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EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS
Inspiring Each Student Every Day April 2015
Referendum Promises are Underway
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he passage of the operating levy has stabilized the district’s finances and provided Eden Prairie Schools with the funds necessary to sustain its tradition of excellence. Three primary investments were promised during the campaign with the passage of both questions on the ballot including: 1. Improve reading levels for the youngest learners by lowering class sizes in kindergarten and grade 1. 2. Better prepare students for college/career through personalized learning in grades 2-12. 3. Maximize benefits of 1:1 technology supported by approval of last year’s capital projects/tech levy. These three investments bring the district closer to achieving its mission and accomplishing the strategic objectives defined in its strategic plan.
Putting the Dollars to Use
This year, the district has already begun capitalizing on those investments and making plans for implementation into the future. 1. All kindergarten and first grade targeted class sizes have been lowered to 20 students per class for the 2015-2016 school year. There was an increase in 11 new kindergarten or first grade sections across the district. Sections can also be referred to as classrooms. (No construction or building improvements were made to accommodate the additional classroom need.) New kindergarten and first grade teachers will be hired this spring. 2. Twelve elementary reading and math specialists (two specialists at each elementary school building) were hired this spring. These specialists will start working in the 2015-2016 school year and will serve as instructional coaches
to support personalized learning strategies in the classroom. Specialists will work with both students and teachers. 3. The referendum has also allowed for the expansion of professional development opportunities in personalized learning. This year, a group of teachers came together under a blended learning model, which includes face-to-face and online learning. This cohort discovered what it means to personalize learning and how to best deliver this inside their classroom. Next year, this model will be expanded to include more cohorts and blended courses.
Property Tax Impacts
The referendum’s financial impact on a homeowner is approximately $13/month on the average home of $325,000. You can view your specific property tax increase based on your home value through Ehler’s and Associates’ Property Tax Calculator at www.ehlers-inc.com/custom/taxinformation/EdenPrairie. (The calculator is located toward the middle of the page.) Homeowners should have received property tax statements mailed by Hennepin County during the month of March. These statements show the change in property taxes for the 2015 calendar year. The school tax amount is broken down between Voter Approved Levies and Other Local Levies. Overall, the Voter Approved portion was reduced and the Other Local Levies increased. When reviewing the property tax statement, it is important to keep in mind other factors including the valuation of your property and property tax portions for Hennepin County, City of Eden Prairie and Other Special Taxing Districts, which all have impacts to your property tax bill. Residents should contact each entity directly regarding their respective portions of their property taxes.
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New Analytics Confirm EPHS Leads in College Prep
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den Prairie High School remains a leader in preparing students for postsecondary education. More EPHS graduates attend college than any other Minnesota high school with a graduating class of more than 50, according to statistics from the Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS).
ECRWSS
DEN PRAIRIE EPS ESCHOOLS
Inspiring Each Student Every Day
8100 School Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
EPHS ranks fourth in the state with 90 percent of the class of 2013 enrolled in a post-secondary school. The schools ahead of EPHS have class sizes around 30, compared to 672 students in the 2013 graduating class at EPHS. Additional data on the class of 2013 includes enrollment percentages of the 20 largest Minnesota high schools, diverse group enrollment statistics, and specific college enrollment data. The recognition is in addition to recent college preparatory statistics from the National Student Clearinghouse. The data revealed more Eden Prairie High School graduates attend college and achieve a degree within six years than graduates from any of our counterparts in the Lake Conference. Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS) is a joint project between the Office of Higher Education (OHE), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The data includes approximately 500,000 Minnesota public high school graduates from 2007-2013.
