Alumni Success Story: TyRuben Ellingson

TyRuben Ellingson

All you have to do to succeed is give yourself permission. TyRuben Ellingson, a 1977 Tech High School graduate, has always had an interest in movies. He had a strong passion for visual mediums of art, so he picked up a camera as a teen to create short videos. While in high school, Ellingson also … Read more

McKinley Community Learning Fridays A Hit

Smith sewing

This year, Community Learning Fridays are a new addition to McKinley-ALC thanks to Principal William (Bill) Sininger. His implementation of Community Learning Fridays gives students the opportunity to learn and use skills not typically found in the classroom while engaging with community partners. So far, Sininger considers the program a success, and both students and … Read more

Students Discover Their Superpower Through Literacy

Dando and students

This summer, South Junior High School Crush Academy students collaborated with Assistant Professor Michael Dando from St. Cloud State University‘s (SCSU) English department on an exciting Lion Man Literacy Project, made possible by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant through United Way/Partner for Student Success. Under the supervision of Dando, students were able … Read more

Staff Spotlight: North Junior High School’s Eglantina Cenolli

Cenolli with a student

Dr. Eglantina Cenolli, EL (English Language) and mathematics teacher at North Junior High School, would say teaching is in her blood. Her parents, aunts, uncles and most of her sisters are all teachers. She considered becoming a medical doctor. However, civil war in her home country of Albania prevented travel to acquire a medical education. … Read more

21st Century Community Learning Centers Partnership Provides Enrichment

Vernier with student

Back in 2017, Partner for Student Success (PFSS) facilitated a community-wide team, led by the SEARCH Institute to develop a strategic plan for student success in the St. Cloud Area. The work, over time, adjusted according to findings, continued development of the network and gathered information. As a result, in 2019, St. Cloud Area School … Read more