your schools, your community spring 2016

4
B urnsville High School students will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world technology skills next year as the school partners with the Minnesota Department of Education and Best Buy to offer the Mouse Squad Certification Badge Program. The program, which will be embedded in the school’s IT Exploration class, gives students the opportunity to learn tech skills including operating a help desk service, managing hardware, developing applications, programming, networking and web developments. Students will even work side-by-side with Best Buy Geek Squad members. “By leveraging students’ savvy and interest in new technologies, we can help cultivate an ‘expert’ identity in students, where they are motivated to seek new skills, contribute ideas and find unique pathways toward success,” said Cindy Drahos, computer technology teacher and coordinator of the Mouse Squad program at BHS. Eventually, the program will allows students to set up and run their own Mouse Squad help desk in the school, providing tech support to students and staff and giving them real experience applying their skills, providing a service and building their resumes. When students successfully complete the curriculum, they can earn digital badges as a type of certification indicating their skills and knowledge. Those badges can be presented to employers, such as Best Buy, IBM and Google, who recognize them as certification of broad-based information technology skills. Your Schools Your Community Spring 2016 VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3 By refinancing some of its debt to a lower interest rate, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 will save nearly $6.14 million in interest over a 15-year period. The timing was perfect and savings are greater than expected because interest rates are at a 50-year low, according to Jeff Seeley of Ehlers and Associates. In addition, he said there was a lot of interest in the bond sale because the district has a strong financial rating. The process is similar to when homeowners refinance their mortgage to take advantage of more favorable interest rates. The money saved will result in lower future levies for debt repayment, which will be a direct savings to taxpayers. “We continually review our finances to look for places we can save money or reduce costs,” said Lisa Rider, executive director of business services. “We have refinanced similar bonds in past years whenever it is possible.” A third bond is a possible candidate for refinancing in the near future. “Timing is critical and it is the reason we work closely with our financial advisors of Ehlers and Associates to determine the ideal timing to maximize the savings to taxpayers,” said Rider. Refinancing bonds will save big money E ducational technology is expanding in Burnsville- Eagan-Savage District 191 schools and classrooms thanks to the community’s approval of the Vision One91 technology referendum a year ago. “We’re excited to be expanding the use of technology for learning,” said Cindy Amoroso, assistant superintendent. “Our students need to learn technological skills to be real-world ready and prepared for college and career success— these are vital skill sets for today.” That’s why beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all elementary schools will have teachers who serve as digital learning specialists. They will give direct instruction on technology skills and applications to all students throughout the year. They will also support teachers in using technology for instruction. To make it possible to have digital learning specialists, the focus of one of the elementary specialist positions will change from science to digital learning. Digital learning specialists will be in the rotation with the other specialists who teach phy ed, art and music at each of the ten elementary schools. Science will be taught by elementary classroom teachers, beginning next year. Their licensure includes science, and they will have an expanded science curriculum to embed in the regular instructional day. “Science continues to be an important subject in our elementary schools as we prepare students for our STEA 3 M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, AVID, Advanced Learning and Math) middle schools and for many science-related learning opportunities at Burnsville High School,” said Amoroso. Science courses have been added at nearly every grade level in the district’s new course guide for grades 6-12. At Burnsville High School, an addition of 50,000 square feet is being added and designed to meet the scientific needs of students. Vision One91 Update: Digital learning specialists will teach vital tech skills Instructional technology is increasing learning opportunities for students. Keep up with Vision One91 progress: • On the website, view videos and more at www.isd191.org/vision191. • Social media: facebook.com/isd191; twitter.com/isd191, instagram.com/isd191 •Subscribe to the district’s e-newsletter at www.isd191.org/enews Tech certification program comes to BHS Teams from Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville and Harriet Bishop Elementary in Savage won state titles at the Minnesota State Scholastic Chess Championship, in March. The Metcalf team took home the junior high championship, its 29th team title in school history. The team also had several impressive individual performances. Jackson Reichert, Zander Gorton and Ben Brekke, all ninth graders, took fifth, sixth and 11th place, respectively. Eighth grader Jarett Mosoti took 13th place individually. Other members of the Metcalf team that participated at state were Arbaz Ansar, Griffin Boos, Jacob Callenius, Tommy Faba, Anthony Friedmann, Noah Helke, Wes Ho, Mark Huttman, Kent Le-Vu, Lyla LIchliter, Andrew Madonna, Andrew Moe, Matt Nguyen, Chance Persons, Collin Ridgeway, Zach Smith, Adam Stadick, Brayden Taheri, Ross Waataja, David Wilkens and Carson Zerr. Despite having just two team members, the Harriet Bishop team finished as state champions in the elementary division behind individual champion Calvin York, a sixth grader at the school. Fifth grader Saketh Budideti took third place. Also, in the elementary section, fifth grader Gavin Kellen, from William Byrne, placed fourth overall. Metcalf Junior High has a long history of chess success. Two District 191 teams win state chess titles

Upload: burnsville-eagan-savage-school-district-191

Post on 28-Jul-2016

217 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

The Spring 2016 issue of the District 191 print newsletter includes stories about Vision One91, state chess championships, rising graduation rates and more.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Your Schools, Your Community Spring 2016

Burnsville High School students will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on,

real-world technology skills next year as the school partners with the Minnesota Department of Education and Best Buy to offer the Mouse Squad Certification Badge Program.

The program, which will be embedded in the school’s IT Exploration class, gives students the opportunity to learn tech skills including operating a help desk service, managing hardware, developing applications, programming, networking and web developments. Students will even work side-by-side with Best Buy Geek Squad members.

“By leveraging students’ savvy and interest in new technologies, we can help cultivate an ‘expert’ identity in students, where they are motivated

to seek new skills, contribute ideas and find unique pathways toward success,” said Cindy Drahos, computer technology teacher and coordinator of the Mouse Squad program at BHS.

Eventually, the program will allows students to set up and run their own Mouse Squad help desk in the school, providing tech support to students and staff and giving them real experience applying their skills, providing a service and building their resumes.

When students successfully complete the curriculum, they can earn digital badges as a type of certification indicating their skills and knowledge. Those badges can be presented to employers, such as Best Buy, IBM and Google, who recognize them as certification of broad-based information technology skills.

