Learning Newsletter - Summer 2013 by Edina Public Schools

Summer Edition 2013

ISD 273

Edina Public Schools News

Professional Learning Communities focus on student learning Dedicated teacher collaboration time looks at individual student needs, strategies for success As Edina Public Schools (EPS) continues to look at ways to ensure academic growth and high achievement for each and every student, the district has enhanced its Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at each school site to continually increase the quality of student learning in the classroom and ensure alignment with its Next Generation of Edina Schools strategic plan. According to Randy Smasal, EPS Director of Teaching and Learning, the PLCs provide opportunities for all teaching staff to be engaged in looking into ways they can increase learning for all students.

collaborative culture, and results. “Students benefit when their teachers come together and craft lesson plans that help kids learn and understand the content,” he said. “We look forward to building support for this model by incorporating more time into the day for PLC work. Next year’s late start and early release days are a good step in that direction.”

Smasal said that the collaboration time allows teachers to better customize the learning experience for each student by focusing instruction at the “We believe that organizing staff in individual student level. Having additional collaborative teams better meets the needs planning time periodically throughout of all of our students and ensures proficiency the year allows teachers to provide timely and growth for all,” Smasal said. “Through modifications or change instruction in ways the research we have that best meet the needs of compiled, we have found “In working together, their students. that the number one individual teachers At Countryside Elementary, school factor that impacts Principal Karen Bergman are really able to student learning is the noted the importance quality of a teacher in have positive impacts of staff coming together the classroom. Our goal and taking student data on their students’ through our Professional into consideration when Learning Communities is learning.” planning curriculum. to raise the bar of teacher proficiency and continue to close the gap at all “Teachers get a chance to talk about what is levels within the district.” working in their classroom in terms of strategy and how to approach a unit or a particular According to Smasal, high-functioning PLCs standard, ” she said. “In working together, PIP 8x2 page ad 061213.pdf 2 a 6/12/13 8:59 AM focus on learning over teaching, building

In 2013-14, teams will set aside time to meet and collaborate weekly, set standards and goals early in the school year, and review student data to better know each individual student. Teachers will focus their work on what students need to know, and how they will measure growth and understanding, and how they will personalize instruction to meet the varying needs of their students. Smasal said in so doing, teachers will improve their practice, which will in turn impact student learning. “The further we get into utilizing the PLCs, the better we are at improving the success of our students,” Bergman added. “When our staff comes together, it raises that level of excellence in our teachers’ work and how it will impact the learning of all students.”

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Superintendent’s Column

The Next Generation of Edina Schools Continuing to define excellence for years to come

by Ric Dressen, Superintendent superintendent@edinaschools.org Early this spring, I had the privilege of welcoming the families of the graduating class of 2025, next year’s kindergartners, into our school system. As I spoke, I could feel their array of emotions – excitement, concern, responsibility, hope. They also asked a variety of procedural and educational program questions. One of the most important questions they wanted answered was, “Will our children be ready for the exciting and dynamic world that is before them?” My answer to them is the same response superintendents have been providing Edina Public Schools (EPS) families for the past several decades – Yes! However, this year, I can say this with added confidence because of three core strategies:

• Our district’s incredible commitment to our educational mission, which articulates the need for all members of our community to support the education of all of our learners;

• Our district’s continued success with the development and implementation of a strategic plan that is focused on achievement of this All for All mission; and

• Our strong partnerships between our district and community, our schools and families, our teachers and parents, and most importantly, all of us with our students. Our efforts to focus on these strategies are made possible because of our Next Generation of Edina Public Schools strategic plan. We are

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, self-worth, and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.

wrapping-up our first year of the plan, which was approved in July of 2012. Our strategic plan helps shape a three-year journey of work as a community-based school district to study, design and implement the “next generation” of educational programs and opportunities that will serve all of our learners from early childhood through age 85+. The Next Generation plan ensures that Edina Public Schools will continue to be among the premier school districts, both nationally and internationally, for years to come. This past year’s strategic successes were numerous.

• We added instructional staff support and new courses to better meet the needs of students of all ability levels.

