LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC EDUCATION PAGE 4
Blaine High School
sophomore Aliyah Sahal
earns national computer
science recognition
A Blaine High School
(BHS) sophomore is
one of 10 students from
Minnesota to be nationally
recognized for their
work in computer science
by the National Center for
Women and Information
Technology (NCWIT).
Aliyah Sahal, who is a student in the BHS
Center for Engineering, Mathematics and
Science (CEMS) program, along with the nine
other Minnesota students, were selected from
a pool of 4,700 applicants to earn national
honorable mention status by NCWIT.
“Award recipients are selected based on
their aptitude and aspirations in technology
and computing, as demonstrated by their
computing experience, computing-related
activities, leadership experience, tenacity in
the face of barriers to access, and plans for
post-secondary education,” said the NCWIT
in a press release.
Prizes and rewards for her and the other
Minnesota recipients include media recognition,
job shadow experiences and access to
internship opportunities offered by MNAiC
sponsors, NCWIT and MNAiC swag, and
more.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more
than 1,100 universities, companies, non-profits,
and government organizations nationwide
working to increase girls’ and women’s meaningful
participation in computing. MNAiC
seeks to inspire, engage, and empower
young women in grades 9-12 to pursue
technology education and career paths. n
Oak View Middle School
student wins creative
writing award
Sixth-grade students
at Oak View Middle
School (OVMS) in
Andover have the
opportunity to work
with published authors
on writing poetry. The
authors visit English
classes at OVMS as
guest teachers for a
week to help inspire students to find their
voice through poetry.
This program is called COMPAS, and
for over 50 years, they have been helping
spark creativity in the community by helping
students, teachers, older adults, hospital
patients and teens through various forms
of art.
Rhett LeBeau, a now seventh-grade student
at OVMS, took part in this program
as a sixth-grader, and after coming up with
a unique poem, he was awarded for his
writing. LeBeau received the Lillian Wright
Award for Creative Writing for his poem
titled: Pluto to Jupiter.
Along with the award, LeBeau’s poem was
chosen to be published in the COMPAS
Anthology of Student Writing. n
Hamilton, Morris Bye and Monroe share “Beat
the odds” strategies with Minnesota Senate
What can be learned from elementary schools in Coon
Rapids and Brooklyn Park that can impact learning for
students across Minnesota?
Principals from Hamilton, Morris Bye and Monroe
elementary schools were invited to share strategies that
“beat the odds” on academic performance at hearing of
the Minnesota Senate Education Committee in February.
The Anoka-Hennepin education leaders joined
ten other elementary schools from across the state
that highlighted “best practice” solutions to outpace
expectations for student achievement based on factors
such as free and reduced lunch, special education,
english learners and demographic considerations.
Anoka-Hennepin highlighted a strong focus on
research-based core curriculum, a system of aligned
interventions to lift struggling students and a culture
of coaching and collaboration to support teachers.
Principals Missy Monson, formerly at Hamilton and
currently at Oxbow Creek, Janel Wahlin of Morris Bye
and Amy Oliver from Monroe joined Superintendent
David Law in the presentation.
Anoka High School (AHS) art
teacher Kevan Nitzberg was
planning to cap off a nearly
50-year teaching career this spring
with recognition at the National
Art Education Association (NAEA)
annual national conference here in
Minnesota, by receiving an award
for the work he’s done on behalf of the Minnesota
chapter of the association.
Nitzberg was to receive national honorable
mention in the newsletter award category II at the
convention, which was ultimately canceled due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a good feeling and a nice way to be
honored,” he said. “It’s a very nice recognition of a
lot of work that goes into (the newsletter).”
Nitzberg has been part of the Art Educators of
Minnesota (AEM), the state chapter of the NAEA,
since 1994, and has served a wide range of roles for
the professional organization, including president.
Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School work
experience coordinator Patricia Halsey, and Adult
Basic Education math teacher Amber Delliger were
among the 36 semifinalists named in the Minnesota
Teacher of the Year award.
For Halsey, being named a semifinalist shines a
light upon the hard work of all Anoka-Hennepin staff
members — not just her. “I am deeply honored to
know that students, parents, staff, and members
of the community felt me worthy for the 2020
Minnesota Teacher of the Year program,” she said.
“But because receiving honors and awards are so
rare, this recognition belongs to all of us educating
our students in Anoka-Hennepin.”
Delliger said she was surprised when she heard
the news. “I am honestly humbled and honored to
represent the amazing Anoka-Hennepin (adult basic
education) teachers, staff, and learners,” she said. “I
have the best job in the world and I am excited to
go to work every single day.”
In January, it was announced that seven Anoka-
Hennepin teachers were among the 134 state-wide
Superintendent David Law was joined by principals
Missy Monson, Janel Wahlin and Amy Oliver at a
Minnesota State Senate hearing.
The strategies shared with the committee
are in operation at all 26 Anoka-Hennepin
elementary schools and have led to positive
results. Anoka-Hennepin has experienced seven
consecutive years of increased or maintained
performance in reading proficiency, one of
the only districts in Minnesota to hold this
distinction. n
Anoka High School teacher Kevan Nitzberg
recognized by national art education association
But for more than 20 years, he’s been the group’s
newsletter editor. The newsletter is published three
times a year, he said, and includes information about
teacher lessons, what’s happening at local, state and
national events, updates on the Minnesota Scholastic
Art Awards and Minnesota State High School League
events, and even tidbits about local artists.
Nitzberg, who is in his 49th year teaching,
including 24 in the Anoka-Hennepin School District,
is retiring at the end of this school year. “I don’t
know where the time’s gone,” he said. “But it’s been
a joy teaching — it’s all about the kids and they
really make the difference.”
In retirement, Nitzberg plans to dive back into his
own artistry, using his home art studio a bit more
to paint. He’s also going to continue his role with
AEM, as well as the state high school league and
Scholastic art awards.
“Art education is so important,” he said. “I don’t
think I can walk away from it. But I will be going back
to my painting.” n
Two Anoka-Hennepin educators
named semifinalists for Minnesota
Teacher of the Year
candidates for the award, which is organized by
Education Minnesota, a 70,000-member educators
union. Candidates include pre-kindergarten through
12th-grade and Adult Basic Education teachers, from
public and private schools.
In addition to Halsey and Delliger, this year’s other
candidates for the award included:
• Heather Birklid, seventh-grade science, Anoka
Middle School for the Arts.
• Teresa Dwyer, fifth-grade, Rum River Elementary
School.
• Stephanie Gwin, eighth-grade English, Jackson
Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and
Science.
• Amy Quinn, media specialist, Lincoln Elementary
School for the Arts.
• Andrea Whitcomb, music, Lincoln Elementary
School for the Arts.
Blaine High School (BHS) science teacher Timothy
Riordan was one of nine finalists for the award in
2019. n