Jan Mitchell, LWV Observer
All members were present.
Announcements included:
* Recognition for the National Merit scholars (11 Commended and 3 semi- finalists) and their teachers.
* Sibley students competed in a chess tournament.
* Bridgewater students raised more than $100 for UNICEF.
* Greenvale students provided Food Shelf donations.
* Tattered Pages, the Middle School bookstore, will hold its holiday sale December 10-18.
* H1N1 vaccinations were provided for students.
* The Northfield Area Foundation has been generous to the District with funds for school projects.
* The High School production of “Fiddler on the Roof” was a great success.
The Middle School staff presented its annual report and improvement plan. 6th graders get especially strong academic support, since that success is likely to continue as they progress though the grades. Data show that the achievement gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students is narrowing as the Hispanic students are improving quite quickly. PLC strategies are credited with this improvement in student success. Behavior problems are addressed with a “fix-it” plan that the student generates while sent out of class, and by which the student “owns” the plan and returns to class quickly.
The Area Learning Center also presented its report and improvement plan. The graduation rate is showing significant increase, and the attendance figures are better also. The school offers chemical dependency counseling, and has provided many opportunities for student to engage in volunteering. Surveys indicate that more than 83% of graduating students were satisfied with their experience at the ALC, and felt increased self-esteem. The school continues to work on improving scores in reading and math, and on getting greater parent involvement.
Enrollment numbers show that 276 students are coming into the District from other districts, and 772 Northfield students are attending schools elsewhere. Mike Berthelsen noted that this warrants future attention as a concern.
The public is invited to consider the Companeros program options at meetings to be held on November 30, and December 1.
