[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6345862,"mediaKeyId","2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a","parentId",2248069,"title","Board hears first readings of revised violence-prevention and service-animal policies; middle-level course update presented","audioSeconds",2094,"startMs",3996000,"endMs",6090000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a&start=3996&end=6090","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a/thumbnail_3996000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345862/Minnesota/Board-hears-first-readings-of-revised-violence-prevention-and-service-animal-policies-middle-level-course-update-presented","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345862-520d540115454fbf30808435eaa493e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775368171&Signature=KYKIJu6pOCzZbE36-o52gXNkDxhGBtW0cBzwoCQX3xCVPANp0lrVfzGNC1BL47eMpqdgG0yERbsXcdEYWt0Lra-ATZLdyerZHMd1g2kIEoZyQdKBmTCfFWCkm5bM~z6jX~KeMZG6CEyxF7cAPLRQKjxYCJdRacH6uNP3xFo4B6XzL-GZCjmYVuFdn9L0pFTlIBCT0BeFVSeJmlSTUTvzT1iG9LxzeJ~-1XzXvSxH2kiz-~GClXGgRDDUlhLhDzqnwmm5jsvyGezmbax-iyRWN4MK7ToETfe7g1NfWXW77dnAIO-k27up~gkUJAgpY~GT0Lvd17KWwv8B3j7S5lopxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Cloud Public School District","date","2025-02-06T14:44:42Z","article","The St. Cloud Public School District board on Feb. 5 listened to first readings of two revised policies and received an update on middle-level course offerings for grades 6–8.

Assistant Superintendent Shannon Avinson summarized proposed revisions to policy 05/25 (violence prevention) and policy 05/35 (service animals in schools), saying the updates follow Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) guidance. Revisions to the violence-prevention policy emphasize moving from developing to implementing curricula and training, expand recommended training to include school-board members and staff on recognizing abuse and violence, and propose creating a curriculum committee to ensure consistent instruction districtwide. Avinson said MSBA guidance recommends teaching critical viewing and listening skills and analyzing mass media as part of prevention instruction.

On the service-animals policy, Avinson said the draft narrows some location language to school property and aligns definitions with MSBA and federal guidance. The draft clarifies the legal distinction for service animals (typically dogs and miniature horses trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability), removes an annual flea-and-tick-treatment requirement for animals, and recommends that care-and-supervision disputes be handled by the superintendent or designee rather than solely by a building administrator. The draft also preserves the district's obligation not to charge a person with a disability for the presence of a service animal and notes required vaccination documentation. Board members asked about allergies, facility dogs versus service dogs, and where therapy/volunteer dogs fit; staff said therapy teams are handled through separate contracts and liability arrangements and could be examined further if the board desires.

Separately, Assistant Superintendent Jason Harris and Director Hilary Johnson presented an overview of middle-level course offerings. Officials described a teaming model in which students keep the same advisory, math, language-arts and science teachers to ease transitions. Highlights:

- Sixth grade: transition year with allied rotations that include robotics, art, physical education and LifeSmarts 1 (social-emotional and introduction to health and careers). Students choose one of band, choir, orchestra or C4 (college, career, community, citizenship).

- Seventh grade: continuation of the teaming model with allied rotations (PE, health, art, and a new Energy and Machines course that introduces machines, tools and problem solving). Honors options become available in core subjects; an introduction to AI literacy is planned for next year.

- Eighth grade: students can take honors in core subjects and have the broadest elective choices, including LifeSmarts 2 (personal finance, business and entrepreneurship) and Tech Ed, where students build a shed or play structure that can be sold to support the course.

Administrators said registration for incoming sixth-graders begins in late January with master schedules finalized in April–May; counselors visit elementary schools to assist students and families with selections. Board members asked whether AI literacy should be integrated across content areas; administrators said the district is piloting a stand-alone unit, partnering with the Center for Curriculum Redesign, and intends to scale curriculum and teacher supports over time.

