fall 2015 • vol. 11 issue 1

Inside This Issue:Minnesota School Honored in Atlanta. ..................................................1-2

Mapping Success: Linking Smart and Good ................................................. 2

Minnesota Student All-Stars Celebrated for Academic Achievement .......................................... 3

Submit Your Designs for the 2016 Logo Contest! ..................................... 4-5

Foundation Support Brings Trainings to Minnesota ....................... 6

Nominate a Program for a Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award ................... 6

Apply Today to be a Minnesota School of Character! ............................ 7

Celebrate Your Promising Practices .... 7

Updates from the 2015 WEM Outstanding Educator Award Winners .................................................... 8

Do You Know Outstanding Educators? ........................................... 8-9

National Service-Learning Conference............................................10

Explore New Student Academic Enrichment Programs .......................10

Would You Like Your Program to Be Part of Reach for the Stars? ............. 10

News from Reach for the StarsAffiliates ...........................................11-13

Donation/Membership Information ....................................14-15

Calendar of Events ............................ 16

Minnesota School Honored in Atlanta

Three years ago, Waseca Public Schools closed a building and transitioned

seventh and eighth grade into the high school. For many schools this would have been a difficult change, but Waseca welcomed the challenge using character education to create unity and a positive school climate. In October, Waseca Jr. & Sr. High was honored as a 2015 National School of Character, along with 63 other schools and three districts from across the country, at the National Forum on Character Education in Atlanta, Georgia.

National Schools of Character have demonstrated through a detailed evaluation process that character education has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate. Synergy & Leadership Exchange first named Waseca Jr. & Sr. High a 2015 Minnesota School of Character before they advanced to the national evaluation process for consideration as a National School of Character by Character.org.

“I see the positive effects of character education. Visitors to our building comment on the positive attitude of the student body,” said teacher David Oraskovich. “Students exude an enthusiasm toward success in the classroom and foster healthy relationships with other students and staff. Students feel safe, accepted and challenged; they strive to do their best and to treat one another well. People care about one another, people are willing to challenge themselves, and people know that character counts.”

The school motto, “We R4 the Bluejay Way,” encourages all to respect yourself, others, property and learning and has played an important part in developing a caring school climate.

Waseca celebrated at the National Schools of Character luncheon

Continues on page 2. . . . .

Congratulations Waseca Jr. & Sr. High!

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Mapping Success: Linking Smart and Good

Why are some schools, despite formidable challenges, able to find success while others,

despite an influx of resources, are doomed to failure? The answer to this question sparked the theme for the 2015 National Forum on Character Education, held Oct. 16-17 in Atlanta.1 While each of the 64 schools and three districts celebrated as National Schools and Districts of Character had different journeys and challenges, all used principles of effective character education to elevate “smart and good” in their schools.

Research supports the critical interdependence between academic success and pro-social education in student achievement. The keynote speakers, breakout session presenters and representatives from the National Schools of Character provided valuable quantitative and qualitative data linking “smart and good” with success in school and life.

Synergy & Leadership Exchange staff member Barb Bergseth presented a breakout session at the forum with Jonathan Cohen, president of the National School Climate Center. The session highlighted connections between school climate reform and the “11 Principles of Effective Character Education” and how schools can use this information to develop effective action plans. Both use a systems approach, inclusive of the whole school community.

Opening keynote speaker and former Major League Baseball MVP, Dale Murphy, shared the challenges of living a life of character, while playing during the steroids era. He said players were often marginalized when trying to do the right thing. Murphy emphasized the need for students to have grounding in character in order to stay strong when challenges arise.

Georgia Congressman John Lewis received the 2015 American Patriot of Character Award from Character.org. Not only was Lewis known as a courageous leader in the civil rights movement, “his dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him the admiration of many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress.”2

Closing the forum, Lewis inspired audience members with lessons learned by growing up the son of sharecroppers in Troy, Alabama and attending segregated public schools. He learned to never give up, to be patient and to work hard. As a young boy, Lewis was motivated to join the fight for human rights by the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

“If you see something unjust or not just right, you need to speak up. We’re too quiet in America today,“ said Lewis, encouraging audience members to never give up on their fellow human beings.