• We increased technology access to enhance learning at all grade levels and piloted with much success in grade nine a new approach to 1-to-1 personal learning devices called eLearning2.

• We completed the first phase of a Secondary Academic Program Study that included over 10,000 feedback responses, reviews of hundreds of scholarly articles and books about successful 21st century programs, and researched dozens of innovative schools from around the world. The study’s framework was recently approved by the School Board, and additional study and implementation will be ramping up this summer.

• We expanded our partnership efforts

NEXT GENERATION educational consortium of top-performing suburban schools, and we created a cooperative partnership with the Hopkins Public Schools to share ideas and innovations.

• We took initial steps to implement practices that will strengthen the district’s alignment of the calendar and budget directly to student learning, ensuring that our focus is on learning as the constant, with time, space and funds being the variables. Wow, what a year! I thank everyone who has supported Edina Public Schools over the past year with these and other creative initiatives, as well as the countless other ways this community continues to support young people and their learning. I am excited for the upcoming year and how we can continue to grow our partnerships to ensure that no matter who is leading this great district in the future, the answer will always be an enthusiastic “Yes!” when asked about the preparedness for the future of all Edina students. I thank you again for your continued support and look forward to working with each of you as we continue to create the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools.

by becoming a member of a national Learning: Edina Public Schools News is published by the Edina Public Schools (ISD 273) Communications Department and is distributed to residents of the District. The cost to produce Learning is largely offset by community advertisers. For more information, contact the Communications Department at communications@edinaschools.org

Edina Public Schools Board of Education Randy Meyer, Chair Idith Almog Cathy Cella Regina Neville Sarah Patzloff Lonni Skrentner Leny Wallen-Friedman Contact the School Board at BoardofEducation@edinaschools.org

More stories and a complete calendar of events can be found at www.edinaschools.org.

Get Involved with Edina Public Schools! Community experts sought for district advisory councils For many years, Edina Public Schools (EPS) has placed high value on the engagement of its stakeholders in the work of the district. Working in partnership is a key component of the district’s mission, and it is one of the “big three” initiatives of the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools strategic plan. “Edina Public Schools is committed to growing its successful partnerships and creating additional opportunities to advance its educational mission,” says Superintendent Ric Dressen. “The power of partnership is in its ability to serve as a multiplier for the involved parties, providing greater benefit as a combined force rather than working alone.” EPS has many organizational partnerships already established, and it is always interested in exploring more such opportunities. Additionally, the district has several opportunities for students, staff, families and community members to be involved, including through parent leadership organizations, advisory committees, and other volunteer experiences. Current openings on EPS district advisory councils include:

• • • • •

Communications Advisory Council Community Education Services Board District Equity Advisory Go Green (environmental advisory), and Technology Advisory

Get involved today to help EPS achieve its mission of ensuring all learners have the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society!

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BACK TO SCHOOL DATES TO NOTE CONCORD ELEMENTARY Open House / Meet and Greet - Thursday, August 29, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. New Family Welcome - Tuesday, August 27, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. CORNELIA ELEMENTARY Open House - Thursday, August 29, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. COUNTRYSIDE ELEMENTARY Open House - Thursday, August 29, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CREEK VALLEY ELEMENTARY Open House - Wednesday, August 28, 4:00 p.m. New Family Welcome begins at 3:15 p.m. HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY Open House - Thursday, August 29, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. NORMANDALE ELEMENTARY Open House - Thursday, August 29, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. New Family Welcome begins at 4:00 p.m. SOUTH VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Get Connected Day - Wednesday, August 21, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Get Connected Day - Wednesday, August 14 New/6th Grade Families - 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Returning 7th-9th Grade Families - 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. EDINA HIGH SCHOOL Get Connected Day - Wednesday, August 21, 2:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Visit www.edinaschools.org/partnerships to learn more. www.edinaschools.org | 3

District News Countryside classroom celebrates a year of citizenship in action Fifth grade students in Michelle Shaw and Jenny Rydeen’s classroom at Countryside Elementary are already voters, concerned citizens and outstanding neighbors, thanks to a yearlong service project aimed at engaging students in civic responsibility on the local, state and national levels. Last spring, teacher Michelle Shaw came up with the idea to expand the fifth grade curriculum unit on citizenship to include a collaborative service-learning project. The concept earned her a State Farm Insurance Achievement Grant to help her realize her vision.

