Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools 2013-14 Annual Report to the Community

C o m m u n i t yAnnual Report to the

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

I n s i d e . . .Environmental Education• E-STEM Schools• Green Ribbon School District • Student Clubs & Activities

Pages 1-2

E - 12 Education • ECFE and Community Education• K-12 Education• Gifted & Talented, Technology

Pages 3-14

About Our Schools • Community Survey• Spanish Immersion• Financial Information

Pages 15-18

Environmental Educ ationBlue and Gold

make G R E E NPrior Lake-Savage Area Schools is the only district in the state to have an Environmental Education (EE) program that grows with students from ECFE through high school. Our award-winning programs have been modeled by school districts throughout the state and country.

As a U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Green Ribbon School District Sustainabil-ity Awardee, we are proud of our energy efficient buildings, healthy students and school environment, and environmental literacy of all graduates.

USDE also named Jeffers Pond a National Green Ribbon School in 2013 and Five Hawks received the honor in April 2014.

In the fall of 2014, representatives from the USDE, including Green Ribbon Schools Di-rector Andrea Suarez-Falken, visited Jeffers Pond and Five Hawks on its Green Strides Best Practices Tour. Thanks to community partnerships, in-novative teachers and the natural beauty surrounding our district, our schools lead the way in integration of environmental education into all aspects of the school day. So much more than recycling...Every school in the district has a robust recycling and composting program, and naturally, a great deal of learning hap-pens outdoors. However, our program is unique in that EE is embedded into the core curriculum. This is a major com-ponent to the success of the program which results in students who learn to become critical thinkers and approach problem solving by studying multiple perspectives.

Every school has an outdoor classroom setting used by teachers and students. Each year, our elementary schools host a day-long, outdoor EE festival that has captured the attention of Twin Cities me-dia and has become a tradition students look forward to each year.

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E-STEMOur K-5 elementary schools are the first district-wide E-STEM schools in the state of Minnesota. E-STEM stands for Environmental Education, Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering and Math.

E-STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to instruction and learning focused on inquiry and real world prob-lem-solving in the 21st Century, applying hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematical practices with projects and field experiences related to the environment.

E-STEM is available to all K-5 students. An E-STEM Implementation Committee comprised of staff from elementary, middle school and high school is currently working on implementation plans to ensure E-STEM aligns with curriculum, skills and ex-periences through 12th grade in all curricular areas.

Student EE Clubs & ActivitiesThanks to community partners, innovative teachers and our Community Education program, students in grades 3-5 may apply to be in the popular Junior Naturalist program. Fifth grade students attend Wolf Ridge ELC in Finland, MN, which is made possible thanks to support from parents, PTCs and Friends of Wolf Ridge. Students in grades 6-8 may participate in the middle school level EE club called Earthlings. Students in grades 9-12 may join the EcoTeam. In addition to service learning opportunities and leading school EE initiatives, the EcoTeam goes on local, national and international field trips. Stu-dents may earn a varsity letter in this club activity.

Community Education Services also provides a wide range of Environmental Education programs, including its award-winning Camp Eco-Adventure and its newest offering, Little Explorers. Little Explorers is an EE pilot program for grades K-2 at Edgewood, Redtail Ridge and WestWood. Students participate in activities like creating animal feeders, tracking animals, hiking, snowshoeing, composting and more.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our EE programs at youtube.com/isd719

Environmental Education Partners

Jeffers Foundation

Minnesota DNR

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education

Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District

Richardson Nature Center

St. Catherine University Eco-STARS

School Forest Program

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Three Rivers Park District

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Community EducationCommunity Education encompasses Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Kids’ Company, Youth Programs, Adult Programs and many events.

Youth Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To RegisterOur Youth Programs provide affordable classes offered year round for children ages 3-18. Classes take place in all of our buildings before and after school, nights and weekends. Some of the most popular youth classes include our science and art classes, summer swim lessons, along with Driver’s Education and several sports programs for every interest.

Adult Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To RegisterAdult Programs include perennial favorites and also high-interest trend classes such as iPad training, selling on eBay with a smartphone, and even Pickleball. Some yearly favorites include our popular cooking classes, as well as topics surrounding parent education, personal and professional development, fitness and health.

