2013 06 June Communicator by Wayzata Public Schools

Summer 2013

Excellence. For each and every student.

Communicator Growing Demand for Wayzata Schools Impacts Facilities

he Wayzata School Board and administration have been working hard to review and take into consideration recent changes impacting our facility needs for the future. In addition to enrollment projections that indicate a growing resident student population, the State also provided funding for all-day Kindergarten as part of the legislative session that ended in May. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest learners, but it comes with the challenge of needing even more elementary classrooms than anticipated. Wayzata Public Schools student population is growing The demand to attend Wayzata Public Schools has never been greater. Recently updated projections indicate that our total K-12 resident student enrollment is expected to increase twice as fast as it increased in the past 10 years. This anticipated growth can be attributed to an increase in births, an inflow of students moving into the district and significant new home development, especially in the northern portion of our district. Wayzata Public Schools has been closed to open enrollment, only accepting the number of nonresident students required by law, for the past two years to focus on meeting the needs of a growing resident student population. During the past four years, 1,200 new homes have been built within the district, and it is anticipated that at least another 1,600 homes will be built in the next four years. Within the Wayzata Public School District boundaries, developments are not only occurring in the city of Plymouth, but also in the cities of Corocoran, Maple Grove and Medina. New elementary additions underway, more space needed for all-day Kindergarten An important part of addressing future elementary capacity needs is underway with additions being built at Greenwood, Oakwood and Sunset Hill Elementary Schools. The additional classroom and instructional space will be done in time for the 2013-14 school year. These new additions, coupled with the recent school attendance area boundary changes, were originally thought to be sufficient for addressing elementary space needs for the next 3-5 years. However, with the Legislature recently approving all-day Kindergarten starting in the fall of 2014,

more classrooms will be needed than anticipated. While the State is providing funding for all-day Kindergarten, the funding amount does not include money to address increased facility needs.

enrollment is expected to grow by as many as 900 students in the next 10 years. A committee of citizens, made up of district residents, alumni, parents and grandparents, studied the effects of the growing student population over the next 8-10 years and presented its recommendation to add on to the high school to the Wayzata School Board at its May 20 Work Session.

Citizens Committee recommends High School addition The Board is also in the process of determining what action is needed to address the growing secondary student population. At this time, we expect that middle school enrollment increases can be accommodated by reconfiguring exsting space without adding space to any of our middle schools. Wayzata High School is already at capacity and

Board plans for bond referendum The Board will continue discussions regarding bringing a referendum to voters in excess of $100 million to fund a range of building needs across the district to achieve our mission of providing an excellent educational experience for each and every student. Visit our newly-updated website at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us for more information and updates as this process unfolds.

New housing developments are on the rise in the Wayzata Public School District. Above: A new apartment building is being constructed in Minnetonka along the 494 frontage road. Below: A single family housing development is underway along Dunkirk Lane in Plymouth. The District anticipates the construction of at least another 1,600 single family homes over the next four years.

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Wayzata High School offers opportunities for all

he front page of the Communicator shares information about our growing school district and plans underway to address facility needs to ensure we are meeting the learning needs of each and every student. Although we are experiencing significant growth at the elementary, middle and high school levels, I would like to specifically focus on the growing student population at Wayzata High School in this issue. It’s no secret that Wayzata High School is one of the largest high schools in Minnesota. The Class of 2013 consisted of 806 graduates – the largest class in the District’s history. While a large high school may seem daunting from some perspectives, I’d like to share specific examples from the Class of 2013 that illustrate the many opportunities and advantages there are for our high school students. WHS administrators, teachers and support staff do a wonderful job of creating a nurturing, small high school experience within a larger setting that offers students a wide array of opportunities, choices and options. • WHS’ Advanced Placement (AP) Program demonstrates a strong academic focus – 432 seniors took 903 AP classes and 703 AP exams. • The Class of 2013 achieved impressive numbers in the National Merit Scholarship Program with 22 National Merit Semi-Finalists, all of whom went on to become Finalists. There were also 27 National Merit Commended Scholars. • The Visual Arts students once again created exceptional projects in each of the art disciplines and worked in partnership with others to fight hunger through the Empty Bowls project. • Students in the Theater Arts program inspired students, parents, staff and the community

the superintendent

with exemplary performances of The Sound of Music, Swing and a number of other productions.

