Ahoy, Minnetonka!

S2 E11: Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE Program Jan 13, 2025

One of the exceptional programs the Minnetonka Public School District offers is a robust Preschool program. In addition to preschool classes, Minnetonka Community Education also offers preschool enrichment opportunities, preschool-aged wrap-around childcare through Junior Explorers, and Early Childhood Family Education classes for families with children ages birth to 5.

In this episode, join Superintendent David Law for a discussion with the Coordinator of Minnetonka Preschool, ECFE and Junior Explorers, Molly Bahneman, and ECFE and Preschool Parent, Mary Cornelius, as they connect about what makes Minnetonka Preschool, Junior Explorers and ECFE such welcoming and nurturing environments for young learners.

Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE will host an Open House on Saturday, January 25 from 9:30-11:30am at the Minnetonka Community Education Center in Deephaven. Registration for the 2025-26 school year begins on Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 am.

Learn more at minnetonkacommunityed.org.

S2 E10: Service Dec 19, 2024

A key aspect of the mission of Minnetonka Public Schools is to ensure all students envision and pursue their highest aspirations while serving the greater good. Our students and staff excel in how they serve their communities, and they contribute to making society a better place by getting involved and volunteering in many different ways.

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Sarah Johnson, the coordinator of the Tonka Serves office, as well as two Minnetonka High School seniors who have made volunteering in their community a priority in their lives. Join them for a discussion on the importance of service and ways students and families may get connected with volunteering and service-learning opportunities.

S2 E9: Safety and Security Nov 21, 2024

Safety is something on all parents’ minds—and on the minds of our teachers and our staff, and our District takes seriously the responsibility of providing a safe place for students to learn and for staff to work. One of the three ongoing goals the Minnetonka School Board has set for the district is Excellence in Well-being, Connection and Belonging. A key action step outlined within that goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all students—and that extends to our staff, families and visitors, as well.Join Superintendent David Law for a discussion with Scott Gerlicher, Minnetonka’s security and emergency management coordinator, and Dr. JacQui Getty, the District’s executive director of communications, as they review the considerable strides that Minnetonka Schools has made in this area over the past year.

S2 E8: Facilities Study Task Force Nov 07, 2024

One of the three ongoing goals that the Minnetonka School Board has set for our district is Excellence in Leadership and Organizational Support. A key action step outlined within that goal is to determine whether our school facilities meet the needs of our current and future students. Last spring, community stakeholders from across the district came together as the Facilities Study Task Force to begin to examine that question.

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with one of the co-facilitators of the task force, Cari Lindberg, and one of the task force members, Jennie Przybilla, for a discussion about the group’s work and process.

S2E7: Literacy Oct 28, 2024

Literacy is a topic about which both educators and families are passionate, and it is a priority both for Minnetonka Public Schools, with our ongoing School Board Goal, Excellence in Student Learning and Support, and for the State of Minnesota with the passage of the READ Act in 2023. Join Superintendent David Law for a discussion with Associate Superintendent Dr. Amy LaDue and Literacy Coordinator Alyssa Rutherford about our district’s literacy efforts, from background on the science of reading to the robust staff development opportunities teachers and administrators are participating in to support them as they apply best practices to teach reading for our students.

S2E6: Well-Being Oct 17, 2024

Well-being is a key component of one of our three School Board goals, Excellence in Well-being, Connection and Belonging. It has been an area of focus for many years. In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Minnetonka Schools’ Health Services Director Annie Lumbar Bendson and School Board Director Dr. Mike Remucal for a discussion on student and staff well-being, mental health and the approaches our school district takes to supporting families through resources, partnerships and referrals.

S2E5: State of the District Chat with the School Board Sep 13, 2024

In this episode, Superintendent David Law connects with School Board Chair Meghan Selinger and School Board Treasurer Dan Olson for a start of the school year chat about about where we’re at and what’s ahead. Together, they discuss the School Board’s goals for the District and the strides that have been made in support of those goals, the long-term planning process and efforts for Minnetonka Schools, and the District’s financial outlook, including how community members can get involved in advocating with their legislators for increased school funding.

S2E4: Back to School 2024: Welcome to High School! Aug 30, 2024

Superintendent Law concludes the Back to School 2024 series with Minnetonka High School Counselor Sarah Seldon and Student Life Coordinator Amy Livorsi. Both Sarah’s and Amy’s work support students’ and families’ success at Minnetonka High School, from welcoming new ninth graders during Freshman Orientation to planning for post-secondary success throughout a student’s time at MHS. Focusing on ways students can build connections at school with peers, teachers and support staff, this discussion is rich with information and excitement for the coming year.