The project kicked off last fall with a series of guest speakers including City Manager Scott Neal, who discussed a variety of issues facing Edina including coyotes; Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, who talked with students about what it is like to be mayor; and local environmental expert Paul Thompson, who engaged students on ecological and sustainability issues. All of the guest speakers provided opportunities for meaningful dialogue with students on how they can make a difference in the community. The speakers also helped to provide context for the November 2012 election, and was closely aligned with the Kids Voting Edina initiative. “It was great to have Mayor Hovland visit the students because it gave them a chance to see someone who can make a difference in the community and see the person they go to when there’s a problem in the community,” said Shaw. “It is also really important for elected officials to hear kids’ voices and hear about their ideas, because they have a lot of great ideas!”

Stanford University online course provides new learning experience for Edina High School seniors Students interact on global level, design innovative future learning environment This spring, nine Edina High School (EHS) seniors successfully completed a massive open online course (MOOC) through Stanford University. The course, “Designing a New Learning Environment,” was facilitated by Dr. Paul Kim, Stanford University Chief Technology Officer and Assistant Dean at the School of Education. The course, which included over 20,000 participants from around the world, invited students to interact globally to design learning environments of the future. For the EHS students, the MOOC experience not only taught them about designing learning environments, but it also gave them a glimpse into how learning can be experienced in a variety of new and innovative ways. Michael Walker, secondary technology integration specialist with Edina Public Schools (EPS), heard about the course from a former graduate school colleague, and thought it would be a good learning opportunity paired with the district’s Secondary Academic Program Study, which investigated ways to create innovative learning experiences and environments for EPS secondary learners. Walker forwarded the information to EPS Director of Teaching and Learning Randy Smasal, who then contacted Stanford about being a part of the MOOC.

“The Stanford MOOC came about at an incredible time during our secondary study, and the information we received from it provided great ideas and insights for our work in building the Next Generation of Edina Public Schools,” Smasal said. “The added benefit of having our own high school students take part in the course opened the door to the many possibilities of personalized learning experiences Edina students can have in the future that will help them thrive in a global society.” In addition to having the EPS secondary study be a part of the course discussion, EHS administration also realized that the MOOC could be an option for EHS seniors as part of a senior extended learning opportunities course, which was added this year to meet new state graduation requirements. As a final team project, the nine EHS students designed a new learning model catering to 21st century environments and learners. The team designed and developed an application that combined team interaction activities and learning support features in ways that were effective and appropriate for today’s computing and communication devices. Although the course is complete, the learning opportunities continue for the EHS students

who have been asked to write and submit a chapter about their project for a new book the instructors are writing on 21st century learning environments. “It was thrilling to see these remarkable students share their learning experiences and to step up to the opportunity to globally collaborate during the class,” Walker said. “To watch their excitement swell with the opportunity to be contributing authors in a published book and hear them commit to collaborating over the summer, was just incredible. What a great experience they will be able to share with their college classmates next year, and what a legacy of innovative and engaged learning they will leave for future Edina Public Schools students.”

Strategic studies look at academic programming of the future Board approves secondary program framework, begins birth through grade five study In June, the School Board approved the framework for the Secondary Academic Program Study, part of the district’s 2012-15 Next Generation of Edina Public Schools (EPS) strategic plan. Approval of the framework signifies the completion of the first phase of the study, articulating a vision of excellence for EPS’s grades six through twelve program. The study’s design team incorporated input from students, staff, families and community members – over 10,000 inputs in all – as well as reviews of scholarly articles and research on innovative 21st century schools from around the world. The framework includes five core strategies – global preparedness and competence, personal development and independent life skills, personalized learning and advising, focused student and staff collaboration, and appropriate and flexible time and space. Embedded within each of the strategies is a vision outcome to be met, along with a key strategic shift from how things are currently done. “The framework lays out a plan that will be put into place over the next few years,” said Director

