2008-09 - White Bear Lake Area Schools

Annual report 2008-09White Bear Lake Area SchoolsLeading minds to learning,hearts to compassionand lives to community service.

TAble of Contents3 Student Achievement• Growth• Proficiency• High Expectations• Preparation for College• Curriculum15 School Climate16 Technology17 Finance18 District Profile18 School Board19 PartnershipsThe year in reviewMessage from the superintendent2From theSuperintendentThis annualreport is a glimpseinto one year in thelife of the WhiteBear Lake AreaSchools, fromSeptember 2008 toJune 2009. We tryto give you a senseof how our morethan 8,200 studentsprogressed duringthat school year, andhow their progress compares with other schoolchildren around Minnesota and our nation.Finally, we describe opportunities and successesunique to White Bear Lake Area Schools.Photos throughout the report remind usthat learning is also about an eagerness tocome to school, to be among friends and to bewith staff who care, challenge and encourage.The positive results you will read about reflectthe partnership of committed staff, supportiveparents and engaged students who make thedecision to give their best every day.There is much more, so please take thetime to read on!Michael LovettSuperintendent of Schoolswww.whitebear.k12.mn.usHighlights from 2008-09 include:• Innovative new pre-school and earlychildhood classes were held at NormandyPark, Hugo Elementary and TamarackNature Center.• In grades K-5, we saw exceptional studentgrowth in reading and math at every level.We began our partnerships with the WhiteBear Center for the Arts and TamarackNature Center, and we expanded ourpartnership with MacPhail Center for Music.• With our middle school students, we saweven more significant academic progressin reading and math. In addition, studentsenjoyed the opportunity to begin studyingSpanish, French or German, as one newpart of a restructured and enriched middleschool curriculum.• For students at the high school level,increasing numbers accepted the challengeof college credit classes, with the class of2009 raising the bar for college creditstaken, Advanced Placement honors receivedand taking advantage of the 22 separatecollege credit courses offered.• At the district level, White Bear Lake AreaSchools received a AA bond rating fromStandard and Poor’s - putting us in the top12 of Minnesota’s more than 300 schooldistricts by receiving a rating of AA orhigher. This affirms our community supportfor education and our stewardship of theseimportant resources.

AccountabilityThe District uses studentassessment data to helpteachers monitor individualstudent progress throughoutthe year. Measures in thisreport to the communityinclude state test requirements,assessments that measurestudent growth throughout theyear and allow comparisonswith peers nationally, andcollege readiness tests.The White Bear Lake Area School District is committed to continuouslyimproving instruction for all students and using the data to indicatewhere improvements should be made. This helps the District beaccountable to each student and provides assurance that instruction isappropriate to each student’s level of understanding while challenginghim or her to reach even further.Student achievement3

GrowthGrowth exceeds expectationsIn some classrooms, students averagedmore than two years of growth last year!Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)The White Bear Lake Area Schools(WBLAS) measures the academic growth ofeach student in grades one through eight withthe Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)test. These computerized tests are given inthe fall and spring to monitor the progressof individual students on the District’scurriculum and instruction. The tests enableteachers to individualize the curriculum tohelp students grow and learn.Student achievement4

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usReadingMathematicsMeasures of academic progress (MAP) 2008-09 school year Expected GrowthGrade 8Grade 7Grade 6Grade 5Grade 4Grade 3Grade 2Grade 150% 75% 100% 125%150%Percent of Expected Growth (Typical Growth Equals 100%)In both reading and math, students at all grade levels are showingmore than one year of average growth in one year of school.Student achievement5

