The Courier October 2015 | Volume 23, Issue 2
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a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education | St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Athens Township, Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township
www.the-courier.org | news@isd15.org
District’s strategic plan work is moving ahead Nancy Wallace
Strategic Planning Implementation Team Leader, Community education coordinator
With the start of the 2015-16 school year underway, the Implementation Team—or I-Team—for the Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) Strategic Plan is moving forward with establishing action plan work groups. Over the summer, planning was done by the I-Team and work group to “ensure that all employees know the Strategic Plan.” The work group prepared a short video, which focused on the mission statement and presented it at the all-staff gathering September 2. Staff also received a Strategic Plan outline. Building and program leaders attended inservices on the Strategic Plan, focusing on the mission statement and core values and presentations were made at each building and district department’s startup meetings. Throughout this school year, one of the core values will be emphasized each month. Beginning with the District Leadership Team and moving through each school site and district department, all eight core values will be discussed and more fully integrated into the culture of ISD 15. In the next few months, the work group will focus on developing information so that new employees will be aware of the Strategic Plan from the first day of employment and also an annual update for all staff.
Within the next month, the I-Team will organize the remaining two work groups. One of the work groups will address the statement, “ISD 15 uses established protocols to support transparent communication to foster trust among all ISD 15 stakeholders.” The other work group for the 2015-16 school year will address the statement, “ISD 15 has a recognizable and consistent brand.” Branding has become more important in recent years for businesses, school districts and other organizations. Branding revolves around the identity of the organization and the images or perceptions that come to mind. The I-Team began seeking members for the work groups last spring and is still in the process of seeking additional members from staff members and the community at-large. The goal is to have a first meeting of both work groups in late October or early November. It’s anticipated that the two work groups will meet about every four to six weeks for most of the school year and periodically report back to the I-Team on their efforts. Questions about the work groups or the Strategic Plan can be directed to strategicplan@isd15.org.
ISD 15 Mission Statement Our mission is to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world. ISD 15 Core Values } We believe that trust and respect are fundamental for thriving relationships. } We believe that our community flourishes when individuals, families and organizations collaborate. } We believe that every person matters and has value. } We believe that responsibility and accountability are essential for personal growth, organizational improvement and community engagement. } We believe that commitment to high expectations is essential to help achieve full individual and collective potential. } We believe that everyone benefits when culture and diversity are understood and respected. } We believe that lifelong learning enriches individuals and creates opportunities. } We believe that open exchanges of ideas and communicated planning are integral for continuous improvement.
Your Input is Valued Interested in being part of the transformation of Independent School District 15? District staff and community members, including parents, business owners, faith community, organizations, city officials and residents are encouraged to participate on one of these action plan work groups: } ISD 15 uses established protocols to support transparent communication to foster trust among all ISD 15 stakeholders. } ISD 15 has a recognizable and consistent brand. Email your interest or any questions to strategicplan@isd15. org stating which group you are interested in and submit your contact information. No special qualifications are necessary for membership on either work group other than a commitment to engaging in the exciting work of enhancing excellence in ISD 15.
What’s Inside Schools in Action.................................................. 2 School Board Highlights.................................. 7 Community Education...................................... 9 Community & Business...................................13 Sports & Outdoors.............................................24 Meetings, Events & Benefits.........................26 Life...............................................................................27
Students in Susan Olsen’s first grade class explored the beautiful nature trails and open space behind Cedar Creek Community School. This fall they are studying the life cycle of a monarch butterfly and have caterpillars to feed in their classroom. Their goal was to locate milkweed, which they did! Milkweed is the only food source a caterpillar eats as it grows. Susan Olsen, CCCS First Grade Teacher