘PARTNERS IN EDUCATION’ AWARDS ceremony will take place at a Community Linkages Forum from City Hall on November 19th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will be broadcast on Charter Cable Television Channel 6. Click on the link included in the story on our District's website at http://www.isd742.org/ to view the list of 'nominees' and 'honorees.'

All staff members are invited to attend this community linkage forum to show their support and gratification for these community ‘partners in education’.

The Harlem Children's Zone

How One Man's Vision To Revitalize Harlem Starts With Children
By Daniel Schorn

(I've compiled videos below, but you'll see more on You Tube)

(CBS) Harlem has long been the spiritual capital of black America. In its heyday during the Harlem renaissance, it was a wellspring of politics, music and art. But over the years, the neighborhood suffered a steady decline and came to symbolize the worst of urban poverty and decay. Today, there’s a new renaissance under way in Harlem, with the construction of new buildings, businesses and schools.

One of the people leading the charge is Geoffrey Canada. As correspondent Ed Bradley reports, his vision, quite simply, is to save children, and he has amassed a staggering amount of private money — more than $100,000,000 — to realize his goal. His testing ground is a 60-block area in central Harlem that he calls "The Harlem Children's Zone."

...read the rest at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/11/60minutes/main1611936.shtml

H1N1 Influenza Vaccines

Vaccine clinics will be held after NOVEMBER 9, 2009. Parents will be notified a few days before the specific date for their child’s school/community clinic. The vaccine will be provided free of charge to students. Parents must consent in order for students to receive the vaccine. Visit our Influenza Information web page for information letters, consent form, and vaccine information sheets.

SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2010-2011 and 2011-2012

Discussion was held whether or not to incorporate a spring break in upcoming school calendars. A survey of other districts outside of the metro area that have four-year institutes varied in responses with regard to whether or not they have a spring break and if they coincide with their area college/university. The after Labor Day start was also a determining factor for some districts.

Spring break is a time when we could be doing a lot of academic programming. Families seem to take vacations at various times of year, not necessarily when spring break is scheduled. Students of poverty are sometimes home alone during spring break. With discretionary days available for staff, spring break seems to have become less valuable.

I would like to pursue, with the Legislature, a before-Labor Day start. A District would have to give a specific reason to start before Labor Day. It was noted that MnSCU Colleges/Universities all have the same start date, as well as break dates. Perhaps communities located in greater Minnesota next to MnSCU institutions and other post high school institutions could benefit in their partnerships if we maintained similar calendars.

Members will be invited to draft calendars for the upcoming two years. A meeting will be scheduled soon, with a goal of having calendars completed by January/February.

Please complete the polls on the right.

ST. CLOUD AREA SCHOOLS, GRIP & THE KIRWAN INSTITUTE

There's a partnership between District 742 and GRIP that includes the Kirwan Institute. The goals for the partners are to provide information about GRIP’s work with the Institute and to talk specifically about the opportunity to work together on goals that both the District and GRIP have in common (directly from our Equity VisionCard) by beginning with a focus group with the Kirwan Institute.

GRIP’s work with the Kirwan Institute includes Opportunity Mapping, a tool that analyzes underlying causes relating to accessing opportunities within the community. The tool can show community based disadvantages and inequities that affect quality of life, etc., as well as ways to unite community stakeholders. Another opportunity with Kirwan is the development of a communication strategy that would help to focus efforts to increase opportunities for families; it would also focus efforts on increasing student achievement and would help us to collaborate on agreed upon goals and solutions.

A first step in terms of communications strategies is to agree on some goals for dialogue. It was stated that focus dialogue groups in our community would assist in developing a communication strategy. A focus group could be organized to learn about perceptions and beliefs, as well as develop formative language based on common ground. Information would be gathered that allow policy makers to make informed decisions and create public service messages to transform community member perceptions. Groups could initially be separated, and then brought together to talk about common barriers, values, and themes they share, as well as a common understanding. Additional goals would include an inclusive curriculum that honors cultures and history of students.

The direction of the focus groups would need to be worked out. The Kirwan Institute is working with a number of school districts across the nation. St. Cloud is much like other regional centers that are becoming more diverse, and other smaller districts could benefit from the work St. Cloud is doing.

We believe we have some of the finest programs in the country for our students, and that anything we can do to reach more families in the community to build those bridges and partnerships, and to gain an understanding that this District is about moving forward with all students (not just those in poverty situations) would be beneficial.

We are recommending that focus groups be centered on the integration/equity VisionCard and how it aligns with GRIP goals, and then problem solve on how to make movement on that VisionCard. The Kirwan Institute would help us identify deeper issues surrounding the goals and allow us to ask complex research questions.

There’s a report going back to the Kirwan Institute that the District is on board with this (no cost to the school district). Equity Services staff will be involved in the equity VisionCard. We will add an area about equitable curriculum as an additional line in the VisionCard. All players will determine research questions to be addressed with the opportunity mapping provided by the Kirwan Institute.

Oak Hill Community School 6th grade to South

The administration and I made the recommendation to move the Oak Hill Community School 6th grade to South Junior High School effective with the 2010-2011 school year, and the school board voted in favor of doing this. After several months of studying this with parents, staff members and community members, we were able to arrive at this recommendation.

This move will alleviate the space pressures at Oak Hill, and it is also the first step in creating a better program for 6th-8th graders. We recognize the value of students being in one building for three years rather than two. The 6th graders will be able to experience more opportunities at South, including the Media Center, better technology geared toward their age level, advancements in Math, etc. The move will also result in lower class sizes for the 6th grade at South vs. Oak Hill.

I also recommend a Phase 2 plan be brought forth at a future time, and would involve adding all 6th grade students from Talahi, Clearview, and Lincoln Schools to South Junior High in 2011-2012. This Phase 2 proposal would go through the same decision making process as was used for Phase 1, and that this is the District’s vision, however, budget constraints would need to be considered before making a commitment. There are no increased costs for the Phase 1 transition. For Phase 2, South would need to remodel existing space to add additional classrooms.

