Newsletters (NWSISD) NWSISD newsletter - November 2013 | Page 4

2013 STEP-UP Boys Summer Summit Afternoons included an “art” scavenger hunt through downtown Minneapolis as well as organized pick-up games of basketball and soccer at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Students spent an entire day at Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie. Team Quest challenged them The STEP-UP Boys Summer Summit for eighth grade boys was held June physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally - on a set of high and 17-21 at the University of St. low ropes courses. Students Thomas Minneapolis Campus. The needed to rely on, communicate week-long Summit focused on four with, and support each other key educational concepts: through a series of endeavors. Aspirations, Expectations, Opportunities, and Achievement. Each day began with a keynote speaker that stressed the importance of education as a way of maintaining control over one’s future. This year’s speakers were from the Twin Cities business, education, and sports communities. Students attended morning classroom sessions which focused on introspection; learning how culture shapes expectations; goal setting for high school; and creating plans to accomplish those goals. “The food was good, but the lessons were sweeter.” “Keep on working hard, don’t give up!” “Do what you’ve got to do to be a real leader!” Three strong messages heard by students as they worked their way throughout the day and the week! NWS Schools in the News! • Kate Maguire of Osseo named Superintendent of the Year • Learning for today, preparing for tomorrow • Anoka-Hennepin superintendent learns life lessons from kids • Rockford’s 5th-graders move to middle school campus fall of 2014 • TEDx Event Spreading Great Ideas, Stories Comes to Fridley • A new leader at Brooklyn Center High School • Blaine High School students earn national recognition • Independent film confronts immigrant bullying in schools The STEP-UP Boys Mentorship Program helps promote student achievement. The week-long Summer Summit is intended to prepare students leaving eighth grade for the increased rigor they will encounter in high school. Summit students receive additional guidance and participate in mentorship activities throughout their high school careers. Recent events for STEP-UP students included 11th graders attending the Minneapolis college fair, college tour of St. Cloud State University for 10th graders, and a college visit to Anoka Technical College for 9th graders. NWSISD Program and Contact Information Dorothy Bialke - Executive Director 763-450-1307 [email protected] Ayenna Davis Multicultural Educational Specialist 763-450-1331 [email protected] Theresa Starkman Education Services Coordinator 763-450-1306 [email protected] Candace Whittaker Family/Community Empowerment Specialist 763-450-1336 [email protected] Krisanthy Sikkila Communications/Magnet Specialist 763-450-1303 [email protected] www.nws.k12.mn.us 763-450-1300