Communicator WINTER 2017
Wayzata Public Schools Early Kindergarten Entrance
ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA law, children who are five years old by September 1 of any given year are eligible to begin kindergarten. However, Wayzata Public Schools offers an early kindergarten entrance option for children who will turn five between September 2 and October 15, and reside within the school district at the time of application. Children who demonstrate superior intellectual ability, high levels of academic achievement, and social/emotional development well-advanced for their age may be considered for early kindergarten entrance. If you would like your child to be considered for early kindergarten entrance, please visit www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/earlyentrance to view the district early kindergarten entrance criteria and complete the application. Applications will be accepted through May 1. District staff will evaluate eligible students from mid-May through early June and will make a decision by June 20.
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Wayzata Schools Continue to Experience Robust Student Population Growth By Superintendent CHACE B. ANDERSON I WOULD LIKE to share information with you about the continued student growth Wayzata Schools is experiencing and a process that is underway to determine how to best manage our growth to meet student’s needs. In a recent survey of district residents, 99% of parents and 96% of residents rate the quality of Wayzata Public Schools as excellent or good. Demand for our schools has never been greater and we are grateful that families are choosing the Wayzata Schools to provide an excellent learning experience for their child. This growth is putting pressure on our schools, and we need to proactively and strategically address how to best meet student needs.
Here are some facts about our current reality:
>If current housing trends continue, the district can expect approximately another 1,000 new students K-12 by 2019. >New housing developments in the north of the district are being completed 2-3 times faster than originally planned by developers due to consumer demand. >There is also steady growth in the south due to housing turnover bringing in young families. >Even though we opened Meadow Ridge Elementary in fall 2016, made boundary adjustments to right-size all our elementary schools in fall 2016 and will open an addition to Meadow Ridge in fall 2018 – we still need to add capacity at the elementary level to accommodate resident student growth. >While we have capacity issues at the elementary level, projections show we have adequate space at the middle schools and high school through 2030. This is due to the recent expansion of Wayzata High …Student Population Growth (continues on page 2)
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” Receives Honors from Spotlight Education Program WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL’S production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, and many of the cast and crew, were named among the fall 2016 honorees by Spotlight Education, a program of the Hennepin Theatre Trust. This past fall, evaluators assessed the productions of 82 schools and submitted nominations. Shows are not compared or ranked against each other and categories can have multiple honorees. The musical received “outstanding” in the categories of Achievement in Musical Theatre, A/V Board Operators, Ensemble Performance, Overall Performance, Overall Production, Overall Technical Team, Student Orchestra, Vocal Performance ”Thoroughly Modern Millie”… (continues on page 3)
2 …Student Population Growth (cont’d from pg. 1)
School and moving early childhood programs out of Central Middle School to make space for middle school students. Growth Task Force to Make Recommendation to School Board in February
In response, the school district created a Growth Task Force to review student enrollment, housing trends and demographic data, resulting in a recommendation to the School Board about how to best accommodate the growth. The Task Force was selected from an open application process and was composed of 25 parents and community members, with representation from all district schools, gender balance and a balance of long-time families and families new to the community. The charge of the Growth Task Force, which met three times in January, was to review objective data and information in relation to the continued housing growth in our cities and the capacity of our schools/facilities - and provide a recommendation as to whether additional facilities may or may not be needed, when the facilities may be needed and to what extent. The Growth Task Force will make a recommendation to the School Board in February about how to best accommodate the growth at the elementary level. The School Board will then begin discussions to determine next steps. I hope you will continue to watch for updates in future issues of the Communicator and visit our website for more information at www.wayzata.k12. mn.us/growth. As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas by sending me an email to communications@wayzata.k12.mn.us. Sincerely, CHACE B. ANDERSON Superintendent Wayzata Public Schools
Pictured: (left to right) Gabrielle Bobgan, Saee Patil, Miranda Mead, Scott Gengler (Principal), Mimi Wang, Tristan Nelko, Paige Goedderz.
WHS Students Receive Prestigious Prudential Spirit of Community Awards SIX STUDENTS FROM Wayzata High School were recently recognized with the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for their outstanding community service achievements. Wayzata High School honorees of the Prudential Spirit of Community award include: Miranda Mead (junior), Tristan Nelko (junior) and Mimi Wang (junior). Their applications will now advance to the state level for judging. Two students will be selected from each state as “State Honorees” in February, 2017 and receive a $1,000 award and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. with a parent or guardian for a national recognition event. Honorable mentions went to Gabrielle Bobgan (senior), Saee Patil (junior) and Paige Goedderz (senior). Congratulations to these amazing students who are making a difference in our communities.
