2011-12 Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Annual Report to the Community

C o m m u n i t yAnnual Report to the

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

National Green

Ribbon School District

I n s i d e . . .Environmental Education• E-STEM Schools• Green Ribbon School District • Student Clubs & Activities

Pages 1-2

E - 12 Education • ECFE and Community Education• K-12 Education• Gifted & Talented, Technology

Pages 3-14

About Our Schools • Community Survey• PLHS Addition • Financial Information

Pages 15-18

Environmental Educ ationBlue and Gold

make G R E E NPrior Lake-Savage Area Schools is the only district in the state to have an Environmental Education (EE) program that grows with students from ECFE through high school. Our award-winning programs have been modeled by school districts throughout the state and country.

In 2013, the MN Department of Education named Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools a Green Ribbon district. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) also recognized our district as one of the first ever Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award-ees in the nation for our energy efficient buildings, healthy students and school environment and envi-ronmental literacy of all graduates. USDE also named Jeffers Pond a National Green Ribbon School. Thanks to community partnerships, innovative teachers and the natural beauty surrounding our district, our schools lead the way in integration of environmental education into all aspects of the school day. So much more than recycling...Every school in the district has a robust recycling and composting program, and naturally, a great deal of learning happens outdoors. However, our program is unique in that EE is embedded into the core curriculum. This is a major compo-nent to the success of the program which results in students who learn to become critical thinkers and ap-proach problem solving by study-ing multiple perspectives.

Every school has an outdoor class-room setting used by teachers and students. Each year, our elementary schools host a day-long, outdoor EE festival that has captured the attention of Twin Cities media and has become a tradition students look forward to each year. 1

E-STEMIn 2012, the school board approved a proposal making all of our K-5 elementary schools the first district-wide E-STEM schools in the state of Minne-sota. E-STEM stands for Environmental Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

E-STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to instruction and learning focused on inquiry and real world prob-lem-solving in the 21st Century, applying hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematical practices with projects and field experiences related to the environment.

E-STEM is available to all K-5 students. An E-STEM Implementation Committee comprised of staff from elementary, middle school and high school is currently working on implementation plans to ensure E-STEM aligns with curriculum, skills and ex-periences through 12th grade in all curricular areas. The committee is working on a 3-5 year multi-phase implementation plan, which includes modifications for instructional space, professional development and expansion of community partnerships.

Student EE Clubs & ActivitiesStudents in grades 3-5 may apply to be in the popular Junior Naturalist program. Fifth grade stu-dents attend Wolf Ridge ELC in Finland, MN, which is made possible thanks to support from parents, PTCs and Friends of Wolf Ridge. Students in grades 6-8 may participate in the middle school level EE club called Earthlings. Students in grades 9-12 may join the EcoTeam. In addition to service learning opportunities and leading school EE initiatives, the EcoTeam goes on local, national and international field trips. Stu-dents may earn a varsity letter in this club activity.

Community Education Services also provides a wide range of Environmental Education programs, including its award-winning Camp Eco-Adventure.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our EE programs at youtube.com/isd719

Environmental Education Partners

Jeffers Foundation

Minnesota DNR

Minnesota DNR Fishing in the Neighborhood

Minnesota DNR MinnAqua

Minnesota DNR Project Learning Tree

Minnesota DNR Project WET

Minnesota DNR Project WILD

Minnesota Herpetological Society

Minnesota Ornithological Union

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education

Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District

School Forest Program

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

SEEK - Minnesota’s home of environmental education resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Community EducationCommunity Education encompasses Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Kids’ Company, Youth Programs, Adult Programs and many events.

Youth Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To RegisterOur Youth Programs provide affordable classes offered year round for children ages 3-18. Classes take place in all of our buildings before and after school, nights and weekends. Some of the most popular youth classes in-clude our science and art classes, summer swim lessons, along with Driver’s Education and several sports programs for every interest.

Adult Programs • Call 952.226.0080 To RegisterAdult Programs include perennial favorites and also high-interest trend classes such as iPad training, selling on eBay with a smartphone, and even Pickleball. Some yearly favorites include our popular cooking classes, as well as topics surrounding parent education, personal and professional development, fitness and health.

Adult Programs also provide classes specifically of interest to those 55+ as well, including courses in computers and technology, Bridge Group, Yoga and much more. Community members 55+ can receive free activity passes to school events during the school year.

