South Washington County Schools News

Superintendent�s column for local media

Message posted on 2/13/2012

Superintendent Mark T. Porter submitted his monthly column to our local papers this week. It is also included below.

International speaker talks Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids

Message posted on 2/17/2012

Dave Walsh psychologist, bestselling author and international speaker is holding a workshop on his newest book, Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help your Child Grow Brighter, Healthier and Happier. The event will take place at Tartan High School in Oakdale on Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Dr. Walsh will translate the latest findings from brain science into practical strategies that parents, teachers and anyone concerned about kids can immediately put to use. More information can be found on the Community Education web site at: http://www.cecool.com/Uploads/Files/2Dr Walsh Event Flyer 2012-03-08.pdf.

Park's girls gymnastics team are section champs

Message posted on 2/17/2012

The Park High School girls gymnastics team are section 3AA champions for the second year in a row! The team will compete in the state meet next Friday at the University of Minnesota's sports pavilion. They are coached by Mark Sikich and Terry Hardy. Congratulations girls and good luck next week!

Orchestra students will perform �Side by Side� concert

Message posted on 2/17/2012

All 8th grade and high school orchestra students will perform in the third annual �Side by Side� concert this Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Loft Stage at East Ridge High School. The East Metro Symphony will also be joining the group. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information visit the orchestra�s web site at http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/orchestr

Community members participate in WHS's Career Day

Message posted on 2/17/2012

Nearly 70 community members spoke to Woodbury High School students about their various careers this week. Students were grouped in career clusters according to their likes and dislikes and heard from at least three community members in regards to their interests. The occupations of the visitors ranged from doctors to police to marketing professionals. The event was part of the high school�s college and career readiness advisory day for students.

School Exec Connect to conduct Superintendent Search 2012

Message posted on 2/17/2012

The South Washington County School District has contracted with School Exec Connect to conduct the search for a new Superintendent.

Part of the process includes community input on the desired traits of a Superintendent, as well as the challenges, strengths and goals of our district. Because of the timeline needed for adequate recruitment of candidates, the timeline for community input is very narrow. Please consider attending the final public community conversation being conducted by School Exec Connect:

� Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7-8 p.m., in the Woodbury High School Group Room, 2665 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury.

If you are unable to attend a community conversation, you can find an online survey on the district�s web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us. Go to the Hot Topics link, �Superintendent Search� for more information and the survey (which must be completed no later than Feb. 24).

If you have questions or comments about the search, you can contact one of the consultants:

� Ken Dragseth (952-210-2790 or mdragseth@comcast.net),

� Toni Johns (612-309-1511 or almonster05@msn.com),

� Bob Ostlund (612-308-8997 or ostlundbob@aol.com), or

� Charlie Kyte (651-247-6505 or ckyte2@gmail.com).

No school for students Monday, Feb. 20 and Tuesday, Feb. 21

Message posted on 2/17/2012

There will be no school for students on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 20 and 21, due to the President�s Day holiday and a professional development day for staff. A full calendar highlighting holidays, workshops and conferences for the 2011-12 school year can be found on the district�s web site, http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us, select �Calendars� under �Quick Links.�

School Board Meeting set for Thursday, Feb. 23

Message posted on 2/17/2012

The School Board will meet for a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 7 p.m. Items on the agenda include:

� Success from around the district: MSHSL AAA Recognition of Students;

� High School Spanish Immersion Pathway;

� FY 2012-13 Integration Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Alternative Facilities Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Health and Safety Budget;

� Resolution Providing for the Sale of General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds, Series 2012B;

� FY 2012-13 School District Calendar;

� Amended EMID Joint Powers Agreement;

� Budgeting for Excellence Update; and

� Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

District teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year

Message posted on 2/10/2012

East Ridge High School teachers Krissy Boyd (Special Education), Sharon Haley (Social Studies), Mary Seidel (English) and Bonita Waddick (English); along with Pullman Elementary School�s Mitch Bolin (Third Grade), have been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year through Education Minnesota. All five of these teachers are exceptional ambassadors of public education and above all else, are passionate about their service to their students and school. They are of 111 teachers throughout the state that have been recognized for this honor.

The 2012 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony on May 6. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year also becomes Minnesota's candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

PHS will hold Saturday Conversations with Minnesota Colleges

Message posted on 2/10/2012

On Saturday, Feb. 25, Park High School will host their annual Saturday Conversations with Minnesota Colleges from 10 a.m. until noon in the school�s cafeteria. The event is free and open to all District 833 students and their families. Representatives from the University of Minnesota System, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the Minnesota Private College Council will be presenting information about their colleges. The Minnesota Higher Education Services Office will also be sharing about financial aid.

School Board Special Meeting and Workshop Thursday, Feb. 9

Message posted on 2/10/2012

The School Board met for a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 to approve the Purchase Agreement for Liberty Ridge Site II. Immediately following the special meeting, the regularly scheduled workshop began. Items on the agenda included:

� Transportation Department Budget Analysis;

� High School Spanish Immersion Pathway;

� FY 2012-13 Integration Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Alternative Facilities Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Health and Safety Budget;

� FY 2012-13 District Calendar; and

� Reports from the Superintendent and School Board members.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Park�s Air Force Junior ROTC cadets place in competition

Message posted on 2/10/2012

Congratulations to Park High School�s Air Force Junior ROTC cadets for their success at the 22nd annual Upper Midwest JROTC Drill and Color Guard Challenge at Cretin Durham Hall last week. Out of the ten schools competing, they earned second place honors in Color Guard Post and Recover, third place in Regulation Drill and third place in Knowledge Bowl.

High school seniors recognized by NMSC as finalists

Message posted on 2/10/2012

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 15,000 finalists in the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next spring. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) test.

National Merit Finalists from Woodbury High School are Elizabeth Cooper, Alexandra Grupe, Sheri Li, Yang Liu, and Jason Ostergaard; and from East Ridge High School, Lauren Yonkoski and Jiatao Yun.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2012 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

WHS students receive Prudential community awards

Message posted on 2/10/2012

Woodbury High School senior David Schommer has been selected as Minnesota�s top high school youth volunteer in the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. As a State Honoree, David will receive a $1,000 award and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of national recognition events in May. David will receive additional awards if he is named one of the National Honorees at this spring gathering.

Chloe Richter, also a senior at Woodbury High School, has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the state level. She and David both qualify for the President�s Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

Congratulations to David and Chloe on their great achievements!

School Exec Connect to conduct Superintendent Search 2012

Message posted on 2/7/2012

The South Washington County School District has contracted with School Exec Connect to conduct the search for a new Superintendent.

Part of the process includes community input on the desired traits of a Superintendent, as well as the challenges, strengths and goals of our district. Because of the timeline needed for adequate recruitment of candidates, the timeline for community input is very narrow. Please consider attending one of two public community conversations being conducted by School Exec Connect. They are scheduled for:

Monday, Feb. 13, 7-8 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Service Center, 7362 E. Pt. Douglas Road, Cottage Grove
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7-8 p.m., in the Woodbury High School Group Room, 2665 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury.

If you are unable to attend one of these community conversations, you are welcome to fill out an online survey at our "Hot Topics" link. Comments will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 24.

If you have questions or comments about the search, you can contact one of the consultants:

Ken Dragseth (952-210-2790 or mdragseth@comcast.net),
Toni Johns (612-309-1511 or almonster05@msn.com),
Bob Ostlund (612-308-8997 or ostlundbob@aol.com), or
Charlie Kyte (651-247-6505 or ckyte2@gmail.com).

Tickets available for OMS's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

Message posted on 2/3/2012

Oltman Middle School students are set to perform Beauty and the Beast, Jr. When Maurice becomes lost on the way to the fair he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Maurice�s daughter, Belle, must then give up her freedom to save his life. The musical will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Oltman�s theater. Performances are scheduled for Feb. 16, 17 (sold out), 18 (sold out), 23 and 24, at 7 p.m. Adults are $5, students are $3, and children under 5 are $1. Tickets order forms are available at www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/oms. Contact teacher Gina Gamnis with any questions at ggamnis@sowashco.k12.mn.us.

District high schools place in final round of 3AA One Act Play

Message posted on 2/3/2012

East Ridge and Park High Schools competed against Eagan and Bloomington Kennedy High Schools Wednesday in the final round of the 3AA One Act Play competition. Park High School students took second place for their performance, �Dear Finder,� a story about unearthed documents from Holocaust victims in Warsaw, Germany. East Ridge High School took third place for their performance of �The Break of Noon,� a story about a New York businessman who is the only survivor of a shooting at his workplace. Congratulations East Ridge and Park!

District students signing National Letters of Intent for next year

Message posted on 2/3/2012

February was the first day of the regular period for students to sign a National Letter of Intent to participate in intercollegiate athletics next year. Students from across the district are moving forward with this process:

East Ridge High School students that signed Thursday include:

Elizabeth Dahedl, Soccer, University of Sioux Falls (South Dakota);
Mackenzie Lewis, Soccer, Northern Illinois University; and
Anastacia Medellin, Soccer, University of Illinois (Champagne).

Park High School students that signed Wednesday include:

D�Monte Farley, Track and Field, University of North Dakota; and
R.J. Alowonle, Track and Field, University of North Carolina.

Woodbury High School students will be signing on Wednesday, Feb. 8, they include:

Emily Erickson, Soccer, Minnesota State University Mankato;
Maddie Nelson, Soccer, Creighton University;
Lauren Nash, Soccer, University of Louisville;
Madeline Trebesch, Soccer, Creighton University;
Rachael Van Keulen, Soccer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee;
Casey White, Soccer, Minot State University; and
Connor McKeen, Football, Minnesota State University Mankato.

Kindergarten Enrollment Night scheduled for Feb. 13

Message posted on 2/3/2012

Families residing in the South Washington County School District with children who will be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2012, are eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2012.

The Office of Student Information has mailed out the kindergarten packets to eligible students that are on the district�s census. The packet includes information about Kindergarten Enrollment Night, Immunizations, School Age Child Care, the K-plus Program, transportation and enrollment forms.

Parents and their child are invited to attend Kindergarten Enrollment Night at their attendance boundary elementary school on Monday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The evening is intended as the opportunity to register for kindergarten, see the classrooms, visit with teachers and staff.

Completed forms may be returned to the school on enrollment night or mailed to the Office of Student Information, District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Rd. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

If you have not received a packet, and your child is eligible for kindergarten next year, born on or before Sept. 1, 2007, please contact the Student Information Office at 651-458-6218.

Families who do not plan to send their eligible kindergartner to school in the fall or plan to enroll their child in a private or out-of-district program are asked to notify the Office of Student Information of their plans at 651-458-6218.

School Readiness Preschool information nights set

Message posted on 2/3/2012

The district�s School Readiness Preschool program available through Community Education offers learning opportunities for 3-5 year olds. Participating children grow and develop in a nurturing environment designed to build skills necessary for future school success. They learn math, language, music, art and science all while interacting in small and large groups.

Classes are held at the following schools: Armstrong, Bailey, Cottage Grove, Crestview, Grey Cloud, Hillside, Liberty Ridge, Newport, Pine Hill, Pullman, Royal Oaks and Woodbury Elementary Schools. Classes are also offered at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove, as well as Central Park and Valley Crossing in Woodbury.

