Sheridan Arts Work Group Update
Pat Teske, Joann Cortright, Chris Ramadan and Jean Neumann provided an overview and handout regarding Sheridan’s progress in re-shaping and re-branding the arts magnet program emerging at the school. Pat stated that the effort is in response to the PEN/Area A meeting which took place last summer, where community members and other end users came together around the desire to make Sheridan Arts Magnet into an arts school that makes use of local NE artists, articulates a meaningful curriculum, and has a logical pathway Edison. Sheridan has been working with Ramsey Arts Magnet, located in southwest Minneapolis, to have some similar offerings and organization, allowing students a north and south arts magnet option. Jean is communicating with Carla Steinbach, principal of Edison, so that some kind of linkage can be developed.
Chris discussed the Sheridan framework, an effort to energize staff, students and the community. A matrix was described, involving arts teaching, arts integration, multiple intelligences, collaboration, and community partnerships. He mentioned ways of “going deeper” into the arts. The arts are integrated with all academic subjects and are rooted in curricular standards. Chris also provided a matrix on all of the classes offered at each grade and how many instructional hours per week in each. Possible partnerships with Perpich Center for the Arts were discussed, using artist in residence.
What can PEN do to help: Identify local artists who can become involved with Sheridan. For example, local artists could display their art in the lobby by the auditorium.
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Update
Kelly Leaf is a NE parent who is member of SEAC, which meets monthly (usually first Monday), with other parents, Don Allen (Director of Special Education for MPS), Jackie Turner (MPS), and Courtney Cushing-Kiernat (consultant). 17% of MPS kids are in special education, which is a high percentage when compared with other districts. Special education dollars are not taken from regular education funds, which is a common misconception.
How are Changing School Options (CSO) affecting special needs kids? Kelly told of the challenge of having equal services in all parts of the district and not having too much disruption for these kids, who are often very impacted by changes. The effort is to allow kids to go to the same schools as their siblings, whenever possible. Special education kids can go out of their zones, if there is room at those schools, or parents can drive them. A handout of special education offerings in Zone 1 was also provided.
Most special education kids are in level 1 or 2 programs in MPS, so there is a great deal of mainstreaming which occurs. Regarding pathways, transitions are being minimzed at natual breaks (end of 5th grade, 8th grade, etc.). Kelly suggested that parents make use of school counselors and have individual educational plans (IEPs) which discuss transitions and transportation for their children. She is a great believer that parents need to be vocal and fight for the services in their school/zone, so that they aren’t left unserved by the district. For more information about SEAC, see: http://speced.mpls.k12.mn.us/SEAC.html
Friends of NE Youth
Cub Scout Pack 5418 recently formed under this chartering organization. Friends of NE Youth was started to build more activities for kids in NE. Community service is one of the experiences provided, but more activities and partnerships are being pursued. Other campfire organizations may be formed as well (girl scouts, 4-H, etc.)
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