Communicator FALL 2016
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Off to a Great Start By Superintendent CHACE B. ANDERSON
WHAT A GREAT start to the new school year! I have really enjoyed getting around to visit our schools and have been very impressed with how students and staff are settling into their new locations, start times and other routines so well. Here is what is new this year: 1. New school start times 2. New school attendance areas 3. Meadow Ridge Elementary School—the district’s new eighth elementary school 4. Wayzata High School—new classroom addition, cafeteria, gymnasium, upper/lower commons area and a second auditorium scheduled to be completed by January 2017. 5. New Early Learning School—where school begins for our youngest learners 6. Central Middle School—remodeled classrooms to meet needs of middle school student population 7. East and West Middle Schools—new secure entrances I know this amount of change doesn’t just happen without a lot of extra effort, patience and flexibility from students, parents and staff. We are fortunate to be in a community that supports providing each and every student with an excellent learning experience. Student population continues to grow
We started school this year with a total of 11,223 students districtwide. This is up more than 400 students than last year. We are fortunate to be in a growing community and the demand for Wayzata Schools has never been greater. We knew that we would have to add more space to Meadow Ridge Elementary School in the future, but growth in the northern part of the district has been even more robust than originally anticipated. New housing developments in the north are being completed 2-3 times faster than originally planned by developers and there continues to be steady growth and turnover over of existing homes in the southern part of the district as well. To accommodate the growing elementary student population, the Wayzata School Board approved moving forward with an addition to Meadow Ridge, the district’s newest elementary school at its August 8 meeting. The new
Birchview Elementary Named 2016 National Blue Ribbon School U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, John B. King, Jr., announced that Birchview Elementary School has been named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. Birchview is one among 279 public and 50 private schools receiving this honor across the nation and one of only five schools in Minnesota. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers, King said in a video message to honorees. “Your schools are on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative educational practices—professional learning communities, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, positive behavior systems—making you shining examples for your communities, your state and the nation.” The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. Birchview Principal Sam Fredrickson and Robert Bevars, special education teacher will represent Birchview at a two-day awards ceremony on November 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C., to celebrate their hard-won achievements. For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/
addition to Meadow Ridge Elementary, scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2018, will be financed with existing lease levy authority and tax impact to district residents will be minimal due to the expanding tax base. We continue to closely monitor land that is being sold or rezoned in the north and how quickly new housing developments are coming online. Based on the most current projections, we anticipate that there will be a need to add a ninth elementary school to meet the growing
elementary student population. This would require a possible capital referendum to be approved by district voters in the near future. Projections currently indicate that there is adequate space at the middle and high school levels. Watch for more information as the Wayzata School Board continues to discuss how to best meet the needs of our growing student population. In the meantime, please email me at chace.anderson@wayzata.k12.mn.us with any thoughts or questions you have.
2 Keep Track of Your Bus’ Location THE WAYZATA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Transportation Department is pleased to announce two new ways to find out if your student’s bus is running on time. A new app and e-link will use GPS to allow you to keep track of your student’s bus’ location and estimated time of arrival in the morning and afternoon. Versatrans My Stop App - Download the Versatrans My Stop app for smart phones and tablets. The app is available for Apple devices at the iTunes App Store and Android devices on Google Play. For more detailed information and instructions on how to download, visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/transportation and select “Versatrans My Stop” from the menu on the left. The username is your student’s ID* and the password is your student’s birthdate. See the Transportation website for more details on how to get your student’s ID. Versatrans E-Link - The new e-link allows you to view the transportation schedule for your student online. Once you log in, choose “Work With Students” and then click on “View My Students”. From there, you can see the student(s) associated with your account and select a student to view their information. To access e-link, go to wayzataelink.k12trans. us. The username is your student’s ID and the password is your student’s birthdate. See the Transportation website for more details on how to get your student’s ID. *For both My Stop and Versatrans e-link, student ID numbers are six-digits long, beginning with a zero. For example: 056789 For more information, contact Rich Enga, transportation supervisor at rich.enga@ wayzata.k12.mn.us or 763-745-5195.
