News & Information

The Lake Conference is thrilled to introduce a unique opportunity to become a high school sports official! If you or someone you know is interested, we invite you to join us for the Lake Conference Officials’ Fair on Wednesday, January 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Edina High School.

This event is designed to recruit and train new officials to support lower-level games (JV, 10th grade, and 9th grade). Our student-athletes deserve a foundation of fair and safe play, and we need passionate individuals to make that happen!

Whether you're a student or an adult, no prior experience is necessary—we'll provide the training to get you ready to officiate this spring. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the sports community and make a meaningful impact.

Event Details:

• What: Lake Conference Officials’ Fair
• When: Wednesday, January 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Edina High School Cafeteria (Enter through Door 5)
• Why:
  • Learn what it takes to become a high school sports official.
  • Get answers to your questions in an informal, supportive setting.
  • Hear from experienced MSHSL officials who will guide you through the process.

Sports Represented:

Experts in the following sports will be available to provide insights:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Football
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Wrestling

Compensation:
Lower-level pay rates vary by sport and range from $61 to $90 per game.

RSVP:
If you're interested, please take a moment to fill out this brief RSVP form. Even if you can’t attend the fair, submitting the form ensures you’ll receive valuable information about this opportunity.

We hope to see you at the Officials’ Fair and look forward to welcoming new members to our community of dedicated officials!

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the School Board recognized Megan Trudell as the January Employee of the Month! Read her full nomination below.

Birchview Elementary School is proud to nominate Megan Trudell, Kindergarten teacher, as the January Employee of the Month. Megan truly embodies what it means to be a Birchview Bobcat in every way and our school is a better community because of educators like her. Ms.Trudell is a student centered, passionate, and gifted educator who is transformative in the work that she does for our students and school community.

Megan brings a renewed positive energy to the field of education and to Birchview. She is deeply invested in this important work and always goes above and beyond for the betterment of our students and our school. Her impact as a classroom teacher is something to be commended and celebrated. In her recent years, she excelled in her role as a third grade teacher and most recently, she moved to Kindergarten. Megan has shared that her dream job was to be a kindergarten teacher and this year, the opportunity finally came through. Kindergarten teachers are truly gems. They set the foundation for our students for years to come. Megan, and our Birchview K Team, exemplify all of this and so much more. Teachers like her set the stage for our youngest learners of our school.

During parent teacher conferences, a family shared their admiration for Ms.Trudell. They shared that when they dream of a kindergarten teacher for their child, someone to start their child’s education journey, they think about someone like Megan. They smiled and expressed extreme gratitude for the work that she does every day. This example is just one of many positive things that others have shared about her work over the years. She takes her job very seriously, while also having fun and puts in so much energy to being the best teacher she can for our students.

Megan is a huge advocate for children and always is willing to give her absolute best for not only the students she works with, but for all students. Her impact is evident as you often see many of her previous students stop by her classroom every morning. You can also find her at students' events outside of school, cheering them on and being their number one supporter. Many students have expressed their deep admiration for her as a teacher.

Lastly, her impact goes beyond the classroom to our entire school community. She exudes positive energy with a bright smile and welcoming demeanor with everyone she interacts with. She goes the extra mile for the wider community by doing things such as organizing our school community garden, Recognitions Employee of the Month Chace B. Anderson, Superintendent planning our first ever Literacy Night - Camp Read A Lot, and designing fun projects to enhance our school community. If it is good for kids, Megan is always willing to step up, take initiative and do whatever it takes to make it happen. She is not only a phenomenal teacher, but a tremendous colleague. She’s the ultimate team player and when a colleague needs something, she is quick to volunteer to help. Megan has a unique ability to help everyone that she interacts with feel like they truly matter and thrives in carrying out our school goal of You Matter at Birchview.

Birchview Elementary School is thrilled to recognize Megan Trudell as the Wayzata Public Schools’ January Employee of the Month. She is very deserving of this recognition and Birchview is a better place to learn and work because of gifted educators like Megan!

Congratulations, Megan!

On Monday, December 9, 2024, the School Board recognized Anne Hultmann and Paulette Churness as the December Employees of the Month! Read their full nominations below.

Anne Hultmann

It is with great pride and gratitude that I write to recognize the profound impact Anne Hultmann has had on the Wayzata Central Middle School community. As one of our longest-tenured staff members in our Special Education department, Anne's dedication, compassion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our school.

Anne serves as a teacher in one of our SDC classrooms, a role that demands both expertise and an exceptional level of care. She consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students, advocating for their success, and celebrating their achievements. Her thoughtful approach ensures that every student in her care feels valued and supported, and her efforts have transformed countless lives over the years.

Anne’s impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. She is a quiet yet steadfast leader in our school community, offering guidance and encouragement to both colleagues and students alike. Whether through mentoring new staff, collaborating with teams to improve outcomes, or simply offering a listening ear, Anne's presence is a source of strength for many in our building.

One of Anne’s most remarkable qualities is her sense of humor. In what can often be a demanding and challenging role, her ability to find joy and bring laughter to those around her is truly a gift. 

Anne embodies the spirit of CMS through her unwavering commitment to inclusion, her dedication to fostering a supportive community, and her passion for helping every student reach their full potential. Her contributions have been, and continue to be, a cornerstone of our school’s success.

We are excited to call Anne our CMS Teacher of the Month, her impact is immeasurable, and we are so fortunate to have her as a part of the CMS family.

Xavier Reed

Principal - Wayzata Central Middle School

Paulette Churness

Paulette Churness has had a profound impact on the Wayzata Central Middle School community, particularly within our Special Education department. Everyday, Paulette shows up to school, and showcases her dedication and unwavering commitment to students and colleagues, making her a true cornerstone of our school.

As one of our longest-tenured SPED staff members, Paulette has been a steadfast advocate for students with unique learning needs. She tirelessly works to ensure that every student in her care has the resources and support they need to thrive academically, and personally. Her ability to connect with her students and provide individualized care is nothing short of inspiring.

Beyond her work with students, Paulette has played an essential role in mentoring new staff members as they join our building. Her willingness to share her expertise, offer guidance, and provide encouragement has helped countless educators find their footing and flourish in their roles. 

Paulette’s work ethic is unmatched. She consistently goes above and beyond, not only meeting the needs of her students but also contributing to the overall success of our special education department. Her peers have described her as an “anchor” to the department.

This month, we are thrilled to honor Paulette Churness as our Staff Member of the Month. This recognition is a small token of our immense gratitude for her countless contributions to CMS. Paulette embodies the values of hard work, compassion, and leadership, and we are so fortunate to have her as part of our community.

Thank you, Paulette, for all you do. Your impact is immeasurable, and your work has truly made CMS a better place for students and staff alike.

Xavier Reed

Principal - Wayzata Central Middle School