Save the Date: The 2016 National Forum on Character Education will be held Oct. 13-15 in Washington, D.C. For more information visit character.org.

. . . . . continued from page 1

“Utilizing components of character education is a large part of our student and staff’s daily routines,” said Jeanne Swanson, principal at Waseca Jr. & Sr. High. “We are grateful for Synergy & Leadership Exchange and Character.org for their efforts to create a state and national discussion on the importance of character in education. We are eager to carry this distinction for years to come and are hopeful our example will lead other schools in Minnesota to participate in this program in order to enhance students’ lives statewide.”

Closing keynote speaker Congressman John LewisLewis receiving the 2015 American Patriot of Character Award from Character.org board chair, Charles Haynes

School Climate breakout session with Jonathan Cohen and Barb Bergseth

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1 Eileen Dachnowicz, Schools of Character (Washington, D.C.: Character.org, 2015), 5.2 Retrieved from https://johnlewis.house.gov/john-lewis/biography, October 22, 2015.

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Minnesota Student All-Stars Celebrated for Academic Achievement

Minnesota’s Academic All-Stars received

recognition for their academic success Aug. 7 at the 24th annual Gathering of Champions. The event is sponsored by Synergy & Leadership Exchange and was held at the Mall of America. The recognition ceremony honored students who were nominated by their educators and academic coaches.

Nearly 4,000 students, friends and family attended one of 10 hour-long shows where All-Stars and their guests enjoyed entertainment by Peter Bloedel of Perpetual Vaudeville, followed by Minnesota trivia questions where students had the chance to win exciting prizes donated by universities, companies and organizations throughout the state. More than 40 dignitaries, including Secretary of State Steve Simon, Representative Kim Norton, Representative Yvonne Selcer, Minnesota Department of Education Chief of Staff Charlene Briner, along with other Minnesota Department of Education staff, educational leaders and business executives, congratulated the All-Stars while Ameriprise Financial retirees served as volunteers for the event.

The ceremonies closed with the All-Stars walking across the stage, shaking hands with the dignitaries and receiving their commemorative ribbon. As they exited, All-Stars signed their names on the giant banner of All-Stars and returning All-Stars searched for their signatures on the banners from previous years. Before and after attending their recognition ceremony, All-Stars and their guests enjoyed discounts at stores throughout the mall and rides in Nickelodeon Universe®.

Founded in 1990, the annual Gathering of Champions event recognizes and celebrates the academic excellence of K–12 students statewide. Students are selected as Minnesota’s Academic All-Stars by their schools, based on selection criteria including: top academic achievers, as measured by school policy or practice; students who have made a dramatic, positive turnaround in their academic work and achievement; or students who have finished first in a regional, state, national or international academic competition endorsed by the Minnesota Academic League.

Academic All-Star nominations open in the spring. To be notified of nomination information, join the mailing list at http://synergyexchange.org/Celebrate/GOC.aspx

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Submit Your Designs for the 2016 Logo Contest!

The 25th annual Gathering of Champions will be held on Aug. 5, 2016 at the Mall of America. We are currently accepting original logo design ideas

for the 2016 Gathering of Champions. The winning design will appear on the certificates of achievement, magnets, T–shirts, banners and other materials. The winner receives a $100 scholarship and a framed copy of the winning design. The contest is open to all Minnesota K–12 students. Share this opportunity with your friends, family and teachers. Teachers: Make this a classroom activity! Celebrate the importance of academics and the arts.

To download a logo submission form and for complete contest rules, please visit our website www.synergyexchange.org.

2015 logo contest winner Halli Poppler, a fourth grade student from Humphrey Elementary in Waverly.

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Calling all students . . . Help design the 2016 Gathering of Champions logo!

Please use the space below to submit your original logo design ideas for the 2016 Gathering of Champions, which will appear on the certificates of achievement, magnets, T-shirts, banners and other materials. You may use another sheet of white paper, but you must include the required information with your entry. If submitting digital designs, please send the original, editable design file (.ai, .indd, .doc, .eps, etc.) as well as a print ready file (JPG, PDF, EPS, etc.). Multiple submissions by the same student are permitted.

