2012 11 November Communicator

November 2012

COMMUNICATOR MyWay for student learning to launch in January

‘T Several hundred parents from across the district met three times under the guidance of district consultant Dennis Cheesebrow with Teamworks International to provide feedback to refine proposed concepts for redrawing the district’s elementary boundaries.

Smartphone users can scan the code at the right to find more information on the boundary process on the district’s website.

Boundary process great example of an engaged community

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s you likely know, Wayzata Public Schools is in the process of studying attendance boundary areas to better balance the number of students in each of our elementary and middle schools.

This is very hard work surrounded with lots of emotion.

Nearly 800 parents and residents attended one of the three public meetings held October 29, 30 and November 5 to share feedback regarding proposed scenarios for reconfiguring the attendance areas. These sessions began with an introduction to the current

challenges followed by an hour of small group work where participants worked together to share what they saw to be the strengths, concerns, questions and ideas about each scenario. A significant amount of feedback has also been shared online.

“It has been great to see the high level of community engagement and participation in the process and the feedback generated has been extremely valuable as scenarios continued to be refined before being presented to the Wayzata School Board at its November 26 Work Session,” said Superintendent Chace Anderson.

A recommendation will be made to the Board at its December 10 meeting.

For the most current information about the attendance area process, please visit the district web site at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ProposedBoundaries.

he primary goal of MyWay is for students to learn how to learn and love learning,” shared Shelly Nelson, director of curriculum for Wayzata Public Schools.

“Our kids are ready for this!” Nelson is referring to the next step in the implementation of MyWay—the long-term effort in the Wayzata Public Schools to make sure that each and every student is prepared to thrive today and excel tomorrow in our ever-changing global society.

It was determined that the iPad is presently the tool with the greatest potential to meet the individual learning needs of students and provide a smooth integration into the district’s technology environment. According to Wade Phillips, director of technology, “Our students are already so comfortable with technology, and giving them access to iPads through MyWay will give them more opportunities to practice gathering information and creating digital content using a tool that is already a part of their everyday lives.”

Starting in January, the first iPads will be distributed to students in grades K-2 on a 3:1 ratio and students in grades 6-8 on a 1:1 ratio. A great deal of time and effort has been spent educating parents on the benefits of MyWay and letting them know what to expect. Information, including a detailed frequently asked questions document, was shared with parents recently at conferences. Parents were also given an opportunity to try an iPad for themselves and ask specific questions about MyWay. “We are really committed to partnering with parents to provide students with the best possible personalized learning experience,” stressed Jill Johnson, executive director of teaching and learning. Students have even been engaged in efforts to involve parents. A group of 40 eighth graders at East Middle School recently shared information with their parents about how their learning will be enhanced using an iPad. The two biggest concerns expressed by parents have been keeping students safe online and the fact that the students will be responsible for the expense of the device. “We have been talking to students about responsible use and how to be safe online for a long time and these efforts will continue with MyWay,” said Nelson. Students in grades 6-8 will be issued a new 16GB iPad2, wifi only, with a district issued case. To support families MyWay continued on Page 3

Parents, staff and students share opinions on school start times

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arents, staff and high school students recently participated in an online survey to provide the district with feedback about our school’s current start times.

Data from this survey is in the process of being analyzed and will be considered, in addition to other relevant factors, as future decisions are made regarding district start times. No decisions have been made as to when these discussions will happen at this time. Survey results and more information will be shared in an upcoming issue of the Communicator.

2 22 WHS National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists named

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wenty-two students from Wayzata High School’s class of 2013 have been named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. This year’s SemiFinalists are Bryn Balls-Barker, Gordon Blake, Hannah Devens, Lauren Farquhar, Nirupa Galagedera, Christina Gu, Megan He, Paul Keller, Jenny Lai, Kyle Li, Kelvin Liu, Caroline MacDonald, Austin Musliner, Madeleine North, Abram Sanderson, Jordan Sell, Evan Stuempfig, Catherine Sun, Amy Xiong, Ziwei Zhang, Roy Zhao and Sophia Zhou.

