The October 24th meeting was our Vocational Day at Edina High School. Here are fellow rotarians enjoying lunch.
President Josh Sprague opened the meeting taking place as the Vocational Day at the Edina High School, praising the “Number Club in the Universe” and greeting guest Gene Andersen. Josh then told us that this day was the World’s Polio Day and reminded us about the contribution of Rotary to help reach the goal of a polio-free world.
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Sharon Chandler and Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson announced that instead of the November 14 Rotary meeting the members are invited to the Monday, November 11 Veteran’s Day Luncheon at ECC. Registration is needed, and guests are free.
Michael Stanzak talked about the planned assembly of Thanksgiving baskets on November 27th. Members can tell Michael or Mary Hustad if they know of a family in need.
Royce Pavelka likes everybody to bring guests to the prospective Member Day on October 31.
The day’s volunteers: San Asato and Mary Younggren were the friendly greeters Becci Michalski with Jake Johnson effiently handled the front desk. Royce Pavelka solemnly did the Invocation, Pledge and Four-Way Test. Rick Carlson was the busy photographer
David Aase with kind words thanked the speaker.
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Royce Pavelka introduced our speaker Edina High School Principal Andrew Beaton.
Mr. Beaton briefly talked about his experience as social study teacher in Robbinsdale and his position as principal at the high schools in Columbia Heights and Bloomington. He found different challenges in different high schools. He told the large high school in Edina he is entrusted with has presently 2750 students and 200 employees. He had conversations with the families of students, and this helped to frame his goals. His emphasis is on a culture with excellence in academics, athletics and the arts with an active presence in the community. He included our Rotary Club as part of this community. He stressed that budget cuts make administration difficult but learned “to cut forward”, meaning to use reductions to make the school stronger.
The principal sees the goal of EHS in producing future leaders with the capacity to tackle problems and answer questions around the globe. He tries to stimulate progress in engaging students. The large spaces of the school are used in flexible ways, either as shared rooms where teachers share students, or the space can be divided into single classrooms. Personalized learning means that teachers try to figure out how a student learns best. Barriers are analyzed and support is offered such as mentors or help with mental health. The goal is not to lose potential! New ideas are tried out, reviewed, and adjustments are made. Andrew Beaton is happy to be a part of the National Consortium of high performing schools of the USA that holds yearly meetings where leadership issues are discussed.
In closing, Josh introduced Kathryn Rendleman, Executive Director of the Edina Education Fund. She introduced us to student leader groups that the education fund supports. We met a lineup of these students. Two students received a few Rotary members and lead them through key areas of the school.
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Our leaders were young Evelyn, a former French Immersion student and Madeline, a gymnast.
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They led us first to the Computer Lab that is used for computer support or quiet study. We then saw a room with the title “Project Lead The Way” or PLTW loaded with engineering projects including a wind tunnel for space research. Next was the English Classroom with a huge open space and subdivided classrooms. At last we were led to the bright cafeteria with a view on the colorful fall leaves. What a large undertaking, this high school! It almost feels like visiting another city inside Edina.
Paul Mooty checking out the EHS bling!
Kathryn Rendleman, Executive Director of the Edina Education Fund