Rules for Submission:

• All entries must be designed by a currently enrolled K-12 student and received by March 31, 2016.• Hand drawn and digital designs are accepted. All designs will be digitally rendered and professionally enhanced for production.• 2016 Gathering of Champions must be included in your design.

Submit to: Synergy & Leadership Exchange, 2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003 or eanderson@synergyexchange.org

Pick the winner! Your votes will help decide the logo winner for next year’s Gathering of Champions. Entries will be posted online and open for voting in April at www.syergyexchange.org.

Your Name_________________________________________________________Phone #_________________________

Your Address_______________________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________________State___________________Zip_______________

Age________Grade__________School Name____________________________________________________________ Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

NEW: No limit on number of colors!

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Foundation Support Brings Trainings to Minnesota

Over the past two years, Synergy & Leadership Exchange has trained

17 schools in the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education (11 Principles), thanks to support from the C. Charles Jackson Foundation (CCJF). The 11 Principles is a framework for improving school climate and culture, and developing strong character in students through a school wide emphasis on character education. Schools may use the framework as a tool for planning and assessment or to complement other school climate improvement efforts (e.g. – PBIS, Responsive Classroom, social-emotional learning, restorative practices).

School administrators, counselors, psychologists and teachers gathered in Fergus Falls, Arlington and the Twin Cities metro area Aug. 11–13 for this year’s trainings. The trainings focused on the foundational steps for systemic change by looking at the existing school culture and “hidden curriculum,” and establishing shared core values.

In addition to support from CCJF, Synergy & Leadership Exchange partnered with South Central Service Cooperative, Lakes Country Service Cooperative, AFSA High School, Sibley East Elementary School and Character.org to sponsor the trainings. For more information on the 11 Principles and future trainings, visit synergyexchange.org under the “Educate” tab.

Nominate a Program to Receive a Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award

The Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award

(MELA) was created to celebrate programs making a positive difference in the lives of Minnesotans and to inspire others with models of outstanding character and ethical leadership development.

Anyone may nominate an exemplary community program. Nominated programs are then invited to complete an application for consideration. Applicants are evaluated on the degree of program effectiveness, scope of collaboration and ease of program replication. Nominations are due Feb. 5, 2016.

MELA honorees are celebrated at the Character Recognition Awards in May. In 2015, four community programs were honored with a MELA: Girls in Action, Service to Children, BWCA Adventures, and The Key.

2015 MELA honoree: Girls in Action

MELA Spotlight: Girls in Action

Girls in Action is a weekly mentoring and empowerment program for female students in grades 6-12. Girls learn how to use their personal power to make positive choices in school and life. Women mentors and leaders meet with the girls weekly to work with them on decision-making, self-control, careers and leadership skills. Girls in Action is a program of The Power of People Leadership Institute.

For more information, visit www.giaction.org.

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Celebrate Your Promising Practices

If your school has developed a unique character practice that has had a positive

effect on academics, student behavior and school climate, we encourage you to apply for a Promising Practices Award!

Promising Practices are specific and effective ways of promoting character development that others may learn from or replicate. Practices may cover many different areas and activities including unique service-learning projects, academic practices, bullying prevention and more. Synergy & Leadership Exchange presents state level awards to spotlight the efforts of schools, districts and youth-serving organizations in Minnesota. Schools may also apply for a national Promising Practices award through Character.org.

Minnesota Promising Practice honorees were celebrated at the Character Recognition Awards in May. In 2015, nine schools were honored with Promising Practices awards. Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) received state and national recognition for the practice, Growing Community: LILA’s Thumb-Tree Painting. At a school celebration, students, parents, staff and community members each made a fingerprint leaf on a pre-painted tree to symbolize the importance of individuals putting their “fingerprints” on the school and contributing to the school community’s continued growth. The visual impact of the project reminds students and staff of the characteristics they value as a caring, welcoming and inclusive school.

To apply for a 2016 award, complete a short application form and submit by March 11. For more information or to learn about other promising practices, visit www.synergyexchange.org under the Celebrate tab.

