Welcome to Dassel-Cokato ISD 466
"Committed to Educational Excellence"
DASSEL ELEMENTARY NOMINATED
BY MINNESOTA
FOR THE 2012 NATIONAL
BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS AWARD
Dassel Elementary School is one of eight schools nominated by Minnesota for the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools award. The National Blue Ribbon Schools award highlights and gives recognition to both public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are producing outstanding results for all students regardless of race or socioeconomic status. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices.
Dassel Elementary was nominated for the award based on the following criteria: 1) Exemplary High Performing: a school, whose students, regardless of backgrounds, is high performing. This means your school is ranked among the state's highest performing schools as measured by your performance on state assessments.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program sets a high standard that should represent a goal for all schools that strive for excellence. For the past 29 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 6000 of America’s most successful schools. For public schools, the U. S. Secretary of Education invites Chief State School Officers to nominate schools from their state that meet the National Blue Ribbon School recognition criteria.
The next step in the process involves Dassel Elementary completing an application and submitting it to the US Department of Education by March 2, 2012. The National Blue Ribbon winners will be announced sometime in September and will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC.
Professional Learning Communities
On February 2nd, the PTA will be hosting Alisa Johnson, Middle School Dean of Students, to educate parents and the community on "Professional Learning Communities." Mrs. Johnson is a member of the district team that oversees these professional development teams among our teachers.
"Professional Learning Communities" is an on-going program in which the teachers and administrators continuously seek and share learning and then act on what they learn. The goal of their actions is to enhance their effectiveness as professionals so that students benefit. As an organizational arrangement, the professional learning community is seen as a powerful staff development approach and a potent strategy for school change and improvement.
Parents and community members concerned about school improvement are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be Thursday, February 2, at the High School Media Center from 6:30-8 pm.
New Core Curriculum, College Opportunity
and Co-Curriculuar Activity in DCHS Math Department
The Math Department at DCHS has adopted a new core curriculum beginning this year. Gone are the days of the Integrated Math series, and we welcome the arrival of the traditional Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II series from Prentice-Hall. The decision to make this change was made in the summer of 2010 with the intent that our students would be able to create stronger connections to specific material over longer periods of time.
The new curriculum provides us with multiple resources that we did not have in the Integrated series. An online textbook, as well as multiple practice problems, video tutorials, and standardized test prep are available for all students to access online. It also provides many new opportunities for us as teachers to explore and create connections to our students through the many technology outlets that can be incorporated into our classrooms. As always, change takes time to get used to, but we feel strongly that the direction of the Math Department at DCHS will continue to lead us to improved test scores and higher student achievement over time.
There has also been a change to our college offerings in the Math Department. This year, to go along with AP Calculus and AP Statistics, we have added a College Algebra course through Southwest Minnesota State University. This new course gives students yet another opportunity to continue their math education here at the high school, while being able to earn credit for college. Starting next school year another change will be made to our college offerings, as calculus will be switched from an AP course to a College in the Schools course through Southwest Minnesota State University. This will be College Calculus I and College Calculus II, allowing students to earn up to 10 credits.
A relatively new co-curricular activity is Math League, which is in its third year as an “official” activity at DCHS. The eight team members are pictured at left: juniors (back row) Leif Torgersen , Jared Nordberg, Krista Kingsley, Nathan Hansen, Eric Dahlseng and freshman (front row) Jordan Haapala, Matthew Dahlseng, Anthony Cron. These students prepare for five meets during the season by studying specific topics in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and precalculus. Each meet consists of four twelve minute individual events each containing four questions and a 20 minute team event for eight participants containing six questions.
The team has seen growth in numbers and achievements during the last three years. From a team of just four members its inaugural year, the team grew to seven participants last year, and Eric Dahlseng ended the successful season by competing in the state meet. The team has placed second out of seven teams in the first two meets of the 2011-2012 season.
New: D-C Calling System
Households with an active Parent Portal Campus account will receive a message when school is delayed, closed, or closing early if the high priority box is checked. If you have questions about your Parent Portal Campus Messenger account please contact a building secretary.
Board Holds Truth in Taxation Meeting
The school board held its truth in taxation meeting December 12th. The public is invited to view the PowerPoint presentation shared at the meeting. There is also a video available describing recent state-wide changes.
Jeff Powers,
Superintendent
jeff.powers@dc.k12.mn.us
4852 Reardon Ave. SW
Suite 1700
Cokato, MN 55321
Phone: 320.286.4100
Fax: 320.286.4101