The Lionsgate Academy School Board is holding its election to fill five board seats this month. Presently, 4 candidates are running for 3 community seats, 1 candidate for 1 staff seat and 1 candidate for the parent seat. Eligible voting members include the school staff along with all parents/guardians of Lionsgate Academy students.

Please study these bios to choose who you think might have the best skills to serve in this very important role.

You have two options for casting your ballot.

First, you can stop by the Academy to cast your ballot in person on Tuesday, May 3rd, from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.  The voting will take place in the foyer of the Worship Center.  There will signs up to point you in the right direction.  Each family member will need to bring a picture ID, while Lionsgate employees can show their Lionsgate ID badge.

Second, is to print and fill out the attached ballot and mail it in an envelope to:

Board Election
Lionsgate Academy
3420 Nevada Avenue North
Crystal, MN 55427

Please sign the flap of the envelope and print your name on the bottom of the back of the envelope.  While the back of the envelope will need to be signed by a voting member for it to be valid, you will not need to put your name on the ballotitself, in order to keep it anonymous. Each ballot must be postmarked by Saturday, April 30th to be counted. Please include only one ballot per mailed envelope.

No phone call or absentee votes will be accepted. All votes will be counted on May 3rd, with 2 people counting every vote. The community will be notified of the results at the May Board Meeting –assuming a positive outcome of criminal background checks, which are required by statute.

Please e-mail Brandy Dougherty (bdougherty@lgamn.org) if you have any questions.

Download the 2011 LGA School Board Election Ballot

Community Members

Ron Berger – Incumbent
Hemlal Kafle
Jonathan Scharlau – Incumbent
Todd Schwartzberg

Staff Member

Oscar Prill – Unopposed

Parent Member

Marc Berris – Unopposed

Greetings from Lionsgate Academy,

I am sorry to report that our executive director, Stan Hacker, is now in the hospital tentatively scheduled for heart surgery on Friday. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

A contingency plan is in place for just such an event. Our school cabinet, comprised of Caroline Carritt, Brandy Dougherty and Joe Faulkner, has divided up Stan’s duties in his absence. We have notified both our authorizer and the Minnesota Department of Education. Our school board met last evening and will work closely with administration through this challenge.

A Caring Bridge webpage has been set up to provide updates on Stan’s progress. Stan’s family has requested that you refer to this webpage for information rather than phone calls.

As always, please call your child’s case manager if you have any questions about your student. Once again, we wish for Stan to get well soon and all look forward to his return.

All my best,

Steven J. Waisbren, M.D., Ph.D.
School Board Chair
Lionsgate Academy

The following video, Lionsgate – A Day in the Life, was presented at the recent benefit breakfast. The eight minute video shows Lionsgate classrooms during the day, highlights student, staff and parent testimonies and demonstrates the impact Lionsgate has had on two families.

The film was shot and produced by independent film maker Kiersten Dunbar Chace. Her documentaries have been official selections at the Doc Challenge Hot Docs Toronto, Bermuda International Film Festival and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival.

Tuesday 4/26  [B Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What do you think would happen to a blood drop as the angle of impact increases? [Answer:  When the angle of impact id directly vertical to the surface, approx 90°, there is no tail or buildup of blood.  As the angle of impact becomes smaller, the stain becomes elongated in shape. Show website:  www.bloodspatter.com]

Collect Case File # 16

Complete Lab:  Blood Stain Analysis

Forensic Analysis of Blood Stains – Part 1

Homework:  No Homework; Complete any missing Case Files

Wednesday 4/27 [A Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What do you think would happen to a blood drop as the angle of impact increases? [Answer:  When the angle of impact id directly vertical to the surface, approx 90°, there is no tail or buildup of blood.  As the angle of impact becomes smaller, the stain becomes elongated in shape. Show website:  www.bloodspatter.com]

Northrup Group:

  • Lab – Blood Spatter Part 4 complete and then turn in note/lab sheet
  • Forensic Analysis of Blood Stains Worksheet  – Part 1

Pfeffer Group:

  • Blood Stain Lab: Complete Parts 3 and 4
  • Lesson 3-3:  DNA Evidence – Reading and Note Taking Guide

Homework:   A2 Northrup – Case File #16 Due tomorrow Thursday, April 28

Thursday 4/28 [A Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is an example of DNA that would be collected at a crime scene?[Possible Answers:  Hair fibers, Skin found under fingertips, and blood]

Northrup Group:

  • Collect Case File #16
  • Forensic Analysis of Blood Stains Worksheet  – Part 1
  • Hand out Mid-quarter grades and have students complete Pre-Conference check-in form [collect grade sheet and check-in form]

