August 20, 2001 - As Minnesota's population has become more diverse, communities, especially small rural towns have faced a series of challenges. Perhaps the most basic is communication. Many new immigrants are unable to speak English. Often it's the children in a family who learn English first. Although local schools are making progress, they fear lessons learned during the school year might be forgotten during summer vacation. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports an international organization with roots in Minnesota has come home, to offer some help.
August 20, 2001 -
August 21, 2001 - A record number of donors gave to the University of Minnesota in the last fiscal year. The University raised 217 (M)million dollars... a decrease of about 17 (M)million from the previous year. The amount still puts the U on pace to reach or surpass its one-point-three (B)billion dollar capitol campaign goal by 2003. Gerald Fisher is C-E-O of the University of Minnesota Foundation, which oversees fundraising for the U. He says he's happy the University was able to broaden its base of support even if the fundraising total was down:
August 23, 2001 - With University of Florida researcher Diane Craig.
August 27, 2001 - State education officials are taking steps this year to try to reduce bullying in Minnesota schools. They say the abuse many students endure at the hands of other students is not only physically and emotionally harmful, but it's also affecting test scores and school attendance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
August 28, 2001 - In Minneapolis, some judges are subjecting themselves to unusual scrutiny. The judges have asked an independent observer to critique *their* courtoom conduct in hopes of improving the fairness of the justice system. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports: Imagine you're in family court, trying to hash out a child custody matter. You expect the judge to take your case seriously. But the judge looks past you, spends an inordinate amount of time pouring and mixing coffee, and puts his feet up on the desk. St.Cloud State Communications Professor Rin Porter says this type of demeanor by judges tells people, "I don't care about your case; I've got more interesting things to do."
August 29, 2001 - Minneapolis School District officials pushed back start times in 1997 for better scores and data. So far, there hasn't been any proof of academic improvement.
August 30, 2001 - (to follow scheck) Former state epidemiologist Mike Osterholm says Minnesota State Fair organizers are wise to take such strong precautions against the spread of infectious diseases, in particular Foot and Mouth:
August 31, 2001 - A handful of elementary and high schools will open later than next week because they are still under construction. Many schools have a different look. Students and teachers will notice, with the new look of today, heading back to school next Tuesday may discover a change to the traditional school setting. Many knew Ed Codet of Codet Architectural Group has recently designed three new public schools for the city of Minneapolis. Create a more stimulating learning environment:
September 3, 2001 - FOR MONDAY MORNING Getting ready for school can be an expensive task for many. The cost of a new box of crayons, a backpack and a couple notebooks can add up. Some families can't afford to equip their children for school. So each year, many teachers spend money out of their own pockets to ensure students are prepared. In Rochester a community-supported program called "Running Start" will help out about 12-hundred students this year. Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley has more.