Adult Programs also provide classes specifically of interest to those 55+ as well, including courses in computers and technology, Bridge Group, Yoga and much more. Community members 55+ can receive free activity passes to school events during the school year.

ABE, GED and ELL classes are also provided by Community Ed.

www.priorlakesavagece.com

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Circle of Friends Preschool • To Register, Call 952.226.0956.Our mission is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success, and their parents can be partners in learning. We serve children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old with a program that combines developmentally appropriate skills with academic learning opportunities. We help prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills needed to progress and succeed by collaborating with district kindergarten and early childhood special education staff.

Families have the option of enrolling their child in morning or afternoon classes in either our traditional preschool program or our nature-based program.

Circle of Friends Preschool has received a four-star Parent Aware rating. Parent Aware is a state-wide rating tool selecting high qual-ity child care and early education. Parent Aware helps parents in Minnesota find child care and early education providers focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. The 1-4 star ratings system measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Edgewood has earned the highest rat-ing for its focus on healthy development, employment of licensed Early Childhood Educators with four-year degrees and staff who have in-depth training in child development and early childhood curriculum.

Early Childhood Special Education, Birth - Age 5 While all young children grow and change at their own rate, sometimes parents have concerns that their child is de-veloping differently than other toddlers the same age. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your health care provider or call 1.866.693.GROW (4769). You can also choose to contact the local Prior Lake-Savage Intervention program at 952-226-0980.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)Call 952.226.0950 For Class InformationECFE is provided by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools’ Com-munity Education. The mission of ECFE is to support and strengthen families. ECFE classes are 1-2 hours, depending on the age of the child, and offer parent and child interaction time, guided play for children and parent discussion time.

Get InvolvedThe ECFE Parent Advisory

Council is a parent group

dedicated to assisting with

the planning and evaluation

of our programs. Contact

Edgewood School for more

information: 952.226.0950.

Early Childhood Screening • Call 952.226.0975 To Schedule An AppointmentThe early childhood years from birth to the start of kinder-garten are important times of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing and developing offered through the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before they start school. Parents may accompany their child through the approximate hour-long process. After the screening activities, the screener shares information on a child’s growth, development and learning.

Kids’ Company Childcare • Call 952.226.0090 For InformationKids’ Company offers care before and after school, on most release days and during the sum-mer. Our Edgewood program offers care for children 4 years of age through those enrolled in Half-Day Kindergarten. Families can choose care before and/or after preschool or kindergarten class. All-Day care is also available at Edgewood. Kids’ Co. supports families with their desire to raise happy, healthy, responsible and capable children.

Early Childho o d Family Educ ation

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E lementar y S cho ol Our schools are recognized as lead-ers in Environmental Education, which is integrated into the core subject areas and is enhanced by the natural beauty of our school settings. Students are able to partici-pate in club programs such as Junior Naturalists in grades 3-5.

Our K-5 elementary schools are the first district-wide E-STEM (Environ-mental Education - Science Technol-ogy Engineering Math) schools in the state of Minnesota.

All K-5 elementary schools offer a strong curriculum that integrates technology and is adapted to the individual learning needs of stu-dents. Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our schools. Students also have access to iPad and Chromebook carts.

All students receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science and health. Students also receive instruction in art, music, media and physical education.

All students learn and practice the principles of Responsive Classroom to teach the social skills of C.A.R.E.S. (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsi-bility, Empathy and Self-Control).

The SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary is a full-time gifted program offered to qualified students in grades 3-5 through-out the district and outside of the district’s attendance boundaries.

The district provides special education services for children birth through 21 with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of ser-vice delivery models are offered including home-based services for infants and toddlers and a variety of school-based services.

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Reaching Every LearnerResponse to Intervention (RtI) is a program designed spe-cifically for students who qualify for additional support in reading (grades K-9) and math (grades 4-8).

Early intervention paired with relevant data provides a model to bring teachers together to make well-informed instructional decisions and work to close the achievement gap.

Student progress is monitored weekly to drive instructional decisions and maximize student achievement.

Last year, 25% of students receiving intervention in reading or math exited intervention because they met grade level exit criteria. In addition, 64.5% of students that received interventions in reading and 45.2% of the students that received interventions in math made more than one year’s worth of growth during the 2013-2014 school year.

