Immersion Curriculum Review Update

Dissent: N/A

Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A

Dr. Loo, Elida Kaine, and Alyssa Rutherford presented an update on the K-12 immersion curriculum review. They outlined the unique program structure in Minnetonka, which includes both Chinese Mandarin and Spanish immersion across all elementary buildings, middle schools, and high schools. The review focused on aligning with state standards, integrating Read Act training for teachers, adapting content materials, and enhancing language arts instruction with explicit, systematic, and cumulative approaches tailored to each language (e.g., Chinese character recognition, Spanish word study). Assessment practices, including FastBridge and Integrated Performance Assessments, were also discussed.

2027-28 School Calendar Review and Recommendation

Dissent: Some committee members and board members expressed concerns about lengthening the school year, setting a precedent for other cultural observances, and the impact of frequent days off on families. Specific mention of worries that it could lead to the school year extending much later into June.

Moved by Calendar Committee (Majority Vote) · Seconded by N/A (Committee's internal vote to recommend)

Angie Flowers presented the calendar committee's initial recommendations for the 2027-28 school year. The committee, comprising diverse stakeholders, deliberated on various parameters, including the late Labor Day (September 7th), state statutes for pre-Labor Day start, and contractual obligations for student and teacher days. A central point of discussion and committee vote was the proposal to observe Chinese/Lunar New Year as a non-school day, given its cultural significance, especially for the district's immersion community. Other proposed items included workshop days starting August 23rd, students starting August 30th (kindergarten September 1st), a three-day Thanksgiving break, and a spring break in March.