Experience EPS Winter 2014 Newsletter

WINTER 2014 èVIEW PAST ISSUES

www.edinaschools.org

Service-learning program helps learners connect curriculum to the real world Program engages students in community issues, problems and needs

IN THIS ISSUE 3 News in Brief 4 Early Education Partnership 5 Superintendent’s Perspective 6 EHS Collaborative Wednesdays 7 When the Bell Rings 8 Financial Planning 9 Edina Celebrates 125th Birthday 10 2014 School Board 11 Community Calendar PIP PSA-1 2.5" x 1" ad.pdf 12 Homework Help Program1 10/14/13 Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

Partners in Pediatrics supports reading for children of all ages as an important part of their well-being.

There is a difference between service-learning and community service, and Edina Public Schools (EPS) staff and students can tell you what it is.

“Service-learning is an instructional strategy that teaches our students how service is about more than just volunteering,” says EPS Service Learning Coordinator Julie Rogers Bascom.

“While volunteering is valuable, service-learning encourages students to think beyond their

Service-learning asks students to be more than just a good person; it helps them identify a community problem and encourages them to determine and engage in the solution.

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comfort zone at where there is a need, and what the actual need is. It is about doing what is right, not just doing.”

EPS is proud of its long history of community service, so adding service-learning to the curriculum nine years ago, with the help of a federal Learn and Serve America grant, was a natural step. Service-learning asks students to be more than just a good person; it helps them identify a community problem and encourages them to determine and engage in a solution. This teaching methodology gives students important character development opportunities and supports Edina’s core values of compassion, integrity, responsibility, and community.

A comprehensive study from UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute found that

service-learning improves overall academic performance. Data showed that students who participated in service-oriented projects received higher test scores and grade-point averages. In addition, students who participate in service-learning: • display increased personal and social responsibility; • make an easier transition to adulthood; • are more accepting of cultural diversity; • experience increased trust in peers and adults; • are more likely to act responsibly; and • feel comfortable helping others èCONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

COVER STORY CONT. by the numbers

1,125,000

STUDENT meals served

20% Increase in breakfast meals over last year

2% Increase in School lunches sold

170,000 lbs. of fresh produce purchased

Pictured from left to right: Countryside "Change Buddies" project, Edina High School "Passion Project," and Cornelia Craft Bazaar

You don’t have to look far in Edina to see how service-learning is impacting the lives of students and community. From Countryside’s 5th grade “Change Buddies” service project, which teaches students to collaborate on civic issues, to the 10th grade “Passion Project,” which challenges students to research solutions for causes they are passionate about, EPS students are raising their voices and making ripples of change everyday.

In the past, projects have also included working with the Friends of the Rainforest program, an Anti-Apathy Project, a 70,000-meal Campaign Against Hunger program which raised more than $12,000, a craft bazaar for Feed My Starving Children, and more.

“We reflect before, during and after each [service-learning] project so that we can learn how to serve these students best. Plus, the students do the same sort of reflection upon their own values and insights so they can learn from their process and participation as well,” notes Rogers Bascom.

Rogers Bascom collaborates with teachers and staff on their servicelearning projects, so that it benefits them as well as the students. The projects help teachers meet state standards that often take several outside hours of planning.

“Often times teachers will call me wondering how to go about setting up a service-learning project,” Rogers Bascom says. “I am their liaison and my role is to make this easy for them.”

The service-learning teaching method includes every student and aligns with the district’s All for All mission. Integrating it into the curriculum helps instill the importance of civic duty into the daily lives of students.

“Lots of our kids are going to be leaders in their businesses and communities,” says Rogers Bascom. “Our goal is to foster a sense of compassion for those who are different than themselves so they can see humanity from a different perspective and will therefore be better leaders.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF All for All

The mission of the Edina Public Schools, working in partnership with the family and the community, is to educate all individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.

EPS School Board

SchoolBoard@edinaschools.org Randy Meyer, Chair Cathy Cella, Vice Chair Regina Neville, Clerk Leny Wallen-Friedman, Treasurer Sarah Patzloff, Assistant Treasurer David Goldstein, Assistant Clerk Lisa O’Brien, Assistant Clerk The cost to produce Experience EPS is largely offset by contributions from Partners in Pediatrics. For more information on this publication, contact the Communications Department at communications@edinaschools.org, or call 952-848-3919.

