November 2024

"Joell Tvedt Receives State Award"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is thrilled to announce Joell Tvedt, Community Education Director for Pequot Lakes, as the recipient of the 2024 State Community Educator of Excellence Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovative spirit within Minnesota's community education landscape.

Joell Tvedt's journey into community education began 14 years ago when she started in Ogilvie in a part-time role that quickly grew in scope. Her enthusiasm and dedication led her to become a full-time coordinator with Cambridge-Isanti Schools, where she deeply engaged with MCEA, serving in various capacities, including as a member of the MCEA Marketing Committee and co-chairing the RALLI committee.

This is Joell’s fourth year as the Pequot Lakes Community Education Director.  Joell's impact extends far beyond her official duties. She actively participates in local organizations, from the Crosslake and Pequot Lakes Chambers to the Pequot Lakes Library, where she continuously works to create meaningful and diverse programming for her community. Her commitment to fostering connections and providing creative, purposeful opportunities is reflected in the high regard she holds within the community.

"Joell embodies everything this award represents," said Kurt Stumpf, Pequot Lakes Superintendent. "Her passion and commitment to the field of Community Education are unparalleled. In over 20 years in education, I have never met someone with such unwavering dedication."

The MCEA State Community Educator of Excellence Award celebrates leaders who bring outstanding contributions to the field, elevating the role of community education throughout Minnesota.  Joell’s commitment and vibrant vision for community engagement serve as a beacon for fellow educators and the communities they serve.

Pictured:  Joell Tvedt with Matt Dickhausen,

Minnesota Community Education Association Executive Director, at the award ceremony on October 24, 2024.

October 2024

"School Staff of the Year Award"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School District continues to partner with the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce to recognize a staff member for the “Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award.”

The award criteria includes:  The nominee of the Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award is someone who radiates positivity and promotes Patriot Pride. The nominee also helps make Pequot Lakes School District a successful place for students, other staff, and the community through acts of service. Nominees must be employed by the Pequot Lakes School District.

The past winners of the award include Joanna O’Neil (2024) and Nancy Ryan (2023). 

The award winner will be recognized at the Excellence in Service Awards on February 6, 2025, at Breezy Point Resort. This event is a banquet and awards ceremony held to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to our community.  The other Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce awards that will be presented on February 6, 2025, include Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Business of the Year.

Visit the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce website (https://pequotlakes.com/) for more information and to nominate a staff member for the 2025 Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year Award

October 2024

“Facility Planning Feedback Sessions"

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School Board is seeking input from school staff, parents/guardians, and community members on the past November 2023 facility referendum, suggested facility modifications based upon the Morris Leatherman community survey, and thoughts on the next steps.  This feedback will be extremely important in deciding a plan for the future.

 

The meeting dates and times for parents/guardians and community members are listed below.  Each session is scheduled for 45 minutes.

Please email Kurt Stumpf, Pequot Lakes Superintendent, at kstumpf@isd186.org to register for one of the sessions.  Both in-person meetings will take place in the MS/HS Media Center.   The online virtual meetings will utilize Google Meet as the technology platform.          

 

In-Person Meetings: 

Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m.

Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m.

Online Virtual Meetings:

Sunday, October 13 at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m.

 

 

September 2024

“A Place to Connect, Learn, & Thrive” - Gratitude

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

Gratitude.  There is so much to be grateful for in our school community as Pequot Lakes Public Schools begins the 2024-2025 school year.  

 

Dedicated Staff - It’s great to be back and see the connections and positive impact our staff makes in the lives of students each and every day.  From teaching reading to discussing weekend plans to helping navigate peer issues and everything in between, our staff continues to go above and beyond.  

 

As of the start of the school year, every school district position was filled.  The staff retention rate from September 2023 to September 2024 was 93.3%, compared to 94% from September 2022 to September 2023.

     

Caring Students - Randomly surveyed high school students used the following words to describe other students - kind, very good, respectable, helpful, and welcoming.  

