2010 06 June Communicator

June 2010

Communicator WHS student wins National Scholastic Art Award

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lizabeth Peterschmidt, a senior at Wayzata High School, won a Silver Key award at the national level for her entire portfolio, following her Gold Key award at the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards competition.

The national competition is held in New York, where panels of prestigious members of the arts and education communities judge entries for technical proficiency, originality and emergence of personal style or vision. The jurors’ choices provide feedback to teachers around the country and have a profound effect on curricula and teachers.

Students who win national awards are celebrated each year with a series of high-profile national events, including an awards ceremony in New York and an exhibition in Washington D.C. Peterschmidt’s portfolio is a series of watercolors called “Animalocolypse.” Samples are shown below.

District begins comprehensive facilities study

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ayzata Public Schools has begun the first phase of a comprehensive facilities study. The study will provide a thorough examination of the district’s existing facilities and provide insight into facility repair, maintenance and renovation needed for the future.

The study will include two major phases. The first phase will focus on the physical structure of district buildings. This review process will focus on the infrastructure of each building to determine repair and renovation projects. The type of projects included in this first phase will include air quality improvements, roof repair and replacement, parking lot repairs, window and lighting replacement, and other structuralrelated projects. The first phase began in early June and a list of repair and maintenance projects should be compiled later this summer.

The second phase of the study will examine the educational adequacy of district buildings. In this phase, the architects will work with many district staff members to determine how facilities match with the needs of the district’s educational program. One example of this work would be a review of the science classrooms. The study will examine the science curriculum and how it has changed to see if the science classrooms and facilities need to be adjusted. The second phase of the study will also include a review of necessary changes to improve handicapped accessibility and building safety and security. Facility improvements that would make buildings more energy efficient will also be included in this phase.

The district is working with Wold Architects, a Twin Cities based firm that has worked with several school districts to conduct similar studies.

Jim Westrum, the district’s executive director of finance and business and Joe Matson, the district’s director of building and grounds, will lead the project for the district and will be working directly with the architect firm.

The architects will also help the district to assess and analyze the current utilization and capacity of district facilities, and help determine any necessary adjustments needed to address future enrollment changes.

While five-10 year enrollment projections do not forecast any significant increases or declines in student enrollment that might require a change in the number of schools the district operates, it is still productive to examine facilities from a utilization and capacity perspective to ensure the greatest efficiency and effectiveness.

Changes made to district’s transportation coordination services

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ue to the recent retirement of the district’s supervisor of transportation, Wayzata Public Schools has contracted with a local transportation company to coordinate its bus transportation services.

Fred Retzloff retired from the position on June 10, after more than 10 years with the district. With summer school and extended year programs beginning on June 14, the district contracted with the Center for Efficient School Operations (CESO) on an interim basis to coordinate transportation services. Tom Burr, who served as Wayzata’s transportation supervisor for several years prior to 2000, is now employed by CESO and will lead the coordination efforts. He will be assisted by the district’s transportation office staff members and two other CESO consultants. The district’s transportation office can be reached at 763-745-5197.

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Post graduation:

Where are WHS grads headed

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ore than 88 percent of the students in the Wayzata High School class of 2010 are making plans to attend two or four year colleges or universities. This compares to about 91 percent for the class of 2009.

The total number of students in the graduating class was 764. The summary of post-high school plans for the class of 2010 includes the following: • University of Minnesota, all campuses – 124 students • Minnesota four-year state universities – 42 students • Minnesota four-year private colleges/universities – 87 students • Minnesota one- and two-year colleges – 67 students • U.S. Service Academies – 1 student • Out-of-state four-year public colleges/universities – 206 students • Out-of-state four-year private colleges/universities – 113 students • Out-of-state one- and two-year colleges – 8 students • College bound, school undecided – 31 students • Total college bound students – 679 students

Wayzata High School Principal Mike Trewick congratulates senior Dyshone Brown as she accepts her diploma and steps down from the stage at the Target Center during the WHS class of 2010 commencement ceremony.

The remaining Wayzata students have indicated the following choices for their post-high school plans: • Technical schools – 24 students • Military – 13 students • Work – 23 students • Other plans – 25 students The top 10 colleges chosen by 2010 Wayzata

The Wayzata High School class of 2010 celebrates the end of their high school career and the start of their future plans with the traditional hat toss.

graduates are the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus; University of Minnesota, Duluth; University of Wisconsin, Madison; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Normandale Community College; North Hennepin Community College; North Dakota State University; University of St. Thomas; University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; and University of Wisconsin, Stout.

