Skip to main content
May 18, 2020

Dear DA STEM 9th and 10th graders and their parents/guardians,

Congratulations on completing spring semester at Normandale in the Dimensions Academy STEM program.  You excelled in your college coursework - during a pandemic and when all instruction was moved online!  Roger and I were very impressed with how hard you worked under these new learning conditions. Additionally, we were thrilled to see how well the Normandale professors adjusted their teaching to online.  We were happy with the level of rigor they were able to maintain.  

Grades:  
I am pleased to announce that everyone in both cohorts earned As and Bs in their college classes this semester.  Normandale is offering their students the opportunity to take their classes pass/fail but my recommendation for you is to take your grade.  There are 2 benefits to taking your grade:  1.  It is doubtful that 4 years from now colleges will give you credit for a Pass, 2.  Your grade will be weighted in your BPS GPA.  If you want to take a P instead, please notify me since I am the one to submit your grades.  

Future courses:
Bloomington Public Schools is still figuring out our plan for the fall but it is important to note that Normandale has already decided that they will be online next fall in order to ensure public safety and public health.  The University of MN has not disclosed their plan for the fall.  All of you took classes at BPS and at NCC this spring.  Take a moment to reflect on what you liked and disliked about this experience.  How did it push you as a learner?  What challenges did it give you? Now think about next fall.  If you are a rising 10th grader and you do not want to take your STEM classes at NCC online please contact me as soon as possible so we can find you a spot at KHS/JHS.  If you are a rising 11th grader and applied to go PSEO next year, think about your experience at Normandale this spring when deciding how to register.  

Returning books:
Both Kennedy and Jefferson are having times where students can drop off their library books and textbooks this spring.  I have asked that there be a DA section at both schools so that students can turn in their NCC textbooks there and then I can return them to NCC for you.  When you return your DA textbooks please label them DA, with your name and with my name so that they don’t end up lost in the sea of returned books.  

Thank you for not giving up on learning or on yourselves this spring!  I look forward to continuing to work with you.  Enjoy your summer!

Sincerely,

Meredith

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Information about our GT programs for BPS

  BPS Families, Bloomington Public Schools offers a variety of gifted and talented programs and services for students at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. Learn more about our programs on the  district website .  Please join us for an informational meeting about program application and deadlines for the 2021-22 school year.  Tuesday, September 29 - Elementary GT Programs Informational Mtg. Elements (Grades 2&3) & Dimensions Academy (Grades 4&5) 6:30-7:30p.m. Join virtually @  meet.google.com/xbx-kxhh-qnx Monday, October 5 - Middle School GT Programs Informational Mtg. Dimensions Academy 6:00-6:45p.m. Join virtually:  meet.google.com/mmg-dgyh-gva Nobel 7:00-7:45p.m. Join virtually:  meet.google.com/qjf-djep-fbk Tuesday, October 6 - Kennedy High School GT Nobel Program Info. Mtg. Nobel 7:00-8:00p.m. Join virtually: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/82644102118?pwd= RkozYXcxWHJTQStqeUdjNEVQMjU5UT 09 Information meetings for Dimens...
  The Bloomington Public Schools Gifted and Talented Department presents PARENT & STUDENT WORKSHOP April 7 8:45-11:30 a.m. Oak Grove MS Media Center 9-10a.m. GT middle school counselor and elementary social workers will introduce the science of calm to adults and students. Through breathing, visualizations and poses, we can learn essential self regulation techniques which lead to happier, healthier and more productive lives. 10:00-11:30 Then, students will join GT staff in a makerspace lab while parents attend a second session with Dr. Teresa Boatman: Through understanding the gifted brain, including executive functioning development and intensity, parents can help support their gifted learners through the journey of childhood. Discuss with psychologist, who specializes in gifted learners, the brain development and social-emotional constructs that interweave with the intellectual capability of the gifted child. THE CHARACTER CHALLENGE: NURTURING RESILIENCE ...

New GT Coordinator

I wanted to take this time to tell you that I have stepped down as the high school gifted and talented coordinator for next fall. I have worked with the GT dept since 2012 and I have loved growing as a teacher by working with this departement, GT students and their families. I am really excited that I was a part of expanding our program to both high schools and to junior year. This pandemic has been hard on all of us and I have decided to return to the classroom full time next year. I will continue to teach the DA 9 and 10 social studies classes at Kennedy. Your students will be in great hands! Lisa Kiner, who is a DA teacher at OGMS, will be our new high school GT coordinator. She has a lot of experience as a teacher and as a parent which will help her serve our students well! Please welcome Lisa in the fall into this new role. I will just be an email away so please always feel like you can reach out! I hope your school year is wrapping up well and that you'll have a...