EHS earns accolades for AP Honor Roll and Scholar Recognition For the second time in four years, Edina Public Schools has been named to the 4th Annual Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll. A total of 477 school districts in the United States and Canada earned a place on this prestigious list. Edina was one of seven Minnesota schools on the Honor Roll. In addition to the district-level recognition, 458 students achieved AP Scholar Award recognition for their outstanding success with AP Exams in 2013. This number represents approximately onefourth of students enrolled at EHS.

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RATE EPS AS EXCELLENT OR GOOD

I HAVE A DREAM

Creek Valley class video honored by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Jamie Hawkinson’s 4th grade class at Creek Valley had a dream; and it came true. As part of National Human Right’s week and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Hawkinson’s class submitted a video for contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights that applied those famous words to present-day lives. The class won first place for their age category, showing how race, diversity and the ideals of Dr. King’s dream is present in their lives and school today.

EHS named Confucius Classroom by the University of Minnesota Confucius Institute and the Hanban Institute This distinct honor provides EHS with a grant that provides access to top ranked training for teachers, student exchange programs, and summer camp immersion experiences. As a Confucius Classroom, EHS will be provided with funding over the next five years to enhance their Chinese language program.

Residents give high marks on quality of education In a survey conducted earlier this fall by The Morris Leatherman Company, a Minneapolis-based survey firm, 99 percent of respondents rated EPS as excellent or good. According to the survey, Edina’s quality ratings are among the top of metro school districts, with the majority of residents feeling that the district is headed in the right direction. In addition, 98 percent of residents and parents rated Edina teachers and instructional staff as excellent or good.

South View Teacher Recognized as MN Music Educator of the Year EPS is proud to announce Geneva Fitzsimonds as one of two Minnesota Music Educators of the Year.

Fitzsimonds teaches 7th and 9th grade band, as well as jazz band for all grades at South View Middle School.The Music Educator of the Year is awarded by the Minnesota Music Educators Association to teachers demonstrating excellence in music teaching and learning as well involvement outside of school.

Read full articles and get more news at www.edinaschools.org

Partnership crucial to success of Early Education and Special Education Departments Departments find strength in joining forces

EPS EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW Edina Family Center, 952-848-3908

The Edina Family Center, a program of Edina Community Education Services, provides early education programs for families with children from birth through age five. Programs include baby and me classes, Early Childhood Family Education, preschool, childcare, and parent education.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), 952-848-4236

ECSE provides early intervention to young children, age birth to kindergarten, who show developmental delay in the general areas of speech and language, large and fine motor skills, social and emotional behavior, cognitive and/or adaptive skills, or have vision or hearing losses. All participants receive a formal evaluation prior to placement.

The two programs have since aligned school year calendars, hired Laurie Denn and Lisa Hawthorne are bringing new life to the word parent liaisons to engage all families, and combined policies such as “collaboration.” Last year, the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) equity and safety/security. In the short time since this has occurred, the department and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) department were two very separate departments that worked together when needed. two women have doubled their resources and have a more effective leadership team. From a teacher’s perspective, they have a better But thanks to the collaboration between Denn, Edina Family Center understanding and learn to value each student’s Coordinator, and Hawthorne, Early Childhood unique skill set whether they have advanced Special Education Coordinator, and their teams, We recognized or special needs. Most importantly, families are these departments and resources are joining forces. the need for collaboration benefiting from team teaching and an education that enriches their children’s understanding of all types of The partnership began when Denn and Hawthorne between our programs kids. realized that the students they serve start at the when we realized how same level, as early education kids. It has led to strong we’d be as one.

“We are really trying to be intentional about asking stronger and better programs— where hallways ourselves, who else should be involved in this aren’t seens as barriers but connectors. discussion,” adds Hawthorne. “Collaborating with ECFE has changed my thinking about who is affected by my decisions and how we can better “We recognized the need for collaboration between our programs when serve our families.” we realized how strong we’d be as one,” says Denn. “Now we focus on sending out one consistent message that these are all our children and The teams now have four professional development sessions for staff there is a definite place in our program for each and every one of them.” and are partnering together on leadership initiatives and collaborative Bit by bit the programs have begun to work together starting with shared learning efforts. Their goal is to continue to grow and learn with and from classrooms, teachers, and resources. each other, while examining the best practices and improvement models that will benefit every child.

“Once we took down the physical barriers, collaboration and “The bottom line is we support kids,” says Denn. “Our goal of being a understanding came quite easily,” says Hawthorne. “We know all these high-quality, data-driven, play-based experience for kids hasn’t changed. students end up in one classroom when they go to kindergarten, so we figured we could start when they are even younger. We have really seen We have just strengthened our resources which results in an improved educational experience.” so many students flourish and shine when in a combined situation.”

