Connections

THE SPRING LAKE PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT • BLAINE • FRIDLEY • SPRING LAKE PARK

M A R C H 2 0 1 2

INSIDE• OEC teams 1st, 2nd in the state• 6th grader ambassador to World Education Games• Expanded and innovative use of technology• Learning Alternatives is School of the Year• Two Merit Scholarship Finalists• Jane Stevenson is new high school principal • Semifinalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

• Math, Knowledge Bowl teams head to state• Dance teams 6th, 9th in state• Work begins on ten-year programming and

facilities plan• No boundary changes, Spanish Immersion

to remain at Westwood

Sophia Yamaguchi and Hawon Park, kindergartners in the Spanish Immersion Program.

It has been a busy school year for the

Spring Lake Park Schools, and I’m

pleased to provide you with a brief “state of the district” update.

Planning for the present and futureThis is an especially exciting time of the year because we are in the midst of all that is happening in the current year, while fully involved with planning for the future as well.

The school district community’s support of two questions on the November 2011 ballot was great news for the students of our district. The first question renewed a levy that was previously approved in 2002. This funding maintains, but does not increase, current levels of funding. As a result of this support, and effective fiscal management, the school district is not planning on budget reductions this spring.

This does not mean our staff has been standing still. Instead, district and school leaders continue working hard to align resources with strategic initiatives to realize continued gains in student learning today, while positioning the district to be successful in the future. It has been exciting to see our student learning results improve each of the last few years, yet we want to see even better results, to see each student who leaves Spring Lake Park well-prepared for success in college, life, and career. Being a world-class learning community means opening the door to the world for each of our students.

The community also approved a second question in November, a capital projects/technology levy. This levy will greatly assist the district in providing technology-rich learning environments in the future. It also provides resources to implement a necessary replacement schedule for student and staff technologies, and ensures ongoing maintenance of these technologies so they operate effectively through their expected life cycle.

Continued study of opportunities for instructional and technology innovationTeacher leaders and district staff have been studying how technology can be even more effectively utilized to meet the needs of our learners, which are more varied and diverse than ever before. For example, over forty languages are spoken by our students and their families, and students with special needs comprise 13% of our enrollment.

Over the past five years, an extensive review of educational research in the area of technology integration has been conducted by our staff, and numerous technology pilot projects have been implemented (many made possible with the support of the Panther Foundation). We are excited about the findings of this research as we have found that when our teachers and students are provided technologies that enhance and personalize the instructional process, students of all achievement levels benefit.

The Spring Lake Park School District is currently exploring further opportunities for innovation, for utilizing technology as a tool to improve student learning, and for engaging students in learning anywhere at anytime. This exploration includes looking at what is often called “one-to-one technology,” in which an appropriate device – such as a tablet or laptop – is placed in the hands of each learner. In addition, we are partnering with the Farmington School District, which is at a similar stage in planning for the integration of technology, to conduct research and realize efficiencies in professional learning, infrastructure planning, and any future technology purchases.

This spring, the district will complete an executive summary which will detail a readiness and implementation process for expanded technology tools for students The summary will include research on the educational impact of technology integration and one-to-one initiatives, a review of benchmark districts, infrastructure readiness, system readiness assessment, professional learning recommendations, and technology tools/applications and phase-in recommendations and options.

Planning for enrollment growth It has also been exciting to see the continued enrollment growth we are experiencing in the Spring Lake Park Schools, when many metro area districts have been experiencing declining enrollment. With over 5,000 students, 1,000 more than just ten years ago and still growing, district enrollment is at an all-time high. While this means that we must take an expanded review of

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

On February 16, nearly 90 teachers and educational

leaders from the Spring Lake Park and Farmington School

Districts met for a day of collaborative learning on engaging today’s learner, utilizing digital creativity,

classroom connections, and applications.

2 Connections | Spring Lake Park Schools

how we are utilizing our facilities to effectively manage the growth, it is a great “challenge” to have.

For more than a year, district staff have been reviewing elementary attendance boundaries and programming, developing a plan to effectively manage enrollment growth, as well as finding a permanent home for our Spanish Immersion program.

Expanding programming and facilities studyWhile dozens of scenarios for boundary changes have been identified by a staff Design Team and community Input Team, they may only provide a short-term fix as our now-larger classes at the primary grades begin to move into the intermediate and middle school Westwood complex. So, before moving forward with a boundary change we know may provide only a temporary fix, we are taking a step back in order to conduct an expanded study of facilities and enrollment beyond the elementary grades.

In expanding the scope of the study, we plan to review all existing district space while developing a master programming and facilities plan. The district will partner with Wold Architects and also with Hazel Reinhardt, the former chief demographer for the state, to identify the most effective and efficient plan for boundaries and facility use for the future. This study will result in a recommendation by November 2012 for facility utilization and for boundary adjustments for the 2013-2014 school year.

Overall energy use reduced by 12 percentFinally, it is important to note that our partnership with Schools for Energy Efficiency is making a difference. Efforts by our staff and students have resulted in a 12 percent overall reduction in energy usage and extensive cost savings. Woodcrest Elementary has so far led the way with an energy reduction of 23 percent.

High Expectations,High Achievement For All.No Excuses.

School BoardColleen Vranish Jim AmundsonJohn Stroebel Kelly DelfsJodi Ruch Amy Hennen Marilynn Forsberg Dr. Jeff Ronneberg, Superintendent

Spring Lake Park School District 161415 81st Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432

District Services Center 763-786-5570

SpringLakeParkSchools.org

CONNECTIONS is periodically sent to all residences and businesses in the school district at an average cost of 17 cents each to print and mail.

*Cover photo by Jerelyne Nemanich.

CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER March 2012

Jeff Ronneberg, Ed.D, SuperintendentSpring Lake Park School District

Celebrating successYou’ll find many examples of the great things happening in the Spring Lake Park Schools, and our outstanding students and staff, in this issue of Connections. I urge you to take the time to scan these pages as there is so much to be proud of in your community schools!!

Please visit our website – SpringLakeParkSchools.org – to learn about all the great things happening in our district, and to see a schedule of all that is taking place. Take in a game or see our students perform in a concert or play this spring. Sign up for E-News on the website to have usually weekly news delivered electronically. By the way, we’re hoping to debut an updated website soon.

Spring Lake park SchooL DiStrict furtherS inStructionaL innovation, expanDS programming anD faciLitieS StuDy, ceLebrateS SucceSS

Connections | March 2012 3

Administering care during a timed, 20-minute exercise, OEC student

Sage Zasoba applies bandages to a “victim’s” head wound.

One of Spring Lake Park’s four-person teams – Sage Zasoba, Katya Bogoslovskaya, Laila Wazwaz and Kayla Vandriel – prepare for a competitive medical

care scenario. Photos courtesy of ABC Newspapers.

Sana Siddiqui, grade 12

Current, and some former, members of Spring Lake Park High School’s Opportunities in Emergency Care (OEC) program placed first and second in the 26th Annual Minnesota Youth Emergency Medical Care Competition on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. Spring Lake Park High School also played host to the competition. Placing first in the state competition was the Spring Lake Park’s team (nicknamed “The Traumatic Experience”) of Nick Maxwell (captain), Chaltu Hassan, Mary Henrickson, and Corey Swenson. The second place team, sponsored by the Blaine Police Department Explorers, featured present and former Spring

at Minnesota Youth Emergency Medical Care Competition

Lake Park OEC students Karie Davis (captain), Charlie Bloomer, Lucas Hess, and Max Opdahl. Third place went to a team representing NE Metro 916-Century College. Spring Lake Park team members are from the high school’s award-winning Opportunities in Emergency Health Care (OEC) program, a medical magnet. OEC students are well-prepared for competition, taking such courses as CPR, First Responder, and Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT). These OEC students are highly trained and very professional. Many from the program go on to receive advanced medical training and certifications.

One January morning, Spring Lake Park High School senior Sana Siddiqui was very, very surprised to be confronted by KARE 11 television’s Tim McNiff and a video journalist in one of her classes. On this day she learned that she was the recipient of the television station’s Academic All-Star Award. This special high school senior has a short-term goal of becoming a physician, and dreams of finding a cure for Cerebral Palsy, and also of creating a non-profit organization to help those with disabilities.

SANA SIDDIQUI IS KARE 11 ACADEMIC ALL-STAR

Training, speed, and confidence in your skills and teammates were attributes that Spring Lake Park students said contributed to their success at the state tournament. The spectator-pleasing competition featured over 30 highly-trained high school, college, and working professional teams. Each competed by completing a difficult 50-question written test, and by performing three fast-paced and highly-technical 20-minute emergency care scenarios. Four-person teams competed in scenarios simulating medical emergencies in which the ability to properly assess each scenario, provide appropriate medical care, and manage all injuries and problems presented are all-important. Evaluations were based upon proper usage of emergency procedures, timing, teamwork, as well as written test scores. Judges included experienced professionals in the healthcare field including EMT’s, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, and college students in health-related programs. To learn more about Spring Lake Park High School’s Opportunities in Emergency Care (OEC) program, contact Bill Neiss, director, at [email protected]

In addition, Sana has a top-notch grade-point-average, lots of honors and AP classes, is National Honor Society president and student council vice-president, is an athlete and musician, hospital volunteer, and more. An “amazing young woman” and “one of the most distinguished students in my career” is how counselor Julia Corneil-Smith describes her. On Monday, January 16, Academic All-Star Sana Sidiqqui was highlighted on KARE 11 TV’s evening newscast.

1ST, 2ND FOR OEC STUDENTS


KNOWLEDGE BOWL TEAMExtremely knowledgeable members of the Spring Lake Park Knowledge Bowl are in the midst of a great season. The team repeated as champion of the North Suburban Conference, was named conference Academic Champion, and placed third out of 96 teams in the region. The team now moves on – for the first time ever – to the April 12-13 state meet. Advisor Melanie Tuve, named conference coach of the year, said she is particularly proud of the team’s academic award, “because it exemplifies the academic depth of the team as well how hard the students work day in and out. They are an awesome group of kids and I am constantly amazed at how bright they all are!” At the regional meet on Feb. 28, the team had the top score for the written portion of the competition and competed in the top room for all rounds except one. The Spring Lake Park team finished in third place, ahead of all teams except Chaska and Holy Angels. Tuve said “coaches around the region have been impressed with our team’s character and knowledge of the content all season. The team has consistently improved throughout the season.”

Now the hard-working team members are going to state. Team members are Ben Allen, Brandon Anderson, Bobni Das, Leon Ding, Niki Potturi, Lee Kallstad, Natasha Powell, Vi Nguyen, Asha Mishra, Austin Swenson, Sarah Fetter, Anam Hassan, Andy Dang, David Lewandowski, and Jocelyn Bayer.

Melanie Tuve, North Suburban Conference

coach of the year.

