Important Messages from Families and Students
The following column originally appeared in a number of APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers including the SunThisWeek, Sun Current, Sun Post, Sun Sailor, Message Media and Press&News. The column appeared during late September and early October, 2024 in slightly different forms in these and other papers. The column below is the version that appeared in SunThisWeek newspaper. Also, below the column are 23 additional quotes that were submitted, some of which appeared in various newspapers printing the column.
Important messages from families and students
By Joe Nathan
Phoebe Handy, a student at Paladin Career and Technical High School, Coon Rapids, recently wrote that her teachers “actually understand what I’m dealing with and where I need help. I love this school, I love the people, and I love the teachers. Thank you, Paladin for saving me.”
Parent Terry Warolin described New Heights in Stillwater as “a school where my children have had the opportunity to thrive. I first made the decision to switch my daughter to New Heights after she spent many years struggling and failing in a traditional public school setting. The teachers there offered her the care and support she needed to rebuild her confidence in the classroom which ignited a passion for learning she had never had before. Now a recent graduate of Yale University, she has since gone on to pursue a PhD and teach at Cornell University.”
Jim Balabuszko-Reay described his son’s experience in a large district and Eden Prairie’s PiM Charter Public School. “In his local school system, the sports and academic cultures left Isaac feeling left out and feeling like he was a problem. From the very first week at PiM, he found himself surrounded by people like himself, an instant member of a community of creatives. He has blossomed as a creative professional in training, but also as a leader amongst his peers. He loves taking underclassmen under his wing and helping them feel like they belong. Along the way, he got support in academics, and amazing opportunities to act, dance, and sing in concerts, plays, and musicals, which has helped him truly believe he has a place in the creative world. We are so grateful.”
George Bugella, a graduate of Northwest Passage High School in Coon Rapids wrote: “When I started going to school at NWPHS, I never felt belittled, small or a burden for having an IEP. The staff respected me and in turn, I respected them. In my two years there I didn’t get in trouble which was a refreshing change from ‘normal’ high school. Compared to being confined to a desk with a cutthroat schedule, NWPHS was fun.” Bugella has been a welder for 13 years.
Shawn Peterson, father of three students who attended St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater from K through graduation said, “All three of our children had very different academic needs as most families do. What I loved about St. Croix Prep was the school’s ability to accommodate all three without sacrificing the overall mission, philosophy, and character of the school. At times that meant magnifying each of their particular strengths and talents and at other times that meant offering support in areas they struggled. As someone who works in the area of education nationally, I know this is not something every school has mastered.”
Some districts wisely are listening, creating new options for families seeking smaller, more focused, personalized schools. I’ll describe some in a future column.
Our children and grandchildren gained by attending several public-school options: Spanish immersion, project-based, and neighborhood.
Recently, Minnesota’s largest newspaper criticized many Minnesota charter public schools in part for test scores. But Minnesota’s K-12 charter enrollment has grown from 10,162 in 2001-2002 to more than 67,000 in 2022-23, while district enrollment declined by more than 50,000 in the same period. More than 90% of public-school students attend district schools.
Tens of thousands of families – suburban, rural, and urban, concluded that while statewide tests have some value, charters overall are more effectively meeting their youngsters’ needs.
Like all public schools, some charters are more successful than others. But comparing test scores ignores many important features tests don’t measure. It’s something like trying to compare gas mileage in owned or leased cars. Like cars, schools vary enormously. What’s best for some won’t work well for others.
Also, the best schools are not just those with high test scores. Some of the most effective schools – alternative district and charter public schools – are skillfully helping young people who didn’t succeed in large traditional schools.
This produces a “billion-dollar bonus” for students who graduate from high school (like Bugella) and gain productive jobs. Students who graduate, earn on average, about $400,000 more than dropouts. High school graduates also save taxpayers, on average, $200,000 each because they’re healthier and less likely to become involved in the criminal justice system.
Amy Caron, a parent of students at Forest Lake’s North Lakes Academy, spoke for many parents. “NLA ended up being a great fit for our children. Because of the smaller size, they had opportunities to be known and be involved in extracurricular activities and sports teams that likely never would have happened at a larger school.”