Students qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program by taking the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

These students will continue in the National Merit Program and will be candidates to receive a scholarship from

Pictured left to right in front are seniors Hannah Devens, Nirupa Galagedera, Catherine Sun, Amy Xiong, Christina Gu, Megan He, Jenny Lai; back row Evan Stuempfig, Ziwei Zhang, Gordan Blake, Sophia Zhou, WHS Principal Mike Trewick, Caroline MacDonald, Madeleine North, Lauren Farquhar, Abram Sanderson, Bryn Balls-Barker, Kelvin Liu, Paul Keller, Kyle Li, Jordan Sell and Austin Musliner. Not pictured is Roy Zhao. the program. The scholarships will be announced next spring.

Wayzata High School has consistently had a high number of National Merit

Scholarship Semi-Finalists over the past several years: Class of 2012 = 26 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists

Class of 2011 = 35 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists Class of 2010 = 23 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists

WPS teacher selected for teacher fellowship program at St. Thomas

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ichelle Reinke, the K-12 science resource teacher for Wayzata Public Schools, was selected by the University of St. Thomas School of Education to participate in the second cohort of a fellowship program designed to produce extraordinary classroom teachers.

Reinke is one of 10 teachers selected from 89 applicants from 25 school districts in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

She will receive a stipend, iPad and graduate-level academic credits. The program’s goal is to bring together a group of accomplished educators and help them further develop their teaching, mentoring, critical-thinking and technology skills.

“This program offers me an opportunity to connect with other Minnesota teacher leaders and collectively engage in work that ultimately improves student learning in all of our respective districts,” said Reinke. “It is through our collaborative work that we challenge both practices and beliefs to enhance our practice. In the end, it is not only the fellows who benefit from this experience, but the teachers and students with whom we work with,” she added.

Applicants were required to have five years of classroom experience and to have shown the kind of dedication and leadership that will help them become extraordinary teachers. Most of the teachers selected for this year’s cohort already have or are working toward their master’s degrees.

“The program provides a setting of support and professional development for teachers who are experienced and want to become experts,” said Dr. Bruce Kramer, dean of St. Thomas’ School of Education. “The ultimate goal is to ensure more learning for students through the development of their

Wayzata Public Schools’ Professional Learning Community Coach Michelle Reinke is pictured working with staff at Central Middle School. teachers.”

The second cohort, twice as large as last year’s inaugural group, consists of four men and six women. They come from nine school districts and teach in the areas of social studies, English and language arts, construction, chemistry, biology, athletics, and mathematics and science.

Reinke serves as the professional learning community coach at Wayzata Central Middle School. Previously a middle school science and consumer-science teacher, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a MA in Education from the University of Minnesota.

Sunset Hill students spend morning with U of M president at State Fair

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reyanah Fox and Raekwon King, students at Sunset Hill Elementary School, were selected to spend three hours on September 2 at the Minnesota State Fair with University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler.

Fox and King spent the morning touring the University of Minnesota building, visiting the Miracle of Birth Center, and other exciting and educational sites with Kaler and his wife, Karen.

“This summer, we brought a group of students from Camp Sunset to the University as part of the Kids on Campus program sponsored by the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence,” said Jim Hebeisen, the principal intern at Camp Sunset. “Our connection at the University was so impressed with our group and the mission set forth by the staff of Camp Sunset, that

he asked me to find a couple of volunteers to spend the morning with the Kalers at the Fair. I spoke with Karen Keffeler, the principal of Sunset Hill, and she helped me select two wonderful ambassadors to represent the students of the school,” he said.

When asked to share a couple of highlights from the morning, Fox mentioned walking across a tub filled with Oobleck (water and corn starch) and King enjoyed his first trip down the Giant Slide with Goldy the Gopher and President and Mrs. Kaler.

“I think the experience created some wonderful memories for Dreyanah and Raekwon that they will remember for a very long time,” said Hebeisen. “This was the first time a University of Minnesota President has ever done an outreach program like this, and it makes me proud to know that I was able to help Dreyanah and Raekwon be a part of it.”