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

TWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 32254

100 River Ridge Ct. Burnsville, MN 55337

Building a strong school community to support student success

Joe Gothard

Superintendent’s Column

Your Schools Your Community

Spring 2016VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3

My goal as a leader is to build the strongest school community in the state of Minnesota. Our community is our greatest strength, and the manner in which we work

together will determine our success.

As a community, everything we do must be focused on universal high expectations for all students. Values, beliefs, assumptions and core values must be aligned to success for every child as the backbone of what drives us.

I want every student to feel like Nicollet Junior High student Sundus. She awed everyone when she spoke at the recent State of the District event.

“We’re not homogenous — we have different backgrounds, stories and lifestyles, and that in itself is empowering,” Sundus said about her school community. “But no matter how different we are, we all share one thing: the desire to succeed and we are all willing to help each other out to get there. We are expressive and individualistic and our community accepts, embraces and welcomes that. I not only find that empowering and helping me with my goal of success, but I also find that inspiring and a great thing to have.”

Ever since I arrived here nearly three years ago, I’ve heard people comment on the diversity of our school district. I believe that diversity is our greatest strength, and our greatest challenge.

Clearly, diversity has become a topic at the forefront across our country. Turn on any news program and watch for 15 minutes. As we

work to choose the next president, you’ll see heated debates about the differences in how we look and speak, what religions we practice, and our countries of origin.

It is my unending belief that we cannot simply mention race relations without having a specific plan in place. I’m so proud that our Board of Education, school leaders and teacher leaders have committed to our future as a culturally proficient school system that responds to the needs of all learners.

Our plan for the future is not optional. We are committed to raising student achievement and strengthening relationships among students, staff and our community. We are creating a culturally proficient school system by embracing who we are. Our demographics have indeed changed in One91 and I’m proud to live, work and serve in a diverse school community.

By refinancing some of its debt to a lower interest rate, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 will save nearly $6.14 million in interest over a 15-year period.

The timing was perfect and savings are greater than expected because interest rates are at a 50-year low, according to Jeff Seeley of Ehlers and Associates. In addition, he said there was a lot of interest in the bond sale because the district has a strong financial rating.

The process is similar to when homeowners refinance their mortgage to take advantage of more favorable interest rates. The money saved will result in lower future levies for debt repayment, which will be a direct savings to taxpayers.

“We continually review our finances to look for places we can save money or reduce costs,” said Lisa Rider, executive director of business services. “We have refinanced similar bonds in past years whenever it is possible.”

A third bond is a possible candidate for refinancing in the near future. “Timing is critical and it is the reason we work closely with our financial advisors of Ehlers and Associates to determine the ideal timing to maximize the savings to taxpayers,” said Rider.

Refinancing bonds will save big money

Educational technology is expanding in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District 191 schools and classrooms thanks to the community’s approval of the Vision

One91 technology referendum a year ago. “We’re excited to be expanding the use of technology

for learning,” said Cindy Amoroso, assistant superintendent. “Our students need to learn technological skills to be real-world ready and prepared for college and career success— these are vital skill sets for today.”

That’s why beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all elementary schools will have teachers who serve as digital learning specialists. They will give direct instruction on technology skills and applications to all students throughout the year. They will also support teachers in using technology for instruction.

To make it possible to have digital learning specialists, the focus of one of the elementary specialist positions will change from science to digital learning. Digital

learning specialists will be in the rotation with the other specialists who teach phy ed, art and music at each of the ten elementary schools.

Science will be taught by elementary classroom teachers, beginning next year. Their licensure includes science, and they will have an expanded science curriculum to embed in the regular instructional day.

“Science continues to be an important subject in our elementary schools as we prepare students for our STEA3M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, AVID, Advanced Learning and Math) middle schools and for many science-related learning opportunities at Burnsville High School,” said Amoroso.

Science courses have been added at nearly every grade level in the district’s new course guide for grades 6-12. At Burnsville High School, an addition of 50,000 square feet is being added and designed to meet the scientific needs of students.

Vision One91 Update: Digital learning specialists will teach vital tech skills

Instructional technology is increasing learning opportunities for students.

Keep up with Vision One91 progress:

• On the website, view videos and more at

www.isd191.org/vision191.

• Social media: facebook.com/isd191;

twitter.com/isd191, instagram.com/isd191

•Subscribe to the district’s e-newsletter

at www.isd191.org/enews

In this issue: Expanding technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Chess champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Perfect PSAT score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Employee awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Burnsville Promise collaboration . . . Page 3

Are you new to the district? Welcome to Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191! Enrollment for all new students takes place online at www.isd191.org/enroll or at the district’s Welcome Center, lower level, of Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway. For more information, call the Welcome Center at (952) 707-4180 or email at [email protected].

Tech certification program comes to BHS

Once again this summer, staff members will be reading some of their favorite stories for young children on Thursdays at Nicollet Commons Park as part of the “Rockin’ Readers” series in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

This year’s line up of “rock star readers” includes:

Join ‘Rockin’ Readers’ this summer at Nicollet Commons Park

• June 16: William Byrne Principal Lyle Bomsta and Sky Oaks Principal Jon Bonneville

• June 23: Harriet Bishop Principal Erika Nesvig and Edward Neill Principal Dr. Elizabeth Vaught

• June 30: Welcome Center in Spanish and Somali

• July 14; Assistant Superintendent Cindy Amoroso and Individualized Student Services Director Stephanie Corbey

• July 21: Rahn Principal Barbara Borer and Hidden Valley Principal Kristine Black

• July 28: Superintendent Joe Gothard

• Aug. 11: Sioux Trail Principal Shannon McParland and Gideon Pond Principal Chris Bellmont

• Aug. 18: Vista View Principal Brad Robb and M.W. Savage Principal Jeff Nepsund.

Readers will start at 11:15 a.m. Stay afterward for the Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour concerts presented by the City of Burnsville. Nicollet Commons Park is located at 12600 Nicollet Ave. in Burnsville’s Heart of the City.

Free outdoor concerts will be offered this summer through Wednesday in the Park, a partnership of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Community Education and the City of Burnsville.

Concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Burnsville’s Civic Center Park, just east of Nicollet Avenue between 130th and 134th Street.

Concerts are:

In case of inclement weather, concerts will take place at Gideon Pond Elementary School, 600 E. 130th Street.

Concert-goers get a free pop when they bring a nonperishable food item to concerts. Popcorn will be sold by the Burnsville Senior Center for just $1 a box.

