[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6107034,"mediaKeyId","2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96","parentId",2779059,"title","Shakopee alumni designer shares path from district classrooms to Target product lines","audioSeconds",696,"startMs",36000,"endMs",732000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96&start=36&end=732","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96/thumbnail_36000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6107034/Minnesota/Shakopee-alumni-designer-shares-path-from-district-classrooms-to-Target-product-lines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107034-126b1efd7ed4fb116eceb6322f4a9bc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776374583&Signature=PxwO0OGyIGUpkOc19K3OvMc6LMt3yAU6aQYO7HGDHoAh36CjryLVcXQ9rYFa7aDXtzKrzfK4gQsLyhB0lrJQ0AGGuuYvMj8LIOYd80o09ttT9oTX0~2Ys9EBxH72gL-gpmo2~ige7uH5keJKblcs55DGq8m48LUKjwzFOG7msVpdpQN32f3BVvYUYLHL04Wez7ENdiEcz-uR9~hNJrwdQ4~KCYSzk1QeeR0UqgqjojTuPSKCN85AewumAdN5Thva~u8QA4UJBGRH08fIz5uYD6CQJErBa0YztI29EGV2DwzTcOcY~SDZc9Z0J~c6~x4A0dXmlaVLbRJg-h~E1RY6MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shakopee Public School District","date","2025-03-26T20:02:26.273Z","article","Shakopee Public School District leaders and a former student told the school board Monday how K–12 art classes and career‑connected programs contributed to a design career that produced consumer products now sold at major retailers.

Tiffany Olsen, the district’s director of communications and strategic development, introduced former Shakopee student Chiny, who described moving to Shakopee in 2011 and developing art skills in middle and high school. “The whole process took about five weeks… they showed me so much about the production process and letting me choose the material for the phone case,” Chiny said of a Target design project that later reached stores.

Rachel Paulson, a Shakopee High School art teacher who taught the student in AP art, said the district has long encouraged students into internships and career pathways. Paulson noted the alum was among the first CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) students in a digital design placement and later contributed designs for the high‑school yearbook and academy logos.

Chiny told the board the path included summer programs, college coursework and early job opportunities that led to work at design firms and later a role at Medtronic. “If it’s not because… my educator who showed me the path, I would not been here today in front of you,” Chiny said.

Why it matters: The presentation highlighted career‑connected learning, internships and district arts instruction as concrete contributors to post‑graduation employment in creative industries. The board used the segment to spotlight a local success story and community partnerships.

What’s next: The district plans continued presentations as part of Youth Art Month and will maintain CAPS and career‑education pathways that connect students to local employers and internships.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Shakopee Public Schools Board Meeting 3 24 25","oneSentenceSummary","An alumnus of the district’s arts program told the board how school art classes and CAPS opportunities led to a design career that resulted in product work sold at Target; the district recognized the alumnus’ contributions to school logos and yearbook design.","taxTitle","SHAKOPEE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38434,"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},6107039,"Shakopee athletics leaders celebrate banner winter season across programs, highlight state qualifiers and community partnerships",956,997000,1953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96&start=997&end=1953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96/thumbnail_997000.jpg","/articles/6107039/Minnesota/Shakopee-athletics-leaders-celebrate-banner-winter-season-across-programs-highlight-state-qualifiers-and-community-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107039-7834dd4c1256be96810701db6891e793/orig.mp4?Expires=1776374583&Signature=E80FMdQxRf~iUnJ~UBQN1e775y-l~FOmUO0K0o0~3hfcmClqVCsMtju7u3F4M~dtLWds4xo87WzFNA70-7mV0azQurqd0KYOZs~TWY9HSRUyqnTRiI7bbk469pg~aKDQN4hn8VkiH9RIi9f1vRvPiPTS6lrE-9VnS9IIlZUDWK~~73rLVko9uokBLVXGUlJ5~Sq2VHabkz2VsB5SWQBlbR5kxSTfC3eXfbZx31jfAreE9g9arEROchRZTLuOiLTU2cwCej3vO9w9Dvg3EHjMHB3SoHi2rXrjhYbOwPcvzfBzV6H97rfm6MBy3Ieexv5lY9Pgy~Lu4X-FPCfbcT1yew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shakopee Public School District athletics director Matt Hanson and coaches reported a strong winter season Monday, citing conference and section championships, state qualifiers and academic awards across multiple sports.