Dreyanah Fox and Raekwon King are pictured at the Minnesota State Fair with University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler and his wife Karen.

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Wayzata middle school students will begin their iPads and using them for class assignments as part of the MyWay Student Learning Initiative.

MyWay from Page 1 in this responsibility, the district will be offering an optional low-cost insurance program to cover any repair and/or replacement costs.

Middle school families will be expected to come to an orientation session in January to receive their student’s iPad. Expectations will be shared with students and parents at these sessions, as well as additional opportunities for parents to ask questions.

Phase II of the MyWay Student Learning

Initiative will happen in September 2013 with students in grade 3 receiving iPads on a 3:1 ratio and students in grades 4, 5 and 9 receiving iPads on a 1:1 ratio. Students in grades 10-12 are set to receive iPads in September 2014. “Many school districts in the metro area are incorporating personal learning devices like the iPad, but I think what sets Wayzata apart is that we are looking at it from a K-12 perspective. It is important to get students comfortable with the devices at a young age and we are committed to getting them in the hands of

all our students as quickly as is feasible,” said Johnson.

“Another piece of MyWay that sets Wayzata apart has been our effort to provide teachers with professional development opportunities on the front end,” stressed Johnson. “We are all learners in this process and we realize this is a tool that can help us both enhance and transform teaching and learning.”

Teachers and other certified staff were issued their own iPads last summer and a team of over 100 teachers were trained to

be liaisons within their buildings to help inform, instruct and model appropriate and effective instructional strategies using iPads. “Everybody is coming in at a different point and teachers need time and support to incorporate the new technology. We are confident that teachers will think of ways to engage students far beyond what we can even imagine today.”

For more information about MyWay, visit the district’s web site at www.wayzata.k12. mn.us/MyWay.

A Thriller at Plymouth Creek Elementary

Staff members at Plymouth Creek Elementary School learned to dance Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and performed a show for parents and students at the school’s annual Fall Carnival held October 26. Smartphone users can scan the code at the left to watch a video of the performance.

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Greenwood Elementary Fall Carnival

Students, parents and staff gathered the evening of October 26 for Greenwood Elementary School’s fall carnival.

The event raises funds for the school and is organized by the Greenwood Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The event included games, food, a silent auction, face painting, crazy-hair styling and numerous activities throughout the building for families to enjoy.

WHS senior earns perfect score on SAT exam

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iwei Zhang, a senior at Wayzata High School, earned a perfect score on her December 2011 SAT exam.

Zhang said she enrolled in the Princeton review class for the SAT during the summer prior to her exam, but said she didn’t find it as helpful as the college board practice tests she purchased. Zhang spent a lot of time taking the practice tests, often earning 2,300 as well as a couple perfect scores. She said her goal was to earn 2,300 or higher, but she didn’t really expect a perfect score.

During her senior year, Zhang is taking Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry, AP Literature and she is in the Honors Mentor Connection program at the University of Minnesota. She is leaning toward researching in the field of neuroscience.

Outside of academics, Zhang is in the National Honors Society, a member of LINK crew at WHS, participates in Future Problem Solvers, a member of the WHS Math Team, Knowledge Masters Open Team, and the WHS Speech Team.

She also competes in pole vault on the WHS Track Team. Zhang volunteers as a tutor with the Connect Program for elementary-age students in the district and last summer she traveled to China to volunteer as an English teacher.

She said she is interested in attending college next year on the East coast, but hasn’t narrowed down her top choices yet. She’s interested in an economics

major, but enjoys both the sciences and liberal arts. Her goal is to become a professor in whatever she decides for her major.

Ziwei Zhang

Duligur Ibeling

WHS alumnus named 2012 Davidson Fellow

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uligur Ibeling, a class of 2012 Wayzata High School graduate, was recently named a 2012 Davidson Fellow for his science project “The Metallicity-Dependent Transition between White Dwarfs and Type II Supernovae,” and received a $25,000 scholarship.