 

The student who made the “welcoming” comment came to Pequot Lakes Middle School as a 7th grader from a neighboring school district.  She is now a junior.  She shared stories of being welcomed to a lunch table and peer group from day one and that kindness has carried through into high school.  She shared a story from earlier in the week during a peer editing assignment in English/language arts class where students gave both constructive and kind feedback.

 

A 9th-grade boy used the word “kind” to describe Pequot Lakes students after transferring in middle school from a school in the twin cities.  He said, “Kids are just nicer here” and had positive reviews about the academics.    

 

Committed Families - As evidenced by a high turnout on Open House nights, high student participation rates in athletics and activities, long lines of parent pick-up, and many parents volunteering in organizations that support students and their activities, there is a commitment level from families that is unmatched.  

 

Supportive Community - Finally, our community continues to provide students and staff with opportunities and the tools for success.  From the PTA supporting various activities throughout the school year to the Ideal Community Service Organization and area Lions clubs supporting many student initiatives, these are just a few examples of the supportive community and the benefits.

 

On behalf of our students and staff, thank you.

September 2024

“A Place to Connect, Learn, & Thrive” - Strategic Plan

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The new commitment statement and strategic plan were adopted last school year.  As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, the school board and district staff are having an intentional focus on the priorities outlined in the plan.  Below are some highlights:

 

Strategic Plan Goal:  Meet with all new students after the first month of attending Pequot Lakes Schools in every school year.  

What’s new?  There are more than 100 new students in the district in grades 1-12 this school year.  School administration, including counselors, social workers, and principals will make sure to connect with each of them individually to ensure a smooth transition.  

 

Strategic Plan Goal:  Evaluate, research, and implement strategies to enhance safety and security every year. 

What’s new?  There have been multiple safety enhancements implemented this school year, including: (1) Limited morning accessibility to buildings on school days; (2) Clarifying visitor protocols; (3) Video intercom system for office entrances; (4) More cameras; (5) Middle school & high school door sensors; and (6) Oak Street sidewalk addition. 

 

Strategic Plan Goal:  Every student in grades 6-12 will be involved in at least one school or community activity.

What’s new?  The school board unanimously voted to approve Debate and Esports for one-year provisional seasons.  Debate will be open for 9-12 grade students with registration to begin in September.  Esports will be open to students in grades 7-12 and start in November.  

 

Strategic Plan Goal:  At least 70% of students in grade 3 will meet or exceed standards on the MCA III reading assessment.  

What’s new?  READ Act implementation is continuing across the district.  This year, elementary teachers will continue to instruct using a highly effective phonics program (UFLI), implement a new K-4 reading program (Wonders), and complete the science of reading mandatory training.

 

Strategic Plan Goal:  Grade-level cohorts will increase students meeting proficiency standards on the progress monitoring tool by 5% comparing the Fall assessment to the Spring assessment in math and reading.  

What’s new?  A new progress monitoring tool, FastBridge, is being implemented in grades K-8 this school year for both reading and mathematics.  The new progress monitoring tool will provide timely data to teachers in order to make instructional decisions, helping to ensure growth for every student.  

 

The actions mentioned above align with our Pequot Lakes Public Schools commitment - A Place to Connect, Learn, & Thrive.  We are looking forward to another great school year.  Go Patriots!

 

Pictured below are 8th Grade WEB Leaders (blue shirts), supporting 5th grade students during the 5th Grade Orientation Day at Pequot Lakes Middle School.     

May 2024

“Honoring Pequot Lakes School Staff”

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

As we wrap up the 2023-2024 school year, I have received numerous positive messages from parents regarding the Pequot Lakes school staff's willingness and dedication to serving students and families.  Below are two excerpts from different letters.  

 

Letter 1

“In closing, I’d like to mention that I don’t believe that these teachers only watched out for my kids. I know without a doubt, these teachers and staff help other kids and parents daily. They are helping to grow these kids so they can reach their potential. They see the possibilities even when the children themselves don’t see it, yet. This “job”, in my opinion, is a calling. It is one of the hardest “jobs” on the planet. Helping children, who are not your own, learn and become who they are meant to be is no small task and as support to guardians, it can be a difficult road to traverse. With long hours, a lot of care, and little recognition. Which is why I felt I MUST write this letter.  