WHS student council vice president Lucy Andrews addresses the class of 2010 at its commencement ceremony held June 8 at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Wayzata Family Learning Center offers new opportunities

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his fall Wayzata Family Learning Center is launching new and expanded opportunities for parents and their children ages birth- to 5-years-old. These exciting options have been designed to appeal to new families as well as those returning to Early Childhood Family Education classes.

Innovative class formats have been added to the current fall schedule. New parent/child classes include a non-separating daytime class for 12- to 24-month-old children, and evening classes for 12- to 24-month-old children and 6- to 11-month-old children.

Another exciting addition is Parenting by Design, a multi-age parent/child class. Parents will help custom design their class experiences for the year, including a book study, speaker series, and an exploration of great and not so great internet sites for parents.

Every class will include Connecting the Dots, activities designed to help parents connect their observations and children’s classroom experiences with parenting discussion time.

All parents will have the option to access their parent educator’s online site for links to reliable resources and additional information on class topics and interests. In some classes,

parents will even be able to dialogue with each other and their parent educator during the week.

The unique, irreplaceable components of ECFE are as strong as ever and include: • Parent/child time in a “learn-and-connect-through-play” setting • Face-to-face time with other parents for encouragement, friendship, and reality checks • In-person support and education from licensed teachers.

As always, programming will reinforce the basic building blocks of strong families, such as respect, trust, play, parents as teachers, and healthy relationships.

Information on new class additions will be on the website in July with a special mailing sent out in August that will include details on “Evening Stars,” a new Peppermint Fence Preschool class held two nights a week.

Registration for classes already scheduled for fall is ongoing. For information or to register for those classes visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ces and click “Birth to 5.” Several parent-only series and workshops are also available.

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District’s strong financial health helps navigate uncertain state funding chaired by the board treasurer t is impossible to hide from the students. As a board, we are pleased we are and is composed of parents uncertain financial news coming from able to balance the district’s budget without Board Chair’s and community members with directly affecting the quality of education the state of Minnesota. The last two specific expertise in financeprovided to students. legislative sessions have been focused on Column related issues. The committee

Our district’s current strong financial reducing the state’s budget by more than

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$3 billion. The future outlook is not much better. Based on current information, the state is looking at another budget deficit for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, of between $4.6 and $7 billion. Many parts of the state’s budget have already seen significant cuts as a result of these large deficits.

The impact of the state’s budget situation is different in all districts. The media has regularly reported on districts that have made large budget reductions for the 20102011 school year and others that have made cuts almost every year in the past three-five years. Fortunately, Wayzata is in a reasonably good position and has been able to weather the current financial challenges better than many districts.

However, our district has not been unaffected by the state’s budget issues. For the coming 2010-2011 school year, our district cut its general fund budget by about $1.1 million. None of these reductions will affect current class sizes or programming for

health did not happen over night. Many individuals and groups contributed to this effort. Past board members and administrators were proactive in budget planning and thought about future problems many years ago. Their foresight is having a tremendous payoff now. Because of budget planning that occurred many years ago – and continues today – our district is better able to navigate through challenging financial times.

District employees have also played a role in maintaining the district’s financial health. For the past several years, the district has worked closely with employee groups to manage the cost of employee health insurance. These collaborative efforts have allowed the district to more effectively manage costs at a time when many other districts have seen larger increases in health insurance costs.

Credit for the district’s financial health also goes to the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC). This committee is

“Fortunately, meets monthly to receive updates Wayzata is in a and advise the district on financial reasonably good matters. Over the years, the position and committee has played a key role has been able to in helping to manage the district’s weather the current financial condition. The expertise financial challenges of the many members who have better than many served on the committee has been districts.” infinitely beneficial.

—Carter Peterson The district’s parent Board Chair organizations and many booster clubs have also made a huge difference in the district’s financial There is no question that tough times health. The commitment and dedication will continue for Minnesota school districts. of these groups have brought resources There is also no question that our district is into the district that otherwise would have in a good position because of all the work been difficult to secure. The high level and dedication from past leaders and our of volunteerism in the district allows us many community partners. We all owe a to accomplish things that could never be great deal of gratitude to those who worked done without such help. Our many active in the past with the future of our district in volunteers and parent supporters are also mind. The community’s commitment to our terrific partners and regularly share their district is greatly appreciated. input and feedback that helps guide the district.

Housing construction, sales monitored for impact on student enrollment continue to see demand for and the sale of some grade levels and in some Superintendent’s ne of the most closely existing homes in other parts of our district; buildings. However, with current monitored numbers in our oftentimes resulting in young families enrollment projected to be stable Column school district is our overall moving into homes where school-aged or to increase slightly, limiting

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student enrollment. Watching enrollment numbers during the summer months is especially important as we prepare for the start of another school year in the fall.