ABE, GED and ELL classes are also provided by Community Ed.

www.priorlakesavagece.com

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Circle of Friends Preschool • To Register, Call 952.226.0956.Our mission is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success, and their parents can be partners in learning. We serve children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old with a program that combines developmentally appropriate skills with academic learning opportunities. We help prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills needed to progress and succeed by collaborating with district kindergarten and early childhood special education staff.

Circle of Friends Preschool has received a four-star Parent Aware rating. Parent Aware is a state-wide rating tool selecting high quality child care and early education. Parent Aware helps parents in Minnesota find child care and early education providers focused on high

quality early learning and kindergarten readiness. The 1-4 star ratings system measures best practices identified by research that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Edgewood has earned the highest rating for its focus on healthy development, employment of licensed Early Childhood Educators with four-year degrees and staff who have in-depth training in child development and early childhood curriculum.

Early Childhood Special Education, Birth - Age 5 While all young children grow and change at their own rate, sometimes parents have concerns that their child is devel-oping differently than other toddlers the same age. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your health care provider or call 1.866.693.GROW (4769). You can also choose to contact the local Prior Lake-Savage Inter-vention program at 952-226-0980.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)Call 952.226.0950 For Class InformationECFE is provided by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools’ Community Educa-tion. The mission of ECFE is to support and strengthen families. ECFE classes are 1-2 hours, depending on the age of the child, and offer parent and child interaction time, guided play for children and parent discussion time.

Get InvolvedThe ECFE Parent Advisory

Council is a parent group

dedicated to assisting with

the planning and evaluation

of our programs. Contact

Edgewood School for more

information: 952.226.0950.

Early Childhood Screening • Call 952.226.0975 To Schedule An AppointmentThe early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are important times of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing and developing offered through the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning con-cerns, so that children can get help before they start school. Parents may accompany their child through the approxi-mate hour-long process. After the screening activities, the screener shares information on a child’s growth, develop-ment and learning.

Kids’ Company Childcare • Call 952.226.0090 For InformationKids’ Company offers care before and after school, on most release days and during the sum-mer. Our Edgewood program offers care for children 4 years of age through those enrolled in Half-Day Kindergarten. Families can choose care before and/or after preschool or kindergarten class. All-Day care is also available at Edgewood. Kids’ Co. supports families with their desire to raise happy, healthy, responsible and capable children.

Early Childho o d Family Educ ation

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E lementar y S cho ol Our schools are recognized as lead-ers in Environmental Education, which is integrated into the core subject areas and is enhanced by the natural beauty of our school settings. Students are able to partici-pate in club programs such as Junior Naturalists in grades 3-5.

In 2012, the school board approved a committee recommendation mak-ing all of our K-5 elementary schools the first district-wide E-STEM (Envi-ronmental Education - Science Tech-nology Engineering Math) schools in the state of Minnesota.

All K-5 elementary schools offer a strong curriculum that integrates technology and is adapted to the individual learning needs of stu-dents. Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our schools.

All students receive instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science and health. Students also receive instruction in art, music, media and physical education.

All students learn and practice the principles of Responsive Classroom to teach the social skills of C.A.R.E.S. (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsi-bility, Empathy and Self-Control).

The SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary is a full-time gifted program offered to qualified students in grades 3-5 through-out the district and outside of the district’s attendance boundaries.

The district provides special education services for children birth through 21 with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of ser-vice delivery models are offered including home-based services for infants and toddlers and a variety of school-based services.

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Reaching Every LearnerResponse to Intervention (RtI) is a program de-signed specifically for students who qualify for ad-ditional support in reading (grades K-9) and math (grades 4-8).

Early intervention paired with relevant data provides a model to bring teachers together to make well-informed instructional decisions and work to close the achievement gap.

Student progress is monitored weekly to drive instructional decisions and maximize student achievement.

Over the past two years, 50% of the students who received reading interventions significantly improved and were no longer in need of the RtI program.

Kindergarten Options

Parents have the option to register their kinder-garten student for:

• Half-Day K• Half-Day K Plus Kids’ Company or• Extended-Day KHalf-Day K students attend Edgewood School.Extended-Day K students attend their neighborhood elementary school.

