Volume 1 | February 23, 2019
Trailblazer Tribune
Venture's Mission: To build Entrepreneurs by developing the independence, scholarship and leadership of young people.
Leadership Clarification at Venture
Dear Venture Families,

On January 16th, the Venture Academy Board of Directors voted to name me the Interim Head of School at Venture Academy. I am excited to have this position and, having worked with many of you for many years, I believe we can become a stronger, healthier and more supportive community for our Trailblazers. This change reflects the work that has been going on for the past 6 months, and other members of the leadership team have taken on new or clarified roles within our organization. Kerry Muse is the Director of Instruction and will be focused on developing our systems of academic support and math curriculum for the future. Jon Bacal is the Director of External Affairs and is focused on fundraising, student leadership and developing partnerships to benefit Venture for years to come. We are all excited and enthusiastic about our positions. We see these changes as an evolution of our natural progress.

The Board will post for a permanent executive leader soon, and I plan to apply. I am excited to work with you all to build a great school!

Sincerely,
Michael Warner
Interim Head of School
Upcoming Dates - Mark Your Calendars!

  • Parent Association Meeting - Sat, 3/9, 10 a.m.
  • HS Saturday School - Sat, 3/9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Board Meeting - Wed, 2/27, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • School Safety Week - Week of 2/25
  • Junior Boot Camp - Sat, 3/2 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Rising Freshman Night - Thursday, 3/7 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • End of Trimester 2 - Thursday, 3/14
  • Showcase - Thursday, 3/14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Black History Night - Thursday, 4/11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Venture High Saturday School Sessions
We will be hosting Saturday School Sessions to allow high school students to complete make-up work and recover seat time. The dates are March 9th, April 13th, April 27th, May 11th, May 25th and June 1st.

Trailblazer Spotlight - The Youth in Government Team
Youth in Government Model Assembly is a 60-year-old YMCA program that gives young people in grades 8-12 real-world, hands-on experience participating, advocating and leading a realistic simulation of Minnesota state government as legislators, judges, and lobbyists. The entirely student-run program develops teamwork, public speaking, research and other leadership skills. For 4 days/3 nights in early January, 37 Venture students participated in the program at the Minneapolis Hilton and the Minnesota State Capitol. Venture has the largest Minneapolis team and Venture students are awarded over $10,000 annually in program scholarships. We expect an even larger team at Model United Nations (grades 7-12) on March 28-30. Led by Coach Laura Anderson, required weekly practices after school every Monday Please contact Laura ( landerson@ventureacademies.org ) or Jon Bacal ( jbacal@ventureacademies.org ) for more information. Don't miss this opportunity!
Staff Spotlight - Mr. H
Travis Heidelberg is a founding staff member at Venture Academy. A Minneapolis native, he began working with students in special education in the fall of our founding year, 2013. Since then, Travis has earned his BA from North Dakota State University and is working on his master's degree. Travis is Venture's Dean of Students. He works with students to build a positive community at school and make sure students have what they need to be successful. Mr. H lives in St. Paul with his wife, Katherine, Son Kai and daughter Aurelia.
Planning For Success
Venture Academy's Strategic Framework for 2020
Annual Meeting
On May 22nd, Venture Academy will hold its annual meeting. We will be presenting our strategic plan for the future of our school at this meeting.
Make Your Voice Heard!
The voice of our parents and families is critical to our development of a great plan. The focus of our Parent Association Meetings will be on developing our strategic plan, and we want YOU!

We will also have ways of getting your input through surveys and at our whole school events such as Showcase!
JOBS! - We Are Hiring
Join Our Team