Kindergarten Options

Parents have the option to register their kindergarten student for: • Full-Day K• Full-Day K Spanish Immersion

Spanish Immersion students attend La ola del lago at Edgewood School. Call 952.226.0043 to register.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our elementary schools at youtube.com/isd719

MCA TestingElementary school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP TestingElementary school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math. The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to determine a stu-dent’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and designed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

Grade Level

2014 District % of Students Proficient

2014 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

3rd Grade 71.9% 58.1% 13.8%

4th Grade 68.1% 55.0% 13.1%

5th Grade 82.4% 67.6% 14.8%

MCA-III 2014 Reading Scores

MCA-III 2014 Math ScoresGrade Level




3rd Grade 87.3% 71.8% 15.5%

4th Grade 85.7% 70.3% 15.4%

5th Grade 77.6% 61.8% 15.8%

MCA-III 2014 Math Growth Grade Level

% of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade

5th Grade

MCA-III 2014 Reading Growth Grade Level

% of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade

5th Grade

Our K-5 elementary schools are: Edgewood (Early Childhood/La ola del lago Spanish Immersion), Five Hawks, Glendale, Grainwood, Jeffers Pond, Redtail Ridge, SAGE (Gifted & Talented) and West-Wood.

MCA-III 2014 Science Scores

Grade Level

2014District %

of Students Proficient

2014 State Average

of Students Proficient

Difference Between

District and State

5th Grade

81.6% 61.2% 20.4%

M iddle S cho ol Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks are partner schools conveniently located across the street from each other.

Because of their close proximity, staff at each site work together to benefit students by creating class opportunities and electives that could only be offered by the two schools working together.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, so-cial studies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and world language programs.

Advanced and remedial course options are available to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

Both schools offer several elective options, which are supported by state-of-the-art technology with a two-to-one computer-to-student ratio, along with SMART boards in every classroom.

Some of the elective options include World Languages, Project Lead the Way engineering pro-gram, automation and robotics, band and choir.

As part of our district’s 1:1 Tech-nology Initiative, all 8th graders receive an iPad mini at the begin-ning of each school year.

Other middle school features include:

• A swimming pool in each building.

• WEB transition program for all incoming 6th grade students.

• Earthlings Environmental Education club.

• An outdoor amphitheater- style classroom and service- learning opportunities.

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Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks have been selected to work closely with the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center to gain a better understand-ing of birds of prey, populations, ecosystems and ecology. This part-nership includes a planned online learning lab that provides informa-tion, curriculum and activities to students nationwide.

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Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our middle schools at youtube.com/isd719





6th Grade 77.7% 57.1% 20.6%

7th Grade 79.8% 57.1% 22.7%

8th Grade 76.9% 59.7% 17.2%

Grade Level




6th Grade 76.1% 61.0% 15.1%

7th Grade 68.8% 56.0% 12.8%

8th Grade 66.4% 55.8% 10.6%


MCA-III 2014 Science ScoresGrade Level




8th Grade 67.0% 44.9% 22.1%

MCA TestingMiddle school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assess-ment tests (MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Min-nesota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP TestingMiddle school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math. The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to deter-mine a student’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and de-signed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

ATLAS (grades 7-8)Alternative Learning Program

ATLAS provides a small, safe and positive middle school environment where teachers have the opportunity to work even more directly with students in all subject areas. ATLAS follows state curriculum and is designed to encourage student participation and school success. For more information call 952.226.0587.

Our district was one of seven in the U.S. to be accepted by NASA to bring an experiment aboard NASA’s Re-duced Gravity Flight. Teachers and students tested how acoustic energy behaves in micro gravity.

H igh S cho ol PLHS has been named one of the best high schools in America by Newsweek based on its quality teaching staff along with its Advanced-Placement and college-level course offerings.

A new three-story addition to the high school opened in 2014, including new classrooms and collaborative teaching spaces, as well as a small-scale Fabrica-tion Laboratory, or Fab Lab. Students can make almost anything in the Fab Lab, using the same technologies used by today’s workforce.

In 2015-16, all students in grades 9-12 will have their own iPad mini, which is part of our district’s 1:1 technology initiative.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, social stud-ies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and World Language offerings.