State tournament fever began as soon as Spring Lake Park High School’s high kick and jazz dance teams each placed first in Saturday, Feb. 11’s Section 3AAA Tournament. The teams’ performances catapulted them into the Feb. 17-18 State Girls Dance Team Tournament at the Target Center in Minneapolis. A huge accomplishment, Spring Lake Park is the second smallest school –based upon enrollment—at the large-school AAA level. The jazz team performed at their season’s best in the state tournament’s qualifying round on Feb. 17, and was selected to perform in the evening’s final round. By the end of the evening, Spring Lake Park’s jazz team earned a 6th place finish, with the team’s India Bembry and Becky Lambert selected to the All-Tournament Team. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the school’s high kick team had a great performance against top competition in the afternoon, but did not make it to the evening’s finals. The team finished 9th in the state. Perhaps the most rewarding moment of the two-day state tournament was when Spring Lake Park High School was named recipient of the All-State Team Academic Award.

JAZZ TEAM 6TH, HIGH KICK TEAM 9TH IN STATE, TEAM IS ALL-STATE ACADEMIC

3rd in 96-team region, heads to state

Team members Nikitha Potturi,

Ben Allen, Bobni Das, and Lee Kallestad following the

regional meet.


The Spring Lake Park High School math team finished the regular season on February 13, finishing second in its math league division, just behind Mounds View. Other schools in the division include Totino Grace, Irondale, Centennial, and Monticello. In season-long math league conference competition, Spring Lake Park accumulated 356 points and qualified for the Minnesota State Math Tournament which begins on Monday, March 12. The team was co-champion of the conference, tying Irondale for most points.

Top individual honors for the season went to junior Leon Ding, the top-scoring student in the division with a total of 61 out of 70 points. He is ranked 11th in the state, and qualifies for the individual competition at the state meet.

Math team members are 12th graders Clint Bembry, Katherine Bodor, Jeremy Booth, Kevin Britz, Dan Brown, Nick Dedolph, Erich Erdmann, Katelyn Flakne, Blaine Henkel, Andrina Moe, Jake Ponto, Jake Russell, Theo Sherbert, Joe Swanson, Colton Zimmerman; 11th

Leon Ding, grade 11

graders Bobni Das and Leon Ding; 10th grader Jennah Mussa; 9th graders Edgar Langle and Nick Mohs; and 7th graders Ben Caswell and Kevin Moonen.

THREE 8TH GRADERS PERFORM WITH UMD MIDDLE LEVEL HONOR BAND IN DULUTH

Three Westwood Middle School 8th grade band students were accepted to the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Middle Level Honor Band. Over 70 schools participated in the application process. Ultimately, 300 students from throughout the state were selected to participate in a Feb. 28 event at UMD which featured rehearsals throughout the day followed by a concert. It was a great day on a college campus for Mollesysa Yang (clarinet), Davin Sang (trumpet), and Angelo Davalos, (trombone).

MATH TEAM Conference champ, 2nd in division, heads to state tourney

Five Spring Lake Park High School swim team members competed in the March 1-3 Boy’s Swimming and Diving State Tournament. The are: Leon Ding, 100-meter Butterfly; Richard Kepner, 50-meter Freestyle and 100-meter Freestyle; and Richard Kepner, Mark Malinovskiy, Trevor Mitchell, and Trenton Wagner, 400-meter Freestyle Relay.

Kepner finished 12th in the 50-meter freestyle, and 9th in the 100 meter freestyle at the state tournament.

SWIMMERS, WRESTLERS GO TO STATE TOURNEYS

Matt Strasser and Phillip Horsager from the Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony wrestling team qualified for and competed in the Mar. 2-3 Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament. Strasser competed in the 160-lb weight class, and Horsager competed in the 132-lb weight class.

Horsager placed 6th in the state in his weight class. Matt Strasser, grade 12


Jake signs his Letter of Intent with Panthers baseball coach Josh Mason and activities director Matt St. Martin looking on (above); and celebrates his accomplishment with his dad (right).

At 10:05 am, Wednesday, Feb. 22, Spring Lake Park High School senior student-athlete Jake Matthys signed an important piece of

paper in front of dozens of friends and supporters in the school gym. It was his Division I Letter of Intent to attend Kansas State on a baseball scholarship. A pitcher and shortstop for the Panthers, Jake is a four-year letter winner and rookie of the year, and has earned both All-Conference Honorable Mention and All-Conference Awards. He is also a three-year letter winner for the school’s hockey team.

One year ago, as a Westwood Intermediate School 5th grader, Sayan Das accomplished something more than a little bit incredible. With the encouragement of his then-teacher Doug Cox, Sayan entered the online World Math Day competition on March 1, participating in the 8-10 age group. He did very, very, very well; he placed 1st in the nation and 14th in the world.

Thinking that was kind of fun, two days later Sayan entered the online World Spelling Day competition. He again placed 1st in the United States in his age category, and this time placed 6th in the world. Fast forward: Sayan is now a 6th grade student at Westwood Middle School. In November of this school year, he received a call from U. S. Senator Al Franken, congratulating him on his world-class accomplishments. Pretty nice. Then, in February, he received a letter from the World Education Games organization (the new name for what was formerly called World Math Day, World Spelling Day, and World Science Day.) Sayan learned that he has been named Ambassador to the World Education Games 2012 which will

6TH GRADER SAYAN DAS IS AMBASSADOR TO WORLD EDUCATION GAMES 2012

Sayan’s teacher from last year, Doug Cox, stopped by to congratulate him when

the tablet arrived from the offices of The World Education Games 2012.

take place in March 2012. Students from around the world will participate in these games, as well as unite together in support of UNICEF‘S School-In-A-Box program. Sayan will represent Westwood Middle School as well as his country in the upcoming competition and, to blog about his experiences as a competitor this year, the World Education Games organization last week sent Sayan a Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet “as a token of our appreciation in recognition of your efforts and your desire to represent the USA and your school in the 2012 World Education Games.”

signs Division I Letter of Intent to attend Kansas StateJAKE MATTHYS


Spring Lake Park High School has received word that seniors Katherine Bodor and Jake Ponto have advanced to Finalist status in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Katherine and Jake are among 15,000 Finalists selected from among the 1.5 million students in the United States who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as juniors. They are now among the highest scorers in the nation, as Finalists represent less than one percent of each state’s current seniors. Katherine and Jake now advance to the Finalist level.

are Merit Scholarship Finalists

Katherine Bodor, grade 12 Jake Ponto, grade 12

Merit program selectors will evaluate each Finalist’s academic record, the school’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, the school recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership, and the Finalist’s own essay.