“You can tell the group you all love,” Hanson said by way of introduction, then turned the floor over to coaches who highlighted individual and team accomplishments. Wrestling coach Alex Van Krevlin said the team finished 28–2, won conference and section titles, placed highly in national duels and recorded multiple state placers; he added the team earned a team GPA plaque for a 3.5 average.

Boys hockey coaches described a historic run to the state tournament — the first trip in 20 years and the first time at the double‑A level — that ended in a close loss to St. Thomas. The coaches commended players for their resilience and noted a three‑episode series called Dream State filmed the team’s season, with the final episode airing around the state tournament.

Boys basketball coach Donovan recapped a season that featured a long winning streak, a deep postseason run and an emotional section semifinal. Girls basketball finished a challenging season with injuries but celebrated Coach Juan Mitchell’s 300th career win and noted Mitchell’s announced retirement.

Other highlights reported to the board:
- Swimming: Charlie Cutts qualified for Class AA state in the 100 breaststroke and earned a top‑10 finish, contributing individual points to the team total.
- Nordic and alpine skiing: The district’s co‑op with Burnsville produced the most Nordic skiers since the co‑op began and recognized an all‑conference honoree.
- Adaptive floor hockey: The southern stars adaptive team completed its third season, focusing on participation and student opportunity.
- Dance: The team hosted multiple meets and achieved the best jazz division finish in program history.
- Girls hockey: The program posted a winning record and competed in a tight section playoff loss; the team also participated in Hockey Day Minnesota Valley Fair with community partners who provided custom jerseys.

Hanson credited community partnerships, including local public safety and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), for helping stage events and support student opportunities.

Why it matters: High school athletics provide extracurricular and community engagement opportunities and contribute to student development. Coaches highlighted academic recognition (team GPA awards), college placements and junior hockey affiliations as measures of program success.

What’s next: Coaches and leaders will prepare for spring sports and follow up with postseason recognitions and community events. Hanson and staff will continue to coordinate with community partners on summer and fall initiatives.","Athletics director Matt Hanson and coaches reported multiple team successes — conference and section titles, state qualifiers in wrestling, hockey, basketball and swimming — and emphasized academic recognition, community partnerships and player development.",{"_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},6107044,"District reports early progress and teacher coaching needs for new math curriculum",357,3723000,4080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96&start=3723&end=4080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96/thumbnail_3723000.jpg","/articles/6107044/Minnesota/District-reports-early-progress-and-teacher-coaching-needs-for-new-math-curriculum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107044-d1754a24c53324a8a10796cebd6006d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776374583&Signature=GhrizVDX3-z9YNOIt~47W7YTyVGRicl91myq7uYd35jmIxNdf3zfJYYXgplJC0Sf6JlJlNCDt6z-Kr5QVBoO2TQv3FWaqmYNwxp9-7w2mghm53HYhW3NhHKZnnjDSlE-reQGcVzmsY-ot8BcEs45O5Hl0VYyurAr594ui5zZvFKkcquEBcxbrKKSXB1eE6diWwTZOg-3wFeKT6LK6JuYMJ281z5i0vQo9ashpo1BCIIEoYjnTRpEuuJYWRxgF1SGkrjparSZ1nGt6UzPebqY4C9IGnrdP305W-xmJcJaav4Mw7GmOEwbm5uO9Ly1NfpEYgXPJipP4rH7FRSZo1TjYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District instructional leaders told the Shakopee board Monday that teachers have started implementing adopted math materials and that the work is moving from opening resources to strengthening instructional practices.

“Opening the resources is the first step and then really having those shifts…where the teacher is empowering students,” said Nicholas Summer, assistant director of LTE for elementary, summarizing elementary implementation of Illustrative Mathematics. He said teacher teams had worked for multiple years to select and adapt the materials and that early walk‑throughs show widespread use of the resource.

For secondary math, Assistant Director Sarah Larnberg said teachers adopted a new resource for grades 6–9 and that district walkthroughs focused on two priorities: whether tasks increase complexity and whether pedagogy engages students in critical thinking and problem solving. “Our sixth through ninth grade teachers are knocking it out of the park,” she said, while noting the need to fine‑tune classroom rituals and routines so all students participate during whiteboard problem work.

District leaders said they will offer two professional‑development opportunities this summer — a basic offering and an advanced “building thinking classrooms 200” — and will continue coaching in PLCs and vertical teams to improve fidelity.