Being known, welcomed, and involved, in a safe, nurturing environment where student gifts and talents are encouraged and developed – that’s what thousands of families are seeking.
Joe Nathan, PhD formerly a Minnesota public school educator and PTA president, founded and now is an advisor at the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org
ADDITIONAL QUOTES SUBMITTED.
Some of these appeared in other versions of the column. Deep thanks to everyone who submitted a comment.
Coon Rapids :
“My daughter tried attending traditional public school and was like a round peg going into a square hole. We homeschooled up until we stumbled across Paladin and it’s been a life changing event for her. Thank you!” — Regina Poole
“Paladin teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to help motivate and encourage my child. He wants to return to Paladin whereas he did not with other schools.” — Sarah McClellan
“Keep doing what you ALL do, the students need what you do for them! The struggle is real and they’re still showing up, they’re still wanting to finish and succeed because of YOU and their relationship. I only wish I had a school setting like this when I was a student.” — Amy Clark
“Compared to previous schools, my child has been treated so differently at Paladin! Here, people lift him up, not tear him down.” — Jill Dahl
Eden Prairie
“My son, Eli, a senior musical theater student at PiM Arts High School, has experienced a life-changing journey where he feels supported, challenged, and affirmed every day both academically and artistically. His creativity and self-image have flourished in such a collaborative environment. He loves his teachers and their unwavering belief in him has fueled his confidence and excitement for a bright future.” -Marissa Zimmerman
“I credit PiM with enlivening the creativity in my children and releasing their individuality. They both went into creative careers in art, and interiors. and architecture becoming self-manageable and forward-thinking humans. PiM’s incredible mentoring staff and community acceptance created a culture that fostered individual growth and created caring, creative, and innovative leaders. PiM is truly one of a kind.” – Russel Peterson
Linda Unsworth, parent, wrote: “One of the most useful life lessons that Ella and William learned during their time at PiM was the value of dependability. Be on time, be prepared, know your lines, rehearse, follow through on your commitments; that everyone has a part to play in the success of the team. This has directly benefited them in school, with their peers and in their work.”
Matt McFarlane PiM Arts High School Executive Director wrote:
“You don’t often hear from parents how a traditional district school has saved their student’s life, but this is something we hear on a fairly regular basis. The big box high schools around us are great for many but don’t work for every student. Our school size gives students the ability to create many positive teacher connections which can greatly impact learning. When you pair our connected culture with amazing arts programs, you have the potential for success at a magnitude many students would not achieve at a district school. I tell students to make the most of these four years here at PiM because there won’t likely be a time where they will be surrounded by a more creative and supportive artistic learning environment. Kids need to be able to live and learn in the content they are most passionate, and the charter model makes that possible for tens of thousands of students every day in Minnesota.”
Our oldest daughter and MCAD sophomore Aubrey (also known as Bird), truly discovered herself while attending PiM. She found herself at PiM within the safe, embracing atmosphere and culture of diversity and inclusion. She was able to discover and develop her authentic self. Coming from the public school system where she was targeted and often ridiculed for being different, she found her safe place at PiM and thrived both academically and in her creative element. She received academic honors, double majored in two art areas with the extraordinary extracurricular activities and even wrote and illustrated a book for her senior capstone project. You can purchase this children’s book on Amazon (picture below, Link: https://a.co/d/0h0Fo3s). I don’t know what we would have done without PiM. The charter school was able to provide insight into the depth and expertise a professional career in art will require while balancing the academic rigor we expected and required for our daughter.
Our current PiM student, and junior in high school is even more of an academic than our eldest. Brooke has been involved in advance placement (AP) classes since last year and is planning on submitting applications to several top colleges. When one thinks of a charter school, they don’t often reflect on the academic variety. I’m here to say, that our family has been impressed with the range of classes offered and the flexibility to explore additional options if a timing or prerequisite did not align. Brooke has a 4.08 GPA and is also heavily engaged in the extra circular actives at PiM including the media arts army, fondly known as MARMY. A robust program dedicated to the professional development of photographers, videographers and the world of media exploration/career opportunities. I have never heard of another school providing such an opportunity to deep dive into this particular space and allow the students to learn and be curious within a field of passion they love. These kids will be the best in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) understanding/interpretation and social media content, I assure you. Have no fear, they will also approach it with kindness and business ethics, because that is imbedded in the curriculum and development of the individual student. We have found PiM to balance academics and the Arts unlike any other program we have heard of.