Information nights are scheduled for:

� Monday, Feb. 6, from 6-7 p.m. at the District Program Center; and

� Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 6-7 p.m. at Central Park.

Please contact individual schools for additional information night opportunities. More details are also available online at http://www.cecool.com or by calling 651-458-6374.

School Board Special Meeting and Workshop set for Feb. 9

Message posted on 2/3/2012

The School Board will meet for a special meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove to discuss the Purchase Agreement for Liberty Ridge Site II. Immediately following the special meeting, the regularly scheduled workshop will begin. Items on the agenda include:

� Transportation Department Budget Analysis;

� High School Spanish Immersion Pathway;

� FY 2012-13 Integration Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Alternative Facilities Budget;

� FY 2012-13 Health and Safety Budget;

� FY 2012-13 District Calendar; and

� Reports from the Superintendent and School Board members.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, will be available on the district web site beginning Monday, Feb. 6 at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Correction to recent Pioneer Press article

Message posted on 2/8/2012

In a Feb. 8 article relating to the Superintendent Search, it was stated that both community meetings are next week. However, the meetings are split across the next two weeks. One is on Monday, Feb. 13 and the other is on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Park teacher receives national grant

Message posted on 2/3/2012

A $5,000 National Education Association (NEA) grant was awarded to Park High School Reading Specialist Sara Heideman. The funds will be used to purchase iPads and book applications in order to integrate reading and technology. It will also promote global thinking as students read nonfiction narratives from around the world. Heideman is only one of 28 educators throughout the United State to receive this recognition.

WHS inviting local business to participate in Career Day

Message posted on 2/3/2012

Woodbury High School is offering a Career Day to its nearly 2,000 students on Thursday, Feb. 16. The goal of the event is to have students hear from three people who have careers that may interest them. The school is asking for participation from local businesses and individuals throughout the community. Those that choose to take part would speak to students in 15 minute blocks from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Organizations or individuals interested should contact Assistant Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wagner at 651-768-4408 or sswagner@sowashco.k12.mn.us no later than Friday, Feb. 10.

Special School Board Workshop scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4

Message posted on 2/3/2012

The School Board will meet for a special workshop on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 8 a.m. Items on the agenda include:

� Superintendent Search Process Planning.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Information about school closings

Message posted on 1/1/2012

The district has no formal �policy� for the decision-making process but does have some procedures on how the decision whether to close school is made. Because all situations vary, the following are guidelines for parents to understand the decision-making process on severe weather days.

All school closings and/or schedule changes are decided by the Superintendent or his designee. The most compelling reason for closing schools will be the safety of students and employees. Decisions to cancel or shorten the regular school day and after school activities will be made by the Superintendent or his designee in consultation with other staff - and may include consultation with district transportation, city personnel and neighboring school districts, as appropriate. Decisions on school closings and late starts will be made as early as possible � either the night before or as early in the morning as possible.

All information will be shared by the district�s Communications Department through:

District web site;
INFO TO GO list serv�s (subscribe to your school�s listserv, as well as �Urgent Messages�);
District�s Facebook and Twitter sites;
District Cable Channel 15; and
Local television stations.

Middleton teachers honored for Educators of the Year

Message posted on 1/27/2012

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Education Committee selected the Middleton Elementary Fourth Grade Team as the 2011 Educators of the Year. Members of the team were honored at the Chamber�s annual gala event last week. They include from left to right: Nicole Filler, Sarah March, Sara Koehnen (currently on leave), Lisa Peterson and Nora Jankowski.

Nominated by a parent, student and the school�s administration, the team is described as a �passionate group of amazing women and educators with an immense dedication to their students which defines them.� The team knows not only their classroom of students, but the entire fourth grade. They continuously rotate classes to have the opportunity to teach every student in the course of the school year. The rotation allows them to personally connect to and create a wonderful learning environment.

More about their recognition can be found at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/News/newsArticle.asp?ID=369.

Band instructor performs at director�s association gathering

Message posted on 1/27/2012

Lake Middle School Band Director, Doug Bradley was the guest conductor for the Minnesota Band Directors Association Southwest Regional Honor Band in Marshall, Minn. last week. He led over 100 students from 24 school districts across the state, with rehearsals occurring only the morning prior to the concert. The songs performed included his own �Rocket Launcher� and �Apollo 11.� Congratulations Doug! More information about the association can be found at: http://mbda.org/.

Gateway students place first in Minnesota at Knowledge Master

Message posted on 1/27/2012

A team of 15 fifth graders at Bailey Elementary competed in the Knowledge Master Open Wednesday. All are part of District 833�s Gateway, a school within a school for talented and gifted students. There were over 200 fifth grade teams competing, using computers to answer 100 challenging questions from all curriculum areas. The Gateway team answered 94 correctly to earn 771 points. This gave the team a first place standing in the state of Minnesota and 2nd overall nationally, just 8 points behind the first place team.

Academic Coach, Theresa Campbell, was excited to see how the 15 students worked cooperatively to come to a consensus and answer the questions as quickly as possible. This is the second year in a row that students from the Gateway team were ranked 2nd overall nationally and have their sights set on being first place after the spring competition in March.

Students on the team (pictured) included: Michael Kenney, Cameron Coleman, Jeffrey Deng, Jackson McGough, Anish Gadgil, Scott Sampson, David Li, Melissa Parker, Garrett Gandhi, Stephanie Barber, Jeffrey Huang, Morgan Swanson, Zach Bria, Nidhi Checka, and Luke Maier.

Congratulations to the team and good luck with the upcoming spring competition.

Park High School performs their One Act Play Monday

Message posted on 1/27/2012

Park High School will perform its One Act Play, �Dear Finder� on Monday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. The play is about one of the most horrific periods in human history, the Holocaust. A Jewish doctor in the Warsaw ghetto urged people to document their lives so that future generations would understand what life was like at the time. Diaries, documents and papers were placed in milk cans and buried deep beneath the Warsaw streets. One was unearthed in 1946, a second in 1950. For countless victims and a few survivors, this is their story. Based in part on materials from The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and its corresponding book, The World Must Know, by Michael Berenbaum. The performance will take place in the school�s auditorium. Tickets are $2 each.

Park High School took first place at the One Act Play section preliminaries for their performance earlier this week. Section finals will be held at Park High School on Wednesday, Feb. 1. It will include performances from East Ridge, Park and Woodbury High Schools. The show that places first will represent 3AA at the One Act Play Festival on Feb. 10 at St. Catherine University�s O�Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul.

Dr. Craig Paul will stay on as Principal at Park High School

Message posted on 1/27/2012

The School Board approved at their regular meeting on Jan. 26, the appointment of Dr. Craig Paul as the Principal at Park High School effective July 1, following this year�s service as the interim Principal.

�This is truly the best course of action for continued effective leadership at Park High School, and I am very excited about the return of Dr. Paul,� Superintendent Porter said. �His leadership at Park has been outstanding and we are indeed very fortunate to retain him for this an additional year.�

Dr. Paul has just received a life-time achievement award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals for his outstanding and numerous years of service in this capacity to a number of school districts.

Paul, most recently the K-12 Director for the American International School in Egypt, also served as the Wayzata High School Principal from 1993 to 2008. Other positions include principalships in Holdingford, Minnesota, and Muscatine, Strawberry Point and Miles, Iowa.

In addition to a PhD in Education, he holds a Masters+ in Education and Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies. His list of professional achievements includes certification as a National Institute of School Leadership Coach/Trainer; Breaking Ranks II National Trainer through the National Association of Secondary School Principals; Courage to Teach Facilitator; and Malcom Baldrige Quality Award Program National Examiner.

Nominees selected for Triple A Award at district high schools

Message posted on 1/27/2012

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the AAA Award (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts. District students that have been nominated include: East Ridge�s Julia Reimann and Jayden Cline; Park�s Sara Manship and Dorsey Sprouls; and Woodbury�s Erika Storvick and Elias Radtke.

Triple A Award recipients are selected by a multi-level process involving the league's member schools and administrative regions. MSHSL officials will announce the winners at an on-court recognition ceremony held in March. Each award recipient will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship. Additional information about the Triple A Award may be obtained by contacting the Minnesota State High School League at 763-560-2262 or by visiting the league�s web site at: http://www.mshsl.org.

Detailed descriptions of the nominees are included in the PDF document below.

School Board Closed Session, Workshop and Meeting Jan. 26

Message posted on 1/27/2012

The School Board met in a closed session on Thursday, Jan. 26 to discuss student expulsions and purchase of real estate property. The School Board then opened the workshop to discuss the Superintendent search process. Beginning at 7 p.m. the regularly scheduled School Board meeting took place. Items on the agenda included:

Success around the district: Woodbury Chamber Educational Team of the Year;
Proposed student exclusion;
FY 2010-11 Audit Reports;
Preliminary Staffing Ratios for FY 2012-13;
Superintendent search process;
Oltman Middle School demonstrating technology in math instruction;
Update on AVID program;
Budgeting for Excellence update;
Summary of Superintendent evaluation; and
Reports from the Superintendent.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Special School Board Workshop scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4

Message posted on 1/27/2012

The School Board will meet for a special workshop on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 8 a.m. Items on the agenda include:

Superintendent Search Process Planning.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

WHS students win at the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards

Message posted on 1/20/2012

Students from Woodbury High School won awards for their work in the 2011-12 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards contest (MSAA). Recipients include: Kyra Anderson, Caitlin Bieza (two awards), Ellen O'Connell (two awards), Justin Franz, Alexandra Grupe,Madeline Hanson (four awards), Evan Henke (two awards), Nuel Pilien, and Leah Williams. Organized by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), the competition is the largest statewide to recognize creative teenagers. This year�s submissions included 1,376 individual entries and 170 portfolios.

Artwork from the competition will be displayed in the Concourse Gallery at MCAD from Jan. 30th until Feb. 26th. This exhibition is open to the public during the college�s regular business hours. MCAD will also be hosting a special recognition ceremony for students that participated on Sunday, Feb. 26. A specific time will be set to honor Woodbury High School students (announced in the coming weeks at: http://www.mcad.edu/events-fellowships/opportunities-artists/minnesota-scholastic-art-awards).

ERHS choir students participate in college�s vocal festival

Message posted on 1/20/2012

Five East Ridge High School choir students participated in the annual Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival earlier this month in Iowa. The festival has been a tradition at the college for over sixty years and showcases outstanding junior and senior vocalists throughout the Midwest. Students are nominated by their choral directors and 1,300 are chosen to participate in the Festival Choir. A select 120 of the Festival Choir students are chosen to participate in the Chamber Choir. East Ridge students Julia Reimann and Devika Kataky performed with the Chamber Choir and Festival Choir; Austin Franklin, Amelia Pfarrer, and Matt Thorsen performed with the Festival Choir. Pictured with participants is Dr. Allen Hightower, Director of Choral Activities at Luther College.