St. Cloud Area College Bound Program

St. Cloud Area College Bound Program is a program that fits with our District’s mission and would not be possible without community partnerships. The College Bound Program is a collaborative initiative between St. Cloud Area School District 742 and the St. Cloud Technical College. The program provides a plethora of career and post-secondary education awareness, exploration, and development opportunities for students in grades 3 - 12 and their parents. It is designed to produce successful college students, especially from underrepresented populations.

The program began in July, 2000, through a Minnesota Office of Higher Education Intervention for College Attendance Program grant to serve underrepresented students in grades 7-9. The College Bound Program has a very dedicated staff, which also involves other districts. We have the Readiness Pipeline Model that allows us to partner with the Upward Bound and the Fast Forward Programs at St. John’s University/College of St. Benedict, as well as Multicultural Student Services and the Volunteer Connection at St. Cloud State University. Family events are held to talk about planning, college preparation, making parents feel they are a part of the decision making process.

In 2008, the program was expanded to include 10th -12th grade students, which became possible due to a new funding stream. This resulted in long-term relationships with both students and families. In 2005, a health care component was added; in 2009, a ‘duplicate’ health care program was started for students with disabilities; in 2007, a Career & Technical Education component for the ELL Program was added.

Students selected for the College Bound Program are recommended by teachers or counseling staff. The numbers of students served in the College Bound Program during the 2008-2009 year include the areas of After School Program, Academic Achievement Academy Summer Program, Summer Super Success Skills Seminar, CTE for ELL Summer Program, C2C Camps to Careers Health Program, and the Health Career Service Academy. Future plans include continuation and/or expansion of the current program areas.

JA Biz Town

Have you ever dreamed about being a police officer? Or perhaps an IRS agent? Maybe even a fitness consultant? Students participating in the Junior Achievement (JA) Biz Town program have the chance to experience one of more than 50 different careers for a day. Not only do they role play a career of interest to them, they also get paid twice during the experience and must learn to open a bank account, pay bills, and make purchases.

Curriculum taught prior to the Biz Town visit focuses on free enterprise, work skills, basic business practices, and money management skills. After their day at Biz Town in Maplewood, the participants debrief on what they have learned and how they can implement their new skills into their current life and future careers.

Through the generosity of the St. Cloud Area Junior Achievement Board of Directors and the many volunteers and partners they recruit, many upper elementary students in our community have been given this opportunity. Last year students in over 200 K – 12 St. Cloud Area classrooms participated in one of the many JA programs. For more information, go to www.jaum.org or contact Ileana Merten at ileana@jaum.org.

Please enjoy the JA video below.

District 742 Strategic Plan

The District 742 Strategic Plan is now on the front page of our website. We have also changed this to say District Strategic Plan instead of TeamWorks. I also included the VisionCards but only the District VisionCards and not the elementary and secondary. Those will remain in the StaffNet section only. Enjoy the reading while realizing that the VisionCards are still a draft that has not been officially approved by the board, but I do feel that we need to create this page because we are printing reams of paper every time we create a new draft. Therefore, we will now be making our revisions to the website to work toward being paperless.

The Measures of Academic Progress data retreat yesterday was the highlight of my day. Andrea, Brenda, Beth and Julia...GREAT JOB! I was on fire watching the teams with their laptops and the use of the white board to jump into our data warehouse Viewpoint. Hearing how buildings use this to set goals to drive instruction is something beyond what I've seen in my career. WOW!

Just think of the accomplishments this past year (and I'm sure I've forgotten somethings):

• Expanding our Middle Level Programming
• The RoadMap being adopted
• Decision-Making framework shaping the process to finalize a budget for next year
• Meetings driven by strategic agendas
• Administrative professional development with continuous improvement
  
• Professional growth plans and evaluation of ALL administrators
• Adopting frameworks to guide our work
• Setting the goal of 5000+ Learning Walks
• Creating a master calendar
• Creating an aligned district operational plan
• Implementing Skyward
• Building a parent portal
• Implementing a mass communications system for instant alerts and messaging
• SCSU partnership enhancements with SCSU
• Technology business partnerships with Bush Foundation, E2T2 and others
• Data teams working diligently with our data warehouse
  
• Learning cohorts operating to impact achievement
  
• RTI coaches and AYP lead teachers assisting teachers in the classroom
  
• Implementing finance and HR software...Skyward
• AmeriCore and MathCore impacting achievement
• Cultural Navigators meeting the needs of students and families
• ELL Coordination
  
• Access and Opportunity Grant making great growth gains
  

I just keep coming up with more and more, and I cannot help but be amazed at all the work we have been able to accomplish in just over a year.

Keep it up everyone!

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." -R.W. Emerson

Interactive/Virutual Learning

This current generation of learners trend toward active and collaborative learning. This challenges our IT people of the need to tackle this in a virtual way. Irrespective of age, virtually all today’s learners use the Web extensively for information, communication, collaboration, and socializing. Students expect to interact with information and receive near-instantaneous responses.

Educators know that being successful means building maximum learning time to develop rigor, relevance, relationships and results. Teachers need to have the opportunity to tell students about the topic, to state the standards, engage them in active learning and time for collaboration. We can do this by enhancing the tools of technology.

If we are going to use the tools of a profession that allows students to engage in "first-person" learning, we have to be prepared to provide the staff development necessary to keep teachers up-to-speed with the latest technology.

In order to build maximum understanding, we have to provide a learning environment where students are pressed to ask great question, engage in meaningful dialog and be creative and critical learners. Now, imagine doing this with a virtual classroom, and then you'll see the challenges that we face in technology.

Watch the video below to see a sample of the "newest" virtual learning opportunities.

Junior Achievement

I'm working on an article about Junior Achievement (JA) and how this program impacts students of the St. Cloud Area School District.

Watch the video below about JA to learn why this is so important to the future of our children.

Watch the Video Below

As we think about our own health during this flu season, and with the wellness event coming up at Discovery, please view the video below as a reminder of how careful we need to be.

