• Bridges Community School, $3,788 for classroom digital access--the funds will be used to purchase a set of 12 i-Pads (or i-Pad minis) to be used in classrooms on a daily basis.  These iPads will be used in math and reading lessons, as well as for social studies and science lessons.
• Monroe Elementary School, $3,130 for Kindergarten technology enhancement--funds will be used to purchase a mobile tablet center for use with math and reading interventions and enrichment, during the school day and for use after school, with the Excel program.
• East High and Junior High schools, $14,000 for fitness center--add eight weight machines and 16 pieces of cardiovascular equipment to the East Fitness Center.  This addition allows students in physical education classes to be active and independently working.  It will also impact students during after-school hours.
• Franklin Elementary School, $2,000 for Learning Through Music Reading Readiness Program--Funds will be used to support the Learning Through Music Program at Franklin Elementary School during the extended school year program.  Through this program, trained music educators from the Mankato Symphony Orchestra work with English language learner (ELL) students on literacy, numeracy and social skills through interactive music instruction.
• Hoover Elementary School, $9,370 for iClone--this grant will purchase a set of 30 iPad minis and surge protectors for use in all grade levels.  It will allow teacher-led and student-created media presentations through the use of interactive apps to deliver content that can be accessed anytime by students and parents.  These iPads will enhance teaching efficiency and the rigor of the curriculum will be enhanced through small group instructions, presentations and higher-order thinking skills.
• Kennedy Elementary School, $3,170 for Kennedy Cubs Academy--purchase 10 iPad minis to be shared between two fourth grade classrooms.  These minis will be used to encourage students to participate in Khan Academy, create e-books written by students, implement a flipped classroom with Edmodo, provide digital directors for small groups of students and video possibilities.
• Secondary ELL students districtwide, $6,000 for ELL mobile learning initiative--enables all ELL students at the secondary level to have their own iPad mini.  These devices would all students technology for learning and specifically text books in digital and audio format, text reading apps, ELL videos and digital guides and dictation software.
• Dakota Meadows Middle School, $7,134 for physical education iPod Touch--purchase 33 iPod Touch devices to be used in 7th and 8th grade physical education classes.  Instruction benefits include differentiated instruction, enhanced student learning and immediate feedback to students.
• Franklin Elementary School, $13,060 for Franklin is Flying for Technology--purchase 33 iPads and support materials for use with students in 4th grade.  Use iPads to infuse technology into the inquiry process and help students learn to gather and evaluate information, create work to represent their learning and publish work globally.  The iPads will allow change from a techer-centered classroom to a student-centered classroom.
• Grade 12 districtwide, $1,494 for super mileage vehicle competition and CAFE' legislative efforts--purchase six 3.5 horsepower engines.  12th grade students are challenged with building a fuel-efficient vehicle from scratch.  Teams compete by exploring scientific and mathematic principles that affect fuel economy.  Students are provided with an engine, clutch, sprocket, chain and fabrication materials.

Jeff Dahline has emerged as the top candidate for principal of Mankato Area Public Schools' East High School through an external hiring process.  The Mankato Area Public School Board will formally act on his appointment on Monday, March 4.  In addition to serving as interim principal this past year, he has also served as assistant principal at East High School.  His bachelor's, master's and specialist degree in educational administration have been earned from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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(St. Paul, MN) – the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Sheri Allen, Superintendent for the Mankato Area Public Schools, an Administrator of Excellence. Allen will be honored for her leadership, concern for students, and active involvement in professional and community affairs at a statewide recognition ceremony to be held at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference, March 14-15, 2013, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park.

• Kirby Ekstrom, North Branch
• Charles Funk, Sebeka
• Linda Johnson, Robbinsdale area
• Jeannette Kester, East Central
• Sherry Safratowich, Park Rapids