For more information, go to www.communityed191.org.

Enjoy free outdoor concerts on six Wednesdays this summer

• June 29: The Percolators: Rock, country, blues and R&B• July 6: The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue• July 20: Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band• July 13: Tricia & the Toonies Family Fun Show• July 27: Jack Brass Band: New Orleans brass bands • Aug. 3: Remembering the King: The complete Elvis experience

Teams from Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville and Harriet Bishop Elementary in Savage won state titles at the Minnesota State Scholastic Chess Championship, in March.

The Metcalf team took home the junior high championship, its 29th team title in school history. The team also had several impressive individual performances. Jackson Reichert, Zander Gorton and Ben Brekke, all ninth graders, took fifth, sixth and 11th place, respectively. Eighth grader Jarett Mosoti took 13th place individually.

Other members of the Metcalf team that participated at state were Arbaz Ansar, Griffin Boos, Jacob Callenius, Tommy Faba, Anthony Friedmann, Noah Helke, Wes Ho, Mark Huttman, Kent Le-Vu, Lyla LIchliter, Andrew Madonna, Andrew Moe, Matt Nguyen, Chance Persons, Collin Ridgeway, Zach Smith, Adam Stadick, Brayden Taheri, Ross Waataja, David Wilkens and Carson Zerr.

Despite having just two team members, the Harriet Bishop team finished as state champions in the elementary division behind individual champion Calvin York, a sixth grader at the school. Fifth grader Saketh Budideti took third place. Also, in the elementary section, fifth grader Gavin Kellen, from William Byrne, placed fourth overall.

Metcalf Junior High has a long history of chess success.

Two District 191 teams win state chess titles

100 River Ridge Ct. Burnsville, MN 55337

pan
Sticky Note
ko color in masthead
Page 2: Your Schools, Your Community Spring 2016

3

SCHOOL DISTRICT 191BOARD OF EDUCATIONDAN LUTH, Chair .......................................(952) 440-1290 [email protected]

ABIGAIL ALT, Vice Chair ...........................(952) 898-0243 [email protected]

JIM SCHMID, Clerk ....................................(952) 882-1651 [email protected]

SANDRA MACKALL, Treasurer ..............(952) 250-7097 [email protected]

DEEDEE CURRIER, Director ....................(952) 882-7746 [email protected]

RON HILL, Director ...................................(952) 440-1016 [email protected]

BOB VANDENBOOM, Director .............(651) 454-9516 [email protected]

MAEDIN ABEGAZ, Student Representative

Joe Gothard, Superintendent ..............(952) 707-2001 [email protected]

School District 191 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.

A B O U T T H I S N E W S L E T T E RThis newsletter is sent periodically to all residents in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 to provide information about schools, which are a cor-nerstone of the community. If you have comments, send them to Ruth Dunn, district communications director, at [email protected] or call 952-707-2020.

C O N N E C T W I T H U SBurnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 strives to keep residents informed and involved in their public schools.

To get news, pictures, events and more delivered to you where you want them, “Like” us on Facebook, or/and follow us on Twitter and Instrgram.

facebook.com/isd191 twitter.com/isd191 instagram.com/isd191

Residents may also sign up for the District 191 e-Newsletter at www.isd191.org/enews.

D I S T R I C T C O N TA C T I N F OPhone: 952-707-2000 Web: www.isd191.org E-mail: [email protected] Welcome Center (Enrollment): 952-707-4180

2

Community Connections: Together everyone achieves moreAchievement: We are focused on learning and we get results

Artwork of BHS students selected for MVTA busesStudents enrolled in Burnsville High School’s Interac-tive Design class, a business elective course taught by Tyler Krebs, have produced interior panels for display in local and express Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) buses. The panels focus on themes involving school spirit, transit, and in cooperation with the City of Burnsville, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Winners were: School Spirit – sophomore Jared Hruby of Savage; Transit – senior Jeremy Colegrove of Burnsville; and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – junior Osiris Kegan of Burnsville. A number of students received honorable mentions for their efforts and all panels are currently displayed on MVTA buses. As part of their class, students were to complete a project using Adobe Pho-toshop, along with a variety of graphics and images. The MVTA had the panels printed and dry mounted by Cornerstone Copy Center, for display on the interior of MVTA buses.

Blaze student-athletes sign letters of intentThe Athletics Department at Burnsville High School recently announced that 14 student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent in April to play their respec-tive sports at the NCAA Division I or II college of their choosing. Last fall, another eight Blaze athletes signed letters of intent. Current signers are:

• Jimmy Adeoshun, football, Ridgewater College• Trenton Alderson, football, Itasca College• Abdirahman Farah, football, Ridgewater College• Jason Gumm, basketball, Northern Iowa Community College• Abdikadir Hassan, football, Itasca College• Ahmed Ibrahim, track and field, Concordia University, St. Paul• Angela Le, swimming, Denison University• Jake Parrent, football, Itasca College• Gianna Rogers, track and field, Northern Iowa Community College• Andy Samuel, track and field, University of North Dakota• Michael Schiller, baseball, Century College• Tucker Shepley, basketball, University of Northwestern, St. Paul• Luke Simon, football, Ridgewater College• Johanna Weber, cross country/track and field, North Dakota State University.

All of these athletes have put together outstanding athletic careers while attending Burnsville High School, as well as outstanding academic success in the classroom. The Burnsville community wishes them the best of luck as they continue on with their athletic and academic careers.

STUDENTS SUCCEED School book club boosts literacy

The whole school is reading the same book and then will discuss it.

Sioux Trail Elementary School in Burnsville has started an all-school book club called “Sioux Trail Reads: One School, One Book” that includes students, families and staff members. “It’s a way to build community while increasing reading skills,” said Principal Shannon McParland. “Most of all, the project was chosen to have fun while reading!”

Over spring break, students, parents and staff members read “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney. It’s about a classroom hamster named Humphrey who teaches many lessons during his stay in Room 26.

Denise Engberg, media educational assistant, understands the importance of getting books into kids’ hands. “This is the third book we have read together as a whole school this year,” she said. “The first two we accessed through an online library called myON while this time we have a paper book for every family, thanks to a grant from

Foundation 191.”After reading the book, students,

families and staff members participated in an online discussion using Google Classroom and

responded to a variety of questions about the reading. “Sioux Trail Reads: One School, One Book” has been a great success so McParland said it will be repeated next year.