Call 952.226.0900 or 952.226.0043 to register.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our elementary schools at youtube.com/isd719

MCA TestingElementary school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIs and MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minne-sota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP TestingElementary school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math. The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to determine a stu-dent’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and designed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

Grade Level

2012 District % of Students Proficient

2012 State Average of Students Proficient

Difference Between District and State

3rd Grade 89.5% 80.4% 9.1%

4th Grade 89.6% 75.2% 14.4%

5th Grade 87.4% 79.3% 8.1%

MCA-II 2012 Reading Scores

MCA-III 2012 Math ScoresGrade Level




3rd Grade 87.3% 75.6% 11.7%

4th Grade 88.8% 73.2% 15.6%

5th Grade 79% 61.5% 17.5%

MCA-III 2012 Math Growth Grade Level

% of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade 88.0%

5th Grade 83.4%

MCA-II 2012 Reading Growth Grade Level

% of Students who Experienced Medium to High Growth During the School Year

4th Grade 89.3%

5th Grade 80.4%

Our K-5 elementary schools are: Edgewood (Early Childhood/Half-Day K), Five Hawks, Glendale, Grainwood, Jeffers Pond, Redtail Ridge, SAGE (Gifted & Talented) and WestWood.

MCA-II 2012 Science Scores

Grade Level

2012 District %

of Students Proficient

2012 State Average

of Students Proficient

Difference Between

District and State

5th Grade

81% 57.9% 23.1%

M iddle S cho ol Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks are partner schools conveniently located across the street from each other.

Because of their close proximity, staff at each site work together to benefit students by creating class opportunities and electives that could only be offered by the two schools working together.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, social studies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and world language pro-grams.

Advanced and remedial course options are available to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

Both schools offer several elec-tive options, which are supported by state-of-the-art technology with a two-to-one computer-to-student ratio, along with SMART boards in every room. New computers were installed in the middle schools in 2012.

Some of the elective options include World Languages, Project Lead the Way engineering pro-gram, automation and robotics, band and choir.

Other middle school features include:

• A swimming pool in each building

• WEB transition program for all incoming 6th grade students

• Earthlings Environmental Education club

• An outdoor amphitheater- style classroom and service- learning opportunities

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Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about our middle schools at youtube.com/isd719





6th Grade 73.4% 58.8% 14.6%

7th Grade 76.8% 57.2% 19.6%

8th Grade 72.2% 60.7% 11.5%

Grade Level




6th Grade 81.4% 75% 6.4%

7th Grade 82.4% 70.6% 11.8%

8th Grade 81.6% 71.7% 9.9%


MCA-II 2012 Science ScoresGrade Level




8th Grade 56.7% 42.5% 14.2

MCA TestingMiddle school students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assess-ment tests (MCA IIs and MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MAP TestingMiddle school students also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing in reading and math. The MAP test is an assessment tool designed to deter-mine a student’s individual level of performance. The test is unique in that it is computer adaptive and de-signed to provide results that show individual student growth in a subject area. The MAP test is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.

ATLAS (grades 7-8)Alternative Learning Program

ATLAS provides a small, safe and positive middle school environment where teachers have the opportunity to work even more directly with students in all subject areas. ATLAS follows state curriculum and is designed to encourage student participation and school success. For more information call 952.226.0587.

Our district was one of seven in the U.S. to be accepted by NASA to bring an experiment aboard NASA’s Re-duced Gravity Flight. Teachers and students are testing how acoustic energy behaves in micro gravity.

H igh S cho ol PLHS was named one of the best high schools in America by Newsweek based on its qual-ity teaching staff along with its Advanced-Placement and college-level course offerings.

Technology is integrated into the cur-riculum including online and hybrid online course electives along with SMART Board technology.

Students also choose from a full range of English, science, math, so-cial studies, PhyEd/Health, fine arts and World Language offerings.

PLHS is committed to E-STEM (Environmental Education - Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative through programs such as EcoTeam, Project Lead the Way engineering program, robotics and more.

Other Prior Lake High School features include:

• 85% of students continue their education at either a two or four- year college or university

• PLHS students consistently exceed state and national averages in ACT and MCA IIs/IIIs test results

• PLHS offers Advanced-Placement (AP) courses with increased pace and content depth designed to prepare students for post-second- ary education

• There are 27 sports and 12 activities available to students.

• PLHS is an International Peace Site

• A classroom addition to PLHS will open in the Fall, 2014

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Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

PLSAS offers 27 different sports and 12 activities for students, and is supported by the Laker Athletic Booster Club and Patrons of the Arts and Activities. Our district is part of the SouthSuburban Conference.

MCA TestingPLHS students continue to score above the state average on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests (MCA IIs and MCA IIIs). These tests are required under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and also comply with the new accountability system under the state of Minnesota’s NCLB waiver.

