The Courier AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1
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
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New Saints Online to roll out for fall SCOTT MANNI SAINTS ONLINE PRINCIPAL
As the culmination of a year-long process developing online educational options for our students, Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) received final approval from the Minnesota Department of Education for a brand new online learning program. Beginning this fall, Saints Online will be an option for general education, credit recovery and diploma completion to students who live within ISD 15 boundaries and/or students who open enroll into the District in grades 9-12. ISD 15 recognizes that we live in the age of technology, especially when it comes to education. Our students and families continue to expect not only a high quality education, but also an educational system with choices. Saints Online will be one more option for our students who are seeking alternatives while working toward their high school diploma. Offering a full range of online learning options to our students is consistent with the District’s mission outcomes, which (in part) is to allow students to develop a personalized educational path…to progress toward their evolving dreams. What can a student do through Saints Online? Students in grades 9-12 will be able to take a variety of online classes, for credit recovery, additional electives not currently offered through the high school or accelerated learning opportunities. Students will have the ability to take online courses through Saints Online and also take classes and/or participate in activities at the high school. Saints Online courses meet all the necessary academic requirements. These courses are National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved, meet all state of Minnesota requirements and
are aligned to the International Association for K-12 Learning (iNACOL) rubric, which affirms high quality, rigor and alignment. The same high academic standards parents and students have always expected from ISD 15 schools will be maintained with Saints Online. We believe that Saints Online will be a better choice for our students than any other online school. We will be able to offer our students the best of both worlds—an approved standards-based, comprehensive, online curriculum and the personal touch of having our own ISD 15 teachers in the role of learning coaches. These learning coaches will provide constructive, specific feedback and academic support to help students achieve success in the online world. Typically, a student enrolled in an online class has minimal in-person contact with the teacher or the school building. We believe that there may be situations in which a student could benefit from in-person instruction in order to better understand a concept or talk through a problem area. Saints Online will provide students with that level of support from one of our licensed teachers, if the need arises; think of it as a supported online learning experience. Why choose Saints Online? Flexibility for students to: } Pursue other goals, such as competitive sports, internships or work. } Work at a personalized pace toward defined end dates. } Work from any location at any time of day. Personalization: } Through an intake procedure, each student is paired with a learning coach who serves as a mentor, monitoring student online success. } Students can attend full-
Laney Casper and Shea Sheppard won first place in the East Bethel Booster Days kiddie parade July 18. It was their first parade and they were fashionably cute as can be in their 50s poodle skirts. To go along with the skirts that Grandma made, Grandpa customized a wagon the girls could sit in while being pulled by Shea’s older brother, Evan. Laney, soon to be three years old, is the daughter of Joel and Kristy Casper and has a baby brother, Bennet, who is 6 weeks old. Shea just turned two years old and is the daughter of Derek and Kassie Sheppard. Grandpa and Grandma Hellum were getting the outfits ready for the Back to the 50s in June, but Bennet was born and they weren’t able to go. The East Bethel Booster Days parade was a perfect alternative. The families had so much fun that they hope to do it again next year! SUBMITTED BY LINDA HELLUM time or part-time and take advantage of all the great courses offered at St. Francis High School. } Students are eligible to take part in extracurricular activities and St. Francis High School events. } Access to the learning lab at Crossroads School & Vocational Center, 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saints Online is all about meeting the needs of our students. Because we know our community and our families best, we will be able to provide our students with a personalized, high-quality online learning experience.
As with any new program, we will be continually monitoring and adjusting to provide the best possible online experience for ISD 15 students and families. Contact Scott Manni at 763-753-7152 or scott.manni@ isd15.org if you have any
questions about the Saints Online program and how it can help your student achieve his/ her dream and full potential while becoming a responsible citizen in a dynamic world. Visit isd15.org/online for more information.
What’s Inside
The first day of school for Independent School District 15 students is Tuesday, September 8.
Schools in Action................................2 School Board Highlights............. 12 Community Education................. 14 Community & Business................ 16 Sports & Outdoors.......................... 31 Meetings, Events & Benefits...... 34 Fall Recycling...................................... 36 Life............................................................ 38