 

The teachers that I mentioned above have become woven in my children's stories. They have nurtured and cared for them. To say I love, admire, and feel so much gratitude for them would be an understatement. This has been the best year that we’ve had in school so far. From the ladies who stand outside at pickup no matter the weather, the volunteers, the secretary, the lunch aides, to the teachers and principal. We are grateful and we are proud to be part of this school. 

 

Go Patriots!”

 

Letter 2

“Then we moved to Pequot Lakes at the beginning of eighth grade, and changed that, replacing years of trauma with understanding, laughter, and friendship….

 

…Teachers, paras, and administrators, you plant the seeds of understanding, joy, learning, humor, and so much more. Sometimes you get what you sow; other times you grow more sowers of those seeds. 

Please know that you have touched our lives. Possibly, our son has touched yours. Perhaps he has deepened your compassion - maybe even inspired you to stick up for someone, to consider a career serving others, or reminded you why you chose this path. We feel so fortunate to have found this collection of staff and students at Pequot schools. We feel so fortunate to have found you. 

 

Thank you!”

 

May 2024

“Day of Caring - A PLHS Community Service Activity”

Aaron Nelson, High School Principal 

May 8th was the Pequot Lakes High School community service activity where our entire 9th through 12th grade student body was spread throughout the community working on service projects.  This annual activity helps students satisfy their graduation requirement for service learning, while also providing a needed resource of support for our elderly community and service organizations.

Community service has long been recognized as a cornerstone of personal development and social responsibility. In recent years, there has been a growing call for integrating community service into high school curriculums as a graduation requirement. This article explores the myriad benefits of mandating community service for high school students, emphasizing its role in fostering civic engagement, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards one's community.

One of the primary arguments in favor of requiring community service for high school graduation is its ability to promote civic engagement among young people. By engaging in service activities such as volunteering at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, or tutoring disadvantaged youth, students develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing their communities. This firsthand experience empowers them to become active citizens who are invested in creating positive change.  We have many examples of great experiences with our students connecting with the community.  Many happy customers showered our kids with praise, food, and even a few jars of jam.  Our kids left this experience with more than they gave.  

Community service provides students with opportunities to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Whether they are serving meals at a soup kitchen or assisting elderly residents at a nursing home, students encounter people whose experiences may differ greatly from their own. These interactions foster empathy and compassion, helping students develop a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by others. By stepping outside of their comfort zones and connecting with individuals facing adversity, students cultivate a sense of empathy that extends beyond their service experiences and informs their interactions with others throughout their lives.

Including community service as a graduation requirement sends a powerful message to students about the importance of giving back to their communities. By mandating a minimum number of service hours, schools communicate that community engagement is not just a commendable extracurricular activity but an essential component of being a responsible member of society. This expectation encourages students to prioritize service and integrate it into their lives beyond high school.

We are proud of our students and their commitment to being helpful in their community.  The community has expressed their great appreciation for the kind nature of our students and their helpful efforts in lightening the load.  While meeting an expectation for graduation, the Day of Caring has become a day of joy for all involved.

May 2024

“Artificial Intelligence in Education and at Pequot Lakes Schools”

Travis Raske, Director of Teaching & Learning 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on making computers as smart as humans. It involves tasks like learning from data, understanding language, and recognizing patterns. AI enables computers to perform tasks that require thinking, such as decision-making or understanding speech. The goal is to create systems that can mimic human behavior, potentially impacting various areas, including education. As AI technologies continue to develop, we are still learning how they will integrate into the education sector and how they will affect critical issues like ethics, equity, and data safety.

In education, AI has immense potential for transformation. Imagine having a virtual tutor available 24/7, providing immediate feedback and guidance on assignments. Adaptive learning platforms can analyze students' strengths and weaknesses to offer personalized learning experiences, ensuring engagement and progress for each student.

When AI is mentioned, ChatGPT often comes to mind. ChatGPT can write a term paper or provide detailed answers to complex math problems in seconds. Therefore, teachers need to reconsider their teaching methods and lesson plans, aiming for lessons that will blend content with the personal creativity of their students. Teachers recognize the need to help students learn to write AI prompts to flip AI from a source of cheating to a tool of productivity. 