MCA-II 2012 Science Scores





11th Grade 55.5% 41.8% 13.7%

Grade Level


2012 State Average of

Students Proficient

Difference Between District and

State

10th Grade 67.1% 52% 15.1%

Grade Level




10th Grade 82.7% 76.4% 6.3%


Survey Says...In a recent survey, 96% of parents said Prior Lake-

Savage Area Schools prepared their child well for

success after high school.

96% Prepared for Success after High School

Preparing Students for Success After High SchoolEighty-five percent of students from Prior Lake

High School continue their education at either two

or four-year colleges or universities.

Ninety-three pecent of parents said they are

proud of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and

would recommend our schools to their friends.

93% Recommend our Schools

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Kaia AndersonLindsey AndersonJacob AndreMilana BakaySkylar BantleyChase BartonMatthew BatemanDrake BauerHaley BeersGarrett BembenekChelsea BenedictMadison BergeronErica BergumElise BixbyTori BlakeboroughKeara BoresKaitlin BowserLexi BrandtTara BrandtAbby BroadwellMatthew BrooksTyler BrownCecelia BurkeAlexandra CappuccinoJason ChaseHolly CheckBryan ChemMathew CherucherilSarah CondonJennifer CorcoranSarah CoxConnor CoxEmily CoxJae CregerAlicia CurtiLogan DaisKacie DeaversAllie DeisEmily DeisShawn DohertyEric DolsClaudia DubeShelby DupontJoshua DystheHaley EastmanTaylor ElshawJamie EricksonPaige ErnsteAlexa EversonVanessa FailorJessica FaragherJack FarnenJason FaulConnor FeldtErik FenskeKyle FenskeOlivia FerrerEmily FerrierShelby Fertal Erin FinnemanTiffaney FlaataLeah FossumAnna FossumBlakely Fraasch

Carter FrancisCalle FritzeAndrew GabbardLarissa GablerTucker GarborgBenjamin GarrisonZachary GattonSimona GerulyteLuke GilbertRyan GlaserElizabeth GoetschMacy GrobelEmily GulstadAlexa HallGrace HalpennyTyler HalversonAndrew HansenAbigail HansonTeagen HarrTyler HaugeTaylor HeideckerNicole HendersonSarah HendersonElisabeth HendrixPaul HinesCody HobbsNicole HofslienMegan HovickAndy HuynhRachel JacobsonHeather JensenConnor JohnsonMonica JohnsonWhitney JohnsonKathryn JohnsonAnna JokinenKathryn JondalJayme JonesTaylor JonesCharles JuellEsha KamathDanielle KellerMarilyn KeoVanessa KeoAmanda KeoRachel KleistCody KohoutHelen KorbelJenna LalemanJacob LarsonGrace LawmanHannah LeAlyssa LeechDylan LehrerMegan LesmeisterOlivia LietzauAlexandra LiffrigRaymond LimCarrie LindbergValerie LuskeyEmily LuskeyJacqueline LuthLauren ManderyStefan Martinez

School Board ScholarsTo be a School Board Scholar, a PLHS student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to our 257 School Board Scholars.

Margaret MarxenTaylor MayTyler MccartyElizabeth McgrawNicholas MckagueAaron MelloNatalie MerrittLauren MillerMakena MillerMadison MireauJustine MitchellAnna MoenDaniel MonnensJordan MoranAnna MuellerMorgan MuraskiJordan MurphyAshley MurrThomas MurrEric NagarajanKathryn NelsonCole NielsenEmily NiesonRyan NortonNicole OliverSean O’neilDanielle OssJulia PalamaraIsabel PanekMichael ParksAaron PatrickRachael PearsonVictoria PeterEllise PetersMadison PetersonMegan PetersonEmily PetersonAmanda PfeifferBaomi PhungLouise PitcherDaniel PlinckCameron PrattSamantha PrattJenna PreslickaLeah PreslickaErin PribbleRachel ProchaskaSamantha ProvostOlivia RingNicole RoccoParker RodgersAshley RosonkeAnne RuelleAlicia RuminskyTessa RykkenMadeline SabinTaylor SabolJohn SandellNoah ScanlonIsaac ScanlonMadeline ScheunemannLauren SchmitzJonathan SchropeKristina Schultz