I Love Burnsville Ice Cream Social FreeThursday, June 92-4 p.m.Burnsville Senior Center at Diamondhead Education Center.Courtesy of the Burnsville Senior Center & Augstana Regent at Burnsville.

Register for Gifted/Talented Institute Join us for incredible learning adventures that stretch your mind, body and imagination. Weekly classes Monday-Friday, June 20-July 29. Open to students in Grades 1-7. Classes are held at Gideon Pond Elementary School, 613 East 130th St., Burnsville. Eligible students must be enrolled in or identified as gifted and talented, or demonstrate a specific talent in course areas offered. Visit giftedtalented.org for more information.

Summer preschool opportunities Join our award-winning summer preschool program. Tiny Tots and Kindergarten Jumpstart classes begin the week of July 11. Register online at communiyted191.org or call (952) 707-4110 for more information.

Pat Feely of Burnsville reaches a significant milestone this year: He’s been coaching for 50 years, over half of it in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

“Pat Feely has been extremely instrumental in developing and sustaining the Burnsville softball program. His hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence, and love of the sport and athletes have allowed him to have tremendous success over the years with the Burnsville program,” said Jeff Marshall, athletics and activity director. “The entire Burnsville

athletic community is grateful to Coach Feely for all of his dedication to Burnsville sports and congratulates him on 50 successful years of coaching!”

Feely, now 71, began coaching in 1966 when he was a junior at the University of St. Thomas and coached an eighth-grade basketball team for two years. After college, Feely was a social studies teacher at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and also coached football, basketball and baseball over 14 years.

Then, he coached for the Burnsville Athletic Club (BAC) and in 1990 was hired to coach the girls’ tennis program at Burnsville High School. Starting in 1992, Feely coached Burnsville High School varsity softball for 20 years and during his tenure won six Lake Conference championships, three section titles and two state titles. He is the longest tenured softball coach in BHS history. He has supported the BHS softball program by mentoring new coaches, providing help during practices and games and meticulously maintaining the softball field.

The District 191 Board of Education approved a request to name the BHS softball field in Feely’s honor in 2012.

Feely celebrates 50 years of coaching this year

Seventeen staff members have been chosen to receive the first One91 Community of Excellence Awards this year from Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. The awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of staff members who empower learning, energize achievement and embrace community to achieve the district’s mission of “Each Student Real-World Ready.”

“I’m very proud and impressed with this first group of recipients for this new award,” Superintendent Joe Gothard said. “They are wonderful representatives of the dedication, professionalism and caring that District 191 staff members exhibit.”The 2016 Community of Excellence Award winners are:

Employees selected to receive first District 191 award

Excellence in Educational Support: • Carol Bengtson, educational assistant, Burnsville High School• Elly Dahler, administrative assistant, Vista View Elementary• Maria Gutierrez Beltran, educational assistant, Vista View Elementary• Mary Lopez, cultural liaison, Nicollet & Eagle Ridge Junior High• Denise Wolff, educational assistant, Burnsville High School

Teaching Excellence: • John Glas, sixth grade, Edward Neill Elementary• Marie Hansen, language arts, Burnsville High School• Meggan Malone, business, Burnsville High School• Brad Sorensen, language arts, Nicollet Junior High• David Taylor, fourth grade, Sky Oaks Elementary

Collaboration and Partnership: • Chancellor Manor PALS Program: Sam Wyman, Beth Gruenke and Jes Rau, Gideon Pond

Community Engagement: • Matt Deutsch, language arts teacher, Burnsville High SchoolInnovation: • Jeffrey Webber, special education teacher, Eagle Ridge Junior High

Leadership in Action: • Rachel Gorton, instructional technology coordinator, districtwide

Spirit of Excellence: • Brian Ribnick, math teacher and chess coach, Metcalf Junior High

Graduation rates are up in nearly every student group

District 191 high school students and staff members have reason to celebrate, as graduation rates are up in all but one student category for 2015 in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on Feb. 21.

In addition, graduation rates in District 191 are above the state average in seven of the 10 student categories.

The goal set by the MDE is a statewide graduation rate of 90 percent. In District 191, the overall four-year graduation rate increased from 82.6% in 2014 to 84.3% in 2015, while the state average was 81.9%.

The biggest increase in District 191 was with Asian/Pacific Islander students where the graduation rate rose from 76.3% in 2014 to 86.9% in 2015 — a jump of 10.3%. The state average is 82.7% for that student group. Increases also occurred in these student groups: Black, Hispanic, White, English Learners (EL), Free/Reduced Lunch (FRL), Male and Female. The only decrease was in the special education category.

“We’re encouraged that the systemic changes we’re making from preschool to grade 12 in our district are making a positive difference,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, District 191 Superintendent. “Graduation rates aren’t a result of what happens only at Burnsville High School — preparation for commencement success begins when a child enters our school system. I know our staff members at every level are focused on success for all students and working hard to ensure they are ready for graduation and beyond.”

Gothard believes that further boosts in graduation rates will result from changes coming to the district when Vision One91 is implemented beginning with the 2016-17 school year. Vision One91 is the work being done to redesign the district to meet the needs of today’s learners to ensure the district’s mission of “Each Student Real-World Ready.”

Pat Feely at his namesake ball field.

Burnsville Promise is a new and important community collaboration. Through partnerships among schools, employers, organizations, foundations and our cities, Burnsville Promise will use education as the lever to advance and maintain a world-class employment base and a vibrant community. The communities of Burnsville, Eagan and Savage will be invited to support this commitment to invest in the youth of District 191, their futures and the future of our community.

Postsecondary education is increasingly vital to gainful employment. Yet, too many middle and high school students can’t see a clear connection between what they’re studying and real opportunities in the job market.

The District 191 community has made a terrific start by approving the Vision One91 referendum to redesign the district to meet the needs of today’s learners. Now, the Burnsville business community, community organizations, citizens, parents, youth, District 191, and Inver Hills

Community College are working together to ensure youth have opportunities to explore their options, find their passions, and prepare for career and college. This includes the development of the new “Pathways” model at Burnsville High School, as well as several partnerships with local businesses that provide students with unique learning and work experiences.

Burnsville Promise has developed a five year strategic plan that includes the input and ownership of vital community leaders to better serve the youth of District 191.

