April 3 - Chaska Rotary Board Meeting via Zoom, 7 AM
Link to District 5950 Calendar of Events This includes Jan – June activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, activities of other clubs, special events. Note: Rotary Awareness Day 2/23/26. Incoming President Learning Seminar 3/12-14/26. Grant Management Seminar 3/26/26
Link to Carver County Local News Community Events This includes events and activities such as the Landscape Arboretum, regional parks, Carver County Public Health, local entertainment, non-profit and church events, and winter events.
Matt Podhradsky let us know that the city of Chaska held a State of the City event, with presentations by the mayor and information tables staffed by department personnel. LINK to the article in the Carver County Local News.
HAPPYDOLLARS
Happy Dollars were energetically provided by Gretchen Oppriecht (Academic Team competition), Ken Hiller (Jeopardy question about Rotary) and Celi Haga (One-Act Play competition – photo below).
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: CLUB FLAG
Dan Keyport took us to other side of the globe with information about the Lucena North club in the Philippines, located south of Manila. Its members join with other clubs to support schools in a variety of projects. Thanks to our International committee for their research and presentations that help connect us to those who share our dedication to the principles of Rotary.
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENT: ANE OTSBY
Ane expressed her difficulty in understanding the sport of basketball, but she was positive in her enjoyment of video communication with friends in Norway.
ROTARY INTERN: Gonzalo Romero
Gonzalo shared soccer game photos and was glad of the school’s success in DECA competition.
PRESENTATION: Chaska High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program
Jim Bach gave an energized presentation about the experiences of Chaska High School while implementing the AVID program. Advancement Via Individual Determination is designed to “close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.”
Principal Bach summarized the timeline since 2018 that has resulted in significant impacts on student learning and teaching staff development. Instructional practices are documented in a playbook (WICOR) and guide staff and students in improving their ability to learn. It also provides opportunities for them to guide other students through tutoring and group discussions focused on learning together.
Four students gave their perspectives on the AVID program and the skills they had gained through their experiences. Goals for improving ACT standardized test scores have been achieved. Graduates of AVID have been accepted into colleges. Current students expressed confidence that they are better prepared for further academic challenges, thanks to their AVID work.
Jim Bach and District 112 staff/Rotarians (Celi Haga, Nate Manaen, Susana DeLeon) and Chaska student presenters (Left to right): Hadyat Charif, Alivia Larsen, Leon Pajibo, Gonzalo Romero.
Invocations can be a faith traditional prayer, or a meditation, or inspirational verse or quote. Brief 20 – 30 seconds. Light-hearted is okay. Option: focus on our Mission of Service Above Self. Need an idea – Google Rotary Invocations.
