Learning Matters: PBIS, Summer Foods and a Green Ribbon School

Minnesota Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/28/2019 01:50 PM CDT
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Learning Matters

June 25, 2019

71 schools, six school districts recognized for Excellence in Positive School Climates and Student Supports

School and district staff from across Minnesota earned recognition for supporting positive behavior, andimproving school climate.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recognized 71 schools and six school districts for their successful work using Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), a data-driven program that provides schools and districts with training and support to promote positive student behavior, especially for students facing challenges inside and outside of the classroom. The schools receiving recognition are leaders in supporting positive behavior, improving school climate and increasing student achievement. Read the full list of recognized schools and districts in our press release. 

Help students and families find free summer meals in your communities

We are proud to support the over 200 schools and community organizations that will provide meals and snacks at almost 1,000 meal sites across Minnesota this summer. There are many ways to find free summer meals near you!

  • Visit the Summer Meal Site Locator tool released by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
  • Call the 2-1-1 Hotline, or, from your mobile phone in the Twin Cities metro area, call 651-291-0211. In greater Minnesota, call 1-800-543-7709, or TTY at 651-291-8440.
  • Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151 or visit the Hunger Solutions website and fill out a form reporting your food needs. The HelpLine hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Text "food" to 877-877.
  • View the SFSP Participation Report to find a list of all Summer Food sites. 
  • To learn more, please visit the Summer Food Service Program website or contact MDE Food and Nutrition Services (mde.fns@state.mn.us), or call at 651-582-8526 or 1-800-366-8922 (toll-free). 

Check out our press release for more information, and be sure to share with your students and families. 

More Stories 

U.S. Department of Education Recognizes Forest Lake Area High School as a 2019 Green Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education announced the 2019 Green Ribbon Schools, honoring schools across the nation that are leading the way in reducing environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring high-quality environmental education programming that prepares students with sustainability skills and concepts. Forest Lake Area High School is among the 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions across the country to receive this honor.

Read the press release to learn more about the award. 

Commissioner Ricker Visits Friendship Festival in Pelican Rapids

Minnesota Commissioner Ricker visited the Friendship Festival in Pelican Rapids to celebrate the diverse community and students. While visiting, Commissioner Ricker met with parents, students, teachers and graduates of Pelican Rapids High School to get a first hand look at the district's high graduation rate. Pelican Rapids has a 92 percent graduation rate, about ten percent higher than the statewide average. 

Read the article in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal to learn more about the festival and Commissioner Ricker's visit.

More information about the visit and Pelican Rapids' graduation rates are available in a video of Commissioner Ricker's visit. 

Upcoming trainings and events

You can always find an up-to-date list of events and trainings on our calendar.