Predicting enrollment is not an exact science. We regularly examine enrollment trends that occur in each of our schools. We also watch what is happening to student enrollment in other districts and conduct periodic demographic studies to get a more scientific look at how our community is changing. Further, we stay in close contact with city officials from the cities included in our district to learn about plans for new housing developments. Even with all of this monitoring activity, it is a challenge to accurately predict how many students will enroll in our district and where they will live within the district.

In the past several years, we have seen moderate and manageable increases in student enrollment. Much of this enrollment growth has come from new home construction in the northern part of our district. During the past several months, we have learned of more planned home construction in the northern sections of our district that will likely have an impact on our district’s enrollment. This spring, we learned that the city of Medina is working on a housing development that will add about 200 homes to their community within our district. The city of Plymouth is also planning to open a number of housing developments that will add about 300 new homes. And, the city of Maple Grove is opening new sections of some existing developments that will add a number of new homes as well. Collectively, it is possible that in the next three to five years, there could be about 500-600 new homes within the school district boundaries. In addition, we

children were no longer living.

The natural question that comes to mind when considering this situation is: “How will the school district accommodate new student enrollment associated with this residential growth?” First of all, it is important to remember that every house does not necessarily yield students who attend our schools. Our demographer helps us to determine formulas to estimate the number of students who will likely come from a specific number of houses. Further, many houses that are currently home to school age children in these northern areas will become “empty nester” houses.

The district is taking several steps to respond to this planned home construction.

First, we have asked our demographic consultant to update the demographic study that was completed last fall. We felt it was important to gather up-to-date information on how the planned home construction will affect our district. We will have information available from the revised demographic study this summer. It is also important to note that the district will be engaged in a comprehensive facilities study during the summer months and into the school year.

This study will help us determine the current status of our facilities. Further, it will provide important information about our current capacity and seek to discover creative solutions that will maximize our space utilization efficiency.

Most of our schools are at or near capacity and all grade levels are at or slightly over established levels and as a result, we accepted a relatively small number of open enrollment students for the 2010-2011 school year.

We examine our ability to accept open enrollment students annually and may be able to take more students in the future at

“The process of the number of open enrollment managing student students is one way to help manage enrollment can be the overall student enrollment. challenging, but As we look ahead, it may be you can be assured necessary to consider a variety of that we are closely options to handle this possible monitoring enrollment growth. We will review the situation.” the results of the demographic —Chace Anderson, and facilities studies that are Superintendent currently underway and use this information to help us determine appropriate next steps. While for the 2010-2011 school year. If it is the board has not specifically considered necessary to modify attendance boundaries or taken action on any of these options, as one of the options to manage enrollment possible solutions would include: adjusting growth, we will share information with open enrollment guidelines, constructing parents as that process begins. The process additional classrooms at existing school of managing student enrollment can be sites, using portable classrooms at schools challenging, but you can be assured that we with higher enrollment, constructing a new are closely monitoring the situation. As in school, leasing or purchasing existing space the past, we hope to manage any increase in in the community to house some students, student enrollment with a minimal amount and/or realigning attendance boundaries. of disruption.

Further, it will be important for us to know if enrollment increases and facility challenges This communication is not sent out of concern. Stable or growing student are a short term or a long term challenge. enrollment is generally a good thing as it Knowing this will help us make better decisions about the appropriate response. As has a positive impact upon the financial health of a school district. Districts that decisions are made, a number of factors will are experiencing declining enrollment have be considered including: challenges that we do not have with our • The desire to keep class sizes at or near the enrollment situation. Increasing enrollment established ratios comes with some challenges but it is also • Implementing cost-effective ways of a sign that people want to live in our accommodating growth that minimize the community.

We have heard from realtors impact on local taxpayers and housing contractors that a big part of • Maintaining excellence in our educational the reason families are moving to this area is programming I realize the thought of some of these because of the reputation and quality of the changes can cause nervousness in many school district. We appreciate everything the parents; particularly school boundary community has done to help support the changes. While it may be necessary to school district and to help make it such a examine elementary attendance boundaries great place for students. for future years, no changes will be made

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New record set for fundraising at WHS Empty Bowls event

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ore than 700 people attended the 2010 Empty Bowls event at Wayzata High School May 20 and the event raised more than $8,000.

All proceeds from the Empty Bowls event benefit Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners. Students, alumni, district administrators and local city officials worked with donated clay throughout the year to craft approximately 1,000 bowls to sell at the event for the suggested donation of $10.

With a donation, participants selected one of the hand-made bowls to be filled with soup.

This year, sponsors of the event included Allegra Print and Imaging, At Last Gourmet Foods/Dunn Borthers, Breadsmith, Caribou Coffee, General Mills, Minnetonka Center for the Arts and contributing artists, Minnesota Clay, Noodles, Olive Garden, Sunset’s of Wayzata, University of North Dakota Art Department, WHS pottery students, their families and friends, WHS pottery alumni and the Wayzata Bar and Grill.

