Looking out my window it appears that we have turned a page in the weather category and that Spring is finally here. I know I am looking forward to the next month and a half and experiencing all of the typical end-of-year events that celebrate our students and I hope you are too.
While Spring is a busy time for schools, it can also be a rewarding time for staff. I hope over the next several weeks you are able to reflect on the tremendous amount of learning and growth that you have helped to facilitate this year. Regardless of your role in Waconia Public Schools, you are part of the team that allows our students to continue to explore their passions and create their success.
I know that our High School student-athletes have been waiting patiently for snow to melt, courts, fields and tracks to dry out and golf courses to open. I want to thank our coaches for finding creative ways to hold practices and for supporting our students as we’ve waited for Mother Nature to cooperate.
Our High School theater students and staff are working hard to prepare for the opening of The Play That Goes Wrong. I encourage anyone who is able to catch one of the performances on May 11-13 to experience the talent that these students display every time they step out on the stage.
Our music ensembles have been working hard all year and are preparing for end-of-year concerts that I know are a highlight for many families and community members.
There will also be a lengthy list of year-end field trips, track and field days, academic celebrations and of course, graduation and the celebration of the Class of 2023. I look forward to running into you at these events and celebrating our students and their achievements alongside you and their families.
Sincerely,
Brian
Board Seeks Applications for Student Representatives
The School Board is currently seeking applications for the two student representative positions for the 2023-24 school year. If you know of any rising juniors or seniors who you think would thrive in this role, please encourage them to fill out the application and return it to the High School Office. Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 5. After a review of all applicants, the Board will select several candidates for interviews before naming the two students representatives in late-May.
Middle School Science Curriculum Review
Sarah Klitzke and Tim Koschinska presented information related to the Middle School curriculum review process. They shared that the curriculum review team and members of the Teaching and Learning Advisory Council unanimously agreed to recommend adoption of OpenSciEd as the grades 6-8 core science curriculum. Team members chose OpenSciEd for a number of reasons including the following:
In every rubric category OpenSciEd has higher ratings.
OpenSciEd is more closely aligned to 3-Dimensional learning and the new science standards.
OpenSciEd has easy navigable teacher materials and student supports. There are on-demand PD tutorials for each unit as well as videos for when students are absent or need extra support.
Easily integrates into Schoology.
Student feedback found that OpenSciEd has more engaging, hands-on learning with storylines that were relevant to the students.
The Board will potentially approve the Middle School Science curriculum recommendation at its Monday, April 24 Regular Meeting.