2017 Legislative Platform Approved Increase Access to High Quality Early Learning Programs. In Wayzata Public Schools, approximately 26% of our kindergarteners are not ready for kindergarten. School readiness increases overall student success and reduces the need for intervention services. The Legislature should increase access for young learners in all commun ities. Support Healthy and Safe Studen ts. Implement appropriate levels of funding that are reflective of the growing concerns for the mental health challenges of students. Fund Technology. With the increasing need for students to have access to technology, stable funding is necessar y to support this vital compon ent of the education experience. Support Education Partner ships Coalition. There are 1,468 students that live in poverty in our district. The school district cannot eliminat e hurdles to an excellent educatio n alone, so we have developed partnerships within our community to ensure students have the support needed to be successful in school. In the last budget, the state funded five pilot Education Partnerships statewide that support ed aligning whole communities’ efforts in shrinking the achievement gap and held them accountable for results. Please strengthen the strong partners hips between Wayzata Public Schools and our community by support ing a statewide network of compreh ensive partnerships that emphasize local solutions and results. Support Local Control. • Oppose new unfunded mandate s • Repeal current unfunded mandate s • Oppose a mandatory, statewid e health insurance pool • Support local control of the school calendar
THE WAYZATA PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ 2017 Legislative Platform was approved by the School Board at its January 9 meeting. Each year, the Legislative Action Committee (LAC), made up of parents representing each of the district’s schools, district residents, administrators and School Board members create a platform to share the district’s priorities with legislators. This year’s legislative session began January 3 and is anticipated to be fast moving. Members of the LAC will be making visits to the State Capitol to share the platform, focusing on the main priority to increase the perpupil formula by 3% per year. Over the last decade, the district’s expenses have increased by approximately 3% per year. Last year’s deficit was $1.2 million; and over the last eight school years, there has been a deficit of $16.1 million. For more information about the LAC, visit the website at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/legislativeaction.
2017 Legislative Platform The mission of Wayzata Public Schools is to ensure a world-class education that prepares each and every student to thrive today and excel tomorrow in an ever-ch anging global society.
The 2017 Legislative Platform was approved by the Wayzata Public School Board and its Legislative Action Committee (LAC). For more information visit the LAC page at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/Legis lativeAction under Involveme nt.
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Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Excellence. For each and every student.
3 Wayzata Board Member Linda Cohen Honored with Prestigious State Award WAYZATA SCHOOL BOARD member Linda Cohen has been named to the Minnesota School Boards Association’s (MSBA) 2017 All State School Board, the organization’s most prestigious annual award. Cohen is only the second Wayzata School Board member to receive this honor, and one of only seven All State Board honorees from across the state this year. Former Wayzata School Board member Patricia Gleason received the award in 2006. Cohen has been a member of the Wayzata School Board since 2000 and has served in every position on the board (chair, vice chair, treasurer and clerk) during her 16+ year tenure. She most recently served as chair in 2014 and 2015. Cohen has also served on the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents since 2007. When nominating Cohen for the prestigious award, fellow board members shared that, “Linda has been an exemplary leader during a time that
our district has seen many changes and challenges due to demographic changes, ongoing financial challenges, sustained and robust resident student growth and educational evolution in the areas of content, delivery and philosophy.” “The All State School Board represents the highest example of board service. These are school board members who are committed to student achievement, determined to build support for their local schools and unwavering in their pursuit of what’s best for students,” MSBA Executive Director Kirk Schneidawind said.