Celebrating Lakes International Language Academy

Apply Today to be a Minnesota School of Character!

The Schools of Character program offers a path to school improvement by providing a proven framework, self-assessment, professional feedback and models of excellence. Schools and districts

that demonstrate character development that has a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate may be named a state or national School of Character.

Synergy works in partnership with Character.org to offer the program in Minnesota. While considered a prestigious awards program, it is not a competition. Any applicant that meets a standard of excellence, as measured by the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, will be named a Minnesota School of Character (for three years) by Synergy and may be named a National School of Character (for five years) by Character.org. These schools and districts become part of a state and national network that serve as models and mentors to other educators.

Application for the state or national Schools of Character program utilizes the same online process, available at character.org and is due Dec. 1. Synergy offers resources to assist with the application process. Please contact Barb at bbergseth@synergyexchange.org if you have questions or are considering applying to this program.

MI N

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Growing Community: LILA’s Thumb-Tree Painting

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Eric Friberg, a teacher from Henry Sibley High School in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools learned how much he has grown over his teaching career stating, “I can see now how much I have accomplished. It is a good thing to have to reflect on when you have those tough days. I also really liked seeing how different each of the award winners were. Everyone had slightly different strengths and it was encouraging to see variety of pathways that I could continue to pursue.”

Kelli Hanninen, a teacher from Rossman Elementary School in the Detroit Lakes Public Schools reflected on her time spent completing the application packet and shared with us, “It was motivating. The process allowed me time to reflect at length about what was going right and where I want to grow. It focused my goals.”

Ron Hustvedt Jr., a teacher at Salk Middle School in the Elk River Area Public Schools said, “Receiving the WEM award has made me more aware of my colleagues who share and celebrate professional growth alongside of me. The process was a great way to reflect on what I do and it definitely invigorated me to continue to lead, improve, delegate, and promote History Day at my school, our region and across the state. My crystal apple is proudly displayed in my classroom and gets asked about from time to time. It's fun to hear the positive remarks that come afterwards.”

James Sonju, principal at Lincoln K-8 District Wide School in the Rochester Public Schools said, “The WEM award was an incredible experience that provided outstanding opportunities of reflection, discussion and further collaboration. I was so very impressed with the WEM recipients who are amazing educators, as well as the wonderful folks from the WEM Foundation. The entire process motivated and empowered me to continue striving for excellence for ALL students. Students marvel at the crystal apple, which always leads me to ask them, ‘What awards will you win in reaching your goals in life?’ The gift that keeps on giving!”

Updates from the 2015 WEM Outstanding Educator Award WinnersCheck out what some of the 2015 WEM honorees had to say about the impact the application process and award has had on them:

Do You Know Outstanding Educators?Nominate Them for a WEM Outstanding Educator Award!

The WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Program seeks to bring recognition to the often "unsung heroes" who meet the challenges of teaching in a variety of settings.

Honorees are selected in each category below and each receives an unrestricted $15,000 gift and crystal apple award. In addition, regional honorees are named who receive an unrestricted $1,500 gift, trophy and the opportunity to compete in the state competition the following year.

• Teacher Achievement Awards• Academic Challenge Coach Awards• Ethics in Education Awards

Place a nomination at www.synergyexchange.org. Only K-12 Minnesota educators and administrators from public or non-public schools are eligible. Ethics in Education and Teacher Achievement applicants must have a current Minnesota teaching or administrator license. A Minnesota teaching license is not required for the Academic Challenge Coach category.

WEM

OUTSTANDING

EDU

CATOR AWARD

S

EST. 1998

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WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Nomination Form

To help us contact your nominee, please fill out this form as completely as possible. Only K-12 Minnesota educators and administrators from public or non-public schools are eligible.