School Board Closed Session, Workshop and Meeting scheduled for Jan. 26

Message posted on 1/20/2012

The School Board will meet in a closed session on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 5:30 p.m. to discuss student expulsions and a purchase of real estate property. The School Board will then open the workshop to discuss the Superintendent search proposal and process. Beginning at 7 p.m. the regularly scheduled School Board meeting will take place. Items on the agenda include:

� Success around the district: Woodbury Chamber Educational Team of the Year;

� Proposed student exclusion;

� FY 2010-11 Audit Reports;

� Preliminary Staffing Ratios for FY 2012-13;

� Superintendent search process;

� Using iPads and technology in math instruction;

� Update on AVID program;

� Budgeting for Excellence update;

� Summary of Superintendent evaluation; and

� Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Skills Plus Learning Academy through Community Ed

Message posted on 1/20/2012

Private and semi-private tutoring in math and reading are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove and Central Park in Woodbury. Winter session begins January 31st. Follow this link for more information or to register: http://www.cecool.com/programs.aspx?ID=110.

Rinzel joins PHS's athletics team as boys lacrosse coach

Message posted on 1/20/2012

Greg Rinzel, captain of the Cottage Grove Police Department, has been hired as the first boys lacrosse coach in the history of Park High School. In years past, Park has been part of a cooperatively sponsored team with either East Ridge or Woodbury High Schools. This spring will be the first season that Park will field its own team.

Rinzel was instrumental in starting the lacrosse program in the city of Cottage Grove. He has coached at the youth, prep and high school level for the past four years. He also played the sport at Minnesota State University in the early 1990s.

�We are very excited to have our own boys lacrosse team at Park for the first time. Greg has helped build this program from the ground up, and it is a very natural fit for him to take the program to the next level. We have a lot of boys lacrosse players who are very excited to finally get a chance to wear a green Park jersey.�

District high school hockey teams help SEC raise over $10,000

Message posted on 1/20/2012

The Suburban East Conference (SEC) boys hockey teams supported the cause of eliminating cancer in kids and helping the families effected by raising funds for the C.H.E.C.K. program (Coaches Helping Eliminate Cancer in Kids). This year�s efforts were held in conjunction with the SEC Hockey Day that took place last weekend at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena. All district high schools participated as well as Roseville, Cretin-Derham Hall, Hastings, White Bear Lake, Mounds View, Stillwater, and Forest Lake High Schools. Each school raised funds earlier in the week, as well as at the weekend�s events.

Superintendent�s column for local media

Message posted on 1/13/2012

Superintendent Mark T. Porter submitted his monthly column to our local papers this week. It is also included below.

High schools set to perform their One Act Festival tonight!

Message posted on 1/13/2012

The third annual One Act Festival is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20th at East Ridge High School�s Loft Stage. The night will feature plays from East Ridge, Park, and Woodbury High Schools. Tickets are $5 for general admission and can be purchased at the door. See you there!

An update on the district�s finances

Message posted on 1/13/2012

2010-11 Audit results shared

At their workshop on Jan. 12, the School Board received the final audit for fiscal year 2010-11. Consistent with previous years, an unqualified (or �clean�) opinion was received, which supports the hard work of employees in all departments of the district. The auditors reviewed the financial statements, processes and practices of the district. The audit ensures quality fiscal management by the district. The school district has applied for the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting given by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the sixth consecutive year. The report can be found on the district�s web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/finance/documents.asp

Board hears preliminary information about the district�s General Fund Budget for 2012-13

Also discussed at the meeting was the 2012-13 budget for the district�s General Fund. The General Fund is budget with approximately $154 million in annual expenditures. The board was reminded of the district�s fund balance policy � with a goal of maintaining a fund balance between 5% and 9% of the General Fund expenditures.
With nearly 80% of revenues coming from the State of Minnesota, attention to what takes place at the state level is key to remaining fiscally responsible.
The School Board reviewed future budget projections and considered various assumptions relating to enrollment, state funding, operating referendum and anticipated budget adjustments.

Parameter set at $2 million for the �Budgeting for Excellence� budget adjustment process

The goal of �Budgeting for Excellence� is to ensure long-term financial stability for the district. The School Board has agreed that a target of $2 million in budget adjustments for 2012-13 will help the district continue on a fiscally responsible path for the future and ensuring adherence to the fund balance policy.
Further, the opportunity to align our budgeting process with the strategic plan and better focus on student achievement efforts is possible through a budget review process.
The opportunity to present your ideas for budget adjustments will continue to be open through Wednesday, Jan. 18. To submit a proposal online, go to: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/finance/BFE.asp. You can also submit a paper document (available in all school / district offices) by Wednesday, Jan. 18, to Aaron Bushberger at South Washington County Schools, 7362 E. Pt. Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.
Submissions can be either expenditure reductions, revenue enhancements or expenditure additions (together with a proposed reduction to offset additional costs).
The Budgeting for Excellence process began in November to ensure widespread community involvement. The expanded timeline is allowing the Budget Review Team time to thoroughly analyze the district�s financial situation and provide review and comment on all proposed budget adjustments. The process will end in March when it is anticipated that the School Board will approve final budget adjustments.

Questions can be addressed to Director of Finance Aaron Bushberger at abushber@sowashco.k12.mn.us.

School Board Special Meeting and Workshop Jan. 12

Message posted on 1/13/2012

The School Board met for a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 6 p.m. Items on the agenda included:

Oath of office for re-elected School Board members � sworn in were re-elected members Leslee Boyd, Jim Gelbmann and Ron Kath; Officers for 2012 are Leslee Boyd, Chair, Tracy Brunnette, Vice-Chair, Laurie Johnson, Clerk, and Ron Kath, Treasurer;
Approval of organizational items for 2012 including: adoption of School Board Policies and Regulations, designation as District Service Center as meeting site for the School Board, appointment of Director of Finance as Assistant Treasurer, resolution to designate bank depositories, resolution for investment authorization, authorization of Director of Finance and Account Specialist to make electronic fund transfers, authorization of signatures for petty cash checks, authorization of Director of Finance and Finance Specialist to sign Student Activity Fund checks, authorization of Early Claim Payments, authorization of Chair, Clerk and Treasurer Facsimile Signatures, and designation of South Washington County Bulletin as official newspaper; and
Approval of resolution proposing discipline of an employee.

Immediately following the special meeting, the regularly scheduled workshop began. Items on the agenda included:

Review of Fiscal Year 2010-11 Audit Reports;
General Fund Budget discussion;
Update to the �Pathway to Excellence� Strategic Plan;
Superintendent search process discussion; and
Reports from the Superintendent and School Board members.

The minutes and video, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

District students earn highest honors at WordMasters

Message posted on 1/13/2012

Three teams of students representing South Washington County Schools recently won highest honors in the WordMasters Challenge � a national language arts competition entered by approximately 220,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held at intervals during the school year.

Competing in the challenging Blue Division, the district�s third graders tied for fifth place in the nation during the first meet of the year in December. This was among 520 school teams competing at the same level. Simultaneously, the district�s seventh graders placed ninth in the nation, and our eighth graders placed fourth in the nation.

Students from Bailey Elementary, Cottage Grove Middle School, Crestview Elementary, Grey Cloud Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Liberty Ridge Elementary, Lake Middle School, Middleton Elementary, Newport Elementary, Pine Hill Elementary, Red Rock Elementary, and Woodbury Elementary all had great success. A full listing of students receiving highest honors and outstanding achievements can be seen in the attachment below.

These students will participate in two more WordMasters meets during the coming months. Medals and certificates will be awarded in June to those who achieved and/or improve the most in the course of the year.

SEC �Hockey Day� is tomorrow at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena

Message posted on 1/13/2012

The Suburban East Conference will hold its 2nd Annual Hockey Day on Saturday, Jan. 14th at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena (8020 80th Street South; Cottage Grove). The boys hockey teams from all ten conference schools will play throughout the course of the day on the arena�s two rinks. The schedule is as follows:

Roseville vs. Cretin-Derham Hall at 2 p.m. (north rink)
Hastings vs. White Bear Lake at 4:30 p.m. (north rink)
East Ridge vs. Mounds View at 5:30 p.m. (west rink)
Park vs. Woodbury at 7 p.m. (north rink)
Stillwater vs. Forest Lake at 8:30 p.m. (west rink)

The SEC Hockey Day originated last year as a way to showcase the players from all ten schools in a tournament-like setting. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students and will allow admittance for all games throughout the day provided fans do not leave the arena.

This year all conference schools will also be participating in the Coaches Helping Eliminate Cancer in Kids (C.H.E.C.K) fundraiser. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association to support families that are affected by childhood cancer. Donations will be accepted at the arena on the 14th. More information can be found at www.checkfoundation.org.

Please contact Phil Kuemmel at 651-768-5720 or John Bartz at 651-426-5359 with any questions.

Middle school Math League teams finish season with wins

Message posted on 1/13/2012

Math League teams throughout the district competed in their fifth and final competition of the year. In the South Washington Division, district teams finished in the top three including two Woodbury Middle School teams that took first and third; and a Lake Middle School team that took second. Students from the Woodbury Middle School teams are: Kevin Bi, Peter Blanchfield, Anna Chu, Aidan Danbury, Kamilah Gobran, Karan Gulati, Saliem Hashel, Calvin Kim, Emily Koithan, Emma Lai, Ethan Lee, Sam Lee, Hughdan Liu, Matt Mergens, Max Nord, Akul Seshadri, Will Vouk, Zeling Yu, Rachel Yurik, and Eryn Zuiker.

District students also made it into the top three for their individual scores. This included first place winner Amith Bhat from Lake Middle; second place winner Felix Oh from Lake Middle School; and third place winner Emma Lai from Woodbury Middle School. Other top scorers for the Lake Middle School teams were: Bradley Cho, Andy Guo, David Qui, Aaron Duebner, Celina Ough, Ankith Bhat, Ashwin Kolla, and Alicia Zhang. Cottage Grove Middle School top scorers were: Nate Cauthorn, Justin Alpers, and Dylan Degler (pictured).

Founded in 1986, the purpose of the Minnesota Junior High School Math League (MJHSML) is to encourage students to participate in math contests, enable students to meet �mathletes� from other schools, and to provide recognition for students excelling in mathematics. It also serves as preparation for the annual MathCounts competition.

PHS students participate in the YMCA�s �Youth in Government�

Message posted on 1/13/2012

Youth in Government is a YMCA program in which students assume the various roles of our state government such as a governor and staff, legislative leaders, lobbyists, lawyers, judges, and media. Park High School participated for the first time this year, and the students involved spent the majority of their time at Minnesota�s State Capitol in St. Paul working in the Youth Supreme Court. They prepared legal briefs and oral arguments to present to the panel of youth judges. They also had the opportunity to judge cases. The attorney team of students Jacob Hitchcock and Abyan Gurase won their Supreme Court case and achieved the difficult task of overturning a lower court judgment. Also participating was junior Alea Berube as a lawyer in the Supreme Court; and Alicja Jader, an exchange student, served in the media role and wrote several articles for the Youth in Government newspaper.

Youth in Government is a program run throughout the United States. Minnesota is a part of the 58th conference of the program, which currently ranks in the top five nationwide.

Winter Community Education catalog now available

Message posted on 1/6/2012

The 2012 Community Education winter catalog has been mailed to all homes throughout South Washington County. A digital copy is available online with links to registration at, http://www.cecool.com/Uploads/Files/Winter2012CatalogBOOK.pdf.