Wayzata High School’s annual Empty Bowls event raised more than $8,000 this year to help Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners fight hunger in the Twin Cities. Students, staff, parents and residents celebrated the evening together with donated soup, bread and art bowls.

2010 WHS senior Erin Krause was congratulated by school board member Sue Droegemueller at the board’s May 10 regular meeting for her accomplishments in academics and athletics that earned her the 2010 Athena Award.

WHS senior wins 2010 Athena Award

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rin Krause, a senior at Wayzata High School, won the 2010 Athena Award. The Athena Award is given to an outstanding female senior athlete based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.

Krause, while on the WHS track and field team, was captain in 2010; earned second place at state in 2009 in the 800 meter race; two-time all-state award winner in 2009 and 2007; threetime academic all-state award winner in 2009, 2008 and 2007; two-time all-conference award winner in 2009 and 2008; two-time section champion in 2009 and 2007; three-time varsity letter winner in 2009, 2008 and 2007; won the “Above and Beyond” award in 2009; won the state team championship in 2007; won second place at state in the 4 X 800 meter relay in 2007; and posted the school record in the 4 x 800 meter relay in 2007.

While on the WHS soccer team, she

was on the state championship team in 2009; a member of the two-time section champion team in 2009 and 2008; a one-year varsity starter in 2009; a two-time varsity letter winner in 2009 and 2008; and on the state third place team in 2008.

While on the WHS basketball team, she was on the state’s fourth place team and section champion team in 2010; received an all-conference honorable mention in 2010; was captain of the team in 2010; a one-year varsity starter in 2010; a one-year varsity letter winner in 2010; named the most improved player in 2009; and earned the exceptional leader award in 2008.

While on the WHS cross country team, Krause was a one-year varsity letter winner in 2006.

Academically, Krause was in the National Honor Society in 2010 and 2009. She plans to run track and field on a scholarship at the University of Wisconsin at Madison next year.

Several Wayzata High School students who participated and earned top awards in the 2010 SkillsUSA competition attended the May 10 regular school board meeting and were recognized for their accomplishments this year.

WHS students take top places at SkillsUSA competition

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his year, eight Wayzata High School students placed well at the SkillsUSA competition.

These students include: • Cameron Berry Packel, senior, second place in TV/Video production • Zach Van Heel, senior, first place in TV/ Video production • Chris Metzger, senior, first place in firefighting • Gabe Mianulli, junior, second place in TV/Video production • Andrea Caflisch, sophomore, third place in culinary arts • Ben Leighton, sophomore, third place in TV/Video production

• Kelan McQuinn, sophomore, first place in TV/Video production • Kayleigh McKee, freshman, third place in TV/Video production The SkillsUSA advisors for WHS students are Jean Zimmerman and Matthew McNiel.

SkillsUSA is a nationwide organization serving more than 248,000 high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in technical, skilled, service and health occupation training programs. SkillsUSA prepares America’s high performance workers and provides experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development.

5 WHS student earns perfect scores on ACT

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amantha Carter, a senior in the class of 2011 at Wayzata High School, earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam.

Carter prepared for the exam by taking it in eighth grade to become more familiar with the test. She took the ACT exam again early in her junior year and earned a 34. Wanting to improve her science score on the exam, Carter took some practice science tests and earned a perfect score on the April 2010 ACT exam.

She said her normal class work, Advanced Placement calculus, AP U.S. history and AP composition also helped prepare her for the ACT. She said her AP compo-

sition class really helped with the reading exam because of the extensive literary analysis in the class.

She also said having an integrated math system at WHS also helped her because she didn’t have to think back to when she had a specific class when answering questions on the test.

During her time at WHS, Carter has been involved with the swim team, choir and is in the National Honor Society. She also teaches Sunday school at Mount Olivet.

She has plans to earn a liberal arts degree with a focus in communications or political science and her top three choices for her future education are Cornell, Columbia and Yale.

14 WHS students place well in BPA competition

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ourteen Wayzata High School students placed well in the Business Professionals of America competition this year.

The following students qualified for nationals in their event at the state competition: • Richmond Uong, senior, first place in PC Servicing and Troubleshooting • Micahel Li, Eddie Chen and Leona Chao (team) juniors, third place in Economic Research Project • Aakash Deshpande, junior, second place in C++ programming • Roy Zhao, freshman, third place in C++ programming • Max Radermacher, sophomore, first place in JAVA programming and first place in Information Technology Concepts • Charlie Wusands, junior, second place in JAVA programming • Bradley Bebchuk, senior, third place in VB.Net (Visual Basic) programming • Jiaqi Li, senior, third place in Management, Marketing and Human Relations • Richard (Yubo) Lu, junior, first place in Insurance Concepts • Max Radermacher, Mitch Croal and Emma Katz (team) sophomores, second place in Web Application • Brian Tu, junior, third place in Financial Math Analysis The students are advised by WHS teachers Candy Lee and Tyler Shepard. Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school and college students preparing for careers in business and office occupations and provides networking opportunities among education, business and industry and contributes to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic and technological skills.

