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Meet our staff at Heartland Lakes Community School. MEET OUR STAFF At Heartland Lakes Community School we are innovative, adaptable, and dedicated to creating a dynamic, and new learning experience for children. School Director Laura Seter 218.203.5971 lauraseter@heartlandlakescs.org Operations Manager Sheila Caswell 218.203.8213 sheilacaswell@heartlandlakescs.org Interim Co-Assistant Director Kayla Daigle 218.203.5971 kayladaigle@heartlandlakescs.org Assistant Director & Art Teacher Kristin Hoff 218.203.5971 kristinhoff@heartlandlakescs.org School Social Worker Joanna Wallenberg 218.203.5971 joanna@heartlandlakescs.org MEET OUR CREW Lead Teacher & 4th-6th Grade Co-Teacher Elise Erickson eliseerickson@heartlandlakescs.org Curious and passionate, Elise will bring heart, dedication and her variety of experiences in education. She is eager to begin her 15th year teaching and learning alongside the 4/5/6 students and staff in bringing to life HLCS's mission of, "Being Brave, Wise, and Curious." Outside of school you'll find her with family, enjoying nature, going on adventures big and small, reading and dabbling in being creative. She can't wait for our Crew to grow and learn together! 1st Grade Teacher Emily Kirchenwitz emilykirchenwitz@heartlandlakescs.org Emily comes to us with a variety of experiences working with both kids and adults at summer camps, after school programming, and other care settings. Emily is a caring and enthusiastic team player, with contagious energy. Emily’s hope is to foster an environment that values authenticity, where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their role in their learning community. Special Education Teacher Kasey Schorn kaseyschorn@heartlandlakescs.org Hello, my name is Kasey Schorn. This will be my 5th year teaching Special Education. I have previously worked as an Early Head Start teacher, and an LPN in a few different settings. I have a 4 year old daughter, 2 dogs and a cat. We are very active, and we love to play outside and go camping in the summer. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing with my dogs, being outside in my flower beds and listening to music. 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher Ryan Majerus ryan@heartlandlakescs.org Ryan has a clear love of teaching and learning. Among his degrees, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Philosophy from the University of North Dakota, and an Associate of Arts in Economics & Spanish Transfer Pathways from Central Lakes Colleges. He is coming to us as a community employment specialist, disability advocate, academic advisor, and aspiring author. Ryan has a depth of experience from his years as a long and short-term substitute teacher. He speaks Spanish, is learning Dutch, and loves math! He brings new perspectives and new learning opportunities to our school. Paraprofessional Garnet Mosse garnetmosse@heartlandlakescs.org Garnet is the newest member of our Staff Crew. A dedicated mom of three amazing daughters, Garnet brings her positive spirit and love for the outdoors to our community. With a passion for exploration and play, she believes in the importance of creating a fun and engaging learning environment. Paraprofessional Tina Burkman tina@heartlandlakescs.org Tina is a dedicated paraprofessional at Heartland Lakes Community School during the school year and works at Headwaters Golf Course in the summer. A proud mother of two teenagers, Vivian (15) and Brock (18), as well as three spunky dogs, Tina’s life is full of energy and love. She and her husband of 16 years made the Heartland Lakes area their permanent home 12 years ago, relocating to be closer to their families. Growing up in the cities, Tina fondly recalls weekends spent coming north to the cabin with her parents, a tradition that instilled in her a love for the lakes and outdoors. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, from golfing and hiking to spending time on the lake and soaking up the summer sunshine. When the seasons change, Tina embraces winter activities and delights in the crisp beauty of fall. Paraprofessional Faith Houlihan faith@heartlandlakescs.org . Custodial Support Marlin Good info@heartlandlakescs.org . Kindergarten Teacher Madison Benham madisonbenham@heartlandlakescs.org Hello! I’m Madison Benham, I am excited to start my first year of teaching at HLCS! I graduated from Park Rapids Area High School and continued my education at Bemidji State University where I received my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. My hobbies outside of the classroom include reading, fishing, boating, playing volleyball,listening to music, being with family and friends, and spending time with my cat and dog. I am so excited to learn and grow this year with our HLCS community. 