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NORTHROP ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL NAMED 2008 SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Dr. Kathleen Alvig is recognized for fostering science and math literacy in students at Minneapolis school
(St. Paul, MN; January 29, 2008) – Dr. Kathleen Alvig,
principal of Northrop Urban Environmental School, has been named the
2008 Science and Mathematics Elementary and Middle Level Principal of
the Year.
Created out of a partnership between the Science
Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’
Association (MESPA), the award recognizes the vital importance of
fostering lifelong science literacy and honors the key role principals
play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates student
interest in math and science. The award is offered in alternate years
to specialty and general education school principals. In even years,
such as 2008, the award is offered to specialty schools (science
magnets and environmental education schools).
In reviewing
applications for this year’s award recipient, the award committee
looked for evidence of the nominee’s support of professional
development and coaching for the teachers in their schools, active
partnerships with other organizations, efforts to apply math and
science standards to curriculum and provide support materials, support
of out-of-school as well as in-school experiences, inclusion of
families, and evidence of other creative ways of fostering  | | Dr. Alvig at MESPA Awards Banquet |
interest in
math and science.
Alvig, who received a 2006 Honorable Mention
for this award, was nominated by three members of Northrop’s staff: Jim
Nanneman, Northrop 5th grade teacher; Glenn Shoemaker, Northrop
Naturalist Teacher; Diane Rowe, Northrop Social Worker. They praised
Alvig’s “extraordinary, positive and outgoing” leadership, stating that
“Because of her tireless effort to engage students early in science and
math, students leave Northrop Urban Environmental School better
prepared for tomorrow’s more complex world.”
“Smart is not
what you are; it is what you do,” says Alvig. “This perspective applies
to many situations in our school work. As an environmental school, our
vision is ‘Naturally, Bringing Out the Best in Our Students.’ We strive
to leave any place we visit better than we find it.”
Dr. Alvig
is principal of a diverse urban school and can be found working on
weekends writing grants to find ways to bring science and math to
Northrop students in practical and authentic ways. Through her work,
she has established essential connections with the: MN Department of
National Resources, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Tree Trust,
Jeffers Foundation, School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley,
J.W. Smith School in Bemidji, Northport School in Robbinsdale, and
Jeffers Pond School in Prior Lake. Also, arts grants have helped to set
up work with community artists to publicly celebrate students’ skills
for earth/environmental science through art instruction.
Alvig
 | | Tim Bell at MESPA Awards Banquet |
supports staff development and coaching. She arranged professional
development for staff and parents in support of student learning, and
hired a teacher-naturalist for the school who not only co-teaches in
classrooms, but provides biweekly staff development for teachers in
science.
Outreach to the community is evidenced through
Northrop’s Five Year Landscape Plan. Under Dr. Alvig’s guidance,
students, parent and community volunteers, work to maintain Northrop’s
status as a School Forest. Also, through her leadership, enthusiasm for
hand-on-service learning opportunities in science/math have grown --
including, to name only a few projects: High School student mentors
from the Zoo School, creation of Northrop’s Junior Naturalist team, K-5
Green Team (recycling), Everyday Leaders/Five Elements K-5 after school
class, family evening classes on problem solving and physics.
As
the 2008 Science and Mathematics Elementary and Middle Level Principal
of the Year, Alvig will be honored for her achievement during the
Awards Banquet at the MESPA Institute (statewide convention) at 6:45
p.m. on Thursday, February 7, at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel. In
addition, Northrop students and staff will receive complimentary
Science Museum education programming.
2008 Science/Math Principal of the Year Honorable Mention: The award committee presented an Honorable Mention to Tim Bell, principal, Five Hawks Elementary School, Prior Lake.
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