AI encompasses much more than these capabilities. Pequot Lakes teachers utilize AI in education with integrity in several ways to enhance the learning experience for students:

-- Search lesson ideas that correlate with MN standards

-- Rewrite texts at varying reading levels so all readers can access materials

-- Accommodate spelling and grammar errors with predictive text, allowing students to focus on ideas and content

-- Give students agency in how they access research materials

-- Receive instant feedback on accuracy and, if incorrect, access to how to correct their error

-- Word pronunciation  

-- Simulations and other educational games

Looking ahead, the integration of AI in education offers endless possibilities. Virtual reality field trips, AI-powered writing assistants, and intelligent tutoring systems adapting to student learning styles are just the beginning. AI is not a distant dream but a tangible reality that enriches education. Embracing AI technology opens new avenues for personalized learning, creativity, and innovation within our school community. At Pequot Lakes Schools, we aim to prepare our students for life beyond our doors, and AI is a tool we are teaching them to effectively leverage.

April 2024

“Beyond Standardized Tests”

Mike O'Neil, Middle School Principal

 

As I draft this article, I am walking through my “to-do list” for the Spring MN Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) season.  Testing windows on the calendar … check.  Staff have viewed their required training videos … check.  Test security measures in place … check.  Peppermints for kids on test day … check.  The list goes on. 

 

Test scores often take center stage in the public’s eye, serving as the primary measure of a local school system and student achievement.  However, it is crucial to acknowledge that middle school students are more than just a set of scores on these assessments.  These kids possess a myriad of talents, skills, and qualities that simply cannot be measured by a computer-based standardized test.

 

Middle School is a time of rapid growth and change, both academically and personally.  It is a period where students are exploring their interests, discovering their passions, and developing their identities.  There is no doubt that these assessments give schools valuable data, but they fail to capture the full spectrum of a student’s abilities and potential.  The assessments will give our school staff a data set normed against the state of Minnesota, helping our staff evaluate our systems and curriculum experience as determined by our students’ measures of proficiency.  This data is valuable, but it does fall short.  Standardized assessments struggle to effectively analyze a student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with very little attention to the valuable skill sets associated with creativity and interpersonal skills.  

 

A student’s performance in the classroom honors the diverse talents and abilities of middle school students.  Pequot Lakes Schools aim to provide an experience that is more than a hashtag.  “A place to connect, learn, and thrive” anchors our everyday school experience for our students and staff.  Our teachers strive to provide a setting where students can pursue their interests and passions, collaborate with their peers, and take on meaningful challenges while helping them maximize their full potential.  

 

Middle School is a critical stage in a student’s educational journey, laying the foundation for their future academic and personal success.  As the Spring testing season unfolds, let’s look beyond the tests and place equal value on nurturing their intellectual curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, and leadership skills.  

 

As we gear up for our assessment season, we ask that you give your child a hug, encourage them to do their best, and we will handle it from there. 

 

Go Patriots!

March 2024

“Concussion Symptoms & Treatment”

Tracy Princivalli, RN, LSN, NCSN - School District Nurse

 

Treatments of concussion and its symptoms have evolved drastically over the last decade as new research has provided evidence-based approaches for healthcare providers to follow. Although each brain injury is as unique as the people it happens to and as vast as the ways in which people get them, there are some standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can be tailored to help individuals recover from the symptoms of concussion.

Signs that a blow to a child’s head might lead to a concussion can be subtle: the child may be more tired (or wired) than usual; they may have difficulty with focus and concentration; or they may have a change in personality or irritability. Symptoms can also include changes in vision, balance, headache, and nausea. The symptoms can present at the time of the initial blow, or they can appear hours, or even days later. In school-age students, teachers or the School Nurse may be the first person to identify the symptoms of a concussion. A concussion can also occur after a blow to the body that is hard enough to cause the head and brain to move back and forth.