S2E2: Back to School 2024: Welcome to Elementary School! Aug 30, 2024

Superintendent Law is joined by Principal Jennifer Smasal and Assistant Principal Matt Breen from Excelsior Elementary. Jen and Matt share about the ways Minnetonka elementary schools prepare for a new school year throughout the summer, advice for new families and families of incoming Kindergarteners, and stories of how leaders work to nurture a school culture of belonging and connection throughout the year.

S2E1: Back to School 2024: Welcome to Preschool and ECFE! Aug 30, 2024

Superintendent Law is joined by the new Executive Director of Community Education, Kim Carlson, and Coordinator of Preschool, ECFE and Junior Explorers, Molly Bahneman. From the ways teachers and staff prepare to support students and families to tips for first-time preschool parents, this episode provides a glimpse into the many ways Minnetonka Community Education serves our students, families and community.

S2E3: Back to School 2024: Welcome to Middle School! Aug 30, 2024

In this episode, Superintendent Law is joined by school leaders from Minnetonka Middle School West, Principal Freya Schirmacher and Assistant Principal Andrea Hoffmann. Their chat touches on ways that families can support middle schoolers at the start of the year, stories of how well-being, belonging and connection are fostered at the middle school level, and more.

Episode 24: Superintendent Law and MHS Principal Reflect on the 2023-24 School Year Jun 11, 2024

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law chats with Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson, reflecting on a year at MHS, which is truly a School of Opportunities within a District of Opportunities.

Listen in for a conversation that touches on the highlights of the year—from the unique “All Aboard!” student orientation in September and the change from MAST to Anchor Time to the growth of MOMENTUM’s Aviation courses and the successes of the various experiential learning opportunities the school offers.

Episode 23: Class of 2024, Ahoy! Jun 06, 2024

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with three MHS seniors just ahead of graduation: Max Borchert, Brielle Fox-Anderson and Elias Grant.

As the Class of 2024 becomes Minnetonka’s newest alumni, these leaders reflect on their various experiences in Minnetonka Schools, from the academic opportunities that challenged and inspired them to the extracurricular activities that fostered their community of friends and peers. They share what’s ahead for each of them as they begin their next steps, and they offer advice for the new students who will enter Minnetonka High School in the fall.

Episode 22: An End-of-the-Year Chat with the School Board Jun 04, 2024

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with three Minnetonka School Board members: Chair Meghan Selinger, Treasurer Dan Olson, and Director Kemerie Foss.

Listen in for a conversation that provides a glimpse “behind the scenes” of how the Minnetonka School Board is involved in the governance of our school district–from serving on committees to setting our District goals. School Board members also shared what their roles entail and spoke about their favorite aspects of public service.

Episode 21: MHS Interact Club May 28, 2024

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with leaders from the Minnetonka High School Student Interact Club, including seniors Campbell DeLuca and Keira Keegan, and club advisor and MHS art teacher Rebecca Marks.

The Interact Club is a high school connection to Rotary International, and it partners with the local Excelsior Morning Rotary. The student club is focused on service opportunities and leadership development. Among other activities, in the last few years, the MHS Interact Club has created a food shelf operating within Minnetonka High School, which serves students and families facing food insecurity.

Listen in for a conversation with these innovative, service-minded students!

Episode 20: MOMENTUM - Student Perspectives Mar 05, 2024

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with three current MOMENTUM students who are taking Transportation Careers & Global Commerce, Aviation, and Physics in Home Renovation classes.

The students discuss their experiences in MOMENTUM, from what they’ve learned from their real-world projects to their favorite parts of their industry site visits and guest instructor presentations. Students also share advice for fellow students considering the program for next year.

Learn more about MOMENTUM and ways to get involved by visiting MinnetonkaSchools.org/MOMENTUM

Episode 19: MOMENTUM Design and Skilled Trades Feb 28, 2024

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with three guests from the MOMENTUM Design and Skilled Trades Program at Minnetonka High School. Guests include Brent Veninga, instructional leader for MOMENTUM; Lindsey Trett, Director of Talent Acquisition from Walser Automotive and MOMENTUM community partner; and a MOMENTUM Transportation Careers and Global Commerce student. Together, they discuss MOMENTUM and what makes this hands-on, interdisciplinary skilled trades program such a vibrant and exciting addition to Minnetonka High School’s breadth of student opportunities.