Your Information:

First Name ______________________________________ Last Name _______________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________ Email Address ______________________________________________

I nominate:

First Name ______________________________________ Last Name _______________________________________________

School __________________________________________ District _________________________________________________

School Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________ State__________ Zip _________________ County ________________________

Administrator/Supervisor Name ________________________________________________ Title _________________________

My reasons for nominating this person . . . ____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please submit to: Synergy & Leadership Exchange, 2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003Fax: 507-389-1772Email: wem@synergyexchange.org

I wish to remain anonymous:

□ Yes□ No

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Explore New Student Academic Enrichment Programs and Activities

Looking for new academic enrichment activities to engage students? Reach for the Stars is your guide to academic enrichment programs and activities that will

supplement classroom learning and broaden or increase student performance. This catalogue features information on five types of statewide programs to complement classroom teaching and learning: challenges and competitions, awards and recognitions, conferences and institutes, classroom enrichment, and leadership development. These programs cover a wide range of subject areas and grade levels from kindergarten through adult. Whether offered outside the school day or embedded within classroom curricula, these programs will help students discover and develop their interests, passions and talents. They will help schools and communities support and integrate programs for students to stretch their abilities, learn new skills and reach new heights in learning.

With more than 100 active programs included in Reach for the Stars, we believe you will find one or more programs to help students, parents and schools meet personal expectations and local, state or national academic goals and standards. The new 2015-16 Reach for the Stars is available now. Download an electronic copy at www.synergyexchange.org or email Barb at bbergseth@synergyexchange.org to request a copy be mailed to you.

National Service-Learning ConferenceJoin more than 1,000 youth and adults March 30–April 2, 2016 in Minneapolis for four days of learning, inspiration, and connection at the 27th Annual National Service-Learning Conference: Educate. Ignite. Transform. This intergenerational event creates a unique atmosphere where youth bring incredible energy and passion to discussions on education and social policy. Youth and adults will gain the tools, resources, ideas and support to return home to improve their practice, schools and communities. Scholarships are available.

Other ways to get involved:

• Nominate an outstanding young person or adult for their work in service-learning. Deadline to submit is Dec. 4.• Volunteer. It takes hundreds of dedicated volunteers to make an event like this possible.

For more information, check out the conference website at http://servicelearningconference.org/2016/index.php.

Would You Like Your Program to Be Part of Reach for the Stars?

The Minnesota Academic League Council accepts academic challenges and competitions, awards and recognitions, classroom enrichment, conferences

and institutes, and leadership development programs available on a statewide basis in Minnesota for endorsement in the Reach for the Stars Catalogue. To download an endorsement inquiry form, please visit: http://synergyexchange.org/Educate/AcademicLeague.aspx

The print version of Reach for the Stars is distributed directly to schools and districts and educational organizations in Minnesota through our partnering education associations and service providers. In addition, Reach for the Stars is available in an electronic format at www.synergyexchange.org under the Educate tab.

PROMOTING ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

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News from Reach for the Stars Affiliates

Participation in Academic Decathlon® changes the lives of students and offers them the opportunity to experience the rigors of team and individual competition. The USAD curriculum addresses a number of national content and curriculum standards and tests students of all skill levels in ten events including: economics, math, science, social science, literature, art, music, essay, speech and interview. Teams consist of nine students: 3 “A” or Honor students, 3 “B” or Scholastic students, and 3 “C” or Varsity students and alternates. Former decathlete testimonials/stories are available on the USAD website: www.usad.org.

Provide students with the opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future, by investing in them and educating for future success through the Academic Decathlon® experience.

We hope your school/district will consider adding Academic Decathlon® to your list of academic outreach opportunities for students. Please contact us and we will provide you with details. The theme for the 2015–2016 Academic Decathlon® season is India. Participation in Academic Decathlon® is free the first year. We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact us now to get started. Joyce Swenson, Minnesota State Director, 507-389-5107 or jswenson@mnscsc.org

Minnesota Academic Decathlon®

Looking for an academic program that promotes individual and team success? Teaches students about a wide range of subjects while they learn college and life skills?