The goal of concussion treatment for pediatric patients is for them to be able to return to normal activities as soon as possible. However, concussion sufferers should never return to sports or recreation activities on the same day the injury occurred, and should not be allowed to return to their activities until a healthcare professional experienced in evaluating for concussion says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. This means not returning to PE class, sports practices or games, or physical activity at recess until permitted. Your provider should coordinate care and communicate any needed accommodations with the school, the school health office, as well as other members of your child’s healthcare team, so they can be implemented.

While recovering from a concussion, students are encouraged to begin attending school for half days until a full day is tolerated. Big movements of the head and neck, and eye movements that may lead to vestibular irritation or a sense of dizziness should be avoided. Patients may not necessarily be advised to eliminate screen time but should avoid eye movements or bright backlight that may lead to eye fatigue. Jane Allen, APRN, CPNP-PC with Minneapolis Children’s Minnesota Pediatric Neurosurgery warns that the two biggest factors that delay recovery from a concussion are vestibular problems and anxiety. She suggests to her patients that they don’t “cocoon” by avoiding all light and all activities, but to expose themselves to their normal amount of light as tolerated, take short,15-second breaks with eyes closed, and keep a hoodie, sunglasses, or earplugs on hand in case symptoms get worse. She suggests walking as an activity and getting a good night's sleep each day.

It is normal for students to feel frustrated, sad, and even angry because they cannot return to recreation or sports right away, or cannot keep up with their schoolwork. This stress and anxiety should be acknowledged and can be a barrier to recovery. A student may feel isolated from peers and social networks. Students with a concussion should be encouraged to talk about these issues and offered support and encouragement.

To learn more, go to cdc.gov/HEADSUP

March 2024

“School Finance”

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School District administration and the School Board have finalized the FY23 budget (22-23), are making revisions to the FY24 budget (23-24), and are planning for the FY25 budget (24-25).  Here are some highlights for each budget:

FY23: A clean audit was presented to the board with no major deficiencies.  The District finished the year with a 15% unassigned fund balance, which meets the board policy.

FY24: A budget revision, which is standard practice, will be approved by the board in March.  The revision accounts for additional special education cross-subsidy funding as well as budgeting for facility maintenance needs.  The District is expected to have a 15% unassigned fund balance at the end of the fiscal year again.

FY25:  A preliminary budget was presented to the board which included a projected fund balance within board policy and no major budget reductions.

 

School funding is extremely complex and varies from district to district.  According to a new report by an educational funding group, SEE, the Pequot Lakes School District ranks 318 out of 328 school districts in Minnesota for per-pupil revenue funding.  There are revenue streams that are available to some districts, but not the Pequot Lakes School District.

Report highlights:

• The PLSD receives $10,936 per pupil in revenue.
• The highest per-pupil revenue for a MN District is $22,336.    
• The lowest per-pupil revenue for a MN District is $10,184.       
• The average per-pupil revenue for a MN District is $14,140. 
• All area school districts receive more per-pupil funding than Pequot Lakes students (Staples-Motley - $15,477; Brainerd - $14,325; PRB - $13,166; and CI - $13,052).
• If the PLSD received the state average in per-pupil funding, it would add roughly $6.2 million in revenue per year.

Some of the factors included in the low per-pupil funding for the Pequot Lakes School District include the lack of an operating levy or capital projects levy, as well as some funding streams are not available to the District due to location, size, or preexisting limits.  School district administration will continue to advocate through our legislative officials for more fairness in educational funding. 

February 2024

"I Love to Read" / "Kindergarten Info Night"

Melissa Hesch, Eagle View Elementary Principal

 

February is “I Love to Read” month.  We are all about reading!  This is a great time to share some specific reading aspects at Eagle View this 2023-24 school year.  A recent Patriot Perspective from Mr. Raske introduced the elements of the READ Act put forth by the Minnesota Legislature last May. The dedicated and passionate Eagle View staff have been learning and collaborating to address reading issues ahead of this legislation.

During the 2022-23 school year, the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Supports for Success) team spent time delving into the details and impact of the six shifts for the Science of Reading. This year we have extended that study to the entire teaching staff at staff meetings through the text “Shifting the Balance”, which looks at how the six shifts impact beginning readers and more fluent readers.