Natali SemeradBailey SernettMackenzie SexeDelaney SharrattCamryn SharrattTaylor SheldonAlyssa ShoultzJenna SimonsonJessica SkjonsbyRachel SoderquistLuke SoleimJoseph SopczykMolly SopczykCullen SowderKyle SperleBrett SpringerConnor StahlMatthew StahlNash StamsonKerry StapfKara SteichenSamuel SteinkampEmily StockMorgan StutelbergEmily StutzkaAbigail SukolaDuncan SumnerSerena SwansonCynthia TaKristina TauerKrestyn ThomasAmber TiemanLindsay ToddRyan TodtlebenAllison ToweyMitchell TrotmanEmma TyeAnthony UyHannah VeldmanElizabeth VohnoutkaAlison WagnerAndrew WaleriusKayla WalkerNicole WanglerRyan WangsnesHannah WardKatherine WardAnnika WarfieldAlicia WayAlexander WehrsChloe WeiersEvan WelchSydney WiedemannJamie WillerCaitlin WrightJohn WrightZachary WrightJoseph YoungLucy ZhaoNatalie ZielkeWilliam ZimbinskiRyan ZoellerHailey Zweber

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The National Business Education Association has named Prior Lake High School as the first National Business Honor Society chapter in Minnesota.

To be eligible, a junior or senior must have completed or be currently enrolled in his or her third business course and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA with a 3.5 GPA in business courses.

PLHS Has First Business Honor Society Chapter in Minnesota

2012 ACT Average Scores by Subject

Prior Lake High School

Minnesota National

ACTPLHS seniors posted an ACT composite score of 23.7 which exceeds the state average of 22.8 and national average of 21.1. Kiyrie Abernethy earned a perfect score on the ACT exam. Only 781 out of more than 1.66 million students in the nation earned a perfect composite score of 36.

Visit our You Tube channel to learn more about Prior Lake High School at youtube.com/isd719

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Bridges Area Learning Center (grades 9-12)

High school years may find students confronted with a range of challenges, which put them at risk to not graduate. Rather than dropping out of school, students have an option to attend Bridges ALC.

Our goal is to reach all learners, especially those who struggle in traditional schools. Bridges offers personal-ized instruction with staff who have a flexible approach to teaching. Students experience small class sizes and flexible school schedules in a non-traditional setting.

Eighty-five percent of students graduate from Bridges with a diploma from Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

For more information call 952.226.0840.

Advanced Placement ExamsStudents Meeting or Exceeding Proficiency

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

# of students taking the exam

456 505 546

# of tests taken* 692 747 844

# of tests passed* 456 546 651

% of tests receiving a 3 or above (passing)

66% 73% 77%

* Students may have taken one or more tests

Advanced Placement Program at PLHSPrior Lake High School was recognized by the College Board of Advanced Placement for increasing student access to AP course work and test scores.

PLHS offers Concurrent Enrollment options enabling students to take college-level courses taught by PLHS teachers. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their sup-portive high school environment, earning college credit at the time they successfully pass the course.

In the 2013-14 school year, we will be partnering with Inver Hills Com-munity College to offer the Leading and Developing Readiness (LADR) program. LADR is available to students who do not qualify for Concur-rent Enrollment by ranking in the upper third of their class as juniors and upper half of their class as seniors. This program takes those stu-dents who rank from the 30th percentile to the 70th percentile in their class and offers them college readiness coursework to enable them to earn college credits while in high school.

This school year, three outstanding PLHS seniors: Tori Blakeborough (not pictured), Alicia Curti and Eric Nagarajan were finalists in the National Merit Scholarship® Program.

They were chosen from more than 1.5 million juniors who entered the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Merit Scholarship® Finalists

Learn More About SAGETo learn more about qualifying criteria used for

admittance into SAGE, visit our website at www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

For testing and touring dates, call 952.226.0400.

SAGE Ac ademy

Visit our website for more information about SAGE Academy www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

The SAGE Academy at WestWood Elementary offers a truly exceptional education to Gifted students. The Academy is designed to challenge, support and inspire learners.

SAGE (School for the Advancement of Gifted Education) is a school-within-a school available to students who qualify in grades 3, 4 and 5.

Our teachers are well-versed in differentiation and cur-riculum modification for high-ability learners. The SAGE Academy is part of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and welcomes students from within the district and outside its boundaries. As part of the public school system, there is no tuition cost to parents.

Core curriculum acceleration is provided for all SAGE stu-dents. Curriculum is supplemented with rigorous programs and special events such as:

• Philosophy Slam• Poetry Slam• SAGE Science Fair• Greek/Latin Word Etymology

• Math Olympiads• Word Masters• Mock Trial• Interact Curriculum• William and Mary Curriculum

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“SAGE Academy has been a wonderful journey for my

4th grader. The teachers are connected with the stu-

dents and their bond creates a positive community for

our children. SAGE develops the children’s character

and creates close friendships. My daughter has enjoyed

unique field trips, The Writers Conference, and G. E. M.