No school for students Monday, Jan. 16

Message posted on 1/6/2012

All schools and offices are closed Monday, Jan. 16, due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. A full calendar highlighting holidays, workshops and conferences for the 2011-12 school year can be found on the district�s web site, http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us, select �Calendars� under �Quick Links.�

School Board Special Meeting and Workshop set for Jan. 12

Message posted on 1/6/2012

The School Board will meet for a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove beginning at 6 p.m. Items on the agenda include:

Oath of office for re-elected School Board members;
Election of officers;
Approval of organizational items for 2012 including: Readopt School Board Policies and Regulations, Designate District Service Center as meeting site for the School Board, Appoint Director of Finance as Assistant Treasurer, Resolution to Designate Bank Depositories, Resolution for Investment Authorization, Authorize Director of Finance and Account Specialist to make Electronic Fund Transfers, Authorize Signatures for Petty Cash Checks, Authorize Director of Finance and Finance Specialist to sign Student Activity Fund Checks, Authorize Early Claim Payments, Authorize use of Chair, Clerk and Treasurer Facsimile Signatures, and Designate South Washington County Bulletin as official newspaper; and
Approval of Resolution Proposing Discipline of an Employee.

Immediately following the special meeting, the regularly scheduled workshop will begin. Items on the agenda include:

Review of Fiscal Year 2010-11 Audit Reports;
General Fund Budget discussion;
Update to the �Pathway to Excellence� Strategic Plan;
Superintendent search process discussion; and
Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

ERHS students nominated for MSHSL ExCEL Awards

Message posted on 1/6/2012

East Ridge High School juniors Merlin Erickson and Jamila Joiner are the recipients of the 2011-12 ExCEL Award nominations. Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, ExCEL - Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership - is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who are model citizens.

Merlin Erickson has participated in soccer and baseball. He is a LINK Leader, and on the Honor Roll. He is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, and Key Club. Erickson volunteers through his church as a secretary and youth counselor, and participates in Relay for Life and Feed My Starving Children service activities. Nominated by teacher Mr. Brian Sprout, �Merlin is a very influential student who is looked up to for direction. Students follow him because he is an outstanding person who brings out the best in others. He is more than a great student or athlete at ERHS. He represents the core values that East Ridge strives to meet.�

Jamila Joiner has participated in gymnastics, softball, track, band, and choir. She is a LINK Leader and Honor Roll student. Joiner volunteers through her church, at gymnastics camps, and participates in the Relay for Life service activity. Nominated by East Ridge teacher Mrs. Brittany Simmons, �Jamila demonstrates hard work, effort, and dedication in all her activities. She encourages others to do their best, and consistently shows school spirit. She is an excellent role model and leader to her peers.�

Congratulations Merlin and Jamila!

PHS Principal earns MASSP Distinguished Service Award

Message posted on 1/6/2012

Park High School Principal Dr. Craig Paul is the recipient of the 2011-12 Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Distinguished Service Award. This award is an annual recognition that was originally instituted in 1954. Dr. Paul will be honored for his achievement at the MASSP Winter Conference this month. Congratulations Dr. Paul!

Deadline Jan. 13 for Intra-District Transfer (secondary students)

Message posted on 1/6/2012

The Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment parameters, process and timelines, approved by the School Board are available on the district�s web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/DistrictInfo/FormsPoliciesProcedures/Procedures/Enrolling/IntraDist-OpenEnroll.asp

The timeline for secondary requests requires Intra-District Transfer requests be submitted no later than Friday, Jan. 13. Secondary families will be notified by Feb. 20th whether their request is granted.

Details, including which schools are not open to intra-district transfers or open enrollment, are also available on the web site.

Please respond promptly, public input is concluding for �Budgeting for Excellence�

Message posted on 1/6/2012

The district is working through a process that will inform and educate staff and community on public education finance and its impact on South Washington County Schools. The end result will also engage staff and community in the process to ensure long-term financial stability.

At the present time, public input is being sought for proposed budget adjustments to ensure a successful Budgeting for Excellence process. To submit a proposal online, go to: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/finance/BFE.asp. Responses will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 13.

Paper copies are also available in all school district offices for those wishing to submit their budget adjustment recommendations through a more traditional method. Comments on each proposal will be made over the coming weeks as the Budget Review Team meets to discuss all submissions. To stay connected to what is happening with the Budget Review Team�s efforts; go to �Budgeting for Excellence� through Hot Topics on the district�s web site.

The district�s annual budget runs from July 1 to June 30, with a typical budget adjustment process beginning in January and concluding with a preliminary budget approved by the School Board in March. The School Board is required to approve its final budget by June 30 for the subsequent school year.

The Budgeting for Excellence process began in November to ensure widespread community involvement. The expanded timeline has allowed the Budget Review Team time to thoroughly analyze the district�s financial situation and provide review and comment on all proposed budget adjustments. The process will end in March when it is anticipated that the School Board will approve final budget adjustments.

Questions can be addressed to Director of Finance Aaron Bushberger at abushber@sowashco.k12.mn.us.

High school informational nights for current 8th graders

Message posted on 1/1/2012

Informational nights are scheduled at district high schools for current 8th graders, who will be freshmen next school year. Families will have an opportunity learn about the different course offerings and activities, as well as tour school buildings at each informational night. East Ridge High School�s �Raptor Evening of Opportunities� and Woodbury High School�s �Royal Opportunities Night� will both be held on Monday, Jan. 9. East Ridge High School�s session will begin at 6 p.m. and Woodbury High School�s session will begin at 5:30 p.m. Park High School�s �Wolfpack Welcome� will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

WHS students off to Junior World Qualifier for figure skating

Message posted on 1/1/2012

Congratulations to Natasha Vo and Madison Rothweiler who are members of Team Braemar, Team USA, set to compete at the figure skating Junior World Qualifier Competition in January. This competition will determine the USA Junior World Team that will compete in Sweden in March. Team Braemar is the defending 2009, 2010 Junior National Synchronized Team Skating Champions and 2011 Silver Medalists. Best of luck Natasha and Madison!

LMS student wins Police sponsored essay contest

Message posted on 1/1/2012

Jessica Reeverts, 8th grader at Lake Middle School, won the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association�s Essay Contest. The topic this year was �Cool Technology Tools: How Do I Use Them for Good?� Jessica included ideas about how to use technology to gain knowledge and information. Chief Lee Vague of the Woodbury Police Department presented Jessica with an award and certificate of $100 during her language arts class. More information is at: http://www.mnchiefs.org/essay-contest-8th-graders. Congratulations, Jessica!

ERHS golf teams selling Minnesota Golf Discount Cards

Message posted on 1/1/2012

East Ridge High School boys and girls golf teams are selling Minnesota Golf Cards for $35. The card entitles participants to discounts at over 100 golf courses throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Please contact Bret Brookins at bbrookin@sowashco.k12.mn.us to purchase a card(s). More information can be found at http://www.minnesotagolfcard.com.

2012-13 Intra-district Transfer and Open Enrollment

Message posted on 1/1/2012

Intra-district Transfers are being granted for students in grades K-12 living within the boundaries of District 833 who wish to attend a school other than the one they are assigned based on attendance boundaries. The approved process is summarized below and is included at length on the district�s web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us then �2012-13 Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment� under Hot Topics. In addition to revised parameters and timelines, an online form can be completed to simplify the process this year.

Elementary school intra-district transfer requests for the 2012-13 school year can be submitted beginning immediately. Online submissions are preferred; however, if you do not have Internet access a form can be obtained at the District Service Center or by contacting the Office of Student Information at 651-458-6218. All requests will be reviewed according to the process after April 6, 2012. Families submitting requests by April 6, will be notified in writing of the status by May 11, 2012. An exception would be Liberty Ridge Elementary, which is closed to additional intra-district transfers due to capacity constraints.

Middle school and high school intra-district transfer requests for the 2012-13 school year can also be submitted immediately. Online submissions are preferred; however, if you do not have Internet access a form can be obtained at the District Service Center or by contacting the Office of Student Information at 651-458-6218. All requests will be reviewed according to the process listed below after Jan. 13, 2012. Families submitting requests by Jan. 13, will be notified in writing of the status by Feb. 20, 2012. Exceptions would be Cottage Grove Middle, Lake Middle and East Ridge High Schools, which are closed to additional intra-district transfers due to capacity constraints.

OPEN ENROLLMENT: For the 2012-13 school year District 833 allows enrollment of non-resident students at 3% of each grade level enrollment for elementary, middle and high schools. Exceptions would be for Liberty Ridge Elementary, Cottage Grove Middle, Lake Middle and East Ridge High Schools which would be closed to additional open enrollment students due to capacity constraints.

Schools or grade levels meeting or exceeding the thresholds for intra-district transfer considerations have also met the criteria for being closed to open enrollment.

Open enrolled students would continue at their assigned school throughout their years at each level. Families must reapply, indicating their preferred school, when school transitions occur (elementary to middle; middle to high school). The district retains the right to assign nonresident students to sites based upon capacity and program considerations. More on transportation and Minnesota State High School League participation can be found at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/DistrictInfo/FormsPoliciesProcedures/Procedures/Enrolling/IntraDist-OpenEnroll.asp

Winter break begins Friday; classes set to resume Jan. 3

Message posted on 1/1/2012

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Winter Break set to begin on Friday, Dec. 23. School will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Schools and central offices will have limited office schedules over the break � the district will also reduce heating and lighting where possible for the Energy Break.

District conserves during Energy Week

Message posted on 1/1/2012

During the December Holiday Break, South Washington County Schools will again implement energy reduction strategies in facilities. Beginning Dec. 23 and continuing through Jan. 2, school buildings in the district will have their internal ambient air temperatures lowered to 60 degrees and buildings will be closed for use. Park, Woodbury and East Ridge High School Activity Centers, weight rooms, gymnastics areas and wrestling rooms will be available on scheduled work days and hours for use by athletic teams. Pools at Cottage Grove, Lake and Woodbury Middle Schools and also Woodbury High School will be available for use by school district athletic teams for practice. No other areas of the buildings will be accessible for use with the exception of the building custodial staff. All buildings � including central offices � are closed Dec. 23, 26 and 30, as well as Jan. 2

More information about the district�s ongoing energy conservation efforts can be directed to Jim Bain, Safety and Energy Manager, at 651-458-6294.

ERHS golf teams selling Minnesota Golf Discount Cards

Message posted on 12/22/2011

LMS student wins Police sponsored essay contest

Message posted on 12/22/2011

WHS students off to Junior World Qualifier for figure skating

Message posted on 12/22/2011

High school informational nights for current 8th graders

Message posted on 12/22/2011

District conserves during Energy Week

Message posted on 12/22/2011

More information about the district�s ongoing energy conservation efforts can be directed to Jim Bain, Safety and Energy Manager, at 651-458-6294.

Winter break begins Friday; classes set to resume Jan. 3

Message posted on 12/22/2011

2012-13 Intra-district Transfer and Open Enrollment

Message posted on 12/22/2011

Schools or grade levels meeting or exceeding the thresholds for intra-district transfer considerations have also met the criteria for being closed to open enrollment.