PLHS is committed to E-STEM (Environ-mental Education - Science, Technol-ogy, Engineering and Math) initiative through programs such as EcoTeam, Project Lead the Way engineering and an award-winning robotics program.

Other Prior Lake High School features include:

• 88% of students continue their education at either a two or four- year college or university.

• PLHS students consistently exceed state and national aver- ages in ACT and MCA IIs/IIIs test results.

• PLHS offers Advanced-Placement (AP) courses with increased pace and content depth designed to prepare students for post-second- ary education.

• There are 27 sports and 12 activities available to students.

• PLHS is an International Peace Site.

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Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

PLSAS offers 27 different sports and 12 activities for students, and is supported by the Laker Athletic Booster Club and Patrons of the Arts and Activities. Our district is part of the South Suburban Conference.

MCA TestingPLHS students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIs and MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MCA-III 2014 Science Scores





11th Grade 66.8% 50.6% 16.2%

Grade Level


2014 State Average of

Students Proficient

Difference Between District and

State

10th Grade 69.8% 53.2% 16.6%

Grade Level




10th Grade 71.1% 60.1% 11.0%


Survey Says...In a recent survey, 96% of parents said Prior Lake-

Savage Area Schools prepared their child well for

success after high school.

96% Prepared for Success after High School

Preparing Students for Success After High SchoolEighty-eight percent of students from Prior Lake

High School continue their education at either two

or four-year colleges or universities.

Ninety-three percent of parents said they are

proud of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and

would recommend our schools to their friends.

93% Recommend our Schools

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Fabeeha AhmedHayley AlbrechtCarleigh AllanMarshal AllensonHannah AmundsonMaggie AndersenJenna AndersonLindsey AndersonJacob AndreNicholas AngeloHayley ArnoldHarielle Atana-LindorEmily BaerRachel BaneSkylar BantleyMirela BarbosaMarissa BauerHannah BeersNicole BellisLauren BenedictChelsea BenedictJared BensonAlyssa BensonChristina BergJason BergKathryn BickettWilliam BinghamEmily BjorlinAaron BlanchardTrey BlanshanKeegan BloedelAlexa BloedowErin BornholdtCassandra BoutelleKathleen BoyleMarissa BrannenBrittany BrezinskiGabriella BrinkleyRyan BrownCecelia BurkeAnn CarlsonJay ChristensenJacob CohnBennett CooperJessica CorcoranCourtney CorneliusConnor CoxEmily CoxJae CregerSavanna CrowellKaden DahlagerTyana DahlagerAllie DeisEmily DeisElise DesimoneKailey DobranskyShawn DohertyEric DolsHenry DrewesMadeleine DumkeHannah DunnAlexander DunnColin DwyerJoshua DystheAlex EastonGrant EdwardsHannah EnckAlyssa EricksonJacob ErnsteMatthew EvansLuke EversonVanessa FailorMorgan FawbushAnna FeldtKyle FenskeSarah FerrierJamie FonderStephanie ForbyElla FrancisKayli FrenchShea FriedgesAndrew Fristed

Morgan FustTucker GarborgBenjamin GarrisonIsabelle GatesDevon GenrickSara GilbertNoah GilbertsonCaitlin GilesPiper GilpatricAbigail GlaserRyan GlaserBrooke GlassSophia GolayMacy GrobelAdam GrundGarrett GueltzowKarina GundersonAmy GustafsonJacob HadleyChloe HallGrace HallenGrace HalpennyReilly HalversonAndrew HansenJoseph HansonAbigail HansonEmily HanssonJenna HarjuLauren HarrisTyler HaugeSydney HegerMatthew HegerElizabeth HeileMichael HeileMolly HeimelBrandon HelgetTaylor HendrixTaylor HenemanCassandra HerubinShannon HockmanMackenzie HoegNicole HoepnerScarlet HoffmanMegan HofslienAlyssa HoughKylen HovisCyndi HuaGavyn JacobsenAgasthi JayatilakaElizabeth JenderseeCameron JohnsonColton JohnsonMaggie JokinenGrace JondalAndrew JonesTaylor JonesMadeline JuellCharles JuellEva JuhlKeaton KaisersattHallie KeiperDanielle KellerMikayla KellyLeah KelmNathan KeroLauren KiewietJamie KimbleNoelle KirschtRachel KleistKiley KnoeckJack KoenigJack KortesTaylor Kraemer-HopkinsAustin KraftLauren KreutzigerJessica KrosnowskiZachary KulstadAnders KvalsethSydney LanceSnowell LandherrElizabeth Lavan