Consider starting an Academic Decathlon® team in your school or district today! Promote academic growth and excellence for students in grades 9-12 by adding this premier competition to your school/district. Your students will benefit by participating in this national scholastic competition for high school students. Participation in Academic Decathlon®:

• Promotes use of higher-level thinking skills• Prepares students for college and life skills• Fosters individual accountability/growth• Provides students with dynamic group/team interaction• Supports team spirit and the sense of belonging• Enables personal pride and success

MNMINNESOTA ACADEMIC DECATHLON ®

®

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News from Reach for the Stars Affiliates (continued)

Minnesota Academic Pentathlon

Get ready for the Decathlon: The rapidly-growing Pentathlon program allows middle school students a chance to start experiencing the benefits of Academic Decathlon® ahead of schedule.

Academic Pentathlon, the newest program of United States Academic Decathlon® and premier national scholastic competition for middle school students, was created to provide opportunities for students to experience the challenges of rigorous team and individual competition. The USAD curriculum addresses a number of national education content & curriculum standards.

Each student competes in five events, which are literature, mathematics, fine arts, science and social studies.

The five-event academic program strives to foster a greater respect for knowledge, to promote wholesome inter-school academic competition, and to further develop student communication skills. A unique aspect of Academic Pentathlon is that it is designed to include students from all academic abilities. A new theme of study is established every year with topics that are relevant and challenging. The Pentathlon theme parallels that of the high school Academic Decathlon® program. Pentathlon teams are encouraged to partner with local high school AD teams, perhaps having AD students serve as mentors to Pentathlon students. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded for individual events and total scores. Overall individual winners are recognized as well as champion teams. This very broad base of awards allows for major recognition of academic accomplishment.

The USAD Pentathlon teams should consist of a maximum of nine team members and a minimum of six team members. All students must be currently enrolled in grades 6-8. Each team must consist of at least two “A” students, at least two “B” students and at least two “C or below” students. The team score will be determined by the sum of the top two student scores in each GPA category. A perfect team score is 30,000 points (six students x five events x 1,000 points possible per event). The GPA calculation form can be found on the USAD Pentathlon web page.

In many schools, tryouts for final team positions occur in the early spring. Thus, substantially more than the nine students that make up the final state level competition team, can be involved in each school’s program. Teams advance through local, regional and state levels of competition. The state champions compete in the national finals. All Pentathlon competitions (except for the national finals) take place online in a virtual testing environment, so there is no travel required for teams!

Literature (Essay): Students will select one out of three prompts based on the novel. Students are allowed 50 minutes to complete their essay. Highest score possible is 1,000 points.Fine Arts: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each. Mathematics: 35 problems with a value of 28.57 points each.Science: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each.Social Studies: 50 questions with a value of 20 points each.A student’s maximum possible score is 5,000 points (5 events x 1,000 points).

The theme for the 2015–2016 Academic Pentathlon season is India.

To start your Academic Pentathlon team, contact Joyce Swenson, Minnesota State Director, 507-389-5107 or jswenson@mnscsc.org.

What Does Academic Pentathlon Do for Students?• Supports team spirit and encourages a sense

of belonging• Creates an academic vision for the school and

community at large• Promotes the use of higher-level thinking

skills to create excitement and interest• Produces a feeling of success & pride• Promotes individual accountability while,

at the same time, providing the dynamics of group/team interaction

• Stimulates personal student growth & encourages learning while having fun

Academic Rewards of Pentathlon• Learning beyond the normal curriculum• Meets national content/curriculum standards• Preparation for high school and life skills• Socialization with peers and community• Local, state and national competitions• Individual and team medals/trophies

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News from Reach for the Stars Affiliates (continued)

Enrollment for Youth in Government Model Assembly 2016 has begun! Minnesota

Youth in Government (YIG) is a statewide program offered to students in grades 8-12. Students learn about government and leadership, as well as about themselves—their abilities, interests and responsibilities as citizens of a participatory democracy.

Why do YIG?• Build skills for the real world • Learn things you can’t learn from a test:

critical thinking, professional skills and leadership

• Get exposed to students from other parts of the state who have different viewpoints

• Have powerful conversations on important issues in respectful and mind-opening ways

• Meet new people and make friendships that will last a lifetime

• Looks good on resumes and college applications

“I’ve become much more comfortable speaking up about my thoughts and opinions, especially when they differ from those around me. I have become much more self sufficient and confident in my abilities,” said a student.