Gymnastics and Dance Team Kick; and Conference Titles in Cross Country, Synchronized Swimming, Soccer, Dance Team, Gymnastics and Nordic Skiing.

• The Speech and Debate Teams performed at high levels, winning State Tournaments and qualifying for the National Forensic League Tournament.

• The WHS Boys Athletics teams were named Section Champions in Cross Country, Hockey, Football, Tennis and Swim and Diving and Conference Champions in Cross Country, Wrestling, Tennis and Track and Field.

• The Class of 2013 received honors in programs such as Skills USA, Business Professionals of America, DECA, Knowledge Masters, Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, DestiNation Imagination, Robotics, as well as several science, world language, creative and fiction writing competitions.

• The WHS Adapted Floor Hockey Team won the State Consolation Championship. • These students were also models of excellence in how to serve our communities. Through participation in Student Council, Youth Extending Services and a wide array of other service groups, students have reached out to participate in local, national and international service learning and fundraising efforts.

• This class proudly represented WHS in All-State Band, All-State Choir and All-State Orchestra. In addition, many students and ensemble groups received superior ratings in competitions and earned a number of scholarships for their musical talent. • The Math Team earned a sixth consecutive State Championship. Several members of the team placed first in the nation, out of more than 1,000 teams entered, in the Moody’s Mega Math Competition. • Students created outstanding yearbook and newspaper publications and impressive television broadcast productions. • The WHS Girls Athletics teams won numerous Championship Titles, including a 7th consecutive State Title for the Synchronized Swim Team. In addition, they took State Titles in Soccer, Cross Country and Nordic Skiing; Section Championships in Swim and Diving,

These are just some of the amazing accomplishments from the Class of 2013 that I hope provide a glimpse of the wide variety of opportunities available to students at Wayzata High School. Thank you to the entire community for your loyal support of our School District and our young people. We appreciate our partnerships and the organizations, businesses a nd individuals throughout our community for their tremendous support. Congratulations to graduates and their families! – Chace B. Anderson, Ph.D. is Superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools

WHS Math Team takes first in Moody’s National Math Challenge

Pictured from left to right are the WHS Moody’s Math Challenge Team Members Roy Zhao, Jenny Lai, Amy Xiong, Moody’s Foundation President Frances G. Laserson, Lynn Zhang, Abram Sanderson and WHS Math Teacher Thomas Kilkelly.

tudents on the Wayzata High School Math Team took first place in this year’s Moody’s Mega Math Challenge out of 1,054 submitted

papers. The team earned first place after its 15-minute presentation on April 29 at Moody’s Corporation headquarters in Manhattan,

New York to a panel of professional applied mathematicians. The team won the top scholarship prize of $20,000. WHS Team members in this competition included: seniors Jenny Lai, Abram Sanderson, Amy Xiong, Lynn Zhang and Roy Zhao. The team was coached by WHS Math Teacher Thomas Kilkelly. The goal of the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge is to spotlight the relevancy and power of mathematics in solving real-world issues and inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-related fields. During Challenge weekend, students were given 14 hours to work in teams of 3-5 to solve the problem. Each group had to quantify the plastic waste filling our nation’s landfills, come up with the best recycling methods for U.S. cities to implement based on their demographics, and recommend guidelines for nationwide recycling standards.

Welcome new administrators for 2013-14

hree new principals have been hired by Wayzata Public Schools and will start in their positions on July 1, 2013. In addition, Sarabeth deNeui, interim principal at Plymouth Creek Elementary School, has been named the new principal for the school.

master of arts degree from Saint Mary’s University and her doctorate of education from the University of Saint Thomas. Sarabeth deNeui will continue at Plymouth Creek Elementary School as the permanent principal this fall. She was previously employed as

an associate principal at Wayzata High School. She received her master of arts and education specialist degrees from Mankato State University. Her previous employment also included eight years as an elementary teacher and four years as dean of students with St. Louis Park Schools.

