***SPPS IN THE NEWS:
As teen pranks escalate, some aren't laughing
In St. Paul, the incidents have led to a student suspension at Cretin-Derham Hall and the cancellation this week of Pep Fest activities at Central High School.
10/2/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_13475615.html
Mott Foundation Grant to Support New Day for Learning
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has selected St. Paul as one of ten cities nationally to become “New Day for Learning” communities.
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
Not available on-line Community Reporter VOL. 37. NO. 10 OCTOBER 2009 - Page 7
St. Paul Public Schools Foundation Supports Innovation
Open School One of Seven Centers for Tutoring Partnership
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
Not available on-line Community Reporter VOL. 37. NO. 10 OCTOBER 2009 - Page 7
***OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEWS:
Hennepin county truancy cases may get new emphasis
The Hennepin County attorney's office seeks to expand its program for getting truants back in school, hoping that this will curb crime down the road.
10/1/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/63202537.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
Princeton / Teens suspected of planting packages
Police in Princeton have arrested two teenagers in this week's discovery of three suspicious packages that turned out to contain "inert powder
10/2/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13475611.html
2 teens arrested in Princeton suspicious packages case
Two teens were held in connection with devices found this week in Princeton. Charges likely will be filed Monday.
10/2/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/63262307.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Education Notes
10/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_13475758.html
West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Schools / Compost project an organic affair
Students pitch in to educate others
10/3/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_13475915.html
Editorial: Keep focus on kids when schools close
As districts make tough calls, communities must pull together.
10/4/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/63332712.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UthPacyPE7iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Nova Classical Academy Comes to West End
After five years of searching, looking at 33 different sites and eliminating 5 serious possibilities, Nova Classical Academy is moving its Upper Campus to St. Francis School.
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
http://communityreporter.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=346&Itemid=26
Twin Cities Academy Students Take Top Honors at Competition
Thirteen students from Twin Cities Academy (TCA) Middle School won top honors at the Minnesota State Fair in the Education Competition this year with two written group projects taking first place.
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
Not available on-line Community Reporter VOL. 37. NO. 10 OCTOBER 2009 - Page 7
***MISC. NEWS:
Bachmann warns schools could offer abortions
Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., warned on the House floor last night that schools could start offering abortions if health-care reform legislation becomes law.
10/1/2009
MinnPost.com
http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2009/10/01/12110/bachmann_warns_schools_could_offer_abortions
Online education expands for U.S. need, awaits innovation
Online education is a growing industry in the United States with estimated revenues of $12 billion at a dozen or so for-profit companies that provide primarily online learning.
10/4/2009
USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-10-04-online-degree_N.htm
Bullying: Take Head of Prevention Based Actions
Regardless of the neighborhood, class, race, or age of the children, the reality of our society is that bullying takes place in children’s lives nearly every day.
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
Not available on-line Community Reporter VOL. 37. NO. 10 OCTOBER 2009 - Page 2
West 7th Afterschool Program Earns Major Award
The grants support high quality after school programs that offer a comprehensive array of services and activities to reinforce the regular academic programs of participating students. The Center received a grant of $530,000 for its K-8th grade programming, to be used over the next three years.
10/5/2009
Community Reporter
http://communityreporter.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=345&Itemid=26
House Panel Targets Teacher Distribution, Pay
Lawmakers and teacher spokesmen had a spirited exchange here this week on the equitable distribution of effective teachers, illuminating the contours of a debate that will likely continue as Congress revisits the issue.
10/5/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/02/06teach.h29.html?tkn=TOWFjLPAy4OPwBIY3bjIrH10Cq%2BzDJzkzBYx
IG Questions Use of Stimulus Aid for Education
An internal watchdog at the Education Department says states are using money from the economic stimulus to plug budget holes instead of boosting aid for schools.
10/5/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/01/304315usstimulusschools_ap.html?tkn=X[NFLaZ9L1RoSRnkbxosogQlQOi9DgsPi6FU
'Race to Top' Said to Lack Key Science
Scant Evidence for Policies, Researchers Tell Ed. Dept.
10/5/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/07/06research_ep.h29.html?tkn=YX[FSnOp4oPGBAlK%2F5yiu7f9863f8r0ST7pw
Prepaid College Savings Plans Might Not Cover All Costs
In the last two decades, more than a million families around the country have invested in state funds that pledged to cover the cost of attending their state’s public colleges and universities, regardless of how much tuition increased.
10/5/2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/education/05college.html?_r=1&ref=education
OPINION | Counselors needed to meet student needs
Recently, the Minnesota School Counselor's Association teamed with Minnesota 2020 for the report "Minnesota School Counseling Crunch." It's clear from the information contained in the report that there are ample academic, career, personal and mental health needs among our state's children and adolescents which are not being met.
10/5/2009
Twin Cities Daily Planet
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2009/10/02/opinion-counselors-needed-meet-student-needs