Luc LeHannah LeJake LeeBritain LehrerMarie LemercierMorgan LemnerHaileigh LenzAndrea LerickEmma LoaderLuis LopezMadeline LundquistDylan MachalekSamuel MaderBraeden MalotkyDonovan MalsomBreanna MalzLauren ManderyMolly ManivanhMargaret MarxenHayden MaxfieldDevin MaysMitchell McDonaldMikayla McEneryKennedy McGarnessNicholas McKagueRachel McKiernanBrice MichkaJacob MillerSamantha MisenerJustine MitchellAnna MoenAnna MuellerAbigail MuraskiAllison MurawskiEmily MurphyAustin MurrRyan MurrThomas MurrSamantha MurraySuriya MurthyCourtney MyersJasmine NguyenThao NguyenVy NguyenEmily NiesonJack NusbaumMikhail OkhmanJames O’NealNoah OrhamDanielle OssRikki PalmaErin PalmerAnna PanekSarah PatrickAaron PatrickLuiza PearsonBrooke PedersonAshlyn PepplerAdam PetersenNicholas PetersonTia PetersonAmanda PfeifferBaomi PhungNicklaus PomijeJoseph PomijeSamantha PrattPaige PribbleErin PribbleRachel ProchaskaMichael RademacherAllison RamseyKaitlyn RapleyKatrina RasmussonMckenzie ReisCarson RellingJacqueline ReshSydney RickertAllison RobideauNicole RoccoJoshua RodriguezAlicia RuminskyKate Ruth

Samantha SageCharlotte SandnessSamantha SanvikAkshat SarkariIsaac ScanlonKatelyn SchmidtLauren SchmitzMadison SchollZachary SchonsEmily SchrieverGrace SchroederMadison SchwartzLauren SemeMorgan ShimekKelly ShorbaJessica ShorbaShauna SiechSamuel SkareMegan SkoczekConnor SmithSydney SoeffkerDanielle SorensenMorgan SoukupCullen SowderLauren StachBrendan StahlMatthew StahlSamuel StalochKara SteichenSydney StraubQuinn SturmNolan StutelbergMorgan StutelbergVivian SukhtipyarogeDuncan SumnerAvery SwankSara ThibaultJack ThramNicole TiritilliJustin ToddSiri TorvikAllison ToweyJordyn TrogEmma TyeNathan UkKelli UnruhMarco Van Heteren-FreezeRuby VangTrisha VenkataElizabeth VohnoutkaHaley WagnerAlison WagnerAndrew WaleriusAnnika WarfieldChristine WattermannBrandon WeidemanAmelia Weightman-BraggJewel WeissEvan WelchJacqueline WelkeMorgan WendtEmily WheelerJulia WhetzelSydney WiedemannCourtney WingerChantelle WingerAlyssa WongDavid WuYevangelina Yel-izarovaSydney YotterSophia ZakAndrea ZavadaMckenzie ZennerMegan ZentnerDavid ZhengMorgan ZiskovskyJack ZutterThomas Zwinger

School Board ScholarsTo be a School Board Scholar, a PLHS student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to our 323 School Board Scholars.

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PLHS’ new small-scale fabrication laboratory, or Fab Lab, opened in fall 2014 allowing students to create almost any-thing using some of the same technology and equipment found in Minnesota businesses and used by today’s work force.

Students who use the Fab Lab are developing their critical thinking and communications skills, expanding their creativ-ity and learning to collaborate with their peers while being introduced to hands-on, real-world experiences they will encounter in college, on the job and in life.