of Teaching and Learning Randy Smasal. “Our charge in this phase was to articulate the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of the secondary study plan. The next step is critical as we engage staff, students and families in the ‘how’ – identifying actions to achieve the vision.” Smasal said the framework outlines a strategic look at the secondary program while retaining the core excellence of Edina. “Students will still be learning fundamental concepts and subjects, they will just be doing so in different, more personalized ways. The shift is to focus more on learning rather than just on teaching.” As the district moves ahead with the implementation phase of the study this fall, it will also embark on a birth to grade five study, which will research how early childhood and elementary programs should look in the future. “We are undertaking our strategic work through a ‘backwards design’ approach – identifying what it is that we want our students to leave our system with upon graduation, and then working back through the younger grades and ages,” said Smasal. “We know that the birth through grade five study must align with the

A Day in the Life by Hannah Sommerville, EHS Zephyrus When Advanced Placement (AP) tests finished in mid-May, Edina High School (EHS) seniors had the opportunity to participate in May Term. The final few weeks before the end of the school year are spent working on a project of the student’s choosing and culminates in a final presentation and demonstration of their learning. This year’s May Term participant experiences ranged from internships to research projects to senior recitals. The Zephyrus got the chance to talk to one senior, Lauren Johnson, just as she was about to embark on her May Term project with fellow students Kaia Lindquist and Maddie Hartwig. Q. What is your May Term Project? A. For our may term project we are going to be studying the ecology of the island Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Q. What will you be doing in the Virgin Islands? A. There are several national parks and wildlife refuges in the British Virgin Islands. While we are there we are going to be visiting these parks, observing the wildlife there, their behaviors, and documenting what exactly we see. We’ll be researching the species of animals, plants, etc., to find out how their individual behaviors affect the overall environment of the island. In addition to studying the animals and how they affect their environment, we are also going to be studying

secondary program work as well as with other investigations we are doing, such as our studies on equity, facilities and partnership.” Superintendent Ric Dressen noted that it is important for EPS to continuously look at ways to improve. “Given our tradition of excellence and success in Edina, many may ask why we are changing things,” he said. “But we know that any high achieving organization must be vigilant about continuous improvement if it is going to remain relevant and successful in the future. Our work is rooted in our commitment to uphold the reputation of Edina Public Schools as a district that is always evolving to meet the needs of each and every learner we

how the environment affects the organisms. We will be looking at soil samples and determining how the minerals in the island enrich or hurt the plant life and how the amount of rainfall and sunlight activity affects the life of organisms. Q. What are you most looking forward to on the trip? A. I’m most looking forward to seeing new things and learning about an environment that is so different from the cold tundra of Minnesota. I actually love learning about species of plants and being able to identify them in the wild, so this trip will be like a treasure hunt to find different species and hopefully I’ll integrate some of the things I learn there to other areas of the world. Q. How did you decide to do this project? A. We all knew that we had a passion for traveling so we wanted to do a project that involved that. Maddie has connections that allow us to easily stay in Tortola so it provided an affordable and exciting opportunity to travel and do a project there. We all had Mr. Krause for biology and so he really helped us come up with ideas for a project that would help us learn on the island and apply things that we learned in biology. Q. Why do you think that it is important for EHS to have the May Term program? A. Honestly, I think May Term is a great way to get seniors re-motivated to learn. I think by the time May rolls around, seniors know what colleges they’ve been accepted to, and merely showing up to school is an arduous task. May Term is new and refreshing, and it gives students the freedom to explore what they truly want to learn. It’s flexible enough to give students plenty of options while also giving guidelines so that students have to apply themselves and actually learn for two weeks.