WELLNESS FAIR: FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF 742

TO: ALL EMPLOYEES
RE: WELLNESS FAIR
FROM: YOUR WELLNESS COMMITTEE

We will once again be hosting a Wellness Fair for all District employees and their spouses and dependents ages 18 and older. It will be Thursday, October 22nd at Discovery from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. We will be offering seasonal flu shots again; please bring your insurance card to help with the process. We will also have many health related vendors, and employees can register to win prizes.

We will see you at the fair!

The Wellness Fair is sponsored by Resource Training and Solutions.

H1N1 UPDATE

District 742 continues to report the students absent with flu-like illness. We are seeing pockets of problems associated with field trips/buses; we may have to look at discontinuing some field trip opportunities if there continues to be increases in illness. We are ready to go with the county and school-based clinics. Vaccinations will begin on November 9th. Parents are being asked to return the consent forms from packets being sent out by October 26th. That will allow district staff ample time to review the consent forms for completeness and determine whether a child can get the flumist or injection; there may need to be followup with parents.

Cultural Navigators will be receiving training on the vaccination information sheets and frequently asked questions. Information nights are being planned at LaCruz, the Boys & Girls Club, and Bel Clare; translators will be available at these sessions. There may be some confusion because Talahi and Clearview will not be receiving the information packets as they will have community-based clinics through Sherburne County, while siblings at South and Tech will be receiving the packets. The information nights should help to alleviate confusion.

We have E mailed information to all administrators asking that they emphasize, with students, the importance of “social distancing,” as well as not sharing phones, etc. Hand sanitizers are in media and computer labs.

We ask for daily school attendance data. The MDH now is asking that we report only once when we have reached the threshold for number of absences. If absences go down and then back up, we are asked to report again.

Steps taken:

a) I sent an email to administrators indicating that if the media contacts them about absences due to influenza-like illnesses and the academic challenges that we would face, the response should be:
a. We are sensitive to the needs of our students to do their make-up work; we are flexible with this.
b. We will always continue with the academic programming at school.
c. We will make every effort to support the students when they return to school.
b) We remind parents on our website to provide accurate contact information for their family including emergency contact numbers.
c) We are looking at the possibility of providing individual hand sanitizers for students.
d) Administrators told lunchroom monitors to make sure they are changing water as they clean cafeteria tables. Students will be asked not to share items such as phones, etc.
e) We are using a different protocol for serving lunch items, i.e., individual cups vs. children using tongs to pick up food items.
f) District Student Services has been keeping us posted on the status of the vaccinations clinics. All questions regarding clinics, consents, and vaccines can be forwarded to Dr. Elisabeth Rogers.
g) KIDSTOP may have an in-service done with their staff.
h) We also gather information on the number of staff absences. It was noted that some staff members may be absent because their children are home ill.

My Goals: 2009-2010

These goals have also been reviewed and discussed by the Board Personnel and Negotiations Committee and presented to the school board for a first read. All administrators are using the same format for goal setting this year and aligning their goals with the District’s Strategic Plan. My three identified goals for the year are listed below. The goals are as follows:

1. Collect evidence of teacher instruction for the purpose of enhancing instructional leadership by implementing Learning Walks.
2. Improve District capacity for parent communications while enhancing District research and analysis to continually improve programming, facilities and parent involvement.
3. Engage in continuous improvement through the implementation of the success system.

The Superintendent’s Goals will be on the Consent agenda for approval at the October 22nd Board of Education meeting.

MIDDLE LEVEL PLANNING UPDATE

We met with 5th grade parents from Oak Hill Community School on October 6th and discussed the timeline and activities/meetings to date of the Middle Level Task Force. We reviewed the opportunities/program their children will experience if they attend South Junior High as 6th graders, as well as the many activities that will be available to them. We highlighted the fact that average class sizes will be 27 at South versus 32 currently at Oak Hill. Parent concerns that were elicited from a questionnaire were also addressed at the October 6th meeting. Principal Williams indicated that most people felt comfortable with the proposed plan to move the Oak Hill 6th grade to South for the 2010-2011 year. He indicated he will continue to listen, take questions, and respond to concerns of parents. For the Oak Hill transition (Phase I - 2010-2011), South will be able to accommodate the students with minimal structural adjustment. A second phase of the middle level plan would involve adding all 6th grade students from Talahi, Clearview, Lincoln and the private schools in 2011-2012; for this phase, South would need to remodel existing space to add additional classrooms.

There will now be a couple of additional weeks of discussion, with a formal recommendation to move the Oak Hill 6th grade to South for 2010-2011 being presented to the Board of Education at the October 22nd meeting.

The recommendation to move the Oak Hill 6th grade to South for 2010-2011 will be on the agenda for the October 22nd Board of Education meeting with a request for approval.

BUILDING ACCESS

For safety/security reasons, all doors should be locked in District 742 with the exception of designated student entrances, i.e., during times when buses are bringing students to school. Staff have access cards to enter other doors. All others should come to the front door and be buzzed in. The expectation is that the only door(s) to be left open in the morning are those for student access, and those doors are to be monitored for a specific timeframe, and then locked. Monitoring can either be by a person or with a screen/buzzer. A monitoring system is to also be in place for KIDSTOP programs. Our first premise is for students to feel safe and secure. Every building now has the technology for mandatory security procedures to be in place. I did send out information to administrators and staff regarding (mandatory) expectations for building access/security as follows:

a) Doors are to remain locked at all times, with only certain doors unlocked for student access until all students have entered the building.
b) All staff members are to carry their keycards and identification cards. (This is an expectation of the District, as well as First Responders.)
c) Doors designated for public access are to be monitored either by a person or screen/buzzer system throughout the school day.
d) Administrators are to review this information with their custodial staff.

...AND

Don't forget to BAIL ME OUT!

I NEED YOUR HELP! I'm running out of town.

https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/99840/Participant/stevenjordahl/Default.aspxI'm going behind bars for "GOOD" PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT! Your donation is my key to freedom! Be proud of the fact that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.