Sam Fredrickson is the new principal at Birchview Elementary School. Fredrickson was previously employed as the assistant principal at Kaposia Education Center with the South St. Paul School District. He received his master of arts degree from Saint Thomas University and his education specialist degree from the University of Minnesota. Amy Janecek is the new 10th grade associate principal at Wayzata High School. She was previously employed by Minneapolis Public Schools where she held a leadership position in the Office of College and Career Readiness. Janecek received her master’s degree and education administration certificate from St. Mary’s University. Kari Wehrmann is the new principal at Kimberly Lane Elementary School. Wehrmann was employed as the assistant principal at Minnetonka Middle School West with Minnetonka Public Schools. She received her Pictured from left to right are new Wayzata Public Schools principals Kari Wehrmann, Amy Janecek, Sam Fredrickson and Sarabeth deNeui.

WHS Math Program honored for improving success in math

ayzata High School teachers Kristen Addonizio and Nicole Jockisch recently won the Star of Innovation Award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals for the program they developed for ninth grade students struggling with math.

The program, which started four years ago, takes selected ninth-grade students into a special math class that has the same curriculum as their peers, but extends the material throughout the entire school year and has two teachers in the classroom instead of just one. Students’ scores in eighth grade on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) MAP test determine admittance into the class. The program has lowered the failure rate in math of incoming ninth grade students from 10 percent down to just over three percent. This year’s seniors were the first students to take the class as ninth graders and represent the largest graduating senior class in Wayzata High School’s history. According to WHS Senior Class Principal Jeff Ridlehoover, “This year’s seniors were not the largest class we’ve ever had as ninth graders, but they are the largest class we’ve ever had as graduating seniors.” He added that the school has retained students better than ever before, potentially because they’re finding a lot of success early in their high school career, and particularly in math. Ridlehoover, Jockisch and Addonizio spoke about the math program’s success last summer at the NWEA conference in Portland, Oregon. Ridlehoover is also meeting with other schools to replicate this program elsewhere.

Wayzata High School Math Teacher Kristen Addonizio works with 9th grade students Liyana McMillan and Hailey Danielson in a new math program designed to improve the success rate in math for students.

Kimberly Lane students help residents in need

tudents at Kimberly Lane Elementary School made more than 5,000 sandwiches on May 29 to feed people in need across the Twin Cities through the 363 Days Food Program. The Kimberly Lane Service Club volunteered to make sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with Principal Gary Kipling checking in throughout the day. Kipling is a great supporter of students learning and participating in community service. “This is his legacy and we are thankful to him for promoting the importance of community service to our students at Kimberly Lane,” said parent volunteer Denise Miller. Allan Law, a retired Minneapolis Public Schools teacher and founder of the 363 Days Food Program, spoke with students about the need for their volunteer work. Law drives throughout the Twin Cities every night from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. serving people in urgent need in homeless shelters and those living totally outdoors. He volunteers overnight because that’s when shelters are closed and homeless people are most vulnerable. He distributes sandwiches, basic necessities and encouragement to the homeless and hungry.

Kimberly Lane Elementary students volunteered to make sandwiches on May 29 for the 363 Days Food Program founded by retired Minneapolis Public Schools teacher Allan Law. Law shared with the students why he founded the program and spoke with them throughout the day.

WHS Synchronized Swim Team wins seventh State Championship

he Wayzata High School Synchronized Swim Team won its seventh consecutive State Championship on May 24 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. The team placed first in 10 of the 15 events and scored 143 points. The team took 22 routines to the State Meet this year. This is the first team in Wayzata High School’s history to win seven consecutive State Championship titles. In addition to the team victory, several individual swimmers earned awards, including: - Avery Pierce – second place in solo short - Leah Novik and Brittney Torguson – second place in duet short - Haley Ruegemer – first place in solo long - Lydia Boike and Grace Spencer –second place in duet long

Haley Ruegemer strikes a Spiderman pose as she flies out of the water launched by Amanda Urke at the 2013 Synchronized Swim State Championship. 4