(Girls Excel in Math).”

-Katie, parent of SAGE student

Technology in the ClassroomOne of the district’s Strategic Directions is to integrate technology for teaching and com-munications and increase the capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills.

The use of technology in the classroom is a critical component to achieving our goal. All of our schools are working toward implementing the 4 C’s of 21st Century skills: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity.

The following are just a few of the tools we have implemented to change the way we are teaching and engaging students in their learning.

• This school year, 950 new computers were installed throughout the district. • A district wide wireless infra- structure is in place that is dedicated to mobile network solu- tions.

• A data warehouse is being implemented to create a central repository for student information to improve the individual learning needs of each student and create greater efficiencies.

• Interactive SMART Boards are installed in all of our schools, early childhood through grade12.

Technolo gy E-12

• A new website will be launched this fall incorporating a new design and more interactive tools such as video and social media.

• A policy is in place to expand the use of social media for educational purposes to form new ways to communicate with parents and to create safe, interactive learning environments in our schools.

• The district is researching a1:1 initiative to expand the daily use of technology for every student.

What do parents say?In a 2012 survey, 85% of residents surveyed stated it was “absolutely essential” or “very important” for students to have the ability to use computers and other technology effec-tively and efficiently.

42% Very

Important43%

AbsolutelyEssential

13% Somewhat Important

2% Not Too

Important

Scan the code to go to our website and learn more about Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

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2012 Communit y Sur vey

Column1

49% Good

46% Excellent

Survey Says...In a recent survey, parents said they believe children

receive an excellent education from Prior Lake-Savage

Area Schools. Forty-six percent rate the quality of

education Excellent (46%) or (49%) Good.

• The community has high regard for our teachers and the education that is provided to students. A majority of respondents indicated the first things that come to mind when thinking of Prior Lake Savage-Area Schools includes good education, good teachers and excellence.

• Parents were also asked about the importance of certain school district characteristics. Parents indicated the four most important characteristics are:

- Quality of teaching staff, at 93%;- Overall college preparation, at 84%;- Basic academic coursework & skills development, at 83%;- Academic achievement, at 81%

• According to Decision Resources, PLSAS registers some of the highest job performance ratings in the Metropoli-tan Area. A comparatively high 79% rate the job perfor-mance of the school board as either “excellent” or “good;” 13% rate it as “only fair” or “poor.” Seventy-three percent favorably rate the job performance of the superintendent and administration. Eighty-nine percent rate our teachers as either “excellent” or “good.”

• Sixty-four percent of respondents said the district

spends tax money effectively and efficiently. This is an increase of 17% over the past six years.

• Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they trust the school district to do what is right for children. This is an increase of 13% in two years.

• Parents have a high satisfaction level when it comes to school safety. When asked if Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools provides a safe learning environment, 31% strongly agreed, 64% agreed, 4% disagreed and 1% declined.

• Forty-nine percent of those surveyed currently enroll their pre-schoolers or infants in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs. When asked how likely parents are to enroll their preschooler in ECFE

programs:- 63% said very likely- 17% somewhat likely- 13% declined and 7% said not likely- Of those who indicated not likely, some of the reasons given included, not enough time, no need or not interested at this time.

Ninety percent of residents said they trust the school

board to do what is right for children in this district.

Ten percent said they disagree or were undecided.

Sales

1st Qtr

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

68% Agree

22% Strongly

Agree

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“In viewing characteristics of the schools and satisfaction with school district services, every aspect is awarded a positive rating.” - Bill Morris, Decision Resources Survey Analysis

Each year, outstanding teachers are nominated by their peers based on exemplary teaching performance, positive leadership and inspiration to colleagues.

The 2012 Teachers of the Year are: Joe Kuboushek (PLHS), Kim Koepp (Hidden Oaks Middle School), John Larson (Grainwood Elementary) and Shawn Beaudette (Five Hawks Elementary).

World Language ImmersionAccording to the survey, there is widespread support among parents of pre-schoolers and of students in elementary school for offering a World Language Immersion Elementary program.

Seventy-four percent favor this potential new opportunity. A majority of the supporters would also like to see “Spanish” as the offered language. Eighty-seven percent also expressed interest in a tuition-based World Language Immersion op-tion offered after school.

This Fall, a committee will convene to discuss district wide World Language Immersion options at the elementary level.

