Lists five positive things she has learned about the small school district
It has been a “crash course” in getting to know the students and staff at Butterfield-Odin Public School (B-OPS) – along with district residents – for half-time Acting Superintendent Sandra “Sandi” Novak.
But, what she has learned about the small school district has impressed her.
At the time of her hiring at a regular meeting of the B-OPS School Board on Tuesday, February 16, Superintendent Novak shared that, “My passion is working with kids to enhance their learning.”
Novak jumped into the job the following day, taking over the administrative post from part-time Interim Superintendent Tom Ames. During her to date three months with the district, she has completed school district business up to an average of 2.5 days per week. Her contract runs with the district through June 30.run through June 30.
Recently she took the opportunity to report on her observations, compiling a list of the five best things about the B-OPS School District.
“What are the five most important things about B-OPS that community members should know about our school?,” Novak asks. “Here is my list, from #5 to #1:”
“+ #5 – High-quality pre-kindergarten – No educational investment pays off more than making sure children are ready for school when they enter the kindergarten door. This past year, the number of four-year-olds enrolled in the pre-kindergarten program has increased from past years.
Our pre-kindergarten teacher ensures the program attends to children’s educational preparation, as well as to their social and emotional development. When entering the classroom, a visitor might see students sharing a book or talking with a puppet. All have smiling faces and love coming to school with “the big kids.”
+ #4 – Love for the arts – Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether listening to it, singing or playing an instrument. But despite this almost universal interest, many schools have to do away with their music education programs. These unfortunate schools lose not only an enjoyable subject, but a subject that can enrich students’ lives and education.
At Butterfield-Odin, all students are afforded many opportunities to participate in both vocal and instrumental music. A small school’s musical education program requires teamwork. In these groups, students learn how to work together and build camaraderie.
At a recent group competition among eight schools, Butterfield-Odin’s Senior High Choir scored a superior rating and our Senior High Band scored an excellent rating.
With encouragement from teachers and parents, these students involved in vocal or instrumental music have built pride and confidence in themselves, as well as their school. The whole community turns out for their wonderful performances.
+ #3 – Great staff – When I ask students if they like school, they say, “Yes!” Rarely does a student ever respond “No” to that questions. I believe our students’ positive response is because our staff is so committed and caring.
At Butterfield-Odin, that commitment and caring is revealed in the overall school climate, which reflect’s the staff’s dedication to building connections with parents and the larger community.
Our custodial staff takes pride in their work and makes a ‘gently-used’ older building shine.
The kitchen staff serves healthy meals for lunch, and greets students with a smile.
Our paraprofessionals work alongside teachers to provide individual attention to students.
And, of course, students are kept safe and well-cared-for through the expert support service providers here at the school.
I consider myself fortunate to work with a staff that is able to adapt to change. In February, when I arrived, I identified some ideas to enhance instructional practices and procedures, and the staff has embraced those changes without hesitation. They welcome the professional development, too, and work hard to bring it into their classrooms.
+ #2 – Small class sizes – Butterfield-Odin class sizes range from 10 students in a class to 25. Small classes have been found to make a positive impact on achievement, as well as on life outcomes in the years after students leave the halls of the schools. Teachers can closely monitor the progress of student learning in their classes. They are also able to re-teach using alternative strategies when children did not learn a concept. And, Butterfield-Odin’s teachers maintain great personal interactions with their students.
Small classes means that students need to work together to plan events – prom, class trips and graduation. This individual involvement creates a personal touch that most large schools yearn to achieve.
+ #1 – Great kids – Great schools cannot exist without great groups of kids, and the diversity of our kids is what makes this school so great. The school’s demographic is 49% Hispanic, 47% White and 4% Asian.
We have the most beautiful, interesting, interested and talented children. They are truly here to learn, grow, and they take pride in their school.
Our school is a perfect example of how different people can live, work and learn together.
The B-OPS School District has our work cut out for us, especially as we tackle the job of preparing all of our students for success after high school in an increasingly complex 21st century world. But, with a supportive community rallying around our work in the school, we can meet these challenges with energy and enthusiasm.
Thanks you for supporting our school.”
The sixty-two-year-old Novak, of Lakeville, graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University, received her Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and her Education Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
She has been an educator for 40 years, including as a teacher, an elementary and junior high principal, a curriculum coordinator and assistant superintendent. These education positions have been in the Mazeppa School District, Owatonna School District and the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District. She retired in 2010, and is now an independent educational consultant working with individual school districts, as well as with businesses.
Novak has presented at the local, state and national levels about education topics. She is the author of one book, “Student-Led Discussions: How Do I Promote Rich Conversations About Books, Videos, and Other Media,” that offers the resources needed to develop meaningful student-led conversations about text and media across the content areas. She has written two more books, slated to be published and released in July.
She has three adult children – 34-year-old twins (son and daughter), a 27-year-old son – and two grandchildren who love to read.