Ibeling’s science project constitutes the first-ever detailed determination of the minimum mass for core-collapse supernovae as a function of metallicity. This allows for more accurate prediction of the final fates of certain stars, as well as galactic supernova formation rates. His results will allow scientists to estimate how many supernovae occurred at each epoch of the universe, thus improving human understanding of the structure, chemical evolution, and light emissions of the universe over its entire history. Ibeling is a freshman at Harvard University.

He hopes to pursue a career in scientific research.

Ibeling was honored at a reception in Washington, D.C., on October 3.

5 Fourth annual Family Service Night at Oakwood Elementary

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akwood Elementary School hosted its fourth annual Family Service Night November 2.

Oakwood Principal Dennis Grasmick believes Family Service Night provides an extraordinary way for the school community to demonstrate kindness in action, and teaches children that everyone can contribute.

This year’s event was attended by 375 parents and students who participated in: building birdhouses, a clothing drive, creating “Night-Night” comfort bundles, Kids Helping Kids, letters to soldiers, Locks of Love, sandwich station, senior station and toys for rescue animals. Families created 49 birdhouses; collected 50 large bags full of clothing; created 43 bundles, including blankets, stuffed animals and books for Sojourner Project, a battered women’s shelter; decorated and filled 72 pencil cases for children in Guatemala; raised $142.57 from a lemonade stand to benefit the Oakwood PTA scholarship fund; wrote 130 letters for soldiers; made 15 donations of hair to Locks of Love; assembled and delivered 540 sandwiches for the Marie Sandvik Center in Minneapolis; created 60 door hangers and 18 centerpieces for residents of Clare Bridge of Plymouth senior housing for their Thanksgiving celebration; and made 217 cat and dog toys for animals waiting at Adopt-A-Pet. The Family Service Night is made possible through a partnership between the Oakwood PTA and Wayzata Community Action, which both contributed funds to help assist with the event. The event was organized by PTA members Faye Otero, Patricia D’Angelico and Nikki Kietzer.

This year’s event also drew attention from Rochester Public Schools and Robbinsdale Public Schools.

Representatives from Rochester and Zachary Lane Elementary in Plymouth attended to learn more about hosting a Family Service Night in their districts.

“There’s more and more data being gathered all the time that’s telling us that our current students in elementary

Oakwood Elementary’s Family Service Night brought students, staff and community members together to complete service projects for those in need both locally and around the world. school are going to be much more community oriented — much more willing to go out and to help in their communities — and not as concerned about the size of their homes or the cars that they drive. They want to help their community to grow and we’re going to capitalize on

that in our building because academic success is only as good as the personal experience of using that success or knowledge to benefit your community.” said Grasmick

2012 Homecoming Royalty

Seniors Reid Petterson and Alyssa Gaio were chosen as the 2012 Wayzata High School Homecoming King and Queen at the coronation ceremony held the evening of October 3. Top left, Gaio receives the crown as it is announced she is the 2012 Queen. Lower left, Petterson celebrates his crowning. This year’s senior royalty included Brett Classen, Mitch Condon, Paul Davis, Sam Joiner, Grant Larson, Nick Murray, Michael Pearce, Brooke Bovee, Maddie Eklin, Jessie Hermann, Taylor Krienke, Mari Moroz, Mady North and Sophie Zhou.

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Pictured from left to right, front to back are this year’s Wayzata High School seniors that earned perfect scores on the ACT exam: Jordan Sell, Roy Zhao, Megan He, Hannah Devens Abram Sanderson, Paul Keller and Doyeon Kim.

Seven WHS students earn perfect scores on ACT

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annah Devens, Megan He, Paul Keller, Doyeon Kim, Abram Sanderson, Jordan Sell and Roy Zhao, seniors at Wayzata High School (WHS), earned perfect scores of 36 on the 2012 ACT exam.

Hannah Devens said she used a practice book from the library, but found her high school career classwork to be the most helpful in preparing to take the ACT exam. Currently she is taking Advanced Placement (AP) statistics, AP Physics, AP Human Geography and AP Literature.

She has been involved with the school photo club for two years, volunteers with the WHS Youth Extending Services (YES) club and is in the National Honor Society. She is also on the track team and ran on the varsity team last year in the 4x100 relay event. Devens also plays the piano.