Pictured: (back row left to right): Scott McCullough, Alexander White, George Zhu, Matthew Urke, Jack Olmanson, Principal Scott Gengler (middle row, left to right): Brandon Xu, Jeffrey Hu, William Drew, Dhruv Methi (front row, left to right): Allison Sholl, Kristen Busch, Samyak Jain, Hannah Emmons, Ashmita Sarma, Mina Yuan, Elliot Crummer (not pictured): Cara Fragomeni
WHS Celebrates 17 National Merit Semifinalists SEVENTEEN STUDENTS FROM Wayzata High School have been named National Merit Scholar semifinalists. Congratulations to this year’s semifinalists: • Kristen Busch • Mina Yuan • Ashmita Sarma • Jeffrey Hu • Elliot Crummer • George Zhu • Allison Sholl • Samyak Jain • William Drew • Matthew Urke • Scott McCullough • Hannah Emmons • Alexander White • Dhruv Methi • Cara Fragomeni • Brandon Xu • Jack Olmanson About 1.5 million juniors entered the 2017 National Merit Scholar Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level in February. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists and will be announced beginning in April. Wayzata High School has consistently had a high number of National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists (NMSS) over the past several years: Class of 2016 = 26 NMSS Class of 2010 = 23 NMSS Class of 2013 = 22 NMSS Class of 2015 = 20 NMSS Class of 2012 = 26 NMSS Class of 2014 = 17 NMSS Class of 2011 = 35 NMSS
New WHS Associate Principal and Dean of Students WELCOME TO Tyler Shepard, the new associate principal at Wayzata High School (WHS) and Kathryn Bennett, the new dean for students with last names A-Hal. Shepard started his career at WHS as a student teacher in 2006 and has served as a business/technology teacher, curriculum and instruction resource teacher and dean of students before being named the new associate principal. Bennett has been with the district as a special education teacher since 2012.
3 Parenting with Vision 2016-2017 Series Workshops JOIN US FOR the Parenting with Vision series throughout the 2016-2017 school year. This series of parent forums feature evening programs that focus on important issues and milestones that may be faced in a child’s life. This year’s series is a combination of presentations, panel discussions and workshops designed to provide parents with tools to support their children. All programs are free; registration is required only for the “Parents as Partners” workshops. The Parenting with Vision series is collaboratively presented by Wayzata Public Schools, Wayzata Schools’ PTA/PTO Liaison Committee and Partners for Healthy Kids. For specific workshop information, visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ parentingwithvision Monday, October 17 6:30-8:30 p.m. For Parents ONLY
LET’S TALK: TEEN DOMAINS… The Top Secret Project: “Decoding the Mysteries of the Teen Domain” Wayzata Central Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, November 3 6:30-8:00 p.m. Space is limited.
Parents as Math Partners – for parents of middle school students Central Middle School Media Center Register at www.wayzata.thatscommunityed.com
Thursday, November 3 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Skills for Middle Schoolers: Health and Well-Being Central Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, November 17 6:30-8:00 p.m. Space is limited.
Parents as Writing Partners – for parents of students in grades 4-6 Central Middle School Media Center Register at www.wayzata.thatscommunityed.com
Monday, January 30 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Demystifying Middle School Central Middle School Auditorium 6:30-7:00 pm – Speak to Representatives from East, Central, and West. 7:00-8:30 pm – Panel Discussion
Monday, March 13 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The ABC’s of Early Childhood and Family Health & Well-Being Central Middle School Auditorium
Monday, March 20 7:00-8:30 p.m.
LET’S TALK: TEEN STRESS Wayzata High School Auditorium
Wednesday, April 26 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Leaving the Nest Wayzata High School Auditorium
Young Scientist Roundtable Returns for 2016-17 YOUNG SCIENTIST ROUNDTABLE introduces kindergarten through grade 12 students and their parents to working academic and industrial scientists who share research, discoveries and innovations in a series of monthly presentations. Reservations are not required and there is no admission fee. All Young Scientist Roundtable programs are from 7-8 p.m. at Central Middle School, events are free and no reservation is required. Following the formal presentation, students are invited to stay and meet more informally with the speaker for a question/answer session. Visit www.wayzata. k12.mn.us/ysr for a schedule of presentations. For questions or more information, please contact Charlene Barghini at 763-745-5045 or charlene.barghini@wayzata.k12.mn.us.
WHS Tells Students, Families… We’re here for you WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL launched the 2016-17 school year with a very clear message to students and their families: We’re here for you. According to WHS Principal Scott Gengler, “This is not just what we want our students and families to know, it’s how we want you to feel as members of our high school community.” Specifically, WHS teachers and staff want students to know that we: • embrace you as individuals and developing relationships with you is important to us. • recognize your individual strengths and challenges, goals and aspirations. • want to provide you with relevant and engaging academic and social opportunities. • promise to equip you with the skills and confidence you need to be happy, healthy and successful, both while you are in high school and after you graduate. Here are a few new ways the high school is communicating and delivering on that promise. Welcome Brochure: All new WHS students now receive a brochure that welcomes them to the WHS community and gives them an overview of everything from how the building is organized to how to find their counselors office. Parent Connection Weekly E-Newsletter: All parents now receive a simple e-newsletter each Monday morning to help them stay up-to-date on important high school happenings. myTime: All students now get 35 minutes of myTime on Wednesdays. This is a designated academic support block during the school day when students can connect with teachers for academic support; make up labs, tests or quizzes; collaborate on group projects; or study quietly. Staff T-shirts: During the first week of school, all staff wore t-shirts that proclaimed We’re here for you. “In some ways, this tagline states the obvious,” explained Gengler, “but words are important and keeping these words front and center helps keep us all anchored in our shared commitment to not only the academic success of our students, but also to our connectedness as a diverse community of uniquely talented individuals.”
