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The ISD 197 School Board received updates on social and emotional learning and career/technical opportunities, plus site updates from Mendota, Pilot Knob, and Heritage.
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee Update
Secondary Curriculum Coordinator Miles Lawson and Director of Tri-District Center for Applied Professional Studies Ben Kusch gave an update on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, which focuses on improving career readiness.
- Who: The committee is a diverse group of industry and education leaders that works to connect school programs with jobs and careers.
- Goals: Their three goals include designing a work-based learning program, creating full pathways in each program area, and offering at least one college credit opportunity or industry recognition in each program area.
- Progress: The current middle school schedule changes are allowing more of those pathways at an earlier age, and new high school options are broadening choices for students.
- More: There’s an opportunity for high school students to learn more during Warrior Time on February 14.
Social and Emotional Learning Update
Several staff gave an update on the district’s strategic framework goals to incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum. Social and emotional learning focuses on social skills, relationships, self awareness, coping with stress, and more.
- Already doing it: Much of this SEL work is already happening throughout the day, though this process ensures it is more intentional and there aren’t any gaps.
- In progress: This work can be seen with the full rollout of the AMAZEworks anti-bias curriculum, health and wellness in fifth and sixth grade, and refinement of the BARR program for ninth grade.
- Response: With AMAZEworks, teachers rave about the rich conversations, what students are willing to share, and the consideration of peers in class.
- What’s the point: “We can’t teach any of the other stuff if we’re not teaching SEL,” said Two Rivers Special Education teacher David Weiss. “If I don’t get to the SEL, math is not going to work.”
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Other Items on the Agenda
- Recognitions: Two Rivers Key Club was recognized for their work planning and hosting the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service event, which included School Board Member Marcus Hill speaking, multiple service opportunities, and support from South Robert Street Business Association. The event was featured by WCCO. “I’ve been an advisor for Key Club for 14 years,” said Jim Probst. “I’ve never been more proud of this group than what they did for this one event. It was amazing.” The Key Club is looking ahead to not just next year, but multiple years ahead and creating a legacy event that draws from the wider community.
- Mendota Elementary School site report: Mendota Principal Steve Goldade gave an update on Mendota. He shared a student-friendly land acknowledgement they created in partnership with the Dakota community, a school craft and bake sale, and upcoming visits by local author Sarah Warren both in school and an evening event for families on April 22. The school is also looking forward to dedicated a pergola in honor of teacher Mary Jo Skemp who passed away last year.
- Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School site report: Pilot Knob Principal Tom Benson offered an update on Pilot Knob with an emphasis on reading and STEM. Reading activities include weekly, online read aloud events while Sparks days give students an opportunity to explore something that excites them.
- Heritage E-STEM Magnet School site report: Heritage Principal Karen Allen gave an update on Heritage, including a wealth of E-STEM options, mentorship programs, and a revitalization of the school library (students described it as a “glow up”).
- Previously discussed: The school board unanimously passed three items that were discussed at the previous work session—including an increase to school age care prices, a change to the 2024-2025 academic calendar that adds three days off, and the Lone Oak Road construction project (which Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog summarized as, “Safety improvements, pedestrian improvements, traffic improvements—and they’re going to pay us.”). The board also shared a summary of their progress on board goals.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
- Watch: You can watch this meeting online.
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