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Marshall Memo

2012-02-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Marshall Memo is a great resource for educators and parents. The memo includes articles by nationally recognized educators and researchers that look at how educational practices can be improved.

We cannot share this memo on a regular basis becuase of copyright issues but you can subscribe to the memo yourself or stop by and visit with staff to review these articles that are published weekly.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Family Night

2011-09-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

2011 - 2012 School Board Meetings

2011-09-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

School Board Meeting Dates for 2011 - 2012 School Year

September 20, 2011 @ 3:30 PM
November 29, 2011 @ 3:30 PM
February 21, 2012 @ 3:30 PM
May 22, 2012 @ 3:30 PM

All meetings are open to the public. The board meets at 1035 West Broadway, 2nd Floor Classroom, Upper Midwest American Indian Center.

Classes Begin Tuesday, September 7th, 2011

2011-09-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Regular classes begin Tuesday, September 7th. If you haven't registered yet for classes, it's not too late. Just see Elizabeth Saunby and she will assist you with the paperwork.

Fall 2010 Newsletter

2010-11-19T08:55:00.001-08:00

You can view the Fall Newsletter at the link below:

Fall 2010

Updated Boys & Girls Basketball Schedules

2010-11-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

The latest basketball schedules are now updated and ready for review. Just click on one of the links below:

Boy's Basketball Schedule

Girl's Basketball Schedule

District Revenues and Expenditures Budget 2010 - 2011

2010-10-25T07:41:00.001-07:00

You can view the 2010 - 2011 District Revenues and Expenditures Budget at the link below.

Four Directions Charter School District Revenues and Expenditures Budget

Four Directions Charter School Wellness Policy

2010-10-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

On October 1st Four DIrections Charter School adopted a School Wellness policy. The purpose of this policy is to develop healthy learners through a school environment that promotes and protects students’ health, well being and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.

To read the complete policy just CLICK HERE

Theater Workshop - Monday, September 27th

2010-09-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

The New Native Theater Company has tenatively scheduled a performance and writing workshop for our students to take place next Monday, September 27th between 1-2:50PM. The workshop will take place in the lobby area near the media arts rooms.

Just stop by the media arts room on Monday if you would like to participate.

After School Tutoring Begins Tuesday, Sept 28th

2010-09-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Any students seeking assistance with their academic studies can sign up for after-school tutoring that begins Tuesday, September 28th. Mentoring goes from 3-4PM and students can earn extra credit for attending.

It's a fun way to keep learning. For more information please see Liz Saunby.

Renaissance Festival - October 1st

2010-09-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Students from Four DIrections Charter School will take a field trip to the Renaissance Festival Friday, October 1st. This activity is a day-long event and is sure to provide a lot of fun and learning for everyone.

For more information about the festival just CLICK HERE

MPLS Employment & Training Program

2010-09-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Kha Vue, who is with the MLPS Employment and Training Program, is tentatively scheduled to visit with students Monday September 27th from 1-3PM about career opportunities. Check in with Sai Thao in the media arts room for further details.

Music Classes Begin Monday October 4th

2010-09-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in learning to play guitar? Want to learn more about writing lyrics and performance - then we have some great classes starting just for you!!!

Starting Monday October 4th, four music artists will be donating their time each week to work with students to learn more about the art of music. Artists Tamas Majoros, Chase Monchamp, David Sam and Joe Kroyer will be available to teach on these dates:

Mondays: 2:30-3:30PM Tamass/David Guitar Lessons
Tuesdays: 2-3PM Chase/David Rapping & Performance
Wednesdays 2-3PM Joe/David Guitar Practice

Please email Kris Sorensen at inprogress301@gmail.com for more information or to sign up for the class. You can also sign up with Sai Thao in the Media Arts Room any afternoon Monday - Thursday.

Boys & Girls Basketball Schedules Ready

2010-09-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

Program Manager Ronald Buckanaga has spent the past two months working on putting together these two great play schedules for the school's boys and girls basketball teams.

Home games will be played at the North MInneapolis Salvation Army Gym.