ProficiencyMinnesota ComprehensiveAssessments (MCA)Results of the MCA-II tests areused to set short- and long-term goalsto improve student performance in theclassroom and lay the groundwork forsuccess after high school. The MCA-IItest is Minnesota’s state requirement fortesting within the No Child Left Behind(NCLB) legislation.The 2009 MCA-II results indicatethat overall, WBLAS students continueto score above the state averages. Themajority of students in the White BearLake Area Schools are meeting academictargets, even as the targets are increasedeach year by the state.The District has begun work thatfocuses on intensifying support forsubgroups of students who wereidentified as not making Adequate YearlyProgress (AYP).AYP Subgroup ProficiencyREADINGMATHAll StudentsAmerican Indian/Alaskan NativeAsian/Pacific IslanderHispanicBlack, not ofHispanic originWhite, not ofHispanic originStudent achievement6Limited EnglishProficiencySpecial Education*Free/ReducedPrice Lunch*= Met state proficiency level* = Showed growth in 2008-09, but did notprogress enough to meet rising AYP targetsAll students are achievingAll subgroups in WBLAS met state proficiency levels inreading - a substantial accomplishment toward closingachievement gaps among different subgroups of students.In six of the eight subgroups, WBLAS students metproficiency levels in both reading and math.Outperforming the stateWBLAS students outperformed the state on theMCA-II in both reading and math.

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usWBLAS StudentsStateMinnesota Comprehensive Assessments II (MCA-II)Mathematics1009080Percentage of Students Proficient7060504030201002006-072007-082008-09MathematicsWBLAS StudentsStateMinnesota Comprehensive Assessments II (MCA-II)Reading1009080Percentage of Students Proficient7060504030201002006-072007-08Reading2008-09Student achievement7

High ExpectationsStudent achievement8ElementaryElementary age students areoffered a range of opportunities andsupport to meet their full potential.• In grades 1-2, studentsare recommended forPrimary Challenge basedon exceptional performancein the classroom and areadiness for advancedlearning. These studentsmeet with a building resourceteacher once a week foraccelerated instruction inliteracy and math.• In grades 3-5, identifiedstudents receive gifted servicesthrough the REACH Programin the form of pullout classes,online learning opportunities,and independent projects.The REACH Program offersgifted students an advanced,rigorous curriculum integratedwith technology and realworld experiences.Middle School• Challenging classes are offered for all middle school students.Rigorous advanced classes are available in math, language arts,science and social studies.• Students have the opportunity to take Spanish, French orGerman during each of their middle school years.High School• For the 2009-10 academic year, the District added initiativesto prepare all students for college.• Foreign languages - White Bear Lake Area High School studentscan study up to six levels of Spanish, French and German.In addition to four levels of high school foreign language,students are offered two University of Minnesota College inthe Schools foreign language classes. Three levels of AmericanSign Language also are now available.• College-level classes - White Bear Lake Area High Schooloffered a total of 22 college-level courses to students in2008-09. This is the highest number of college courseofferings in our area.• Based on AYP data, the District’s graduation rateis 97.2%, compared to a statewide rate of 91.6%.The AYP graduation rate is determined by dividing the number ofgraduates by the total number of graduates and drops (number of studentsin grades 9-12 reported as having dropped and not found as re-enrolledanywhere in the state).

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usOne million dollarsThe total value of credits earned by WBLASstudents in College in the Schools coursesduring the last two years (based on regularUniversity of Minnesota tuition) was almostone million dollars.High RankingWhite Bear Lake Area Schools rankednumber two in the state for College inthe Schools (CIS) courses offered throughthe University of Minnesota for 2008-09.Nine CIS courses were available.Section and statechampionship teams• Boys cross country team –section champions• Girls cross country team –section champions• Bowling team – state champions• Mock Trial team – region champions• State Science and Engineering Fair –first place blue ribbon• Archery team – national qualifiers• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) -national qualifiers• Girls basketball – section champions• Boys track – section championsStudent achievement9

