Listen in on a Talahi Community School PTA meeting, and you will hear a recurring theme: parents love this school and send their children to it with pride.
“The moment we entered the school for Kindergarten open house, we felt a sense of community,” says PTA member Theresa Flinck. “My husband and I decided to send our son to Talahi through open enrollment . . . because of the unique opportunity for him to experience community through diversity in culture, language and religion.”
“Talahi has exceeded our expectations in so many ways,” she adds. “Our son’s academic progress has been phenomenal. We’ve seen his interest and love of learning take off through a variety of programs that are tailored to meet students’ needs. Our teachers and support staff go above and beyond for the children to engage them in the learning process.”
Yet when last spring’s Minnesota Multiple Measurement Ratings designated Talahi as a Priority school, resulting media
attention negatively impacted many of those connected to the school. And that brings you to another recurring theme you will hear at a Talahi PTA meeting: the united goal to change the conversation about Talahi.
“My kid is not a number,” PTA Secretary Bonnie Zbaren emphatically reminds the group. “This school reflects they [the students] are so much more than that. Talking about the school this way does so much damage. My kid is not a poor test score.”
Jennifer Doom is a teacher within the district and has a current third grader at Talahi as well as a child who attended K-5th grade there. She supports the Talahi staff and admires their dedication and hard work.
She says the media reports are a “bad rap,” adding, “you need to look for growth, not just the score.”
Many students who attend Talahi are new to country. Eight Somali parents attended a recent PTA meeting and agreed that their children receive excellent instruction in language and the basics. With the help of an interpreter, they joined in the conversation.
Saido Abdipoor shared, “My son is in kindergarten here and loves his teacher. In just three months he is trying to write and speak good English. He wants to be at school. Even Sundays.”
Beth Huber is an eight year veteran as a Talahi parent and PTA member. The youngest of her children is in 5th grade this year, and she laughingly warns the group, “I am coming back.”
She advises all the parents and staff at the meeting, “Talk to everyone in community. Invite them here. That’s the job. Grab them.”
Assistant Principal Nicole Rafdal agrees. “Come and see,” she invites the community. “See what we see every day and you will be convinced to attend here.”
Principal Kate Flynn believes it is a privilege to sit as a new principal with all these dedicated people and to listen to the love they have for their school.
“What I tell people about Talahi,” she added, “is [that] we are rich in culture, language and diversity. Our children will be ready for the 21st Century.”
Fourth grade teacher Liz Hallermann says she wouldn’t take another job anywhere else, citing Talahi’s families and sense of community.
“Community is the best thing at Talahi,” agrees PTA Treasurer Cara Muniz.
One way the PTA is trying to bring attention and support to the school is through the I ♥ Talahi campaign. Children and parents colored graphic sheets with an explanation of their individual pride written below. The posters currently hang all throughout the Talahi halls.
“We wanted to see a visual of the pride, love, and commitment that we have for our school,” explained Flinck. “Through this campaign, students and parents alike have been able to share their story about why Talahi is so important to them.”
If you are interested in learning more about Talahi Community School or in volunteering, contact Principal Kate Flynn at kate.flynn@isd742.org or PTA President Stacy McNab at stacymcnab@gmail.com.