Pfeffer Group:

  • LAB: DNA Analysis
  • Collect Case File #15
  • Hand out Mid-quarter grades and have students complete Pre-Conference check-in form [collect grade sheet and check-in form]

Redeem Positive Points

Homework:  No Homework – complete any missing worksheets and Case Files

Friday 4/29 [B Day]

10 min snack break before start of class

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is an example of DNA that would be collected at a crime scene?[Possible Answers:  Hair fibers, Skin found under fingertips, and blood]

Complete Worksheet: Forensic Analysis of Blood Stains Worksheet  – Part 1

Grades: Hand out Mid-quarter grades and have students complete Pre-Conference check-in form [collect grade sheet and check-in form]

Redeem Positive Points

Homework:  No Homework; Complete any missing Case Files

Tuesday [4/26] B Day

Learning Goal:    Understand how storms form.

Daily Question – What state recently had a tornado? [Answer: Missouri – discuss the EF-4 tornado that hit St. Louis last Friday. Over 750 homes were damaged or destroyed, part of the airport was damages, but there were NO fatalities or serious injuries.]

B1:

Worksheet – Air Masses & Fronts: Finish questions #7 – 12

Worksheet – Storms – start  worksheet  sections: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

Video: Hurricane Katrina [start]

MCA Test Prep – Review basic test taking strategies and then take MCA Practice Test as a class

  • Use process of elimination
  • Read all graphs carefully especially the scales on the x and y axes and the labels or any footnotes
  • Look for trends in the data
  • Watch for words like “except”
  • Take MCA Practice test as a class

B3:

Worksheet- Storms – continue with Tornadoes and finish worksheet

Video: Hurricane Katrina [continue]

MCA Science Test Prep [see above]

Homework: Recording the Weather – Homework, Due Friday April 29th

Wednesday [4/27] ADay

Learning Goal:  Understand how storms form.

Daily Question: What state recently had a tornado? [Answer: Missouri – discuss the EF-4 tornado that hit St. Louis last Friday. Over 750 homes were damaged or destroyed, part of the airport was damages, but there were NO fatalities or serious injuries.]

Worksheet – Air Masses & Fronts – finish cyclone and anti-cyclones

Storms Worksheet [A1 – start Hurricanes today; A4 - Hurricanes section]

MCA Test Prep

  • Use process of elimination
  • Read all graphs carefully especially the scales on the x and y axes and the labels or any footnotes
  • Look for trends in the data
  • Watch for words like “except”
  • Take MCA Practice test as a class

MCA Science Test Prep

Homework: A1: Recording the Weather – Homework & A4: Recording the Weather [A4] Due Monday May 2nd

Thursday 4/28 [A Day]

Learning Goal – Understand how storms form.

Daily Question – What type of precipitation often occurs before a tornado? [Answer: Hail and sometimes the hail may be as large as a grapefruit – show photo in Noah’s book]

Worksheet:  Storms [A1 – continue; A4 – finish worksheet]

Video: Hurricane Katrina

MCA Science Test Prep – continue with another MCA Science Practice test

Weather Reporting Activity: Hand out activity sheet and go over the Weather Reporting Activity

Mid-quarter Grades: Hand out Mid-quarter grade sheets along with Pre-Conference Check-in forms.  Have students complete the forms and return with their grade sheet.

If time, read science trivia.

Homework: Recording the Weather, Due next Monday, May 2nd [A1 and A4]

Friday 4/29 [B Day]

Learning Goal – Understand how storms form.

Daily Question – What type of precipitation often occurs before a tornado? [Answer: Hail and sometimes the hail may be as large as a grapefruit!]

Collect Homework: “Recording the Weather”

Worksheet:  Storms [B1 – finish]

MCA Science Test Prep – continue with another MCA Science practice test

Weather Reporting Activity: Hand out activity sheet and go over the Weather Reporting Activity

Mid-quarter Grades: Hand out Mid-quarter grade sheets along with Pre-Conference Check-in forms.  Have students complete the forms and return with their grade sheet.

If time, finish Hurricane Katrina DVD:

Homework: Gather Weather Reporting Props for weather reporting activity

The Gala Committee is well underway in planning the Spring Gala (Prom). They are looking for some “Hawaiian” or “Cruise” themed decorations that people would be willing to donate. The committee would like to wait until they get some donations in before spending funds on decorations. They need to decide what will be purchased by May 6th, so if you intend on donating, please do so by this date. Thank you very much for your time and contributions!

