Students With Special Needs Acquire Career Skills

Students with special needs are acquiring new skills to ready themselves for the workforce after high school thanks to the new PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab at Apollo and Tech High Schools. The lab is a simulated work environment where students can explore interests and discover strengths. “There are five different areas that PAES … Read more

Staff Spotlight: Nick Wells

Nick Wells

Nick Wells, paraeducator at Lincoln Elementary School, had no thoughts of working in education. His career was retail management. However, his wife (a teacher) noticed how well he interacted with his customers – particularly kids – and suggested that he switch careers to education. It’s a decision he’s never once regretted. “I’ve always been a … Read more

Creative Teaching Brings District Students Together

Students collaborating

Advanced classes require some “out-of-the-box” learning and teaching. Three advanced language arts teachers: Kelli Mauer at Kennedy Community School, Courtney Schumacher at South Junior High School and Morgan Barrett at North Junior High School are the perfect example of how teaching in an unconventional way can spur intentional engagement. Three years ago, Mauer, Schumacher and … Read more

Staff Spotlight: Stephen Browning

Stephen Browning dressed as a Ghostbuster

“Who you gonna call?” asks second grade teacher Stephen Browning to his class at Talahi Community School. “Ghostbusters!” they respond back to him. It’s one of Browning’s dress-up days for his class, and his call and response is themed to match it. He’s been dressing up in character and creating themed content to make learning … Read more

Three New Career and College Academies

Students learning how to take a pulse

Guest Writer: Director of Career and College Pathways Leah Sams St. Cloud Area School District 742 is excited to launch Career and College Academies at our high schools! With the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Education’s career wheel, Career and College Academies are designed to introduce students to a wide selection of career fields. … Read more