WMS KMO takes second in spring competition

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he West Middle School sixth grade Knowledge Master Open Team (KMO) took second place in Minnesota in the spring competition.

The team is coached by WMS Vision 21 teacher Julie Light and includes: Drew Allen, Emma Baldry, Griffen Caryotakis, Joseph Chen, Carter Fallen, Andy Gabler, Cody Goedderz, Stewart Hagen, Pooja Kandikonda, Mark Moses, Logan Sands, Evan Sands, Emily Short, Peter Valerius, Jack Willis and Max Zimmer.

WHS students who placed well in the 2010 Future Problem Solvers competition were recognized by the school board at its May 10 regular meeting and are shown pictured with school board treasurer Linda Cohen, far right.

WHS students place well in Future Problem Solvers competition

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even Wayzata High School students placed well in the 2010 Future Problem Solvers competition.

The following students earned top places in the state competion: • Kelly Chen, junior, third place in the Senior Division Oral Competition • Christina Gu, freshman, third

place in the Middle Division Written Competition • Laura Holder, junior, third place in the Senior Division Oral Competition • Jenny Lai, freshman, third place in the Middle Division Written Competition • Julie Lai, junior, second place in the Senior Division Oral Competition

• Amy Xiong, freshman, third place in the Middle Division Written Competition • Zachary Yan, freshman, third place in the Middle Division Written Competition The students are advised by WHS teacher Jonathan Honza.

WHS activities director named 2010 Class AA Athletic Administrator of the Year

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ayzata High School Activities Director Jaime Sherwood was named the 2009-10 Minnesota Athletic Administrator of the Year for Class AA schools.

Sherwood has been the activities director for Wayzata High School for the last 14 years. Prior to his position at WHS, he taught high school for nine years, was an associate high school principal for one year, a high school and college football coach for 20 years, a softball coach for 14 years and a high school girls’ basketball coach for eight years.

Sherwood has an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, a Master of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas, a specialist degree in secondary administration and a license in secondary administration. He earned his certified master athletic administrator credentials in 2005.

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Legislative decisions to have impact on district

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hile funding for K-12 education was not reduced by the 2010 Legislature, Wayzata Public Schools and other districts will be affected by recent legislative decisions.

The most significant part of the 2010 legislative session was the agreement to balance the state’s budget by addressing the $3 billion budget deficit. The budget balancing agreement included property tax recognition and aid payment shifts that will affect schools. The details and impact of these shifts are described below.

Property tax recognition shift

Property taxes are levied on a calendar year (January to December) and collected by the county and transferred to districts in May and October. However, school districts operate on a fiscal year that runs July to June. The property taxes received in May represent revenue for the next fiscal year. The property tax recognition shift is a tool that requires districts to recognize a portion of the May tax payments when they are received even though they are intended to fund the next fiscal year. The state then reduces their payment to districts by the equivalent amount. This strategy is similar to the aid payment shift in that it allows the state to delay payments to districts without reducing the revenue the district receives. The change is in when the revenue is recognized. The 2010 legislature implemented the property tax recognition shift at 48.6 percent.

Aid payment shift

Prior to the 2009-10 school year, state law called for school districts to receive 90 percent of state funding in the current fiscal year and the remaining 10 percent in the next fiscal year. The reason behind this 90-10 split is to base the final payment to districts on the actual student enrollment count. The 2010 legislature changed the 90-10 split to a 73-27 split for the 2009-10 school year; a 70-30 split for the 2010-11 school year; and a return to the 90-10 split for 2011-12 and

beyond. In simplest terms, the aid payment shift means the state “borrows” money from school districts for a short term by withholding a portion of aid payments until the start of the next fiscal year. This change affects the cash-flow that districts have available until the payments are made by the state.

One of the district’s highest priorities for the 2010 legislative session was to receive approval to participate in the state’s alternative facilities program. The program allows qualifying districts to raise funds through local levies and bonds to cover the cost of certain building maintenance and repair projects. Qualification for the program is based on a district’s square footage of building space and the average age of building space. Wayzata is set to qualify for the program in about five years and was seeking to qualify early for the program. This provision was included in the final education bill that was approved by the Senate, but the bill did not get heard in the House before the special session ended. The district will again work with local legislators during the 2011 legislative session to get this provision approved.