PLHS Opens Small-Scale Fab Lab

2014 ACT Average Scores by Subject

Prior Lake High School

Minnesota National

ACTThe ACT consists of curriculum-based tests of educational development in English, math, reading, and science de-signed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework. A perfect score on the ACT is 36. PLHS students posted an ACT composite score of 24.2, which exceeds the state average of 22.9 and national average of 21.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

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Bridges Area Learning Center (grades 9-12)

The goal at Bridges ALC is to reach all learners, espe-cially those who struggle in traditional schools. Bridges offers personalized instruction with staff who have a flexible approach to teaching. Students experience small class sizes and flexible school schedules in a non-traditional setting.

Eighty-five percent of students graduate from Bridges with a diploma from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

For more information call 952.226.0840.

Advanced Placement ExamsStudents Meeting or Exceeding Proficiency

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

# of students taking the exam

546 531 538

# of tests taken* 844 819 898

# of tests passed* 675 654 721

% of tests receiving a 3 or above (passing)

80% 79.8% 80.3%

* Students may have taken one or more tests

Advanced Placement Program at PLHSPrior Lake High School has been recognized by the College Board of Advanced Placement for increasing student access to AP course work and test scores.

PLHS offers Concurrent Enrollment options enabling stu-dents to take college-level courses taught by PLHS teach-ers. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment, earning college credit at the time they successfully pass the course.

We partner with Inver Hills Community College to offer the Leading and Developing Readiness (LADR) program. LADR is available to students who do not qualify for Concurrent En-rollment by ranking in the upper third of their class as juniors and upper half of their class as seniors. This program takes those students who rank from the 30th percentile to the 70th percentile in their class and offers them college readiness coursework to enable them to earn college credits while in high school.

This school year, two outstanding PLHS seniors, Anna Mueller and Emily Nieson, were named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship® Program.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $33 million that will be offered next spring.

National Merit Scholarship® Finalists

Learn More About SAGETo learn more about qualifying criteria used for

admittance into SAGE, visit our website at www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

For testing and touring dates, call 952.226.0400.

SAGE Ac ademy

Visit our website for more information about SAGE Academy www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

The SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary offers a truly exceptional education to Gifted students. The Academy is designed to challenge, support and inspire learners.

SAGE (School for the Advancement of Gifted Education) is a school-within-a school available to students who qualify in grades 3, 4 and 5.

Our teachers are well-versed in differentiation and cur-riculum modification for high-ability learners. The SAGE Academy is part of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and welcomes students from within the district and outside its boundaries. As part of the public school system, there is no tuition cost to parents.

Core curriculum acceleration is provided for all SAGE stu-dents. Curriculum is supplemented with rigorous programs and special events such as:

• Philosophy Slam• Poetry Slam• SAGE Science Fair• Greek/Latin Word Etymology

• Math Olympiads• Word Masters• Mock Trial• Interact Curriculum• William and Mary Curriculum

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“SAGE Academy has been a wonderful journey for my

4th grader. The teachers are connected with the stu-

dents and their bond creates a positive community for

our children. SAGE develops the children’s character

and creates close friendships. My daughter has enjoyed

unique field trips, The Writers Conference, and G. E. M.

(Girls Excel in Math).”

-Katie, parent of SAGE student

Technology in the ClassroomOne of the district’s Strategic Directions is to integrate technology for teaching and com-munications and increase the capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills.

The use of technology in the classroom is a critical component to achieving our goal. All of our schools are working toward implementing the 4 C’s of 21st Century skills: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity.

The following are just a few of the tools we have implemented to change the way we are teaching and engaging students in their learning.

• The School Board approved an expansion of our 1:1 technol-ogy initiative, which will put iPad minis in the hands of all students in grades 8-12 in fall 2015. In 2014, all 8th graders received an iPad mini.

• The new addition at Prior Lake High School features a small-scale fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab), where students can make almost anything using the same tools and technology used by today’s work-force.

• Schoology, a learning manage-ment system is a digital extension of the classroom, replacing tra-ditional teacher webpages for all students K-12.

• Google Apps for Education en-hances students’ ability to access, collaborate and share what they have been learning in school.

• iPad and Chromebook carts are available in all buildings and for all grade levels.

• Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our classrooms, early childhood through grade12.

Technolo gy E-12

What do parents say?In a 2012 survey, 85% of residents surveyed stated it was “absolutely essential” or “very important” for students to have the ability to use computers and other technology effec-tively and efficiently.