Negotiation Process and Updates

In the spirit of transparency and effective communication, the District 742 Board of Education will publish informational updates of the 2009-2011 Negotiations Meetings for all employee groups following each negotiation session. Click here for the latest information.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION AWARDS

The Board of Education of St. Cloud Area School District 742 is announcing the first annual Partners In Education Awards to be given to organizations and individuals from the community during American Education Week. The publicly televised event (Charter TV - Channel 6) will take place from City Hall on the evening of November 19th starting at 7:00 p.m., immediately preceding the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.

Up to six community members will be honored, two from each of the following three categories: Community Organizations, Community Volunteers, School Volunteers. An established set of criteria, a nomination process and a timeline were developed by the Community Linkages Committee, with input and overview provided by the Board of Education. Current School District employees are not eligible for consideration. A recommended list of honorees will be determined by the Community Linkages Committee and forwarded to the Board of Education for their consideration and action.

A testimonial for each honoree will be read and an engraved award will be presented to the honoree. Additionally, a plaque of recognition with the engraved names of each honoree will be placed in the Board Room at the District Administration Office.

According to Bruce Mohs, Board Member and Chairperson of the Community Linkages Committee, "District 742 depends upon the partnership, goodwill and public support of individuals and organizations throughout the community in order for the District to successfully fulfill its educational mission. A public, prestigious recognition of individuals and organizations who are partners of public school education is a strategic and timely way to acknowledge our partners in education. When we ‘showcase’ our partners in education, we are displaying the breadth and depth of our public support. And when we ‘spotlight’ those individuals and organizations who have been selected to receive this prestigious award, we are ‘illuminating’ all of our partners throughout the community."

Please go to the District 742 website at http://www.isd742.org/ to read the full story and download the criteria/nominations form. All nominations must be submitted by November 3rd to:

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION AWARDS
District 742 Administration Office
1000 North 44th Avenue, Suite 100
St. Cloud, MN 56303

BAIL ME OUT!

I NEED YOUR HELP!

https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/99840/Participant/stevenjordahl/Default.aspx

I'm going behind bars for "GOOD" PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT! Your donation is my key to freedom! Be proud of the fact that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.

Thanks for making a difference!

New 2009 Did You Know Video 4.0 (September update)

If you enjoy the "Did You Know" video and "Shift Happens" video, you need to see the latest at YOU TUBE. It really sets the stage about how technology has changed us and how we should be looking at the future. The latest is called "Did You Know 4.0" and can be viewed at the bottom of this blog. Enjoy and then feel free to pass this blog site on so that friends can watch. I believe it's the best one yet.

The creators of the infamous “Shift Happens” presentation have just released their latest updated version. The people behind it are Laura Bestler, karl Finch and Scott McLeod. This latest update was development by XPLANE for the The Economist Magazine who are hosting their third annual Media Convergence Forum in New York City on October 20th and 21st 2009. For more information, or to join the conversation, visit:http://mediaconvergence.economist.com/ and http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/.

So, go to DID YOU KNOW 4.0!

FOR THIS GENERATION TIME IS RUNNING OUT

The economic crisis has me thinking about the future of our children. Will the next generation be better off than the one today, or have we begun a slide that will bring down the standard of living for all Americans?

No one can assure prosperity, but our schools do have a key role in engaging in community partnerships that will positively impact how children learn and develop, especially as public schools continue to seek resourceful ways to meet the incredible challenges facing our country.
Together, every institution, stakeholder group and community, as well as every citizen, must understand the critical need to do much more for all of our children.

The C.S. Mott Foundation, with a central belief in the partnership of humanity, describes “a new day for learning” that redefines student success, integrates many approaches to acquiring and reinforcing knowledge, promotes intentional collaboration across local, state and national sectors, and strengthens leadership through professional development.

I strongly believe that this journey must start with our youngest learners.

It should be impossible for any American citizen to deny the fact that every child age 5 and younger today will have to be an incredibly productive member of America’s future work force to sustain the prosperity our nation has enjoyed. It is hard to remember this fact when the outcome of the investment in early education only becomes fully realized after about 30 years.

Economist Art Rolnick points to the Perry Study, where children who were enrolled in preschool programs, have been tracked for 40 years. For every $1 initially invested by taxpayers into early education, the study documents that children provide a $12 return.

What will it take to implement strategies that can actually improve outcomes for children at risk? Neurologists, molecular biologists, geneticists and child development experts — combined with four decades of rigorous program evaluation — define the common ground in a 2007 Harvard University study completed by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child.

It is clearly evident that policymakers, business executives, civic leaders and practitioners must work together to design effective policies and practices in the first five years of life and provide the resources that recognize the following:

Early experiences determine whether a child’s brain architecture will provide a strong or weak foundation for all future learning, behavior and health.

Young children need positive relationships, rich learning opportunities and safe environments, not quick fixes or magic bullets.

Four decades of a program evaluation research point to “effectiveness factors” that can enhance development in the first five years of life. These factors include access to medical care, the reduction of neurotoxins in the environment, highly skilled staff with age-appropriate curricula, and stimulating materials in a language-rich environment with warm, responsive interactions between staff and parents.

Intervention strategies that are effective for children and families who are at risk for poor outcomes are beneficial for all.

Effective programs that are implemented well, evaluated regularly and improved continuously result in significant gains for all children.

Positive experiences before entering school are likely to lead to better outcomes than remediation programs at a later age, generating a strong return on investment.

It’s a tall order, but the St. Cloud school board took a dramatic step in early September by listening to a “community linkage” session with local early childhood experts. Board members expressed commitment to the idea of exploring ways to work with community partners to plan strategically for a “new day for learning” for our young learners.

School districts throughout Central Minnesota and the United States are exploring policies and programs that ensure the well-being and “school readiness” for all children. Their commitment underscores the belief that we all share responsibility for making sure America’s children have a chance to succeed in our complex and ever-changing world.

For this generation, time is running out.