Between March and mid-June, 8,300 seniors will find out if they are among the country’s National Merit Scholarship winners.

KATHERINE BODOR, JAKE PONTO

Will Wackman, defensive coordinator for the Spring Lake Park High School

Panthers football team, has been honored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) with his selection as recipient of the Butch Nash Award. The award recognizes the best qualities of assistant coaches throughout the state of Minnesota. It is named after former University of Minnesota assistant coach George “Butch” Nash who played for the Gophers football team from 1936-38, and coached at the U of M from 1947-1991.

Spring Lake Park High School band director Brian Lukkasson will direct the North Metro

Honor Jazz Band, open to all musicians high school age or younger in the greater Twin Cities area.

While open to students from all over the Twin Cities area, a strong goal of this program is to offer musicians in the North Metro area a convenient opportunity to meet musicians from other schools, rehearse together in

an environment of high expectations, perform, and produce a CD.

Once the musicians are selected via an application process, they will rehearse at Spring Lake Park High School each Tuesday evening for nine weeks beginning at the end of March.

The North Metro Honor Jazz Band will then perform a concert on Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 pm at Famous Dave’s Restaurant-Calhoun Square.

BRIAN LUKKASSON TO DIRECT, SLPHS TO HOST, NORTH METRO HONOR JAZZ BAND

Jeff Ronneberg, Ed.D, superintendent of the Spring Lake Park School District, has been selected as president-elect of Learning Forward. Formerly known as the National Staff Development

Council, Learning Forward is a nonprofit, international association of learning educators focused on increasing student achievement through more effective professional development.

Currently on the Learning Forward board of directors, Ronneberg will assume leadership of the organization at the conclusion of its annual conference in December 2012. He will help guide the work of

Learning Forward while continuing as the Spring Lake Park superintendent.

“It was a surprise – and an honor – in December to be selected by the Learning Forward Board of Trustees as their president-elect. I serve this organization with great pride as I believe it is the premier association of educators in advocating for the supports and professional learning necessary for educators to improve the learning of all students,” Ronneberg said.

“I have learned so much as an educator and leader from Learning Forward, as have so many of my colleagues in Spring Lake Park,” he added. “I believe our students have been --and will continue to be-- the beneficiaries of this learning.”

Learning Forward’s purpose is ensuring that every educator engages in effective professional learning, every day, so that every student achieves. It advances its purpose through its strategic priorities of affecting policy, developing school leaders, narrowing achievement gaps, engaging “ thought leaders,” and documenting the impact.

Stephanie Hirsh, Learning Forward executive director, shares: “The Board of Trustees made an outstanding choice in the selection of Jeff Ronneberg for its next president. He brings a wealth of experience, a deep knowledge of the field, and a true commitment to making a difference for all educators and the students they serve. I am confident the association will thrive under his leadership and I look forward to working with him.”

WILL WACKMAN TO RECEIVE BUTCH NASH AWARD

RONNEBERG IS PRESIDENT-ELECT OF LEARNING FORWARD, FORMERLY THE NATIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL


The Spring Lake Park School District’s partnership with the Schools for Energy Efficiency® (SEE) program

continues and early results show that it is making a big difference. The program is one of conserving energy -- and conserving financial resources in the process -- through energy awareness training and changing behavior.

For the July through September 2011 quarter, the school district decreased its total, overall gas and electric usage -- from what was expected based upon past history, and adjusted for actual temperature -- by 12 percent. This helped the district avoid costs of over $18,000 during this three-month period.

Park Terrace Elementary, the Westwood Complex, and Woodcrest Elementary led the way, each with an energy reduction figure of 20 percent or more. Woodcrest reduced its energy use by 23 percent.

Energy use down, energy savings up

Cheryl Gustafson, a Language Arts instructor in the district’s Learning Alternatives Community School (LACS) is one of 34 educators in the running for the 2012 Minnesota Teacher of the Year honor in a recognition program sponsored by Education Minnesota. Since 1998, Gustafson has taught – grades 7-12 – in the daytime LACS program, Independent Study, and Lighthouse Program. She has been responsible for curriculum development and presently also serves as a Continuous Improvement Coach, Teacher Leader/Curriculum Lead, Professional Learning Community Leader, and Student Assistance Team Leader. LACS serves learners who are seeking success in an

SPRING LAKE PARK TEACHER AMONG 34 SEMIFINALISTS FOR 2012 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

SEE THE DIFFERENCE:

alternative setting through its individualized, learner-directed, and flexible instruction. The program offers traditional-day classes, Independent Study, Distance Learning, and Summer School. Independent Study – offered during the day, after school, and in the evening – provides learners with a great array of options in both credit load and time of study. A panel of 22 community leaders will next narrow the list of educators to 11, and the 2012 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 6, 2012.

JEFF SCHLEIFF SELECTED HEAD COACH FOR MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR FOOTBALL GAME

Spring Lake Park High School’s head football coach Jeff Schlieff has a new honor. On March 5, the Minnesota Football Coaches Association announced his selection as head coach of the North All-Stars in the 39th Annual Minnesota High School All-Star Football Game. The game will be held on Saturday, June 30 at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium.