…“Thoroughly Modern Millie” (cont’d from pg. 1)
by an Ensemble and Costume Crew. The production also received honorable mentions for Costume Crew, Movement/Dance Performance by an Ensemble and Technical Crew. Individual students received the following honors: > Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role Kate Piering, senior, as Millie Dillmount; Erik Dagoberg, senior, as Jimmy Smith; DeeDee Sperry, senior, as Miss Dorothy Brown; and Bobby Isbell, senior, as Mr. Trevor Graydon > Honorable Mention for Performance in a Leading Role Emily Olson, senior, as Mrs. Meers; and Taelyn Gore, senior, as Muzzy Van Hossmere > Technical Leadership Nomination Lauren Blanks, senior; and Andrew Hienz, senior > Evaluator Shout-out Martha Scherschligt, senior; Stephanie Ye, sophomore; Eric Zhang, senior; and Maria Hayden, senior
Schools and participating students will be honored at the 11th Annual Spotlight Showcase. The two-night event is Monday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. The event will recognize high school musical theatre
“Each and every day, thousands of students are receiving a better education because of Linda’s dedicated efforts,” shared Superintendent Chace Anderson. “She has contributed to the development of an educational program in Wayzata that is second to none. Many of our students’ successes can be attributed to Linda’s tireless efforts to establish effective policies that help ensure a quality experience for all students.” La Donna Hoy, executive director of Interfaith Outreach echoed this sentiment, “Linda is the kind of wise and seasoned leader every effective board dreams of.” “Her commitment to the pursuit of excellence for each and every student all along the way—no matter the challenge—inspires the best in all of us who have the privilege of working with her.” Cohen was honored at MSBA’s Annual Leadership Conference on Thursday, January 12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
accomplishments by featuring student performances and honoring participants. The Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Award recognizes students who participate and excel in high school musical theatre and the program they perform in. The award program provides an opportunity for students to network with students from across the metropolitan area, receive constructive feedback for their production from professional evaluators and gain valuable knowledge from the workshops available to them at the Spotlight Annual Conference. For more information, contact Sonia Gerber, Wayzata High School Drama Club advisor, at sonia.gerber@wayzata.k12.mn.us.
4 Students Receive 2017 National Center for Women and Information Technology Awards TWO WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL students were recently recognized by the National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT), a non-profit community of organizations working to increase women’s participation in technology. Senior Ashmita Sarma, pictured left, has been named an Aspirations in Computing 2017 National Award winner for her accomplishments in computers and technology. Ashmita was also named a 2016 Minnesota winner. Sophomore Preeti Pidatala has been named an Aspirations in Computing National Honorable Mention. Each year, 9th through 12th grade women are eligible to receive recognition for their demonstrated interest and achievements in computing, proven leadership ability, academic performance and plans for post-secondary education. This year, 50 winners and 350 honorable mentions were selected from more than 3,500 young women nationwide. For more information, visit www.aspirations.org.
Superintendent Anderson Receives Distinguished Alumni Award CONGRATULATIONS TO Superintendent Chace Anderson for being honored with a 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at an induction dinner held November 17. Superintendent Anderson was selected to receive a CEHD Distinguished Alumni Award for his “outstanding leadership in public school education.” Out of the college’s more than 70,000 alumni, 25 are selected each year to be recognized with this award. Established in 2010, the College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who have brought distinction to their professions and communities. Recipients span a diverse range of academic disciplines and career paths: business and civic leaders, counselors and social workers, educators and activists, entrepreneurs and the most dedicated of volunteers. All are community builders and leaders who make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, families, schools and organizations and whose achievements bring honor to the college.
WHS Boys’ Cross Country Team Takes First Place WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL’S Boys’ Cross Country Team took first place at the 2016 Minnesota State High School League Class AA Cross Country Meet November 5, 2016 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Khalid Hussein, grade 11, placed second individually at the meet finishing the 5-kilometer course in 15 minutes, 41 seconds. Cross Country Team Members include: Andrew Brandt, 10; Blake Buysse, 11; Jeremy Gilbertson, 12; Khalid Hussein, 11; Liban Jama, 12; Grant Matthews, 11; Gemechu Meskele, 12; Grant Price, 10; and Mitchell Tolander, 11. The Wayzata Boys’ Cross Country Team is coached by Mark Popp and assistant coaches Andrew Hansen, Brandon Heebink and Kyle Rasmussen. Full results are available at www.mshsl.org.
Minnesota Education Fair at Wayzata High School STUDENTS AND FAMILIES are welcome to attend a free Minnesota Education Fair at Wayzata High School on Thursday, March 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to visit with representatives from 150 colleges, universities, community colleges, technical colleges, military organizations and specialty schools. This evening offers students and their families the chance to learn more about various post-secondary options and pick up materials from the representatives. More information, contact Deb Musser in the WHS College and Career Center at deb.musser@wayzata. k12.mn.us or 763-745-6639.
