Kingsland School Board receives National Certification

By Barb Jeffers
barb@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Nov 23rd, 2012
Posted in Spring Valley Education

Comments

Thor Misko, Vice President of Engagement of Project Lead the Way, presented Kingsland with one of three banners. Photo by Barb Jeffers

By Barb Jeffers

Kingsland School Board held its regular school board meeting on Monday, November 19, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Kingsland school cafeteria, as a larger crowd than normal was expected to attend. Following the regular meeting, a presentation was held on Project Lead The Way. All school board members were present as well as Superintendent McDonald. There were several special guests at the school board meeting including Representative Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the consent agenda items including November 2012 bills, policy review, and policy adoption. A public thank you was given to IBM for a donation of three thousand dollars for the Robotics team competition. A second thank you was given to the VFW for a donation of two hundred dollars to be used for educational purposes as the district sees fit.

Two representatives from the FFA gave the report for the group. The school board committees reported on their recent meetings. The second reading of job descriptions was approved. A request for maternity leave by a staff member was approved. The hiring of seven individuals was approved.

Many individuals were on hand to celebrate the fact that Kingsland school district has received national certification in three different areas of Science and Engineering. The three areas are Gateway to Technology, Pathway to Engineering, and Biomedical Science. Kingsland is the first school in the state to be certified in three areas and the only school in the state to be certified in biomedical science.

Superintendent McDonald stated that “all teachers have stepped up” and worked hard and added that they have “done a great job” with Project Lead The Way. Principal Hecimovich spoke next saying that he is extremely proud of everyone involved with Project Lead The Way. Hecimovich went on to say that he is “proud of the direction we have taken as a district.”

Sue Kolling, of the Spring Valley Area Foundation, who was a driving force behind Project Lead The Way in Kingsland explained how students “receive national college credits right here at Kingsland,” she said. Kingsland is also bringing Mayo Clinic into the classroom by working with April Horne, Section Head of Mayo Clinic Engineering. Ms. Horne stated that Kingsland and Project Lead The Way are “transforming education.” Minnesota Project Lead The Way Director, James Mecklenburg, thanked teachers for the work they have done and stated that Project Lead The Way is “right for the students.”

Another partnership is between Kingsland and Riverland Technical College which broadens benefits for students active in Project Lead The Way. Sonja McNamara, Project Lead The Way Director of School Engagement, addressed the audience and congratulated the students, staff, and community on their accomplishment. Project Lead The Way Vice-President of Engagement Thor Misko, said that what he has seen in Kingsland is “phenomenal” and added that “the work we are doing is imperative” to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. Superintendent McDonald concluded the certification presentation and announced that Principal Hecimovich would be giving tours of classrooms.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 17, 2012, in the district conference room.

No Comments Yet. Be the first to comment!