Sales

1st Qtr

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

42% Very

Important43%

AbsolutelyEssential

13% Somewhat Important

2% Not Too

Important

Scan the code to go to our website and learn more about Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

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2012 Communit y Sur vey

49% Good

46% Excellent

Survey Says...In a recent survey, parents said they believe children

receive an excellent education from Prior Lake-Savage

Area Schools. Forty-six percent rate the quality of

education Excellent (46%) or (49%) Good.

• The community has high regard for our teachers and the education that is provided to students. A majority of respondents indicated the first things that come to mind when thinking of Prior Lake Savage-Area Schools includes good education, good teachers and excellence.

• Parents were also asked about the importance of certain school district characteristics. Parents indicated the four most important characteristics are:

- Quality of teaching staff, at 93%;- Overall college preparation, at 84%;- Basic academic coursework & skills development, at 83%;- Academic achievement, at 81%

• According to Decision Resources, PLSAS registers some of the highest job performance ratings in the Metropoli-tan Area. A comparatively high 79% rate the job perfor-mance of the school board as either “excellent” or “good;” 13% rate it as “only fair” or “poor.” Seventy-three percent favorably rate the job performance of the superintendent and administration. Eighty-nine percent rate our teachers as either “excellent” or “good.”

• Sixty-four percent of respondents said the district

spends tax money effectively and efficiently. This is an increase of 17% over the past six years.

• Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they trust the school district to do what is right for children. This is an increase of 13% in two years.

• Parents have a high satisfaction level when it comes to school safety. When asked if Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools provides a safe learning environment, 31% strongly agreed, 64% agreed, 4% disagreed and 1% declined.

• Forty-nine percent of those surveyed currently enroll their pre-schoolers or infants in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs. When asked how likely parents are to enroll their preschooler in ECFE

programs:- 63% said very likely- 17% somewhat likely- 13% declined and 7% said not likely- Of those who indicated not likely, some of the reasons given included, not enough time, no need or not interested at this time.

Ninety percent of residents said they trust the school

board to do what is right for children in this district.

Ten percent said they disagree or were undecided.

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22% Strongly

Agree

68% Agree

“In viewing characteristics of the schools and satisfaction with school district services, every aspect is awarded a positive rating.” - Bill Morris, Decision Resources Survey Analysis

Each year, outstanding teachers are nominated by their peers based on exemplary teaching performance, positive leadership and inspiration to colleagues.

The 2014 Educator of Excellence Award recipients are: Patti Greene (District Reading Coordinator), Jill Selchow (Five Hawks Elementary), Brant Chalupsky (Twin Oaks Middle School) and Ken Klamm (PLHS).

U.S. Dept. of Education Visits PLSAS

This fall, representatives from the U.S. Department of Edu-cation visited our school district as part of its Green Strides Best Practices Tour. Andrea Suarez Falken, Director of U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, and other representatives, toured Jeffers Pond and Five Hawks, our Green Ribbon Schools.

The 2012 district-wide survey was conducted by Decision Resources and was administered to 400 randomly selected adult residents of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, as well as an oversample 250 parents of toddlers, pre-schoolers, and elementary school students. The results of the study are projectable to all adult Prior Lake-Savage Area School District residents within ± 5.0% in 95 out of 100 cases. The results of the oversample are projectable to all parents of toddlers, pre-schoolers, and elementary school students within ± 6.3% in 95 out of 100 cases. Professional interviewers conducted the survey by telephone between July 16th and August 7th, 2012.

Eighty-nine percent of parents rated our teachers as

either good or excellent. Five percent gave a fair rating.

50% Good

39% Excellent

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• In a comparative analysis conducted by Decision Resources, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools possesses one of the most effective communications systems in the Metropoli-tan Area. Sixty-six percent feel either “very informed” or “somewhat informed,” while 35% admit to being “not too informed” or “not at all informed.” The “informed” rating is at the top of the Metropolitan Area.

Educator of Excellence

The Laker Educational Foun-dation (LEF) connects the re-sources of generous parents, staff, alumni, residents and community businesses, with educators and students of all ages to enrich opportunities and foster excellence within the community.

Since 2005, LEF has awarded more than $307,000 to prepare our students and community for success.

