annual report summary 2015-16nlcschool.org/wp-content/uploads/annual-report-summary... · 2016. 11....
TRANSCRIPT
Northern Lights Community
School (NLCS) is a free 6-12 pub-
lic charter school. We are a small,
accepting learning community
with a focus on environmental,
project-based learning. NLCS
students drive their education
through authentic, hands-on pro-
jects.
Each student at NLCS is treated as a unique individual
with tremendous talent. Student voice and interests are at
the center of all educational decisions. The school goal is to
provide learning opportunities for students working at all
levels of academic achievement, who are looking for a
smaller, more personalized learning environment. NLCS
academics have real-world applications and promote pas-
sion for learning.
Northern Lights Community School is a place where au-
thentic learning projects are at the core. During the 2015-16
school year, students designed and installed a hydroponics
system for the greenhouse, artistically crafted Native
American clothing and held a fashion show, wrote and
directed a murder/mystery dinner theater performance,
and participated in many more activities. All NLCS pro-
jects are aligned to the Minnesota State Standards.
The NLCS curriculum contains teacher-led projects, small
group math and reading instruction, and block-long semi-
nars that focus on specific Minnesota Key Content learning
targets. NLCS learning targets and skills are mapped by the
staff through seminars and projects to ensure all content is
addressed. Student learning happens inside and outside of
the classroom walls. Students participate in field studies,
job shadowing, service learning projects, and outdoor rec-
reation.
Each student has a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). They
complete projects based on their interests and document
work in their learning portfolios. Graduation requirements
are aligned to state academic standards.
Who We Are:
2015-16
November 2016
Annual Report Summary 2015-16
Mission:
Northern Lights Community School will create a safe, small and enthusiastic learning
community in which all students are known well, taught as individuals, and encouraged
to be good stewards of our environment.
100% of parents agreed or strongly
agreed that NLCS is the best
school their sons or daughters
have attended.
95% of students agreed or strongly
agreed that they are learning more
at NLCS than at other schools they
have previously attended.
Survey says! —>>>
Northern Lights Community School believes every student is a unique individual. NLCS holds high expecta-
tions for every student. NLCS is an institution whose rigor lies within consistent academic growth. Students
are expected to demonstrate growth from fall to spring each academic year, and from one year to the next.
Growth Over Proficiency
Annual Report Summary 2015-16
Career/College Readiness
100% of NLCS students demonstrated proficiency in the area of
career/college readiness by completing a career and college preparatory
seminar. Every NLCS student starting in 9th grade begins a robust transition
plan. Every student leaves NLCS with a plan to either attend college, trade
school, or enter directly into the workforce. Each student is measured on aca-
demics as well as essential life skills that ensure productive 21st century citi-
zens.
Writing
100% of NLCS students demonstrated proficiency in the area of
writing using the WiLATA scoring rubric. NLCS emphasizes purposeful
and creative writing. NLCS students write essays, reflections, poetry, and re-
ports as parts of their projects.
Reading
72% of NLCS high school students (9-12) demonstrated growth
in the area of reading as measured by the Northwest Evaluation Associa-
tion (NWEA) MAP Reading Test. NLCS has students spend at least forty-five
minutes every day of uninterrupted reading time. NLCS students work with
their advisors to ensure they are gaining essential reading scores.
Math
77% of NLCS middle school students (6-8) demonstrated growth
in the area of mathematics as measured by the NWEA MAP Math Test.
Each student has their own personalized online math class that is directly
aligned to the State of Minnesota Standards. NLCS focuses on the growth of
each student.
Environmental Education
98% of students were proficient (80% or better) in the area of en-
vironmental literacy by the end of the school year as measured by the
NLCS environmental science test. Environmental education is interwoven
throughout the curriculum.
Parent Satisfaction
Student Satisfaction
Annual Report Summary 2015-16
Surveys of parents and students indicate high levels of satisfaction with NLCS. For some students who have
not succeeded in other public schools, NLCS offers a new environment in which to do well.
100% of parents agreed or
strongly agreed that NLCS
is the best school their sons
or daughters have attended.
100% of parents agreed or
strongly agreed that their
child is safer at NLCS than at
other schools he or she has
attended in the past.
100% of parents agreed or
strongly agreed that learning
through projects at NLCS pre-
pares their son or daughter for
“the real world.”
99% of students agreed or
strongly agreed that they get
the help they need when
they ask for it.
95% of students agreed or
strongly agreed that they are
learning more at NLCS than
at others schools they have
previously attended.
96% of students agreed or
strongly agreed that their
advisor really cares about
them.
World’s Best Workforce Essential Life Skills Community Service
Every student is required to partici-
pate in 25 hours of community service
each school year. It is important that
NLCS students learn to be stewards of
their communities.
Community service activities include
volunteering at nursing homes, high-
way clean-up, packing food at the food
bank, bagging groceries, raking lawns,
and much more.
Students at NLCS work on developing
essential life skills as well as academics.
The eight life skills we focus on are:
Accountability
Character/Citizenship
Problem Solving/
Resourcefulness
Technology
Communicating/
Collaborating
Goal-minded/Motivated
Creativity/Innovation
Adaptability/Resilience
The World’s Best Workforce Bill was
passed by the Minnesota legislature in
2013 to ensure that every school district
in MN is working to increase student
performance in regard to readiness for
post-secondary education and/or the
workplace.
Northern Lights Community School is
dedicated to the WBWF goals of closing
all racial and economic achievement
gaps between students, ensuring all
students graduate from high school,
and make certain that all students are
ready for careers and college.
Northern Lights Community School has six goals for every student:
1. Every student will be treated as a unique individual and have a person-
alized learning plan.
2. Every student will be ensured a safe, family-oriented learning environ-
ment that focuses on continual growth.
3. Every student will learn to be an environmental steward and service-
oriented citizen.
4. Every student will acquire essential life skills to ensure success in the
21st Century.
5. Every student will learn through authentic hands-on projects.
6. Every student will have autonomy over her or his education as they
drive toward mastery.
School Authorizer
The future needs a different kind of student!
Visit us on the Web!
www.nlcschool.org
Annual Report Summary 2015-16
Northern Lights Community School has been authorized by the Audubon Center of the North Woods
(ACNW) since summer 2011. The current contract runs through the 2016-17 school year. NLCS is currently
applying for reauthorization by ACNW.
The authorizing mission of ACNW is to ensure quality academic and environmental literacy outcomes for
students in Minnesota by conducting effective oversight and evaluation of its authorized schools, providing
strategic support to schools, and making informed and merit-based decisions about its portfolio of charter
schools.
The authorizing vision of ACNW is to authorize a portfolio of high performing
charter schools that instill a connection and commitment to the environment in
their school communities while working toward a healthy planet where all peo-
ple live in balance with the earth.
Audubon Center of the North Woods
Charter School Division
43 Main Street SE, Suite 507
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-331-4181
www.auduboncharterschools.org
David Greenberg - Director
Northern Lights Community School
P.O. Box 2829
305 Bridge Street
Warba, MN 55793
Office: 218-492-4400
Fax: 218-492-4402
Toll Free: 1-877-246-6548
Mike D. Hamernick—Director