Tami DeLand 
Any good educator will tell you that service learning is an effective way to connect students to learning goals while engaging them in their surrounding community. And nearly all students who have participated in service learning will tell you that it is a meaningful experience that truly makes an impact. But few can boast a … Read more
On any given morning at Apollo High School during the school year, you will find Mary Schmitz, a special education paraprofessional, and her team of student workers serving coffee and warm cookies at Iggy’s Coffee Shop. “Hi, how are you doing today?” you will be asked, usually by your first name. “How can I help you?” … Read more
Ten years ago, a social justice student organization at North Junior High School began a service learning day with the simple mission to engage kids in their surrounding community. Social studies teacher Mike Gritman helped organize the initial event, and has seen it evolve over time into a committed school-wide effort. “It started out as [just] … Read more
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 … Read more
November heralded the 1: 1 Inspire technology rollout in St. Cloud Area Middle Schools. Technology Integrationists John Gerads and Angie Kalthoff generated a great deal of excitement around the kickoff, organizing 15 community meetings as well as an online family meeting for parents who could not attend a 1:1 meeting in person. 6th, 7th and … Read more