% of Graduates Enrolled in Post-Secondary School EdenPrairie Prairie High High School School Eden Mahtomedi HS Morris Area School Eagan HS Edina HS Wayzata HS Virginia HS PACT Charter School Chanhassen HS Maple Grove HS Bloomington Jefferson HS Osakis HS Eastview HS Byron HS Delano HS Minnetonka HS Prior Lake HS Mounds View HS Murray County Central HS Sartell-Saint Stephen HS 80
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EPHS ranks #1 in the top 20 Minnesota high schools in percentage of graduates enrolled in post-secondary school (graduating classes greater than 50).
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Inspiring Each Student Every Day
A Strategic Look Ahead: Preparing Students for Unknown Futures A message from Superintendent Curt Tryggestad
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ifteen years from now, today’s 10-yearolds will be newly launched into their careers. With the world changing as fast as it is - we can expect the jobs of 2030 will look vastly different than those we hold today.
An education that prepares students for an ever-evolving future Curt Tryggestad demands innovation and a willingness to adapt to new ideas. We graciously accept the challenge and responsibility to prepare students for the future beyond our doors and jobs that don’t yet exist. We are guided by a mission to inspire each and every student that enrolls in any one of our schools or programs so they are empowered to reach personal fulfillment and contribute purposefully to a world that is ever-changing. We have already achieved great success in our work
to prepare students for their futures. In the last year, Eden Prairie High School received two significant rankings in college preparation - distinguishing the school as a clear leader in preparing students for postsecondary education. Our unique block schedule, along with growing advanced placement course options and a proactive Career Resource Center all support our students’ choice to attend college. This month, the district will complete its yearly review of the strategic plan defined in 2012 by a cross-section of parents, staff and community members. The plan is our roadmap through the year 2018, guiding decisions and development as the district moves forward. In this review, we will assess the progress the district has made in the last year toward achieving our mission and strategic objectives. I look forward to engaging with this team of leaders in our community who genuinely care about the quality of education we provide each student. Our work within the strategic plan aligns with the expectations set by the state. In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Education passed a bill to ensure every school district in the state is making strides to increase student performance. The bill, titled World’s Best Workforce, aims to achieve five goals that are based on
Community Education Combines Programs into New Little Eagles Preschool
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den Prairie Community Education’s Early Childhood Program is combining former preschool programs into one cohesive program – Little Eagles Preschool.
The Little Eagles Preschool program aligns with Eden Prairie Schools k-12 curriculum and will work closely with early childhood special education and kindergarten teachers to foster a successful transition from preschool to kindergarten. Beginning this fall, all preschool classes will be housed at the Lower Campus Preschool Center located at 8100 School Road. More information about Little Eagles Preschool is available at www.edenpr.org/epcommunityed.
“Eden Prairie Schools has a longstanding reputation of excellence that was established on the principle of not just ordinary, but extraordinary academics and opportunities for our students.” Curt Tryggestad Superintendent
closing the achievement gap and ensuring all students are prepared for college and a career. Eden Prairie Schools has a long-standing reputation of excellence that was established on the principle of not just ordinary, but extraordinary academics and opportunities for our students. We keep this in mind as we work to inspire each learner and prepare them for a world of endless possibilities and opportunities.
2015-2016 School Calendar Approved First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 8 • Last Day of School: Thursday, June 9; Winter Break: Dec. 21-Jan. 1 • Spring Break: April 4-8 JULY 2015
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2015-16 District Calendar September Sept. 7 No School: Labor Day Sept. 8 First day of school: Kindergarten-Grade 12 Sept.15 & 17 Central Middle School- 7th Grade only Curriculum/Open House/Informal Conference Night (6-8 p.m.) Sept. 21 Eden Prairie High School Conferencing/Open House (6-8 p.m.) Sept. 22 Central Middle School- 8th Grade only Curriculum/Open & 24 House/Informal Conference Night (6-8 p.m.) October Oct. 7 Eden Prairie High School Conferences (4-7 p.m.) Oct. 8 Elementary Conferences (4-8 p.m.) Oct. 9 No School Oct. 12
Elementary Conferences (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) Eden Prairie High School Conferences (4-7 p.m.)