New members join district leadership team for 2013-14 Troy Stein, Activities Director/ Assistant Principal Troy Stein joins Edina as the new Activities Director/Assistant Principal at Edina High School (EHS). For the past five years, Stein has held a similar position at Chaska High School (CHS), overseeing all high school activities, athletics

Molly Hollenbeck, Assistant Director of Special Services Molly Hollenbeck joins Edina as the new Assistant Director of Special Services, where she will assist in providing leadership of district special education programs, English learner programs, health services, homebound services, and services for local nonpublic schools. She will also work with teachers and colleagues on developing curriculum, instruction and professional development that meet the individual needs of each learner.

Eric Hamilton, Director of Buildings and Grounds Eric Hamilton joins Edina as the Director of Buildings and Grounds, a new position in EPS following a reorganization of the department this spring. Hamilton will be responsible for the leadership, supervision and overall management, operations and programs of the district’s buildings and grounds. For the past fifteen years, Hamilton has served in a similar capacity as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose

and fine arts programs. Before assuming his administrative role, Stein worked for three years at CHS as a math teacher and head baseball coach. Prior to his tenure in Chaska, Stein worked in Edina Public Schools as a math teacher at both South View Middle School and EHS, and as an assistant coach for both baseball and basketball. Stein earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in math education from the University of Minnesota. He also holds an administrative education specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. For the past seven years, Hollenbeck has served in a leadership role in special services with Eden Prairie Schools as their District Behavior Specialist. Prior to that, she worked as a special education teacher at the elementary and high school levels in Eden Prairie, the last two as a lead teacher at Eden Prairie High School. Hollenbeck has also worked in special education with the Minnesota River Valley Special Education Cooperative in Prior Lake and at Chaska Middle School West. Hollenbeck earned her master’s degree in emotional and behavioral disorders from Minnesota State University – Mankato. She received her K-12 administrative license from Saint Mary’s University where she also recently completed her director of special education license and is nearing completion of her education specialist degree. (BHM) Schools. In addition to supervising custodial and maintenance staff and managing all school properties, Hamilton oversaw the district’s health and safety program and construction projects. Among his many accomplishments at BHM, Hamilton helped facilitate the district’s achievement of several Energy Star Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, including the coveted Energy Star Leader Award in 2006 and the Energy Star Top Performer Award in 2007. Prior to his tenure in Buffalo, Hamilton served as a building head engineer at Maple Grove Junior High. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Winona State University. He also holds several applicable facilities management and professional certifications.

District Honors 25 Retirees for years of service In May, the School Board honored the 25 members of the 2013 retiree class. Combined, the retirees contributed 495 years of service to the success of the district. Congratulations to all of the retirees: Cathy Anderson, Victoria Berge, JoAnn Blatchley, Penny Davidson, Julie Deitte, Jimmie Lee Dixon, Janice Fritze, Gail Fury, Bonnie Graft, Pam Hermanson, Waynne Hornicke, Wayne Kewitsch, Judy Knudsvig, Paulette Lee, Yolanda Looper, Marilyn OKeeffe, Barbara Pinaire, Peggy Rosnau, Gwen Ruff, Judy Schwartz, Paula Thomasgard, Steve Westerlund, Jane Widmark, Tong Neng Yang, and Lillian Ziff. To see photos and read retiree biographies, visit www.edinaschools.org/retirement

