Holiday Celebrations in the 21st Century

As the December holidays approach, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) -- one of the nation's premier organizations defending religious liberty -- knows that many school districts are faced with difficult questions about how to appropriately acknowledge the December holidays. In an effort to help you comply with the United States Constitution and create a school environment that celebrates diversity by respecting differing points of view concerning religion, the ADL offers the following suggestions.

§ General Rule: When a school does choose to acknowledge the December holidays, it is essential that the school must never appear to endorse religion over non-religion or one particular religious faith over another.

§ Public schools must remain free from activities that could involve religious coercion. Because of their young age, students are particularly impressionable and susceptible to pressure to conform to the beliefs of the majority. Schools must take care to avoid endorsing the beliefs, practices or traditions of the majority religion.

§ Schools must be careful not to cross the line between teaching about religious holidays (which is permitted) and celebrating religious holidays (which is not). Celebrating religious holidays in the form of religious worship or other practices is unconstitutional. Teaching about a holiday will be constitutional if it furthers a genuine secular program of education, is presented objectively, and does not have the effect of endorsing, advancing or inhibiting religion.

§ Special school events, assemblies, concerts and programs must be designed to further a secular and objective program of education and must not focus on any one religion or religious observance. Thus, religious music or drama may be included in school events, but the reason for including that music must be to advance a secular educational goal. Such events must not promote or denigrate any particular religion, serve as a religious celebration, or become a forum for religious devotion.

§ Religious symbols are not appropriate seasonal decorations in public schools. The classroom and school premises are the place where children spend the majority of their day. It is important that all students feel comfortable and accepted in their school. Symbols of religious holidays may make some students uncomfortable and unwelcome because their holidays and traditions are not represented or because they do not celebrate religious holidays at all.

§ In an effort to be ecumenical, it is not advisable to rely on information provided by a representative child of a minority religion. Students should not be put on the spot to explain their religious (or cultural) traditions. The student may feel uncomfortable and may not have enough information to be accurate. Moreover, by asking a student to be spokesperson for his/her religion, the teacher is sending a signal that the religion is too "exotic" for the teacher to understand. Finally, in certain cases, the teacher may be opening the door for proselytizing activity by the student, which must be avoided.

§ Remember: diversity includes religious diversity. In designing holiday programming it is essential to keep in mind that the children entrusted to your care likely have widely divergent religious points of view. The way you approach the December holidays will determine whether those children whose religious views fall outside of the majority's are made to feel welcome and comfortable in their school building or whether they will feel as if they do not belong.

As the holiday season approaches, despite any differences in opinion I wish you the happiest of holidays and I look forward to seeing you in 2009!

Promoting Literacy Development

Numerous studies have shown that the impact of explicit instruction in the areas of literacy will lead to academic success on a variety of levels for our students today. As a result, it is imperative that we, as a home-school partnership, promote and place a high value on engaging students in reading activities.

At MWS this can and does occur on a variety of levels. From vocabulary-driven word walls such as the one pictured to the right, to planning and implementing balanced literacy activities, to the simple act of promoting reading for pleasure or through Accelerated Reader are just a few of the ways in we work to advance literacy development for all students at MWS.

As students arrive home from school each day, there are a number of ways in which you as families can promote literacy development with your student(s). First, model a love for reading for your student. This can be a somewhat understated, yet powerful tool to encourage student to develop a passion for reading. Second, recognize that an unlimited number of books, magazines, and other literature exists that families can experience. Work to select different texts on a regular basis with your student(s) to discover a genre that he/she may particularly enjoy. Third, engage in casual conversation with your student(s) regarding vocabulary development that may occur naturally in different situations. For example, while traveling in the car from soccer practice through the drive through at a fast food restaurant on your way to piano lessons, select opportunities to expand your student's vocabulary by inserting a few difficult new words into casual conversation and ask students if they know what their meanings are. All are reasonable and simple ways in which you can show your student(s) that literacy matters not only at school, but at home as well.

MWS Coat Drive Benefits Many!

The MWS Student Council, in concert with the support of many parent volunteers, conducted our annual Fall Coat Drive this past week. The purpose of this community service project is to provide other MWS students and families with warm outdoor clothing they can enjoy throughout the winter months. Items such as child/adult coats, snow pants, hats, mittens, boots, scarves, headbands, and earmuffs were collected on several different occasions by MWS students. From there, parent volunteers took all of the collected items, laundered them, and brought them back to MWS to organize for our Family Support Worker to distribute.