Open enrolled students would continue at their assigned school throughout their years at each level. Families must reapply, indicating their preferred school, when school transitions occur (elementary to middle; middle to high school). The district retains the right to assign nonresident students to sites other than direct feeder schools when these transitions occur, based upon capacity and program considerations.

Winter swimming lessons with Community Education

Message posted on 12/16/2011

Swimming Lessons are starting up again the first week of January at Oltman and Lake Middle Schools. Classes are offered for Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary School Age, Age 10-14, Ladies Only and Adult. There are also classes for scout groups to complete badge requirements. For more information and to register visit: http://www.cecool.com.

Information about school closings

Message posted on 11/18/2011

All information will be shared by the district�s Communications Department through:

District web site;
INFO TO GO list serv�s (subscribe to your school�s listserv, as well as �Urgent Messages�);
District�s Facebook and Twitter sites;
District cable channel 15; and
Local television stations.

Park High School bids farewell to long-time coach

Message posted on 12/16/2011

Hank Tressel, who most recently served as the boys golf coach at Park High School, officially retired after fifty-one years in education. He has coached for a total of fifty years in the state of Minnesota.

Hank started his teaching and coaching career in Faribault at the St. James School for Boys and Shattuck Junior School, where he coached football and hockey. After a year of teaching in Arlington-Green Isle (where he did not coach), Hank came to District 833 in 1964 as a social studies and physical education teacher. Hank has been involved in many different sports in the district. He has coached hockey, basketball, football, and track at the junior high level. He coached football, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski jumping, softball, baseball, girls golf, and boys golf at the varsity level. Hank retired from teaching in 1998, but continued coaching boys golf after his retirement.

The golf programs have had much success under his leadership, both individually and as teams. Hank has sent numerous teams and individuals to state tournaments. In 2008, the Wolfpack won the Class AAA state championship, giving Park its one and only championship in a boys sport.

Thank you Hank for your dedication to South Washington County Schools. We wish you the best in your future endeavors!

Special recognition for Red Rock teacher

Message posted on 12/16/2011

Diane Munson, fifth grade teacher at Red Rock Elementary, was chosen as the 2011 Gilder Lehrman Institute�s Minnesota History Teacher of the Year last spring. This week she was presented with the award. Winners were selected on the following criteria:

� At least three years of classroom experience in teaching social studies with a focus on American history (including state and local history).

� Creativity and imagination in the classroom that addresses literacy and content beyond state standards.

� Close attention to primary documents, artifacts, historic sites, and other primary materials of history, including oral history.

� Thoughtful assessment of student achievement and progress.

As part of Munson�s recognition, she received a $1,000 prize and an archive of classroom resources. Congratulations Diane!

Coordinator of Instructional Services and Gifted Programs hired

Message posted on 12/16/2011

Erin Boltik has been selected as the District�s next Coordinator of Instructional and Gifted Programs, through the Teaching and Learning Department. She comes to the district from Inver Grove Heights� Atheneum Gifted Magnet School where she served as the Able Learners Coordinator and K-12 Coordinator of Gifted Services for more than a decade. Atheneum Magnet school was recently awarded the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School. Boltik holds a Master�s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on gifted education. Most recently she received her Ed.S. Degree in Educational Leadership that included administrative licensure.

Dr. Spicuzza, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment stated he is extremely proud to have an individual so highly respected in the Gifted and Talented arena join the Teaching and Learning Department for South Washington County. The last four years the Teaching and Learning Department has done remarkable things in establishing SWCS fine academic reputation and Erin�s addition to our great team and school system will assist us in elevating our trajectory to even higher levels.

United Educators Foundation awards grant to CGMS

Message posted on 12/16/2011

United Educators Foundation awarded a grant totaling nearly $300 to Cottage Grove Middle School for their 2011-12 financial literacy initiatives related to saving, math, money management and creating a financial foundation for youth. Math teacher Asia Bednar will use the grant for "The School Store: Learning State Standards through Real World Math.� Students in grades 6 through 8, who struggle with mathematical concepts, will learn money fundamentals that are needed to run a store, such as inventory and cost of goods sold. Through the process the students will learn how to apply the four mathematical operations to fractions, decimals and percents. The grant will be used to purchase school store materials including a cash register, store hours sign, work schedule pad and checkbook registers.

The United Educators Foundation was established in 2008 to generate and provide contributive funding and resources that advance educational initiatives and support charitable causes within the educational communities United Educators Credit Union cooperative serves. The Financial Literacy Grant program was created to help ensure financial education begins at a young age, and to support the educators teaching it.

High school students explore careers at 3M Cottage Grove

Message posted on 12/16/2011

�Awesome, interesting, and insightful� are words used by local high school students to describe their experience at 3M Cottage Grove Career Day. Students were surprised at the size of the campus with 1,750 acres and 35 major buildings along with the complexity of plant operations and were especially impressed with the 3M Corporate Waste Management Incinerator. This first-ever event was held on Dec. 2 to help students explore jobs and career pathways and to give student first-hand access to plant operations. Thirty 3M employees led tours and presentations in 14 career areas, such as engineering, human resources, information technology, safety/environment, production, security, and maintenance. Students choose their own career track based on their personal interests. Plant Director, Vicki Batroot, initiated the idea to make 3M open and accessible to the community and schools: �By extending learning beyond the confines of the classroom, students can make meaningful connections between their education, the workplace, and our community.� Robin Higgs, who coordinated the event at 3M and 3M employees were particularly impressed with student interest and respect and students were likewise impressed with employee passion and pride in their work and the respect granted them during their visit. With the positive feedback from all involved, there will be a second annual Career Day in partnership between 3M Cottage Grove, 833 Community Education, and Park High School counselors and administration.

Special thanks to Jodi Witte, Grant Writer, Sue McKeown, Youth Program Coordinator, Kevin Witherspoon, Park High School Assistant Principal and Nikki Loch, Counselor, for their efforts in coordinating this successful event for students.

School Board Workshop and Meeting Thursday, Dec. 15

Message posted on 12/16/2011

The School Board met on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove at 5:30 p.m. in a closed session to discuss Labor Negotiations and the Superintendent�s Evaluation. Beginning at 7 p.m. the regularly scheduled School Board meeting took place with the following items:

Success from across the district including performances from Chamber Orchestra students and East Ridge High School carolers;
Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2012;
Intra-District Transfer Parameters;
Open Enrollment Parameters;
Tentative Agreements between South Washington County Schools and the following groups: Association of School Bus Drivers; United Teachers of South Washington County (UTSWC); Paraprofessionals, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70; South Washington County Principals Association; Association of Central Administration Supervisors (CAS); and Professional Association of Confidential Employees (PACE);
Compensation Recommendations for Independent Non-Bargaining Employees for the 2011-12 School Year;
Review and Comment for Liberty Ridge Elementary Site 2 Acquisition and Expansion;
Elementary School Attendance Boundary Change for the Ridgestone 1 and 2 Development in Woodbury;
Superintendent Contract Renewal;
Budget Calendar; and
Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, are available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Experience the joy of music in our schools this season!

Message posted on 12/12/2011

Please consider showing your support for our fine young musicians during this �Season of Joy� by attending a school event. Below is a list of planned concerts throughout District 833 during the next few weeks:

Tuesday, Dec. 13:

Oltman Middle School 8th Grade Choir, 7 p.m.
Middleton 4th/5th Orchestra, 7 p.m.
Liberty Ridge Elementary Choir, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15:

Red Rock Elementary Choir, 7 p.m.
Bailey Elementary Choir, 7 p.m.
Newport Elementary Band/Choir/Orchestra, 7 p.m.
Crestview/Nuevas Fronteras Choir, 7 p.m.
Hillside Elementary Band, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19:

Woodbury High School Choir, 7:30 p.m.
Park High School Choir, 7 p.m.
East Ridge High School Band, Choir and Orchestra, 7 p.m.

Armstrong teacher appointed to MDE panel

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Stephanie Larson, fifth grade teacher at Armstrong Elementary has been selected by the Minnesota Department of Education to be part of the panel in charge of developing a new evaluation system for teachers. Mandated by the legislature as part of the new teacher evaluation law passed during the 2011 special session, the Teacher Evaluation Working Group will develop an evaluation model to be used by school districts and teachers in the event they do not agree on a local evaluation model. Stephanie is only one of 35 teachers who were selected to be a part of this group. The panel�s first meeting will be held mid-December. For more details visit http://education.state.mn.us.

School Board Workshop and Meeting set for Thursday, Dec. 15

Message posted on 12/12/2011

The School Board will meet on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove at 5:30 p.m. in a closed session to discuss Labor Negotiations and the Superintendent�s Evaluation. Beginning at 7 p.m. the regularly scheduled School Board meeting will take place with the following items:

Approval of Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2012;
Approval of Intra-District Transfer Parameters;
Approval of Open Enrollment Parameters;
Approval of Tentative Agreements between South Washington County Schools and the following groups: Association of School Bus Drivers; United Teachers of South Washington County (UTSWC); Paraprofessionals, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70; South Washington County Principals Association; Association of Central Administration Supervisors (CAS); and Professional Association of Confidential Employees (PACE);
Approval of Compensation Recommendations for Independent Non-Bargaining Employees for the 2011-12 School Year;
Approval of Review and Comment for Liberty Ridge Elementary Site 2 Acquisition and Expansion;
Approval of Elementary School Attendance Boundary Change for the Ridgestone 1 and 2 Development in Woodbury;
Approval of Superintendent Contract Renewal;
Budget Calendar; and
Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, are available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

ERHS teachers nominated for MN Teacher of the Year

Message posted on 12/2/2011

East Ridge High School teachers Krissy Boyd (Special Education), and Mary Seidel (English), have both been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year through Education Minnesota. Both of these teachers are exceptional ambassadors of public education and above all else, are passionate about their service to their students and their school.

The 2012 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony May 5, 2012. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year also becomes Minnesota's candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Kudos to Park High School Counselor Kristian Moe

Message posted on 12/2/2011

Kristian Moe, counselor and Excel program coordinator, who was selected as the High School Vice President to the Board of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This honor was the part of a selection process that began last spring and culminated in Moe's selection.

The ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. ASCA provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to more than 29,000 professional school counselors around the globe.

We are proud to have Moe represent District 833 at the national level.

HB Fuller Awards $33,274 for middle schools this year

Message posted on 12/2/2011

South Washington County Schools is one of six school districts invited each year to participate in the HB Fuller grant program. Over the past four years, the district has received 30 grants totaling $101,884. The grants are intended to supplement curriculum materials and education resources. Teachers in grades 6-8 in science, technology, engineering and math are eligible to apply.

The projects selected should increase interest in science and math and provide innovative, hands-on experiences in programs relating to STEM education. They must also help to develop problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills in science and math.