The 2012 district-wide survey was conducted by Decision Resources and was administered to 400 randomly selected adult residents of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, as well as an oversample 250 parents of toddlers, pre-schoolers, and elementary school students. The results of the study are projectable to all adult Prior Lake-Savage Area School District residents within ± 5.0% in 95 out of 100 cases. The results of the oversample are projectable to all parents of toddlers, pre-schoolers, and elementary school students within ± 6.3% in 95 out of 100 cases. Professional interviewers conducted the survey by telephone between July 16th and August 7th, 2012.

Eighty-nine percent of parents rated our teachers as

either good or excellent. Five percent gave a fair rating.

Sales

1st Qtr

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

50% Good

39% Excellent

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• In a comparative analysis conducted by Decision Resources, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools possesses one of the most effective communications systems in the Metropoli-tan Area. Sixty-six percent feel either “very informed” or “somewhat informed,” while 35% admit to being “not too informed” or “not at all informed.” The “informed” rating is at the top of the Metropolitan Area.

Dan Patch 5K - Promoting Education & Healthy Lifestyles, June 22

Prior Lake High School Alumni & Friends All Laker Weekend, June 27 - 30June 27: Game NightJune 28: Golf Tournament at The Wilds Golf Club June 29: Laker 5KJune 30: Pancake Breakfast

Summer SmashAugust 24

www.lakerfoundation.org

The Laker Educational Foun-dation (LEF) connects the resources of generous parents, staff, alumni, residents and community businesses, with educators and students of all ages to enrich opportunities and foster excellence within the community.

Since 2005, LEF has awarded more than $291,000 to prepare our students and community for success.

There are many events taking place throughout the summer. All community members are welcome to attend.

PLHS Addition to Open September, 2014

The school board approved a recommendation from the Growth Task Force (GTF) to add classroom space to Prior Lake High School using Lease Levy funding at no addi-tional cost to tax payers.

Current enrollment at PLHS is 2,275 students, which is approximately 200 students over capacity. The GTF has researched the district’s latest demographic study which points to an enrollment increase that averages 2,472 students between the years 2013 and 2027.

As a result, the district along with the GTF has researched the option of adding a general purpose classroom addition to PLHS through the use of Lease Levy funds. Securing funding through Minnesota’s Lease Levy program would enable the district to keep the tax rate flat, with no increase to tax payers as much of the district’s current debt is expiring.

Remaining debt can be refinanced at a lower tax rate and slightly longer term. The total principal and interest would not exceed the original amount ap-proved by taxpayers, so there would not be an additional tax burden.

Preliminary design concepts are for a three-story addition that includes flexible classroom spaces to allow for future enrollment growth. General purpose classrooms will be included as well as science labs, special education and ELL rooms, and office space. The addition will cost an estimated $8.3 million.

The district’s Facilities Com-mittee will now review design options with the goal of begin-ning construction this Septem-ber and opening the addition September 1, 2014.

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Visit our website for complete financial statements and reports www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools consistently earns finance awards for its fiscal management including the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the School Finance Award from the MN Department of Education.

General Fund Revenues

General Fund Expenditures

Consolidated Financials

Ways We SaveThere are many ways our district operates efficiently to reduce costs and keep dollars in the classroom. Here are just a few ways taxpayers benefit:

• Our district is committed to maintaining a positive fund balance.• Since 2010, more than $555,000 in cost avoidance has been realized through numerous energy management initiatives.• Joint purchasing agreements help us save money on items such as instructional supplies.• Our district’s percentage of district and school administration is amongst the lowest in the Metro.• Transportation contracts are negotiated to reduce busing costs.• Our district maintains a self-insured employee health-care program that offers excellent service while lowering costs.

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June 30, June 30, IncreaseFund 2012 2011 (Decrease) Percent

Local Sources: Property Taxes $12,257,658 $16,845,508 ($4,587,850) ‐27.23% Earnings on Investments $2,040 $13,843 ($11,803) ‐85.26% Other $1,004,805 $946,095 $58,710 6.21%State Sources $49,714,235 $43,122,773 $6,591,462 15.29%Federal Sources $1,946,676 $2,800,308 ($853,632) ‐30.48%Total General Fund Revenue $64,925,414 $63,728,527 $1,196,887 1.88%

The large decrease in taxes in 2012 compared to 2011 is not due to a large levy decrease, but rather relates primarily to the tax shift whereby the State withholds state aid

payments but instructs school districts to advance recognize tax revenue to offset the aid withheld. In 2011, the District advance recognized $4,695,754 of tax revenue in the

General Fund due ot the tax shift prescribed by the State of MN. A corresponding state aid revenue reduction was recognized, resulting in the change in percentage of revenue.