Why it matters: Curriculum adoption is only one part of instructional change; teachers and leaders described a multi‑year implementation that emphasizes coaching, formative data and classroom routines to lift task rigor and student agency.

What’s next: The district plans to continue walk‑throughs, provide coaching and offer summer training to deepen teacher practice and monitor fidelity of the new math materials.","Shakopee district leaders reported initial adoption of Illustrative Mathematics in elementary and a new 6–9 resource at secondary; staff emphasized classroom coaching, rituals and routines to increase student engagement and task rigor.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107049,"District finance director flags federal grant uncertainty; special education funding and payroll retro pay noted",447,3086000,3533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96&start=3086&end=3533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96/thumbnail_3086000.jpg","/articles/6107049/Minnesota/District-finance-director-flags-federal-grant-uncertainty-special-education-funding-and-payroll-retro-pay-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107049-b83cf7e34190a3e657a42c3d5c4fca1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776374583&Signature=XbWsDhS3cShoZI0KnVxXQFKxD13L8TopnRs4tCaDbCVZrVX6z3tYxepDKtRp1fJf-xgrlQrWb1j6LF4gAxV-A2yoycRZ~tUZlf7v9jY-s5QTlCYuGnP2BdgFOvPBUVfq9487w0hxE5ZNmUAilVAVKKbAVOY0IgJRxyExV9hJJrfn0uG5lkSIw5Kh1CZbyyaIhfpqzZfQyK8JEkPrL5jTYHTI41EwhlUcm1VClMZwjkZA521aHuR9bA9~24qSKJ4rQiptOJc7yMtP0TaYq1Jm0HMlGv062DV2fWP-47XMmFn0LA9KZIT9mLH4Vwo5XFk-e8Kbw9HeJV11mRIgb~YEZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shakopee Public School District finance director Bill Denasi told the school board Monday that the district has collected about 56.47% of its revised general fund budget as of Feb. 28 and outlined how federal grant uncertainty could affect operations.

“Starting first on the revenue side of the general fund as of the February, we have collected 56.47% of our revised budget total of 126,290,000.00,” Denasi said as he presented the monthly budget update. He also called attention to interest and local fees that have exceeded budget assumptions this fiscal year.

Denasi told board members federal grants account for roughly $2.3–$2.4 million of general fund revenue and described how the district draws down federal funds through the Department of Education system after expenditures occur. “So what we’re doing in the current year is making sure, like we always do, that we’re keeping up with that draw cycle,” he said.

Board members asked how the district would respond if federal special education payments or other federal grants were reduced. Denasi and other administrators said the district could consider using unassigned fund balance as a one‑time backfill for a shortfall, but said that approach had not been finalized.

Denasi also explained a year‑over‑year variance in salary expenditures. “Last year was the first year of the SEA contract, and we settled that or the board settled that contract…so that’s the main driver for the 2% variance there,” he said, referring to retroactive pay recorded this year.

Board members asked where special‑education expenditures appear in the budget. Denasi said they are largely reflected under purchase services and that the federal special‑education aid does not cover the bulk of special‑education costs — a long‑standing funding gap the district accounts for in the general fund.

Why it matters: Federal grants and special‑education funding are significant categorical revenue sources; any change in federal support would require budget adjustments, use of reserves, or programmatic changes. The board asked staff to continue monitoring federal developments and to bring contingency options back to committee as needed.