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SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Get Ready for the Next Generation of Learning 2014 plans to be busy year as the district moves ahead with strategic work In July 2012, Edina Public Schools approved and updated strategic plan that created a vision to ensure our district will continue to be among the premier school districts, both nationally and internationally. Originally framed by a task force of students, parents, staff, and community members, we have been working hard to implement the vision with a blend of study, research, and action plans. As we enter a new calendar year, we will be moving forward several key initiatives to ensure the continued success of all our students as we forge the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools.

The need for educational evolution is the talk of schools across the country and around the world. Everyone from parents, educational experts, politicians, and even architects and designers, are talking about how we can

transform how we teach and learn in ways that will impact students today and in the future.

In the 2010 book, The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & Learning, a collaborative project by Cannon Design, VS Furniture, and Bruce Mau Design, the authors provide a variety of examples of innovative school and classroom designs that foster creativity and excellence. A poignant statement appears in the book's introduction, in which they note that a “child starting kindergarten this fall will graduate in the third decade of the 21st century. All we can know about the world [they] will step into is that it will have challenges and opportunities beyond what we can imagine today, and problems and possibilities that will demand creativity and ingenuity, responsibility and compassion.

Whether this year’s kindergarten student will merely survive or positively thrive in the decades to come depends in large measure on the experiences [they have] in school.”

Our Next Generation Strategic Plan echoes the sentiment of this reflection. These are truly exciting and dynamic times for education

and our role in preparing all students for the complex world that awaits them. We know that our intentional, researched plan of action is consistent with previous approaches to continuous improvement in Edina Public Schools. While our fast-paced, digital world may place a greater sense of urgency on our work, we know that we have the talent in our staff, students, and families to help our vision become a reality.

This newsletter highlights just some of the creative ways we are already transforming our students’ educational experience. In addition, this year will bring key advancements of our district strategic studies, including the continuation of our Birth to Grade 5 Program Study; refinement of our Secondary (Grades 6-12) Program Plan, which builds off of last year’s study and recommendations approved by the School Board in June 2013; conclusion of our School Facilities Improvement Plan; implementation of our staff evaluation plans, including new teacher and principal evaluations; and expansion of our volunteer program to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge and talent in our community. Over

the next several months we will be sharing more about the progress of our strategic initiatives with our stakeholders, and we look forward to engaging all voices in our work.

The success of Edina Public Schools is driven by our strong strategic planning efforts, which build on our strengths and will take us to the next level. The goals and action items established in our strategic plan are only achieved if all of us—students, staff, families, and community members—work together to reach the desired results. I look forward to this team effort to make 2014 a year that advances our district into the next generation of learning.

Ric Dressen, Superintendent superintendent@edinaschools.org

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TECH BYTE

An Hour of Code

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NEXT GENERATION Collaborative Wednesdays provide time for catch-up and collaboration Dedicated weekly time promotes personalized learning at EHS When Edina High School (EHS) administrators and staff gathered to create a way for teachers to have time to work together while keeping students engaged, no one could have imagined the instant and enormous success their creation would be. Enter “Collaborative Wednesdays” (CW)—an 80-minute block every Wednesday where students can seek enrichment or assistance, make-up missing work, catch up on studying, and collaborate with classmates. This new period also benefits teachers, giving them time to advance their professional learning community work, which including data analysis, instructional planning, and assessment development.

“We are beyond thrilled with the way Collaborative Wednesdays have turned out,” says EHS Assistant Principal Eric Nelson. “Both the staff and students have quickly adapted and have made it an integral part of their weekly schedule. This is one of the most exciting and creative ways we have figured out to effectively use time.”

Each school year now consists of 26, 80-minute blocks of CW time.

Teachers may use 13 sessions for collaborative teamwork and the remaining 13 to work with students. Students can choose to work in either silent study or collaborative learning activities. They can also meet individually with a teacher to get extra help or explore other opportunities to advance their learning. Occasionally EHS offers seminars and workshops during CW that help students plan for their future, which involves completing college applications, learning about competing

athletically at the college level, and exploring career options.

“Students are really using this time appropriately,” says Nelson. “We see them seeking out space to work in groups, gathered in the library stacks, working on their devices in the DECAfé, or working quietly on their own in Fick Auditorium. It is clearly a valued time for both students and teachers.”