Notre Dame is her top choice for next year, but she hasn’t decided yet what her major will be. She said she is interested in owning her own business in the future.

Megan He took one practice test to see what the exam would be like. She said she scored a 32 on the practice test and was surprised when she earned a 36 on her official test.

She credited her coursework at WHS for the basis of her knowledge for the test and said the practice test was more to prepare her for what the test would be like. This year, He said she has a light course load and is enrolled in AP Literature, AP Statistics, AP Chinese and AP Physics and will also take Macro Economics, Micro Economics and Psychology. She is also a teacher’s assistant for AP European History teacher Jeff Prondzinski.

Outside of academics, He is involved with Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad and Speech Team. She had been on the Synchronized Swim Team, but stopped her involvement on the team after her sophomore year. She volunteers outside of school with a paraprofessional in the district during the summer in the district’s STEP program for students with disabilities. She also volunteers with the WHS YES Club.

Her top choices for college next year include Stanford, Cornell, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania. She is interested in a food science major and considers herself a passionate baker.

Paul Keller said he took the ACT exam for the first time in seventh grade for the Northwestern University Midwest

Academic Talent Search, but didn’t take any practice tests prior to his perfect score. During his senior year he is taking AP Composition, AP Comparative Government, AP Physics, AP American Government, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, Wind Ensemble and Spanish 4.

Outside of academics, Keller performs saxophone, French horn and piano. He is in the WHS Jazz Band, Plymouth Concert Band and WHS Marching Band. He is also in the National Honor Society and does volunteer work with his music.

His top choices for college next year include Carlton College, Grinnell, Kenyon College, Swarthmore and Oberlin College, but his dream school is Princeton. Keller said if he is accepted to Princeton, he will definitely attend. He plans on majoring in physics and would like to earn a doctorate and become a college professor.

Doyeon Kim took the test three times earning a 33 on each of the first two tests. She said her motivation to take the test a third time was that she felt she could improve her score by at least one more point. She said she wasn’t expecting a 36 and said she didn’t practice or study prior to her final exam.

She also credited her coursework at WHS for preparing her for the exam. She is taking AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Sociology, AP Psychology and Micro Economics this year.

Outside of academics, Kim plays violin in the Community Youth Orchestra and the WHS Pit Orchestra for the fall musical. She also volunteers at both the Plymouth and Maple Grove libraries and with the WHS YES club.

Her top choices for college next year include the University of Southern California, Northwestern University and New York University. She’s undecided on what her major will be.

Abram Sanderson said he didn’t prepare for the exam and did not take any practice tests. He credited his normal coursework at WHS for preparing him for the exam. He is currently in AP Physics, AP Literature and AP Composition.

Outside of academics, Sanderson performs trumpet in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra and WHS Pit Orchestra, and is one of the three drum majors for the WHS Marching Band. He is also on the WHS Math Team, Science Olympiad Team and the WHS First Robotics Team.

His top choices for college include California Institute of Technology, Harvey Mudd College, Northwestern University,

Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Minnesota.

He’s interested in degrees in math and computer science and would like to enter the field of computer analytics working on optimizing algorithms.

Jordan Sell said he bought a study book to prepare for the ACT exam and credited his normal class schedule with preparing him for the exam. During his senior year, Sell is taking AP Physics, AP Composition and AP Chemistry.

Outside of academics, Sell plays corner back on the WHS Varsity Football Team and center field on the WHS Varsity Baseball Team. Sell also volunteers his time at a day care, North Memorial Hospital and with the Plymouth Wayzata Youth Baseball Association.

His top choices for college next year include Stanford, Duke, Northwestern University and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is interested in a major in the field of biology and plans on attending medical school. He said he’s interested in becoming a pediatrician because of his interests in human medical science and working with children.

Roy Zhao said he took a lot of practice tests on his own to prepare for the exam. He said he didn’t take the class and felt the practice tests on their own were enough preparation.

