News Flashes for 2010-12

MNIC Has Awarded 800 Diplomas since 2003!

October 6, 2011 --MNIC has now awarded over 800 high school diplomas since opening in 2003. Thirty-five young people received their high school diplomas on June 2nd, 2001 in the Sabathani Auditorium. The Speaker was Jennifer Mitchell award-winning teacher at Soujourner Truth Charter School. Jennifer Mitchell is a solutions-oriented leader at Sojourner Truth Academy in Minneapolis, MN, highly regarded for her impact on students, parents, and professional peers as a master teacher with TAP™: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement.

Another four students graduated at a ceremony in the UTEC Atrium, on October 5th. Provost Oliver White was the speaker.

Operation: Help the Northside

May 24, 2011 (Minneapolis, MN)-- MNIC is helping the Northside during this emergency . Beginning May 24th at 9:00 AM, Unity campus will be a distribution site for nonperishable food items, water and candles. Community members affected by the tornado may come to the main entrance to receive goods. Please bring donations to Unity Campus, 2507 Fremont Ave North. Unity did not suffer damage.

MNIC students are organizing into help crews for cleanup work. They will join existing emergency  relief operations.

Delta Dental of Minnesota Announces 2011 Serve a SmileTM Winners
Minnesota Internship Center Receives Support for Project

April 15, 2011 (Minneapolis, Minn.) -- Delta Dental of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota Alliance With Youth and Minnesota FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), announces that the company has awarded more than $25,000 in annual youth service mini grants and in-kind donations.   The competitive-based grants are awarded through Delta Dental’s Serve a Smile program, which promotes youth volunteer activities coinciding with Global Youth Service Day held on April 15-17.

Kristin Quinn’s Art Service-Learning class partook in assembling dental kits for Global Youth Service Day on April 15^th.  Dental kits were provided in-kind by Delta Dental of Minnesota, and additional funding of $780 for materials was supplied through Delta Dental’s Serve A Smile Grant.  Throughout the rest of the school year, students will also construct children’s books to distribute to members of the Sabathani and MNIC community to raise awareness of the importance of children’s dental hygiene.  Books and dental kits will be distributed to daycare centers within Sabathani Community Center and to families in the MNIC community. Read more...

Success Story The Minnesota Internship Center (By Jenna Sanderson)

The Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC) is a decentralized charter high school with four locations across Minneapolis. Like many charter schools, MNIC lacks consistent access to gym space and equipment, as well as a universal nutrition curriculum. In the past, physical education involved a few male students playing basketball, and nutrition education involved inconsistent and infrequent units. Now, thanks to collaboration with the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Project, MNIC has addressed critical deficits in school wellness and greatly enhanced opportunities for student nutrition and physical education.
 
Earlier this year, MNIC’s Wellness Committee completed student and staff surveys to assess physical activity and nutrition interests. Guided by the survey’s results, the Wellness Committee purchased double-dutch jump ropes, basketballs, volleyballs, free weights, food documentaries, cook books, and nutrition games. This equipment was chosen to match student and staff interests but also because of its ability to function well within the non-traditional school environment.
 
The Wellness Committee distributed the athletic equipment across the four MNIC sites, ensuring that students have many opportunities to exercise, regardless of interest, ability and access to gym space. Female students have particularly enjoyed the double-dutch jump ropes; the Wellness Committee is thrilled to see increased exercise among female students! The Wellness Committee also compiled all of the healthy eating supplies (e.g. The Healthy Soul Food Cookbook, King Corn documentary, etc.) into a “Nutrition Curriculum Bin,” along with free lesson plans from California Project LEAN. Teachers from all four sites can now check-out lessons from the bin to teach nutrition in a structured and supported fashion. 

Resources from the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Project have afforded MNIC students many interactive and innovative ways to learn about nutrition and exercise. MNIC is incredibly grateful for the support that made all of these wellness initiatives possible!

Congratulations to MNIC for all of their successes, and thank you for your dedication to your students’ wellness!

Aquaponics

YEA is working with Mr. Briggs and his Environmental Science class at Sabathani to build a sustainable fish tank.  The class is totally project based where the end result will be an aquaponics system (a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics).  According to Giantseed Creative, “In aquaponics, you grow fish and plants together in one integrated, soilless system. The fish waste provides a food source for the plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water the fish live in. Aquaponics produces safe, fresh, organic fish and vegetables.”  The class will grow tilapia fish and water cress and learn the importance of sustainability through a totally hands on learning experience!  

New Health-related Grants! MNIC received two grants this winter to promote healthy eating and physical activity in the student body.  As a partner in the Minnesota Statewide Health Improvement Program's "Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities" initiative, MNIC used $3500 to improve physical and nutrition education in the school.  MNIC purchased a wide variety of materials with these funds - everything from double dutch jump ropes to stability balls to indoor volleyball equipment to food documentaries - that will create many opportunities to learn about and practice healthy lifestyles. 
 