Robert Jablonski from Product Development Associates, Inc., spent time at Burnsville High School last fall. He was among business and community leaders who participated in a school and workplace exchange sponsored by Burnsville Promise.

Burnsville High School junior Trang Truong recently aced a major national test by earning a perfect score of 1520 on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

The result shows he’s well on his way to being prepared for college. But just as important, the test can qualify him for the National Merit Scholarship program, which can provide as much as a full-ride scholarship depending on which college he might attend.

Trang says he spent some time preparing for the test by using Khan Academy resources and practice tests, but not too much. However, Trang said he found the test demanded more

in terms of his being able to think and analyze, rather than whether he had memorized facts and formulas, and that helped him feel more confident.

Chuck Croatt, Trang’s math teacher and advisor in Math League, calls Trang a sponge for information. “He is genuinely interested in learning as a means to better himself and also just out of general curiosity,” Croatt said. “He knows a lot of facts, but he also wants to know why things happen and how things work.”

At Burnsville High School, Trang is involved in band, Quiz Bowl and Math League, and he volunteers through PALS at his former elementary school, Gideon Pond.

BHS junior earns perfect score on PSAT

Trang Truong

Registration is now open and a calendar of events is available for the EDGE, a comprehensive summer youth program for students entering grades 6-9, run by Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Community Education in partnership with Farmington, Lakeville and New Prague schools.

An open house for families to learn more about the EDGE will be take place on Tuesday, June 21 from 4-6 p.m. at Marion W. Savage Elementary, 4819 W. 126th St., Savage.

The EDGE runs June 15-Aug. 26 and participants take daily field trips to places including Valleyfair, Minnesota Twins games, water parks, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, movies, malls, bowling, Sky Zone, horseback riding and many more. Breakfast, a bag lunch or lunch outings, snack and all fees (except Valleyfair admission) are included in the $34 daily fee. Transportation is available to and from several area schools in Burnsville, Farmington, Lakeville and New Prague/Elko/New Market.

The focus of the EDGE is to give kids experiences that will help develop skills such as independence, responsibility, and accountability, along with improving interpersonal communication. These fun and positive experiences will be provided in both recreational and educational environments throughout the community, allowing kids to feel successful and receive recognition.

For more information, contact Shar Lattery at (952) 707-3908 or [email protected]. You can register now by downloading the forms at www.isd191.org/theEDGE.

Registration opens for unique summer program for grades 6-9

Burnsville Promise focuses on student success

Become a partner. Learn more about pathways and Burnsville Promise at www.isd191.org/burnsvillepromise or call Kathy Funston, director of Strategic Partnerships and Pathways, at 952-707-6276 or [email protected].

Page 3: Your Schools, Your Community Spring 2016

3

SCHOOL DISTRICT 191BOARD OF EDUCATIONDAN LUTH, Chair .......................................(952) 440-1290 [email protected]

ABIGAIL ALT, Vice Chair ...........................(952) 898-0243 [email protected]

JIM SCHMID, Clerk ....................................(952) 882-1651 [email protected]

SANDRA MACKALL, Treasurer ..............(952) 250-7097 [email protected]

DEEDEE CURRIER, Director ....................(952) 882-7746 [email protected]

RON HILL, Director ...................................(952) 440-1016 [email protected]

BOB VANDENBOOM, Director .............(651) 454-9516 [email protected]

MAEDIN ABEGAZ, Student Representative

Joe Gothard, Superintendent ..............(952) 707-2001 [email protected]

School District 191 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.

A B O U T T H I S N E W S L E T T E RThis newsletter is sent periodically to all residents in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 to provide information about schools, which are a cor-nerstone of the community. If you have comments, send them to Ruth Dunn, district communications director, at [email protected] or call 952-707-2020.

C O N N E C T W I T H U SBurnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 strives to keep residents informed and involved in their public schools.

To get news, pictures, events and more delivered to you where you want them, “Like” us on Facebook, or/and follow us on Twitter and Instrgram.

facebook.com/isd191 twitter.com/isd191 instagram.com/isd191

Residents may also sign up for the District 191 e-Newsletter at www.isd191.org/enews.

D I S T R I C T C O N TA C T I N F OPhone: 952-707-2000 Web: www.isd191.org E-mail: [email protected] Welcome Center (Enrollment): 952-707-4180

2

Community Connections: Together everyone achieves moreAchievement: We are focused on learning and we get results

Artwork of BHS students selected for MVTA busesStudents enrolled in Burnsville High School’s Interac-tive Design class, a business elective course taught by Tyler Krebs, have produced interior panels for display in local and express Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) buses. The panels focus on themes involving school spirit, transit, and in cooperation with the City of Burnsville, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Winners were: School Spirit – sophomore Jared Hruby of Savage; Transit – senior Jeremy Colegrove of Burnsville; and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – junior Osiris Kegan of Burnsville. A number of students received honorable mentions for their efforts and all panels are currently displayed on MVTA buses. As part of their class, students were to complete a project using Adobe Pho-toshop, along with a variety of graphics and images. The MVTA had the panels printed and dry mounted by Cornerstone Copy Center, for display on the interior of MVTA buses.

Blaze student-athletes sign letters of intentThe Athletics Department at Burnsville High School recently announced that 14 student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent in April to play their respec-tive sports at the NCAA Division I or II college of their choosing. Last fall, another eight Blaze athletes signed letters of intent. Current signers are:

• Jimmy Adeoshun, football, Ridgewater College• Trenton Alderson, football, Itasca College• Abdirahman Farah, football, Ridgewater College• Jason Gumm, basketball, Northern Iowa Community College• Abdikadir Hassan, football, Itasca College• Ahmed Ibrahim, track and field, Concordia University, St. Paul• Angela Le, swimming, Denison University• Jake Parrent, football, Itasca College• Gianna Rogers, track and field, Northern Iowa Community College• Andy Samuel, track and field, University of North Dakota• Michael Schiller, baseball, Century College• Tucker Shepley, basketball, University of Northwestern, St. Paul• Luke Simon, football, Ridgewater College• Johanna Weber, cross country/track and field, North Dakota State University.

All of these athletes have put together outstanding athletic careers while attending Burnsville High School, as well as outstanding academic success in the classroom. The Burnsville community wishes them the best of luck as they continue on with their athletic and academic careers.

STUDENTS SUCCEED School book club boosts literacy

The whole school is reading the same book and then will discuss it.