To download your own copies of the schedule just click on either of the links below:

Boy's Basketball Schedule

Girl's Basketball Schedule

Write An Article for the School Newsletter

2010-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

We are currently looking for news articles for our fall newsletter. If you have something important to share - like a fun activity for students, scholarship opportunities, or information that parents and students need to know - please contribute. Articles should be 2-3 paragraphs in length and everyone is welcome to submit. Remember - this is a school newsletter, so keep topics school appropriate.

If you have questions or need assistance in preparing your article, please contact Kris Sorensen at ythmedia@aol.com.

Classes Begin Tuesday, September 7th

2010-09-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that classes formally begin Tuesday, September 7th. If you have questions or would like to register for classes please contact Elizabeth Saunby at:

Email: esaunby@fourdirectionsschool.org
Phone Number: (612) 588-0183 ext. 102

She will be happy to get you set up and ready for the fall trimester.

Parent / Student Orientation Day

2010-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

There will be a Parent/Student Orientation Day for parents and students at 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2010. Parents will receive school policies and information, and finish filling out applications. Parents will need to sign off on forms.

Students need to come and sign-up for the NWEA testing times on computers in the computer lab. There are only 15 computers and testing will take two hours to complete. Each student will be required to take a test in reading and math. These tests will replace the California Achievement Tests. Charter schools in Minnesota are required to do pre and post tests with their students.

After the students complete the tests, they can sign up for Fall Trimester classes. Classes will begin on September 7, 2010. The testing times will be on a first come, first serve basis.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (612) 558-0183.

Four Directions School Board Meetings 2010-2011

2010-07-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

September 21, 2010 @ 3:30 PM
November 16, 2010 @ 3:30 PM
March 22, 2011 @ 3:30 PM
April 19, 2011 @ 3:30 PM

All meetings are open to the public. The board meets at 1035 West Broadway, 2nd Floor Classroom, Upper Midwest American Indian Center.

Enrollment for 2010-2011

2010-07-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents, Guardians & Students:

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! We are currently accepting school applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Applications can be picked up at the school or the Upper Midwest American Indian Center front desk or just by calling us at (612) 588-0183.

Students will be required this year to take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing in Math and Reading that will be on online in our computer lab. Each test will take approximately one hour to complete.

The NWEA tests will give the teachers and school a good indication where the student’s learning abilities are in Math and Reading. The teachers will be able to direct their instruction toward the student’s learning needs. The school formerly used the California Achievement Tests (CAT) in Math and Reading Comprehension. The CAT tests did not allow for addressing the students learning gaps.

There will be a Parent/Student Orientation on August 30, 2010. Parents will be required to attend to get information and sign off on school policies and procedures. The dates of August 30, 2010 through September 3, 2010 will be devoted to students to complete these tests. They will need to sign up for times to take the tests. Students cannot register for their classes until they completed each test.

Come and meet the new teachers and staff that will be here to help you. We want your child to graduate and achieve their post-secondary goals.

Thank you.

Ronald Buckanaga
Program Manager

Fund Balance Policy

2009-11-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Four Directions Charter School
Board of Directors
Fund Balance Policy

The Board of Directors has recognized the need to establish a general operations reserve fund balance amount in order to comply with the Minnesota Uniform Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS). Four Directions Charter School will work toward maintaining a 20% fund balance as a percentage of yearly general fund expenditures for each school year. Excess year end cash will not be allocated in the following year budgets until the target fund balance is achieved, unless specifically directed by the Board of Directors.

The fund balance to be used is presented in the audited financial statement. The percentage will be calculated as follows:

> Prior Year Audited General Fund Balance;
> Current Year General Fund Surplus;
> Total Current Year General Fund Expenditures.

During the annual budget process, the Board of Directors will review the fund percentage in light of current state holdback provisions and other financial circumstances and will set annual goals to attain the targeted fund balance.

Adopted 10-29-08

PLC Meeting - Thursday September 3rd

2009-11-02T08:36:00.001-08:00

Staff will meet Friday, NOvember 6th to review assessment strategies.

