Dakota Minute
The following message was shared earlier this week was shared in a district newsletter. I want to take this opportunity to share it again for those who did not see it.
Gratefully,
Aaron Hyer
Secondary Redesign - Redefining Education in Grades 6-12
Between May and July of 2023, MAPS gathered feedback from students, families, staff, and community members to guide future-focused planning. This fall, MAPS launched three new elementary focus schools at Rosa Parks for STEAM, Jefferson for Outdoor and Nature-Based, and Bridges for Global Studies. With these schools off to strong starts, the school district has now focused on redesigning middle and high school learning experiences.
Feedback from secondary students, families, staff, and community partners points to a need for more flexibility, hands-on and real-world learning, stronger collaboration, and individualized support. Families want experiences that reflect their students’ future interests, and staff emphasize innovation, partnerships, and stronger connections with the community.
Preparing students for their future remains central to the MAPS vision. National research shows that flexible learning, clear pathways, and real-world experiences build confidence and future-ready skills. Throughout 2024 and 2025, MAPS gathered additional input, and recent School Board discussions highlighted themes that include student voice, relevance, flexibility, strong staff support, and deeper partnerships with caregivers, employers, and community organizations.
This school year, MAPS staff including principals, directors, and teachers have visited, toured, and questioned practices in many settings as they continue to discern how to take our middle and high schools to the next level. What we know for sure is that one size fits all education needs to end. Our leaders are making strong progress in crafting plans that will be shared with the greater school community soon after the Winter break.
Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:
December 10th. January 14th. February 11th. March 11th. April 8th. May 13th.
Your student will start their day at the normal time of 8:35 am and be released at 1:25 pm. They will receive lunch prior to the 1:25 pm dismissal when buses leave the building. Students participating in varsity co-curriculars will need to go home, then return to practice at the designated practice time. There will be no middle school co-curricular practices on early release Wednesdays. All students need to ensure they have transportation home by 1:25 pm.
- As a reminder, please use Door 1 to pick up and drop off your student during the school day. For example, if your student is arriving late or leaving early due to an appointment or an event please pick up at Door 1. Door 1 is locatated in our middle parking lot by the main office. This is where our new secure entrance is located. Students should not be dropped off or picked up at door 1 before and after school unless approved by Principal Hyer or here for a before school event.
- Please use Door 8 (the cafeteria side parking lot) for pick up and drop off before and after school. We ask that families do not pick up and drop off at Door 1 unless approved by Principal Hyer.
- Door 20 (our pond side parking lot) is used for buses to pick up and drop off students.