Sioux Trail Elementary School in Burnsville has started an all-school book club called “Sioux Trail Reads: One School, One Book” that includes students, families and staff members. “It’s a way to build community while increasing reading skills,” said Principal Shannon McParland. “Most of all, the project was chosen to have fun while reading!”

Over spring break, students, parents and staff members read “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney. It’s about a classroom hamster named Humphrey who teaches many lessons during his stay in Room 26.

Denise Engberg, media educational assistant, understands the importance of getting books into kids’ hands. “This is the third book we have read together as a whole school this year,” she said. “The first two we accessed through an online library called myON while this time we have a paper book for every family, thanks to a grant from

Foundation 191.”After reading the book, students,

families and staff members participated in an online discussion using Google Classroom and

responded to a variety of questions about the reading. “Sioux Trail Reads: One School, One Book” has been a great success so McParland said it will be repeated next year.

I Love Burnsville Ice Cream Social FreeThursday, June 92-4 p.m.Burnsville Senior Center at Diamondhead Education Center.Courtesy of the Burnsville Senior Center & Augstana Regent at Burnsville.

Register for Gifted/Talented Institute Join us for incredible learning adventures that stretch your mind, body and imagination. Weekly classes Monday-Friday, June 20-July 29. Open to students in Grades 1-7. Classes are held at Gideon Pond Elementary School, 613 East 130th St., Burnsville. Eligible students must be enrolled in or identified as gifted and talented, or demonstrate a specific talent in course areas offered. Visit giftedtalented.org for more information.

Summer preschool opportunities Join our award-winning summer preschool program. Tiny Tots and Kindergarten Jumpstart classes begin the week of July 11. Register online at communiyted191.org or call (952) 707-4110 for more information.

Pat Feely of Burnsville reaches a significant milestone this year: He’s been coaching for 50 years, over half of it in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

“Pat Feely has been extremely instrumental in developing and sustaining the Burnsville softball program. His hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence, and love of the sport and athletes have allowed him to have tremendous success over the years with the Burnsville program,” said Jeff Marshall, athletics and activity director. “The entire Burnsville

athletic community is grateful to Coach Feely for all of his dedication to Burnsville sports and congratulates him on 50 successful years of coaching!”

Feely, now 71, began coaching in 1966 when he was a junior at the University of St. Thomas and coached an eighth-grade basketball team for two years. After college, Feely was a social studies teacher at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and also coached football, basketball and baseball over 14 years.

Then, he coached for the Burnsville Athletic Club (BAC) and in 1990 was hired to coach the girls’ tennis program at Burnsville High School. Starting in 1992, Feely coached Burnsville High School varsity softball for 20 years and during his tenure won six Lake Conference championships, three section titles and two state titles. He is the longest tenured softball coach in BHS history. He has supported the BHS softball program by mentoring new coaches, providing help during practices and games and meticulously maintaining the softball field.

The District 191 Board of Education approved a request to name the BHS softball field in Feely’s honor in 2012.

Feely celebrates 50 years of coaching this year

Seventeen staff members have been chosen to receive the first One91 Community of Excellence Awards this year from Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. The awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of staff members who empower learning, energize achievement and embrace community to achieve the district’s mission of “Each Student Real-World Ready.”

“I’m very proud and impressed with this first group of recipients for this new award,” Superintendent Joe Gothard said. “They are wonderful representatives of the dedication, professionalism and caring that District 191 staff members exhibit.”The 2016 Community of Excellence Award winners are:

Employees selected to receive first District 191 award

Excellence in Educational Support: • Carol Bengtson, educational assistant, Burnsville High School• Elly Dahler, administrative assistant, Vista View Elementary• Maria Gutierrez Beltran, educational assistant, Vista View Elementary• Mary Lopez, cultural liaison, Nicollet & Eagle Ridge Junior High• Denise Wolff, educational assistant, Burnsville High School

Teaching Excellence: • John Glas, sixth grade, Edward Neill Elementary• Marie Hansen, language arts, Burnsville High School• Meggan Malone, business, Burnsville High School• Brad Sorensen, language arts, Nicollet Junior High• David Taylor, fourth grade, Sky Oaks Elementary

Collaboration and Partnership: • Chancellor Manor PALS Program: Sam Wyman, Beth Gruenke and Jes Rau, Gideon Pond

Community Engagement: • Matt Deutsch, language arts teacher, Burnsville High SchoolInnovation: • Jeffrey Webber, special education teacher, Eagle Ridge Junior High

Leadership in Action: • Rachel Gorton, instructional technology coordinator, districtwide

Spirit of Excellence: • Brian Ribnick, math teacher and chess coach, Metcalf Junior High

Graduation rates are up in nearly every student group

District 191 high school students and staff members have reason to celebrate, as graduation rates are up in all but one student category for 2015 in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on Feb. 21.

In addition, graduation rates in District 191 are above the state average in seven of the 10 student categories.

The goal set by the MDE is a statewide graduation rate of 90 percent. In District 191, the overall four-year graduation rate increased from 82.6% in 2014 to 84.3% in 2015, while the state average was 81.9%.

The biggest increase in District 191 was with Asian/Pacific Islander students where the graduation rate rose from 76.3% in 2014 to 86.9% in 2015 — a jump of 10.3%. The state average is 82.7% for that student group. Increases also occurred in these student groups: Black, Hispanic, White, English Learners (EL), Free/Reduced Lunch (FRL), Male and Female. The only decrease was in the special education category.

“We’re encouraged that the systemic changes we’re making from preschool to grade 12 in our district are making a positive difference,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, District 191 Superintendent. “Graduation rates aren’t a result of what happens only at Burnsville High School — preparation for commencement success begins when a child enters our school system. I know our staff members at every level are focused on success for all students and working hard to ensure they are ready for graduation and beyond.”

Gothard believes that further boosts in graduation rates will result from changes coming to the district when Vision One91 is implemented beginning with the 2016-17 school year. Vision One91 is the work being done to redesign the district to meet the needs of today’s learners to ensure the district’s mission of “Each Student Real-World Ready.”

Pat Feely at his namesake ball field.

Burnsville Promise is a new and important community collaboration. Through partnerships among schools, employers, organizations, foundations and our cities, Burnsville Promise will use education as the lever to advance and maintain a world-class employment base and a vibrant community. The communities of Burnsville, Eagan and Savage will be invited to support this commitment to invest in the youth of District 191, their futures and the future of our community.