Here are the results of what was collected:

39 Children's Coats
22 Adult Coats
16 Pairs of Snowpants
36 Hats
35 Pairs of Mittens
6 Pairs of Boots
7 Scarves
4 Headbands
1 Pair of Earmuffs


A special thank you to each MWS family that contributed to the success of this important service project for our MWS Student Council. This is yet another example of how we, when we are working together, can make a huge difference in our community. Great work!

5th Grade Serves Community

The 5th Grade tried something new this year instead of continuing with past traditions during the fall months. Rather than enjoying a Fall Celebration complete with an exorbitant amount of sweets and treats, the 5th graders decided to put all of that money to good use by having a food drive. In a very short period of time, 5th graders collected over 140 pounds of food! This food was donated to the CAP Agency in Shakopee to benefit those in need.

I would like to thank the 5th Grade students, families, and teachers for their support in this worthwhile community service project. This is just another fine example of our MWS students putting others first, especially during difficult economic times. We are all proud of the good work you have done!

Fall Celebrations Hit New Low

Look carefully at the picture to the right. You know that our fall celebrations last Friday hit a new low when your principal is volunteering to openly humiliate himself in photographs such as this! This is a picture of the "Pumpkin Patch" created by one of our third grade teachers at MWS for students to enjoy photo-ops with at their celebration last Friday. What a fun way to enjoy all that fall has to offer our students!

In related news our second graders dressed in a variety of glorious costumes and proceeded to parade through the streets of Savage to the Senior Center where senior citizens marveled at this sight to behold. The second grade teachers reported that the seniors were delighted to be visited by such a spirited group of young students from MWS. What a wonderful way to enhance relationships throughout our community!

A pumpkin decorating contest also occurred last Friday within our DCD Program at MWS. Numerous students were involved in creating a variety of personalities on their pumpkins using any number of materials. When finished, students and staff alike voted to determine the winner of this contest. It was a difficult decision, but a consensus was reached and a winner determined!

Finally, our kindergartners ventured to the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard last Friday as well. Contrary to rumors spreading throughout the community, Mrs. Dybvig did not fall off of the wagon on her class's hay ride! Student were able to tour the facility, go on a ride, and of course, sample many different kinds of apples. Thanks to all of you who chaperoned this field trip. We appreciate your support!

MEA Break = Vacation for Students

As Fall Conferences officially begin this week, I would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this important event for your student(s). Sitting down and communicating with your student's classroom teacher is a valuable way in which you can be provided with feedback and insight as to how your student is adjusting to a new grade level and a new school year. Furthermore, it in effort to maintain the partnership between the home and school, attending Fall Conferences provides a way in which the classroom teacher and families can work to develop academic and social goals for each individual student to work toward as the year progressess. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it shows your student that you care. Such a simple act of taking thirty minutes out of your day to spend time with your student and your student's teacher is a great way to communicate not only how much you value education, but also how much you care about your student.

Our annual Fall Book Fair begins this week, and I would like to encourage you to check it out. The safari theme alone will be intriguing enough for you to take a peek and see what is in store. The organizers of this annual event have put a great deal of time and effort into making this event a success, so any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Recently our first annual Health Fair (and Fall Ball) commensed, and we were pleased to have you join us. I would like to extend a special thank you to our Volunteer Coordinator and her team who created, organized, and ran this entire event from start to finish. Your hard work was greatly appreciated! If you missed it, several seminars took place where students and families could learn about nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits, self-defense, and other topics. Healthy snacks were provided as well, and the final hour culminated with our annual Fall Ball, a dance in which students, families, and staff were able to "shake, rattle, and roll!" Thank you to all who joined us for this exciting new event at MWS!

Finally, I would like to wish all students and families a relaxing MEA break. I hope that you have time to engage in the activities you enjoy as a family, that all of your travels are safe, and that you have an opportunity to get reenergized for the next few weeks of school before our Thanksgiving Break. After all of your hard work at the beginning of the year and on our NWEA MAP Assessments, a break for all students is well-deserved!

NWEA MAP Testing Completed

As of today, the 2nd through 6th grade students have completed the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessments for both reading and mathematics. This assessment was adopted throughout all elementary schools in ISD 191 to not only replace the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, but also to provide us with an assessment tool that would measure student growth within the academic calendar year.

What was this experience like for students?

Students completed the assessments in the Computer Lab on two separate days, one day for reading and one day for mathematics. Students were scheduled by class for an hour long time slot to complete each assessment. Additional support beyond the classroom teacher was accessible to support students in the completion of this process. Once finished, students were permitted to quietly read a book. The Computer Lab was closed during testing, so students were given an opportunity to complete the assessment in an optimal environment.

What information will teachers learn from this new assessment tool?

