Borg Report September 5, 2024

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! It was a sign of new beginnings Tuesday morning, as I watched both school buses and cement trucks making their way into our high school campus. It’s poised to be a fantastic school year, and I’m excited for all that’s in store for our students, staff and families.

Summer Construction - Over the summer, construction began on several key projects across the district. We are grateful for the community’s support of the 2023 bond referendum, which will allow us to improve safety and security at all schools; address significant deferred maintenance needs of our 50- to 70-year-old buildings; and redesign the high school to enhance the learning environment and improve functionality, safety and pride. 

Summer 2024 projects included security improvements at Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools and the Early Learning Center, as well as the start of construction of 12 new tennis courts (with six of these courts also lined for pickleball) across Sunnyfield Road E from the high school. 

The district was able to start work on the new tennis courts last spring, as the construction did not require the lead times of equipment, design, etc., seen in other projects. The current courts will remain operational until the new courts are finished, avoiding impacts to the boys and girls tennis seasons. When the current courts are no longer needed, they will be removed in order to expand the high school’s north parking lot. Additionally, maintenance to the district bus garage (miscellaneous tuckpointing and electrical improvements) and parking lot fit into the summer 2024 schedule due to the limited scope of the project.

Westonka tennis court construction timelapse July 25, 2024-Sept. 5, 2024

Safety and security is a top priority of the Westonka School Board and district, which is why security upgrades were prioritized in the construction timeline. Primary school security improvements that will be completed later this fall include:

• Lockdown capacity - Buildings will have a centralized lockdown function that, at the push of a button, will immediately secure security doors and hallways and limit access by an intruder. Schools will also be able to isolate specific areas within the building, providing public access only where it’s needed. 
• Intrusion Resistant Glass - Hardened glass in main entrance areas and other select areas will help prevent unauthorized access.
• Door alerts and notification lights - Alarms and strobes will activate when a locked door has been propped open or not fully closed. Alert lights will also be used in the event of a lockdown.

Summer 2024 security upgrade examples

The relocation of the main office at Grandview Middle School to create a secured entrance and the related security improvements are being targeted for summer 2025 to allow sufficient time for design, bidding and securing of materials. High school security upgrades will be completed as part of the redesign in 2025 and 2026. 

The tragedy at Apalachee High School in Georgia this week underscores the ongoing issue of school shootings in our country. It is both unimaginable and heartbreaking. Ensuring safe and responsive school facilities is just one part of Westonka’s multifaceted approach to student safety. Equally important is having strong operational systems, effective two-way communication, expert training, and ongoing collaboration with local emergency responders. This comprehensive approach helps us in our effort to keep kids safe at school.

Homecoming 2024 - With the school year just barely underway, we’re already gearing up for Westonka Homecoming Week 2024. Homecoming in Westonka is really something special, with a week full of activity bursting with school spirit and small-town charm. Your family will not want to miss out!

Friday, Sept. 20 Homecoming Events:

• Homecoming Alumni Breakfast - A hot breakfast will be served in the Mound Westonka High School cafeteria, starting promptly at 7:30 a.m. A short program will follow in the Westonka Performing Arts Center, where we will induct the Mound Westonka Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024. An optional donation of $5 per person is suggested and greatly appreciated at the door to help cover the cost of food. RSVP online
• Homecoming Parade - The annual Homecoming parade from Hilltop Primary School to Mound Westonka High School will be held at 5 p.m.
• Family Fun Tailgating - Following the parade, MWHS Student Senate will host family fun tailgating outside Haddorff Field that will include inflatables, a dunk tank, a junk car, and more! The Football Boosters will also be selling $5 hot dog meals outside the stadium.
• Homecoming Football Game - The White Hawks will take on Providence Academy at 7 p.m. on Haddorff Field. Purchase football game tickets online.

New Brand and Logos - We were excited to officially launch the new Westonka brand and logos with the start of the school year. It has been fun to see students, staff and families embracing our new look. Digital logo files are available to download online, and vector images are available by request. I encourage you to visit www.westonka.k12.mn.us/brand to learn more about the brand and view our style guide. 

As I shared in August, the branding review revealed significant inconsistencies in how individuals inside and outside our district refer to our schools. Mound, Mound Westonka, and Westonka are used interchangeably for both our high school and district. In the news media, we have been referred to as everything from Mounds/Westonka to Mound-WestTonka to West Mound Minnetonka. When people struggle to accurately remember our name, it signals that our brand identity is not as strong or clear as it should be; therefore, the Westonka School Board plans to review and discuss the topic of school names at the November 18, 2024 board meeting.

Partners in Education - It is not just by chance that Westonka students continually rank among the best in the state in academics. Our outstanding results, year after year, reflect our students’ efforts, our families’ engagement and support, and the high quality instruction and student-centered approach to learning used in every Westonka classroom.

We firmly believe that strong partnerships with families are crucial to the success of our students in Westonka. When parents take an active role in their child’s education, everyone benefits. There are numerous opportunities for you to get involved this year, whether through volunteering at school events, engaging with teachers and staff, or familiarizing yourself with your child’s curriculum. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our schools for more information on how you can stay connected and involved.

Thank you for your continued partnership in education. Here’s to a successful and rewarding school year ahead!

Sincerely,