High ExpectationsAdvanced Placement (AP) ClassesThe Advanced Placement (AP) program is a nationalprogram administered through the College Board that allowsstudents the opportunity to pursue college-level classes whilein high school. Qualifying test scores are accepted as creditsearned by colleges and universities across the nation andinternationally.In 2008-09, 285 White Bear Lake Area High School studentexams had scores of three or higher on AP tests, a score forwhich many colleges across the nation grant college credits.There has been a positive trend in the number of studentsenrolled in Advanced Placement classes who are sitting for theAP exams: approximately 10% more students took AP exams in2008-09 than in 2007-08.Number of AP Exams500450400350300250200150100500Advanced Placement (AP) ProgramNumber of AP Exams Taken by White Bear Lake Students2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09School Year42The following 42 White Bear LakeArea Schools students were named2009 AP Scholars.AP ScholarsEvan AndersonChristian BarnardMikaela BinsfeldEric ChapinJoshua CubsteadMariah DornerChristofer GoldammerRyan HeitkampMatthew HodsdonAnn JannekeAmy MoorhouseShane OchMitchell PowersEric ReichAndrew SanvilleSam SchleismanMatthew StangFinn SteffenDaniel TaylorEmily VollbrechtAliza WarwickTyler YoungAP Scholars with DistinctionAndrew BartlingBenjamin CammackBrett GefreZachariah HenselerMcKenzie KirklandEmma PhelpsAlison ReedNicholas WarrenJoshua WoodruffStudent achievement10College in the Schools (CIS)College in the Schools classes are introductory-level collegecourses offered by the University of Minnesota. A total of 316White Bear Lake Area High School juniors and seniors wereenrolled in the program for the 2008-09 academic school yearand earned a total of 1,356 University of Minnesota credits.AVID ProgramPlanning is in place for the AVID (Advancement viaIndividual Determination) program which will offer rigorousinstruction in academic “survival skills” and college-level skillsto high school students.AP Scholars with HonorsPatrick CharbonneauMatthew ChristieEllen DuthoyMatthew HaechrelDavid HartmanClaire HeitkampCharles MoertelKaitlyn WallerColleen WoodJoshua WorleyJiahua Wu

www.whitebear.k12.mn.us85%of the 52 White Bear Lake AreaSchools students who took the rigorousAdvanced Placement Calculus AB testreceived college credit (scored a 3, 4,or 5 on the test).Student achievement11

Preparation for CollegeACTThe ACT is the most commonly taken college entrance testin Minnesota, required by most Minnesota colleges. White BearLake Area Schools encourages all students to take the ACT test.There is a strong relationship between taking challengingcourses, such as honors, AP and CIS classes, and increasedscores on college entrance tests.Composite Mean23.523.022.522.021.521.020.5WBLAS MeanNational MeanACT Composite mean22Our students had the opportunity toearn college credit in 22 courses at thehigh school. This is the highest numberof college course offerings in our area.9Nine College in the Schools courseswere available to White Bear LakeArea High School Students.13White Bear Lake Area High Schoolstudents had the opportunity to take13 Advanced Placement courses.20.0200620072008 2009WBLAS MeanNational Mean2009 ACT resultsby subject23.523.022.5Student achievementComposite Mean22.021.521.020.520.0English Math Reading Science Composite12

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usSpecial honorsWillow Lane Elementary was nameda 2008 National Blue Ribbon School.35ACT CompositeWBLAS student Ellen Duthoy wasone of only two Minnesota studentsto score a perfect 36 on the ACTComposite in October 2008.WBLAS student Emily Brown earnedthird place in the National HistoryDay competition in 2008-09.Composite Mean3025National MeritScholarship Competition• Nine White Bear Lake Area Schoolsstudents were recognized for theiroutstanding academic promise.• White Bear Lake Area HighSchool student Ellen Duthoy wasnamed a 2009 National MeritScholarship Finalist.• Brett Gefre was named asemi-finalist in the competition.• Students Jonathan Dang,Matthew Haechrel, Emma Phelps,Kaitlyn Waller, Joshua Woodruff,Joshua Worley and Jiahua Wuwere commended.20WBLASAll StudentsTestedWBLASTop 100StudentsThe mean ACT Composite for the top 50 WBLAS graduating students is 30.5.The mean ACT Composite for the top 100 WBLAS graduating students is 28.7.The national mean is 21.1.The range of scores is 0-36.SATThe SAT college entrance exam required by many nationallycompetitive colleges and universities is taken by fewer studentsin the District than the ACT. It is not generally required ofcolleges or universities in the Upper Midwest.WBLAS MeanWBLASTop 50StudentsNational MeanNationalMean2008-09 SAT REsults600Composite Mean550500450Critical Reading Mathematics WritingStudent achievement13