MOMENTUM is a program designed for students with a passion for real-world, hands-on learning to help them envision and prepare for careers in the skilled trades. Through four distinct strands in Construction Systems, Manufacturing, Design, and Transportation (which includes automotive and aviation courses), students explore trades through projects with community partners, industry site visits, and mini apprenticeships. They learn from professionals through guest speaker visits, making connections with local businesses. and growing their awareness of trade and technical school offerings.
Learn more about MOMENTUM and ways to get involved by visiting MinnetonkaSchools.org/MOMENTUM

Episode 18: VANTAGE - Student Perspectives Feb 22, 2024

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with three current VANTAGE students in the Global Business, Health Sciences, and Public Policy strands.

The students discuss their experiences in their VANTAGE strands, from what they’ve learned from their professional mentors to their favorite parts of their company projects and VANTAGE competitions, such as the Global Business Shark Tank. Students also share advice for fellow students considering the program for next year.

Learn more about VANTAGE and ways to get involved by visiting MinnetonkaSchools.org/VANTAGE

Episode 17: VANTAGE Advanced Professional Studies Feb 15, 2024

oin Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with guests Roger Andre, Executive Director of the VANTAGE Program at Minnetonka High School and a VANTAGE Public Policy student, for a conversation about VANTAGE and what makes this high school experiential learning program so unique and impactful.

VANTAGE is a project-based professional studies program at Minnetonka High School that is designed to give students insight into future careers and professional opportunities across a wide range of industries. Through 11 study areas, or “strands,” rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum is paired with real-life projects, expert guest instruction, 1-to-1 mentors, events and site visits that are layered on to create a distinctively engaging experience.

Learn more about VANTAGE and ways to get involved by visiting MinnetonkaSchools.org/VANTAGE

Episode 16: Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation, Dream Maker! Jan 30, 2024

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Jill Howe, Executive Director of the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation, and Amy Grady, the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation Board Chair.

Together, they discuss the history and activities of the Foundation, which has been providing incredible support for our district for nearly 40 years! From enhancing student learning through innovative teacher grants and endowment projects to building community connections through events like the annual Dream Makers Gala, there are many ways the Foundation supports Minnetonka’s mission of excellence in how we live, lead and learn.

There are many ways to get involved with the Foundation’s work – including participating in the upcoming Dream Makers Silent Auction, which opens at 7:45 am on Wednesday, January 31. Learn more about all opportunities at MinnetonkaFoundation.com.

Episode 15: Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE Jan 25, 2024

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with guests Molly Bahneman, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Preschool Coordinator, and Dustin Tauer, ECFE and Preschool PTO President, for a conversation about the ways Minnetonka Schools supports our District’s youngest learners.

Serving children ages two and a half to five years old, Minnetonka Preschool encourages students to learn about the world around them through exploration, discovery and play. Curriculum emphasizes early literacy, helps children develop a love of learning and uses leading technology to ignite imaginations. Licensed teachers create a safe, nurturing environment focused on building a child’s confidence and providing them with skills that prepare them for Kindergarten.

Minnetonka’s ECFE program provides weekly classes where families explore new experiences, meet other families, and grow and learn together with their children. There are many different classes available, serving children ages birth through age five.

Families are invited to learn more about both programs through an in-person open house happening this weekend, on Saturday, January 27 from 9:30-11:30am at the Minnetonka Community Education Center. Learn more by visiting MinnetonkaSchools.org/Preschool.

Episode 14: Thomas Murray, Future Ready Schools Dec 22, 2023

You won’t want to miss the final Ahoy, Minnetonka! episode of 2023, as Superintendent David Law reconnects with Thomas Murray, nationally renowned educational speaker from Future Ready Schools and podcast host of “Leading Through Unprecedented Times,” a top national educational podcast.
Tom Murray empowered Minnetonka Schools administrators and staff in August with an inspiring message of the power of getting to know students’ stories to foster well-being, connection and belonging.

Now, mid-way through the school year, in a robust discussion, Tom Murray and Superintendent Law chat about everything from innovation and what makes a school or district “future ready” to the importance for educators and students to recharge and revitalize during winter break. Listen in to learn more!