Our Newest Generation: Different Learners, Smarter, but May Not Be Happy

Today's generation recognizes that learning is enhanced when collaboration is a strategy. They are not interested in any lecture beyond 10 minutes; lectures beyond 10 minutes result in a negative effect on achievement.

We know that this generation has high expectations of the school they attend, and they learn different from generations before them. Today's learner is more globally educated, driven by technology and they will be the highest educated population ever to come out of school.

They might be highly educated, but they are not happy with the generation that is now their grandparents who have left them an incredible debt. This new generation experiences the highest poverty rate and is inheriting $30K of debt per person (every man, woman and child) in U.S. This is the first generation that will not live as long as their parents, they are fed up with partisan politics, and they will be vocal.

My prediction: if we give this generation our very best, this will be the next "Greatest Generation."

Observing the Classroom: What Produces Results

Learning walks are non-evaluative observations to collect evidence of practices and classroom environments that produce maximum student achievement outcomes. The observations are not done to observe the teacher; they are done to observe the classroom. These produce the data that will give teachers job-embedded staff development through cognitive coaching with each other and with the building principal (the instructional leader). Formal teacher observations will always be done for evaluation, but they don't lead to open discussions with colleagues to inform discussion. Feedback MUST be apart of an environment that sees maximum student learning and development.

"According to the research done by R. Marzano, feedback can be given formally or informally in group or one-on-one settings. It can take a variety of forms. Its most important and dominant characteristic is that it informs the student, the teacher, and all other interested parties about how to best enhance student learning."

Marzano, R. (in press). Formative assessment & standards-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Research Laboratory.

His studies also show that negative feedback produces a decrease in student achievement. We have to ask ourselves what are the characteristics of feedback that produce negative effects?

Learning Walks: Collecting Evidence of Effective Teaching Strategies

Learning Walks are a best practice that is supported by current research. It has been proven to be very effective in teacher development as well as student learning results. Teachers collaborating with teachers is "job embedded professional development," and without that, we cannot meet our mission, vision, and strategic directions.

Principals will conduct these learning walks so that they maximize their impact as instructional leaders. The principal to the building is second only to the classroom teacher with impacting student achievement. One of my goals is for all principals to collect evidence of instructional strategies that have the greatest effect size by doing a minimum of 7 learning walks per licensed staff member. This will create the needed coaching sessions that focus on improved instructional strategies. All total, we will conduct over 5000 documented learning walks this year.

Work to Succeed: Be Motivated to do so

Motivation is the fire within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn briefly. -Stephen Covey.

There's no sense to living and working with a lack of passion and heart. In fact, when done, it's more exhausting than if he/she had done it right the first time. Think about it...how often has anyone ever gotten in trouble by working hard with integrity? Even when mistakes are made and failures are experienced, we reach deep down in our inner being and find a way to be successful. Success most often comes from failure, but it never comes if we give up after failing. Therefore, let your mistakes and failures build a better "you;" a person with character and integrity. It is especially gratifying when we "just do it" ourselves.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

We, at every level, are continually working to meet the needs of all of our students and that includes setting high expectations for everyone. Over the last few years, steps have taken at the District level down to the individual teacher level to improve instruction and learning for all of our students-Birth through 21. Some of these actions include:

• Site Improvement Plans
• Measurable goals and outcomes
• District Score Card
• Integrated Service Model
• Co-teaching
• Increasing the rigor in reading, writing, and math using Reading, Writing, and Math
• Workshop Model and Guided Reading
• 120 minutes for literacy instructional and learning block
• 60-90 minutes instructional and learning block for numeracy
• Data Retreats
• AYP/RTI Coaches
• MAPs and GOM assessments to measure student growth and inform instruction
• Vertical Team
• Algebra, pre-algebra taught in younger grades
• RTI
• PBIS
• EIT
• Responsive Classroom
• Learning Cohorts

As you can see, the way we approach instruction and learning has changed drastically from past practices, and we will continue to move forward to set the bar high and meet the needs of all students.

LEARNING WALKS: A GOAL OF 5000

Administrators of District 742 have reviewed three different formats for conducting learning walks this year. The groups discussed pros and cons of each of the formats and made recommendations for a format, as well as how many learning walks should take place. Within a week, we should have a format that has been discussed and processed. We will concentrate on three power strategies as researched by Marzano: content area vocabulary strategies, comparing and contrasting; and summarizing.

The evidence collected will shape the role of our District Staff Development Committee. Each of the members will sign up for one of the three power strategies, do research, and then present to building staff for a more common understanding of best practices.

Learning walks allow our principals (the instructional leaders of the district) to capture evidence of these strategies along with others that engage students in learning. This non-evaluative method of observation will be used for follow-up coaching sessions to discuss ways to improve and reach all learners.

I have a goal for this district's 800+ teachers this year; done effectively, we will work to log over 5000 documented learning walks into classrooms to create powerful discussions in a coaching atmospher.

Negotiation Process and Updates

In the spirit of transparency and effective communication, the District 742 Board of Education will publish informational updates of the 2009-2011 Negotiations Meetings for all employee groups following each negotiation session. Click here for the latest information.

Information for Parents of Children Preschool through Kindergarten

Novel H1N1 influenza appears to be similar to seasonal influenza in severity of illness and transmission. Most people who have had Novel H1N1 influenza have recovered without complications. However, like any flu virus, Novel H1N1 can be a serious disease. Some people have been hospitalized with Novel H1N1 and several deaths have occurred in Minnesota.

People at high risk for complications from influenza (seasonal and novel H1N1 influenza) are those with: underlying medical conditions (such as heart or kidney disease, asthma or other chronic lung disease, diabetes, neuromuscular or neurological disorders, or a suppressed immune system), pregnant women, children under 5 years (especially those under age 2), and people 65 years and older.

Hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home when ill are the primary methods to decrease the spread of influenza. However, many young children are not able to control their coughs and sneezes. Therefore, these strategies may be less effective in childcare and early childhood programs than in K-12 schools. Also, children can shed (are infectious) influenza virus for longer periods of time than adults.
Minnesota Department of Health Recommendations:

Strongly encourage parents with children 6 months and older to get their children vaccinated with Seasonal Influenza vaccine and Novel H1N1 Influenza vaccine when it becomes available. These are two different vaccines.

Parents and guardians should develop a plan with their child’s health care provider to determine what steps should be taken if their child is either exposed to influenza or develops symptoms of influenza.

Keep your ill children home who have the symptoms of influenza-like illness for seven (7) days after symptoms begin or 24 hours after resolution of acute symptoms which ever is longer. Children generally shed the influenza virus (although at lower levels compared to when they had a fever) for 7 to 10 days after their symptoms begin and can spread influenza. This longer exclusion period is intended to help prevent the spread of influenza within a program with groupings of high-risk individuals. Parents should keep children home for the exclusion period even if they are on antiviral drugs or have had a flu test that is negative. Flu tests are not always accurate. During the exclusion period, children should stay at home except to get medical care.

Ensure regular cleaning of all areas with particular focus on items that are more likely to have frequent contact with hands, mouths, and bodily fluids of young children. Sanitize mouthed toys according to routine recommendations.

F.U.T.U.R.E

F.U.T.U.R.E. Conference

FAMILIES UNDERSTANDING THEIR ULTIMATE ROLE IN EDUCATION

FREE Conference for Parents Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 8:30 - 1 p.m.
St. Cloud area school parents are invited to a FREE conference to learn new ways to support their children’s education. Bring a friend! Lunch will be provided!

THE CONFERENCE WILL INCLUDE:

Keynote Speaker
Mary Dank, educator, St. Cloud Area Schools

Four breakout sessions
"Parents Can Make a Difference: Family + School = Success"
"Deal Me In: Math Games Families Can Play Together"
"Building Strong Readers: Strategies for Success"
"Learning at Home for Success in School"

Learn new ways to support your child’s education, support learning at home, and build relationships with school staff and teachers!

TO REGISTER: Call (320) 202-6897 or visit http://www.isd742.organd/ and follow the registration link.

Registration closes Monday, Sept. 21. Childcare will not be provided.

First Budget Input Meeting was Tonight

The District 742 Board of Education will host three public sessions to review budget adjustment options for the 2010-2011 School Year. View the Guiding Change Document to understand (1) the context and realities within which the board will make budget adjustment decisions; (2) unacceptable means or considerations; and (3) the results expected when the adjustment process is complete. The Board will determine the final $700,000 in budget adjustments at their Nov. 19 meeting. View a list of potential budget reductions and/or revenues, developed by district administrators. Community members may submit budget ideas to budget@isd742.org. View a list of suggestions submitted by the community. View a Budget Adjustment PowerPoint Presentation to learn more. The first session is tonight at Apollo High School in the north end of the Resource Center from 5 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Since each session will build on the previous session, participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions on:

• Tuesday, Sept. 15
• Thursday, Oct. 1
• Monday, Oct. 12

PUBLIC SESSIONS: REVIEW BUDGET ADJUSTMENS FOR NEXT YEAR

The District 742 Board of Education will host three public sessions to review budget adjustment options for the 2010-2011 School Year. The Board will determine the final $700,000 in budget adjustments at their November 19th meeting. The public is invited to attend the three sessions at Apollo High School in the north end of the Resource Center from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Since each session will build on the previous session, participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions at 5:00 p.m. on:

Tuesday, September 15th
Thursday, October 1st
Monday, October 12th

Apollo High School is located at 1000 North 44th Avenue, St. Cloud.

The Link Crew

I want to "tip my hat" to the Tech High School and Apollo High School Link crews. Last year I attended the opening of the school year at Apollo and then Tech this year. The Link Crew makes this event very special and so much fun; they welcome the 9th graders. They are a program that helps 9th grade students transition smoothly into the high school setting. It consists of 90 juniors and seniors who serve as leaders to the freshmen. Each leader is assigned to 8-12 freshmen that they will continue to monitor and interact with throughout the year. The day was filled with fun activities.

Value Everyone's Contributions

I value excellence by everyone. I want us to pursue the highest standards while being accountable to each other in all we do. We need to be student-centered in our planning while looking for opportunities to maximize success. To do so, we are going to have to act courageously, fulfilling our responsibilities to engage in the decision-making process. We can be successful when we partner, but not without the trust we need to have in each other as (we all want to be successful, and success is measured by the success of all students we impact). I'm honest when I say, "I recognize and value the contributions of our entire staff." I must believe, as each of us must, that we can accomplish our vision if we live out our mission and allow our core values and strategic directions to drive our words and actions.

I've been working on a new agenda format for meetings. This agenda will post the mission and core values, and the agenda items will always fall within one or more of the strategic directions. Doing this will align our actions so that we stay focused on the Road Map and Scorecards. I'm hoping that each building will use this format or something like it. I BELIEVE we can make a difference, but we can't unless we work together as partners to carry/support one another. We have an opportunity to make this year a great adventure...together!

So, let's work together, pay attention to each other and contribute to the success of the team. When we work together we can lean on each other, be pulled up when we need help, and pick each other up when we may be struggling.

Notice that the first paragraph above is simply our own core values. Let's model them for everyone in the system.

WE MUST!

We must be successful in schools to educate all children so that they are prepared to be actively engaged citizens who are productive members of society. We must do this by setting high expectations for everyone and then helping students recognize how this will impact their future. We must embrace and use all the data we can to focus on individual students, and then continuously examine how we can be more successful; we must embrace accountability. We must focus our decisions on what is best for children. We must guide them to the realization that getting a great education is the greatest resource they have for a successful future. We must partner with as many people in our communities as possible. We must provide optimal learning time for struggling students. We must create an atmosphere where everyone treats everyone with respect. We must have the leadership that can make courageous decisions because doing what is right isn't always easy. We must create time for teachers to meet and discuss better ways to meet the needs of their diverse learners. We must value professional growth and realize that most of the needed resources to improve can be done in the system that we are in. We must have adults that believe that all students can perform at a rigorous level. We must believe.