For sophomore student-athlete Isabella Swanson, who starts her day at 7:25 a.m. with a zero hour class and is busy with activities after school, meeting with teachers is nearly impossible. She appreciates CW because it gives her time to catch up on any missed work.

Senali Dias Abeygunawardena said he finds CW helpful because, “I can meet with a teacher when they aren’t busy with classes. It takes a huge amount of stress off my shoulders to know that every week I have an opportunity to talk with counselors and teachers to go over my college applications and essays.”

For still being in its infancy, CW is being deemed a huge success. “We are proud of this creative solution to maximize both teacher and student time,” says Nelson. “We will most definitely continue CW next year.”

èLEARN MORE

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STUDENT VOICE When the Bell Rings: A look at student involvement in after school activities

by Hannah Sommerville, Editor, EHS Zephyrus

STAFF SPOTLIGHT In 2003, Jeremy Ostman graduated from Edina High School, and he hasn’t left EPS since. That same year, while studying social work at Wartburg College, he became a paraprofessional at Concord Elementary School. Ostman’s passion for education stems from his own school experiences at EPS. “As a child, I struggled in school, and I understand how that feels and want to be a positive outlet for today’s youth,” Ostman says.

The most rewarding part of Ostman’s job? “Working in a district where there is so much passion for learning, and outstanding resources and leadership,” he says. èREAD MORE

It’s no question that Edina High School students challenge themselves academically, but what happens after the bell rings?

Three high school students—a sophomore, junior, and senior, respectively—are here to show just how involved our high school students are.

Caleb Sprenger, Senior My Monday was really crazy this week.

3:30-6 p.m. | Basketball practice

Basketball has always been a love of mine. It is such an integral part of my family, and it is in my blood.

6-7 p.m. | Basketball fundraiser at Davanni’s

The fundraiser was just a one-time deal, but that's where I ate dinner.

7:30-8:30 p.m. | Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

After the fundraiser I went to FCA, where I am a leader. We happened to be caroling that night so that was how the time was spent.

9-10:15 p.m. | The Ordinary Kids Extraordinary God Bible Study

From FCA, I went straight to the Bible study group that myself and a group of friends started.

Angela Harkman, Junior On Wednesdays: 3-5:15 p.m. | Homework, get ready for work 5:15-9:15 p.m. | Work at Starbucks as a barista

I spend my shifts making drinks, cashiering, and closing up the store. I like it because all of my coworkers are fun and in their late 20s/early 30s. It’s a fun

From left to right: Caleb Sprenger (12), Angela Harkman (11), and Owen Pearson (10).

Photo Credit: Bridgit Loeffelholz, EHS Zephyrus

escape from high school. I also really enjoy making drinks…plus I get paid, which helps with gas money and such.

9:15-11/12 p.m. | Homework

A.P. U.S. Literature and Language (APULL) reading generally takes up a lot of time, not because it is hard, but there is a lot of reading assigned. I also always complete my math homework. Even though it isn’t worth points, I have to do it in order to understand the material. Lastly, I work on APUSH IDs if I have procrastinated.

11 p.m.-12 a.m. | Bedtime Owen Pearson, Sophomore 3-6:30 p.m. | Swim practice.

Very good coach, people, and exercise

6:30-7 p.m. | Change, get home 7:15-8 p.m. | Dinner 8:00-? p.m. | Homework

Studying AP Stats and AP U.S. History (APUSH) take up the most time

?- p.m. | Go to bed

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THE BOTTOM LINE BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS 2014-15 FISCAL YEAR JUL.

Despite new state funding, adjustments, reallocations likely

2013-14 START

2012-13 Financial Audit

AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.

2013-14 Final Budget Updates & Adjustments

MAY JUN.

Levy Certification

Long Range Planning, Budget Adjustments Board Approval

Final Approval

District takes long-term approach to financial planning

Legislative Session

Detailed 2014-15 Budget Preparation

2014-15 START

= Stakeholder Feedback

Independent audit reports and community opinion concur, finances in Edina Public Schools are strong. Maintaining this reputation for fiscal stewardship is at the core of the district’s long-range financial planning, which includes looking at budgeting for the 2014-15 school year and beyond.

“By taking a multi-year approach, we are better able to align our resources to the district’s core mission of learning,” says Director of Business Services Margo Bauck. “We know that there will always be nuances that require annual adjustments, but we need to also be looking out 3-to-5 years so that we are prepared for what lies ahead.”

of about $1.1 million in its general fund, which equates to 1 percent of its budget. To address the shortfall, the district will tap into its reserves as well as target approximately $750,000 in adjustments.