Agenda
Review of Student Contract
Review of Joyce Epstein’s Framework of the Six Types of Involvement
Review of Ruby Payne’s Framework for Understanding Poverty
Discussion of Assessments
“Essential Skills” sheet
Review of “The Reading Brain”, and tactics for implementation
-Handouts to aid teaching
Forming subcommittees

FDCS Presents at NIEA Conference

2009-10-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ron Buckanaga, Kris Sorensen and Aimee LaBree presented last weekend at the National Indian Education Conference. They shared information about the nationally recognized digital arts learning curriculum "Through The Eagle's Eye." Many videos were shared and questions answered.

It was a great opportunity to share the work of young artists with educators and community representatives that truly appreciate what young people have to say.

Pictured above is Ron with a visiting Jingle Dress Dancer at the NIEA Pow Wow.

FDCS Artists To Present at Ancient Traders Gallery

2009-10-27T18:43:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to announce that the following students will represent the Four Directions Charter School and In Progress during the closing Exhibit event of the Ogichidaakweg Retrospect. Staff, family, fellow students and friends are all invited to visit with the young artists, watch a great set of videos by youth storytellers and ask questions about the artwork up in the exhibit. The event is free and open to the public.

The current exhibit is a retrospective of digital photography and video works that honor Native American life and culture. More than 100 young artists from Nett Lake Village (Bois Forte Nation), Kego Lake, S Lake, Cass Lake (Leech Lake Nation), Red Lake and Minneapolis will present digitally created stories represented in both print and digital mediums.

The show closes on October 30th, so make sure to stop by soon.

For more information about Ancient Traders or this exhibit just email Kris Sorensen at ythmedia@aol.com.

Special thanks to All My Relations arts program for hosting this exhibit. All My Relations is a cultural collaboration of Great Neighborhoods! Development Corporation.

Boy's Basketball Schedule Posted

2009-10-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

For all you proud basketball fans we finally have the Boy's basketball Schedule ready for your review. Just CLICK HERE to see the upcoming play dates!

Meet The New Inspiration Team at Four Directions

2009-10-07T11:22:00.001-07:00

Check it Out. Here are the newest media leaders at FDCS! We are here to inspire other students to succeed by assisting them their media making needs. Need help with Photoshop or making movie or using photo camera? The feel free to ask any of us to help.

The Inspiration Team consists of:

Amber Flowers
David Sam (High School Grad)
Joseph Saice Kroyer
Whitney Stevens
Janelle Eaglehawk
Brittany Northerd

After School Activities Begin Tuesday October 6th

2009-10-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

Join Four Directions Staff every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-4PM for after school enrichment activities.

Students may receive tutoring assistance in Math, Reading and Individualized Homework assistance on Tuesday and Wednesdays. Cooking classes will be offered on Thursdays.

It's alot of fun and you can earn extra credit too!

Yearbook Self Portraits

2009-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest artwork from the Yearbook Class. They are just getting started with a great set of self portraits and will no doubt be adding more images as the year goes on. To view their gallery just CLICK HERE!

David Sam & Joe Kroyer Present Their Superfly Movies

2009-10-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest videos from Native Lens & Long House Media. This week they premiered a series of youth produced videos from the 2009 Super Fly Gatherings where Fisrst Nations youth from all over the United States gathered to make movies in just 24 hours.

Four Directions artists David Sam and Joseph Kroyer participated in this event and we are honored to share their videos with you.

Just view below to see a few of these for yourself!

To find out more about Native Lens just CLICK HERE!

No School on Friday - October 2

2009-09-30T08:55:00.001-07:00

Students get a day to sleep in, have fun and of course catch up on homework on Friday, October 2nd. Teachers on the other hand will be working together to prepare to give students the best education possible. Enjoy the day.

PLC Meeting - Thursday September 3rd

2009-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

FDCS staff will meet this Friday at 9AM to discuss strategic curriculum design for the year. All staff that are available, should attend.