The game will feature outstanding senior players from the 2011 high school football season.

Head coach at Spring Lake Park since 1993, Schleiff has completed his 19th season with the Panthers, compiling a career head coaching record of 129-66. The Panthers have won seven North Suburban Conference championships and two Section championships. He has coached 14 All-Star players while at Spring Lake Park.


The February 16 Information and Enrollment Night held at the District Services Center was well-attended. Families wanting to

learn more about district schools and programs took advantage of the opportunity to visit with principals, coordinators, administrators,

the superintendent, and members of the school board.

CONSIDERING ENROLLING IN THE SPRING LAKE PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT?

Spring Lake Park School District 16 serves Blaine, Spring Lake Park, and Fridley with K-3 elementary schools in Blaine (Northpoint), Fridley (Woodcrest), and Spring Lake Park (Park Terrace), and a Spanish Immersion Program housed at the Westwood Complex in Blaine; a grades 4-5 Westwood Intermediate School; grades 6-8 Westwood Middle School; and grades 9-12 Spring Lake Park High School. We also have The Lighthouse Program for the highly gifted, the personalized learning of Learning Alternatives Community School, and Spring Lake Park Online Learning Program.

The best way to learn more or get started on enrollment? Call 763-786-5570. (Para hablar en Español, pregunte por Ericka ), go to “Enrollment” at SpringLakeParkSchools.org, or stop by the District Services Center, 1415 81st Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432.

Dr. Bill Sommers announced his intentions to step down as a high school administrator at the end of the current school year in meetings with Spring Lake Park High School and Learning Alternatives Community School staff on the Friday, January 27 staff workshop day. He received a standing ovation.

Sommers said he’s never liked the word retirement. Anyone who knows Bill will smile at his statement that he was going to “let the universe decide what’s next for me,” and that he was going to leave the door open for “new or different adventures in education.”

Dr. Jeff Ronneberg, superintendent, said: “I understand Bill’s desire to slow it down a bit, but I seriously doubt he’ll be done with education. He enjoys working in schools and working with kids and adult learners too much. He told me that he doesn’t have any immediate plans following the end of this school year, so I hope to talk him into continuing to work in the district. Given his background, I would be thrilled if he could be talked into providing coaching and professional learning for staff.”

Rather than affect a transition after the end of the current school year, high school assistant principal Jane Stevenson began taking on the duties of Spring Lake Park High School principal shortly after Sommers’ announcement.

“Bill and Jane have shared duties all year, serving as administrators for the high school, as well as the Learning Alternatives Community School and Lighthouse Programs,” Ronneberg said. “This arrangement will essentially continue for the remainder of this year, except that Jane will officially assume the title of high school principal, thus making decisions that will affect the upcoming school year. Between now and June, Bill will be able to act in a supporting role

Jane Stevenson and Dr. Bill Sommers.

for Jane at the high school while continuing the day-to-day management of Learning Alternatives.”

“Prior to Spring Lake Park, Jane and Bill also worked together in the Eden Prairie and Minneapolis School Districts, so they have enjoyed a long association as colleagues. This will make for a seamless transition for Jane as she takes the reins at the high school,” added Ronneberg.

Dr. Bill SommersSommers arrived in July 2009 to run the district’s Learning Alternatives Program; he became Spring Lake Park High School principal in the fall of 2010.

Prior to joining the Spring Lake Park School District, he was a nationally-recognized educational leader and author, and worked with the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory in Austin, Texas, serving as a Leadership Coach for principals and educational leaders from throughout the United States. He also served as president of the National Staff Development Council.

Sommers was principal at Minneapolis South High School, Eden Prairie High School, and Chaska High School, and served as executive director for teacher and instructional services for the Minneapolis School District.

As Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Sommers co-directed the Urban Leadership Academy, taught doctoral level classes, and conducted leadership workshops for practicing administrators. In addition, he has served on the faculty of Texas State University, Hamline University, the University of St. Thomas, and St. Mary’s University.

Jane StevensonStevenson became the high school’s assistant principal in July 2010, selected from a pool of over 150 candidates. She was previously the associate principal of the 3,200-student Eden Prairie High School and principal of Inver Grove Heights Middle School.

At Eden Prairie, she was responsible for staff hiring and evaluation, registration and master schedule development, and professional development for the school’s 250 staff. She also had responsibilities for special education, English Language Learners, mathematics, science, work experience, and school psychology.

Prior to becoming a principal, Stevenson was an administrative intern at Edison High School and Green Central K-8 School in the Minneapolis School District. She was also a special education teacher and lead teacher in the Minneapolis and Buffalo School Districts.

JANE STEVENSONis new Spring Lake Park High School principal

Continued on next page...


The Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs’ (MAAP) mission is to promote and support innovative learning experiences. At MAAP’s February 15-17 state conference, one of the awards was 2012 MAAP School of the Year. The winner was Spring Lake Park School District’s Learning Alternative Community School (LACS). LACS first opened in 1994, serving 20 students in an out-of-the-way section of Spring Lake Park High School. It now serves about ten times that number of students – with varied academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs in grades six through twelve – who are seeking success in an alternative setting. Instruction is individualized, learner-directed, and flexible. LACS offers traditional-day classes, Independent Study, Distance Learning, and Summer School. Independent Study provides learners a great array of options in both credit load and time of study. Independent Study is offered during the day, after school, and in the evening. Coursework takes into account varied learning styles with embedded options for project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, service learning, online learning, and distance learning. There are also opportunities for students to learn unique employment skills through on-the-job training and through community partnerships.

