Dr. Josh Swanson, Superintendent, and Dr. Stacie Stanley, Associate Superintendent, of Eden Prairie Schools
On August 4, Dr. Josh Swanson, the Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools, joined by the Associate Superintendent, Dr. Stacie Stanley, informed the Eden Prairie AM Rotarians about the school district's plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year and COVID-19. Dr. Swanson and Dr, Stanley emphasized their goal of having kids back in school by August 31st whether it is online learning, in-person, or a hybrid system to continue to work towards the Eden Prairie Schools' mission of Inspiring Each Student Every Day. Dr. Swanson explained to the Rotarians of the success that Eden Prairie had with online learning this last spring. Surveys were sent out in June to families, and the results showed a parent approval rating 98%, top at state and districts. When asked about distance learning and experiences, Eden Prairie also reported the highest amount of positive experiences. The amazing results are due to the outstanding relationships and outreach by teachers who continued to connect and work with kids through video conferences with small groups and individuals.
Dr. Swanson told the Rotarians of how the current Eagle Zone School Age Care is working under a hybrid system while following the public health recommendations, with kids going to school a couple of days and staying at home for a few days. The school district leaders have gained more experience planning on how to make hybrid learning work safely and ensure the students have great experiences. Dr. Swanson expects switches between in person, online, and hybrid learning throughout the school year. Lastly, with data inputs from parents, principals, and teachers the teams are working on finalizing the best possible plan.
a Rotary member since 1985.
Dr. Stanley spoke about COVID and educational preparedness. Eden Prairie Schools is looking through ways to deliver meals and implement screening procedures for students. Teachers will also be required to report their temperature. Dr. Stanley discussed plans to limit interaction with students, by having some teachers, such as art and music teachers, move to homerooms. Eden Prairie Schools is working making sure they will be able to trace any possible cases of COVID-19. Dr. Stanley announced the new EP Online program for classes designed specifically to be online. This option is catered for families that have concerns over living in multigenerational households or kids with underlying health concerns. There are over 200 students already registered and over 1300 families that have expressed interest. EP Online is a choice for families uncomfortable with in person learning and serves as a reassurance that families will not have to go anywhere else.Dr. Stanley also recounted the successful and joyous graduation for the EPHS class of 2020 on July 31st. It was a no contact graduation where all attendees were socially distanced. There were 9 graduations each with 78-80 graduates at a time. Eden Prairie successfully sent off the graduates of the class of 2020.
Announcements
Jane McGinty announced the start of a PROP Shop donation drive as the first community service project of the rotary year. She encouraged the EP AM Rotarians to please consider donating. The Prop Shop is in need of gently used or new: pots and pans, silverware, bed pillows, blankets and bed sheets, towels, kids clothing, tennis shoes, mittens, winter coats, new socks and underwear (all sizes).
Kim Ross, an EP Noon Rotarian, invited the EP AM Rotarians to join their August 13th meeting. The speaker will be John Thomas, a Timberwolves executive who recently wrote an article for Sports Illustrated about racial justice and some of the things going on in our community. She will send an email to our club with the zoom link.
Jason Heintz, Store Leader/ Partner of Eden Prairie Scheels, was named an Honorary Paul Harris Fellow.
Spotlight on Rod Anderson
Rod grew up in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the University of Minnesota and his Masters in divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Rod spent three years as an associate pastor in Mount Carmel Lutheran Church in northeastern Minnesota. In 1977, Rod came to Eden Prairie and was a pastor at the St. Timothy Lutheran Church for 34 years. Rod has been doing ministry at assisted living and memory care residences. For the last 21 weeks, Rod has been doing his ministry virtually, making 9 to 5 phone calls each Sunday. He sends some compassionate care and some words for the day. Rod has been