Students are currently coming together at local delegations to prepare for the conference Jan. 7–10, 2016 at the Minneapolis Downtown Hilton and State Capitol Complex. Starting in January, students will present their legislative bills, court briefs and materials before the student lead body in hopes to make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.

For students interested in more information, registration or getting involved, visit www.mnyig.org or contact the state program director Sam Alley at 612-821-6502 or Sam.Alley@ymcatwincities.org.

Minnesota Academy of Science Middle School and High School Science Bowls

Register your team for the Minnesota State

Regional Science Bowl today! The Minnesota Academy of Science sponsors the Science Bowls, a highly competitive science education and academic tournaments where high school and middle school students compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and mathematics. Each team is comprised of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. These teams face-off in a question-and-answer format, testing their knowledge on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.

A goal of the Minnesota Academy of Science is to maximize the number of schools participating in each tournament. If a school wishes to have more than one team participate, registration materials and payment may be submitted for up to three teams. Registrations should be sent in as early as possible, but no later than the registration deadline, as teams are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

MN High School Science Bowl tournament - 32 teams (grades 9-12): Registration Deadline: Dec. 15. Competition Date: Sat., Jan. 23, 2016 at Macalester College.

MN Middle School Science Bowl tournament - 24 teams (grades 6-8): Registration Deadline: Jan. 15, 2016 . Competition Date: Feb. 2016 (TBD) at University of St. Thomas.

The winning team from each of the Minnesota Regional Science Bowl tournaments will go on to an all-expense paid trip to compete at the National Science Bowl in Washington D.C., April 28 – May 2, 2016. The U.S. Department of Energy created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. The national event is several days of science activities, sightseeing and competitions. Last year, The Blake School and Eden Prairie Central Middle School won first place regionally and went on to compete nationally.

For more information about Science Bowl and registration, please visit the website www.mnmas.org/science-bowl/science-bowl or contact Barbara Donoho, Science Bowl Manager, bdonoho@mnmas.org.

2015 Middle School Science Bowl Regional winners, Eden Prairie Central Middle School – Team 1

2015 High School Science Bowl Regional winners, The Blake School - Team 1

YMCA Youth in Government Model Assembly Session

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Synergy & LeadershipExchange

On Nov.12, join your fellow Minnesotans in raising millions of dollars for the thousands of nonprofi ts and schools which make our communities stronger. Let’s celebrate all of the wonderful educational organizations participating in Give to the Max Day!

Let’s Keep CelebratingOn Give to the Max Day 2105, your donation to Synergy & Leadership Exchange will support the following programs:

• Gathering of Champions• Minnesota Schools of Character & Promising Practices Awards• Minnesota Ethical Leadership Awards• Reach for the Stars Catalogue• WEM Outstanding Educator Awards

Help your favorite causes win part of the $150,000 prize pool!By contributing on Give to the Max Day 2015, your donation of as little as $10 could turn into $10,000 for your favorite nonprofi t or school! Two Super-Sized Golden Tickets of $10,000 each will also be awarded.

Schedule your donations in advanceBeginning Nov.1, visit GiveMN.org to schedule your gifts to transact on Give to the Max Day. Scheduled donations will be eligible for all prizes during the hour in which they transact. Better yet, Give MN will randomly select one scheduled gift for a Super-Sized Golden Ticket, adding $10,000 to that donation!

givemn.org/organization/Synergy

Synergy & LeadershipExchange

On Nov.12, join your fellow Minnesotans in raising millions of dollars for the thousands of nonprofi ts and schools which make our communities stronger. Let’s celebrate all of the wonderful educational organizations participating in Give to the Max Day!

Let’s Keep CelebratingOn Give to the Max Day 2105, your donation to Synergy & Leadership Exchange will support the following programs:

• Gathering of Champions• Minnesota Schools of Character & Promising Practices Awards• Minnesota Ethical Leadership Awards• Reach for the Stars Catalogue• WEM Outstanding Educator Awards

Help your favorite causes win part of the $150,000 prize pool!By contributing on Give to the Max Day 2015, your donation of as little as $10 could turn into $10,000 for your favorite nonprofi t or school! Two Super-Sized Golden Tickets of $10,000 each will also be awarded.