MNIC also received a $1500 grant through the National Dairy Council and the National Football League's "Fuel Up to Play 60" program.  These funds will be used this coming spring to hold taste testing events during school lunch and to purchase Nintendo Wii systems and fitness games.  Using Wii technology will offer a unique way for students to be physically active in an entertaining and accessible way.

The MNIC Prom is May 5th at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center Hotel . The prom will be held on May 5^th at the Downtown Marriott. We are trying to raise $2,300. This money will cover the prom and related transportation costs. The tickets for students are $25 per individual, or $40 for a couple, but this will not cover the costs. Staff are also donating individually, but the school is prevented by law from making a contribution from its budget. Read more...

Safe Circle

Sandy Saline leads a classroom completely free of bullying and harassment.  Students who join the Safe Circle are able to “bring their whole selves” to class every day without fear.  Sandy’s circle specializes in individualized projects where students are able to work on credits need for graduation while learning about topics they are interested in.  The Safe Circle emphasizes jobs and internships in the afternoons.  

The Safe Circle developed MNIC’s Bullying Policy, adopted by the Board on March 17, 2011.  

The MNIC Garden Blooms!

This past summer, students and staff at the MNIC site in the Sabathani Community Center planted a school garden.  Interested students had the opportunity to plant, water, weed, harvest and consume nutritious and locally grown produce.  In order to increase the impact of the garden, Jason Briggg's environmental science class built a hoop house along with expertise from a nonprofit entitled YEA Corps and funds from a HandsOn - Twin Cities grant. 

Constructed with PVC pipes and thick plastic, a hoop house looks and functions similarly to a greenhouse.  It increases the internal temperature by twenty-thirty degrees and shelters plants from harsh winter conditions, thus allowing crops to grow several more months each year.  The class looks forward to caring for the garden and eating the fresh greens all winter long!

Catalyst and CoreNet Lead Incredible Renovation of Unity!

On August 19, 150 volunteers form NorthMarq and other companies donated their time and effort to a renovation of Unity Campus. The donations of materials like paint and carper totaled nearly $50,000 alone.

Click here to see a before/after shot

Chef Seth Joins MNIC Nutrition Effort

Spring 2010...MNIC is beginning a wonderful partnership with an organization called Real Food Initiatives. We will be working with Chef Seth Bixby Daugherty to improve the nutritional components in the meals. The goal is to be serving “Real Food”, and get away from processed items. Melissa Kappenman who is the School Nutrition Coordinator and Chef Seth will be working with students to help them better understand the importance of nutritional planning and its relation to healthy eating; along with creating a life skills course teaching kids about the link between cooking and nutrition. MNIC will be Chef Seth’s only project at this time, which will be a great opportunity to explore this from every angle. For more information on Chef Seth here are a couple of links: http://www.realfoodinitiatives.com http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/13041401 .html?page=3&c=y

Amy Libman, the Director of Student Support Services announced that MNIC has been awarded one of nine College Health Corps VISTA grants allocated to the State of Minnesota form next year. The position will work ti increase access to direct healthcare services for MNIC students, their families and staff. The VISTA position will work with our People’s Center Clinic partners, and our medical career training programs to build capacity for all healthcare partnerships.

MNIC in new Partnership With Catalyst

Catalyst Community Partners revitalize key commercial corridors in distressed urban neighborhoods by developing real estate and sustainable businesses to meet community needs and provide neighborhood jobs. The have several key projects in North Minneapolis, including our Unity House site, which they purchased two years ago. Recently, they have helped engage a number of local businesses to help support Unity house through their partnership with CoreNet.

Sabathani student featured on WCCO TV

Janet White, Sabathani Site Leader was interviewed on the struggles of homeless students, December 7, 2009. The story featured the daily challenges of one of our Sabathani students.

See it here: http://wcco.com/specialreports/homeless.struggles.kids.2.1354824.html

Insight News article features Sabathani student

Chrystal Deramus, a Sabathani student was featured in an Insight News article written by Oliver White. “Deramus is a single mother, and must manage a synchronized routine that will allow her time to care for her children as well as find time alone to solve algebra problems and explore Black history. With few exceptions, she's up before six in the morning, orchestrating a process to wash, dress, and feed her children and board a bus to the baby sitter”.

Read the full article at: http://insightnews.com/education/4936-a-dreamer-not-deferred--a-devoted -charter-school--a-good-pair

 The Peoples Center and MNIC signed an agreement whereby the People’s Center Clinic operates a free clinic at East and at other sites. Services are based on income and/or medical insurance and assistance.

MNIC awarded Title V Grant for High-end Graphics Arts Technology

Fall 2009...MNIC received notice that the school has receive a very competitive Title V Grant for High-end Graphics Arts Technology. The value of this federal grant equals approximately $48,500. The grant will provide 16 custom-built computers coupled with professional level graphics software. Each computer will have Intel Extreme i7 Core processors. The computers will be built by General Nano Systems in St. Paul.