4 Community Survey Reveals Strong Support for District and Staff Wayzata Public Schools’ parents and residents shared strong levels of support for the district’s educational programs, staff, fiscal responsibility, strategic direction and communication/involvement efforts in the latest community survey. The results are based on telephone interviews administered by Morris Leatherman Company in May 2016. The scientifically random survey of 400 community respondents and a 250 over-sample of parents has a 95% accuracy rate within +/- 5%.
99%
95%
of parents AGREE
GOOD VALUE
Fiscal Responsibility
99%
high job performance for teachers
Job Performance
Quality Schools
• 95% of district residents believe our community receives a good value from its investment in our local public schools.
• 99% of parents and 96% of residents rate the quality of Wayzata Public Schools as excellent or good.
Job performance ratings were among the highest in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, according to Morris Leatherman.
• 92% of residents believe the high quality of the Wayzata Public Schools increases home values for its residents.
• 99% of parents and 93% of residents say they are proud of Wayzata Public Schools and would recommend them to friends.
• 99% of parents and 95% of residents rated the job performance of Wayzata teachers/instructional staff as excellent or good.
• 89% of parents and 77% of residents agree that the district spends tax money effectively and efficiently.
Communications and Involvement • 96% of parents and 90% of residents agree or strongly agree that the Wayzata School Board and Administration do a good job of involving parents, interested citizens and community leaders in decision about the schools. • 91% of parents and 84% of residents are satisfied with the amount of information received from Wayzata Public Schools.
• 95% of parents and 88% of residents rated the job performance of the building principals/administration as excellent or good. • 93% of parents and 87% of residents rated the job performance of the Wayzata School Board as excellent or good. • 90% of parents and 84% of residents rated the job performance of the superintendent/district administration as excellent or good.
Strategic Direction A high number of parents feel like the district is doing an excellent or good job of implementing four new strategic directions initiated in 2015. 91% of parents say the district is doing an excellent or good job with the Achievement Strategic Direction. Achievement – by the end of third grade, all students will achieve at or beyond grade level expectations for reading, writing, speaking and mathematics. 88% of parents say the district is doing an excellent or good job with the Each and Every Strategic Direction. Each and Every – student achievement will not be predictable by any demographic classification, such as race, socioeconomic status, gender or disability. 94% of parents say the district is doing an excellent or good job with the Personalization Strategic Direction. Personalization – all students will know and understand their unique talents, have a voice in their educational experiences, and take ownership for their learning, career aspirations and future success. 90% of parents say the district is doing an excellent or good job with the Health and Well-being Strategic Direction. Health and Well-being – all students will feel a sense of belonging and connection to their school where social-emotional, physical and mental health is nurtured and valued.
91%
94%
Achievement
Personalization
88%
90%
Each and Every
Health and Well-being
5 Legislative Action Committee Holds Candidate Forum THE WAYZATA LEGISLATIVE Action Committee (LAC), made up of parents and concerned citizens, sponsored a Candidate Forum addressing education issues September 29 for voters to learn more about legislative candidates prior to Election Day on Tuesday, November 8. Attendees had an opportunity to hear from 14 of the 18 candidates who represent the Wayzata Public Schools and interact with candidates from their specific Senate and House districts. Watch the Forum and learn more about the LAC at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/legislativeaction.
WHS Celebrates Being Named Confucius Classroom THE CHINESE LANGUAGE program at Wayzata High School (WHS) has been named a Confucius Classroom by the Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota. The Confucius Institute selects existing Chinese programs that have the potential to grow within the school or district and are supported by strong district leadership. To celebrate this honor, an opening cultural ceremony was held on September 27 consisting of student and adult performances, as well as refreshments including traditional Chinese mooncakes.
Congratulations to Wayzata High School’s 2016 Homecoming Queen Tikvah Omole and King Karma Lama.
