Tag: Wayzata Public Schools

Oakwood Elementary Commemorates 50 Years with Grand Celebration

November 19th, 2008

Oakwood Elementary, part of Wayzata Public Schools marked a significant milestone as it joyously celebrated its 50th anniversary on November 16.

The commemoration, accentuated by an open house, brought together past and present members of the school community for a nostalgic journey through the institution’s rich history.

During the open house, attendees were treated to guided tours of the school building, offering a compelling look at Oakwood Elementary’s evolution over the past five decades.

The premises were adorned with memorabilia from various eras, creating a captivating visual timeline that resonated with the school’s enduring legacy.

Dennis Grasmick, the current principal of Oakwood Elementary, provided insights into the school’s inception. He highlighted that exactly 50 years ago, on Monday, November 17, the institution officially opened its doors to students.

Grasmick shared the challenges faced during the early days, including construction delays that led to the utilization of temporary classrooms scattered throughout the city for students.

The event featured presentations by esteemed guests, including past and present district officials, as well as alumni who added their unique perspectives to the celebration.

Their contributions added depth to the narrative of Oakwood Elementary’s profound impact on the community over the past half-century.

As Oakwood Elementary reflects on its history, the 50th-anniversary celebration stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of an educational institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Wayzata.

The school eagerly anticipates many more years of fostering academic excellence and community engagement.
TROJAN TRIBUNE: Freshmen teamed to improve academics

November 18th, 2008

By Laila Fattal, Trojan Tribune Staff Writer

Wayzata High School assembled freshmen into teams in 2006. The original team was about 120 students.

In 2007 they expanded into having two teams with about 120 students each.

This year there are about 540 freshmen among four teams.

The eventual goal of administration and school board is to put every freshman on a team.

The purpose of this is to help ease the transition into high school.

Teamed students have math and science together in one semester, communications and civics in the other.

Being on a team for Nelson Hunstad (9) is extremely helpful considering he is new to the district this year. “It gives you a chance to get to know a community of people better,” Hunstad said.

Math and science team Mr. Oden and Ms. Campbell are find the team setup ideal. “We complement each other. We’re both focused on what’s best for the students,” said Mr. Oden.

For the majority the classes have the same people in them which help students build a stronger bond, according to Oden. “It gets you in your own crew of friends and lets you rely on people,” said Kevin Donlin (9).

Most students that were on a team in the past have said that they were glad they were, including Emily Doss (10). “Since the teachers were together, it made it a lot easier since the teachers both know what the other is teaching. Transitioning to high school was easier since the teachers were close,” said Doss.

“I think it is a huge benefit to see the math and science connection,” said Oden.

Shannon Hamer (11) was on a team in 2006 and disliked it. “I was with the same people for half the day so I didn’t get to meet as many people,” said Hamer.

She switched out of being on a team by second semester because she didn’t want to have classes with the same people.

Not everyone is put onto a team, but the goal is to fit as many students onto a team as possible. The teams are set according to the classes the students have selected.

Currently, data is being collected on the success of students that have been on teams.

Administration and the school board want to decrease the amount of struggling students.

If a student is struggling, being on a team will help identify them more quickly, they said.

The team teachers meet with the counselors, literacy coach, and principal often.
Classic Lake Conference Votes to Exclude Robbinsdale Armstrong High School

November 8th, 2008

In a decision with implications for the athletic landscape of the Classic Lake Conference (CLC), superintendents from the five districts voted on November 6 to exclude Robbinsdale Armstrong High School from the conference starting with the 2010-2011 school year.

The move was based on a recommendation that received approval from principals during an October 31 meeting.

However, the final exclusion of Robbinsdale Armstrong from the CLC is contingent upon action by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).

The current members of the Classic Lake Conference include Edina High School, Hopkins High School, Minnetonka High School, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, and Wayzata High School.

“This decision was made cooperatively with all five schools represented in the discussions,” said John Schultz, superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools. “While it was a difficult decision, it will lead to equitable opportunities for students in all five schools and it is best for the future of all five schools.”

The decision-making process involved a thorough examination of data by conference activities directors.

The rationale for the recommendation and subsequent decision hinged on various factors, including current and projected grade 9-12 enrollment. Robbinsdale Armstrong was noted to have enrollments at least 15 percent smaller than the other four CLC schools.