Episode 13: Nutrition Services - Let’s Talk About Food! Dec 12, 2023

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Kristen Turnblad, Assistant Supervisor of Nutrition Services, and Derek Nelson, Interim Cook Manager at Clear Springs Elementary. Kristen has 12 years of experience working in the District’s Nutrition Services department and is both a District resident and an MHS alumna. Derek is a District parent and has worked in Minnetonka’s Nutrition Services department in both part- and full-time roles.

Together, they discuss Minnetonka Schools’ new free breakfast and lunch program, the process for planning and selecting food options, and flexible career opportunities available as part of the Minnetonka Public Schools Nutrition Services team.

Episode 12: S.A.I.L. Students Achieving Independent Life Dec 05, 2023

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with Dr. Christine Breen, Executive Director of Special Education, Faith Kasper, S.A.I.L. teacher, and current S.A.I.L. student, Jack Campbell, for a conversation about Minnetonka’s transition education program.

Now in its third year, S.A.I.L.–which stands for “Students Achieving Independent Life”–supports Minnetonka students with special needs ages 18-22 in gaining skills and connections to nurture their future goals and independence. The program includes collaborative and supportive community partnerships and is based in a newly-renovated building near MHS that is uniquely designed to support the needs of transition students. Listen in to learn more!

Episode 11: Tech and Safety Efforts Oct 10, 2023

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Mike Dronen, Executive Director of Technology for Minnetonka Schools, and Scott Gerlicher, the District’s new Security and Emergency Management Coordinator. Together, they discuss the ways Minnetonka Schools invests in technology inside and outside of the classroom and in the safety and security of our students and staff.

Listen in to hear more about everything from cybersecurity, data protection and physical building security processes to the innovative approach Minnetonka has taken in envisioning ways that tech tools can support classrooms to serve as an accelerator for student learning.

Episode 10: Skipper Alumni! Sep 26, 2023

Minnetonka High School has graduated 70 classes of alumni, and alumni of Deephaven and Excelsior High Schools (which combined in 1952 to create the school district we have today) are still active in our community, too.

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law chats with leaders from the Minnetonka Alumni Association: Marietta Jacobsen ’70, association president, and Dr. Matt Andrews ’96, a newer member of the association’s board. Together, they discuss the ways the Alumni Association connects and celebrates Minnetonka students and graduates—from fundraising for teacher grants with the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation to hosting signature events, such as the annual Alumni Awards Program during Homecoming weekend and the All-Class, All-Friends Reunion, which will take place in Downtown Excelsior this summer on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Learn more about the Minnetonka Alumni Association at www.minnetonkaalumni.com

Episode 9: Skippers Spirit! Sep 12, 2023

Homecoming is around the corner, and as our community prepares for this special weekend of celebration and school spirit, Superintendent David Law connected with two key cheerleaders for our schools: Tonka Pride Co-Chair Katie Becker and Skippers Booster Club President Maggie Hillmer.

Together with their teams, Katie and Maggie put in hundreds of hours to prepare the amazing spirit-wear we have for our schools and to bolster community pride. Join in for their chat about the ways they support Minnetonka Schools by encouraging our community to come together as Skippers celebrating what an amazing place this is to work, live and raise kids.

Learn more about Tonka Pride: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/partners/tonka-pride

Learn more about the Skippers Booster Club: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/partners/skippers-booster-club

Episode 8: Back-to-School Part 4: Welcome to High School! Aug 29, 2023

Concluding the back-to-school mini-episodes, Superintendent David Law is joined by two assistant principals from Minnetonka High School, Emily Rosengren and Darren Best. Both Emily and Darren spent decades of their careers teaching at MHS before becoming instructional leaders and administrators. From creating a school culture of belonging, new courses and extracurricular activities to the High School’s newly scheduled “Anchor Time,” this discussion is rich with information and excitement for the coming year.

Find back-to-school information for Minnetonka High School here: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/high-school/mhs/back-to-school

Episode 7: Back-to-School Part 3: Welcome to Middle School! Aug 29, 2023

Continuing on with the back-to-school mini-episodes, Superintendent David Law is joined by MME Principal Pete Dymit and MME Parent Teacher Association President Jennie Pryzbilla. Their chat touches on ways to support middle schoolers at the start of the year, ways for parents to stay involved in school throughout the middle school years, how the District’s “middle school audit” this fall will lay the groundwork for innovation and improvement in Minnetonka middle schools, and more.