“We are very appreciative of the additional student aid provided by the state, but rising costs continue to be a concern for school districts, not just Edina, but across the state,” says Bauck. “We continue to look at efficiencies where we can, but we know we must also be creative with the dollars we have and allocate resources in ways that best meet the goals and vision of our strategic directions.”

In looking at next year, the district will retain a fund balance of about 8 percent of revenues to assist with cash flow and unexpected expenditures. Despite additional state funding for the 2014-2015 year, as well as stable enrollment, the district is looking at a budget deficit

In the long term, the trajectory of district finances indicates a growing shortfall if the district continues to allocate its funds as usual. In making regular minor adjustments, as it did last year and will do this spring, the district’s financial picture will be more stable and allow the district to plan for the future.

We continue to look at efficiencies where we can, but we know we must also be creative with the dollars we have and allocate resources in ways that best meet the goals and vision of our strategic directions.

“We have many exciting initiatives outlined in our Next Generation strategic plan that we know will help us achieve our mission, and that is our focus,” says Bauck. “We need to make sure that we align all of our resources – finances, staff, facilities – so that we can focus on the most important aspect of our work – personalizing learning for all our students so that they are able to thrive in rapidly changing, global world.”

èLEARN MORE ABOUT SCHOOL FINANCES

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Edina Celebrates 125th Birthday with Founders' Day Event

CITY BEAT

By Michael McGivern, Communications Intern, City of Edina Throughout 2013, the City of Edina celebrated its quasquicentennial with various events that included an art exhibit, figure skating show, historical home tour, and parade.

To cap off the year, the City held its Founders' Day celebration on Dec. 12, 2013 at City Hall.

Nearly 90 direct descendants from 14 of Edina’s original families attended the event and were honored during the ceremony. Some descendants who attended still live in Edina, while some traveled from as far as Seattle and northern California.

The collaboration between City staff and Edina’s Historical Society Board began in June 2011 with the Quasquicentennial Committee being formed in January 2012.

The ceremony kicked off with a pre-taped video message from Sen. Al Franken and a performance by the Edina Chorale, which also sang several other songs throughout the evening.

The program featured first-hand accounts from journal and memoir entries read by City staff and residents of how the City has evolved from a Civil War-era farmland that could have been named Hennepin Parks or Westfield, to Edina, a diverse, booming suburb of Minneapolis.

“It has always been a goal to provide an overview of the City’s history,” said Edina City Council Member and Founders' Day Committee Head Joni Bennett. “[Founders' Day] covers different events while honoring [Edina’s] descendants.”

“Mrs. Bennett has gone over the top,” said Quasquicentennial Committee Member Ceil Smith. “To see some of the various family members of the town’s original descendants is truly amazing.”

Edina Public School’s history was recapped by Superintendent Ric Dressen and School Board Member Regina Neville. The rich tradition of Hornet Athletics was profiled Skip Thomas of the 1969 State championship hockey team and Caroline Sierks, current Edina student-athlete.

Institutions like the Edina Theatre, Fairview Hospital and the Southdale Center were prominently featured as well.

Kay Bach and Betty Hemstad, who co-chaired Edina’s Centennial Commission, wrapped up the Founders' Day program. The duo reviewed all the various events from 1988 before giving the floor to Quasquicentennial Committee Chair Ruth Valgamae, who closed the program and reminded everyone to mark their calendars for December 2038 when Edina celebrates its sesquicentennial.

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ISD 273 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424 www.edinaschools.org

2014 school board Stay Connected

Great stories happen everyday. Sign-up for the Edina In the Know weekly electronic newsletter at edinaschools.org/know and stay connected.

At their meeting on Jan. 13, 2014, the School Board welcomed new members David Goldstein and Lisa O’Brien. Goldstein, a practicing lawyer, avid volunteer, and EPS parent, joins the School Board wanting to maintain the district’s tradition of excellence. O’Brien, who holds a Ph.D. in child psychology and has three children enrolled at EPS, joins the School Board with hopes to help every child succeed. To learn more about the 2014 School Board, visit www.edinaschools.org/schoolboard.