During the week prior to taking his ACT exam, Zhao said he did a test a day. He said he didn’t take the full test each day because he felt comfortable with the math and science portions, but focused on the reading and writing sections.

Zhao also credited AP Composition with preparing him greatly for the reading and writing sections of the ACT exam.

Zhao is currently enrolled in the Post Secondary Education Option and is taking classes his senior year at the University of Minnesota. He is enrolled in Multi-Variable Calculus, Computer Science, Organic Chemistry, Sociology and piano lessons. Outside of academics, Zhao is on the WHS Math Team, Science Olympiad Team and the WHS First Robotics Team.

His top choices for college include Ivy League schools and he plans to major in mathematics and computer science; math because he likes it so much and computer science for his career path. Zhao said he is interested in computer programming and has already done some work with artificial intelligence.

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EMS sixth grade team wins state 2012 Math Masters competition

In Brief WPS Annual Report available Wayzata Public Schools 2011-12 Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement is available on the district’s website at www.wayzata.k12. mn.us.

Scan the QR code below on your smart phone to view the annual report online.

Mark your calendar for 17th annual parenting forum

Wayzata Public Schools’ 17th annual Parenting Forum and Marketplace, “Better Parents, Stronger Community” has been planned for Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. at Central Middle School. There are many exciting changes to this year’s Forum and Marketplace.

The forum will focus on parenting within Wayzata Public Schools. A panel of district administrators will be speaking about topics that impact parenting and education within the district.

Parents can choose from traditional, hour-long workshops and/or speed-sessions focusing on school-related topics.

This year’s Marketplace will be open during the entire forum. The Marketplace provides parents with networking time to learn more about family-friendly opportunities and resources in the community and is a showcase for Wayzata Public Schools’ organizations, clubs, teams and activities as well as local non-profit resources.

The forum is free and open to the public.

Childcare is available for a nominal cost.

For more information, visit the district’s community education website at www. wayzata.k12.mn.us/ces and click on the Parenting Forum link.

The Wayzata East Middle sixth grade blue team took first place in the State 2012 Math Masters competition. The team includes as pictured from left to right: Joe Kammann, Akash Kaul, Shubham Singh, Ritika Chakrabarti and Andrew Tang. The team was coached by Kathy Simson.

WMS seventh grade created 2012 election simulation

WPS begins plastics recycling program

Wayzata Public Schools has launched a new plastics recycling program in all building cafeterias that is being phased in between October and January.

The program will now recycle plastics 1-7 and includes yogurt cups, plastic soufflé containers, four-ounce juice cups with lids, salad containers, water and beverage bottles (with caps on) and zip top bags.

Birchivew, Kimberly Lane and West Middle School began the program on October 1. The remaining elementary schools and East and Central Middle Schools will begin on December 3 and Wayzata High School will begin in January.

With this addition of plastic recycling, there may be some reconfiguration of the current compost/recycling areas in each cafeteria and the addition of larger plastic recycling bins.

Last year the district recycled 300 tons of recycleable materials and compost.

Seventh grade students at West Middle School participated in a 2012 Presidential Election simulation leading up to election day.

Students played the roles of candidates, spouses, supporters, campaign workers and even the secret service. Activities in the unit included: studying the issues and candidates’ positions on them, writing stump speeches for the candidates to deliver in various advisory classes, debating the issues in class, analyzing and creating campaign advertising, learning about the Electoral College and evaluating its effectiveness. The election unit culminated in a Presidential Town Hall Meeting on November 2 in the gym with a meeting for both the seventh grade blue team and seventh grade gold team. Candidates, their spouses and supporters gave speeches and answered questions in a town hall format.

High school experience panel for middle school parents planned

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ayzata High School will host a Parenting with Vision panel discussion called, “Demystifying the High School” on Monday, January 7 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

The evening will feature a panel of high school staff, students and parents who will discuss topics about the high school that will be of interest to middle and high school parents.

Topics included will be the following: • Orientation opportunities – What training and education opportunities are provided to parents and/or students? (Ninth Grade Parent Night, Freshman Orientation, Tours, etc.) What is the

timing? (e.g. February, August, etc.) What communication tools exist ongoing?

