Ahoy, Minnetonka!

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20: MOMENTUM - Student Perspectives Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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