- Amanda Urke – first place in solo extended - Hannah Ogren – second place in solo extended - Haley Ruegemer and Amanda Urke – first place in duet extended - Colleen Donlin and Hannah Ogren – third place in duet extended - Lydia Boike, Mara Halvorson and Gillian Mangan – first place in trio long - Haley Ruegemer – first place in figures long - Colleen Donlin, Lucy Liu and Ruth Schaefer – first place in trio extended - Amanda Urke – first place in figures extended - Haley Ruegemer – second place in figures extended - Colleen Donlin – third place in figures extended - Brooke Alexander, Kylie Crystal, Magdalena Leali, Karin Leland, Leah Novik, Avery Pierce, Caitlin Plate and Brittney Torguson – first place in team short - Madalynn Ebert, Brianna Herbert, Meta Nagel, Elizabeth Pate, Breanna Johnson, Claire Poppendeck, Miranda Roberts and Grace Spencer – first place in team long - Colleen Donlin, Lucy Liu, Hannah Ogren, Katrin Ree, Haley Ruegemer, Ruth Schafer and Amanda Urke – first place in team extended Four students were also named All-State Athletes, including Amanda Urke, Haley Ruegemer, Colleen Donlin and Hannah Ogren. Team members of the WHS Synchronized Swim Team include the following: seniors Morgan Foote, Mara Halvorson, Gillian Mangan, Paige Muncy and Ruth Schaefer; juniors Lydia Boike, Kaitlyn Haller, Breanna Johnson, Trisha Morrison and Emily Turnquist; sophomores Rachel Gessner, Meta Nagel, Sonia Neculescu, Leah Novik, Elizabeth Pate, Caitlin Plate, Claire Poppendeck, Katrin Ree, Haley Ruegemer, Katie Stover, Amanda Urke and Elliet Yngve; freshmen Sydney Arseth, Kylie Crystal, Colleen Donlin, Madalynn Ebert, Brianna Herbert, Karin Leland, Lucy Liu, Hannah Ogren, Avery Pierce, Miranda Roberts and Marisa Skajewski; eighth grade students Magdalena Leali, Daria Snidarich, Grace Spencer and Brittney Torguson; and seventh grade students Brooke Alexander and Jenna Hahn.

WPS teams excel at Destination ImagiNation Global Finals

our Destination ImagiNation teams placed well at this year’s Global Finals the weekend of May 25-26 in Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition, team Be The Change from Oakwood Elementary School was named a 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Red Wagon Award Recipient. The Psychedelic Hippie Kaleidoscopes (9th and 10th grade team from Wayzata High School), took second place in Challenge D: Change in Realitee at Global Finals in Knoxville. The team competed against 72 teams that qualified for Global Finals from 45 states and 14 countries, and finished second overall in the improvisational challenge at the secondary level. Team members include: Justin Greenberg, Maia Miller, David Mo, Arman Shah, Abby Trouth and Leighton Zhao. The team is managed by Robb Greenberg and Diane Miller. SPAM (5th grade team from Greenwood Elementary School), took 10th place in Challenge A: In the Zone at Global Finals in Knoxville. This challenge required them to propel 10 vehicles a distance of 17 feet to an 18-inch square. Their solution was to have two larger vehicles push the other eight vehicles to their destination. Their skit was about a boy and his friend who were turned into cars by his evil genius mother and had to make it to Zone 10 to turn back into real boys. Team members include: Sierra Chen, Charlie Erdahl, E.J. Hanson, Sam Roach, Angela Sun, Anni Wickman and Ian Zukor. The team is managed by Jay Erdahl and Leondra Hanson. Be the Change (5th grade team from Oakwood Elementary School), took 11th place at Global Finals in Knoxville. In addition to its placing at Global Finals, the Oakwood team was selected as a group winner of a 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Red Wagon Award. The award recognizes groups of young people from Minnesota who have worked together to increase civic engagement, improve academic achievement and/or show exemplary leadership in their community. This team chose the Project Outreach Challenge; a community service challenge. Its members created an anti-bullying campaign which took them all the way to the Minnesota State Capitol to present their service learning project. Team members include: Cole Hartman, Grace Kyllo, Katie Polum, Luke Polum, Nirali Somia, Lindsay Tapper and Jonas Wakosky. The team is managed by Therese Polum and Andrea Hartman. The Greenwood Maniacs (4th grade team from Greenwood Elementary School), took 23rd place at Global Finals in Knoxville. Team members selected “Prevent Childhood Obesity” for their project. They created awareness about their cause by setting up booths at various community functions, partnering with a local chapter of the Action for Healthy Kids organization, raising funds through partnership programs and performing a puppet show for kindergartners in their school. Team members include: Amogh Kulkarni, Sahil Chugani, Eli Whitman, Naranjani Reddy, Prem Ganesan and Shree Ganesan. The team is managed by Ashu Kulkarni and Simran Chugani.

