Exemplary
Program AwardTake a Stand, Lend a Hand - Bully Prevention Program
Little Falls Community Schools
submitted by Jill Griffith-McRaith, Elementary Principal
Two years ago, the entire district staff was trained through the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. All staff members, including teachers, support staff, bus drivers, food service, etc. were trained on how to support students and prevent bullying behavior from occurring.
As an entire district, the week of September 15-19, 2008 was proclaimed as the kick off week for the bully prevention for the school year. Each of the five schools planned specific activities and events to promote the program and bring attention to the issue of bullying and how to prevent it from occurring.
At the elementary level, students participated in a poster contest, special programs on how to say no to bullying, activities by classrooms and grade levels, etc. All students have T-shirts with the slogan on it that are worn during this week and throughout the entire school year.
At the secondary level, the students participated in activities during advisory meetings. The focus for the year was on cyberbullying.
The program continues throughout the entire school year. Students and teachers meet weekly to discuss issues, review skills to stop bullying, and complete lessons on how to support peers. The buildings provide visuals in the hallways and classrooms to remind students & staff of the program.
Award
of DistinctionLake of the Woods High School Olympics
Lake of the Woods Public Schools
submitted by Mark Nohner, High School Principal
From the inception of the Olympic idea in 1996, the Olympics have been a school-wide week of academics, arts, and athletic activities during which the students become fully immersed in the cultures and traditions of their chosen countries. We are a rural school with grades pk-12 all on one campus; grades 7-12 make up our high school. Each 7-12 class is divided into two groups of students, and these students choose the nations they would like to research and represent during the Olympic week.
We begin the preparation weeks in advance by researching the backgrounds of the nations in social studies courses, preparing ethnic dances in physical education and music, designing costumes and flags in art, preparing ambassador’s speeches in English, looking up and preparing recipes in family and consumer sciences, designing scoring systems in math, and designing and constructing villages in industrial technology. Students readily spend lunchtime and come in before, or stay after school to prepare for the Olympics. There is a spirit of excitement that permeates throughout the high school as the Olympics approach.
The first of the Olympic events actually begin Sunday afternoon. Before the opening ceremonies countries prepare their ethnic dishes to be judged and also compete in the log saw. (a local favorite as we are located in logging country) Judging of our villages, snow sculptures, and ethnic cooking is completed before our opening ceremonies which take place that evening, and are well attended by the community. The Olympic Villages remain up all week as we have numerous visitors from the community who come to take the tour. The opening ceremonies begin with the Parade of Nations as students don traditional fashions and enter the “Olympic Stadium” accompanied by the anthem of each country. The opening ceremonies continue with speeches from ambassadors of all 12 nations followed by ethnic dances judged by local dance instructors. The evening concludes with the tug-o-war which is always highly contested.
During the week there are numerous activities that are scheduled alternatively in mornings and afternoons so traditional classes can continue. Countries earn points throughout the week by participating in activities with nations in grade 7-9 competing against each other in the youth category and grades 10-12 in the upper-class category. The week is finished off with closing ceremonies which again includes a parade of nations and the awarding of gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three ranking teams in each division.
Award
of DistinctionGlacial Ridge Restoration Project
Red Lake Falls Public Schools
submitted by Jan Anderson,Elementary Principal
The J.A. Hughes Glacial Ridge Restoration Project evolved after a teacher had the opportunity to visit this large 24,270-acre site just ten miles from the school. This prairie and wetland restoration project is the largest such endeavor of its type in the United States and provides the setting for real world authentic learning in science, math and technology for our students.
For the past seven years, including this school year, the students in grades four through six from Hughes Elementary School have been given the unique opportunity to monitor three pond sites selected by the Glacial Ridge staff. The sites include both prairie and wetland ecosystems and students are able to see change over time. They see seasonal change as they visit their sites in September, October, April and May. Students are beginning to see significant changes in the returning prairie as they monitor changes over three years. Students are trained in proper data collection protocols and establish baseline data using GPS points. Students identify and record the various animal and plant life systems on their sites. They record wind speed, water and air temperature; increases and decreases in pond water availability.
The instructional teaching strategy of melding science, math and technology imitates real world problem solving techniques. Students are able to see how disciplines are interrelated and how people work together as a team to solve common problems. The use of multi-media technology provides hands on activities, increased student involvement and opportunities for students with a variety of learning styles and abilities to succeed.
Honorable
Mention Award