Salaries 35,387,522$ 36,073,407$ (685,885)$ ‐2%Employee Benefits 14,498,199$ 15,057,337$ (559,138)$ ‐3.71%Purchased Services 6,489,560$ 6,471,986$ 17,574$ 0.27%Supplies & Materials 2,363,932$ 1,775,243$ 588,689$ 33.16%Capital Expenditures 2,072,300$ 1,490,151$ 582,149$ 39.07%Other Expenditures 124,459$ 135,831$ (11,372)$ ‐8.37%

Total Expenditures 60,935,972$ 61,003,955$ (67,983)$ ‐0.11%

Year Ended Change

The large decrease in taxes in 2012 compared to 2011 is not due to a large levy decrease, but rather relates primarily to the tax shift whereby the State withholds State-aid payments but instructs school districts to advance recognize tax revenue to offset the aid withheld. In 2011, the district advance recognized $4,695,754 of tax revenue in the General Fund due to the tax shift prescribed by the State of MN. A corresponding State-aid revenue reduction was recognized, resulting in the change in percentage of revenue.



June 30, June 30, IncreaseFund 2012 2011 (Decrease) Percent

Local Sources: Property Taxes $12,257,658 $16,845,508 ($4,587,850) ‐27.23% Earnings on Investments $2,040 $13,843 ($11,803) ‐85.26% Other $1,004,805 $946,095 $58,710 6.21%State Sources $49,714,235 $43,122,773 $6,591,462 15.29%Federal Sources $1,946,676 $2,800,308 ($853,632) ‐30.48%Total General Fund Revenue $64,925,414 $63,728,527 $1,196,887 1.88%

The large decrease in taxes in 2012 compared to 2011 is not due to a large levy decrease, but rather relates primarily to the tax shift whereby the State withholds state aid

payments but instructs school districts to advance recognize tax revenue to offset the aid withheld. In 2011, the District advance recognized $4,695,754 of tax revenue in the

General Fund due ot the tax shift prescribed by the State of MN. A corresponding state aid revenue reduction was recognized, resulting in the change in percentage of revenue.


Salaries 35,387,522$ 36,073,407$ (685,885)$ ‐2%Employee Benefits 14,498,199$ 15,057,337$ (559,138)$ ‐3.71%Purchased Services 6,489,560$ 6,471,986$ 17,574$ 0.27%Supplies & Materials 2,363,932$ 1,775,243$ 588,689$ 33.16%Capital Expenditures 2,072,300$ 1,490,151$ 582,149$ 39.07%Other Expenditures 124,459$ 135,831$ (11,372)$ ‐8.37%

Total Expenditures 60,935,972$ 61,003,955$ (67,983)$ ‐0.11%

Year Ended Change

58% Salaries

24% Benefits

11% Purchased

Services

4% Instructional

Supplies3%

Capital Expenditures

Expenditure by ObjectGeneral Fund

Revenue by SourceGeneral Fund

77%State

Sources

19%Property

Taxes

1% Other Local

Revenue

3% Federal Sources

www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us

Our mission is to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of an ever-changing community. We are innovative, environmentally focused and wise stewards of our resources.

Pictured (left to right) 2013 School Board: Chad Rittenour, Lee Shimek, Tom Anderson, Todd Sorensen, Stacey Ruelle, Richard Wolf, Dan White and Superintendent Dr. Sue Ann Gruver

On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to thank the community for its continued support. Our students are building on their successes and, through community input, we continue to study and implement new programs that will benefit our E-12 population.

Our Strategic Plan has guided our vision since 2009 and will continue to be our focus into the future.

We hope you will find this Annual Report helpful and see the many ways our staff and students are carrying forth the Mission and Strategic Directions our community has helped shape.

Prior Lake-Savage Area SchoolsBoard of Education

Strategic Directions• Increasing measurable student growth and achievement

• Continue financial accountability to community while using available resources to educate students and maintain class-size targets

• Expand innovative programming to meet family needs

• Expand and embed environmental focus across the district

• Integrate technology for teaching and communications; increasing capacity to set standards for all learners using 21st Century skills

• Engage parents, families and community to strengthen a culture of respect and inclusion

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 30Prior Lake, MN

Documents

2011-12 Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Annual Report to the Community