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Competition Preps Students for Employment Juniors and seniors in the Work Experience class participated in the second annual Job Skills Competition. Staff from around the district scored the students as they were tested on a variety of daily life skills.
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Inspiring Each Student Every Day
Computer Coding Incorporates Pre-Reading Skills, Problem Solving The kindergarteners were introduced to basic coding sequences with the use of a specialized iPad app. The students started by learning basic coding symbols to move a character up, down, left and right. Then they entered the command codes into the program to move a character along different paths. Within moments of receiving instructions, the kindergarteners were moving arrows into the code grid, trying out their new language.
The software development field is expected to grow
22%
“Through our reading curriculum we learn how a story is put together. We use words like first, next, then and last. We also work on beginning, middle and end which are important in reading and writing,” said Nick Windschitl, kindergarten teacher. “With coding, the students can visually learn the meaning of these sequence words.”
Kindergarteners were recently introduced to basic coding sequences with the use of an app on their iPads. Students in one classroom at Cedar Ridge Elementary show their principal, Ann Swanson, what they’ve learned.
Computer coding is not a new concept to students attending Eden Prairie Schools. Last year students in grades three through eight began participating in The Hour of Code and coding lessons that focused on math and science learning standards. Recently, Eden Prairie High School seniors took the coding skills they’ve learned and put them to practical use. Six seniors designed a mobile app to prevent the spread of invasive species in Minnesota lakes. Their app “InvasiveX,” won Best in the State in the Verizon Innovative App Challenge, a national competition challenging students to design mobile app concepts that address a need or problem in their local communities.
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“Putting their skills to work using industry standard development tools requires critical thinking on a level that is challenging yet exciting,” said Jenn Nelson, Eden Prairie High School teacher.
“While computer coding can be a very advanced process, it combines basic skills students work on each day in the classroom—sequence, counting, planning, problem solving, and reading left-to-right,” said Erin Schiller, Eden Prairie Schools i-learn specialist.
Preparing students for a 21st century workforce is a critical goal for the district. That is why arming students with an edge in computing is essential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the software development field is expected to grow 22%, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Pads in hand, kindergarteners at Eden Prairie Schools have begun learning another language—the language of coding. Introducing such an advanced skill as computer coding to pre-readers helps incorporate skills used in reading comprehension and writing, and has proved to be a favorite among our earliest learners.
FEPS Awards $87,000 in Grants, Welcomes New Executive Director
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den Prairie Schools’ teachers will see some of their most innovative classroom ideas come to life thanks to the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS). This year, FEPS has awarded a total of $87,127 to fund 14 different grant proposals that will impact students in all grade levels.
Sarah Cheesman
The grants support innovative programs within the Eden Prairie School district that enhance and further student learning.
FEPS also welcomes Sarah Cheesman as its new executive director. Cheesman brings over 10 years of nonprofit experience to FEPS, including communications and volunteer coordinator, development associate, and executive director. She also has a long history of volunteering in Eden Prairie Schools as booster club president and chair/member for many of Eden Prairie Schools’ academic and extracurricular events and committees. Cheesman will step in for former executive director Mary Lenker, who served the organization for three years. “We are thankful for the outstanding years of service that Mary dedicated to FEPS,” said FEPS president and CMS teacher Cathy Bockenstedt. Learn more about FEPS at www.foundationforepschools.org.
Register Today for Community Education’s Partnership Breakfast
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ommunity Education’s Annual Partnership Breakfast provides an opportunity for community leaders to develop partnerships among organizations and to learn and share ideas about issues that impact the whole community. This year’s distinguished speaker is Guy Doud, a motivational speaker and the 1986 National Teacher of the Year. The Parnership Breakfast will be held Friday, April 24 at 7:15 a.m. at St. Andrew Church (13600 Technology Drive). Cost is $10 per person. Additional information and online registration is available at www.edenpr.org/epcommunityed.The 2015 Partnership Breakfast is supported through a grant from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.