This year�s teacher or department awardees are:

Asia Bednar, Cottage Grove Middle, $2,500, Nine student Mobis and three charging stations - mobile interactive whiteboards;
Carolyn Kiefer and Joshua Gawlik, Cottage Grove Middle, $1,024, Kill-a-Watt Meters, Wind Turbines and Fans;
Carolyn Kiefer, Kymm Salwasser and Michelle Grubbs, Cottage Grove Middle, $2,328, Crazy Traits Innovative fun manipulatives for genetics;
Math and Science Departments, Cottage Grove Middle, $10,000, iPads, protective equipment, cart for teachers to share;
Katie Bartholomew, Lake Middle, $2,498, Class set of 12 balances to measure mass accurately to a tenth of a gram;
Logan Carstensen, Lake Middle, $2,500, Epic Pro and Pro Scope for big picture and micro exploration;
Melissa Shuba, Lake Middle, $2,424, SMART Interactive Response Systems-- 37 remotes; and
The Math Department, Woodbury Middle, $10,000, 25 Android Tablets

ERHS students perform at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre announced that East Ridge High School students Alyssa Wynn (senior) and Austin Robinson (junior) performed their walk-on roles in the live production of Hairspray at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre last week. Both students were invited as part of the StarKid! Program to honor and celebrate young musical theatre talent in our schools. Way to go Alyssa and Austin!

PHS student wins in Voice of Democracy competition

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Park High School student Madeline Burbank won district level in the Voice of Democracy (VOD) competition and will proceed to the state level. The VOD is a National Audio Essay Scholarship Competition designed to give high school students the opportunity to voice their opinions on their responsibility to our country and to convey their thoughts via broadcasting media. The VOD is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and it's Ladies Auxiliary (VFW). State awards are given at the VFW's Mid-Winter Conference in January. The state winner is provided a trip to Washington D.C. plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. Good luck Madeline!

Students across the district support troops

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Kids Club students from Red Rock Elementary recently sent Thanksgiving care packages to Army soldiers overseas. They received a thank you letter for their efforts from Sergeant Brian Burkhart: �What you have done for us is amazing and greatly appreciated! You have brought so many smiles to the soldiers of the 134th Brigade Support Battalion!�

The district�s Community Youth Council also sent a care package, but this was to a particular Army soldier named Tony Bello, who has been adopted by the group. In his thank you letter he shared about his experiences on the combat tour he is currently on. Bello is a graduate of Roseville Area High School.

�One Grimm Event� takes place at PHS this weekend

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Park High School Theater presents �One Grimm Event� featuring a collection of the Grimm Brothers finest tales including The Shoemakers Elves, The Brave Little Tailor, and Sleeping Beauty. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and December 11 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $3 per person or $10 per family. More information can be found at www.parkhighschooltheater.com.

District's network down for maintenance, Dec. 10 and 11

Message posted on 12/9/2011

Due to maintenance of the district�s technology infrastructure, all access to the district�s web site, as well as access to network applications and servers from inside and outside of the district will not be available. This will include access to links through the site such as the Parent Portal through Infinite Campus and staff web mail.

The Technology Team plans to have everything operational prior to the end of the day on Sunday, Dec. 11.

Results of School Board Meeting and Workshop from Dec. 1

Message posted on 12/2/2011

The School Board�s Public Hearing for Taxes Payable 2012 and public comment, was the first item on the evening�s agenda. The brief Board meeting also included the approval of a labor agreement for the Kids� Club Supervisor Group. The workshop followed and included discussions on the Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment Parameters, Alternatives to Address Future Liberty Ridge Elementary Capacity Issues, and comments and committee reports from board members. A closed session for labor negotiations strategy concluded the session.

The minutes and video of the event are available on the district�s web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Red Rock students support their community

Message posted on 12/2/2011

Fifth grade students have learned that children were valued members of their communities in Colonial America. Their labor was important, both on farms and in towns. Just as colonial children helped their families, Red Rock fifth grade students performed �colonial chores� and were paid 10 cents for each chore they completed.

As students participated in this optional family enrichment, they were able to apply concepts learned in social studies and math to real-world situations, as well as contribute to their community. The fifth grade classes donated the money they raised to provide Thanksgiving Dinner to families in the community.

Former PHS Student at Washington and Lee University

Message posted on 12/2/2011

Eric Schwen, Park High School graduate, is a winner of the prestigious Johnson Scholarship to attend Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Schwen is among 53 winners throughout the country this year. The Johnson Scholarship program was established in 2007 as a result of a historic $100 million gift to the university. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and candidates are chosen on the basis of exceptional academic and personal promise.

Schwen won the scholarship in competition against about 200 finalists who were selected from an initial applicant pool of about 2,200 high school seniors from throughout the country and around the world.

Washington and Lee University, the nation�s ninth oldest institution of higher education, is among the nation�s premier liberal arts colleges and universities. Washington and Lee University provides a liberal arts education that develops students� capacity to think freely, critically and humanely, and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity and civility. Graduates are prepared for life-long learning, personal achievement, responsible leadership, service to others and engaged citizenship in a global and diverse society.

Middleton teachers selected as Woodbury Chamber�s Educators of the Year

Message posted on 12/2/2011

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Education Committee has selected the Middleton Elementary Fourth Grade Team as the 2011 Educators of the Year. Members of the team are: Nicole Filler, Nora Jankowski, Sara Koehnen (currently on leave), Sarah March and Lisa Peterson.

The parent commented on the team�s proactive and reactive approach to their lessons. �Proactive in that every detail has been thought out. They use each other to make the lesson better. They are flexible and adaptive in the execution and also open to change.�

The team works to be certain that all students understand the lesson and are quick to assist or put students into small groups for a rapid recovery. When student scores come back on a test, frequently on the same day, they work to regroup students based on their learning style and ability.

The time and dedication of the team is evident in the Middleton Community and in the community at large as they provide service opportunities for their students including raising money for charities, making blankets for hospitals, nursing home cards, food drives and more. Outside of school they are tutors, Sunday school teachers, coaches and supporters of Woodbury sports and the arts.

The student support for the nomination read, �The teachers are always listening to your opinions. They even laugh at your jokes. Students are always treated nicely and if you do not understand something they will sit down and help you.�

And finally, supporting the nomination was Principal Julie Nielsen�s comments, �The fourth grade team is passionate about their work and truly own the learning of each student in the entire grade level. It comes down to their teaching and the changes they need to make to assure that student learning occurs. They are attentive to parent questions and e-mails while balancing the need to prepare quality lessons in all content areas for students.�

The team is the single education award provided by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce this year. They will be honored along with the Business of the Year and the Citizen of the Year at the annual Gala event on Friday, Jan. 20 at the Prom Center in Oakdale.

PHS's Link Crew hosts successful event to prepare for finals

Message posted on 12/2/2011

Several Park High School students participated in trimester one�s �Cocoa & Cram� (sponsored by Link Crew). This study session provided freshmen with the unique opportunity to review for finals in a setting designed just for them. Upperclassmen Link Crew leaders were on hand to assist in all academic areas of study. Appreciation was extended to all Link Crew leaders and Park staff that assisted with this great event.

Link Crew is a program established at district high schools to welcome freshmen and make them feel comfortable throughout their first year of high school. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed.

District students selected to participate in Honor Choir

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Students from across the district have been selected to take part in an American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Honor Choir. Students are: from Park High School Krissy Palmer; from Armstrong Elementary School Hannah Schluetter; from Cottage Grove Middle School Emmanuel Alawode, Jake Blume, Erin Foy, Chase Gray, Nick Gutwein, Shane Matuzak, Lindsey McGuire, Christian Moreno and Paige Siegrist; and from Lake Middle School Brock Albrecht, Jackson Allen, Maggie Eckberg, Brendan Finn, Dyanne Garibay, Halston Greenlay, Claire Holton, Christina Ippoliti, Caroline Kieffer, Michael Miller, Byeongho �Bob� Min, Michaela Snyder and Parker Sydor. Congratulations to all!

School Board agenda for Dec. 1 revised

Message posted on 11/29/2011

The School Board Agenda for Thursday, Dec. 1, has been adjusted to accommodate adjusted timelines of issues before the board.

The following is the revised agenda:

The Special Meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and includes:

Public Hearing for Taxes Payable in 2012 � presentation by Aaron Bushberger, Director of Finance � followed by Public Comments
The Approval of Tentative Agreement between the district and Kids Club Supervisors

The regularly scheduled workshop will begin immediately following the special meeting and includes:

Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment Parameters
Alternatives to Address Future Liberty Ridge Elementary Capacity Issues (NEW ITEM)
Comments and/or Committee Reports
Labor Negotiations Strategy / Closed Session Pursuant to MN Statute � 13D.03 (NEW ITEM)

NOTE: Removed from the agenda at this time is the previously scheduled �Update on Middle Schools.� All or a portion of this presentation may be re-scheduled at a future school board meeting or workshop.

Revisions to the documents for the changed agenda items will be posted on the district web site as soon as possible. The information can be found at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus/

Cross Country Coach receives Coach of the Year award

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Congratulations to East Ridge High School Cross-Country Coach Chad Cronin, who was recently named the Section 4AA Coach of the Year! This is the second consecutive year that Cronin has been recognized with this award, as voted upon by his coaching peers. The Raptors Cross-Country program features over 70 participants, representing six different grades. The girls� team has won back-to-back conference championships and has made consecutive appearances in the State AA Meet, finishing 6th overall in the state in 2011. A teacher at Pullman Elementary, Cronin is highly respected in coaching circles for both his technical expertise and his student-centered approach in directing the cross-country program. Congratulations to Coach Cronin!

ERHS student named KARE-11 Academic All-Star

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Pierce Jensen, a senior at East Ridge High School was named a KARE-11 Academic All Star this week. The television segment highlights Minnesota seniors that are making a difference in their high school. Reporter Tim McNiff talked with Pierce on-camera earlier this week; a viewing of this interview will be available in the coming days at KARE-11's web site.

School Readiness Coordinator selected from within the district

Message posted on 11/18/2011

The district has named Leah Byrd the Interim School Readiness Coordinator for the remainder of the 2011-12 school year. Byrd has been with the district for 10 years as an elementary teacher, most recently teaching kindergarten at Pullman Elementary School.

Responsibilities for the expanding School Readiness program include all aspects of coordination, from marketing and registration to hiring staff, to implementing curriculum and opportunities for students and their families. School Readiness is a program that is thriving due to new focus on E-12 education. The district has shifted their emphasis on the program by ensuring programs are available for each elementary attendance boundary. Due to space constraints, Middleton and Red Rock families interested in the opportunity are offered opportunities at other district-based sites.

Byrd replaces Mary Mischke who left the district for another position. Bringing to the position experience with early learners, Byrd holds her administrative licensure and Master�s degree from St. Mary�s University, and a Bachelor�s degree in Elementary Education from Winona State.

District seeks input as �Budgeting for Excellence� rolls out

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Paper copies are also available in all school district offices for those wishing to submit their budget adjustment recommendations through a more traditional method. Comments on each proposal will be made over the next several months as the Budget Review Team meets to discuss all submissions. To stay connected to what is happening with the Budget Review Team�s efforts; go to �Budgeting for Excellence� through Hot Topics on the district�s web site.

The Budgeting for Excellence process is intentionally beginning in November to ensure widespread community involvement. The expanded timeline will allow the Budget Review Team time to thoroughly analyze the district�s financial situation and provide review and comment on all proposed budget adjustments. The process will end in March when it is anticipated that the School Board will approve final budget adjustments.

