The Wayfinder Blog

District 191 American Indian Education program’s Culture Trunk Project — made possible by funding from the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund and distributed to District 191 on behalf of Black Bears & Blueberries Publishing — will help students gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities, cultures and traditions, as well as equip educators to honor Indigenous history and voice.  

Nine seniors who plan to become teachers took part in a signing ceremony on May 20 at Burnsville High School. The ceremony, similar to those where high school senior athletes sign letters of intent regarding where they will play college sports, honors students who are committed to pursuing a teaching career.

Senior Jennifer Saidu is balancing college-level coursework through the Associate of Arts Pathway, leadership experiences, and launching her own small business while preparing to further her education and give back to her community.

One of the most favorite days of the year, the annual tree tapping at Vista View Elementary School provides hands-on learning that teaches kindergarteners about maple trees and how to tap the tree for sap to make make maple syrup. 

What started as a way to earn credits became something much bigger: a sense of purpose. For the first time, she could picture a future that felt right.

When Ian Lange talks about engineering, he doesn’t start with equations or credentials. He starts with wonder and possibility.