 | Dennis Nelson, Northeast Division
 | | Dennis Nelson, principal Hermantown Elementary, Hermantown |
Educational philosophy: “I strongly believe in working together with students, staff, parents and community to build a safe, positive and productive school community where children are comfortable taking the risks associated with learning.”
Of his most significant career accomplishments, Nelson said: “With 26 years in the role of principal, I reflect on many rewarding experiences in my daily interactions with students, staff and parents/guardians. The successful day to day management and leadership in the school setting is most rewarding. In regard to three most significant accomplishments of my career, I can only identify those that have been successful due to the collaborative efforts with staff, parents, community and supporting agencies."
“I recognize the value of parent involvement as a key ingredient in a successful school and have made it a priority to work closely with parents and PTO leaders to encourage volunteerism and positive, productive involvement, while encouraging teachers to utilize parents in meaningful roles to support student learning and school activities," Nelson continued. "At most any time, on any day, parents/guardians are present in our building, supporting teachers, leading groups, tutoring, working in the copy room or meeting together on creative ways to enhance opportunities for kids. Through hard work and creative means, the PTO fundraisers support after school programming, school-wide activity days, supplementary educational supplies and materials, library books, playground equipment and more. In addition, they find many ways to make staff feel appreciated. Parent involvement makes a difference for our students and staff."
“As participants in the Safe Schools Healthy Students grant, our school is involved in developing a school-wide, sustainable social and emotional learning (SEL) community," Nelson said. "The principal plays a key role in this effort by facilitating the SEL steering committee and promoting the integration of SEL concepts into all aspects of the school. Just nine months into the research-based process, the steering committee has developed a shared vision, conducted a needs assessment by surveying staff, student and parents, trained a number of staff in Responsive Classroom and all staff in the Second Step approach. In addition, staff have been provided curriculum, resources, and reference materials to assist in developing social and emotional learning concepts. Eight staff and I have been trained through CASTLE, which promotes an evidence-based SEL practice proven to improve conditions for learning, students' capacity for learning and academic achievement, and are very committed to the process. I’m proud of what we have accomplished and where we are going."
“All day, every-day kindergarten (ADEDK) will be offered by our school for the first time in September 2009," Nelson said. "As an advocate for full-time kindergarten, I have facilitated and participated on committees, networked with principals of ADEDK schools, and surveyed parents/guardians of early childhood and kindergarten students over the last four years. In a collaborative effort among school administrators, school board members, teachers and community, our vision of an ADEDK option has become a reality.”
In nominating Nelson, Kraig Konietzko (principal, Moose Lake) said: “Dennis Nelson is highly respected by the Northeast division members. He is responsible for starting a “Carlton County” principal group that meets periodically to discuss relevant issues that are common within our districts. He would sooner have the spotlight turned away from him as he is modest about his many accomplishments. Dennis is a very humble individual and is quite proud of Hermantown Elementary School, which he has served for many years.”
Other recognitions: MESPA Northeast division treasurer for the past 13 years.
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