5 Seven Students Earn Perfect Scores on ACT Test WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL (WHS) seniors William Drew, Jeffrey Hu, Christine Luo and Dhruv Methi and juniors Tora Husar, Joe Kammann and Jason Weng have earned a perfect score on their ACT college entrance tests. William Drew, senior, said he took one ACT test in middle school, but the classes he took at WHS are what helped the most. Outside of school, he participates in the Math, Science Bowl, Speech and Table Tennis teams. He is also active in the National Honor Society, volunteers at Maple Grove Hospital and coaches Junior High Math League. He hasn’t decided on a college next year, but plans to study chemistry and neuroscience. Jeffrey Hu, senior, said he took multiple practice ACT William Drew, senior Jeffrey Hu, senior tests and that a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast the day of the test helped greatly. Outside of school, he participates in debate, plays piano and volunteers at the Science Museum of Minnesota. He hasn’t decided on a college for next year, but knows that he wants to major in economics followed by law school. Tora Husar, junior, said she prepared by taking a practice test, and that her classes also helped. Outside of school, she participates in Quiz Bowl, Speech and Science Olympiad. She also volunteers at Maple Grove Christine Luo, senior Dhruv Methi, senior Hospital, plays piano and enjoys reading. Joe Kammann, junior, said his courses at WHS are what helped him the most in preparing for the test. Outside of school he participates in Quiz Bowl and volunteers at the Ridgedale Library. Christine Luo, senior, said she prepared by taking ACT prep course practice tests, and that her Advanced Placement courses at WHS also helped. Outside of school, she participates in Future Problem Solvers, Chinese Club and Business Professionals of America. Tora Husar, junior Joe Kammann, junior She is interested in studying biology and possibly going on to medical school. Dhruv Methi, senior, said he took several practice tests to prepare for the test, each time gaining a better understanding of areas for improvement. Outside of school, he participates in policy debate, coaching Junior High Math League and First Lego League at East Middle School, DECA and National Honor Society. His top choice for college is Stanford University to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Jason Weng, junior, said he took several practice tests to better familiarize himself with the test. Outside of school, he participates in Science Olympiad, Jason Weng, junior Math Team, and conducts neurogenesis research. He also volunteers at Maple Grove Hospital and Minnesota Yucai Chinese School. The maximum score on the ACT is a 36. Out of the 2.1 million students of the class of 2016, only 2,235 earned a 36, or less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers.
WHS Teams Up with Schwan’s Chef Collective to Renovate School Lunches WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL’S Culinary Arts students had the opportunity to discuss and brainstorm school lunches with Schwan’s Chef Collective in October. Students had the opportunity to hear from chefs from around the country while offering their ideas on how to continually improve Culinary Express offerings. Wayzata High School is one of the largest food service operations in the area, serving over 2,200 lunches each day.
Student Launches Teen Publishing Company WHS SOPHOMORE Justin Anderson recently started up his own publishing company. Sigma’s Bookshelf will exclusively publish the work of teen writers ages 12-19. A fiscal sponsor, “Springboard for the Arts,” has been secured, which will allow Sigma’s Bookshelf to be able to pursue grant money to help cover the costs of publishing kids’ books, so the service will be free for writers between the ages of 12 and 19. Manuscripts can be submitted and more information can be found at www. sigmabookshelf.com.
6 Parenting with Vision The Parenting with Vision series is collaboratively presented by Wayzata Public Schools, Wayzata Schools’ PTA/PTO Liaison Committee and Partners for Healthy Kids. Monday, March 13 The ABC’s of Early Childhood and Family Health & Well-Being 6:30-8:30 p.m. Central Middle School Auditorium Come and hear from professionals about how to help your child birth through 5 years navigate the wonderful developmental phases of early childhood behavior. This discussion will assist parents in understanding and learning to recognize mental health concerns in young children. Issues of health and well-being will also be addressed. Monday, March 20 LET’S TALK: TEEN STRESS 7:00-8:30 p.m. Wayzata High School Auditorium Teens today face many new challenges: academic, social, athletic and relationships. At times, these challenges become overwhelming and highly stressful. This presentation will provide insight and identify strategies to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Wednesday, April 26 Leaving the Nest 7:00-8:30 p.m. Wayzata High School Auditorium Preparing for your child to spread his or her wings and head off to college or move out of the house can be a time of mixed emotions – excitement, anxiety, hope and fear, all rolled into one. Join educators to talk about issues pertinent to newly independent young people such as stress, sleep, sexuality, safety and drugs and alcohol. Tips and tricks for parents to process your own emotions as a new chapter in your life begins will be covered as well. You can’t go with them, but you can ensure they are prepared when they leave.
Spring Young Scientist Roundtables Monday, February 6 7:00 p.m.
Engineering Solutions for Construction Projects Central Middle School Auditorium Ann M. Johnson, PE President of Professional Engineering Services, Minneapolis
Tuesday, March 6 7:00 p.m.
