PEN Minutes: 3/16/09

PR DVD/video of the five schools: NE Jenny Arneson reported that steps were underway to identify contacts at all five NE schools, whereby, they would collect photos or other media and conduct onsite interviews with various individuals (parents/students/others).

In order to have uniformity, similar questions will be asked at each school. Media contacts at each location have been mostly identified, with some further follow-up planned.

The goal is to have the information gathered by spring break. If there are production costs, we are likely able to tap into our Waite Park PEN fund. Students from Edison HS will be assisting in the development process. Please contact Jenny for any ideas or if you’d like to volunteer in this area.

Community Theatre: With some of the elementary schools (e.g., Waite Park) having established music/theatre productions and NE Middle School soon to have their second production in as many years (March 26 & 27), it is felt that community theatre could be a next step.

Two possible thrusts were discussed: (1) “Summer Theatre for NE Kids”, which could be a Park & Rec/Community Education partnership with PEN and other community members, having a production in the summer time. (2) Community production with kids at Edison HS.

Macy Ashby would like to assist in enlisting key community folks to form a task force, which would plan action in this effort. John Vandermyde suggested a choreographer; several other individuals were named as possible contributors to a task force. Members agreed to contact people they knew and encourage them to take part in a brainstorming session during the next PEN meeting (April 20).

Action Steps: Develop Task Force: Identify key players, invite Tony Walker/Barb Kapella, identify one representative from each interested school. Pool names/contact information to Dean.

Website presence at each school: Laurie Lamberty was going to host PEN web presence, but hasn’t had the time, so Jenny was looking into Waite Park hosting, since they already have a system developed. A Web link through the WP website for each of five NE schools to access information about what PEN is and how to get involved would enable greater exposure. Penny Hinderacker developed an icon which can be used for the website as well as for a Facebook page for PEN, something Jenn Bennington has just recently completed. So far, 27 people have joined the PEN page, and you can too by going to: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=66594824576

Jenn would be glad to add you as a member. Contact her for more information.

Other possible steps:

Podcasting of PEN meetings?
Blog
Post school/Pen information on the Northeast Beat (http://northeastbeat.com/)
Create PEN business cards and PDF documents (Check with Penny H.)

NE School PR DVD/Video

The Plan

Create a DVD about the 5 NE schools in one. Play as a slideshow with a combo of still shots and perhaps 2-3 second video clips; voice-overs of staff, parents and kids talking about their schools.

Share this video in the community. Play at community events, parks and possibly elections. Send a copy to every realtor, elected representative. Link on-line to websites and YouTube.

Action

Each school will appoint one person to collect a series of pictures – no more than 4-5 minutes worth. Moving video clips can add dramatics (such as drumming performances or kids waving), but the school should have that edited.

In addition, each school will have one person create audio clips of people talking about their school. This should be done with individuals talking into the computer and saved as an audio clip; about 4 people should be interviewed. Suggestion: interview parents during upcoming family events.

One person will collect these mini slides from all the schools and produce into one format. We might use NRP funds from Waite Park to pay for DVD copies.

Questions

To unify the video, the following questions are suggested when interviewing others about your school:

* What do you like about your school?
* What’s special about this school?
* What’s unique about this school?

It is not necessary to indentify the voices on the video.

Deadlines

* Individual schools should be done gathering their photos and audio clips by spring break (April 2)
* The compiled video will be done by the end of April to be shown for spring school events
* We ask every school to show during one spring event (i.e. carnivals, award/scholarship banquets, etc.)

Change in Leadership in 2009-2010:

Dean announced that after 4 years of leadership with PEN, he was stepping down from this role at the end of the school year (in June/July). He will continue to be involved with PEN, but time constraints and the need for new ideas/energy are needed for PEN. The group requested that Dean provide a job description and that members divide duties up. Several folks volunteered to take certain roles. Dean encouraged the group to establish 3 primary leaders and a core team for agenda planning, brainstorming, and mobilization of the work.

PEN needs your help! A few people are needed to step up and get involved with the planning process and commit to a role of leader. If you are on this e-mail list, you must have a passion for NE schools. Keep our efforts strong and get involved! Contact Dean about your interest: 612-789-9596 or email: deand@visi.com

Announcements:

March 25: Arts & Entrepreneurship at Edison HS: Mike Iacarella is leading a discussion about pathways and areas of strengthening Edison HS. Dr. Green will be present.

“Fun Calendar”: Each school will provide a listing of musical, sport, theatrical, and other fun events on one master calendar for the community. The “Fun Calendar” has been used in the past, and I’d like to have it utilized more. If you have an event or experience worth sharing, I’ll send it out ASAP! If there is a fun event at your school, please contact Dean: deand@visi.com