Postsecondary education is increasingly vital to gainful employment. Yet, too many middle and high school students can’t see a clear connection between what they’re studying and real opportunities in the job market.

The District 191 community has made a terrific start by approving the Vision One91 referendum to redesign the district to meet the needs of today’s learners. Now, the Burnsville business community, community organizations, citizens, parents, youth, District 191, and Inver Hills

Community College are working together to ensure youth have opportunities to explore their options, find their passions, and prepare for career and college. This includes the development of the new “Pathways” model at Burnsville High School, as well as several partnerships with local businesses that provide students with unique learning and work experiences.

Burnsville Promise has developed a five year strategic plan that includes the input and ownership of vital community leaders to better serve the youth of District 191.

Robert Jablonski from Product Development Associates, Inc., spent time at Burnsville High School last fall. He was among business and community leaders who participated in a school and workplace exchange sponsored by Burnsville Promise.

Burnsville High School junior Trang Truong recently aced a major national test by earning a perfect score of 1520 on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

The result shows he’s well on his way to being prepared for college. But just as important, the test can qualify him for the National Merit Scholarship program, which can provide as much as a full-ride scholarship depending on which college he might attend.

Trang says he spent some time preparing for the test by using Khan Academy resources and practice tests, but not too much. However, Trang said he found the test demanded more

in terms of his being able to think and analyze, rather than whether he had memorized facts and formulas, and that helped him feel more confident.

Chuck Croatt, Trang’s math teacher and advisor in Math League, calls Trang a sponge for information. “He is genuinely interested in learning as a means to better himself and also just out of general curiosity,” Croatt said. “He knows a lot of facts, but he also wants to know why things happen and how things work.”

At Burnsville High School, Trang is involved in band, Quiz Bowl and Math League, and he volunteers through PALS at his former elementary school, Gideon Pond.

BHS junior earns perfect score on PSAT

Trang Truong

Registration is now open and a calendar of events is available for the EDGE, a comprehensive summer youth program for students entering grades 6-9, run by Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Community Education in partnership with Farmington, Lakeville and New Prague schools.

An open house for families to learn more about the EDGE will be take place on Tuesday, June 21 from 4-6 p.m. at Marion W. Savage Elementary, 4819 W. 126th St., Savage.

The EDGE runs June 15-Aug. 26 and participants take daily field trips to places including Valleyfair, Minnesota Twins games, water parks, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, movies, malls, bowling, Sky Zone, horseback riding and many more. Breakfast, a bag lunch or lunch outings, snack and all fees (except Valleyfair admission) are included in the $34 daily fee. Transportation is available to and from several area schools in Burnsville, Farmington, Lakeville and New Prague/Elko/New Market.

The focus of the EDGE is to give kids experiences that will help develop skills such as independence, responsibility, and accountability, along with improving interpersonal communication. These fun and positive experiences will be provided in both recreational and educational environments throughout the community, allowing kids to feel successful and receive recognition.

For more information, contact Shar Lattery at (952) 707-3908 or [email protected]. You can register now by downloading the forms at www.isd191.org/theEDGE.

Registration opens for unique summer program for grades 6-9

Burnsville Promise focuses on student success

Become a partner. Learn more about pathways and Burnsville Promise at www.isd191.org/burnsvillepromise or call Kathy Funston, director of Strategic Partnerships and Pathways, at 952-707-6276 or [email protected].

Page 4: Your Schools, Your Community Spring 2016

Burnsville High School students will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on,

real-world technology skills next year as the school partners with the Minnesota Department of Education and Best Buy to offer the Mouse Squad Certification Badge Program.

The program, which will be embedded in the school’s IT Exploration class, gives students the opportunity to learn tech skills including operating a help desk service, managing hardware, developing applications, programming, networking and web developments. Students will even work side-by-side with Best Buy Geek Squad members.

“By leveraging students’ savvy and interest in new technologies, we can help cultivate an ‘expert’ identity in students, where they are motivated

to seek new skills, contribute ideas and find unique pathways toward success,” said Cindy Drahos, computer technology teacher and coordinator of the Mouse Squad program at BHS.

Eventually, the program will allows students to set up and run their own Mouse Squad help desk in the school, providing tech support to students and staff and giving them real experience applying their skills, providing a service and building their resumes.

When students successfully complete the curriculum, they can earn digital badges as a type of certification indicating their skills and knowledge. Those badges can be presented to employers, such as Best Buy, IBM and Google, who recognize them as certification of broad-based information technology skills.

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

TWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 32254

100 River Ridge Ct. Burnsville, MN 55337

Building a strong school community to support student success

Joe Gothard

Superintendent’s Column

Your Schools Your Community

Spring 2016VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3

My goal as a leader is to build the strongest school community in the state of Minnesota. Our community is our greatest strength, and the manner in which we work

together will determine our success.

As a community, everything we do must be focused on universal high expectations for all students. Values, beliefs, assumptions and core values must be aligned to success for every child as the backbone of what drives us.

I want every student to feel like Nicollet Junior High student Sundus. She awed everyone when she spoke at the recent State of the District event.

“We’re not homogenous — we have different backgrounds, stories and lifestyles, and that in itself is empowering,” Sundus said about her school community. “But no matter how different we are, we all share one thing: the desire to succeed and we are all willing to help each other out to get there. We are expressive and individualistic and our community accepts, embraces and welcomes that. I not only find that empowering and helping me with my goal of success, but I also find that inspiring and a great thing to have.”

Ever since I arrived here nearly three years ago, I’ve heard people comment on the diversity of our school district. I believe that diversity is our greatest strength, and our greatest challenge.

Clearly, diversity has become a topic at the forefront across our country. Turn on any news program and watch for 15 minutes. As we

work to choose the next president, you’ll see heated debates about the differences in how we look and speak, what religions we practice, and our countries of origin.

It is my unending belief that we cannot simply mention race relations without having a specific plan in place. I’m so proud that our Board of Education, school leaders and teacher leaders have committed to our future as a culturally proficient school system that responds to the needs of all learners.

Our plan for the future is not optional. We are committed to raising student achievement and strengthening relationships among students, staff and our community. We are creating a culturally proficient school system by embracing who we are. Our demographics have indeed changed in One91 and I’m proud to live, work and serve in a diverse school community.