Projections for the 2010-2011 school year indicated even wider gaps, ranging from 17 to 40 percent.

Participation in activities and athletics also factored into the decision. Robbinsdale Armstrong currently has 45 percent fewer students participating in athletics compared to the other four CLC schools.

Projections suggest that by 2010-2011, the other four schools will have at least 534 more students involved in athletics than Robbinsdale Armstrong.

The dynamics of the CLC have faced challenges over the years, losing member schools like Richfield in 1999, and Robbinsdale Cooper and St. Louis Park in 2005. Scheduling events has become increasingly difficult, often requiring schools to travel great distances, even out of state.

Despite efforts to recruit additional members to join the conference in recent years, these attempts have proven unsuccessful.

As the situation unfolds, attention now turns to the Minnesota State High School League, which holds the key to the final determination of Robbinsdale Armstrong’s status in the Classic Lake Conference.

The decision signals a significant shift in the conference’s composition and raises questions about the future landscape of high school athletics in the region.
Wayzata High School Educator Amy Vollendorf Earns KS95 Teacher of the Week Honors

November 8th, 2008

In a well-deserved recognition, Amy Vollendorf, a dedicated special education teacher at Wayzata High School, has been named the Teacher of the Week by KS95 radio station.

This accolade highlights Vollendorf’s exceptional contributions to education and her commitment to the well-being of her students.

The acknowledgment took center stage on the morning show of KS95 on November 7, where Vollendorf was interviewed about her teaching journey and the impact she has had on her students, particularly those identified with Asperger’s.

The hosts of the show have extended their admiration beyond the airwaves and will be visiting Wayzata High School in the coming week to personally recognize Vollendorf and her students.

Vollendorf’s dedication and passion in working with students who have unique needs, such as those identified with Asperger’s, have not gone unnoticed.

The Teacher of the Week award is not only a testament to her exceptional teaching skills but also a celebration of the positive influence she has had on the lives of her students.

The nomination for this esteemed award came from two parents of seniors at Wayzata High School, underscoring the impact Vollendorf has made on both students and their families.

The recognition by KS95 is a fitting tribute to an educator who goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

As the KS95 team prepares to visit Wayzata High School, the entire community looks forward to celebrating Amy Vollendorf’s well-deserved recognition.
Wayzata West Middle School students creating campaigns to understand the election process

October 23rd, 2008

In a comprehensive Election 2008 unit, seventh-grade students and staff at Wayzata Public Schools – West Middle School are engaging in a multi-disciplinary approach to teach students about political campaigns, polls, debates, advertising, and civic responsibility.

The initiative spans all core classes, recreating various aspects of both presidential and senate campaigns.

Initiated three elections ago by the social studies teachers at West Middle School, the interdisciplinary election unit involves teachers across different subjects dedicating a week to focus exclusively on the election.

Megan Speers, a history teacher at WMS, highlighted the success of the approach in fostering active student involvement and knowledge surpassing that of many adults, “We asked our teammates to give up a week of teaching their standard curriculum and totally focus on the election and they willingly agreed.”

This year, the commitment to the project remains strong, with teachers willingly agreeing to dedicate a week to the Election 2008 unit.

In U.S. history classes, students assume various roles in the campaigns, such as candidates, secret service agents, reporters, key advisors, campaign workers, and campaign managers.

Each student is tasked with specific duties associated with their assigned roles.

Language arts classes focus on political advertising, teaching students about different techniques and evaluating current ads.

Campaigns create their own television commercials, leaflets, posters, and announcements, along with distribution plans for the election week.

Math classes transform into pollsters and the Electoral College analysis center.

Students from each party create effective polls to gather information on issues and candidate progress.

They also delve into the validity of polls and debate the role of the Electoral College in campaigns.

In science classes, students study effective debate and speech methods, analyzing candidates’ participation in debates and rallies.

Issue groups write speech segments for candidates to use during “town hall” meetings, with candidates practicing and receiving feedback from their peers.

The election week for the project is scheduled from October 27-31, featuring a town hall meeting planned for November 3 at 11 a.m. and a school-wide election on Tuesday, November 4.

Students have the opportunity to vote before school or during lunch, and results are announced at the end of the day.