Staff members Sada Ganske, Sherril Jones, Erin Richter, Sasha Lande, Kathy Sylvester. Middle: Carol Brostrom, Brett Repasky,

Joanna Pataconi. Back: Hank Taxis, Cheryl Gustafson, Keith Barnes, Dr. Bill Sommers, Robin Watson.

At the time that Stevenson joined the district in 2010, Dr. Ronneberg said: “Jane is a highly respected leader throughout the state of Minnesota. We are fortunate to add a leader with the wide spectrum of experiences and talents Jane has demonstrated. She is a wonderful addition to a great school.”

Stevenson holds an MA degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Minnesota where she also obtained her K-12 School Principal Licensure and where she has done Doctoral course work. Her BS degree in Special Education is from St. Cloud State University.

As a Certified Learning Strategies/Content Enhancement Trainer, Stevenson has provided professional development training to Metro ECSC, Central MN ECSU, Minneapolis Public Schools, Eden Prairie Public Schools, and numerous out-state school districts.

Denise Waalen, District 16’s director of educational services, said “Jane’s experience and knowledge of systems thinking, of teaching, learning, and professional development, and her innate vision and insight has been a tremendous asset to our high school and district administrative teams. She’ll be a great high school principal.”

LEARNING ALTERNATIVES COMMUNITY SCHOOL IS 2012 MAAP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Imagine inviting a student—from any one of 64 countries—into your family as your

international son or daughter. Spring Lake Park School District families are currently being sought to host international students for the 2012-2013 school year. Visiting students are between the ages of 16 and 19 and live as a member of the host family while attending classes at Spring Lake Park High School.

YOU CAN MAKE THE WORLD A PART OF YOUR FAMILY

Have you considered becoming a host family, but just aren’t sure that you can do it? You’ll want to know that the support offered to students and host families program is second to none. There are orientations, cross-cultural counseling, and social activities through the AFS community-based volunteer network. Although many host families have children of high school age, this is not a requirement. To learn more about becoming a host family for the 2012-2013 school year, contact Sue Davis at 763-784-9318.


Between February and June, district technology staff is undertaking long-planned upgrades to network and infrastructure resulting in up-to-date high speed wireless connectivity to all classrooms to support student learning.

As part of this initiative, a new wireless system has been in place at the Westwood Campus since the start of the school year, allowing technology staff to configure, reconfigure, and troubleshoot the new system. This project will continue to be rolled out to all other schools and facilities.

Replacing the core network switching equipment will support a ten-time increase in each school’s network connection speeds, providing a foundation to support the increased network demand, a new wireless system, as well as a new (summer 2013) district telephone/communication system.

District staff will be running network cable to each classroom in the district to support new wireless devices. In addition, common areas such as lunchrooms, gyms, and media centers will have wireless access points installed to support an increasing demand for connectivity options for staff, students, parents, and the community.

Students and staff will begin to enjoy the benefits of this new wireless service as the project progresses. The goal is to have it completed before the end of the current school year and ready—district-wide—for the start of school in September 2012.

NETWORK AND HIGH-SPEED WIRELESS UPGRADES WILL BENEFIT TEACHING AND LEARNING

The work of a district Programming and Boundary Study, which included a parent Input Team and staff Design Team, resulted in the February recommendation that Spanish Immersion Program remain at the Westwood Complex for 2012-13, and that any substantial changes to elementary attendance boundaries would not take place before the 2013-14 school year.

In a report to the school board, Design Team members said that 2012-13 would have to be the final year all immersion grades could be housed at Westwood due to availability of space and that, at a minimum, grades K-2 would be housed at a site other than Westwood for 2013-14. The Spanish Immersion was always to be temporarily housed at the Westwood Complex.

Regarding elementary attendance boundaries, Amy Schultz, director of business services, said: “Dozens of scenarios for elementary boundary changes have been identified, but changes would only offer a short-term fix as the district’s now-larger classes at the primary grades move to the Westwood Intermediate School and Westwood Middle School. It would not provide enough flexibility to manage changing enrollments and student needs.”

For the past four years, the district’s average annual growth in K-3 students has been 52, which closely mirrors the former state demographer’s estimate of 40-55 per year. However, from the close of the 2010-2011 school year to the

start of the current 2011-12 school year, K-3 enrollment jumped by 190 students.

Such continued growth could be an anomaly or trend, and needs additional study. Continued, substantial annual enrollment growth is a good “challenge” to have according to Dr. Jeff Ronneberg, superintendent, “but before moving forward with a boundary change that would provide only a short-term fix, the district is taking a step back to look at facilities

and enrollment beyond the elementary grades.”

The district will now expand the scope of the study and develop a master programming and ten-year facilities plan. All existing district space, as well as potential lease space, Dr. Ronneberg said, will be reviewed over the next several months to gather all pertinent research related to “repurposing existing space, adding classroom space, leasing space, and using existing space more effectively.”

The district will partner with WOLD Architects & Engineers and Hazel Reinhardt, the former demographer for the state of Minnesota, in this effort to identify the most effective plan for the future. This study will result in a recommendation by November 2012 for facility utilization and resulting boundary changes for the 2013-2014 school year.

A district wiring closet slated to be upgraded.

NO BOUNDARY CHANGES, SPANISH IMMERSION TO REMAIN AT WESTWOOD, WORK BEGINS ON MASTER PROGRAMMING AND TEN-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN


Note: Dr. Ronneberg’s message at the beginning of this newsletter has more information on this topic as well.