Rockets for the Sun Exploration Central Middle School Auditorium Dr. Lindsay Giesener, University of Minnesota Department of Physics and Astronomy
Monday, April 17 7:00 p.m.
Environmental Engineering Central Middle School Auditorium Dr. Paige Novak, University of Minnesota Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering
For more information about Parenting with Vision or Young Scientist Roundtable, contact Charlene Barghini at charlene.barghini@wayzata.k12.mn.us or 763-745-5045.
Kate Borchardt
Meadow Ridge 4th Grader Takes Second Place in Nationwide “Be a Famous Writer” Contest KATE BORCHARDT, a fourth grader in Angie Hoffman’s class at Meadow Ridge Elementary, was recently awarded second place in the Mrs. P’s “Be a Famous Writer” national contest for her story “The Winchester Library.” Contest enteries were judged for their originality, creativity, humor and sense of adventure. Kate tells the story of what books at the Winchester Library do at night when they’re not being read. Saanvi Rangarajan, a kindergartener in Elli Radue’s class, received a certificate of achievement for “Extra-Good Writers’ Honor Roll” for her story “Library in Mars.” Claudia McDonald and Sarah Winters, fourth Saanvi Rangarajan graders in Tami Corder’s class, also received a certificate of achievement for “Extra-Good Writers’ Honor Roll” for their story “The Library Story… How it All Started.” The annual contest accepts entries from Claudia McDonald & Sarah Winters K-4 classrooms across the country. The winners were chosen by a panel of celebrity judges and Mrs. P, who is portrayed by Kathy Kinney. For more information, visit http://contest.mrsp.com.
7 WHS Students Serving on Minnesota Youth Council Calling All Youth to Share Ideas and Opinions
WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL students Shreya Ram, sophomore, and Cole Hartman, freshman, are representatives on the Minnesota Youth Council and want to hear from other area youth. The Minnesota Youth Council (MYC) is a collaboration of youth and adults working together to empower and mobilize youth across the state to exercise their voices, opinions and ideas to take action on issues. Shreya is a co-chair of the MYC Policy Shreya Ram, sophomore Committee, representing youth from the community Cole Hartman, freshman at the state legislature. The committee has the ability to provide feedback to legislators on bills and can write their own legislation. As representatives of Congressional District 3, Shreya and Cole represent Wayzata Public Schools along with many other schools in the area. The MYC and Policy Committee are open to hearing ideas and opinions from youth in the Wayzata school district and throughout Minnesota. Contact Shreya Ram at shreyaram25@gmail.com or Cole Hartman at hartmcol000@isd284.com to share your ideas and for more information.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, May 17 at 5:00 p.m. WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL’S 25th annual Empty Bowls event, which raises money for Interfaith Outreach, will be held Thursday, May 18 from 5:00–7:00pm. All community members are invited to attend this student-led event to raise awareness of hunger experienced by many in our area.
Meadow Ridge Elementary Celebrates Grand Opening MEADOW RIDGE ELEMENTARY School, the district’s newest elementary school that opened last fall, held a formal dedication ceremony on October 16. Students led tours of their new school and staff, parents, residents, current and former School Board members and others were on hand to celebrate and thank the community for its support!
Excellence. For Each and Every Student.
Greenwood Honors Veterans
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.
YOU’RE INVITED! Wayzata High School Dedication Celebration & Open House
Sunday, March 5, 2 - 4 p.m.
SENIOR CITIZENS living in the district enjoyed spending time in the newly-expanded Wayzata High School (WHS) commons space prior to being treated to a free matinee of the fall musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. Come to the WHS Dedication Celebration & Open House on Sunday, March 5 from 2- 4 p.m. and see the new construction for yourself. A variety of student musical performances will be performed in the new auditorium that just opened in January and student-led tours will showcase the other new WHS additions (cafeteria, gymnasiums, classroom addition, upper/ lower commons, etc.)
Nonprofit Org. US Postage Wayzata, MN Permit 43
Greenwood Elementary School students and staff honored veterans and those currently serving our country during a Veterans’ Day ceremony. Guests from the Hamel VFW and local Boy and Girl Scout troops took part in the ceremony. Todd Brandell, a Greenwood Elementary kindergarten teacher and sergeant in the Army National Guard, and Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Merrill spoke to students about their experiences serving.
Wayzata Public Schools 210 County Road 101 N. P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391-0060
Communicator WINTER 2017