The Wayfinder Blog

The mission of the BurnsvilleStrong organization at Burnsville High School (BHS) is to unify, strengthen and inspire the community. Despite COVID sticking around for more than a year and creating barriers to programming, the teams of students were able to innovate and get creative in carrying out service projects they’d typically do in a normal year to deliver on their mission.

For nearly 20 years, science teacher Angela Engelhardt has used the important work of animal conservation to inspire and guide her students. In doing so, she’s become a leader and a role model to students and teachers alike at Burnsville Alternative High School.

In District One91, the commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) not only exposes students to a variety of concepts earlier in life, it also helps produce a sense of consistent wonder. And that’s perfect, because our elementary Pathways model is all about making discoveries and helping students love learning. 

At Nicollet and Eagle Ridge Middle Schools, leaders know that a sense of belonging is one of the keys to helping students have success in their school journey. 

The transition into 9th grade is an exciting time for students, but we understand that at times it can also feel overwhelming, with tons of new information, options and questions. At Burnsville High School (BHS), programs and supports have intentionally been put in place to help make the 9th grade transition and experience successful.

The Pathways integration across District 191 has reached school schedules. Starting in fall 2020-2021, the Advisory period was evolved to build in social-emotional learning curriculum and career and college readiness at the middle and high school levels.

As part of Pathways implementation, District 191 has reimagined the ways it serves students who have been identified as having higher academic or learning needs. 

Janet Gulden, Systems Improvement and Student Achievement coordinator, worked with a wider team over the summer of 2020 to develop the role of Advanced Learning Specialists, as well as to take steps toward greater inclusion in any gifted student programming

Making community happen at a school-size scale is no easy task. You need coordinated effort from staff, students and administration, plus a vision that’s compelling enough to catch fire. And that’s exactly what District 191 Middle School leaders believe can happen with the Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program.

Burnsville High School junior Shreyas (Shrey) Pothini is the 2021 recipient of the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) award.