 | | S.G. (Sam) Skaaland, principal, Lake Park Audubon Elementary |
2008-2009 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence
Lake Park Audubon School District, ISD #2889
“Part of our LPA Elementary School Mission Statement states that we
promote, ‘the desire to learn so that each student may make progress
toward achieving his/her potential.’ We clearly state through the word
‘each’ that we believe all students can learn."
A leadership committee conducted the Lake Park Audubon MN School of Excellence self-study, including: Sam Skaaland – elementary principal; Mary Softing – sixth grade teacher and parent; Bonnie Iverson – fifth grade teacher; Kristen Frank – first grade teacher and parent. In acknowledging their MN School of Excellence recognition, Skaaland said: “We are proud to be recognized as a Minnesota School of Excellence! This recognition is a credit to all who are associated with our school, and we will all share in celebrating the accomplishment. It is a demonstration of great teachers, caring parents, and outstanding students working together to provide a foundation  | | Lake Park Audubon MN School of Excellence Committee: l-r, Bonnie Iverson, fifth grade teacher; Kristen Frank, first grade teacher and parent; Mary Softing, sixth grade teacher and parent; and Sam Skaaland, principal. |
for success.”
Skaaland says of LPA’s philosophy toward education, “Part of our LPA Elementary School Mission Statement states that we promote, ‘the desire to learn so that each student may make progress toward achieving his/her potential.’ We clearly state through the word ‘each’ that we believe all students can learn. We demonstrate this belief daily in our instructional methods and delivery. We expect high standards from our students, and we work very hard to help them achieve those standards.”
LPA Elementary staff members focus first and foremost on student welfare, as is evident in every aspect of the school day starting with the bus ride. Bus drivers are residents of the district and parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles of students. Everyone who works with the children genuinely cares about them and wants them to have a great school day. The kitchen staff serves students breakfast with a smile, and works very hard to make lunchtime special with celebrations and activities throughout the year. Custodians and office staff consider the children’s welfare as their number one job. All elements of the school community are encouraged to communicate with each other and the administration to provide the best environment for the students.
Lake Park Audubon Elementary School uses a variety of data sources to measure performance. These include: MCA testing, AIMS web testing and data collection, Read Naturally testing and placement, Accelerated Math testing and placement, Scott Foresman tests for guided reading placement, curricular resource tests, special education tests and work sampling. Teachers use both formal and informal assessments along with teacher observation to make decisions about student progress. Student work is collected by teachers at all grade levels and shared with parents and students at conferences. Staff believe that hard data doesn’t always measure attitude, effort, or behavior which can contribute substantially to achievement levels.
Lake Park Audubon Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration:
date to be scheduled
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