Notes from April 4, 2017

Posted by Roger Jorgensen
 

 Supt. Curt Tryggestad ... Eden Prairie Schools

Elaine Larabee introduced Dr. Tryggestad to the group.
Curt began as Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools on July 1st, 2012. Prior to working at Eden Prairie he was the Superintendent at Little Falls Community Schools and Superintendent at Esko Public Schools. He began his education career as an instrumental music instructor. Curt earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Masters in Music Conducting and Literature.
Curt was named 2017 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year.
Curt had a lot of good news to share about the school district. In 2013, the strategic plan was built on one word, “each”. Nine thousand students, each one reaching their potential.
 
 
Some of the stats Curt mentioned:
  • 15 National Merit Semifinalists (top ½ %)
  • 21 National Merit Commended Students (top 5%)
  • 311 Students in the AP scholar category
  • 6 Perfect ACT score (less than 1/10th of 1% nationally)
  • 87% of students participated in extracurricular activities
  • 50 different activities
  • Band placed 2nd in Class 4A Minnesota State Championship
  • Wind Ensemble will compete in Chicago
Other topics that Curt addressed were:
  • College and Career Readiness
  • Great relationship with Hennepin Technical College
  • Early acceptance college admissions (30% accepted on that day) by 30 Colleges and Universities.
  • Low Class Size and 2015 referendum
  • 92% Overall Parent Satisfaction Level
  • 95% Satisfaction with teachers
Curt also showed a 3-minute video on "Designing Pathways,  the Roadmap to Reach Each Student" available at www.edenpr.org/designingpathways
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • April 8th – District Assembly at Crown College
  • April 12th – Swallowship – Axel’s in Chanhassen - 5-6:30
  • April 18th – Board Meeting
  • April 20th – Vocational Ethics Lunch at Edina CC 11:30 – 1:30   SIGNUP NOW
  • April 21st – STRIVE Meeting
  • April 22nd – Park Clean Up – Flying Cloud   SIGN UP NOW
  • April 24th – PROP Shop 10th Anniversary Celebration 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
  • April 25th - Above & Beyond Awards Dinner – REGISTER NOW- Donate for textbook scholarships
  • April 28th – District Conference at Westin in Edina  - REGISTER NOW. Club will reimburse up to $75.
  • April 29th – EP Gives 6:00 – 11:30 pm at Oak Ridge Conference Center
 
SPOTLIGHT on JOHN GOERGEN
John grew up in Wisconsin, from Shawno, population 6500. John’s father was very active in Rotary but passed away when he was four years old. John graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. He met his wife Barbara when Michigan played in the Rose Bowl. They have been married for 45 years. Served in the military and then received a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. John was employed by IBM as a systems engineer. There were not promotional opportunities in Madison with IBM so he relocated to Minneapolis. John left IBM and joined a former associate at Lotus Notes. Left Lotus Notes and became an instructor and consultant. His wife and her associates started a health assessment software company. John joined them as the CFO and worked there for 14 years.  
John and Barbara have two married children with two year old daughters.
John retired a year ago December and has really been enjoying retirement.  Besides being able to join Rotary, John has been spending an hour a day working out. He enjoys playing the piano and organ, volunteers for Meals on Wheels for several groups, participates in Feed My Starving Children, and participates in church activities including serving on the Finance committee.
HAPPY BUCKS
  • Bob Starr – Back from Florida, great being home!
  • John Brown – Same as Bob;)
  • Dave Anderson – Drove 1,000 miles just to be back for our meeting (tongue in cheek)
  • Curt Tryggestad – son off payroll ... is assistant General Manager at local restaurant Buca
VISITORS
Ale Pena Gonzalez – Rotary Exchange Student