![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/vintageeducation35.6109e51d.jpg)
MAAP Newsletter
Spring 2024
From MAAP President
Happy Spring Everyone! Hope everyone has enjoyed some time off during your spring break and are ready to finish the remainder of the school year.
In February, over 300 alternative educators embarked on Mankato to gather to learn from each other in order to better our student's experience in our schools. Throughout the conference, speakers and workshops delved into practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and inspirational stories to illustrate the theme of Progress, Not Perfection. Presenters emphasized the importance of incremental progress, resilience, and self-compassion on the journey toward personal and professional development.
At the annual conference, I was named as MAAP President for the next two years. I'm very excited to work along an amazing board and continue to advocate and support alternative education in our state and around the nation. I believe that Minnesota is a leader in alternative education! I've been working in an alternative setting for almost 30 years. I currently am the principal of Fairview Alternative High School in Roseville. I look forward to working to make our organization stronger and to connect with our members over the next few years.
In a few short weeks, MAAP STARS, our student organization, will host their final event for the 2023-2024 school year. The event is a great opportunity for students to showcase their programs! Check the MAAP website for more information about the event.
As members of the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP), we share a common commitment to providing innovative and effective educational opportunities for all students. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, counselor, support staff member, or advocate, your dedication plays a vital role in shaping the futures of the students we serve. We thank you for your dedication to the students in our schools statewide.
MAAP STARS Spring Event
MAAP STARS Spring Conference 2024 registration is open. Registration this year is all online. Please go to the MAAP STARS Spring Conference website to register and any information regarding the conference. NOTE: Advisors and students are both required to register. Review the guidelines for registering prior to the registration process. Registration closes April 12. Please check back at the website after April 16, for updates regarding scheduling for individual events.
Commissioner of Education, Willie Jett, will be stopping by the Spring Conference on the morning of April 26. We are excited to have Commissioner Jett experience a taste of what MAAP STARS is all about!
The Spring Conference is April 25-26, 2024, at the Mankato Civic Center, Mankato, MN. This year participating programs will receive a mileage credit, advisor registration credit for up to two advisors, and student registration credit for up to two students. This has resulted for some programs a credit of almost $1,000. The intention is to make cost not a barrier to participation.
We thank the Minnesota State Legislature for appropriating $50,000 for MAAP STARS. Don’t forget to thank your State Legislator, as the hope is that the appropriation will be renewed in 2026.
The block of rooms for the Spring Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn is full. The remaining option that MAAP STARS has reserved is at the AmericaInn until April 10.
The West Central region held a MAAP STARS mini conference. The conference was one day and included the following events: Public Speaking, Employment Interview, Workplace Relations Decision Making, Parent Decision Making, and LifeSmarts. The Fergus Falls ALC MAAP STARS completed and found it to be a great preparation for the upcoming STARS Spring Conference.
White Bear Lake ALC STARS Team qualified for the National LifeSmarts competition and will be competing right before our Spring Conference. Do you think your school’s LifeSmarts Team can beat White Bear Lake ALC at our Spring Conference?
Be sure to like the MAAP STARS Instagram page! The MAAP STARS State Officers would like to get the word out how MAAP STARS is a great opportunity for students in alternative programs. Help others learn about MAAP STARS by following maapstarsofficial on Instagram.
MAAP STARS Important Dates:
April 26 “The Alchemist” student submission deadline for the 2024 edition
October 9-10 MAAP STARS Fall Leadership Conference, Lake Beauty Camp, Long Prairie, MNUpdated MAAP Board
We have had a few changes to our amazing MAAP Board of Directors. Here is an updated list by region.
Executive Board
Past President: Bradley Jensen
President: Laura Freer
President Elect: Mark Jansen
Conference Chair: Kyle Sheppard
Conference Co-Chair: Brain Cashman
Treasurer: Nathanael Christen
Secretary: Brie Nelson
Regional Directors
Northwest: Ryan Haasch
Northeast: Valerie Kunze
West Central: Pablo Damian Rodriguez
Southwest: Paul Johnson
Southeast: Amy Stites
Northwest Metro: Joe Bush
Northeast Metro: Chris Thompson
Central Metro: Liz Rossini