College Fair Field Trip

2009-09-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Students will attend a day-long college fair hosted by the National College Fairs. Students will meet at Four Directions and receive transportation and lunch as part of this fun field trip experience. At the fair students will have the opportunity to:

1) Career Opportunities
2) Information on Local Colleges
3) Information on Scolarships
4) Workshops

Beading it Up in Arts & Crafts

2009-09-23T12:36:00.001-07:00

The art class is cool because you get to make alot of different types of crafts. If you dont know how to make what you want to the other kids and teachers will help you. If you get a chance stop by 4th or 5th hour and take a look for yourself.

--Whitney Stevens

Whitney Stevens Becomes New Website Blogger

2009-09-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Whitney Stevens will be helping students and staff get the word out on what is happening in classes. If you have an idea for the website or important news items, let Whitney know and she might do a posting for you. Stay tuned as more news on this topic develops!

Basketball Schedule ready for Review

2009-09-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a great season of Boy's & Girl's High School Basketball. The schedules are posted on our online calendar or they may be viewed by clicking below on the links listed:

Girl's Basketball Schedule

Boy's Basketball Schedule

PLC Staff Meeting 9/24 at 3PM

2009-09-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

Four Directions Staff will be having a PLC meeting this Thursday 9/24 in Neil Buckanga's room at 3 PM. Staff will review assessment procedures used in the classroom.

Career Paths for Students - September 29, 2009

2009-09-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Kha Vue from the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program will be available to talk with students: to create resumes, job search for next summer, and other college information. She will be here Sept. 29, 09 1:00 to 3:00 and located in my office. We have picked Tues. afternoons.

Please let Penny Scheffer know if you are interested in participating.

Whitney Stevens Curates Exhibit

2009-09-17T07:16:00.001-07:00

We want to give a BIG THANK YOU to Four DIrections Student and In Progress artist Whitney Stevens who helped to hang her first exhibit up at the All Our Relations Gallery (Ancient Traders) in South Minneapolis this week. Whitney is a media arts student that usually works in video as her art form but made an exception this week to help promote the digital artwork of young Native American artists.

The Ogichidaakweg Exhibit - We Sing Our Songs will open this friday at the All Our Relations Gallery at Ancient Traders in South Minneapolis. The show is a retrospective of digital photography and video works that honor Native American life and culture. More than 100 young artists from Nett Lake Village (Bois Forte Nation), Kego Lake, S Lake, Cass Lake (Leech Lake Nation), Red Lake and Minneapolis will present digitally created stories represented in both print and digital mediums.

The show will be open September 18th through October 30th and will feature a closing event in which we hope some of the artists will attend.

We Sing Our Songs is open Fridays & Saturdays 12PM -6PM on Fridays and Saturdays

For more information about Ancient Traders or this exhibit just email Kris Sorensen at ythemdia@aol.com or you can visit the Ancient Traders website by CLICKING HERE.

Photo Students Get Started

2009-09-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

Classes at Four Directions Charter School began last week and students are already out and about taking photographs. Take a sneak peak at what they had to say on one of their first group photo experiences by viewing the short video clip below.

Congratulations to Deedra Robinson

2009-09-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

We want to send out a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Deedra Robinson as she just gave birth to her son Anthony Jones on September 11, 2009. Anthony is beautiful, healthy and blessed with a strong family to look after him. To see pictures of Anthony as he grows up just CLICK HERE

David Sam & Christine Rock Honored at Native Spirit Festival

2009-09-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to David Sam and Christine Rock! Their films has been accepted into the 3rd Native Spirit Festival in London. It will be screened on Oct. 31st, 2009 at Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre.

Students Sign Up for Classes

2009-09-08T19:22:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, September 8th, students were able to officially register for classes, meet with teachers and visit with parents and the local community. Classes filled up quickly as students were able to choose from a wide variety of learning activities. To find out more about fall courses available this year at FDCS just CLICK HERE!