Sunset Hill KMO Team is National Champion

he Sunset Hill Elementary 5th grade Knowledge Masters Open Team (KMO) placed first in the state and was declared national champion. The team members are: Winona Abbott, Anna Bartels, Arul Belhe, Vincent Cao, Ethan Clinite, Migle Dulevicius, Alec Feider, Mia Kelly, Nisha Kimbe, Sean Laughlin, Adam Metchnek, Abby Newkirk, Nathan Ringsven, Jack Seamans, Brayden Sobotta-Mader and Madison Weiner.

Pictured from top to bottom are Wayzata Destination ImagiNation teams: Wayzata High School Psychedelic Hippie Kaliedoscopes, SPAM from Greenwood Elementary, Be the Change from Oakwood Elementary and The Greenwood Maniacs from Greenwood Elementary.

Nine WHS students named Scholars of Distinction

ine seniors from Wayzata High School were named 2013 Minnesota Department of Education Scholars of Distinction and Meritorious Performance: • Emily Chen, Scholar of Distinction in Science • Nirupa Galagedera, Meritorious Performance in Science • Priyanka Narayan, Scholar of Distinction in Science • Apekshya Panda, Meritorious Performance in Science • Srilakshmi Vankina, Scholar of Distinction in Science

• William Zeng, Scholar of Distinction in Science • Maggie Matejcek, Scholar of Distinction in Theater Arts • Bridget McNiff, Scholar of Distinction in Theater Arts • Bridget Sperry, Meritorious Performance in Theater Arts The award recipients were recognized on May 18 at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley.

WMS student wins National Essay Contest

Following the end of the 2012-13 school year, 38 Wayzata Public Schools staff members retired, including Kimberly Lane Principal Gary Kipling who began his employment with the district in 1989.

Thank you WPS retirees The complete list of 2012-13 retirees includes the following: Patricia Anderson, 1998-2013, WMS Teacher Karen Anthony, 1990-2013, Birchview secretary Katy Boutang, 1989-2013, CMS paraprofessional Barry Braun, 1997-2013, WHS teacher

Peg Konkler, 1981-2013, CMS paraprofessional Diane Lee, 1989-2013, Gleason Lake paraprofessional Linda Leuer, 1988-2012, Kimberly Lane paraprofessional Amy Lidsky, 1993-2013, WHS teacher

Terri Burns, 1998-2012, Birchview paraprofessional

Janice Little, 1997-2012, Plymouth Creek paraprofessional

Mary Coleman 1986-2013,WMS teacher

Don Luxford, 2003-2012, WHS custodian

Gwen Cook, 1996-2013, WHS paraprofessional

Joan McNutt, 1989-2013, CMS paraprofessional

Ann DesRoches, 2002-2013, Kimberly Lane teacher

Lillian Perry, 1989-2012, Kimberly Lane paraprofessional

Joanne Doucet, 1986-2012, Sunset Hill secretary

Joyce Pokorny, 1989-2012, WHS Culinary Express

Carol Dunsmore-Clement, 1985-2013, Kimberly Lane teacher

Dick Pritchard, 1999-2013, Kimberly Lane teacher

Mary Elander, 1985-2013, WHS Culinary Express

Nancy Rosenboom, 1980-2012, WMS teacher

Denise Falls, 1981-2013, CMS teacher

Bill Rueber, 1995-2012, Administration business and finance

Brenda Ferrens, 1988-2014, Kimberly Lane teacher Phillis Fischer, 1997-2013, CMS teacher Maria Hagberg, 1990-2012, Kimberly Lane Home Base Mary Jedlicki, 1989-2012, Administration human resources Thomas Kilkelly, 1999-2013, WHS teacher Deborah Knotek, 1988-2013, WHS Culinary Express