Questions can be addressed to Director of Finance Aaron Bushberger at abushber@sowashco.k12.mn.us.

CGMS students raise money for a great cause

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Academics, Engagement and Community are the cornerstones of Cougar Pride at Cottage Grove Middle School. Recently, students and staff raised more than $1,000 for breast cancer research. Enthusiasm for the project was evident building-wide as hundreds of the students and many staff wore pink to school.

ERHS students to perform at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre announced that East Ridge High School students Alyssa Wynn and Austin Robinson have received a walk-on role in the live production of Hairspray. Both students are invited to perform on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. as part of the StarKid! Program to honor and celebrate young musical theatre talent in our schools. More information can be found at http://www.chanhassentheatres.com/.

District celebrated �American Education Week�

Message posted on 11/18/2011

This week, South Washington County Schools participated in the National Education Association�s �American Education Week.� In celebration of the annual event, the district took the time to acknowledge the efforts of its 2,400 employees who work hard to ensure a quality public education is provided to the students in the South Washington County School District. Apples were distributed to staff as a thank you, and business and community leaders participated in a �shadowing� opportunity with district administrators. Gratitude is extended to the parents of the district�s 17,400 students for the role they play in supporting the needs of their students, and also to the students who take seriously their role of working toward academic and lifelong success. (To the right is a student from Next Step packing up apples from a local orchard.)

3M offers career exploration day to high school students

Message posted on 11/11/2011

Navigating career options and educational options can be overwhelming for high school students and their parents. To support college and career readiness, District 833 and 3M Cottage Grove are teaming up to offer students a career exploration experience to help them get off to a good start. All sophomore and junior high school students in South Washington County Schools who are 16 and over can participate. The first annual 3M Cottage Grove Career Day is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. High school students will sign up for one of five career option tracks.

On Dec. 2, students will meet 3M employees who work in their chosen career track and tour the 3M facilities. 3M employees will share work duties, educational training/pathways, and tips for success. The career fields include engineering, accounting, mechanical and electrical craft, production, human resources, occupational health & IT. The career areas require a range of education all the way from a high school diploma to advanced college degrees. Lunch is provided. All participants must ride the bus that leaves from Park High School due to safety restrictions at the 3M plant. A $5.00 registration fee is required. To sign up, go to the Community Education website at http://register.cecool.com/course/fall-2011/3m-career-day and register by Nov. 21.

Nov. 17 School Board Workshop and Meeting (minutes/video)

Message posted on 11/18/2011

The School Board met on Nov. 17 at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove at 6 p.m. in a closed session for Labor Negotiations. Immediately following the closed session was a workshop to discuss alternatives for the future Liberty Ridge Elementary capacity issue.

The regularly scheduled School Board meeting began after the workshop and included:

Success from across the district including: Woodbury High School musical featuring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat students; fall activities update; Advanced Placement Report Card Certificate; and American Education Week recognition;
Canvassing/Certification of November 2011 general election results and approval of resolution authorizing issuance of certificates of election documents;
Approval of intra-district transfer and open enrollment parameters;
Approval of proposed changes to Series 800 School Board policies relating to buildings and sites;
College and career readiness at Woodbury High School; and
Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Students to perform concerts across the district

Message posted on 11/18/2011

Community members are welcome to a free orchestra performance by district high school students Monday. The event will take place at the Woodbury High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. and include students from Woodbury, Park and East Ridge High Schools.

There is also a choir concert scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3. It will feature the district�s 8th grade honor choir students, after spending the day in various musical activities. The event is free and open to the public and will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Woodbury High School.

We look forward to seeing you at both of these upcoming district events!

District to celebrate American Education Week Nov. 13-19

Message posted on 11/11/2011

South Washington County Schools will be participating in the National Education Association�s �American Education Week,� Nov. 13-19. In celebration of the annual event, the district is taking the time to acknowledge the efforts of its 2,400 employees who work hard to ensure a quality public education is provided to the students in the South Washington County School District. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, apples will be distributed to staff as a thank you, and business and community leaders will be participating in a �shadowing� opportunity of a district administrator. Gratitude is extended to the parents of the district�s 17,400 students for the role they play in supporting the needs of their students, and also to the students who take seriously their role of working toward academic and lifelong success.

This is the 90th anniversary of National Education Association�s efforts in raising public awareness of the importance of education. For more information visit http://www.nea.org/grants/19823.htm

ERHS girls swim and dive team receives academic award

Message posted on 11/14/2011

The East Ridge High School�s girls swim and dive team received the Academic Champions Award for the third consecutive year at their section meet last week. Section team members are: Anna Moynihan, Rachel Treadway, Melanie Rabino, Megan Plourde, Molly Patt Horan, Sara Press, Jenna Karrow, Maddy Peters, Marissa Burleigh, Brianna Schmitt, Kelsey Pflieger, Taylor Blatchford, Madelyn Carpentier, Erin Plourde, Annika Reimer, Jessica Gotz, Lynnae Boe, Sophie Rabino, Emily Dahl, Kendra Strickland, Kayla Maata, Erin Brino and Olivia Burleigh. Congratulations Raptors!

Video available for recent Community Meetings

Message posted on 11/4/2011

During October, Superintendent Mark T. Porter invited staff and residents to Community Conversations that included updates on the Pathway to Excellence Strategic Plan, financial update of the district and Budgeting for Excellence. Video from one of the events can be found at http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/Granicus/districtVideos.asp, choose the file entitled Pathway to Excellence: November. Supporting documentation can be found at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/AboutUs/Superintendent/Community%20Meeting.asp

Nov. 8 School Board Election Unofficial Results

Message posted on 11/8/2011

Ron Kath, Jim Gelbmann and Leslee Boyd will return to their seats for another four-year term beginning in January, 2012.

The totals as reported by Washington County for each of the candidates were:

* Leslee Boyd (incumbent, Woodbury) - 1,964

* Jim Gelbmann (incumbent, Woodbury) - 2,036

* Ron Kath (incumbent, Cottage Grove) - 2,127

* Steve Lagoon (Cottage Grove) - 572

* Joe Ryan (Woodbury) - 1,471

* Lezlie L. Schriver (Cottage Grove) - 852

* Katie Schwartz (St. Paul Park) - 1,501

The results will be canvassed at the next Regular School Board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove.

Call Mary Amidon, Executive Assistant to the School Board and Superintendent, at 651-458-6201, with any further questions.

Park High School bowling teams are conference champs!

Message posted on 11/11/2011

Congratulations to Park High School�s varsity and junior varsity bowling teams. Both are conference champions and will represent Park in the Minnesota High School Bowling Championships. The varsity will compete on Dec. 3 in Alexandria and the junior varsity will compete on Dec. 4 in Owatonna. Go Wolfpack

Fall plays wrapping up at district schools

Message posted on 11/11/2011

Lake Middle School students will perform the comedic tale, Seven Nasty Princesses. It is the story of two witches (Barfette and Hurlish) and their three witch nephews near the Castle of Gems. Seven princesses--each named after a jewel, except number seven who is named Pumice--live in the castle. They all want to marry Prince John but he can only choose one of them. So individually they go to see the witches in order to cast spells against each other with hilarious results. The witch nephews recognize the consequences of the sisters' nastiness and try to un-do the spells. Performances are Nov. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students. Children 5 and under are free.

Tickets for the East Ridge High School fall musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, are now on sale at http://www.theloftstage.com. Drood is the original �who done-it� musical with a cast of colorful Charles Dickens� characters and kick up your heels music. Performances are Nov. 11-13 with tickets at $9 for adults and $7 for students and seniors when purchased in advance. Don�t miss another exciting performance at the Loft Stage!

Woodbury High School's fall musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will wrap up its performances this week. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. It will feature over fifty Woodbury High School students and over forty elementary students. Final performances are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 12. For ticket information, go to http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/whs.

District receiving national recognition

Message posted on 11/2/2011

South Washington County School District Placed on the College Board�s 2nd Annual AP District Honor Roll for Significant Gains in Advanced Placement� Access and Student Performance.

More information is included in the document below...

We are currently having difficulties receiving emails from outside the district

Message posted on 11/11/2011

We are again experiencing difficulties receiving emails from outside the district. We hope to have the situation remedied by Friday evening. We will be working for a long term solution throughout the weekend.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Explore Your Hidden Talents on Gentle Saturday

Message posted on 11/11/2011

Whether you want to save money, learn a new creative art, stay active, learn to cook, or simply try something new, over 35 opportunities will be available at Community Education's Gentle Saturday on Nov. 12 at Cottage Grove Middle School! Click here for a full listing of classes for the event.

We are not receiving emails from outside of the district

Message posted on 11/10/2011
We are currently experiencing problems receiving emails from outside of the district. We are working on resolving the problem and apologize for the inconvenience.

Woodbury Chamber Educators of the Year due Nov. 11

Message posted on 11/4/2011

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce continues to seek nominations for the community's Educator or Educational Team of the Year. Nomination forms are available on the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce web site at www.woodburychamber.org and are due no later than Nov. 11 at the Chamber Office, 6949 Valley Creek Road, Suite 115, Woodbury, MN 55125 - fax number is 651-578-7276.

Questions about the process or obtaining a nomination form can be directed to Barb Brown at 651-458-6209 or bbrown6@sowashco.k12.mn.us

Veterans Day events at district schools

Message posted on 11/4/2011

School across the district will be hosting Veterans Day events on Nov. 11th. Veterans and community members are welcome. Please contact the school if you wish to attend.

� Cottage Grove Elementary School at 8:30 a.m., contact 651-768-5800;

� Woodbury High School at 9:30 a.m., contact 651-768-4400; and

� Park High School at 11 a.m., contact 651-768-3700.

Fall plays starting soon at district middle schools!

Message posted on 10/21/2011

Woodbury Middle School students will be performing Lost in Tumblerock! It is filled with dastardly deeds, heroic ventures, dance hall girls, goofy ranch hands and a loving mother. Ma Heartwell's ranch has its mortgage due, but the bank was robbed - and the Mayor who is also the owner of the bank, wants the mortgage now! Along comes a band of "French princesses" and their protectors who have lost their way and stumbled upon the ranch. All seems lost until the Sherriff saves the day by unknowingly discovering clues to the robbery. This play is performed in the "melllerdrammer" style, which must have audience participation. Performances are Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students ($15 maximum per family).

Oltman Middle School students will perform Rascals Under the Big Top. Thanks to that unscrupulous villain, ringmaster Conrad Mooch, and his partner, Patty Larceny, the Pampermouse Circus is stranded, minus many of its star attractions. Jumbo, the elephant, is missing; and so is Jo-Jo, the loony chimpanzee. Even the dancing bear has waltzed off. Not content to be just the ringmaster, Mooch has a dastardly plan. The circus will belong to him and Miss Rosie, granddaughter of the owner, will be his bride. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and students. Children under six are $1

Cottage Grove Middle School students will perform The Southfield Stories. Each spring break, every goodie-two-shoes, geek, freak, jock and Goth from Southfield High School embarks on a pilgrimage by bus to seek adventure in the big city. Through the narration of wide-eyed and eager Charlie Jefferson, we meet ten very different high-schoolers stranded at the bus stop in the rain. Trying to keep dry and entertained inside the nearby home of lonely latch-key kid Bailey Harrison, they take on the challenge of a storytelling competition. Caution: Content in Southfield Stories is best for middle schoolers and higher. While a few characters die in the stories told, rest assured, a moral is expressed. Performances are Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students. Children under 10 are free.