By refinancing some of its debt to a lower interest rate, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 will save nearly $6.14 million in interest over a 15-year period.

The timing was perfect and savings are greater than expected because interest rates are at a 50-year low, according to Jeff Seeley of Ehlers and Associates. In addition, he said there was a lot of interest in the bond sale because the district has a strong financial rating.

The process is similar to when homeowners refinance their mortgage to take advantage of more favorable interest rates. The money saved will result in lower future levies for debt repayment, which will be a direct savings to taxpayers.

“We continually review our finances to look for places we can save money or reduce costs,” said Lisa Rider, executive director of business services. “We have refinanced similar bonds in past years whenever it is possible.”

A third bond is a possible candidate for refinancing in the near future. “Timing is critical and it is the reason we work closely with our financial advisors of Ehlers and Associates to determine the ideal timing to maximize the savings to taxpayers,” said Rider.

Refinancing bonds will save big money

Educational technology is expanding in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District 191 schools and classrooms thanks to the community’s approval of the Vision

One91 technology referendum a year ago. “We’re excited to be expanding the use of technology

for learning,” said Cindy Amoroso, assistant superintendent. “Our students need to learn technological skills to be real-world ready and prepared for college and career success— these are vital skill sets for today.”

That’s why beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all elementary schools will have teachers who serve as digital learning specialists. They will give direct instruction on technology skills and applications to all students throughout the year. They will also support teachers in using technology for instruction.

To make it possible to have digital learning specialists, the focus of one of the elementary specialist positions will change from science to digital learning. Digital

learning specialists will be in the rotation with the other specialists who teach phy ed, art and music at each of the ten elementary schools.

Science will be taught by elementary classroom teachers, beginning next year. Their licensure includes science, and they will have an expanded science curriculum to embed in the regular instructional day.

“Science continues to be an important subject in our elementary schools as we prepare students for our STEA3M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, AVID, Advanced Learning and Math) middle schools and for many science-related learning opportunities at Burnsville High School,” said Amoroso.

Science courses have been added at nearly every grade level in the district’s new course guide for grades 6-12. At Burnsville High School, an addition of 50,000 square feet is being added and designed to meet the scientific needs of students.

Vision One91 Update: Digital learning specialists will teach vital tech skills

Instructional technology is increasing learning opportunities for students.

Keep up with Vision One91 progress:

• On the website, view videos and more at

www.isd191.org/vision191.

• Social media: facebook.com/isd191;

twitter.com/isd191, instagram.com/isd191

•Subscribe to the district’s e-newsletter

at www.isd191.org/enews

In this issue: Expanding technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Chess champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Perfect PSAT score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Employee awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Burnsville Promise collaboration . . . Page 3

Are you new to the district? Welcome to Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191! Enrollment for all new students takes place online at www.isd191.org/enroll or at the district’s Welcome Center, lower level, of Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway. For more information, call the Welcome Center at (952) 707-4180 or email at [email protected].

Tech certification program comes to BHS

Once again this summer, staff members will be reading some of their favorite stories for young children on Thursdays at Nicollet Commons Park as part of the “Rockin’ Readers” series in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

This year’s line up of “rock star readers” includes:

Join ‘Rockin’ Readers’ this summer at Nicollet Commons Park

• June 16: William Byrne Principal Lyle Bomsta and Sky Oaks Principal Jon Bonneville

• June 23: Harriet Bishop Principal Erika Nesvig and Edward Neill Principal Dr. Elizabeth Vaught

• June 30: Welcome Center in Spanish and Somali

• July 14; Assistant Superintendent Cindy Amoroso and Individualized Student Services Director Stephanie Corbey

• July 21: Rahn Principal Barbara Borer and Hidden Valley Principal Kristine Black

• July 28: Superintendent Joe Gothard

• Aug. 11: Sioux Trail Principal Shannon McParland and Gideon Pond Principal Chris Bellmont

• Aug. 18: Vista View Principal Brad Robb and M.W. Savage Principal Jeff Nepsund.

Readers will start at 11:15 a.m. Stay afterward for the Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour concerts presented by the City of Burnsville. Nicollet Commons Park is located at 12600 Nicollet Ave. in Burnsville’s Heart of the City.

Free outdoor concerts will be offered this summer through Wednesday in the Park, a partnership of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Community Education and the City of Burnsville.

Concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Burnsville’s Civic Center Park, just east of Nicollet Avenue between 130th and 134th Street.

Concerts are:

In case of inclement weather, concerts will take place at Gideon Pond Elementary School, 600 E. 130th Street.

Concert-goers get a free pop when they bring a nonperishable food item to concerts. Popcorn will be sold by the Burnsville Senior Center for just $1 a box.

For more information, go to www.communityed191.org.

Enjoy free outdoor concerts on six Wednesdays this summer

• June 29: The Percolators: Rock, country, blues and R&B• July 6: The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue• July 20: Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band• July 13: Tricia & the Toonies Family Fun Show• July 27: Jack Brass Band: New Orleans brass bands • Aug. 3: Remembering the King: The complete Elvis experience

Teams from Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville and Harriet Bishop Elementary in Savage won state titles at the Minnesota State Scholastic Chess Championship, in March.

The Metcalf team took home the junior high championship, its 29th team title in school history. The team also had several impressive individual performances. Jackson Reichert, Zander Gorton and Ben Brekke, all ninth graders, took fifth, sixth and 11th place, respectively. Eighth grader Jarett Mosoti took 13th place individually.

Other members of the Metcalf team that participated at state were Arbaz Ansar, Griffin Boos, Jacob Callenius, Tommy Faba, Anthony Friedmann, Noah Helke, Wes Ho, Mark Huttman, Kent Le-Vu, Lyla LIchliter, Andrew Madonna, Andrew Moe, Matt Nguyen, Chance Persons, Collin Ridgeway, Zach Smith, Adam Stadick, Brayden Taheri, Ross Waataja, David Wilkens and Carson Zerr.

Despite having just two team members, the Harriet Bishop team finished as state champions in the elementary division behind individual champion Calvin York, a sixth grader at the school. Fifth grader Saketh Budideti took third place. Also, in the elementary section, fifth grader Gavin Kellen, from William Byrne, placed fourth overall.

Metcalf Junior High has a long history of chess success.

Two District 191 teams win state chess titles

100 River Ridge Ct. Burnsville, MN 55337

pan
Sticky Note
ko color in masthead