Magnet School Brochures

You can see a PDF version of two district Magnet School brochures below. One is district information on all three magnet schools. The other is the Glacier Hills brochure. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF viewer to see them.

Magnet Information

Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science is an extraordinary learning community. We are in our second year as a magnet school in our district. More information about magnet schools can be found through the Magnet Schools link at the bottom of the home page. 

Students study subjects as literacy, math, social studies and science in their classrooms.  Additionally, extra focus on the arts and science is developed with specialists.   The education of students is based on a rigorous curriculum fostering creativity, curiosity and innovation.  Learners are encouraged to reach new understandings by asking questions and engaging in application~taking a risk to "just try it". 

The curriculum is intertwined with ideas, like a web, connecting meaning between subject areas and teachers.  For example, students may study properties of water during science class or lab, learn economic reasons for civilization settlements on major waterways or lakes, learn watercolor techniques in art class, read a fiction or non-fiction book involving water, learn to use various volume measurement tools in math and visit a local water source to connect concepts.

The arts are used to increase understanding of culture and history and examine unique perspectives of individuals.  The end products created in visual arts class with the art specialist, Erin Paulson, exemplify rich instruction and a safe space to discover potential.  Student artwork is continually on display for school reflection. 

The music classes with specialist, Kylee Sandquist, provide exposure to international instruments, drums, guitars, recorders, Orff instruments, voice, dance, composition, improvisation, theory, composers and a variety of musical genre.  Every grade level performs a complete musical production during the school year for the school and community.  Our 5th graders have the opportunity to participate in band, which includes weekly whole group band, weekly small group practices and performances and even jazz band.  When asked what students love about school, you still hear PE and lunch and recess as favorites. (Even in a fabulous arts and science magnet school!)

The highly trained staff implements innovative teaching techniques learned in intensive professional development offered at Glacier Hills.  Staff has been involved with inquiry training with the Science Museum of Minnesota and Hamline University.  A trainer of Picturing Writing, an approach to teaching literacy through watercolor painting, has worked with over 80% of the staff.

Each classroom begins their day with community building through a Morning Meeting using Responsive Classroom.  Students take ownership for their own behaviors and learning readiness.  We have established an accepting environment with the hope that all students and families feel welcome.  We are proud of our distinction of being an International Peace Site with the Peace Pole prominently displayed in our International Peace Garden.  Subsequent rededications have involved permanent student artwork and plantings to reflect beauty and peace.
 
Through technology ranging from the two MAC mobile labs, new computer lab, SMART boards, LCD projectors, documents cameras, digital and video cameras and ipods students are empowered to explore and communicate in the digital world.  If pictures are worth a thousand words, seeing the excitement and involvement of students speaks volumes.  Be sure to view our slide shows featured on our website. 

The central area of our school is the incomparable comprehensive media center, complete with the most current science and art resources, book collections, research center and materials and magazines.  The openness is further enriched by the displays of cultural artifacts from all continents.  We have been fortunate to have quality instruction and firm knowledge base in our media specialist, Melinda Martin.  She has helped to secure author/illustrator residencies with such notables as Debra Frasier, Marsha Wilson Chall, Warren Hanson, Doug Wood and Nancy Carlson.

Our focus in science is enhanced by an equipped science lab where students use inquiry and the scientific process.  Jill Jensen, our science specialist, engages students in a variety of studies including:  observations of soil, weather, animals, trees, plants, environments, human body and machines; understanding interconnectedness of humans and nature; engineering and variables.  Our students actually "do" science through hands-on experiences, record data in science journals and share learning with one another. 

Science is not only learned in these classroom situations but through field experiences.  Students use the school grounds, local parks~Lebanon Hills, Lilydale, Arboretum and Caponi for example, museums, zoos and water and recycling plants to gain additional knowledge of areas of study.  We make use of partnerships with others in residencies to further student exposure to science and arts.  We have been fortunate to have 3M Wizards, Bakken, Science Museum of Minnesota, Children's Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Dancer's Studio and Heart of the Beast Theatre as opportunities for our students.  These experiences help to reinforce or integrate learning across subject areas.

Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science is a positive place for students to feel safe, embrace individuality and take risks to challenging learning while being supported by a highly qualified, trained staff.  Take time to visit us personally to see all this in action.

For tours or additional information, please contact Tami Staloch-Schultz, Magnet School Coordinator at 651-683-8570 or email tami.staloch-schultz@district196.org.