Students Impact Lives Across the World Cedar Ridge and Eden Lake Elementary students packaged over 80,000 meals to help children and families in hunger-stricken regions. The students worked in shifts to package the meals which consisted of soy, vitamin powder, dried vegetables and rice. The event was organized through Impact Lives, Inc., a non-profit that works to educate, equip and facilitate humanitarian efforts throughout the world.
Credit Union to Open at EPHS this September
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tudents in the Eden Prairie High School Business and Marketing Intern Program will be able to receive hands-on training this fall thanks to a new partnership with Royal Credit Union (RCU). The RCU branch will open an inschool credit union in September and will be staffed by students under the supervision of an RCU Community Financial Education Coordinator. The RCU branch will be designed to function as a credit union and financial education center during the select hours of operation, and as a student community center during non-branch hours. It will feature casual seating, electronic device charging stations for student convenience and an area to conduct visual presentations. During branch hours, the technology will be used to demonstrate how the students can use RCU electronic channels to simplify their lives. The tellers will also offer financial education
presentations, informal tips and useful knowledge to prepare the students for a successful financial future. Innovative teller kiosks will be installed to process transactions that can’t be met with selfservice channels. “This is an exciting opportunity for our school and students,” said EPHS Principal Conn McCartan. “Our business students will be given a chance to cultivate new career skills and gain tangible experience and exposure to the industry before they leave our high school. We thank Royal Credit Union for investing in our youth.” The Royal Credit Union school site program was established in 1994 and currently operates 27 in-school credit union branches in Wisconsin. The Eden Prairie High School branch will be the seventh student-run credit union to open in the state of Minnesota.
Inspiring Each Student Every Day
Tradition of Excellence Wrestling: Senior Ben Brancale won the AAA 138-pound state title. Juniors Simeon Tschumper and Jj Veytia also competed at the state tournament. The wrestling team won the Lake Conference title for the second year in a row, as well as the second time in school history. Senior Ben Brancale also hit his 100th pin during the conference meet.
Science Bowl: The Central Middle School Science Bowl participants placed first at the Minnesota State Regional Science Bowl and will be representing the region at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in May. The science bowl team members are eighth graders Frank Han, Andrew Mou, Dante Natal, Shruti Somasundaram and Patrick Yang. EPHS seniors Lindsey Blanshan, Dylan Naylor, Julia Robinson, Riley Tillitt and Wesley Wang have been named candidates for the 2015 Presidential Scholar Program. Candidates for this program are determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams. Math Team: The EPHS Math Team took second place at the state math competition. They finished their regular season in first place and qualified for the state competition for the 16th consecutive year. Eighth grade team member, Frank Han, tied for second place in the individual tournament. He also tied for second in the All-Around Student Competition and will receive a plaque and scholarship. Swim/Dive: The boys swim team placed third at the state meet with four first place finishes: 200 medley relay, 200 individual medley title (Griffin Back), 100 individual butterfly (Joshua Withers- broke a 17-year Class AA state record), and the 200 freestyle relay. The team had an undefeated season and won their third (in four years) Section 6AA title. They advanced 12 swimmers and one diver to the state tournament. Junior Griffin Back set the 200 IM 6AA record during the section finals.
15 EPHS Seniors Named National Merit Finalists
Nordic Skiing: Girls Nordic Ski Team placed fourth at state. Two skiers placed in the top 10 for individuals: Micayla Batchlor (senior) in seventh; Abigail Drach (senior) in 10th. The Boys Nordic Ski Team placed sixth at state. Basketball: The girls basketball team reached the state semifinals after beating Minneapolis South. They lost to Minnetonka 73-58.