At its February 14 regular meeting, the school board received an update from district staff on planning that has taken place to potentially expand the use of technology to improve student access, engagement, and learning

Over the past 4-5 years, the district’s technology research and training, technology pilot projects, and data gathered through evaluations of this work, point towards continuing to improve the culture of instruction in the Spring Lake Park Schools through expanded use of technology and customized learning. “Our pilot projects have yielded positive feedback on personalized learning experiences and differentiated instruction,” said Jerelyne Nemanich, assessment and instructional technology coordinator.

Throughout the spring, Spring Lake Park will continue to explore opportunities for innovation, to utilize technology as a tool to improve student learning, and to engage students in learning anywhere at anytime. This may lead to rolling out what is called “one-to-one” technology in which an appropriate device -- such as a tablet or laptop -- is placed in the hands

of each learner. Many households have far more, and many households have far less, technology than that provided by a school system. A one-to-one initiative provides equal access and equal opportunity to all students. “What we are exploring, what we are planning, and everything that we will eventually implement,” said Dr. Jeff Ronneberg, superintendent, “is about improving student learning.”

The district is exploring implications to budgeting, curriculum, and integration of technology, and has begun to partner with the Farmington School District which

has similar educational technology goals. Staff from the two districts are learning together about innovative opportunities to engage students, differentiate instruction, and assess student progress from leading thinkers through field visits to schools and districts which have had success in similar initiatives.

“As we explore opportunities for innovation and continue to make decisions to support equity, engagement, and learning for all our students,” said Denise Waalen, director of educational services, “our goal is to have a system readiness study ready to present to the superintendent and school board by mid-April. We would love to begin making progress on this initiative to change and improve the culture of learning in Spring Lake Park during the next school year.”

Waalen said the system readiness executive summary will detail a readiness and implementation process for expanded technology tools for students. The summary will include research on the educational impact of technology integration and one-to-one initiatives, a review of benchmark districts, infrastructure readiness, system readiness assessment, professional learning recommendations, and technology tools/applications and phase-in recommendations and options.

DISTRICT EXPLORING EXPANDED AND INNOVATIVE USE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY to support equity, engagement, and the learning of all students

In 2010, the Minnesota Wild signed Jarod Palmer, a native of Fridley, Minnesota. He joined the hometown NHL team in mid-December 2011 after being called up from the Wild’s Houston Aeros minor league team. Palmer’s first NHL game was December 19, and his first goal came against Edmonton on December 29. Ten years ago, however, Palmer was on the same local hockey team that produced yet another National Hockey League professional. During the 2001-2002 school year, Palmer was a sophomore on the Spring Lake Park High School Panthers hockey team where he played on the same line with future St. Louis Blues captain and future U. S. Olympics star David Backes from Blaine.

According to Panthers coach Tom Benson, while a sophomore at Spring Lake Park High School, Palmer had 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points, and made the North Suburban All-Conference team. Following his sophomore year in high school, Palmer was selected to the U.S. National Team Development Program where he played for two seasons, corresponding with his junior and senior years of high school. Palmer continued to excel. In the 2004 World Under-18 Championship semi-final game versus Czech Republic, Palmer won player of the game honors. His team went on to win the silver medal in Belarus.

ALUMNI NEWS: HIGHLIGHTING PAST PANTHERS TWO FROM 2001-2002 SPRING LAKE PARK HOCKEY TEAM NOW IN NHL

He then played in the United States Hockey League, for the Miami University Redhawks, the Houston Aeros, and now the Minnesota Wild. Jarod Palmer and David Backes were high school hockey line mates back in 2001-2002. Ten years later the two Spring Lake Park High school teammates are representing the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues in the NHL.

Spring Lake Park and Farmington School District staff have begun partnering to

conduct research and realize efficiencies in professional learning, infrastructure planning,

and any future technology purchases.

Jarod Palmer David Backes


Successful Panther Foundation Gala raises $100,000 for kids

This 19-foot hand crafted canoe built by SLP High

School students was a popular

live auction item at this

year’s Panther Foundation

Gala.

The Panther Foundation – thanks to generous sponsors and Gala participants – had a tremendously successful fund-raiser on Saturday, February 25, and the students of the Spring Lake Park School District are the winners. The eighth annual Panther Foundation “Hear the Roar!” Gala at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine raised over $100,000. The Gala is the biggest event of the year for the volunteer, community-based Panther Foundation which raises funds for grants and special projects. The organization’s mission is to impact the education of all students, empower strategic innovations, and to be a bridge between the community, students, and staff of the Spring Lake Park School District. “The event was a tremendous success,” said Chris Hasling, Panther Foundation Chairperson and 2001 alum. “The commitment of our donors is second to none and every attendee brings so much energy to the evening. This leaves the Board of Directors charged up to carry out the mission of enriching the educational experience for the 5,100 students in the Spring Lake Park School District.” Since 2004, over $480,000 has been given back to the district’s Blaine, Spring Lake Park, and Fridley students in the form of Panther Foundation grants and special projects to enrich or supplement teaching and learning. The more than 170 Foundation grants awarded since 2004 are extremely varied and include increasing basic skills in math and reading, fostering talents in the arts, sponsoring a high school boat-building class, and helping to launch the successful Cafe LA and Real Men Read! projects. Other grant projects have been for improving at-risk learners literacy through technology and choice, the purchase of instructional technology such as classroom computer labs,

and engaging learners through a number of 21st Century Learning Tools initiatives such as the use of classroom iPads and iPods. In addition, the Foundation has supported special projects including Backpacks for All which supplied back-to-school supplies for hundreds of students most in need, Welcome to Kindergarten Books which provided a book for all incoming kindergartners, and Third Grade Dictionary Project, a partnership with the Blaine/Ham Lake Rotary Club to provide every third grade student with a dictionary. “Another successful Gala shows that community support is alive and well,” said Colleen Pederson, the Foundation’s executive director, “and that the tradition of generously giving back to students continues.” The 2012 Hear the Roar Gala was made possible through many donations by community businesses and individuals. “We want to extend a big and heartfelt thank you to all who attended the Gala and especially to Event Sponsors Gallagher & Associates, Friendly Chevrolet, Imagine Smiles, and Hoffman Weber Construction,” said Wendy Koschak, Gala co-chairperson and member of the Panther Foundation board of directors.