CurriculumCurriculumThroughout the 2008-09 school year, curriculumcommittees worked to plan new social studies and mathematicselementary curriculum to be implemented in the 2009-10school year.The Community Curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC)serves to convey community beliefs and opinions as they relateto curriculum issues. The committee includes parents, students,teachers, administrators and community members who areinterested in sharing information about the educational valuesand beliefs held in the White Bear Lake Area School District.Being a member of CCAC provides an opportunity to serve asa sounding board for the community, to gain knowledge aboutthe District’s curriculum and its development, and to positivelyinfluence change within each curriculum area based onknowledge, research and community needs.2008-09 Community curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC) membersMember Name Term Ends RepresentingJill Becker 2010-2011 ParentsBeth Brisch 2010-2011 ParentsLinda Gondringer 2010-2012 ParentsDebbie Keller 2010-2011 ParentsGeorge Kimball 2009-2010 School BoardLaura Mittelbrun 2010-2011 ParentsJenny Nadeau 2010-2011 CommunityJanet Newberg 2010-2011 School BoardJan Peterson-Bjostad 2009-2010 ParentsLori Roth 2010-2011 ParentsNancy Roth 2010-2011 BusinessDawn & Jim Segermark 2009-2010 ParentsCathy Soloman 2009-2010 ParentsCathy Storey 2009-2010 School BoardSheila Sullivan 2010-2011 ParentsNancy Thom 2009-2010 ParentsStudent achievement142008-09 Community curriculum Advisory Committee (CCAC) staffDistrict staffMadelyne Benson Assessment CoordinatorGretchen Harriman Curriculum SpecialistBarb KearnPrincipalDavid LawPrincipalDr. Michael Lovett SuperintendentAnn MalwitzStaff Development CoordinatorCynthia MooreDirector of Curriculum and AssessmentBecky PetersonLearning Skills Specialist/Associate PrinicipalMarisa VetteCommunications CoordinatorKate WhelanTeacher

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usSmaller Class SizesPassage of the levy in fall 2007 allowed the District toreduce class sizes in each grade for the 2008-09 academic year.Programmatic improvements for the 2009-10 school year alsoincluded lower class sizes; kindergarten class sizes average18 students per classroom.Extended School DayThe District studied several programmatic improvementsduring the 2008-09 school year, including extending learningopportunities and in-class time.• Due to the six period day schedule implemented in the fallof 2009, high school students spend 23% more time in eachcourse and an additional 483 hours throughout four years inthe core content areas.• High school students are able to take zero hour, after schoolclasses and online learning offerings.• The length of both the elementary and middle school days wereincreased to extend learning time for students.School ClimateSafe Schools/Healthy Students GrantThe White Bear Lake Area School District was awardeda Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant through a SuburbanRamsey Family Collaborative initiative. The grant providesnearly $5 million total through four years. Initiatives to befunded by the grant include support and assistance programsand training, implementation of additional security measures,and crime and violence reduction and risk prevention.Transition Support for Students• WEB Program - In 2008-09, Sunrise Park Middle School eighthgraders served as mentors to incoming sixth grade studentsthrough the school’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs)program. The program expanded to include Central MiddleSchool during the 2009-10 school year.• C.A.M.P. - In the spring of 2009, members of the White BearLake Area High School Student Council initiated a Cross-AgedMentoring Program (C.A.M.P). The project, created to welcomeninth grade students to North Campus and eleventh gradestudents to South Campus, was implemented successfullyduring the fall of 2009.School climate15