Both revised policies were presented for a first reading and will return for further consideration in a future meeting; no policy adoptions were voted on Feb. 5.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2-5-2025 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board received first readings on revised policies for violence prevention and service animals (MSBA-guided edits) and heard a report on middle-level (grades 6–8) course offerings, including new AI literacy and an expanded allied rotation sequence.","taxTitle","St. Cloud Public School District, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",13558,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345865,"St. Cloud school board approves consent items; appoints Heather Weems as cler k and fills vacant seat by appointment",589,3221000,3810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a&start=3221&end=3810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a/thumbnail_3221000.jpg","/articles/6345865/Minnesota/St-Cloud-school-board-approves-consent-items-appoints-Heather-Weems-as-cler-k-and-fills-vacant-seat-by-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345865-83da133f9e70cc0f9f7c967fd91d8c58/orig.mp4?Expires=1775368171&Signature=oo-~fmq9szf6GJ9qH89Uc5eDvMvv~UZvp1OrhoY35ir8ROBfCIDEaEZpjB-INpfP36Zj0jqc7zCXjJOrmPRdNCP~k1o6nRA1mIhSt2Z~9fkdu~0ccxEXn7MNhf-noqh29SfT970YZ0SBsZYcpcqXJBw2wRaN22JLEA6jqULfExC-WEKUblawqsuVUSYX54Olvec2-RQtV0UDGrVuFBmdKB8F3feBjOGQr1lUjpwj2LU8KK1GvRs0H2Lp~i4QTMexAixuGeOIC9lNEngQuC09DK1Pnv6bkQT9iv5VQshWszDdgvfw4zUVX~wPxqnTwPxKPPb7zps6-0-dYVxKLdsbtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Cloud Public School District Board of Education on Feb. 5 approved routine consent items, confirmed a new board clerk and adopted a resolution filling a vacant board seat, following the Jan. 30 resignation of board member Bruce Henchs.

Board members voted to approve the consent agenda items B through F, including monthly financial and treasurer reports for December 2024, a request for proposals for audit services, and an Apollo Theater improvements change order totaling $3,000. The motion to approve those items passed on a roll-call vote with all present members voting yes.

The board then approved item A (personnel/staff changes) after Heather Weems recused herself from that vote. The motion to adopt item A passed with a roll-call vote of five in favor and none opposed; Weems did not participate in the tally.

The board nominated and voted to appoint Heather Weems as board clerk for the year. The motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.

Finally, the board adopted a resolution to fill the vacancy caused by Bruce Henchs's resignation by appointing L. Dahlgren to serve until a successor is elected and qualified. The resolution cites Minnesota Statutes section 123B.09, subd. 5(b), and states the appointment is effective 30 days after adoption unless a valid petition to reject the appointee is filed with the district clerk during that period. Board members confirmed they had contacted the prospective appointee and that he had agreed to accept the appointment if approved. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Board members discussed timing for a special election to permanently fill the seat. Administration advised the seat must be filled by special election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November; until that special election, the appointee serves under the statute. Staff said they are awaiting guidance from the Minnesota Secretary of State on whether a primary would be required for the special election and noted November is the most likely financially practical option to allow potential cost-sharing with other elections.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Approve consent agenda items B–F (monthly financial/treasurer reports, RFP for audit services, Apollo Theater change order $3,000). Mover: Natalie Copeland; Second: Scott Andresen. Tally: Shannon Haas—yes; Heather Weems—yes; Scott Andresen—yes; Natalie Copeland—yes; Zach Dorholt—yes; Diana Fenton—yes. Outcome: approved.

- Motion: Approve consent agenda item A (personnel/staff changes) with Heather Weems recused. Mover: Scott Andresen; Second: Natalie Copeland. Tally: Zach Dorholt—yes; Natalie Copeland—yes; Scott Andresen—yes; Shannon Haas—yes; Diana Fenton—yes; Heather Weems—recused/absent from vote. Outcome: approved.

- Motion: Appoint Heather Weems as board clerk. Mover: (nominator on floor). Tally: Shannon Haas—yes; Diana Fenton—yes; Zach Dorholt—yes; Natalie Copeland—yes; Scott Andresen—yes; Heather Weems—yes. Outcome: approved.

- Motion: Adopt resolution filling school board vacancy by appointment (appoint L. Dahlgren pursuant to Minn. Stat. 123B.09, subd. 5(b)). Mover: Scott Andresen; Second: Heather Weems. Tally: Scott Andresen—yes; Natalie Copeland—yes; Zach Dorholt—yes; Diana Fenton—yes; Shannon Haas—yes; Heather Weems—yes. Outcome: approved; appointment effective 30 days after adoption unless a valid petition is filed.