The project has generated remarkable enthusiasm among students, fostering debates and discussions in various school settings.

Mandy Kraus, a social studies teacher at WMS, remarked on the remarkable student engagement and enthusiasm for the election, “The enthusiasm that students have for the election is amazing. One hears debates happening in the lunchroom, in encore classes and during passing time.”
Wayzata High School Seeks Volunteers for Math and Language Arts Tutoring

October 22nd, 2008

Wayzata High School is actively seeking volunteers to assist students in grades nine through 12 with math and language arts.

The tutoring sessions are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m., starting the week of November 10.

Volunteers of all skill levels in math and language arts, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced levels, are encouraged to participate.

Comprehensive training will be provided to ensure effective support. For additional information, please reach out to Wayzata Public Schools volunteer coordinator Charlene Barghini at 763-745-5208.
Wayzata School Board approves amendment to open enrollment recommendations

October 15th, 2008
The Wayzata School Board met on the 13th of October. Apparently Wayzata Schools are in demand! No wonder property values in Plymouth and Wayzata aren’t slipping much, even with the economic turmoil out there.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PLYMOUTH, MN

At its October 13 regular meeting, the school board of Wayzata Public Schools approved the administration’s amended recommendation on open enrollment for the 2008-09 school year. The board approved the following open enrollment actions for the year:
- Close any grade level at the high school with an enrollment exceeding 800 students
- Close any middle school grade level that exceeds 775 students
- Close any elementary school grade level that exceeds 750 students
- Close open enrollment at Plymouth Creek and Kimberly Lane elementary schools
- Close open enrollment at Greenwood Elementary with the exception of second grade
District administration and the school board will re-examine open enrollment options for the 2009-10 school year following kindergarten registration.

Wayzata.com is your closed open enrollement leader.

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WHS students to perform ‘My Fair Lady’ in November

October 13th, 2008

PLYMOUTH, MN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wayzata High School’s fall musical “My Fair Lady” will be performed November 13 -15 and 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. A free, senior citizen’s preview will be held on November 19 at 4 p.m.

“My Fair Lady” is a musical based upon George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion.” The story involves Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins so that she can pass as a lady. Higgins takes credit for Eliza’s success, but she realizes that she can be independent and does not need him.

Tickets for the show cost $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for adults. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, visit the school’s Web site at http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/whs or call the fine arts office at 763-745-6907.

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Fog Advisory Issued for Wayzata, MN

October 8th, 2008

WAYZATA, Minn. — In response to prevailing weather conditions, a Fog Advisory has been issued for Wayzata and its surrounding areas.

The advisory is effective immediately and is expected to remain in place until visibility conditions improve.

Wayzata Central Middle School.

Residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution while traveling in the affected areas, as reduced visibility may pose challenges on roadways.

It is recommended to use headlights and maintain a safe following distance while driving in foggy conditions.

The advisory is issued by local authorities to ensure the safety of the community.

For real-time information and updates, residents can also tune in to local radio stations or visit the official website of the National Weather Service.
Wayzata East Middle School Ensures Student Safety Following Bomb Threat

October 3rd, 2008

WAYZATA, Minn. — In response to a bomb threat discovered at Wayzata East Middle School on Thursday, October 2, all students have been confirmed safe, and there has been no incident reported. As a precautionary measure, students will be bused home from Sunset Hill Elementary School on their regularly scheduled routes.

Principals at Wayzata East Middle School uncovered a bomb threat note in a student bathroom, indicating a potential detonation at 2 p.m. today. In adherence to safety protocols, students were promptly evacuated from the building before the specified time, utilizing the fire drill procedure. After consultation with Police, it has been decided not to allow students to re-enter the school premises for the remainder of the day.

For transportation arrangements, students have been escorted to Sunset Hill Elementary School, where they will board their regularly scheduled afternoon buses. Parents requiring the pickup of their students are requested to proceed to Sunset Hill Elementary School. Following a thorough walkthrough by police and school officials, no evidence of a bomb has been found.

Despite the incident, conferences scheduled for this evening will proceed as planned. School activities will resume tomorrow on a regular schedule. For students who utilize bus transportation, buses are expected to arrive at or near their regular time this afternoon.

The safety and well-being of students and staff remain the top priority, and the school district will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for any additional updates.