Technologytechnology16TechnologyTeachers across the District have thrived with thetechnology added to their classrooms, allowing them tofacilitate lessons using interactive white boards and otherinnovative teaching methods. Students will benefit from theinstallation of 76 new interactive SMART Boards, bringing theDistrict total to 269 for the 2009-10 school year.In fall 2008, the District sent a cohort of teachers andadministrators to the T+L Conference, presented by theNational School Boards Association (NSBA). The cohortcommittee continued to be involved in technology initiativesthroughout the year.Schools communicate with families through an onlineportal, allowing families to be more informed about theirstudents’ educational experiences. Families receive importantnotices instantaneously via different modes of communicationthrough an electronic alert system. An online food servicesprogram allows families to make electronic deposits intolunch payment accounts.Ongoing technology and data utilization initiatives allowprincipals and teachers to assess students’ individual needsand differentiate curriculum specific to each learner.

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usTechnology Grants• Ingenuity Grants – The 3MCorporation awarded District staffmembers with grants to add newtechnologies to their classrooms.• Science, Technology, Engineering andMathematics (STEM) Grants – TheH.B. Fuller Company Foundationawarded STEM Mini-Grants totalingnearly $18,000 to five Districtteachers from Central and SunrisePark Middle Schools. The grants wereused to provide materials to supportclassroom instruction and studentwork.• Project Lead the Way – The Districtwas awarded a grant of $60,000 to bedistributed over a three year periodto support implementation of ProjectLead the Way. The project willintroduce and prepare middle andhigh school students for engineeringand technical careers throughpartnerships with institutions ofhigher education and the privatesector. The District is completingthe certification process and couldbe eligible by the end of the 2009-10school year to grant studentscollege credit.• SMART Board Grants – The WhiteBear Lake Area EducationalFoundation presented the Districtwith $65,000 to fund the purchaseof SMART Boards for classrooms.Financial ManagementTo help the District meet its educational goals, theWhite Bear Lake Area Schools remains committed tofiscal responsibility and a balanced budget to ensure thatmaximum resources reach our classrooms.Interest 1%Federal 4%Property Taxes27%CommunityService 5%Food Service4%Transportation4%Capital10%Nine consecutive yearsWBLAS is the only Minnesota school district to receiveExcellence in Financial Reporting awards from boththe Association of School Business Officials and theGovernment Finance Officer’s Association. These are thehighest forms of recognition in this area.AA Bond rating2008-09 Revenue Analysis by SourceFees,Charges8%DebtServ7%State60%2008-09 Expense analysis by fundGeneral70%The District received a AA bond rating from Standardand Poor’s. WBLAS is one of only 12 school districts inMinnesota to receive a rating of AA or higher.FinanceFinance17

District Profile (2008-09)District profile18Student EnrollmentElementary (Grades K-5) 3650Middle School (Grades 6-8) 1837High School (Grades 9-12) 2743Transition Plus (Special Ed, ages 18-21) 42Student Demographic InformationThroughout the last decade the District has seen greaterracial and economic diversity; nearly 28% of WBLAS studentsqualify for free and reduced lunch, and 4.3% are English-Language Learners.Staff ProfileWhite (non-Hispanic)83.7%School Board MembersGregg Larson, ChairLori Swanson, Vice ChairChris Hiniker, TreasurerCathy Storey, ClerkGeorge KimballJanet NewbergRolf ParsonsDistrict total 8272Total Enrollment = 8,272Asian/PacificIslander7.7%WBLASAmerican Indian/Alaskan Native.6%Hispanic 3.7%Black(non-Hispanic)4.3%StateTeachers with Master’s Degrees 65% 50%Teachers with fewerthan three years experienceTeachers with morethan 10 years experienceTeachers meeting federal“Highly Qualified” requirements2% 5%63% 62%100% 98%MissionDistrict 624 strives to provide ahigh-quality educational experience forall learners. To accomplish our missionwe believe that a high-quality educationalexperience must:• be in partnership with the community;• take place in a safe, supportiveand challenging environment;• develop lifelong learners;• allow each learner to reachfull potential; and• encourage each learner tobe a contributing memberof a global society.Goals• Student Achievement - We will be adistrict whose students are preparedfor the challenges of a complex anddiverse world.• Staff Excellence - We will be a districtthat recruits, retains and valuesexemplary staff in all areas.• Resource Management - We willbe a district committed to fiscalresponsibility and efficient use ofall its resources.• Leadership - We will be a district thatmodels excellence in governance andmeaningfully involves the communityin the work of the district.Core ValuesThe White Bear Lake Area SchoolDistrict builds quality lives andstrong communities through compassion,integrity, respect, responsibilityand service.Improvement PlansEach school completes an annualBuilding Improvement Plan, providinga clear focus for the utilization of bothbuilding resources and District support.To view individual school improvementplans, contact the building administrator.In planning and deliveringprofessional development opportunitiesfor staff members, the District alignssuch programs with the District goals.Opportunities also are based oncurrent student data and best practiceeducational research.

