1. STATE OF LJA MISSION MOMENT A learning environment in which girls are free to explore their potential, discover their brilliance, and develop their intellect. “She blossomed into her own.” “She believes in herself.” “She is her own person and doesn’t have to follow the crowd.” “Tolerance.”

2. LEADERSHIP TRANSITION ○ Jen Schiller, Executive Director ○ Allison Stapley, Education Director ○ Jo Park, Special Education Director “SHE LEARNED HOW TO BE MENTORED.” “SHE LEARNED GREAT COMMUNICATION SKILLS.” “SHE IS EMPATHETIC.” “SHE STILL USES THE BINDER APPROACH TO ORGANIZATION.” ”SHE THINKS FOR HERSELF.” “SHE WAS EXPECTED TO BE A LEADER AND NOW SHE EXPECTS IT OF HERSELF.” “ABILITY TO SEE BOTH SIDES OF THINGS AND ADVOCATE FOR COMPROMISE.”

3. LEARNING & TEACHING ○ RELATIONSHIPS ○ STUDENT VOICE ○ STEM ○ WELLNESS ○ CRITICAL LITERACY For high school preparation and beyond “Critical thinking.”

4. RELATIONSHIPS “She learned how to advocate for herself.” Persistent Effort and one-to-one commitment to forge deep, authentic relationships with every student Each student is expected to find success academically – mild, medium, spicy Intentional effort to serve all kids needs rigorously, academically, socially and emotionally Every student has a connector at LJA

5. STUDENT VOICE : present, perform Contribution in the classroom: collaborate and talk Expected to have an informed opinion Q Showcase, Concerts, Assemblies, PCN, Chili Cook-Off, Farmer’s Market, Girls Rock the Capitol, Film Festival, MLK Day, Pay it Forward, Eagle’s Bluff, Technovation, Tubing, Walker Art Center, Talent Show “She thinks for herself and forms her own opinions.”

6. STEM: collaboration, competence and confidence Science integrated with engineering, technology, math Current issues explored for engagement and relevancy Blogging every Friday increases Science literacy, relevancy and engagement Outside STEM experiences and competitions to increase interest

7. WELLNESS: play, movement, health Developmental and relevant with a focus on movement and social/emotional health Breakfast and lunch program

8. CRITICAL LITERACY: RIGOR. Students read for stamina, curiosity, and multiple interpretations Listen to each other and understand text deeply: goes beyond comprehension to understand social, culture and political meanings of texts and their worlds. “She learned to be engaged in her own learning.”

9. GROWTH Highland park middle Murray 8th grade girls Ramsey 8th grade girls Reading MCA 2013 48.4%45.6%40.8% Math MCA 2013 45.9%46.8%46.9% For students who were at LJA for all 4 years and in 8th grade in 2013 71.4% of 4th year LJA students passed the Reading MCA 57.1% of 4th year LJA students passed the Math MCA “Ability to hear her own voice.”

10. CHARTER : 5 YEARS MDE FINANCE AWARD 6 th year in a row ○ Financials ○ Academic Program ○ Operations ○ Mission Fulfillment

11. FINANCIAL HEALTH ● Fiscal management, meet all compliance ● Yearly audit ● 2.3 mil budget ● 15% fund balance – goal of 20%

12. STRATEGIC PLAN Demonstrate Success #1 Employer Partnerships Facilities Growth MCA’s NWEA’s

13. NEXT FIVE YEARS: CHALLENGES ○ 5 th Grade Enrollment: feeder schools, SPPS ○ Calendar ○ Funding Technology ○ Busing

14. WHAT CAN YOU DO? BE A COMMITTED MEMBER OF THE LJA COMMUNITY ○ Practice the LJA principles; encourage your student to practice the principles. ○ Encourage a growth mindset everyday. ○ Spread the word. Put out a yard sign and enroll a new student. ○ Help in any way with our BIG challenges. Give your expertise and talents.