Find back-to-school information for each of the District’s middle schools here:

Minnetonka Middle School East: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/middle-schools/mme

Minnetonka Middle School West: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/middle-schools/mmw/back-to-school

Tonka Online: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/academics/specialty-programs/tonka-online/for-current-students

Episode 6: Back-to-School Part 2: Welcome to Elementary School! Aug 29, 2023

Continuing on with our back-to-school mini-episodes, Superintendent David Law is joined by Principal Curt Carpenter and Head Office Assistant Debbie Guido from Clear Springs Elementary. With decades of experience in supporting elementary students and families, Curt and Debbie share about the ways Minnetonka elementary schools will welcome students and families, from preparing teacher assignments to planning welcome events and encouraging ongoing volunteering throughout the year.

Find back-to-school information for each of the District’s elementary schools here:

Clear Springs: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/cs/back-to-school

Deephaven: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/dh/back-to-school

Excelsior: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/excelsior/back-to-school

Groveland: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/groveland/back-to-school

Minnewashta: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/minnewashta/back-to-school

Scenic Heights: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/schools/elementary/sh/back-to-school

Tonka Online: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/academics/specialty-programs/tonka-online/for-current-students

Episode 5: Back-to-School Part 1: Welcome to Minnetonka Schools- School Board Chat! Aug 29, 2023

With the start of the school year on the horizon, Superintendent David Law is joined by School Board Chair Lisa Wagner and School Board Director Chris Vitale to kick off a series of four mini-episodes that will usher in the new school year. From the goals the School Board sets for the District to the tech levy renewal ballot question that will be in front of voters in November, a look at the District’s long-term planning, and more, this episode provides a glimpse “behind the scenes” of how the School Board is involved in the governance of the District.

Learn more about the School Board goals for 2023-24 at minnetonkaschools.org/boardgoals

Learn more about the 2023 Capital Projects (“Tech Levy”) Referendum at minnetonkaschools.org/tech-levy

Episode 4: Summer’s Calling! Jun 27, 2023

School’s out for the summer, but the opportunities to become involved in our community never end! In this episode, Superintendent David Law is joined by guests Tim Litfin (Executive Director of Community Education) and Jenny Bodurka (Assistant Director of Community Education) for a chat about the many classes, camps, programs, and events that Minnetonka Community Education offers for Skippers of all ages.

From Boundary Waters trips to tennis classes, from pickleball tournaments to the annual Tour de Tonka bike ride in August, summer is calling – and in Minnetonka, there’s no shortage of ways to answer that call! Get connected today by visiting www.minnetonkacommunityed.org

Episode 3: Superintendent and MHS Principal Discuss Innovative Signature Programs and Experiential Learning Jun 13, 2023

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent of Schools David Law chats with Minnetonka High School Principal Jeff Erickson about the ways that Minnetonka Schools has innovated throughout the years to create signature programs and experiences that have built MHS into a School of Opportunities.

Episode 2: Celebrate, Minnetonka! May 30, 2023

The end of the school year brings a lot to celebrate. In Minnetonka Schools, we value celebrating our community all year long -- honoring the dedication and drive that teachers and staff bring each day, lifting up the achievements, milestones and successes of our hardworking students, and fostering growth and connection by celebrating the unique and vibrant voices in our school district.

In this episode, Superintendent David Law and guests Freya Schirmacher (Principal of Minnetonka Middle School West), Mary Cornelius (District Communications Specialist) and Lucy Hiller (Minnetonka High School Class of 2023) share stories about the power of celebration in Minnetonka Schools.

Find more information about Ahoy, Minnetonka! and Minnetonka Public Schools by visiting www.minnetonkaschools.org/ahoy

Episode 1: Welcome to Minnetonka Schools! - Stories of what makes Minnetonka excellent May 16, 2023

Ahoy, Minnetonka! In this podcast's inaugural episode, join Superintendent David Law as he leads a chat about the journey of Minnetonka Public Schools and what makes the district excellent. Joining Superintendent Law is School Board Chair Lisa Wagner, Executive Director of Communications Dr. JacQui Getty, and 2022 MHS alumnus Matthew Wadman.

You can find more information about Ahoy, Minnetonka! and Minnetonka Public Schools by visiting www.minnetonkaschools.org/ahoy

Ahoy, Minnetonka! - Teaser Trailer May 08, 2023

Join Superintendent David Law for conversations with the people who make Minnetonka Schools Minnetonka Schools – the teachers, students, parents, principals, volunteers, alumni, Board Members, staff, and administrators from our school district who work together to pursue excellence in the way we live, lead and learn.

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