www.whitebear.k12.mn.usPartnershipsPartnershipsThe White BearLake Area SchoolDistrict worked inpartnership with avariety of communityorganizations in2008-09. Thepartnerships continueduring the 2009-10school year.• White Bear Center for the Arts - Every elementary student received artlessons during the school year through a partnership with the White BearCenter for the Arts.• YMCA - Through a partnership with the YMCA, District elementarystudents received water safety lessons during the school year. ExtendedDay participants received summer swimming lessons.• MacPhail Center for Music - Birch Lake Elementary partnered withMacPhail Center for Music to offer an enhanced music program to theschool’s students. Additional after-school and weekend music lessonopportunities also were offered to the whole community.• Tamarack Nature Center - Otter Lake Elementary partnered withTamarack Nature Center to provide students with experiential learningon environmental issues throughout the school year. The Early ChildhoodProgram also benefits from a partnership with the Center, which serves asa program site.• EMID - The District’s involvement in the East Metro Integration District(EMID) offers interdistrict partnerships, a multicultural resource center,and networks and advisory groups. The partnership makes availablevarious student and educator programs.• Community partnerships - The District partnered with variousmunicipalities throughout the year to provide fitness classes and sportingactivities throughout the area.• Volunteers - WBLAS is fortunate to have thousands of hours of volunteerhelp. Volunteers do everything from playground supervision, offeringreading help, assisting with field trips and helping in classrooms.Partnerships19

White Bear Lake Area School District (ISD#624)Dr. Michael Lovett, superintendent4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110www.whitebear.k12.mn.usThis report is published by the White Bear Lake AreaSchools Office of Communications.© White Bear Lake Area School District, 2009This Annual Report is based upon the Annual Reporton Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement,which is required by Minnesota Statutes.Elementary Schools (grades K-5)Birch Lake1616 Birch Lake AvenueWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2776Lakeaires3963 Van Dyke StreetWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2809Lincoln1961 Sixth StreetWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2820Oneka4888 Heritage Parkway NorthHugo, MN 55038651-288-1800Otter Lake1401 County Road H2White Bear Township, MN 55110651-653-2831Parkview/Centerpoint2530 Spruce PlaceWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2847Vadnais Heights3645 Centerville RoadVadnais Heights, MN 55127651-653-2858Willow Lane3375 Willow AvenueWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-773-6170Middle Schools (grades 6-8)Central4857 Bloom AvenueWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2888Sunrise Park2399 Cedar AvenueWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2700High Schools (grades 9-12)WBLAHS - North Campus5040 Division AvenueWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-2920WBLAHS - South Campus (grad-12)3551 McKnight RoadWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-773-6200WBL Area Learning Center2449 Orchard LaneWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-773-6400Additional SitesNormandy Park Education CenterEarly Childhood Program2482 East County Rd FWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-3100Early Childhood Programs are also offered at:tamarack Nature Center5287 Otter Lake RoadWhite Bear Township, MN 55110andhugo Elementary14895 Francescahugo, MN 55038Transition Plus Program13497 Fenway Blvd Circle NHugo MN 55038651-773-6051Senior Program2484 East County Road FWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-653-3121