The other significant legislative provision that will affect Wayzata Public Schools included changes in pension contributions. For the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA), member and employer contribution rates, which are currently 5.5 percent, will increase by 0.5 percent annually over a four-year period beginning July 1, 2011. On July 1, 2014, the member and employer rate will both be 7.5 percent. For the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), member and employer contribution rates will increase by 0.25 percent, effective January 1, 2011. The change in contribution rates will increase the district’s contribution by more than $250,000 each year with a four-year impact of more than $1 million.

WHS synchronized swim team wins fourth consecutive state championship

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he Wayzata High School synchronized swim team won its fourth consecutive state championship on May 28.

The team placed first in 10 of the 15 events and scored a meet high 151 points. This is the first team in Wayzata High School’s history to win four consecutive state championship titles.

In addition to the team victory, several individual firstplace awards were earned by WHS swimmers including: • Katrin Ree and Haley Ruegemer – First place in short duet • Haley Ruegemer – First place in short figures • Alese Halvorson – First place in long figures • Amanda Urke – First place in short solo • Katrin Ree, Haley Ruegemer and Amanda Urke – First place in short trio • Ashley Gilles, Riley Mangan and Ruth Schaefer – First place in long trio • Natalie Bodin, Cayla Ebert and Alese Halvorson – First place in extended trio • Amy Erickson, Nicole Kullback, Riley Mangan, Katrin Ree, Haley Ruegemer, Amanda Urke and Hanna Weas – First place in short team • Ali Eull, Ashley Gilles, Riley Mangan, Katelyn Osmek, Ruth Schaefer, Samantha Snidarich and Erica Weimer – First place in long team

• Alexandra Alviani, Natalie Bodin, Cayla Ebert, Alese Halvorson, Paige Muncy, Kjirsten Ree Laurel Streed and Tara Williams– First place extended team Six students were also named All-State athletes and include juniors Natalie Bodin, Cayla Ebert and Alese Halvorson; sophomore Laurel Streed; and freshmen Paige Muncy and Kjirsten Ree. Team members of the WHS synchronized swim team include the following: Seniors Ashley Gilles and Allison Jahn; juniors Alex Alviani, Natalie Bodin, Larissa Borg, Cayla Ebert, Ali Eull, Alese Halvorson, Becca Hunkins, Katie Kemmitt, Riley Mangan, Mackenzie Neal, Bao-Han Tong, Katelyn Osmek, Erika Weimer and Tara Williams; sophomores Jenny Caffoe, Nicky Kullback, MariBeth Paese, Kathleen Poppendeck, Laurel Streed and Brooke Ylitalo; freshmen Emily Abe, Tatiana Demeneghi, Morgan Foote, Mara Halvorson, Megan He, Becky Liu, Gilly Mangan, Paige Muncy, Kjirsten Ree, Ruth Schaefer and Sammie Snidarich; eighth graders Lydia Boike, Kaitlyn Haller, Breanna Johnson, Trisha Morrison, Emily Turnquist and Sophie Zhang; seventh graders Amy Erickson, Meta Nagel, Lizzy Pate, Katrin Ree, Haley Ruegemer, Amanda Urke and Hannah Weas.

The team is coached by head coach Signe Hensel and assistant coaches Ali Bodin, Becca Corness, Rachel Hoffart, Ellen Metsker, Andrea Price and Ann Rushfeldt.

Four Destination ImagiNation teams competed at Globals

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our Destination ImagiNation teams from Wayzata Public Schools competed at the Global Competition held in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 26-29.

The four teams that competed at the Global Competition were: • The JK’s (fifth grade) from Greenwood Elementary placed 21 out of 59 – Team members are Kate Bernhardt, Katie Erdahl, Jacob Hoffner, Jack Stetler and Kira Stetler; team managers are Angela Bernhardt and Jay Erdahl • D.I.namites (fourth and fifth grade) from Oakwood Elementary placed 18 out of 62 – Team members are Simran Chugani, Kyle Eckman, Frank Fetrow, Hannah Hagen, Isaac Polum, Madeline Tapper and Lucas Waskosky; team managers are Holly Tapper and Kristin Tollison • The Imperium of the Llamas (fifth and sixth grade) from East Middle School and Sunset Hill Elementary School placed 34 out of 69 – Team members are Shelby Diesen, Niklas Skar, Gunnar Wallinga and Rebecca Wallinga; team managers are Derek Diesen, Tracy Skar and Sue Wallinga • Psychedelic Hippie Kaleidoscopes (sixth and seventh grade) from Central Middle School placed 17 out of 68 – Team members are Justin Greenberg, Michael Greer, Maia Miller, David Mo, Abby Trouth and Leighton Zhao; team managers are Robb Greenberg and Diane Miller

WHS junior Alese Halvorson is lifted out of the water during the team’s extended trio event.