“The generosity of those willing to donate to the Gala and to support the students of the Spring Lake Park School District has been overwhelming,” added co-chairperson Amy Privratsky. “The evening was a huge success because of these wonderful supporters.” The Feb. 25 Gala featured spirited live auction bidding on 16 items including a 19-foot Handcrafted Canoe Built by SLP Students, a Weekend Wilderness Getaway in Voyageurs National Park, and an In-Studio Listening Date with Lori &

HEAR THE ROAR!

Continued on next page...


AMUNDSON, HENNEN, VRANISH RECEIVE SCHOOL BOARD OATH OF OFFICE

Julia from myTalk 107.1 with tours of 1500 ESPN and KS95. In addition, there were over 200 silent auction items. Each year, the Foundation, the Gala Committee, and school district identify a Fund-A-Dream project intended to make a big difference in lives of students. This year, Gala attendees contributed over $14,000 to a Special Projects Fund. The Special Projects Fund has dedicated dollars to fund projects that “ just don’t fit within the Innovative Grant Funding Category,” but are nonetheless deemed of significant importance to the life of the school district, its students, and the community. Special Projects previously funded by the Foundation include SMARTBoards for Primary Classrooms, After-School Activity Bus Funding, Books for Libraries, Improvements to the Fine Arts Center, and School Supplies for Students in Need. “Funding raised at the Gala will help ensure that the Panther Foundation’s boundaries are boundless, and that its reach is limitless,” said Pederson.

Jim Amundson, Amy Hennen, and Colleen Vranish received their oath of office at the January 10 school board meeting. Elected to the board in November, the four-year term of office for each began at this January meeting. The fall election resulted in Fridley resident and incumbent Colleen Vranish, the board’s chairperson, returning to the board, and Jim Amundson, Blaine, returning to the board. He is a past board member and past board chairperson. Amy Hennen, Blaine, as the top vote-getter, joined the board immediately following the election to fill the remainder of the term of former board member Annette Winrick who moved out of state.Colleen Vranish, Amy Hennen, Jim Amundson

Spring Lake Park School District’s Marilynn Forsberg, a school board member for 30 years, received one of the top recognitions at the annual leadership conference of the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) on January 12. Forsberg was the recipient of a 30-Year Service Award, a level of school board service seldom matched in this or any other state. She then received a standing ovation from hundreds of her colleagues from throughout the state at a recognition luncheon held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

MARILYNN FORSBERG HONORED BY MSBA FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SPRING LAKE PARK

In Spring Lake Park, Marilynn has served the school board as chairperson or vice-chairperson for 21 years, clerk for three years, and director for six years. In this time she has served on dozens of school and community committees, councils, and task forces. In 1996, Forsberg was named Minnesota School Board Member of the Year, she has received the Minnesota School Boards Association’s President’s award, was vice-president of the Jaycee Women of Minnesota, and was once honored with WCCO Radio’s Good Neighbor Award.

Marilynn Forberg with Spring Lake Park school board colleagues Amy Hennen, Colleen Vranish, and Jodi

Ruch at the MSBA leadership conference.

Westwood Middle School teacher Jennifer Carlson provided musical entertainment for Gala guests.


ECRWSSPostal Customer

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Independent School District 16District Services Center1415 81st Avenue NESpring Lake Park MN 55432

This 2012-13 calendar was approved by the school board on March 6. Yet to be added are evening conference dates and several early release or full-day staff professional learning days.

Sept. 4 First day of school, grades 1-8, LACS, grades 10-12 students new to the school, orientation for all grade 9Sept. 5 First day of school, Kindergarten Plus, returning grades 10-12 studentsSept. 6 First day of school, AM & PM KindergartenOct. 12 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-serviceOct. 17 No school Daytime conferences, grades K-12Oct. 18,19 No schoolNov. 2 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-serviceNov. 22,23 No schoolNov. 29 End of first trimester, K-12Nov. 30 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-serviceDec. 24-31 No school, Winter BreakJan. 1 No school, Winter BreakJan. 18 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-service Jan. 21 No school Martin Luther King, Jr. DayFeb. 1 No school Daytime conferences, grades K-12Feb. 18 No schoolFeb. 19 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-serviceMar. 7 End of second trimester, K-12Mar. 8 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-serviceMar. 11-15 No school Spring BreakMar. 29 No schoolMay 27 No school Memorial DayJune 6 End of third trimester, K-12June 7 No school K-12 Staff Professional Learning/In-service

YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE 2012-13 CALENDAR

The hilarious show-within-a-show begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called “The Drowsy Chaperone” and the show magically BURSTS to life. Audiences are instantly immersed in the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious

wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises that take both the

cast and the audience soaring into

the rafters!

Performances :

Music & Lyrics by: Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison

Book by: Bob Martin & Don McKellar

7 pm Thursday, April 197:30 pm Friday, April 202 pm Saturday, April 21

7 pm Thursday, April 26 7:30 pm Friday, April 277:30 pm Saturday, April 28

Fine Arts Center Spring Lake Park High School

More details to follow.

For ticket information visit our website in April.

The High School Theater Deparment Presents...

T e ChaperoneDDRR OOWWSS YY

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