As a mother of the creative community let me speak to you of how important this school is and why we simply must not just preserve it, but invest and provide additional supportive funding for it. Based on research conducted by Americans for the Arts, Americans Speak Out about the Arts in 2023, 85% of Americans’ favor supporting and funding Art programs. Art broadens our understanding and appreciation of other cultures and histories, supports social and emotional development; builds empathy, reduces intolerance, and generates acceptance of others. This is what we need most post pandemic, living in the devise world of today. I speak to you as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic for the city of Chaska. Our family understands the impact of the pandemic and have seen true horror.
I implore those decision makers to pause and reflect on the gaps the US has in general when it comes to Art enrichment, preservation and exploration. I ask the key stakeholders to recognize the impact a robust Arts program has on the community; Art is the universal language. It is the language that you feel deep within your soul and it often implores you to become a better version of yourself. Truly believe, Art heals. PiM will bring continued beautiful into the world if we fight for it, what shall we do without it?
If any further conversation in needed, please reach out directly to me and I shall carve out time to connect.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Filreis
Forest Lake
Mark Davis, parent
“LILA offers more than a typical school where children receive an education. This school instills values that cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and openness. LILA has given my children opportunities to experience other cultures and realize that the world is a much bigger place than what they see on their cell phones.”
Luke Charpentier, parent:
“I’ve noticed with the boys that not only are they getting a phenomenal education as seen by their test scores but further they’re bilingual which has become pretty obvious when we’ve traveled or when we’ve had someone over the house who speaks Spanish. They’re able to freely converse with these folks, something I, who had a standard education, cannot do. The value of a LILA education cannot be overstated.”
Parent Erika Toftness wrote:
“LILA has given our 5th grade son not only the gift of near-fluency in a second language, but it has also given him a global perspective that I think we would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Everyday he is surrounded by faculty that comes to us from around the world, with their unique perspectives. Those unique perspectives combined with the values of LILA’s IB World Program force him to look inward and be introspective about the way in which he exists and can relate to the larger world around him.”
North Lakes Academy
Parent Jesse Paulley wrote: “North Lakes Academy has been an exceptional fit for my daughter. Since enrolling, she has significantly grown in both confidence and academic achievement. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and the dedicated staff fosters a nurturing environment. Additionally, the strong values upheld by the community have positively influenced her development. We couldn’t be happier with her progress!”
Dana Dickey, North Lakes Academy Parent: “Staff and teachers at NLA value the partnership with parents and provide a traditional learning environment like we grew up with. We love the culture and community feel. The open door demeanor from everyone and the family/community events make it such a pleasure to be a part of. “-Dana Dickey, Parent
Stillwater
New Heights
Jeff Wegge, parent “We are incredibly proud that our boys attended New Heights, where they truly thrived. The smaller class sizes and the absence of homework at night allowed us to focus on family and gave our children the individual attention they needed to succeed.
“After experiencing the overwhelming environment of the larger, Stillwater Public School district, we are grateful for the positive, supportive and CALM environment that New Heights provided. The smaller class sizes were absolutely perfect for my boys.”
“ALL of this at NO COST to us as the taxes we paid simply transferred over to New Heights.
“My youngest son Brady is now attending UW River Falls this spring and we cannot wait to see where this path takes him–thanks to New Heights.”
Braden and Lindsay Briggs wrote:
“As parents of two children, we highly recommend New Heights and Charter schools in general. All kids have particular needs in education, emotional support, and social guidance while navigating their school careers. With greater autonomy, charter schools can try out novel teaching methods, cutting-edge programs, curricula, and the ability to implement a more flexible student to teacher ratio that allows the instructors to achieve more individualized attention where needed. Unique attributes of an education system that might be more challenging to foster in a traditional public school. Our children have experienced both, and we can honestly say that without the smaller class sizes and continuity of care that they experienced at New Heights, they wouldn’t have grown and accomplished as much as they have.”