Erin Hjelmeland

This guide provides an overview of the 2020 Minnesota English Language Arts (ELA) Standards, which are designed to ensure all students receive a high-quality education and are required to be taught by school year 2025-26. Key focuses include strengthening foundational reading and writing skills, broadening the definition of 'text' to encompass digital formats, integrating diverse perspectives and media literacy, and fostering student choice in learning. The standards are structured across three primary strands: Reading; Writing; and Listening, Speaking, Viewing, and Exchanging Ideas.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. A review of the closed session from August 25th detailed a briefing on security and safety procedures, including information on a program based on movement by parents of a victim of a school shooting in Colorado, updates on building security, staff trainings, and the emphasis on building relationships with students. The agenda was approved without changes. The board presented the Jordan Pride Award to Ryan Rasmmanson for being selected as a Clay's Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars, recognizing his dedication to excellence and his role in implementing AP and CE history classes. The board also recognized the dedicated service of its members during Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, noting their governance, budget management, and decision-making roles. Action was taken to review and act upon overnight field trip requests, specifically one for the softball program to travel to Florida during spring break for competition and training, noting that fundraising efforts would cover participant costs.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and subsequent roll call. Key organizational agenda items included the election of officers: Deb Poly was nominated and elected as Chairperson by acclamation; Molly Monac was elected as Vice Chair by acclamation following Lauren Person's withdrawal; Lauren Person was nominated and elected as Clerk by acclamation; and Karen Hennon was nominated and confirmed as Treasurer by acclamation. The board then proceeded with establishing several items, including setting the treasurer's bond at $100,000. A significant discussion concerned the selection of the legal newspaper for official notices, resulting in a motion to utilize the school district website for legal notices, with the Henderson Independent serving as a fallback in case of legislative changes impacting website use. Finally, the board approved the superintendent and finance director to serve as the investment authority.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. Key agenda items included recognizing and awarding international exchange students, Adam from Finland and Martina from Spain, for demonstrating excellence and integrating well into the community and school, with special thanks extended to their host families (Poland and Gabru families). The board also recognized individuals from Krauss Anderson—Michaela Sylvester, Chris Bouse, and Dustin Kemp—for their contributions to the school construction project, focusing on trust and communication, and presented them with Jordan Pride Awards. Discussions also covered employment matters, including the renewal of fall coaches and the hiring of a new boys' basketball coach, Josh Sitzman, along with several front desk assistants. The consent agenda, which included approvals for previous meeting minutes (November regular meeting, special meeting, and workshop), monthly financials, and various donations from entities such as the Fish Lake Sportsman Club and others, was approved after a procedural vote change regarding potential conflicts of interest.

The board meeting included the approval of the agenda with no changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring student award recipients, specifically the Jordan Pride Award winners, Avery Bond and Wilson Mend, recognized for excellence in arts, academics, and athletics. The board also reviewed and approved several consent agenda items, which included numerous donations for various school programs such as the JEES backpack program, emergency go buckets, and sponsorships for the Southwest Fishing Team. Additionally, the board addressed policy reviews and employment matters, including the hiring of three new staff members (a Cook's helper, a special education pair, and a custodian) and noted the resignations of two employees. Finally, the board reviewed and approved several overnight field trips, including a Washington D.C. trip for eighth-grade social studies students and two separate trips for the wrestling team to attend sectional and state tournaments in Delano and St. Paul, respectively.