The immediacy and accessibility of the student data that accompanies this assessment is truly extensive and amazing. Students are given a RIT score (Rausch Unit Score) that identifies their individualized level of performance in both subject areas. This information is correlated to the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and can be used as a tool to identify individual growth targets for students for the close of the school year. All 2nd through 6th grade classroom teachers have received professional development training from the NWEA on how to interpret this information and use it to drive instructional practice.

How will this information about my student be shared with me?

Families will be presented with information about your student's performance at Fall Conferences. Much of the information we will gain from this assessment will not be available until after the testing window closes, which is October 15th. Unfortunately conferences will be completed by that time. The report you will be given will enable you to view your student's current level of performance in reading and mathematics and compare these levels to that of nationally derived norms of students at that grade level. As students are potentially reassessed in both January and April, you will be able to montior their performance over time within the school year.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information about this assessment, I would encourage you to visit www.nwea.org. This site provides valuable information that is accessible by all.

Students Achieve Success @ MWS

In briefing those attending our most recent Parent-Teacher Organization meeting a few weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that the success of students on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments last spring was not know. As a result, I felt it pertinent to share that with you - especially since the PTO members/attendees were excited to hear the results.

(1) MWS 3rd - 6th Graders Tops in the District

The students at Marion W. Savage Elementary were tops in ISD #191 for the 2007-2008 school year on average in both reading and mathematics. A true accomplishment!

(2) MWS Makes Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

Contrary to results in the 2006-2007 school year, all cells within Marion W. Savage Elementary School achieved enough growth to make AYP for the 2007-2008 school year. MWS is one of seven elementary schools in ISD #191 to make AYP.

The success of the students at Marion W. Savage Elementary School on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments is an accomplishment worth noting and celebrating. This would not have been possible without the unconditional support of families and the unwavering resolve of the staff at MWS. Let's hope that this success will not only continue, but be enhanced by our efforts in the 2008-2009 school year.

Addressing Change

At this point in the year I felt as though it would be appropriate for me to address concerns that have been expressed by MWS families to date. While few in number, some common concerns regarding changes at MWS during the 2008-2009 school year did present themselves. I would encourage you to browse the information below and contact me if you have any questions.

(1) 5th Grade Camp-Out

In the past, each 5th grade group would participate in an overnight camping trip in the Carver Park Reserve in the fall of the school year. While this important tradition is an excellent avenue to explore outdoor education, concerns began to arise last spring regarding the safety of students, liability issues, and the "fit" of such an experience into the existing 5th grade science curriculum. As a result, the 5th grade teachers and Mr. Cin met late last spring to determine whether or not is was appropriate to continue with this tradition. A consensus was reached, and it was determined that this experience would no longer continue at MWS.

Contrary to conversation in the community, I was not involved in this decision - it was inherited when I arrived at MWS. Having met with the 5th grade team prior to the start of school this year regarding this issue, it was requested that I uphold this decision. While I realize current 5th grade students may have been looking forward to this opportunity, I am confident that the we will discover a way in which we can replace this experience with another academically focused outdoor education experience.

(2) Class Placements

At Marion W. Savage Elementary, past practice has been for teams of teachers to get together with administration to collaboratively place students into classes for the upcoming school year. In doing so, teachers who have spent an entire school year working with your student(s) strive to place students into teachers' classrooms where they feel your student(s) will be the most successful. This is a lengthy process, and a great deal of care and consideration for each individual student is taken.

Changing placements prior to the start of the school year and as the school year begins is not common in elementary schools throughout the area. Typically only in extreme situations is a change of placement made by a building principal. I share in this philosophy, and I ask you to trust that the staff members at MWS are only looking out for your student's best interests.

(3) Student Conduct

Unfortunately, students are involved in situations were inappropriate decisions are made. When circumstances such these arise, disciplinary situations will result with administration at MWS. I take disruptions to the MWS learning community very seriously as they are counterproductive to student learning as well as student safety. In the event that a serious situation does arise, please be assured that you will be contacted either by myself or the classroom teacher so that you remain informed. The partnership between home and school is incredibly important in a learning community, and in the words of a fantastic first grade teacher at MWS, "I won't believe everything your child tells me about home, if you promise not to believe everything your child tells you about school." Communication is incredibly important. Please contact the classroom teacher or myself directly if you have a concern regarding student conduct.

Feel free to respond to any of the aforementioned topics by adding a post to this blog. Otherwise, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.

First Week Success!

As the first week of school has officially drawn to close, I am elated to report a wonderful week with students and staff. Students appeared to be excited about new adventures with a new teacher in a new grade level meeting new friends!