Elizabeth Corpuz
Jeremy Eastwood
Marc Ho
Karena Lin
Alyssha Maes
Ash Manepalli
Sarah Miner
Victor Niu
Julia Robinson
Avonlea Schmitz
McKinley Swift
Riley Tillitt
Wesley Wang
JingJing Zhu
Claire Zurn
Alpine Skiing: The girls ski team placed seventh overall at the state meet, after placing second at the 6AA Section meet. Kelly Cullen (junior) placed 31st overall at the state meet. Jackie Bellefeuille (senior) also qualified for the state tournament as an individual.The boys ski team finished fourth at the 6AA Section tournament. Josh Liberko (senior) qualified for the state tournament as an individual. Sophomore alpine skier Niklaus Zeller, along with eighth graders Rebecca Divine and Molly Zeller, qualified for the Alpine Ski Race Junior National Championships. As members of the team, they represent alpine skiers in a 10 state region. Gymnastics: Lauren Stich (junior) placed fourth on the uneven bars at the state tournament, and placed 12th in all-around. Piper Lincoln (junior) placed in the top 25 in all-around. In section play, Lincoln won the Section 6AA title on vault, and competed in all four rotations plus all-around. Stich won a bars title and finished third on vault and second all-around. Hockey: The boys hockey team took fourth place in Class 2AA. The girls hockey team took second place at the section tournament. They also won the Section Academic Award for the second year in a row. Charly Dahlquist and Lauren Boyle were named top 10 finalists for the Ms. Hockey Award, and named to the Star Tribune’s Girls’ Hockey All-Metro first team.
Creating the World’s Best Workforce
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ow do we best ensure young people are prepared for the world of work from here forward? Today’s industries are rising, evolving and crashing; technology has led to more efficient, effective ways of doing everything; globalization is interconnecting us all. It seems nothing is constant. Many jobs will be phased out, and countless more don’t even exist yet.
Connecting Points is published by Eden Prairie Schools (8100 School Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344). The Connecting Points newsletter is delivered to households and businesses to inform Eden Prairie residents about their public schools.
The Minnesota Legislature, along with the Minnesota Department of Education, agrees that for Minnesota to be competitive, we must prepare students to be college- and careerready and poised to lead the state’s workforce. This is important for a number of reasons: • 70% of jobs will require more than a high school diploma by 2018. • We don’t have qualified candidates to fill many good-paying jobs. • The fastest-growing segment of our future workforce is students of color; and they currently have the state’s lowest graduation rate. • Minnesota has one of the worst black-white achievement gaps in the country. • Our population is aging. In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature passed the World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) bill to ensure every school district in the state is actively making strides to increase student performance. Each district must develop a strategic plan that addresses five goals: • All children are ready for kindergarten. • All third-graders can read at grade level. • All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed. • All students are ready for career and post-secondary education. • All students graduate from high school.
Eden Prairie Schools’ World’s Best Workforce plan closely aligns with the district’s Strategic Plan, and replaces the statemandated “Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement.” The plan must support and improve teaching and learning that is aligned to the World’s Best Workforce and includes: • Clearly defined student achievement goals and benchmarks • Process to evaluate each student’s progress toward meeting the state and local academic standards • System to review and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and curriculum • Practices that integrate high-quality instruction, rigorous curriculum, instructional technology • Collaborative professional culture that support teacher quality, performance and effectiveness • Evidence-based strategies for improving curriculum, instruction and student achievement • An annual budget for continuation of the district’s implementation plan To review Eden Prairie Schools’ World’s Best Workforce plan visit: www.edenpr.org/personalized-learning.
Editor: Jaclyn Swords, Director of Communications and Community Relations, 952-975-7151 or
[email protected] Writers/Photographers: Katie Rice and Jessica Salden Superintendent: Curt Tryggestad Eden Prairie School Board: Ranee Jacobus, Chair Dave Espe, Vice Chair Elaine Larabee, Clerk Karla Bratrud, Treasurer John Estall, Director Holly Link, Director Holly Parker, Director Learn more about Eden Prairie Schools at www.edenpr.org.
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