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calendar February 2014

1 EHS Winter Play "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", 7:00 p.m., EPAC 3 Edina Education Fund Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Church of St. Patrick

PCN National Speaker Forum with JoAnn Deak, 7:00 p.m., EPAC

5 CANCELLED: Late Start Day - No AM Kindergarten;

No ECSE or ECFE classes held before 12:00 noon 8 All-City Orchestra Concert, 2:00 p.m., South View Gym 10 School Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Edina Community Ctr. Room 349

17 No School - President’s Day 18 CANCELLED: No School 21-22 EHS POPS Concert, 7:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. Saturday matinee 24 School Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 27-28 EHS POPS Concert, 7:00 p.m., Fick Auditorium

March 2014

1 EHS POPS Concert, 7:00 p.m., Fick Auditorium

7 CANCELLED: No School 10 PCN Forum “Learning from Mistakes,” 7:00 p.m., Creek Valley Gym 11 EHS Orchestra Concerto Concert, 7:00 p.m., Fick Auditorium 11-12 Lake Conference Band Festival 17 School Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Edina Community Ctr., Room 349 28 Early Release Day - No PM Kindergarten; No ECSE or ECFE classes held after 12:00 noon SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL: March 31 - April 4

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èVIEW PHOTO GALLERY

SNAPSHOT EPS Some assembly is required. What do a bicycle, an eggbeater and Polaris pool cleaner have in common? Ask students in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) 7th grade Design and Robotics class, who during the last week of the fall semester were asked to build 10 different gear assemblies, with no instructions. Using the mechanics of gears, students looked at illustrations of completed configurations and used a toolkit of parts to assmble and engineer the desired outcomes.

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION Successful Homework Help program expands to Countryside, Creek Valley Edina Volunteer Program grows to meet school and community needs For the past five years, the Homework Help program at Cornelia Elementary has touched the lives of many students and community members, providing one-on-one mentoring and academic assistance for students after school. After its initial success, the goal has always been to bring the program into all EPS elementary schools. And thanks to a grant from the Edina Education Fund, students at Countryside and Creek Valley elementaries are benefitting from the program’s expansion, which took place earlier this fall.

“Since we started the program in midNovember, our student and volunteer attendance has been nearly 100 percent,”

Every child needs a ‘sense of possible,’ especially when a concept seems difficult to grasp. I think our Homework Help program meets our students in that way.

says Countryside Homework Help Coordinator, Erica Li. “The students are most grateful for a quiet, focused and resourceful place to complete homework, and for mentors who enjoy intentional and meaningful time with the students. After the first week, we noticed natural connections between students and mentors, something we look forward to continuing in 2014.”

As part of the district’s strategic plan, community volunteers have been identified as a vital strategy in achieving our All for All mission creating the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools. Community volunteers help provide resources for the district, and in turn, benefit from specific training on core skills, curriculum and equity that helps advance the entire community.

First-time volunteer and Edina resident Hope Melton has found the experience to be both challenging and rewarding. “I see my student making progress, mostly due to her own efforts,” she says. “I see my role as being

primarily supportive and encouraging while providing academic support. It is important for kids to have a positive presence of adults in their lives aside from their own parents.”

“Every child needs a ‘sense of possible,’ especially when a concept seems difficult to grasp, and I think that our Homework Help program meets our students in that way,” adds Li. “We provide intentional time, space and resources for students to own their learning.”

Melton encourages other community members to consider volunteering. “It does not take a lot of time, it isn’t difficult, and it is very rewarding.”

Expansion plans are in place for the Edina Volunteer Program during the 2014-15 school year. New program features will provide a wide array of volunteer options, which will allow volunteers to customize their service based on their availability, needs and skill level. Opportunities will include short-term and long-term options for both academic and nonacademic support positions.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER 952-848-4926 volunteer@edinaschools.org www.edinaschools.org/volunteer

Edina Public Schools is committed to using volunteers to promote and strengthen partnerships between the school and community, and to help personalize instruction and enrich curriculum for all learners. Volunteer opportunities are available for homework help, resource speakers, and some classroom support opportunities.

è Join us in helping all learners thrive and achieve!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual well child visits as an important part of your child’s health care. pipstop.com

aap.org

Our Maple Grove office is open 7 days a week Monday-Thursday evenings until 8 pm • All our clinics open at 8 am Saturday and Sunday Mornings 8:30-12:30 pm

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Illness and injury can’t wait for an appointment.

At Partners in Pediatrics, no appointments are needed…just come on in.

The sooner you get here, the sooner you get better.

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CALHOUN LOCATION Phone: 952-562-8787 Hours: 8 am to 5 pm • Monday through Friday MAPLE GROVE 494 & Bass Lake Road 763.559.2861

BROOKLYN PARK 85th Ave. N. near 252 763.425.1211

PLYMOUTH 55 & 494 763.520.1200

ROGERS

101 at 141st 763.428.1920