April 1 Meeting Highlights

 

Action Item - Approval of the Agenda

The motion carried (7-0).

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Action Item - Approval of Consent Agenda

The motion carried (7-0).

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Listening Session Report
Board member Walz stated that no one attended the Listening Session.

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Recognitions
Superintendent Olson-Skog introduced students with exceptional performances in winter athletics and activities. Coach Mason Young introduced freshman Emiliano Carrillo who made it to the State Wrestling Tournament. Coach Payton Stites introduced senior Lucy Rapp who made it to the State Gymnastics Tournament. Coach Spencer Heino introduced senior Fin Gustafson who made it to the Boys Swim and Dive State Tournament. The Two Rivers Dance team participated in the High Kick portion of the Dance State Tournament. Coach Molly Engel introduced the students: Natalie Dirksen; Amelia Dirksen; Shannon Lynch; Ari Wright; Bridget Arnold; Hannah Corbett; Catalina Martinez; and Elena Heroff. Musical Director Grace Barnstead introduced Two Rivers students who participated in the musical theater production of Big Fish: School Edition. These students were recognized with individual awards from the Hennepin Theater Trust: Max Oliver-Machuca; Quinn Hendel; Anastasia Baron; Julia Francis; and Savannah Carr. Coach Ben Geiger introduced the Two Rivers Speech and Debate team who were just recognized as Speech and Debate All American Winners: Thomas Larsen; Joshua Langemo; and Elizabeth Barnes.

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Student Representative’s Report
Student Representatives LaRae Dodson and Samantha Villa stated that students have returned from spring break and are now into the 4th quarter of the school year. On April 9, there are several events going on at the elementary level – building tours, PIE night, and a Kindergarten music concert. A grade 1 music concert will be held on April 11. Elementary students just completed Read Across America. During the week of April 15, students will participate in MCA testing. At the middle school level, both schools are hosting LGBTQIA+ parent/guardian nights as well as hosting ensemble concerts. During the week of April 22, students will participate in MCA testing. On April 3, a mobile Polar Plunge will be coming to Two Rivers High School with a goal of raising $8,000 for Special Olympics. The Two Rivers Tribune, a student-founded newspaper, recently published its first quarterly paper. The Tribune is also collaborating with the Two Rivers Student Council hosting a sustainable prom driven where students have the option to sell or buy used prom clothes for a reduced price. The Speech Team finished second in the 3AA section tournament with four students finishing as section champions and qualifying for the State Tournament. Grace Lyles was the section champion for the discussion category; Quinn Hendel and Scooter Stoik won the Duo Interpretation category; and Tommy Larsen won the Great Speeches category. All four Warriors will compete at the State Tournament on April 20th. Spring activities are underway.

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Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Olson-Skog stated that the American Indian Education Program organized its inaugural college tour, guided by the district's American Indian Cultural Liaison, Nell Barri. This opportunity was extended to all district American Indian high school students, offering a firsthand experience of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Indigenous College Tour. The tour highlights the opportunities, programs, and supportive learning communities tailored for Native American and Indigenous students at the U of M. At the middle level, fourth graders were invited to the district middle schools for a Fifth Grade Preview Night. In efforts to improve the transition process, fourth-grade students and their families got to meet teachers, tour the building, learn about middle school and the curriculum, and meet other students and families. The elementary schools finished up their spring concerts and musicals. Moreland fourth graders entertained audiences with their successful production of Seussical Kids, while Mendota fourth graders showcased their talents in At The Bandstand. Additionally, students across all our elementary schools treated families to enjoyable concerts. The Warrior Hall of Fame, an all-inclusive collection of former Warriors who have distinguished themselves in the area of athletics, activities, fine arts, academics, and/or service while at Henry Sibley/Two Rivers High School, is taking submissions through May 1 on the district website.

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Strategic Framework Career and College Readiness Implementation Target Update
Cari Jo Drewitz, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Ben Geiger, teacher at Two Rivers High School, presented an update on Goal 3 of the Strategic Framework, increase E-12 opportunities for career exploration and preparation. The team focuses on four areas within this goal: course, school and structural support; direct student supports; career and college readiness; and career and technical education pathways.