• Academics overview – Block schedule; core classes; electives; AP vs Honors; When/how is scheduling done; grades matter (weighted GPS, college prep); academic support (tutoring, guidance and counseling); attendance policies; conferences; alternative learning center • Non-academic engagement – Lunch; sports; clubs; activities For more information, contact the district’s volunteer coordinator, Charlene Barghini by phone at 763-745-5208 or email at Charlene.

Barghini@wayzata.k12.mn.us.

WHS Homecoming Parade

8 Lunch menu adjustments planned

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tarting in December, Wayzata Public Schools Culinary Express Department will be making some adjustments to school lunch menus to be in compliance with new USDA requirements.

Students can continue to expect the same high-quality, healthy and delicious entrées and sides that offer a number of options for lunch. Due to the new regulations, there may be fewer entrée options on some days, but this will be balanced with a variety of side dishes that appeal to students.

Check out the new menus at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ LunchMenu. For more information, please contact Mary Anderson, supervisor of Culinary Express at Mary.

Anderson2@wayzata.k12.mn.us

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

They are: •September 2012 — The entire Greenwood Elementary School Home Base Team •October 2012 — Leslie Colanino, Central Middle School Read 180 teacher •November 2012 — Kathy Banks, Birchivew Elementary School social worker

Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Wayzata, MN Permit 43

The Wayzata High School Marching Band led the annual Homecoming Parade into downtown Wayzata on the afternoon of October 5. More photos from the parade are available on the district’s website and Flickr account. Smartphone users may scan the code at the right to go directly to the parade photo gallery.

The Communicator is published for residents and staff of Wayzata Public Schools. Contact Amy Parnell, director of communications and community engagement, at 763-745-5068 or Amy.Parnell@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

November 2012

East Middle School teacher’s lounge makeover revealed

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fter entering a video contest seeking submissions from metro area schools describing why their teachers deserve a new lounge, East Middle School health teacher John Siegrist won a makeover for his school with the help and participation of several other staff.

The makeover was revealed just before the start of this school year. The entire school community mobilized to vote for this makeover. Schneiderman’s Furniture designed, planned and installed the makeover.

WHS senior will apprentice with the Minnesota Opera

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arah Kurtz, a senior at Wayzata High School, was selected to be an apprentice with the Minnesota Opera through a highly competitive audition process where she sang pieces from opera repertoire.

Kurtz will participate in intensive workshops weekly and will receive vocal coaching and audition tips as she prepares

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for college auditions. Additionally, there are opportunities for apprentices to be a part of Minnesota Opera’s professional productions at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul.

Kurtz is a member of the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers at WHS.

WHS sophomore wins state vocal competition

ydney Chamberlain, a sophomore in Wayzata High School’s Cantori Choir, was the state winner in her age division for the voice category the weekend of October 27 at the Minnesota Music Teachers National

Assocation state auditions at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. As Minnesota’s representative, she will continue on to the Midwestern Regional Division competition in Kansas in January, which will include winners from seven states.

Consider creating a scholarship for Wayzata High School graduates

lease consider sponsoring a scholarship for a graduating senior from WHS. Over the last few years, local scholarships available to our students have dropped in both the number of scholarships available and the dollar amounts of these awards. At the same time, college costs continue to increase, creating additional challenges for students and families.

Scholarships can be set up as a one-time opportunity or an annual award. They can be personalized or anonymous. You can set the criteria and select the recipient, or the scholarship committee can do it for you. For more information or to discuss an idea further, contact Anne Johnson, Wayzata High School college and career center coordinator at 763-745-6639 or by email at Anne.Johnson@wayzata.k12.mn.us.

Young Scientist Roundtable planned January 8 at CMS

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Young Scientist Roundtable will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Central Middle School. Dr. Benjamin Brubaker, an associate professor with the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota will present a program on mathematics.

Following the presentation at 8:10 to 8:40 p.m., a Teen Roundtable will be held where students will have the opportunity to ask in-depth questions.

The Young Scientist Roundtable is free for students in grades K-12 and their families and no registration is required.