WHS business instructor honored with 2010 Larson Financial Literacy Award

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ayzata High School business instructor Candy Lee was honored with the 2010 Larson Financial Literacy Award for usage of BestPrep’s programs to educate Minnesota students about business, career and financial literacy skills.

Lee was recognized for her passion for helping students to understand money management, personal finance, and long-term saving and investing. She utilizes all of BestPrep’s programs to increase the financial literacy of her students. She is also involved in the Jump $tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. Her commitment is unsurpassed, and the field of financial education has been enhanced by her efforts.

“By utilizing BestPrep’s resources in the classroom, my students have profited from ‘real world’ experiences. All of the programs have given my students essential skills that they will use throughout their lives. There is no greater partnership than that between education and the business community. So thank you, BestPrep, for making this possible for me and my students,” said Lee. Lee received the Larson Award at BestPrep’s 34th Annual Luncheon, held May 19 at the Nicollet Island Inn Pavilion. BestPrep offers five innovative programs to educators and students across Minnesota; Classroom Plus, eMentors, Minnesota Business Venture, The Stock Market Game™ and the Technology Integration Workshop.

WHS teacher Candy Lee was honored with the 2010 Larson Financial Literacy Award.

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In Brief

New principal of Greenwood Elementary appointed Brad Gustafson, currently the principal at Tracy Area Elementary School in Tracy, Minnesota, was appointed as the new principal of Greenwood Elementary School.

Gustafson replaces Ginny Clark who will retire at the end of June.

Gustafson started his career as a second grade teacher for the North Branch Schools.

He received his bachelor of science degree and master of science degree from St. Cloud State University and his education specialist degree from Minnesota State University at Mankato.

Trojan Tots Registration open for fall 2010

Wayzata Public Schools is looking for potty-trained 3-, 4-, or 5-year-olds to participate in the Trojan Tots program taught by child development and parenting II students at Wayzata High School.

Dates and times are September 20 through November 4 from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

There will be no school on Thursday, October 21.

For registration materials or more information, contact Miriam Lejonvarn at 763-745-6884 or by email at miriam. lejonvarn@wayzata.k12.mn.us. The newchild registration form is also available for parents to complete on the district’s website at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us.

WPSEF grant program renewed for 2010-11

The Wayzata Public Schools Education Foundation (WPSEF) is renewing its “From Excellent to Exceptional” grant program for the 2010-11 school year.

This program funds small projects that extend the regular curriculum in collaborative and innovative ways and awards up to $10,000 to staff members that develop and submit projects. All Wayzata Public Schools staff are invited to spend time this summer developing innovative learning opportunities that are not possible within the regular funding system. The WPSEF will accept applications beginning in September. Submissions are due November 1 and successful applicants will be notified in January 2011 with funds available in February 2011.

For more information or to view previous grant award winners, visit www.wpsef.org.

Change of enrollment notification needs to be completed online

Wayzata Public Schools’ yellow “Change of Enrollment Notification” cards will no longer be sent home with students this year and instead, the form should be filled out on the district’s website at www.wayzata. k12.mn.us.

The district’s Change of Enrollment Notification form should be filled out by families moving out of the district, moving to another address in the district or not attending Wayzata Public Schools for any reason in the 2010-11 school year.

To fill out the form online, visit the district’s website and click on the Change of Enrollment Notification badge on the right side of the page.

Class of 2010 Wayzata High School senior Zach Sperry, received the 2010 Legacy Scholarship from the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce at a surprise presentation in April.

21 WHS students awarded TwinWest scholarships

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he 2010 TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Awards were announced and 21 students from Wayzata High School were recipients of a range of scholarships, including the largest annual scholarship from the foundation, the Legacy Scholarship.

Zach Sperry, a senior at WHS was awarded the $5,000 Legacy Scholarship for 2010. He was surprised during school with a visit and check from representatives of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce on April 20.

Sperry stood out in all areas as the scholarship committee reviewed applications.

His academic achievement was at the top of

the class. He displayed leadership, skill and depth in his extracurricular activities and his commitment and leadership in volunteering was exceptional. His employment experience showed maturity, effort and focus toward his higher educational goals, according to the committee.

Sperry plans to attend the University of Minnesota in the fall. He has been accepted into the honors program with the College of Science and Engineering where he will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.

Also winning scholarships from the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce were seniors Sarah Birkholz, Leslie Byun, Denise

Chen, Katherine Christopherson, Angela Deeny, Mackenzie Fallt, Kelsey Grinde, John Haugland, Austin Hermann, Jane Kim, Andrew Kleven, Joyce Liu, Arkajit Mandal, Jennifer Nordstrom, Meredith Ries, Parth Shah, Johanni Thunstrom, Melissa Woo, Robyn Zeidler and Erin Zwick.