By 2025, all teachers who teach reading in EC - 3rd grade are required by the READ Act to complete training.  At this time, one third of the staff are finishing the LETRS training, another third are halfway through the training, and one-third are starting the training.  As stated on their website, “LETRS is comprehensive professional learning designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading.”  

This learning has been impactful and some of the best training our teachers have received.  The impact is becoming evident with the shift to explicit phonics and phonemic awareness instruction for all of our students.  The consistent practices and vocabulary are having a direct impact on student mastery and confidence in their learning as well as the collective efficacy of staff in their teaching practices.

Another shift Eagle View made this fall to align with the shifts for the Science of Reading was to utilize UFLI for phonemic and phonics instruction for kindergarten, first, and second grades.  This program is very similar in scope and sequence to Benchmark Advance, yet is different through explicit whole-class instruction. Staff have trained and meet monthly to ensure consistency in teaching the sounds, writing the letters, and blending sounds to make words with decodable readers. The UFLI program is also one of the three recommended by the READ Act for foundational learning.  READ Act Info can be found at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/READ/ 

Leaping into Reading 

Eagle View will be doing another School-Wide Read!  Thanks to our generous PTA, EV students have received a Friendship According to Humphrey book and a leaping frog.  A variety of community members from Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Jenkins, Ideal, and Crosslake are recording chapters for students to enjoy daily over three weeks.  Thank you to all of these individuals and PTA for supporting the love of reading!

 

EV Title 1 Family Game Night  

EV hosted a Title I Family Math and Reading Night on February 1.  Activities included estimating jars, book character walk, Moby Max, book exchange, Make 10, bingo, Vowel Owls, splash games, Jenga, and book “tastings.”  Special sessions on Understanding UFLI by Mrs. Ziedler, Flashlight Reading in the Yurt with Mrs. Trottier, and Feeling the Beat with Mrs. Bowman were a hit!

Kindergarten Info Night

Families with a possible incoming Patriot Kindergartener (2024-25) should have received a mailing about information night on February 29.   If you have an incoming Kindergartener or if you want more information about Kindergarten or Patriot Academy, please contact the EV office at 218-562-6100.

February 2024

“Implementation of the READ Act Legislation at Pequot Lakes Schools”

Travis Raske, Director of Teaching and Learning

 

This school year ushers in new legislation in regard to reading instruction.  This legislation, which took effect on July 1, 2023, is designed to ensure that every child in Minnesota reads at or above grade level starting from kindergarten. It replaces the Read Well by Third Grade law and introduces a comprehensive strategy to support the diverse learning needs of our students.

By the 2026-2027 school year, districts must provide evidence-based reading instruction through a focus on student mastery of foundational reading skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, as well as the development of oral language, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Students must receive evidence-based instruction that is proven to effectively teach children to read. 

A noteworthy aspect of the READ Act is the approach to teacher professional development aligned to evidence-based curriculum and instructional practices. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), conducted a thorough review of K-5 Literacy Curriculum and PreK-12 teacher training programs as mandated by the READ Act.  Through the review process, five curriculum options and three professional development programs were recommended.  

Pequot Lakes Schools has an outstanding staff whom most elementary teachers have already adopted and are implementing these practices.  We have teams in place reviewing district reading curriculum, selecting resources aligned with the READ Act, and creating opportunities for staff development.  Well ahead of the implementation requirement, the Eagle View campus has two-thirds of its staff already immersed in the 100+ hour LETRS training. Funding has been allocated through the legislation, but it is not fully funded.  The district is aware of the funding deficit and is committed to providing the highest quality literacy instruction, embracing this initiative.

We are optimistic as preliminary data comes in, that this shift will provide all students with opportunities to excel in literacy. Teaching children how to read is fundamental to their overall development and academic success.

January 2024

“Strategic Planning”

Kurt Stumpf, Superintendent

 

The Pequot Lakes School District is in the process of updating our Strategic Plan.  An initial survey was completed by students, staff, parents, and community members in May 2023.  A total of 112 staff, parents/guardians, and community members completed the initial survey as well as 977 students in grades 3-12.  The feedback from the survey was compiled and reviewed for common themes.  