District financial outlook buoyed by fiscal management and legislative actions In May, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Dayton approved the E-12 Omnibus Education Bill, which established revenue for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years, as well as other changes in statute that affect school district policy and practice. Additional revenue changes were also identified as part of the Health and Human Services and Tax bills, the details of which are still being clarified by the Minnesota Department of Education. “Overall, we are pleased with the outcome of the 2013 legislative session, which will benefit all Minnesota students,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “We are still working through the details to understand the full impact at the local level, but we certainly appreciate the work of our elected officials and the attention they gave to public schools this session.” At its June 24 meeting, the School Board approved the preliminary budget for the 2013-14 school year. According to Director of Business Services Margo Bauck, the balanced budget incorporates several components, including approximately $900,000 in budget adjustments comprised of reductions, reallocations and enhacements approved by the Board in May; utilization of about $400,000 of the district’s fund balance to support one-time investments; and new revenue in general education funding as a result of the 2013 Legislative session. “The combination of these factors allows the district to remain in good fiscal health for next year,” Bauck said. “Although a gap remains between projected revenue and expenses for 2014-15, it is lessened by the adjustments made this year, which will have a compounding effect for years to come.” While it will be several months before all of the details are finalized, the following are some highlights of key actions included in the legislation and their initial impact on EPS: GENERAL EDUCATION FORMULA FUNDING - The state general education formula will increase by 1.5 percent for each of the next two years. What this means for Edina – EPS currently receives about 67 percent of its general operating revenue via the state’s general education funding formula. As a result of the new revenue, the district will receive about $712,500 in additional basic formula funding from the state for the 2013-14 school year. As the district included a projected one percent increase in the general funding formula in its planning for the 2013-14 budget, new, unplanned for revenue for EPS next year actually equates to about $237,500, which brings the district closer to a balanced budget forecast for 2013-14 and 2014-15. ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN FUNDING - Effective with the 2014-15 school year, school districts will receive funding for all-day, every day kindergarten. What this means for Edina – EPS has begun the planning necessary to provide an all-day, every day free kindergarten program in the district beginning in the 2014-15 school year. Currently, approximately 74% of EPS kindergarten families participate in the district’s optional fee-based, all-day program. The district has also been studying the feasibility of physically housing additional all-day kindergarten programs given that some sites are currently at or near capacity. ADDITIONAL FUNDING CHANGES - There were also several other financial changes that will affect school districts, including how special education is funded and how operating levies are calculated. EPS, like many others, are in the process of learning more about how these changes will affect EPS and anticipate more specifics from the Minnesota Department of Education throughout the summer.

School Board Candidate Filing Opens July 30 Edina voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5 to elect four school board members. The seats up for election are currently held by Board members Idith Almog, Randy Meyer, Regina Neville and Lonni Skrentner. Each of the terms will be for four years – January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017. Community members interested in running for school board will need to file an affidavit of candidacy between Tuesday, July 30 and Tuesday, August 13.

Be Remarkable! A sampling of recent EPS successes EHS identified among top schools in the nation EHS was ranked among the top high schools in the nation for 2012-13 in recent listings by Newsweek/The Daily Beast, The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report. Michael Seaman named 2013 Edina Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Highlands Continuous Progress teacher honored for creative and nurturing style that focuses on teaching the “whole child.” Jen Baumgarten named Outstanding Google Chromebook Teacher Cornelia Learning Specialist uses Chromebooks to create personalized learning experiences for students. EHS students win National Merit Scholarships Seniors Yasmeen Almog, Elise Georis, Hunter Pribyl-Huguelet and Anisha Singh received $2,500 National Merit Scholarships as part of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s 2013 National Merit Program. EHS students earn honors at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Juniors Abhishek Nayar and Stephen Kim placed fourth in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category at the Intel ISEF competition for their research project, “Birth of a Revolution.” Valley View MS student competes in National History Day competition Eighth grader Meghana Iyer advanced to the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C., after placing second in the junior individual division at the 2013 State History Day competition for her documentary, “Gandhi: A Turning Point in History.” EPS schools awarded Minnesota Reading Corps Literacy Tutors Concord Elementary, Cornelia Elementary, and Highlands Elementary will host Minnesota Reading Corps volunteers for the 2013-14 academic year. EHS DECA students place second at nationals Juniors Julia Barnett and LuLu Conner and senior Abby Spellman placed second in the “Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan” event at the International Career Development Conference. Students test their knowledge of Japanese language and culture EHS seniors Daniel Halmrast, Erick Huft and Tiffany Lukk placed 11th at the National Japan Bowl Level III competition in Washington, D.C.

For more information, contact Linda Willer at 952-848-4004 or linwiller@edinaschools.org www.edinaschools.org | 7

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Summer Edition 2013 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424

Dated Material

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Congratulations Class of 2013!

Edina Public Schools is proud to recognize the 660 members of the class of 2013 who walked across the Target Center stage on June 9th to receive their diplomas in front of their friends and family.