What’s next: Finance staff will continue monthly reporting to the board and will monitor federal draw schedules, potential grant changes and the timing of retro pay. The finance and facilities committee discussed using the unassigned fund balance as a contingency and will continue that conversation.","Finance Director Bill Denasi told the Shakopee board the district has collected 56.47% of its revised general fund budget as of Feb. 28 and highlighted exposure if federal grant funding shifts; he and board members discussed drawing on unassigned fund balance as a contingency.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6107054,"Shakopee schools adopt K–5 foundational literacy programs; board approves UFLI for K–2 and 95 Phonics for grades 3–5",1884,5456000,7340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96&start=5456&end=7340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2779059-11ebf66fd1d87c94494b0b8f4ee09f96/thumbnail_5456000.jpg","/articles/6107054/Minnesota/Shakopee-schools-adopt-K5-foundational-literacy-programs-board-approves-UFLI-for-K2-and-95-Phonics-for-grades-35","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107054-24eba042290503ee3aa6f27b4d9911d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776374583&Signature=KU1N7gnXSsoORQpGqp1O6ztB6dBZhu7V98pizzj1C1Qvge7pyWH6uqhD5HIuaZG50HltKqBzAxHraKJxv0p79qZooR6CuMU~Xy0u08hId7uU93x5vzef0H3Q8NRFLfEMGLqBjpdxaQA30Fq7xJRimALgtN44qd6Rq3v9GWN--t1tl3Fr6Zi1WShgnkCK4sHS7GWtnEYIRHD~Uo~IHhr4yBbRXtqU8qCtY-RH3lW-ZNRvgCYB~1sGbg-apvLeVis6FNUqyQ2-rEMDHMi8aFXkwkBAVdYD0DKkl2lish7QqHH5dnF7~ctoEsbboXOS6eex4X59IqcUwwDX7soxf7S5Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Shakopee Public School District board voted unanimously Monday to adopt new foundational‑skills literacy curriculum for elementary students, approving UFLI (K–2) and 95 Phonics (grades 3–5) as the district’s core resources.

The adoption came after a multi‑year pilot and review process. “So, tonight I’m bringing the recommendation for UFLY for grades K2 as our tier 1 kind of core instructional resource for all and then 95 phonics for grades 3 5,” said Nica, a district staff member presenting the recommendation to the board.

District leaders told the board the review began more than two years ago and considered national research, recent Minnesota standards and local pilot data from multiple elementary classrooms. Presenters described the purchase as a two‑phase adoption: the foundational‑skills programs approved Monday, followed by a later recommendation on language‑comprehension materials.

“Teachers felt like the scope and sequence with UFLI was a better match for our students in Shakopee and they have seen much faster results with UFLI than they did with 95 Phonics” for K–2, the presenters said, while noting 95 Phonics better matches older elementary students’ needs for morphology and multisyllabic work.

Board member Brophy moved to adopt the recommendation; Valdez seconded. Chair Smith called the vote, and the motion carried without opposition.

District staff outlined next steps should the board’s vote stand: continued implementation and pilot work for the rest of this school year, training for teachers and instructional coaches, development of pacing guides and instructional hubs, and full classroom implementation in the fall. Presenters said teams will also refine report‑card language and assessments to align with the new instruction.

Supporters at the meeting said the recommendation aligned with Minnesota’s revised standards and reflected local pilot data. Presenters emphasized that the change is intended to strengthen Tier‑1 instruction (core classroom practice) and allow earlier, clearer identification of students who need targeted interventions.

The board and staff also discussed training and rollout logistics, including state‑provided cohorts and an internal facilitator group the district trained last summer to help scale instruction. Presenters said the district expects multi‑year implementation and recommended multi‑year vendor arrangements to support fidelity.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to adopt foundational skills K–5 (UFLI K–2; 95 Phonics grades 3–5). Mover: Brophy. Second: Valdez. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Notes: District to continue pilot and training; full implementation planned for fall 2025.
- Consideration of agenda as presented. Mover: Brophy. Second: Aldrich. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Consent agenda (personnel, minutes, bills, wires, field trip request). Mover: Peterson. Second: Aldrich. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Donations resolution (board roll call). Mover: Aldrich. Second: Brophy. Outcome: approved (roll call: Cidic/Valdez/Peterson/Smith/Aldrich/Johnson/Brophy — all yes).

Why it matters: Elementary literacy instruction shapes early reading trajectories; the board’s vote sets the district’s core materials and directs a multi‑year implementation that affects classroom instruction, teacher training and early screening/intervention practices.

Implementation details the board requested include training schedules, alignment of report cards and a community kickoff event planned for May to explain the change and summer reading supports.","The Shakopee Public School District board voted unanimously to adopt a two-part foundational skills literacy curriculum: UFLI for kindergarten through second grade and 95 Phonics for grades three through five, with full rollout work planned for the coming school year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Shakopee alumni designer shares path from district classrooms to Target product lines

Shakopee athletics leaders celebrate banner winter season across programs, highlight state qualifiers and community partnerships

District reports early progress and teacher coaching needs for new math curriculum

District finance director flags federal grant uncertainty; special education funding and payroll retro pay noted

Shakopee schools adopt K–5 foundational literacy programs; board approves UFLI for K–2 and 95 Phonics for grades 3–5