 

Since the beginning of the school year, various groups have reviewed the survey results and created a framework for the new strategic plan.  The groups reviewing the feedback and creating the framework include middle school student leaders, high school student leadership group, the District Advisory Committee, and the District Leadership Team.  

 

Replacing the previous mission and vision is a new commitment statement:  A Place to Connect, Learn, & Thrive.  While the focus of this commitment statement reflects our dedication to students, it is also meant to apply to our commitment to staff, parents, and community members.  This updated commitment statement builds upon the importance of building connections first, then ensuring learning occurs in order to ultimately thrive.     

 

Four unique pillars were chosen to represent our areas of focus for the next 3-5 years.  

Welcoming, Safe, & Supportive:  Maintain a culture where all can connect, learn, and thrive 

Connections:  Provide engaging opportunities for students, staff, and the community

Personal Growth & Success:  Cultivate ownership in one’s growth and achievement

Facilities & Grounds:  Create spaces to connect, learn, and thrive

 

The next step in the process is to consider and adopt specific goals and metrics to measure growth in each of the four pillar areas.  After goals and metrics have been adopted, strategies to achieve the goals will then be researched and implemented.  Thank you to our school-community for the engagement and assistance in this process.

December 2023

“Long Lake Conservation Center Experience”

Mike O'Neil, Middle School Principal

 

In November, 6th-grade students at Pequot Lakes Middle School had an awesome experience attending Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade, MN.  Nestled against the shoreline of Long Lake and its expansive bog ecosystem, our students were immersed in a two-day field trip exploring our natural world.  From the sensation of bouncing up and down on a peat bog, to the team-building activities associated with survival shelter development, our middle school students had the opportunity to unplug from their digital world and dive into a deeper understanding of the natural resources in our region.  While at the camp, they were also exposed to the concept of personal responsibility through reduced food waste to sustainable decision-making.  From Kitchen Patrol (KP) to “family-style” food service focused on consuming all that went on our plates, our students took an active role in understanding the foundational concepts of stewardship. 

 

Living in the Brainerd Lakes Area, our students don’t always understand the importance of what is occurring “upstream” in their watersheds.  Middle school students can struggle to make the connection between our pristine waters and how something like a bog in Aitkin County could be directly linked with a beautiful day on the lake wakeboarding on Big Sandy or walleye fishing on Mille Lacs.  We are hopeful that, through this experience, our students can start to see the correlation.  If not, they will certainly remember squeezing sphagnum moss and drinking bog water!

 

Beyond experiential learning about the ecology of our region, our kids expanded their understanding of the influence of our indigenous cultures on our State.  While on the trip, our students participated in storytelling activities and short one-act theater experiences, helping our students to expand their understanding of the Anishinaabe’s influence on the Central Minnesota region.

 

Undeniable was the unique opportunity to learn about Minnesota's ecology and indigenous history while surrounded by nature.  What is also unique is a group of educators willing to take time away from their families on behalf of their students.  Taking this trip in the Fall, as opposed to our previous efforts during the Winter, the 2023 trip was also focused on “team building.”  In this setting, where students and staff were together for 30 continuous hours, we took significant steps toward a better understanding of one another.  From laughter and play during downtime, to staff and students eating family-style meals together, we are confident that our trip had a positive impact beyond what we might be able to create in the traditional classroom. 

 

Our Pequot Lakes Middle School team would be remiss if we didn’t also take a moment to celebrate our supportive community.  Our PLMS Patriots would like to extend a sincere thank you to Ideal Community Service Organization, Pelican Lakes Conservation Club, Nisswa Lions, Pelican Lakes Association, The Patriot Foundation, and others.  We are proud to say that, between gracious donations, district support, and scholarships from generous families from the Class of 2030, students were able to participate in this experience at a significantly reduced rate.  We are truly blessed to live in a community that values rich and diverse learning opportunities for kids.  

 

Thank you, Patriots!