Early Childhood Education

Don't ever underestimate the value of an education from birth. So much of who we are and what we become happens before the age of three and certainly before a child starts Kindergarten. If you have children who don't engage in a preschool program or an educational childcare environment, then you need to do what you can to make this investment in your child. If you know of someone else who doesn't have their child engaged in a solid program, get them to contact the school district for support. We know that investing in the preschooler for future success in the smartest investment our society can make. Please take a few minutes to watch the video below, and then pass this on to your friends.

Uplifting Speech

President Obama's speech was very appropriate, uplifting and timely. Many were able to listen to the speech live, but if you want to see it, you can go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/. You will see that the message is directed to motivate all student to do well so that they impact our future in positive ways. The video can be seen below.

Some Parents Oppose Obama Speech to Students
The New York Times, Sept. 3
HOUSTON, Texas -- President Obama’s plan to deliver a speech to public school students on Tuesday has set off a revolt among conservative parents, who have accused the president of trying to indoctrinate their children with socialist ideas and are asking school officials to excuse the children from listening. The uproar over the speech, in which Mr. Obama intends to urge students to work hard and stay in school, has been particularly acute in Texas, where several major school districts, under pressure from parents, have laid plans to let children opt out of lending the president an ear. Read more .

I still stand by what I've been saying. District 742 students will have an opportunity to view this at age-appropriate levels and if it fits into already-existing schedules.

CLEAR & CONCISE: The President's Speech

My message is clear and concise. I want all to see the President's message, but because this falls on the first day of school, and that we don't have staff in attendance today, I can't expect it to be shown with consistency across the district.

So, this message has gone out to all staff members:

The President is expected to deliver a national message directly to students on the importance of education via the White House website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/). The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. President Obama's actions are not without precedent. President George H.W. Bush, did this in 1991 in a live telecast/radio broadcast to the nation's students; President Eisenhower and President Kennedy also addressed us. We have had presidents of both parties addressing us since the beginning of this great nation.

As with any other curriculum, topic or activity, if parents do not want their children to view this, we must pull them from this.

I'm sticking to this message:

1. the speech can be shown
2. no one school, class, or teacher should have to alter schedules to do so
3. parents have the right to demand that their child not participate in this
4. (option) the replayed version from the website can be shown at another time

I'm encouraging all to tune in if they have the chance...it's a good message. I will be reviewing the transcripts of the speech on Monday.

President Obama: A Message for Students

School Board, District Staff Members, Community Members, Parents and Media,

On Tuesday, September 8th, President Obama will be speaking to the nation's students; this will be the first day of school for Minnesota K-12 students. Many schools across the nation have been in session for one or more weeks. This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens. The President believes that education is a critical part of a democracy. Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

The talk will be available live on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ and is expected to last about 15 minutes. It will come out at 11:00 central time. It will be directed to the level of MS and HS students, but should also be appropriate viewing for younger students. The talk is not intended to have any policy implications.

The first day of school is challenging for teachers, students and administrators. To interrupt the 1st day of school for this web talk will be difficult. In fact, 11:00 is the beginning of most lunch cycles, but the broadcast can always be replayed. Therefore, some classes will be able to successfully watch this live.

There is some push back by some that this speech will be an indoctrination speech on liberal values. Parents may be contacting our local schools and demanding that the web broadcast not be seen by their children or they will keep their children out of school. Expect the hype on this to build over the long weekend.

It's too late to change 1st day schedules to accommodate this broadcast for all classes. After all, schedules have been set and secondary students will not be engaged in a regular schedule until Wednesday. We recognize that this is recorded and available (it will probably remain on the white house website). Concerned parents should know that they can have their children opt out of hearing the broadcast and there will be no negative consequences for them.

District 742: Making a Difference

The beginning of a new school year always starts with a celebration, and the greatest part of the celebration is the renewing of friendships that somehow get ignored over the summer. I'm excited this year because I really feel the commitment by District 742 staff members to make a difference in student learning and development. I sense a passion to soar to new heights. Even so, be reminded that in order to soar, there are times we need to cheer for each other like geese, push each other like eagles, and most importantly, partner with each other like teammates.

Hats off to all school district employees! Every one has an opportunity to leave their fingerprints on the success of District 742.

Globally Proficient Students: The New GPS

District 742 is going to create a new kind of GPS this year. We know that it's the globally proficient student (GPS) that can navigate the way in this world and make it a better place. To do so, we are going to commit to making a difference with every child; we are committed to partnerships that will help us succeed. We must step it up this year and every year knowing that it's continuous improvement that will drive excellence. So, watch us move forward as we produce an excellent product - The "new" GPS!

BAIL ME OUT!

I NEED YOUR HELP!

https://www.joinmda.org/MyLockup/MyHomepage/tabid/99840/Participant/stevenjordahl/Default.aspx

I'm going behind bars for "GOOD" PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT! Your donation is my key to freedom! Be proud of the fact that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.

Thanks for making a difference!

Feed the Right Wolf

A Grandfather from the Cherokee nation was talking with his grandson. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, self-pity, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, selfishness and arrogance. The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendly, joyful, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, justice, fairness, empathy, generosity, true, compassion, gratitude, and deep VISION. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other human as well."

The grandson paused in deep reflection because of what his grandfather had just said. The he finally cried out: "Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

The elder Cherokee replied, "The wolf that you feed."

Master Calendar of Activities to be Implemented

We are in the process of creating a Master Calendar to keep us on task (by month) on the various initiatives to be implemented in the District. Since all of the District’s initiatives underway are not new, we will use the term “activities” or “actions” that are driving the strategic directions in lieu of “initiatives.” Most of this process will fall under the heading of “Learning and Development.” We have categorized a list of the various activities/actions of the District 742 Roadmap. This information will be presented to all staff at the Back-to-School workshop on September 2nd. We are still working on the timeline.

