Oxbow Creek Elementary School

MESPA Home > Honors > Minnesota Schools of Excellence > 2007-2008 Validations > Oxbow Creek Elementary School

Rolf Carlsen, principal

2007-2008 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence
Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools, ISD #11

“Strong public schools are essential to our society and the bright future of our country."

Rolf Carlsen is the principal and Joan Iserman the assistant principal of Oxbow Creek Elementary School, a beautiful newer facility that opened in August 2002 and houses nearly 1000 first to fifth graders. A school community that lives and celebrates diversity, the student population includes the district’s English Language Learner Newcomer Program as well as four center-based Special Education programs for students with significant cognitive delays and autism. All staff members – from teachers to paraprofessionals to cooks, custodians, and secretaries – play an integral role in the success of the Oxbow community with a continual focus on student growth.

The skills and knowledge of the different stakeholders (students, staff, parents) at Oxbow Creek helped in developing the vision of working together to create a community with a strong focus on student learning. As principal, Carlsen is a community builder who encourages others to be leaders in their own area. He believes strongly in distributing leadership throughout the school organization. He supports growth by modeling the power of lifelong learning by continually working to update his own knowledge of education trends and current research on best practices. A strong focus on learning is evident throughout the school as Oxbow Creek teachers work toward specific school improvement goals. Book study groups on current best practices are available and “what works” is exchanged at weekly grade level meetings. The teachers at Oxbow Creek deliver a strong core curriculum while continually refining and implementing instructional best practices. Staff use technology to analyze student data, then design professional development that supports student growth. Under Carlsen’s leadership, the school fosters a culture that welcomes participation, considers new ideas, and embraces differences.

“Strong public schools are essential to our society and the bright

A proud Oxbow Creek Elementary School community at their Minnesota School of Excellence celebration -- with Principal Rolf Carlsen in front, and each grade level in a different color Minnesota School of Excellence t-shirt (staff in white)!

future of our country,” said Carlsen. “I’m thrilled that the entire Oxbow Creek school community has been recognized for its excellence, and I look forward to working every day to earn that label each and every year.”

Oxbow Creek Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration:
May 14, 2008
9:15 - 10:30 a.m.
(in conjunction with Track and Field Day; rain date will be May 15 or 16)

Oxbow Creek Elementary School will hold a celebration to honor its Minnesota School of Excellence validation on Wednesday, May 14 – with a rain date on the 15th or 16th, depending which on the weather. The celebration will take place from 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., with Track and Field Day to follow. The community has been invited to participate and this will be a vibrant, active event – with children, families, school staff, and community dignitaries.

“Oxbow’s Track and Field Day is a wonderful tradition that for years has brought our school community together for a great day of fun,” said Rolf Carlsen, principal, Oxbow Creek Elementary.

“It seems like a natural day to celebrate our Minnesota School of Excellence validation. We invited many district folks, politicians, city councils, and other friends of Oxbow – in addition to all our parents, of course,” Carlsen continued.

The focus will be on the students. They will be wearing special Minnesota School of Excellence t-shirts with character education words printed on the back: honesty, integrity, determination. The students will march outside by grade level around the building, holding class flags and being led by the Champlin Park High School drum section.

They will gather at the back of the school to unveil a Minnesota School of Excellence banner. MESPA President Richard Oscarson will present the Oxbow Creek school community with a Minnesota School of Excellence plaque. The honor choir the national anthem and another song. Special guests will be recognized and the school will move on with Track and Field Day! Refreshments will be available for guests, who are invited to stay for as much of the day as they are able.

Image Gallery: Oxbow Creek Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration!

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

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