6 Celebrating Our Newest Elementary School and Additions to WHS
MEADOW RIDGE ELEMENTARY School, the district’s new eighth elementary school, opened its doors to students September 6. Attend Meadow Ridge’s dedication event Sunday, October 16 from 2-4 p.m. to see the amazing new building and learning spaces. Tours will be given from 2-3 p.m., followed by a formal program at 3:30 p.m. A new classroom addition, cafeteria, gymnasium and commons area opened at Wayzata High School (WHS) this fall. The new additions provide much needed flexible and innovative space for our growing student population. A second auditorium is scheduled to be completed by January 2017. Watch for more information about a formal dedication ceremony to celebrate the new space at WHS coming soon.
7 Wayzata Education Fund’s Drive 4 Excellence a Success
THANK YOU TO all who helped make the 4th Annual Drive 4 Excellence Golf Tournament held on September 19 a success. Thanks to you, the Wayzata Education Fund had nearly 100 golfers and raised more than $60,000 for future innovative teaching across the district. Learn more at www.wayzataedfund.org.
Join our school-age childcare Team!
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Wayzata Public Schools Home Base School-Age Childcare program is looking for new team members who love working with kids! Whether you are interested in gaining more experience working with kids, or want to put your skills and experience to good use, this may be an excellent opportunity for you! As a Home Base program assistant, you will work actively and directly with children both in small and large groups. Qualifications: Qualified candidates must enjoy working with school-age students between pre-K and fifth grade. Previous experience preferred, but not mandatory. Successful completion of pre-employment background screening. Must be available to work after school during the school year. Summer hours are also available. Typical shifts are 2 hours sometime between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m., with up to four hour shifts possible. In addition to a Monday-Friday schedule, we also offer a Monday-WednesdayFriday or a Tuesday-Thursday option.
Starting pay:
$13.56/hr
Apply at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/apply Need more information? Contact Wayzata Public Schools Staffing Specialist David Muscoplat at 763-745-5048 or david.muscoplat@wayzata.k12.mn.us
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Wayzata Early Learning School Students and their families are welcomed each day by a mural painted by Kevin Kluever, a special education paraprofessional. The mural, which incorporates letters corresponding with various animals and activities, adds some kid-friendly art to the school. The 20-foot-by-8-foot installment was funded by Fusion Soccer Club.
Nonprofit Org. US Postage Wayzata, MN Permit 43
New Early Learning School Mural Welcomes Families
Wayzata Public Schools 210 County Road 101 N. P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391-0060
Communicator FALL 2016
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.
Safety Drill Set for Wednesday, Oct. 19 IN CONJUNCTION WITH the Plymouth Police, Emergency Management Services and Fire Department, Wayzata Public Schools will conduct a safety drill at Central Middle School (CMS) on Wednesday, Oct. 19 to practice safety plans, evacuation procedures and communication protocols. Approximately 200 police and first responders and 650 middle and high school staff will be participating in the event and emergency vehicles will be used to make it a realistic simulation. Plymouth Police will also notify residents in the area so they are aware of what is happening and that it is only a drill. Middle and high school students will not attend school that day so staff can take part in the event. Elementary schools will be in session. Lessons learned will be shared with all schools and buildings, allowing everyone to learn from this drill. For more information, contact Kristin Tollison, director of administrative services, at kristin.tollison@wayzata.k12.mn.us or 763-745-5262.
New Visitor Registration System in Place A NEW VISITOR registration system is in place this fall in all of our schools. This new system requires all visitors who wish to enter a school building during the school day to swipe their state ID. The system produces a visitor badge with the date, location of event or meeting and their name and photo. In addition, the system will check against registered sex offender databases. Once parents and other visitors have swiped into the system once, they will be able to sign themselves in at a quick access kiosk. For more information, visit our website at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/visitors.
Emergency School Closing Information THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY close school, delay the start of school or dismiss school early because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions. If schools are to be closed for the entire day, an announcement will be made as early as possible over WCCO 830 AM Radio; WCCO-TV Channel 4; KSTP-TV Channel 5; KMSPTV Channel 9; and KARE-TV Channel 11. Announcements will also be posted on the district’s website at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us and phone calls and e-mail messages will be sent to all families using the district’s parent notification system.
Join Us for Meadow Ridge Dedication Event October 16! Come and help us celebrate the opening of the district’s newest school, Meadow Ridge Elementary School, on Sunday, October 16 from 2-4 p.m.! Tours will be given from 2-3 p.m., followed by a formal dedication program from 3-3:30 p.m. and refreshments. “We are grateful to the community for making our new school a reality and hope everyone will stop by and see our amazing new learning spaces,” said Karen Keffeler, principal of Meadow Ridge Elementary School. Meadow Ridge is located at 17905 County Road 47 in Plymouth. For more information, call 763-745-7100.