Lost & Found

We have seven tables full of lost and found items at Sioux Trail.  I'm hoping that by posting the video families will see and claim their items.  The goal is to have an empty lost and found on Friday, May 27, 2011.  Please check out the video, ask your child to check lost and found and claim these items!  Thank you.

New partnership will address mental health needs of students, families

For several years, District 191 has collaborated with 360 Communities to have their employees, family support workers, in our schools assisting families so that students can be more successful.

Recently, the school district was notified recently by 360 Communities that the district's contribution for the Family Support Worker (FSW) program would increase by 30 percent for the 2011-12 school year.

When faced with the option of increasing budget allocations for the FSW program or accepting a lower level of service, district administrators and building principals took the opportunity to evaluate other options to address current mental health needs of students and their families.

What has developed is a potential partnership with the Storefront Group, a local non-profit mental health care provider, which would result in having half-time licensed mental health counselors in each of the district's 10 elementary schools. A partnership with Storefront Group is also being discussed for the secondary schools.

The counselors would become part of each school community, respond to pressing mental health needs, proactively support student success, and be readily available in case of a crisis.

Storefront Group, with its licensed professional health care providers, has the ability to bill third parties (private health insurance and medical assistance). This makes the proposed level of services possible while also lowering the cost to the district.

The collaboration with 360 Communities and its Family Support Worker program has provided many benefits. However, by providing licensed mental health care professionals at reduced costs to the district, this new partnership with the Storefront Group will better address the current needs of students, families and schools.

More on bullying

I saw this graphic and I wanted to share it.  I think it is a good thing that Minnesota isn't called out on the map, but bullying is still a problem that we work with.  Bulling is something we work hard to prevent at Sioux Trail and all partners play part in eliminating bullying. 

Click here to see the full-sized image.

The Bully Project

This movie was a part of the Tribeca Film Festival and I recently learned of it from a fellow blogger.  Bullying is something educators work hard to prevent and then deal with if preventative efforts fail. This is a very difficult issue and the video (at least the trailer) seems to capture this.

The trailer of the movie is very moving and I look forward to seeing the entire movie.  There is more information at: http://www.thebullyproject.com/index.html . If you have concerns about bullying at Sioux Trail Elementary School please contact me directly.

Community invited to help rank budget priorities

Community invited to help rank budget priorities

Three meetings have been scheduled for community members to give input to the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Board of Education on the priorities for spending a portion of the district’s budget reserve.

Each meeting will include an overview of the current budget situation.  The proposed budget changes will have an impact on Sioux Trail and I encourage you to be a part of this process. Then, participants will meet in small groups to review and prioritize a list of about 15 possible add-ins that the Board could make.

On May 5, the Board will receive an initial budget from Superintendent Randy Clegg based on projected state funding for the 2011-12 school year. Board members have the option to use a portion of the district’s $8 million reserve to add back some items, so they are seeking input on what priorities should be. The Board has used budget reserves of about $3 million a year for the past two years to balance the budget in light of zero increases in state aid, which provides about 80% of the district’s revenue.

Public meetings will take place:

• Monday, May 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Burnsville City Hall (lower level), 100 Civic Center Parkway;
• Tuesday, May 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cedar School, 2140 Diffley Drive, Eagan;
• Wednesday, May 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive.

A survey will be available on the district website at www.isd191.org in early May. Input is also being gathered from employees. Please call the district office 952.707.2000 or Sioux Trail  at 952.707.3300 with questions.

Minnesota Math Corps

Sioux Trail Elementary School needs a Minnesota Math Corps (MMC) tutor for the 2011-12 school year.  The position starts in August, but we're recruiting now!  MMC tutors are part the AmeriCorps program and provide service to the community much like a Peace Corps volunteer does overseas. Please read on for more information and please pass the word to anyone who might be interested!

You care about education, your community and Sioux Trail! And you hope that when kids finish the school year, their lives will be better than before they arrived. With Minnesota Math Corps, you can leave a lasting mark in many students’ lives as well as your career.

MMC is a program that is working to ensure that students are algebra-ready by the end of 8^th grade. We do this by training and placing AmeriCorps members in elementary, middle and junior high schools in various locations. 

In just eleven months of service, you’ll not only tutor students who need your academic support; you’ll also make a meaningful connection with Sioux Trail and your community. As a member of MMC – a rapidly expanding program - you’ll connect with educators in your own community and experts in mathematics education who will help you guide Sioux Trail students toward math proficiency by the end of 8^th grade. In addition, all members also engage in their communities outside of their tutoring services.

All members receive extensive training, expand your skills, learn proven mathematics instruction methods and gain valuable experience. In appreciation for your service, you’ll receive a modest living allowance, education award of up to $5,550 and other benefits if eligible. All necessary training is provided and no licensure is necessary.

Employment start date: August 2011

Employment end date: June 30, 2012

Compensation: FT: Biweekly stipend of $500 and education award of $5,550. PT: Biweekly stipend of $250 and education award of $2,775.

Math Enrichment Tutors work with pairs of fourth through eighth graders who are struggling with math. They follow a curriculum and conduct progress monitoring to ensure their students are proficient in algebra by eighth grade. They are placed in elementary, middle or junior high schools and commit to daytime hours.

Qualifications

·          Strong interest in education, specifically helping youth develop math skills

·          Experience working with children, preferably with elementary or middle school ages or as math tutor

·          Dedication to community service
Computer skills, including the ability to navigate and use online database systems and e-mail

·          Speak, read, and write English

·          Responsible, organized, flexible, motivated, professional

·          Excellent oral and written communication skills

·          Ability to make a commitment to complete 11 months of service (August ’11 – June 30, 2012)

·          High school diploma or GED and must be at least 18-years-old U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien

·          Preferred: College coursework, college degree, or equivalent work experience

How do I apply? Positions for the 2011-12 school year begin next August. To read more about the program, including full position descriptions, and to apply, visit www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org. Questions? Contact recruitment@mnedc.org or 866-859-2825.

Minnesota Math Corps

I recently received a letter notifying me that Sioux Trail Elementary School would be a Minnesota Math Corps (MMC) site for the 2011-12 school year. This is an exciting announcement for Sioux Trail and it will provide direct assistance to support Sioux Trail students in grades 4-6 who are below grade level in mathematics. Sioux Trail received a grant award for one full time tutor for the 2011-12 school year.

MMC members help 4th - 8th grade students who need assistance with math. The program trains members in research-based math instruction methods and places them in sites such as elementary and middle schools. In addition, members participate in AmeriCorps programming including engaging volunteers and personal and professional development training. Learn more about becoming a Minnesota Math Corps member for the 2011-2012 program year, or learn more about the Minnesota Math Corps program.

I need your help!  We have the position, but we need to recruit a pool of candidates to do the work at Sioux Trail.  Please share this  opportunity with anyone who might be interested and encourage them to go to the Minnesota Math Corps website.  The position is similar to Peace Corps work, but it is in the United States and in our community.  There is a small stipend and educational award that is provided to the tutor.

Please pass the word about this opportunity at Sioux Trail Elementary!