In the area of course, school and structural support, a work-based learning program will be designed and implemented at the high school that gives students credit for employment experiences. Opportunities will be explored that expand intervention support at the middle and high schools. Course sequences will reduce participation barriers associated with college credit or industry relevant certifications. Activities associated with the National Writing Project grant will be implemented for 7-8 grade students at Heritage Middle School.

In the area of direct student supports, increased support will be provided for underrepresented student groups to be successful on AP exams and rigorous course grant classes. Deeper experiences will be provided for students in rigorous course grant classes as well as a refinement to the recruitment process. BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) will be implemented for student in grade 9. Transition procedures will be refined for students.

In the area of career and college readiness, year 2 courses will be implemented in AP Pre Calc, AP Government, and CE Guitar Techniques. The number of staff who are credentialed to teach courses that provide high school/college credit concurrently will be increased. The number of concurrent enrollment courses and the number of students who complete those courses will be increased. At least one course will be identified in each career pathway that can provide college credit or industry related certification.

In the area of career and technical education pathways, at least one course will be developed in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career pathway for implementation no later than SY25-26. A plan will be developed that creates full pathways in each of the six Career pathways. Communication will be increased about courses and career pathways during the registration process. Middle School elective opportunities to CTE pathways will be considered.

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Curriculum Advisory Committee Update
Cari Jo Drewitz, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, presented an update on the Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC). According to Minnesota statute, school districts must establish an advisory committee to ensure active community participation in all phases of planning and improving the instruction and curriculum affecting state and district academic standards. The committee includes teachers, parents, support staff, students and other community residents who make decisions regarding implementation of the Minnesota Academic Standards and high academic achievement for all standards. Additionally, there is a high school student advisory CAC subcommittee who provide student voice and perspective on various topics.

There was a new legislative requirement enacted in the spring of 2023 that states the CAC must also recommend strategies to ensure the curriculum is rigorous, accurate, anti-racist, culturally sustaining, and reflects the diversity of the student population; and strategies to ensure that curriculum and learning and work environments validate, affirm, embrace, and integrate the cultural and community strengths of all racial and ethnic groups.

So far this year, the committee has reviewed and advised on the Middle School schedule and registration process; the Read Act requirements; input into the Strategic Framework; and the local literacy plan. They also conducted curriculum reviews for K-12 Math, Foundational Curriculum, and Career and Technical Education. Next year, the committee will review and advise on the World’s Best Workforce Annual Report; legislative changes; new course proposals at Two Rivers High School; Middle School Schedule implementation; Read Act implementation; district’s Strategic Framework; local literacy plan; and Read Act requirements. They will also conduct a curriculum review for K-12 Math resource review; Secondary World Language; K-12 Mathematics; and Foundational Literacy Review.

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Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee Update

Cari Jo Drewitz, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, presented an update on the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee. The mission of this committee is to promote and enhance the goals and objectives of gifted education programming, and to build positive partnerships among schools, teachers, administration, parents, and the community to support gifted education services.

This year, the committee has reviewed and advised on GT specific areas including website improvements and improvements to both elementary and secondary goal areas for resources, support and access points. They also reviewed and advised on curriculum related topics: World’s Best Workforce Annual Report; new course proposals at Two Rivers High School; district’s Strategic Framework; Middle School Schedule; expansion of the rigorous course grant implementation; and K-12 Math curriculum review.

Next year, the committee will continue to review and advise on GT specific areas, curriculum related topics including improvements to both elementary and secondary goal areas and programming, grade-wide enrichment; GT identification process; World’s Best Workforce Annual Report; legislative changes; new course proposals at Two Rivers High School; Middle School Schedule implementation; Strategic Framework goal area 3 College and Career Readiness; and Read Act implementation. They will also advise within the curriculum review process for K-12 Mathematics; Elementary Language Arts; Secondary World Language; and CTE.

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Adjournment

The motion carried (7-0).