 | | Dr. Fatima Lawson, principal, L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion School |
2008-2009 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence
Saint Paul Public Schools, ISD #625
"Going through the Minnesota School of Excellence process has not only
redefined the meaning of excellence in education for us, but has also
ignited a passion for working together as a learning community."
Dr. Fatima Lawson is the principal of L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion school, the first and only French immersion school in the urban districts of St. Paul and Minneapolis. L’Etoile du Nord was established in 1996 as a program within a school and became an independent school in 2002. The school is one of the fastest growing in the St. Paul Public Schools district, and currently serves students in grades K-6 with program articulation into the junior and senior high schools. The administration of the MN SOE self-study included the self-study coordinator, Christi Schmitt, who serves as co-chair of the Site Council and an English Language Learner Teacher at the school.
As principal, Dr. Lawson believes: “This is without a doubt a more valid means of measuring success in schools. Going through the Minnesota School of Excellence process has not only redefined the meaning of excellence in education for us, but has also ignited a passion for working together as a learning community. We found out that we measure our success through the works of our students who are the sum total of the different parts that we all played in this endeavor. This recognition is certainly the result of the work of many, many people in this community, who are linked by a common goal -- excellence in learning, and a common interest -- students!”
All core subjects are taught in French, beginning in kindergarten. English Language Arts are introduced in second grade. All students are encouraged and given ample opportunity to maximize their potential regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic background, or disability.
One of the major points of L’Etoile du Nord is that it has a culture of a shared vision. Everyone knows the mission and vision of the school largely due to the fact that it was created with input from the community. Staff believe that all children are capable of learning academic content through a second language. The school’s ultimate goal is to prepare students for life by giving them a gift of a second, relevant language (French), while educating them to meet and exceed district expectations and state standards. Its stated vision is, “to prepare life-long learners for success in a multi-lingual, global community” while its mission consists of “providing a nurturing learning  | | Dr. Fatima Lawson, principal L'Etoile du Nord, receives MN School of Excellence plaque from MESPA Executive Director P. Storti. (To view more photos of the celebration, scroll to the image gallery below!) |
environment where French language immersion enhances and infuses the curriculum.”
L’Etoile du Nord is one of the most diverse schools in terms of cultural backgrounds: staff and students represent over 38 different countries and cultures from around the world. The school has received the Superintendent’s Award for Academic Achievement every year since it started summative assessment and standardized testing of its students. L’Etoile du Nord has made Adequate Yearly Progress since the No Child Left Behind law was enacted in 2001; the students have consistently earned high achievement in state and national standardized tests.
All classroom teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals either have lived or studied abroad, or are from a foreign country. All classroom teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals have at least a bachelor’s degree in the area of study, and about 75 percent with advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction and other related fields. All paraprofessionals have met the NCLB requirements for “Highly Qualified para-professional.” All classroom teachers are proficient in French with native or near native competence with a delicate balance of native and non-native French speaking teachers. The school community benefits from strong partnerships with parents, art organizations, Francophile  | | Gathering to lead the procession into the School of Excellence celebration: (l-r) P. Fred Storti, MESPA Executive Director; Barb LeMaster, St. Paul Central Office Administrator; Dr. Fatima Lawson, principal, L'Etoile du Nord; student; St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. |
and international organizations, Site Council, and the Parent/Teacher Organization.
A high percentage of students at L’Etoile du Nord are identified as gifted and talented. Activities within the classroom are rigorous, challenging, and motivating throughout the school day. Students work together solving complex problems through service learning projects, investigation teams, research teams, arts residencies, creative writing residencies, and flexible grouping. Students participate in local, state, national, and international competitions in both French and English languages. Students also participate in a Young Authors’ Conference in a college setting and at school and regional science fairs. Dr. Lawson was awarded Minnesota’s Elementary and Middle Level Math and Science Principal of the Year in 2007.
Staff members have worked hard to integrate key learning goals into hands-on, experiential activities. Many have written grants to enrich student learning in their classroom and grade level. One example of this is a collaboration between the school’s Science specialists and the Ramsey Washington Metro Area Watershed program called, “Runoff and get it done.” They have addressed the erosion problem by growing plants from seedlings and planting these native species into the school hillside  | | Mayor Chris Coleman, right, unveils Minnesota Mosaic -- created by L'Etoile du Nord students. The mosaic hung outside the mayor's office for the past year. |
to prevent further erosion.
Teachers and parents work collaboratively through the Arts Partnership Committee to build and sustain meaningful artist partnerships. This committee was responsible for securing workshops and grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, The Perpich Center for the Arts, Arts for All award, and the Education Minnesota Foundation for Teaching and Learning.
L'Etoile du Nord Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration:
May 29, 2009
2 p.m.
L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School will hold a celebration on Friday, May 29, from 11-11:30 a.m. to honor its Minnesota School of Excellence validation. This will be a vibrant, active event – with children, families, school staff, and community dignitaries.
Students will be central to the celebration – with fifth grade students performing on African drums in front of the school’s main entrance.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will unveil the “Minnesota Mosaic,” that was made by L’Etoile du Nord students and hung outside his office for one year.
P. Fred Storti, executive director of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, will present Dr. Fatima Lawson, principal of L’Etoile du Nord, with a Minnesota School of Excellence plaque for the school building.
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