Delano Students Advance to National History Day Competition for the First Time
- Meeting Overview:
The Delano Public School Board meeting celebrated an achievement as three projects from Delano advanced to the National History Day competition in Washington, D.C.. The meeting also covered topics such as literacy programs, community education initiatives, and ongoing fiscal and legislative concerns.
15:16Highlighting the meeting was the recognition of Delano students’ success in the National History Day competition. A total of 45 students, the district’s largest ever contingent, participated with 19 projects across various categories, including research papers, websites, documentaries, exhibits, and performances. Eighth graders Emmy Bidle, Kora Boyak, and Maddie Nisley clinched fifth place in the group website category with their project on Ferman v. Georgia. Alexa Huttery’s individual project on “the right to revolt” and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” garnered her second place in the individual website category. Additionally, Oliver Berg and Jacob Worth secured second place in the performance category with their presentation on the teletypewriter, which highlighted its significance in aiding the deaf community. The board emphasized the educational and emotional importance of these accomplishments.
02:27In addition to student achievements, the meeting provided a detailed review of the district’s literacy initiatives. Diane, the literacy coordinator, discussed the ReadAct’s first-year implementation targeting grades K through 3. Her role encompassed developing new screening protocols, creating a literacy website for teachers and parents, and collaborating on a local literacy plan. Diane trained approximately 50 teachers in a program called “letters,” with the initial phase concluding in May. Her efforts included workshops based on teacher feedback, focusing on small group strategies, writing skills, and decoding multi-syllabic words. Emphasizing data-driven instruction, Diane highlighted improvements in first-grade phonics instruction through the “walk to read” method and introduced an “intervention boot camp” for kindergarten and first-grade students.
53:24The meeting also addressed community education developments, with Chris Runky detailing the enrichment programs and Tiger Kids Club (TKC). The enrichment activities covered 36 sections, serving 90 participants, with popular programs such as the Tiger Paint Club and chess. Despite challenges in meeting registration minimums, efforts to boost interest included promotional strategies like bulletin boards and QR codes for direct registration. On the TKC front, staffing shortages were overcome through partnerships, and the summer program is set to transition to the community education building, promising benefits such as dedicated space and improved staff morale.
27:21Fiscal concerns surfaced during the meeting, with one board member voicing apprehension about potential state funding reductions. They stressed the need for fiscal responsibility while recognizing education as a constitutional requirement. Superintendent Matthew W. Schoen’s administrative report introduced the new district mission and vision, developed over the past three months. The mission emphasizes empowering learners to achieve their highest potential, while the vision highlights comprehensive educational programs and the importance of community partnerships. Legislative updates were also shared, with the superintendent noting cautious optimism about the budget discussions as the legislature approaches its adjournment deadline.
25:55The meeting acknowledged personnel matters, including the retirement of Sandy Meerson after 32 years of service and ongoing staffing updates. The high school recently hired a math teacher, with interviews underway for social studies positions and a long-term math substitute. Similar staffing discussions occurred at the elementary school, where an open special education position and a kindergarten substitute were noted.
46:18Event planning was a recurring theme, with the elementary school preparing for the Tiger Dash 5K, music concerts, field trips, and end-of-year events. The intermediate school is focused on a busy May, including staffing changes with a new fourth-grade teacher and a shared music teacher with the high school.
Matthew W. Schoen
School Board Officials:
Rachel Depa, Jessica Moyryla, Sarah Baker, Sue Roeser, Corey Black, Ryan Schaust, Jim Gierke, Sophia Grant, Logan Wermager
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/28/2025
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Recording Published:
04/28/2025
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Duration:
76 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Wright County
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Towns:
Corcoran, Delano, Franklin Township, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Medina, Minnetrista, Rockford Township, Watertown Township, Woodland Township
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