E23 - Dawson-Boyd HS Profile (NewTech High)






Episode #23 Dawson-Boyd HS Podcast, 

Good afternoon. I apologize for not getting this out to you on Wednesday, but had family conflicts that I was unable to navigate successfully enough. Nevertheless, we did have a little audience which was very nice. 

The NewTech HS podcast that we were focused on Wednesday was Dawson-Boyd in LacQuiParle County. Some would say '"pert near Sodak". These two communities are highly agricultural. The high school has under 200 students. I took a couple of pictures to share to give you a context of their area. 

Dawson-Boyd Podcast Video Link (here)

Water Tower/Ethanol Plant           Local Elevator                  Downtown Dawson. 

As part of that district, we welcomed Holly Ward, D-B Superintendent, and Ryan Stotesbery, D-BHS Principal. Both of these individuals employ so many of the things that we value in NewTech High. Holly speaks of how they got involved in NewTech. Truly, I saw the announcement that they'd gotten a YST grant and immediately inquired if they would be interested in being a pilot school in NewTech. 

What I really like about working with Dawson-Boyd is that almost each meeting has been different. Sometimes, I meet with one or the other, or both, depending on who draws the short straw between the two of them. (Ha) Regardless of what we have tackled (leadership, healthcare/insurance, schedule, innovation, standards-based grading), discussions have been thoughtful and then carried through to some extent. I am really excited for their future as a high school. 

Their YST grant was award DBHS with a Precision Agriculture grant they received also. You can see from the pictures about the importance agriculture is in these rural areas. In such economies, almost all industries become somewhat agriculture related. Understanding that, and being able to partner with those strong local economic partners is such a good way to build a bullet-proof curriculum and high school. 

CoVID Effect 

All of this ICE intervention across Minnesota has spawned many conversations about how disruptive this is. Speaking with Lars Esdal early this week, and our Board meeting later, we discussed the similarities between the current ICE versus the CoVid effects of 2020-2022. 

Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs Tin Metal Sign Self Actualization Love 8x12 - Picture 1 of 6It is really hard to We have a few NewTech schools that have felt heavy impact from the ICE situation in Minnesota. measure how much that impacted them. What is really sad is to think of students that have now had a second very disruptive time in their lives. How will they not be affected by this period in their lives? What would it feel like? Clearly, curriculum and grades start to lose their luster. We are reminded of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. It is not easy to move forward educationally if you are hungry, beaten or in situations of hopelessness. I really feel for the students and educators that are having to do this again so quickly after their last experience. 

Next Podcast

Wednesday, February 18, 4:30pm

We will host our next podcast with members of the NewTech High Advisory Board. Bob Wedl, Jerry Robicheau, Lucy Payne will join us for sure. There is a lot of experience in that room. We will discuss broad concepts that will further allow you to look at alternative ways of gaining expertise for you and your School District



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