F.U.T.U.R.E. Parent Conference Sept. 26

St. Cloud area school parents are invited to Families Understanding Their Ultimate Role in Education (F.U.T.U.R.E.) Parent Conference to learn new ways to support their children's education. This free conference is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Apollo High School. This is presented by the St. Cloud Area School District 742 and the Minnesota Parent Center. To register call 320-202-6897 or download the registration form. Registration deadline is Sept. 21. View the flyer for more information.

September 2nd

On Wednesday, September 2nd, all District 742 Schools will be closed between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. so that all employees may attend a district-wide "Welcome Back" session at the St. Cloud Civic Center from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. In the afternoon, employees will be engaged in professional development sessions between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.

The Welcome Center at Roosevelt Education Center will be open from 12:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2nd.

Spaghetti Dinner and Carnival to be held at Kennedy School

Spaghetti Dinner and Carnival to be held at Kennedy School on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 5-7 PM.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors to our Spaghetti Dinner and Carnival at Kennedy School. Money raised from this event will help fund Kennedy Athletics.

Dinner will include Spaghetti, Bread, Vegetable, Fruit, Milk and Coffee.

Carnival will include: Gunny Sack Races, Obstacle Course, Face Painting, Whopper Hopper, Football Punt, Ladder Golf and many more fun activities. (Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Tickets can be purchased at our Kennedy School Office, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 p.m. or by contacting Ann Alvord, 363-1434. Advance tickets are recommended so that we know how much food to prepare. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Spaghetti Dinner
Adults $5.00
Kids (10 and under) $3.00

If you are interested in volunteering at this event please call Patti at Kennedy, 363-7791. Thank you for your consideration for the youth of our community.

We will also have a table set up to purchase scrapbooking supplies.

This event is sponsored by the Kennedy School Booster Club.

GET ME OUT OF JAIL

Help me send out kids to camp, raise money for research, assist our ALS patients with equipment needs, and give HOPE back to those with MD!

I am going to be locked up for "good" at the MDA Lock-up on August 27th to help out Jerry's Kids! Every $800 that I raise helps send a local child with muscular dystrophy to MDA Summer Camp for a full week at no cost to their family!

Click Below to donate to me online:
https://www.joinmda.org/stcloud2009/stevenjordahl

Don't forget...all donations made are 100% tax deductible. Click on my personal link below to make a secure online donation. It only takes a second and will make a difference in the lives of local families affected by Muscular Dystrophy.

Guiding Change Document

The District 742 has the Guiding Change Document to understand (1) the context and realities within which the board will make budget adjustment decisions; (2) unacceptable means or considerations; and (3) the results expected when the adjustment process is complete. A timeline for the Board of Education to determine the specific budget adjustments to compensate for a $2.6 million dollar shortfall in the 2010-2011 school year is attached to the Guiding Change document. Community members should note three public meetings, where public input is welcomed. View a list of potential budget reductions and/or revenues, developed by district administrators. Community members may submit budget ideas to budget@isd742.org. The list will be updated as new suggestions are submitted and considered by the Board of Education.

School District Budget: 2010-2011

The St. Cloud Area School District 742 has been working through a decision-making process regarding the budget for the 2010-2011 school year. We realize that we have the very difficult task of adjusting our budget by reducing it $2.6 Million. The process looks at several options at this time; the only options considered will be ones that can be implemented. That sounds so obvious, but it's amazing how many options come before us that would be impossible and go against state and federal statutes.

The process call for the administrative team to develop options, go before our stakeholders to share these and then listen as they provide their input. In fact, we have options that would be very difficult to live with, but they are included because they can be implemented. These options are not recommendations. The administrative team will not be making recommendations to the school board until listening sessions and more administrative meetings have been held to work through all the input that will be received.

This is a process; it is an all-inclusive process that will call on the help of thousands of stakeholders. I just ask that everyone be patient and realize that your voice will be heard. This is a great school district who recognizes that we are in the business of student learning and development; we will not jeopardize our commitment during these tough economic times.

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins: A Lesson for All

It’s amazing what we can learn from the very simplest of stories. Learn from them, but then create your own story so that others can learn from you.

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is a children's book, written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1938. Set in feudal times, the story begins in the Kingdom of Didd, when King Derwin is riding through a street past Bartholomew Cubbins, a poor boy in the market. Bartholomew removes his hat, according to the laws, but another hat mysteriously appears; when he attempts to remove this one too, another one appears again, and this continues, even as he removes more and more hats, each growing in extravagance and beauty. Eventually, as Bartholomew is being threatened with death, the 500th hat, studded with massive gems and gilding, comes off and Bartholomew's head is bare again. Stunned by the beauty of the hat, King Derwin grants him reprieve and trades him 500 gold coins for the 500th hat.

The reason I tell this story is to illustrate that many of the problems we encounter contain the solutions to the problem; Bartholomew's problem became his solution. The story also illustrates the fact that he never feels like he's doing anything wrong while the king sees that he is in the wrong. So, who's right here? The adventure takes on a few twists and turns much like that of real life, but then again, the beauty of life's adventures never fall on a straight path.

Often times, it's like this in the classroom. A child acts up, doesn't do his homework or just appears to be disrespectful because of his inattentiveness. Perhaps, if the king (the teacher) would just listen, create a relationship and try to understand Bartholomew (the student) all problems could have been avoided. Then, a real gem can be revealed and shown to the world.

It is often my actions that cause problems. I reflect and then realize that my actions can also be the solution to the problem. There have been times when I have been terribly wrong, and did not stop to think about my actions. Because of my impatience, I have tried to get others to see my point of view, agree with me or even to try to act or be like me. Then, when the anxiety set in and the fear of loss overwhelmed me, I fought with anger in my heart. Even with the fear that must have existed, Bartholomew did not fight back. He was patient and his problem was solved by the very problem that he had.

Reading a children's book can be so educational. Please read to a child or listen to a child read; but do so by having a meaningful discussion about the author’s intentions. Perhaps it will even bring you (the adult) a lesson or two about how to approach the adventures of life.