Lake Middle School students will perform the comedic tale, Seven Nasty Princesses. It is the story of two witches (Barfette and Hurlish) and their three witch nephews near the Castle of Gems. Seven princesses--each named after a jewel, except number seven who is named Pumice--live in the castle. They all want to marry Prince John but he can only choose one of them. So individually they go to see the witches in order to cast spells against each other with hilarious results. The witch nephews recognize the consequences of the sisters' nastiness and try to un-do the spells. Performances are Nov. 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students. Children 5 and under are free.

�Rachel�s Challenge� visits Lake Middle School

Message posted on 11/4/2011

Lake Middle School�s Positive Climate Committee brought �Rachel�s Challenge� to the students of Lake Middle School today. The effort was supported by a grant from school�s Parent-Teacher Association.

Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine shooting. The assembly focused on her life and writings. Rachel wrote a number of pieces about �creating a chain reaction of kindness,� and she challenged students to be a part of that chain reaction, as the speaker shared today. More than 1.5 million students annually experience Rachel�s Challenge and have the opportunity to accept the challenges that focus on a universal message of kindness and compassion. Powerful audio/video footage of Rachel's Challenge was used during the one-hour presentation to motivate students to positive change in the way they treat others. All Lake students and staff attended the event in order to create a unified and school-wide impact.

More information about �Rachel�s challenge can be found at www.rachelschallenge.org.

Nov. 3 School Board Workshop minutes and video available

Message posted on 11/4/2011

The School Board met for a regularly scheduled workshop on Nov. 3. Items on the agenda included:

� Spanish Immersion, A Vision for the K-12 Pathway in District 833;

� Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment Parameters;

� Review of Series 800 School Board Policies (Buildings and Sites); and

� Superintendent and School Board comments and/or committee reports.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Tickets are now being sold for high school fall plays

Message posted on 10/7/2011

Tickets for the East Ridge High School fall musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, are now on sale at http://www.theloftstage.com. Drood is the original �who done-it� musical with a cast of colorful Charles Dickens� characters and kick up your heels music. Performances are Nov. 4-13 with tickets at $9 for adults and $7 for students and seniors when purchased in advance. Don�t miss another exciting performance at the Loft Stage!

Woodbury High School's fall musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will be presented in early November. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. It will feature over fifty Woodbury High School students and over forty elementary students. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12 and at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 6. Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are first available through mail order. Please go to http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/whs for mail order ticket information, as well as dates and times when tickets may be purchased in person at Woodbury High School.

Park High School�s fall play, My Son is Crazy-but Promising, is scheduled for early November. The comedy is about a man named Bud, an unsuccessful Hollywood screenwriter, that turns to a lodge in Arizona to make his millions. A variety of colorful characters interact with Bud to create this delightful play. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 3, 4, 5, at 7 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults. As the play nears, advance tickets may be purchased on the theater�s web site at: http://www.parkhighschooltheater.com.

For your information: Emergency Alert System test on Nov. 9

Message posted on 11/4/2011

The district is not participating in the following event; it is simply for your information:

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System. The National Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies.

This test will kick-off at 1 p.m. across Minnesota, running concurrently across all time zones. The test is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public (nothing like it has been conducted before). The three-minute test will run on all radio and TV bands.

Again, this is just for your information. Additional details can be found at: http://1.usa.gov/vCJ2zC or http://fcc.us/olX60X.

Vote in the district�s School Board election Tuesday!

Message posted on 11/4/2011

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, the School Board will have a slate of seven candidates running for the three expiring School Board seats. The candidates and their city of residence are: Ron Kath of Cottage Grove (incumbent); Leslee Boyd of Woodbury (incumbent); Steve Lagoon of Cottage Grove; Katie Schwartz of St. Paul Park; Jim Gelbmann of Woodbury (incumbent); Joe Ryan of Woodbury; and Lezlie L. Schriver of Cottage Grove.

More information on polling places and absentee voting are at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/News/newsArticle.asp?ID=296

Cyber Bullying and Sexting, a Community Ed event Nov. 7

Message posted on 11/4/2011

Cyber Bullying, Sexting, and More is on Monday, Nov. 7 at East Ridge High School from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Cyber bullying is a form of teen violence that can be very damaging to teens. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online and about the same number have themselves engaged in cyber bullying. Circulating sexually suggestive photos or messages about another person (known as "sexting") can be equally harmful. Join Jane Straub, local bullying expert, as she brings an interactive presentation to parents. Using an Audience Response Device, each person will be able to respond to questions and statements throughout the presentation. Leave empowered with a wealth of knowledge and a practical list of questions and conversations to have with your child. Tickets for the event are $5 and can be purchased online at http://register.cecool.com/course/fall-2011/cyber-bullying-sexting-and-more.

PHS and WHS students receive perfect scores on ACT

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Nathan Alverson from Park High School, and Erika Storvick from Woodbury High School, received a perfect score on their ACTs. The highest composite score on this college entrance exam is 36. Less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers earns this top score. Congratulations Nathan and Erika!

District to celebrate American Education Week Nov. 13-19

Message posted on 10/28/2011

South Washington County Schools will be participating in the National Education Association�s �American Education Week,� Nov. 13-19. In celebration of the annual event, the district is taking the time to acknowledge the efforts of its 2,400 employees who work hard to ensure a quality public education is provided to the students in the South Washington County School District. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, apples will be distributed to staff as a thank you. Gratitude is extended to the parents of the district�s 17,400 students for the role they play in supporting the needs of their students, and also to the students who take seriously their role of working toward academic and lifelong success.

This is the 90th anniversary of National Education Association�s efforts in raising public awareness of the importance of education. For more information visit http://www.nea.org/grants/19823.htm.

Oct. 27 School Board Meeting minutes and video available

Message posted on 10/28/2011

The School Board met for a closed session on Thursday, Oct. 27 in regards to student expulsions at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove. The regularly scheduled meeting followed at 7 p.m. Items on the agenda included:

� Success from around the district including East Ridge High School musical students and students from district high schools recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation;

� Approval of resolution for the sale of general obligation refunding bonds;

� Approval of Budgeting for Excellence process for 2012-13;

� Approval of high school program of study recommendations for the fall of 2012;

� District enrollment update; and

� Reports from the Superintendent and student representatives.

The minutes, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

School Board Workshop set for Thursday, Nov. 3

Message posted on 10/28/2011

The School Board will meet for a regularly scheduled workshop at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove. Items on the agenda include:

� Spanish Immersion, A Vision for the K-12 Pathway in District 833;

� Intra-District Transfer and Open Enrollment Parameters;

� Review of Series 800 School Board Policies (Buildings and Sites); and

� Superintendent and School Board comments and/or committee reports.

The agenda, including any supporting documentation, is available on the district web site at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/granicus.

Seven Candidates running for School Board Nov. 7

Message posted on 10/28/2011

More information on polling places and absentee voting are at: http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/News/newsArticle.asp?ID=296

More information on the candidates can be found at:

http://www.twincities.com/ci_19194159?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

�Rachel�s Challenge� comes to LMS Nov. 4

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Lake Middle School�s Positive Climate Committee is excited to bring �Rachel�s Challenge� to the students of Lake Middle School on Friday, November 4th. The effort is being supported by a grant from school�s Parent-Teacher Association.

Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine shooting. The assembly focuses on her life and writings; Rachel wrote a number of pieces about �creating a chain reaction of kindness,� and the speaker will challenge our students to be a part of that chain reaction. More than 1.5 million students annually experience Rachel�s Challenge and have the opportunity to accept the challenges that focus on a universal message of kindness and compassion. Powerful audio/video footage of Rachel's Challenge will be used during the one-hour presentation to motivate students to positive change in the way they treat others. All Lake students and staff will attend in order to create a unified and school-wide impact.

More information about �Rachel�s challenge can be found at www.rachelschallenge.org.

Cast awarded with WCCO�s Community Spotlight

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Karen Seashore, art teacher at Woodbury High School, and her cast of students from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, are recipients of WCCO�s Community Spotlight Award. This award features school organizations and teams who are making a difference in their communities. A community member nominated the cast, because of their success in collecting coats for those in need. The group received $500 in recognition of their efforts. A video narrative was filmed Thursday and will be available in the coming days at: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/tag/community-spotlight/. The Community Spotlight program is sponsored by High School Sports Rally, along with Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum, and Carey, Ltd.

Woodbury collaborative concert on Nov. 2

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Community members are invited to a special collaborative concert on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Woodbury High School Varsity Gym featuring the Lake Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band conducted by Roderic VanScoy, the Woodbury High School Concert Band conducted by Brent Comeau, and the Minnesota Symphonic Winds a Twin Cities based adult community band conducted by Dr. Timothy Mahr.

Each ensemble will be featured separately and as a massed band, conducted by Brent Comeau, of over 200 musicians. The Lake Middle School 8th Grade Concert Band will be performing the world premier of Timothy Mahr�s new piece for middle school band, �Climb the Castle Walls!� under the baton of the composer.

Admission is free. For more information about the Minnesota Symphonic Winds go to http://mswinds.org/.

Informational session about paying for college

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Community Education is presenting: �How to get into college and pay for it without going broke.� It will be held at East Ridge High School on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those interested in going to this presentation must register through Community Education at http://register.cecool.com/course/fall-2011/how-to-get-into-college-and-pay-for-it-without-going-broke or call 651-458-6600.

Woodbury Chamber Educators of the Year being sought

Message posted on 10/28/2011

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for the community's Educator or Educational Team of the Year.

Criteria for the award includes:

The nominee must be an educator in one of the Woodbury or Newport public or private schools (preschool-grade 12). The team must be two or more individuals who work together in one of the Woodbury or Newport public or private schools (preschool-grade 12).
The nominee must have completed at least three years of experience teaching in the above schools and indicate an intent to continue within these schools.
The nominee must display exceptional skill and dedication to education and have a positive influence in the lives of his or her students.
The nominee should also play an active role in our community.
In order to acknowledge the efforts of the greatest number of outstanding educators, recipients from the most recent five years will not be eligible for consideration in the current year.

The Chamber's Education Committee will select the winners. The recognition event for those selected is the annual Chamber Gala on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012.

Nomination forms are available on the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce web site at www.woodburychamber.org and are due no later than Nov. 11 at the Chamber Office, 6949 Valley Creek Road, Suite 115, Woodbury, MN 55125 - fax number is 651-578-7276.

Questions about the process or obtaining a nomination form can be directed to Barb Brown at 651-458-6209 - bbrown6@sowashco.k12.mn.us

Lake Middle School celebrates National Unity Day

Message posted on 10/28/2011

Lake Middle School celebrated National Unity Day on Oct. 12th. Lake students and staff wore orange in an effort to show support for all students and people who have been bullied. Members of the Lake community continue to work hard every day to end bullying and show respect for all.