The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation honored its 2010 scholarship award recipients along with parents and educators at its annual college scholarship awards reception in May at the DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place in St. Louis Park.

Three WHS students named Scholars of Distinction

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ayzata High School senior Angela Sandall and juniors Anna Hashizume and Lawrence Wang, were named Minnesota Scholars of Distinction.

Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren honored 34 high school students from Minnesota for their achievement in the Minnesota Scholars of Distinction program, which encourages high school students to perform at highly rigorous levels in five specific academic areas and rewards their depth of knowledge and skill in application.

The program was developed by the Minnesota Department of

Education through a partnership with professionals and educators with expertise in each specialty area.

Sandall was named a scholar of distinction in Meritorious Performance Theater Arts for the project “Dynamics of Drama,” Hashizume was named a scholar of distinction in Meritorious Performance Theater Arts for the project “Poetic Imagination in Theater,” and Wang was named a scholar of distinction in Science for the project “The Role of Bile Acids in Kidney Cryopreservation.”

2009-10 Career Teacher Award recipients honored

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he 2009-10 Career Teacher Award recipients were honored with a ceremony held April 21 at Central Middle School.

Career Teacher Honorees for 2009-10 are Jill BowmanCashman, music teacher at West Middle School; Ronda Gjestvang, kindergarten teacher at Kimberly Lane Elementary; Nancy Neal,

engineering technology and design teacher at Central Middle School; Chip Williams, music teacher at Wayzata High School; and posthumously Suzanne Graft, second grade teacher at Oakwood Elementary School; and Jill Stoll, art teacher at WHS.

The 2009-10 Career Teacher Award recipients were honored at a cermony in April and include: from the left, Chip Williams, Ronda Gjestvang, Jill Bowman-Cashman and Nancy Neal. Teachers honored posthumously were Suzanne Graft and Jill Stoll.

‘Wackadoo Zoo’

ECRWSS Postal Customer Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Wayzata, MN Permit 43

Second grade students at Gleason Lake Elementary School performed their “Wackadoo Zoo” for their annual musical on May 6. The musical features animals that make the wrong sounds. A group of specialists are sent in to to sort out the mess. Can you say “Cute”?

The Communicator is published for residents and staff of Wayzata Public Schools. Contact Bob Noyed, director of communication, at 763-745-5068 or robert.noyed@wayzata.k12.mn.us with questions or comments.

Communicator

Wayzata Public Schools 210 County Road 101 N. P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391-0060

June 2010

8 WPS launches Facebook fan page

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hether you are a Wayzata student, an alumnus, a local business person, parent, grandparent, or a fan of the Wayzata Public Schools, you are invited to join the Wayzata Public Schools Facebook page.

The WPS Facebook page provides friends of the district with an opportunity to stay in touch with what’s happening in the district with news posts and event listings, connect with alumni and staff that participate on the site and share in dialogue about the future of education in Wayzata Public Schools.

To become a fan, visit www.facebook.com and search for Wayzata Public Schools.

Wayzata High School DECA participants were honored by the school board at its May 10 regular meeting for their accomplishments at the international competition.

Employees of the Month Three employees have been recognized as Employees of the Month since the previous edition of the Communicator.

They are: •April 2010 — Cheryl Burdick, fourth grade teacher at Sunset Hill Elementary • May 2010 — Erika Sterling, special services teacher at Greenwood Elementary • June 2010 — Carmen Block, kindergarten teacher at Birchview Elementary

WHS students place well in DECA competition

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ight Wayzata High School students placed well at the state and international DECA competition.

The following students placed well at the international competition held April 24-28 in Louisville, Kentucky: • Bridget Eide, senior, DECA officer and international competitor in School Based Enterprise and Hotel and Lodging Management • Jenna Gove, junior, international competitor in Quick Service Restaurant Management • Logan Kirst, senior, DECA officer and international competitor in Hotel and Lodging Management • Ibtesam Mujir, senior, international competitor in Automotive Services

• Margarita Shibko, senior, DECA officer and international competitor in School Based Enterprise • Alex Sniderich, junior, DECA officer and international competitor in Hospitality Services Team Decision Making • Rob Weaver, junior, DECA officer and international competitor in Hospitality Services Team Decision Making • Mallory Wilkerson, senior, DECA officer and international competitor in School Based Enterprise DECA, an association of marketing students, provides students marketing-related and leadership-development activities that enhance classroom study toward careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. The students are advised by WHS teachers David Chvojicek and Sara Heeg.