Administration said the board will schedule or confirm steps required to post the appointment and to comply with the 30-day petition process under state law. The board signed the resolution following the vote.","The board approved routine consent items including a $3,000 theater change order, confirmed Heather Weems as board clerk, and adopted a resolution appointing L. Dahlgren to fill the seat vacated by Bruce Henchs; the Dahlgren appointment becomes effective after a 30-day petition period.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345871,"Therapy dog program highlights mental-health support in St. Cloud schools",2878,316000,3194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a&start=316&end=3194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248069-0f199466fe3d2630c5554172fb4b210a/thumbnail_316000.jpg","/articles/6345871/Minnesota/Therapy-dog-program-highlights-mental-health-support-in-St-Cloud-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345871-1c39f6734b716ec761be2e612dce6608/orig.mp4?Expires=1775368172&Signature=ZXVVqVCWh2hmLP2WvgX8eDcfietOeRf3qGCfzFieVfCj8gepltMb5s85JFMyPiqiTXXm02eWUlcEyrLZxZ5AuJyhyFfNIZRFg0SPR8-FUFbM9N4bOfabhE4OpaAmfZzJYTybBmP0IG7w-vqHjPEMcuINm4aRhWJBWqKXJkFe~AzXofCIiUIpM9MDlhDOk7fMHpEe~qtAlWovkwardULRMQXxeGndhwEJJwKSgAXGS70FvyvZHKNc7hdEiCEZVOM9pYM2TACTW5MjmEf7lw4cj9WQ7sHFefdHyTd6X9mLzf-E4g6AuA3l2cNEhPBNyZnLORrF1NEyIkCWB0t3WIW~dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amy Tyson Walls, founder of the nonprofit You're Not Alone, told the St. Cloud Public School District board on Feb. 5 that her group pairs certified therapy-dog teams with schools to provide short, voluntary interactions designed to help students and staff manage stress and build connections.

The presentation outlined the program's reach, training and operations and asked the district to consider placements and volunteer handlers. \"The semicolon is a pause,\" Walls said, describing the program's mental-health message and the hope the dogs bring to students. \"We never want any family to feel as alone on an island like we did.\" Jenny Schott, a school counselor at St. Cloud Tech High School, described how her facility dog Murphy has helped students and staff: \"I have yet to see a person walk by, look at him, and not smile.\" Founding board member Kurt Fazen said You're Not Alone has reached students across Minnesota and beyond and requested financial and volunteer partnerships to expand placements in St. Cloud.

You're Not Alone said it assigns one handler-and-dog team to a school for weekly two-hour visits for small groups or structured activities; some handlers also serve as facility dogs that come to work almost daily. Walls said the organization asks teams to commit to curriculum and protocols, and to follow certification standards such as Canine Good Citizen and therapy-dog testing. She described re-certification every two years and named national certifiers including Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Therapy Dogs United.

Presenters described liability and insurance practices: certifying organizations typically provide liability coverage while handlers are volunteering, but facility dogs present during a staff member's paid workday may require the handler to carry additional umbrella or homeowners coverage. Walls said certification-group insurance costs about $40 per year for membership; added umbrella coverage for a handler can range from roughly $3.50 to $500 per year depending on the policy. She also described the program's funding model: teams volunteer services and the nonprofit accepts donations and sells merchandise; the group may provide small “PAW packs” and materials to schools at no charge.

Program scale and local placements were detailed: You're Not Alone said it now works in roughly 42 schools and reached more than 16,000 students across Minnesota and beyond. Walls and Schott described classroom and small-group approaches used to introduce dogs safely, and emphasized previsit training for students about animal interaction, privacy and consent. The presenters said handlers must keep animals leashed, under control and subject to a certification process that includes obedience, socialization and distraction testing.

Board members asked about training, frequency and liability. Walls described the therapy-dog certification tests as strict and listed common test elements — loose-leash walking, ignoring food or toys, sit/stay on command, and responding after distraction — and said teams carry policies from certifying organizations that include multi-million-dollar liability limits. Schott said the presence of Murphy has helped both students who would not otherwise visit counseling services and staff who seek a brief, calming interaction.

Walls left sample materials and offered to help train local volunteers and handlers for St. Cloud schools. She also requested help identifying staff or community members who could pursue certification and placement.

The presentation was informational only; the board did not take formal action on the program during the meeting.","A volunteer nonprofit described its therapy-dog visits to St. Cloud schools, reporting local teams, training standards, insurance requirements and requests for district partnerships and volunteer handlers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears first readings of revised violence-prevention and service-animal policies; middle-level course update presented

St. Cloud school board approves consent items; appoints Heather Weems as cler k and fills vacant seat by appointment

Therapy dog program highlights mental-health support in St. Cloud schools