Schedule your donations in advanceBeginning Nov.1, visit GiveMN.org to schedule your gifts to transact on Give to the Max Day. Scheduled donations will be eligible for all prizes during the hour in which they transact. Better yet, Give MN will randomly select one scheduled gift for a Super-Sized Golden Ticket, adding $10,000 to that donation!

givemn.org/organization/Synergy

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15 the exchange vol. 11 • issue 1

Synergy & Leadership Exchange (Synergy) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration to advance the development of ethical citizens, providing educational resources, and celebrating achievement and best practices in Minnesota schools, businesses and communities.

There are two ways you can support Synergy & Leadership Exchange: Make a personal or organizational donation or become a school/district member

Donations & Memberships Support: • Gathering of Champions is an annual celebration recognizing Minnesota’s

Academic All-Stars, as selected by schools and academic challenge coaches.

• WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Program recognizes state and regional honorees each year for Ethics in Education, Teacher Achievement and Academic Challenge Coach.

• Minnesota Schools of Character and Promising Practices Awards recognize schools with exemplary implementation of Character.org’s “11 Principals for Effective Character Education.”

• Reach for the Stars catalogue is a resource of more than 100 statewide awards and recognitions, challenges and competitions, conferences and institutes, leadership development and classroom enrichment programs.

• Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award celebrates programs developing good character and ethical leadership in its participants.

School/District Members Receive: • Discounts on professional development opportunities and resources• Recognition on the Synergy website• “The Exchange” newsletter• Copies of the “Reach for the Stars” catalogue• Email broadcasts of upcoming events, contests and workshops• Membership certificate

Donors Receive: • Recognition on the Synergy website• “The Exchange” quarterly newsletter• Copies of the “Reach for the Stars” catalogue• Email broadcasts of upcoming events and contests• Donor certificate

Become a Member of Synergy & Leadership Exchange Today!

Become a member or make your donation today at http://synergyexchange.org/Membership.aspx

The ExchangeFall 2015 • Vol. 11 • Issue 1

The Exchange is a publication of Synergy & Leadership Exchange (Synergy). Synergy is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration to advance the development of ethical citizens, providing educational resources, and celebrating achievement and best practices in Minnesota schools, businesses and communities.

To become a member of Synergy & Leadership Exchange or to make a donation, please visit our website and click on “Membership & Strategic Partners.”

Synergy is a qualified 501(c)(3). Join or donate today to celebrate, educate and collaborate!

Wanda Sommers Wall, Executive DirectorJoyce Swenson, EditorElyse Anderson, Assistant Editor

Synergy & Leadership Exchange2075 Lookout Drive

North Mankato, MN 56003Website: www.synergyexchange.org

Email: synergy@synergyexchange.orgPhone: 507.389.2461

Fax: 507.389.1772

@SynergyExchange

fb.com/SynergyExchange

Calendar of Events

December 20151 • State Schools of Character (SSOC) Application Deadline4 • WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Nomination Deadline

January 20161 • Minnesota Promising Practices Application Opens

22 • WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Application Deadline

February 20161 • WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Pre-Screen Panel Begins5 • Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award Nomination Deadline

25 • WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Blue Ribbon Panel

March 2016• Gathering of Champions Academic All-Star Nominations Open

4 • Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award Application Deadline11 • Minnesota Promising Practices Application Deadline22 • Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award Blue Ribbon Panel31 • Gathering of Champions Logo Contest Submission Deadline

April 2016• WEM State Honorees Notified

May 2016• WEM Regional Honorees Announced

14 • 2016 WEM Outstanding Educator Awards Brunch26 • Character Recognition Awards: Minnesota Schools of Character,

Promising Practices Awards, Minnesota Ethical Leadership Awards

June 201630 • Gathering of Champions Academic All-Star Nomination Deadline

July 201629 • Gathering of Champions Registration Deadline

(Register by July 21 to have your All-Star’s Name Printed in the Program)

August 20165 • Gathering of Champions

For more information on these and other activities from Synergy & Leadership Exchange, visit www.synergyexchange.org