Enrollment for 2009 - 2010

2009-09-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Parents, Guardians & Students:

We are accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year. Students who were enrolled during the 2008-2009 school year will need to fill out a new application,

You can call us at (612) 588-0183 for an application or stop at either of the front desks at Upper Midwest American Indian Center or Four Directions Charter School.

Imporant Dates

Sept. 7, 2009 - Labor Day (Holiday)

Sept. 8, 2009 - Parent/Student Orientation Day: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students will need to finish the application process and sign up for classes. There will be a lunch served at 11:30 a.m.

Sept. 9, 2009 - First Day of Classes

SAT National Testing Dates

2009-09-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

SAT Program Test Calendar
The SAT is most widely used admissions test among colleges and
universities. It assesses your basix knolwedge of subjects learned both
inside and outside the classroom as well as how you think, solve problems
and communicate. The SAT is offered seven times a year. The content is as
follows: Critical reading, mathematics, and writing.

SAT National Test dates:
Oct. 10, 2009
Nov. 7, 2009
Dec. 5, 2009
Jan. 23, 2010
Mar. 13, 2010
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010

Anyone interested in college and universities, please come on in and we
can work out what you are interested in accomplishing.

Penny Scheffler
Four Directions
School Social Worker

WHAT Is the ACT?

2009-09-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

The ACT test is a standardized exam taken by more than one and one-half million students each year. It measures knolwedge and skills in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. In spring 2005, ACT introduced an optional Writing test that measures direct student writing skills. The ACT also collects a variety of other information including educational background, plans, and needs. Go to WWW.actstudent.org/faq/faq.html for answers to Frequently asked questions about the ACT.

What you can learn from taking the ACT
* A measure of your educational development (abilities)
*Identification of academic strengths and weaknesses
*Relate ACT scores to what you are likely to know and are able to do
*Information about potential college choices
*Suggestions for exploring career options and determing how your interests
relate to work tasks and careers.

How colleges use the ACT
In making decisions about admission, many colleges use results from the
ACt (some include the writing test) or other assessment measures, along
with high school grades, class rank, and extracurricular accomplishments.
colleges may also use what they learn about you from such asn assessment
for course placement, academic advising, career counseling and scholarship
awards.

When should you take the ACT?
The colleges you're interested in may have an application deadline, or
there may be special program or scholarship you want to apply for that
requires the test score.

Waiting until your senior year may be too late. Also, many students choose
to test a second time in hopes of raising their scores; testing in the
spring of your junior year gives you the time for that option.

ACT National Test dates:
September 12, 2009
October 24, 2009
December 12, 2009
February 6, 2010
April 10, 2010
June 12, 2010

Anyone interested in college and universities, please come on in and we
can work out what you are interested in accomplishing.

Penny Scheffler
Four Directions
School Social Worker

PLC Meeting - Thursday September 3rd

2009-08-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Staff will meet to review 2009/2010 curriculum outline and prepare for advisory classes.

Date: September 3, 2009

Time: 9:30-10:30AM

Place: UMAIC - Upper Classroom

Technology In Service June 3rd

2009-06-03T08:36:00.001-07:00

The media arts staff met Wednesday June 3rd for a two hour training on online practices now being implemented by the school. In attendance were Neil Jr. Tiana LaPointe & Liz Saunby. Please check in with them to find out more about where Four Directions is heading in this new age of technology.

Yearbooks Available Friday June 5th

2009-05-29T18:33:00.001-07:00

The 2008/2009 Yearbook will be available for pick up this coming Friday June 6th. Each student may have one yearbook free of charge. If you want an additional yearbook it will be available at a cost of $20. The yearbook has more than 30 pages of pictures and memories. Make sure you pick one up in time to share with others and gather autographs and notes from your friends and teachers.

Prom Pictures On The Web

2009-05-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Just CLICK HERE to check out all the great photos taken at the 2009 Prom.

Graffiti Portraits Ready for Viewing

2009-05-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

2009 Graffiti portraits are now ready for viewing on the In Progress website. Just CLICK HERE to check out all the incredible portraits. Once you are there you can download your photo or photos of your firends.