Kristen Busch, an eighth grade student at West Middle School, took first place in the National Center for Fathering “What My Father Means to Me” essay contest in the eighth grade category. Busch’s entry was one of 5,200 essays submitted to this year’s contest. Busch was recognized at a Celebration of Fatherhood event on June 15 at the Illusion Theatre in Minneapolis where she read her essay. She is pictured above with School Board Director Susan Gaither during the May 13, 2013 Recognitions Meeting.

Ruth Scheef, 1993-2013, Plymouth Creek teacher Carol Sherwin, 1986-2013, WHS teacher Patricia Tietema, 1997-2013, Sunset Hill teacher Dianne Vogen, 1981-2013, Kimberly Lane teacher Bonnie Waterfill, 1995-2013, Birchview teacher Mari-Lynn Wilson, 2000-2013, Gleason Lake teacher

EMS students promote global understanding East Middle School eighth grade students presented Asia and Africa in 3-D on March 20 and 21 respectively. The event included presentations by teams of students that represented each of the nations in Africa and Asia with artifacts, costumes, displays and food. The student teams researched their nations to present a thorough understanding to their fellow students and the public during these two days.

Carol Wyffels, 1990-2013, Plymouth Creek teacher

WHS Boys Tennis Team State 2013 Champions

he Wayzata High School Boys Tennis Team won the 2013 State Championship on June 5 against Minnetonka. The team defeated St. Could Tech, Maple Grove and Minnetonka on its road to the finals. Wayzata did not lose a single set during the State Tournament, beating each opponent 7-0. The Trojans were also the State Runner Up in 2012. The WHS Boys Tennis Team includes: seniors Erik Birkholz, Dustin Britton, Jack Graven, Derek Jaqua, Jason Kabarowski and Venkat Manne; juniors Jack Garvey, Joseph Haugen, Jake Strom and Sam Theisen; sophomores Henry Lee, John Kowalczyk and Matt Tropsha; and freshman Nicholas Beaty. The team is coached by Jeff Prondzinski and Brad Olson.

WHS Students explore careers with local businesses

Oakwood student is National Arts Winner

tudents in Wayzata High School’s Business Marketing Technology and Engineering Technology Design (ETD) classes had the opportunity to meet with local professionals in May to learn about potential career pathways for their future. The opportunity was made possible through a grant applied for and received by ETD teacher Scott Tordeur with the help of WHS Career Technology Education (CTE) Director Jean Rakun. The grant funded an event that provided 60 students with the opportunity to “speed date” with 12 to 16 local business professionals in career pathway areas of interest. Students were also given the opportunity to explore the Minnesota Career Information System through iPads. The goal of the event was to provide a valuable opportunity for students to develop career interests and form networks by reaching out to the business world. In addition to the Career Exploration Event, WHS Business Marketing Technology teacher Tyler Shepard held advisory board meetings with the business professionals and his teaching team to further the curriculum review process and strengthen classes and curriculum. Students met with local professionals on May 14 in the areas of securities and investments, marketing, accounting, supply chain, advertisement, entrepreneurship, real-estate and sales; and again on May 21 in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, architecture, construction and transportation.

Isaac Monro, a fourth grade student at Oakwood Elementary, earned the National Award of Merit for his guitar composition in the Reflections Art Program. Monro’s winning composition is titled “Once in a Nighttime.”