Summer 2009... MNIC received a federal stimulus grant which totaled $9400 in early summer to purchase a walk-in cooler. This cooler will allow MNIC to offer a better variety of unprocessed foods along with more fresh fruits and vegetables. These choices are not only more cost effective they are more nutritious for our students. The walk-in also gives MNIC the possibility of providing catering services to other schools. MNIC is also working on developing a culinary arts program; the cooler will aid MNIC students in increasing their knowledge of food.

Summer 2009... MNIC received a grant from the Bloomington Sam’s Club distribution center. The grant totals $2,000. It will be used to purchase the Naviance Guidance Counselor Database and bookshelves for the library at East High School . Naviance is web based and will greatly enhance the way the school can serve all of MNIC’s students. This software will support student career exploration, track student’s progress, and personalize an online portfolio to assist students with their personal success plan including finding job training and higher education programs. 

Another School Improvement Grant!!

Summer 2009...MNIC learned that we won another competitive School Improvement Grant for the MNIC Unity High School. Like the first one for East High School , the grant is for $300,000 over three years, and offers intense curriculum and methodology development. The grant was developed by Site Administrator George Sand and Andrew Adelmann of Designs for Learning, and our partners at Metro ECSU. School Improvement Grants are highly competitive grants from the MN Department of Education.

Kathy Reamer, Unity Site Leader and co-author will provide the leadership on this grant effort.

Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Grant.

Summer 2009   The Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics has awarded MNIC a grant  for four Overhead Manipulative Kit and one Student Manipulative Kit.

Waste Management  Grant

Spring 2009  MNIC has been awarded $11,000 over the next two years from Hennepin County. It came form as grant written by Support Services and Volunteer Director, Amy Libman. The grant will fund 2 stipended MNIC interns (they will do their internship both at MNIC and in local businesses) each semester for two years ($4000), bins to sort waste, organic waste bags and organic hauling.  It includes service projects and field trips with MNIC's Science classes. We will also apply for an intern from Macalester college to assist with this. The end result is that our students will learn about green jobs and skills, they will help the community with green service projects, MNIC will lower it's environmental impact by increasing it's recycling and organic waste management. New partnerships will be made.

School Improvement Grant!

Winter 2008-9...MNIC was notified that we won a competitive School Improvement Grant for the MNIC East High School.   The grant is for $300,000 over three years, and offers intense curriculum and methodology development. The grant was developed by Site Administrator George Sand and Andrew Adelmann of Designs for Learning, and our partners at Metro ECSU. School Improvement Grants are highly competitive grants from the MN Department of Education.

Lisa Cooney, was hired to lead this effort; she was a principal in Yuma Arizona before joining MNIC. There have already been dramatic changes in academic scores for the work Lisa and the staff are doing.

Medtronic Foundation Grant

Spring 2009  MNIC received over $8,000 worth of Science equipment for the MNIC High School. The grant was written by former teacher Carrie Otis and Site Administrator George Sand. The equipment will be installed during the summer of 2009.

Promise Fellow Grant

Spring 2009  Amy Libman, Director of Support Services received a grant from Americorps for two full time fellows: one at Unity and one at East High School . They are College and Career Access Coordinators at our school. Promise Fellows act as volunteer coordinators helping to run both our academic tutoring and advocacy  programs. They help coordinate college field trips, bring in speakers, provide volunteers for tutoring, helping with college and scholarship applications, career exploration etc.

Retention increase

2008-9 was a tremendous year at MNIC--in the Circle sites, retention increased dramatically over the previous year. More about this when the 2008-9 Annual Report is published

Graduation 2009

June 3, 2009   Our commencement ceremony was held at Washburn High School in Minneapolis this year. 150 young men and women were awarded high school diplomas. The main speaker was MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page. Also speaking was school cofounder Idiris Mohamed. Justice Page was able to personally award nine Page Scholarships!!!

New Program sites for ABE

MNIC has taken over the management of the Sabathani Adult Basic Education Consortium, which has been operating in South Minneapolis for forty years. The name will not change, but the partnership will benefit both programs. We have now opened services at Pillsbury House and at African Community Services as well.

Mustangs undefeated

The MNIC Mustangs remain undefeated! This is the first year of men’s basketball at MNIC.The Mustangs are coached by Reggie Womack and Jama Farah. Peter Reddit is the Assistant Coach. Students come from all site to play on the Mustangs, Our Athletic Director is Don Link, longtime coach at St. Paul Central. Our coaching staff includes a former professional basketball player (Mr. Farah).

Picturing America Award

We got 50 poster size laminated photos and art work that depict life and history in the US. There is a teacher quidebook that goes with it that has lesson plans etc. It is called "Picturing America" and is put out by the National Endowment for the Humanities. We will set up a calendar on gmail for teachers to use to check out the materials for next year.

COMPASS Grant Award

For spring 2010. $4000 will fund the artists to work with our Unity students and Catalyst to turn the Unity building into a public art piece. Students will gain the skills required to plan and implement a public art piece as they earn credit and provide a great service to the community.