Rosemount-apple Valley-Eagan

Students earned 5,432 U credits in District 196 schools last year

A University of Minnesota statement shows that students in District 196 earned a combined 5,432 college credits from the institution last year.

The credits valued at more than $2.5 million were all earned through the College in the Schools (CIS) program, which offers advanced courses taught at their high school by regular high school teachers.

There were 1,299 students enrolled in CIS classes last year from the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District's five high schools. The district paid the university $145 per course for students to enroll.

According to a CIS alumni survey, 94 percent of respondents had their University of Minnesota CIS credits accepted by the college they chose to attend.

Paideia Academy director swims with sharks

The director of Paideia Academy, an Apple Valley K-8 charter school, swam with sharks at Mall of America's Sea Life aquarium last Thursday morning in a school fundraising effort to raise money.

Marci Levy-Maguire agreed to the stunt, which took place on "Give to the Max Day," because the school needs about $62,000 for science lab supplies, workbooks, new computers, library improvement and money for after-school activities. The school raised $5,000 out of a hoped-for $7,000.

While charter schools receive the same federal and state funding that schools in public districts get, they often rely on fundraising efforts to stay afloat because they don't benefit from voter-approved local levies.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage

Elementary school teacher starts girls' running club

For 16 girls at Vista View Elementary in Burnsville, running has become a way to build self-esteem, promote overall health and combat negativity in their lives.

This fall, teacher Cindy Crawford started a running club and implemented the "Girls on the Run" curriculum, available through the national nonprofit by the same name. The program is funded through a Foundation 191 grant and open to any girl who is interested.

Crawford and the team's five other coaches say they have already seen positive changes in the girls. She's seen them use strategies the program teaches, from not repeating gossip to encouraging students to breathe and think before they react to a situation.

In late October, the girls ran a practice 5K. Last Saturday, they ran another 5K around Lake Nokomis, which was also a fundraiser for the program.

Crawford intends to continue the club in the spring. There are about five school-based "Girls on the Run" teams in the Twin Cities area.

Lakeville

Lakeville South hosts annual science show on Friday

Lakeville South students in Advanced Placement chemistry classes will perform science demonstrations for the public from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the high school, 21135 Jacquard Av. in Lakeville.

Demonstrations will center on thermodynamics, kinetics, acid and bases, vacuums and high pressure. The show — featuring frothing bubbles, rainbow liquids and colorful flames — is appropriate for all ages.

Admission is $1 per person, with a $5 per family maximum donation.

Erin Adler