Venturing into our second week of school, I wanted to share a few brief reminders with you as we begin to iron out any remaining glitches:

(1) If you are dropping your student(s) off for school, please cross at one of our two crosswalks with patrols. It is unsafe for your family to cross the middle of the bussing lane and between busses. If you see anyone else engaging in this practice, please remind them to stay safe around the bussing area.

(2) If your student is planning to eat breakfast, instruct him/her to go right to the lunchroom in the morning, not to his/her classroom. We are trying to provide a breakfast program for students that is as efficient as possible.

(3) Please complete the "+ 2 Challenge" and register to volunteer at MWS with our Volunteer Coordinator. You can do so online or in paper form, whichever is more convenient for you. Last year MWS had nearly 10,000 volunteer hours, twice as many as any other elementary school in ISD 191. Let's keep this trend alive!

(4) Our PTO Fundraiser begins this Tuesday afternoon (9/9). The PTO is working with Innisbrook, so ask your student to show you any information he/she receives on Tuesday. Be sure to stock up on your gift wrap for the holiday season!

(5) Please take time each day to ask your student about school, read with him/her, and assist him/her with any homework assignments. The success of all MWS students dependes on a healthy partnership between home and school.

Thank you to all families who attended our three Parent Nights last week. We appreciate your support, and so do your students! We have the remaining four Parent Nights scheduled this Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Please be sure to mark your calendars!

The Staff Returns to MWS!

This morning marked the beginning of a new journey in MWS history - the start of the 2008-2009 school year has officially begun, for staff. Following our district kickoff, the entire MWS staff met back at school for a wonderful lunch provided by the MWS PTO. As chopsticks flew through the air and food from David Fong's was devoured, people commented on how great it was to have lunch together, to reunite and share adventures from the summer, and many words of thanks were spoken by staff about our gracious PTO. On behalf of the entire MWS staff I would like to thank the Marion W. Savage Parent-Teacher Organization for providing such an event for us. We truly appreciate it!

As you know from your individual letters, our annual MWS Open House will be this Thursday, August 28th from 3:00-4:00pm. This event will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to meet your student's teacher, to reconnect with families and friends, and to meet the new faces at MWS. I want you to know that I will be stationed in the Lunchroom during this time, and I encourage you all to stop by, introduce yourselves, and introduce your student(s). I have a special surprise for each and every one of you! You will have to come to find out what it is!

Marion W. Savage is looking absolutely fantastic. While we are still undergoing some construction to our roof on the East side of our building, the interior is in tip-top shape. I'd like to thank Norm, Dale, Nick, and Dave for putting so much energy into creating such a wonderful environment for our learning community. You will be amazed when you see your reflection in the floors you walk on!

As your summer draws to a close I want you to know that we, the MWS staff, are excited for your students to arrive, and we anticipate a year filled with wonderful memories for all MWS families. I look forward to meeting all of you soon!

Article in the Savage Pacer

Recently I was interviewed by Keighla Schmidt, Staff Reporter for the Savage Pacer; you may or may not have seen the article. Irregardless, I was pleased with the outcome, and perhaps even more excited to have developed such a positive working relationship with this newspaper. Ms. Schmidt was more than gracious in her comments about me, and I am sincerely grateful. If you have yet to view the article, click on the link below to view it in full online.

http://savagepacer.com/news/school-news-burnsville-eagan-savage/jeremy-willey-excited-start-8353

I wanted to take a brief opportunity to address some aspects of the article in detail and perhaps more directly with our learning community.

Building Relationships - I am a firm believer in developing a collaborative partnership between the school and home. That said, I am looking forward to meeting students and families at our MWS Open House from 3-4pm on August 28th. I hope that you are able to attend.

Initial Impressions of MWS - Perhaps the most striking initial impression of this learning community that I have developed through conversations with both staff members and families is that MWS operates as a small town family. I am excited to join this family and contribute in a variety of ways both this year and on into the future.

Education as a Family - The educational process has always been important to my immediate and extended family throughout my life. My mother taught for 35 years, and I have extended family members that teach high school, special education, and one who has served on a local school board. I value the educational process and what it can provide for your student(s), and I am committed to always doing "what is best for kids".

To date, I have been ambitious about creating posts daily. I doubt that I will be able to continue this practice as the school year opens, but I will do my best to provide you with "minutes" as frequently as I can.

First Post of MWS Minutes

Welcome to MWS Minutes! This is my attempt to spread the word about all of the great things that are taking place at Marion W. Savage Elementary. Please feel free to post comments and keep checking back for updates. My email is also posted and I encourage you to email me.