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2008-2009 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence
Bloomington Public Schools, ISD #271
“Educating children is extremely complex. Each child has their own
specific needs and their own personality. I believe in the old adage,
‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ For many years prior to my
arrival, the Olson community adopted this approach and student success
has followed."
Hubert Olson Elementary, led by Principal Paul Meyer, is a K-5 neighborhood school serving 480 students. The school’s mission is “to create a unique and dynamic learning environment that encourages students to be successful lifelong learners through excellence, cultural and learning diversity, partnerships, and community involvement.”
As principal, Meyer believes: “Educating children is extremely complex. Each child has their own specific needs and their own personality. I believe in the old adage, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ For many years prior to my arrival, the Olson community adopted this approach and student success has followed. Numerous people have contributed in making Olson a great place to learn and work. I am thankful to be a part of such a rich tradition and I will continue to focus on the reason we come to work everyday, making a difference in the lives of children.”
The school’s mission and vision influence lifelong learning experiences at the school. All students, in all grade levels, participate in an annual community service project: such as “Feed My Starving Children;” Reading Buddies; a school wide food drive; and “Coins for Kids.” Also all children in grades One through Three participate in at least one student council meeting each year. In grades Four and Five, students have the opportunity to run for student council. Fourth and Fifth grade classroom representatives may then run for office. The election of officers includes campaigning, speeches, posters, and culminates with an election on the same day as the adult general elections in November.
Hubert Olson Elementary embodies learner-centered leadership. Starting in 2002, the school was one of the first in the district to implement monthly “RESULT” meetings. Each meeting focused on assessing and measuring results in a single academic area, leading to recommendations for changes to improve student academic performance. The Bloomington district later adopted a similar model to measure student achievement called Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Olson continues to seek ways to improve student achievement through monthly PLC meetings.
Olson has continually demonstrated flexibility and collaboration in efforts to improve achievement for students. Staff use a number of hard data sources to measure both student performance and level of progress: the CALT, MCA, and DRA to measure strengths and weaknesses of programs, student groups, and individual students. Also, Fact Fluency scores are monitored and measured through the district’s data site by teachers and the principal. Also, Meyer states: “Student work is reviewed in a formative manner to determine mastery and comprehension. This helps to ensure that students are continually growing in knowledge and identifies when there is a need for more reinforcement.”
Olson teachers recognize that technology is a valuable supplemental tool used to enhance learning in the classroom. Wireless accessibility is available throughout the school. LCD projectors are in all classrooms and the Internet is available throughout the school as a teaching and learning tool. This past year, Olson purchased document cameras for all classroom teachers to assist them in math instruction. Said Meyer, “Our philosophy regarding technology is: technology is a tool, not a curriculum subject.”
Starting in Kindergarten, and continuing through the rest of the grade levels, parents are encouraged to volunteer in their child’s classroom regularly, building a connection between the school and home. In addition, student learning goals are communicated to the parent community in a variety of ways: grade level teachers distribute the year’s curriculum overview at the August “Meet the Teacher Night;” goals  | | MEPSA Executive Director P. Fred Storti (l) presents Minnesota School of Excellence plaque to Paul Meyer (current principal) and Tim Case (former Hubert Olson principal, retired) |
are continually communicated via the monthly White Tiger newsletter, teacher Web pages, and parent/teacher conference. Ninety-six percent of Olson families attend parent/teacher conferences. Parents who are unable to attend, are personally contacted by their child’s teacher.
The Olson leadership, staff, parents, students, and community have worked together on a number of successful projects over the last several years – including a $4 million renovation of the school in 2000 that included a new media center and added classroom space. Working in conjunction with business partners, the City of Bloomington, Olson Middle School, Tree Trust, and volunteers (parents/students), the school added an outdoor classroom space in a pond area, along with a walking trail. They are in the process of installing new playground equipment, once again working with their broad base of community support.
Hubert Olson Elementary Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration:
June 4, 2009
1-2:45 p.m.
Hubert Olson Elementary School will hold a celebration to honor its Minnesota School of Excellence validation on Thursday, June 4, at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
“The Olson team work extremely hard to make sure all students learn," said Paul Meyer, Olson Elementary principal. "This award is a testament to their efforts and passion for children. I am fortunate to work with such dedicated individuals."
Students will be central to the celebration -- which is combined with the opening of a new playground.
In addition to the entire elementary student body and community of school parents, teachers, and staff, special guests include Bloomington Superintendent Les Fujitake and Tim Case, former Hubert Olson principal. P. Fred Storti, executive director, Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, will present Hubert Olson Elementary with a Minnesota School of Excellence plaque. Invitations have been sent to: the Bloomington mayor, Bloomington City Council, and Minnesota Superintendent of Education Alice Seagren.
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Hubert_Olson_Excellence.pdf
media release
Image Gallery:
Olson Celebration
June 4, 2009: MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration
  
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| | “The Olson team work extremely hard to make sure all students learn,"
said Paul Meyer, Olson Elementary principal. "This award is a testament
to their efforts and passion for children. I am fortunate to work with
such dedicated individuals."
Scroll down for photos from the Hubert Olson Elementary Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration.
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