There are many events tak-ing place throughout the summer and early fall. All community members are welcome to attend.

Dan Patch 5K - Promoting Education & Healthy LifestylesJune 2015

Annual Blue Jeans BallOctober 2015

www.lakerfoundation.org

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Spanish Immersion Program Opens at Edgewood School

La ola del lago is the district’s full-day Spanish Immersion program that begins in kin-dergarten. La ola del lago welcomes students from anywhere within the district and outside its boundaries. As part of the public school system, there is no tuition cost to parents and in-district transportation is provided.

La ola del lago translates to “wave of the lake,” a name that symbolizes the natural re-sources of our community and the district’s commitment to Environmental Education.La ola del lago is similar to traditional kindergarten curriculum except all classroom instruction is in Spanish. Students develop high levels of proficiency in their first lan-guage and work toward the same academic standards as students in the traditional Full-Day Kindergarten program.

Core curriculum is similar, with the same look and feel of the traditional program curriculum. Students also participate in field trips, music, physical education, art and technology/media.

The teachers speak Spanish throughout the day using expressive tones, exaggerated gestures and many visual aids. Teachers often use songs, useful phrases, and rhymes and structure the day with familiar routines.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is committed to providing a long-term, sustainable Spanish Immersion program for grades K-5.

For more information about Spanish Immersion, call 952.226.0900. Visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/isd719 to view our La ola del lago video or scan the QR code to watch instantly.

The district’s Spanish Immersion program, La ola del lago, opened in the fall of 2014 to 64 students at Edgewood School.

Visit our website for complete financial statements and reports www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools consistently earns finance awards for its fiscal management including the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the School Finance Award from the MN Department of Education.

General Fund Revenues

General Fund Expenditures

Consolidated Financials

Ways We SaveThere are many ways our district operates efficiently to reduce costs and keep dollars in the classroom. Here are just a few ways taxpayers benefit:

• Our district is committed to maintaining a positive fund balance per district policy.• The district continues to update school building components to be more energy efficient with light-ing, heating and cooling.• Joint purchasing agreements help us save money on items such as instructional supplies.• Our district’s percentage of district and school administration is amongst the lowest in the Metro.• Transportation contracts are negotiated to reduce busing costs.• Our district maintains a self-insured employee health-care program that offers excellent service while lowering costs.

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The large decrease in taxes in 2014 compared to 2013 is not due to a large levy decrease, but rather relates primarily to the tax shift whereby the State withholds State-aid payments but instructs school districts to advance recognize tax revenue to offset the aid withheld. A corre-sponding State-aid revenue increase was recognized, resulting in the change in percentage of revenue.

Expenditure by ObjectGeneral Fund

Revenue by SourceGeneral Fund

57% Salaries

24% Benefits

3% Supplies & Materials

11% Purchased Services

5% Capital & Other Expenditures

11% Property

Taxes

85% State Sources

2% Federal Sources

2% All Other Sources

www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Our mission is to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of an ever-changing community. We are innovative, environmentally focused and wise stewards of our resources.

Pictured (left to right) 2015 School Board: Chad Rittenour, Ben Hanson, Dan White, Stacey Ruelle, Todd Sorensen, Richard Wolf, Melissa Enger and Superintendent Dr. Sue Ann Gruver.

On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to thank the community for its continued support. Our students are building on their successes and, through community input, we continue to study and implement new programs that will benefit our E-12 population.

Our Strategic Plan has guided our vision since 2009 and will continue to be our focus into the future.

We hope you will find this Annual Report helpful and see the many ways our staff and students are carrying forth the Mission and Strategic Directions our community has helped shape.

Prior Lake-Savage Area SchoolsBoard of Education

Strategic Directions• Increasing measurable student growth and achievement

• Continue financial accountability to community while using available resources to educate students and maintain class-size targets

• Expand innovative programming to meet family needs

• Expand and embed environmental focus across the district

• Integrate technology for teaching and communications; increasing capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills

• Engage parents, families and community to strengthen a culture of respect and inclusion

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 30Prior Lake, MN

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools 2013-14 Annual Report to the Community

Documents

Transcript of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools 2013-14 Annual Report to the Community