Prospective School Board candidate information session

Students in Wayzata High School’s Business Marketing Technology and Engineering Technology Design classes met with local business representatives in May to learn about potential career pathways.

hree positions on the Wayzata School Board are open for election in November 2013. All three positions are for four-year terms. Members elected will be seated in January 2014 with terms ending January 2018. The open seats on the Board are currently held by directors Susan Gaither, John Moroz and Sue Droegemueller. Individuals wishing to run must file election paperwork with the district between July 30 and August 13, 2013. Interested candidates, or individuals wanting more information about board service, are encouraged to attend the remaining information session the District has planned. The session will provide basic information about district operations and campaign laws. In addition, representatives from the Board will be available to answer questions about service. The session will be held at the District Administration Building at 210 County Road 101 North in Plymouth. The Administration Building is next to Gleason Lake Elementary School. The session is planned for Thursday, July 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to attend by contacting Colleen Erickson, the executive assistant to the superintendent by email at Colleen. Erickson@wayzata.k12.mn.us or by phone at 763-745-5002.

Parents should complete Student Health and Emergency Form online

his year, the District is asking parents to complete the Health and Emergency Form for their student(s) electronically through Family Access in Skyward. This form is known as the Student Information Verification Form. A pop up button prompts parents to complete this form. Click next to each step as it is completed. It is especially important to click that the FINAL STEP has been completed to assure that the information is saved. Once the form is completed online, parents will be able to update information annually through

Family Access. Those who electronically completed the form last year only need to verify and update information this year. This form can be completed at any time after June 16, 2013, but needs to be submitted before the start of next school year. Computers and staff support will be available during the schools’ open house nights for parents who do not have access to the internet. If parents prefer to complete only a hard copy, they may elect to bypass the Student Information Verification Form and download the Health

and Emergency Form from the Health Services Department section of the Wayzata Public Schools’ website. The link for this form is: http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/Page/5421. Note that there are two separate forms, one for elementary and another for secondary (middle schools and high school). There will also be hard copies available at open houses. If there are questions, please contact the health paraprofessional at your school’s health office. 7

Communicator

ith 806 graduates, Wayzata High Schools’ Class of 2013 is the largest class in history. More than 90 percent of the students in the Class of 2013 are making plans to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities. The summary of post-high school plans for the class of 2013 includes the following: • University of Minnesota, all campuses: 118 • Minnesota four-year state universities: 61 • Minnesota four-year private colleges/ universities: 95 • Minnesota one- and two-year colleges: 81 • Out-of-state four-year public colleges/ universities: 261 • Out-of-state four-year private colleges/ universities: 91 • Out-of-state one- and two-year colleges: 3 • College bound, school undecided: 18 • College bound, non-U.S. colleges: 3

• Total college bound students: 732 The remaining Wayzata students have indicated the following choies for their post-high school plans: • Other education: 22 • Military: 10 • Work: 9 • Other plans: 37 The top 10 colleges chosen by 2013 Wayzata graduates are: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (97); Iowa State University (53); Normandale Community College (42); University of Minnesota, Mankato (37) University of Wisconsin, Madison (31); University of St. Thomas (23); University of North Dakota (20); University of Minnesota, Duluth (19); North Dakota State University (16); University of Missouri (16); University of Wisconsin, Stout (16).

- Superintendent Chace Anderson

Nonprofit Org. US Postage Wayzata, MN Permit 43

Wayzata Graduates Largest Class Ever

The Class of 2013, consisting of 806 graduates, is the largest class in the District’s history. Thank you to the entire community for your loyal support of our School District and our young people.

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.

Excellence. For each and every student.

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

Summer 2013

Westrum named School Business Official of the Year

im Westrum, executive director of finance and business services for Wayzata Public Schools, was named the 2013 School Business Official of the Year by the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). Westrum received the award in front of his peers at MASBO’s annual spring conference this year. As part of the award, a Wayzata High School senior received a Jim Westrum $2,000 scholarship from MASBO.

Congressman Paulsen visits Sunset Hill to see power of mentoring

.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen met with Wayzata Public Schools district officials, the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and CommonBond Communities to learn more about mentoring programs for children and the success stories they make possible. The meeting took place at Sunset Hill Elementary where Paulsen had the opportunity to see first-hand how a mentoring program helps students achieve success in reading. Paulsen sat with one of the district’s literacy volunteers and a student and observed the connection and program. He also heard from representatives from the organizations and learned about the history and future plans of mentoring in Minnesota and Wayzata Public Schools.

U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen met with district officials and volunteers in the mentoring program at Sunset Hill Elementary School to learn about its success.