The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide $5 million in grants to help schools create or strengthen farm to school programs this school year. Administered by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, these annual, competitive grants will help increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals. Awards this year will range from $20,000 to $100,000 in four different grant categories: Planning, … Read More
October Vacancies Announced for State Boards
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently announced new vacancies for state boards, councils and committees. Citizens in Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply and serve. Application forms are available online and must be submitted by October 24. Education-Related Vacancies Special Education Advisory Panel School Personnel (1 Seat) Powers and Duties: The state is required to establish and maintain an advisory panel … Read More
Teacher’s Innovation Improves Achievement
The teachers that made the greatest impact on Mr. Chris Dobis are the ones that went the extra mile to build a relationship with him – and know him for more than a student. Now, as an educator himself, he strives to have a casual, student-driven classroom where students lead the way and have choices in their learning. Mr. Dobis has had … Read More
New Developments in Concurrent Enrollment Change
MREA applauds Minnesota State for advocating with HLC on the scope of the extension deadline. Minnesota State announced last week in a memo to college presidents that it had engaged with senior HCL staff on the status of teachers who are added to concurrent enrollment agreements after the extension application deadline of Dec. 15, 2016 and prior to the end of the … Read More
A Facility Vision that Really Brings in Community
Matt Grose had a vision and spearheaded a bond referendum that passed with a remarkable 68 percent rate. What was different about this referendum than others the school district had not previously passed? Grose’s community-minded approach. Instead of focusing solely on the enrollment growth straining the elementary school, Deer River Schools Superintendent Grose expanded his vision to include the needs … Read More
A School Video Program Worthy of Replication
There’s a good chance this could go viral. After recognizing a trend in video consumption, leaders at Little Falls Community Schools implemented a program that produced over 250 newscasts and 100 events in the last year. Students, faculty, parents and community members now enjoy high-quality, well-produced events and news from the entire school district. This innovation, collaboration and widespread adoption earned … Read More
MREA Announces 2016 Profiles of Excellence
MREA announced today the 2016 Profiles of Excellence Award recipients honoring the best practices and programs in schools in Greater Minnesota. Little Falls Community Schools received the 2016 Exemplary Award for its Flyer Media Productions video program. Deer River Public Schools earned the 2016 Honorable Mention for its community-minded execution of its bond referendum. “These programs highlight the ingenuity and … Read More
Prepare for QComp Process at Annual Conference
MREA is featuring a new deep-dive workshop at its 2016 Annual Conference, “Making Teaching Matter,” held Nov. 13-15 near Brainerd. Member districts can send teams of at least two individuals to participate in a three-session workshop to prepare their district for its QComp application process. Dive into QComp/ATPPS The “QComp/ATPPS Deep Dive” workshop will be hosted by the Minnesota Department of Education and Education … Read More
MREA Board Applications Due Oct. 19
Just over one week remains until applications are due for the 2017 MREA Board of Directors. Terms for three available seats on the 21-person board begin January 1, 2017. The application deadline is 5 pm, Wednesday, October 19. Apply Now Individuals interested in representing school districts across Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply for these elected positions. Applications must be submitted online and need to include a written Statement … Read More
Teacher Caters to Unique Learning Styles
Mrs. Brenda Whitehead reaches students by appealing to their unique learning style, rather than pushing her own. She regularly incorporates untraditional learning tools like white boards, graphing calculators, smartboards and individual devices into her classroom experience. She recognizes the potential technology offers as a learning tool. She recognizes the struggles students face and encourages all students to reach their potential. “In … Read More