April 4, 2016










Monthly Newsletter










Issue 6 

Superintendent Stender Says Farewell 
Dear Community Members,
 
It has been a  privilege  to serve as your superintendent of Virginia Public Schools.   I have been honored to work with such a great group of dedicated parents, community members, administrators, teachers, and support staff.  Your commitment to our students and your passion for education has moved this district forward with positive results.  I will continue to support our students, staff, and parents through the remainder of my time (June 30, 2016).

Our accomplishments over the past four years have been tremendous - from the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan to the establishment of the Professional Development Summit, multi-millions saved by restructuring health insurance coverages, to the building of a state-of-the-art early childhood facility that did not create a tax burden on residents.  

Much of what we accomplished wasn't easy, but  the long-term benefits are clear.  The students' levels of achievement have risen every year.  We've developed a comprehensive technology plan, putting devices in the hands of every student, replacing most traditional textbooks with digital ones, and creating technologically integrated classrooms to enhance student learning.   Additionally, t his fall will mark the beginning of an innovative early childhood program that will prepare students for school and help sustain enrollment in Virginia schools.

These accomplishments are something we can all be proud of.  My hope for all of you is that you will continue to work together, for the best interest of all students, as you tackle the coming challenges.   I wish you all the very best in the future.
  
Yours In Education,

Deron Stender, Superintendent
MCA State Testing Begins This Month

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the "Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are state tests in reading, mathematics, and science that are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests are administered every year to measure student performance relative to the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in a particular grade should know and be able to do."

Additionally the Minnesota Department of Education documentation shows, "All students in public schools are required to participate in the  statewide assessment program. Reading and mathematics tests are administered in grades 3-8 and high school (students in grade 10 take the Reading MCA, and students in grade 11 take the Mathematics MCA). The Science MCA is administered to students in grades 5 and 8 and in the high school grade when students take a life science or biology course. With very few exceptions, all public school students in the above grades take the MCA."

Visit the links below for additional information about MCA testing:
Please contact your student's principal if you have any questions at 218-749-5437.
Students and Staff Trained in CPR, AED, and Seizures 

The Virginia Public School District is committed to the safety and health of our students. 
The District has developed a number of training opportunities through the collaborative efforts of our school nurses, administration, teachers, staff, and community organizations.

Last year  30 staff and 4 students were trained in CPR/AED. Misty Elliot, school nurse, said, "We are planning another CPR/AED training this May at which time we will train and certify 40 staff members including coaches, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, secretaries, teaching staff, and administration. This training is funded primarily by our annual fall 5K Fun Run."  

The District owns six AED (automated external defibrillator) units located in all schools and the Miners Memorial Building.  An AED is a computerized medical device that can check a person's heart rhythm and recognize a rhythm that requires a shock.   AEDs  are very accurate and easy to use.  With a few hours of training, most can learn to operate an  AED  safely. 

All of our schools have e arned "Seizure Smart School Distinction"  from the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.   This training brings students, teachers, school nurses, staff and families together to foster an understanding of epilepsy in schools and teach seizure first aid.  Schools and families work together with EFMN to alleviate stigma around seizures in classrooms and in the community.  One in ten people will have a seizure at some point in their lifetime.
 
For more information, please call the nurse's office at 218-749-5437.
 Four Year Old Program Kick-Off
The Virginia School District is kicking off its innovative four-year-old early childhood program this fall.  The district made an investment in our children's future with the development of this unique social and educational opportunity housed in our new state-of-the-art addition at the Parkview Learning Center.  

Preliminary program options are:
  • Virginia School District Four-Year-Old Program (open to all students)
    • 4 days per week all day (Monday - Thursday)
    • 2 days per week all day (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday)
  • Head Start Program (for qualifying students)
    • 4 days per week all day (Monday - Thursday)
(Friday session can be added to any of the above options based on a sliding scale)

Bus transportation is available through the district's school bus routes.  Please visit our website for program updates or for more information, contact the school at 218-742-3801.

Parkview Learning Center Construction Update
One of eight new Early Childhood classrooms at Parkview Learning Center.

Construction at Parkview Learning Center is ahead of schedule and under-budget.   The building addition houses eight new pre-school classrooms with each one having their own child size bathroom facility.  

For more information, please call Superintendent Stender at 218-749-5437.
Just a reminder, you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Virginia Public Schools. Don't forget to add vmpsnewsletter@vmps.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox. Thank you for supporting Virginia Public Schools.