Currently art students are learning about mask making and performance art movements through the help of Malia Burkhart, our last artist in residency for this school year. We were hoping to complete the project in time for the Arts Showcase this Friday, April 29th starting at 6:00 pm. However, only a few students will be able to share their masks with us that evening. You can look forward to seeing a display during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences. I hope to have a video of the in-class performances at a later date.

Middle School Students Can Look Forward To:

  • Field Trip on Friday, May 27th to Minnetonka Center for the Arts! The middle school art students will be gone for 2nd-4th hour of school to visit the Art Center and take a 2-hr. art workshop. Permission slips and more info about this will go out next week.

Currently art students are learning about mask making and performance art movements through the help of Malia Burkhart, our last artist in residency for this school year. We were hoping to complete the project in time for the Arts Showcase this Friday, April 29th starting at 6:00 pm. However, only a few students will be able to share their masks with us that evening. You can look forward to seeing a display during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences. I hope to have a video of the in-class performances at a later date.

Upcoming event:

  • High School Art Field Trip on Friday, May 6th. Students will be gone all day from school to visit Minnetonka Center for the Arts for a day-long workshop. Please bring a sack lunch. If you haven’t done so already, please turn in the permission form. If you need a permission form, please contact me. I sent out an email with the form attached over a week ago.

Monday 4/18  [A Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is a blood spine? [Answer:  The pointed edges of a blood stain.]

Northrup & Pfeffer Groups: Bloodstain Science – Power point and notes

Pfeffer Group:  Blood Stain Lab

Northrup Group:  Test corrections and catch-up on Case Files

Homework: Northrup Group: Case Files #15, due Thursday 4/21

Tuesday 4/19  [B Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is a blood spine? [Answer:  The pointed edges of a blood stain.]

Collect Case File # 15

Bloodstain Science – Power Point with worksheet

Lab:  Blood Stain Analysis [Parts 1 and 2]

Homework:  No Homework

Wednesday 4/20 [B Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is a void pattern and why might it be helpful to investigators?  [Answer:  A void pattern is created when an object blocks the deposition of blood spatter onto a target surface or object.  Voids may help investigations establish the body position of the victim  or assailant at the time of the incident.]

Lab: Blood Stain Analysis [Parts 3 and 4]

Work time:  catch up on missing notes and Case Files

Homework:   Case File #16 Due next Tuesday, April 26

Thursday 4/21 [A Day]

Learning Goal: Understand how blood splatter patterns are analyzed.

Daily Question: What is a void pattern and why might it be helpful to investigators?  [Answer:  A void pattern is created when an object blocks the deposition of blood spatter onto a target surface or object.  Voids may help investigations establish the body position of the victim  or assailant at the time of the incident.]

Northrup Group:

  • Lab:  Blood Stain Analysis

Pfeffer Group:

  • DNA Analysis  – Worksheet
  • Collect Case File #15

Redeem Positive Points

Homework:  Pfeffer Group: Case File #15 – Due next Wed, 4/27

Northrup Group:  Case File #16 – Due next Wed, 4/27

Monday [4/18] A Day ***Note: A1 will have MCA Math testing today***

Learning Goal:  Understand how storms form.

Daily Question –  What country has the most tornadoes? [Answer:  USA]

Collect any missing Air Mass & Fronts worksheets

Worksheet:   Storms [start storms and tornadoes]

Video and video worksheet: “Storm Chasers – Episode 5 – Super Tornado”

Homework: No Homework

Tuesday [4/19] B Day ***Note:  B1 will have MCA Math testing today***

Learning Goal:    Understand how storms form.

Daily Question – What country has the most tornadoes? [Answer: USA]

DEMO [B3] - 4 types of Fronts using student volunteers as cold and warm air masses

Worksheet on Air Masses & Fronts [B3]– start on question #7 and go over answers # 7 -12.  Then finish questions 13 – 17.

Homework: No Homework

Wednesday [4/20] B Day ***Note: B1 will have MCA Reading test today***

Learning Goal:  Understand how storms form.

Daily Question: Which type of front causes a thunderstorm? [Answer:  A cold front]

Worksheet: Storms  [thunderstorms]

Video and video worksheet: Hurricane Katrina [start for intro to hurricanes]

If time, read Science trivia.

Homework: Recording the Weather Due Friday, April 29th

Thursday 4/21 [A Day] ***Note: A1 will have MCA Reading test today***

Learning Goal – Understand how storms form.

Daily Question – Which type of front causes a thunderstorm? [Answer:  A cold front]

Worksheet:  Storms [A4 – finish worksheet]

Video and video worksheet: “Storm Chasers – Episode 5 – Super Tornado”

If time, read science trivia.

Homework: Recording the Weather Due May 2nd [A1 and A4]