4th-6th Grader Co-Teacher & 3rd-6th Math Todd Marsden toddmarsden@heartlandlakescs.org Todd brings a breadth of life-experiences to our HLCS Crew. Todd enjoys being active and learning new things. He is a licensed Math teacher (Mathematics Education from Eureka College) and also speaks a language that is quite rare in this part of the world. He loves helping young Scholars appreciate and enjoy learning in general, and especially learning and using Math. Todd and his family live in Park Rapids, MN. Forest Teacher Sarah Wilson sarahwilson@heartlandlakescs.org Exploring the forests around her home from an early age sparked Sarah’s passion for the outdoors. For the past 17 years, she has enjoyed sharing that passion by engaging young people in powerful, place-based, learning while teaching everything from Social Emotional Learning classes to math, science and literacy. She loves to experiment with innovative teaching methods and is passionate about creating equitable learning spaces that lift up marginalized voices. She lives and plays in the gardens and forests around Bemidji with her family. Special Education Teacher Kara Lawhorn karalawhorn@heartlandlakescs.org Kara is a dedicated and compassionate Veteran. With a Bachelor’s degree in social work Kara spent the past five years making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health, holding various roles that have honed her skills and deepened her commitment to helping others. With a passion for service, a love for family, and a creative spirit, Kara strives to inspire others through her actions and words. Paraprofessional Talya Smith talyasmith@heartlandlakescs.org . Paraprofessional Patrick Kaufenberg patrick@heartlandlakescs.org Patrick is a proud graduate of Park Rapids Area High School (Class of 1995) and holds a degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. Originally a Fine Arts major, he also explored creative writing, reflecting a lifelong passion for art, particularly drawing. Beyond the visual arts, Patrick is a seasoned musician with experience in several bands, mastering drums, guitar, and bass as self-taught skills. A devoted dog lover and fan of Minnesota's sports teams (Vikings, Twins, Wild, and Timberwolves), Patrick finds joy in nature and values family, especially his role as a proud dad. With a deep commitment to fostering growth, he is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where scholars feel encouraged to share their thoughts constructively. Paraprofessional Taylor Peterson taylor@heartlandlakescs.org Taylor Peterson is working on finishing her Psychology degree at Bemidji State. She lives here in Park Rapids and spends most of her time golfing, on the lake with friends, and spending time with family. She's so excited to be working at HLCS, creating relationships with all our scholars! Paraprofessional Jamie Melott jamiemelott@heartlandlakescs.org . MEET OUR SUPPORTERS We are wise with our resources and depend on our experts for additional focused support. Director of Special Education Deana Siekmann INDIGO Education dsiekmann@indigoed.org Occupational Therapist Natalie Garfield A Chance to Grow natalie.garfield@actg.org Special Education Teacher Emily Blake MIYO Health emilyblake@heartlandlakescs.org Speech-Language Pathologist Emily Wark May Independent erinwark-may@heartlandlakescs.org School Nurse Kristen Gerber Navigate Care kristen@navigatecare.com School Psychologist Tracy Brown Nova Education tracy.brown@nova-education.org NEW STAFF OPPORTUNITIES Do you Like Being Outside? Are you Adaptable? Are you Curious? Do you believe in the innate ability of every student to succeed? Are you willing to try a wildly different type of teaching and learning? Do you prioritize Relationships? If you answered "yes" - then you just might like it at Heartland Lakes Community School. CURRENT OPENINGS

BYLAWS & BOARD POLICIES BYLAWS 100 Series 101 - Legal Status of the School District 102 - Equal Education Opportunity 103 - Complaints - Students, Employees, Parents and other Persons 104 - School District Mission Statement 200 Series 201 - Legal Status of the School Board 202 - School Board Officers 203 - Operation of the School Board - Governing Rules 203.1 - School Board Procedures 203.2 - Order of the Regular School Board Meeting 203.5 - School Board Meeting Agenda 203.6 - Consent Agendas 204 - School Board Minutes 205 - Open and Closed Meetings 206 - Public Participation, Meetings, Complaints, Data Privacy 207 - Public Hearings 208 - Development, Adoption, and Implementation of Policies 209 - Code of Ethics 210 - Conflict of Interest 211 - Criminal or Civil Action Against School Board Members 212 - School Board Development 213 - School Board Committees 214 - Out-of-State Travel by School Board Members 300 Series 301 - School District Administration 302 - Director - Roles and Responsibilities 303 - Director - Selection 304 - Director - Work Agreement, Duties and Evaluation 305 - Policy Implementation 306 - Administrator Code of Ethics 320 - Admin of the MN Govt Data Practices Act 400 Series 401 - Equal Employment Opportunity 402 - Disability Nondiscrimination Policy 406 - Public & Private Personnel Data 407 - Employee Right to Know 410 - Family and Medical Leave 412 - Expense Reimbursement 413 - Harassment and Violence 414 - MANDATED REPORTING... 417 - Chemical Use & Abuse 418 - Drug Free Workplace 419 - Tobacco Free Environment 426 - Nepotism 427 - Workload Limits for Certain Special Education Teachers 445 - Whistleblower 482 - Employee Use of Social Media 500 Series 501 - School Weapons Policy 502 - Search of Student Lockers, Desks, and Personal Possessions 503 - Student Attendance 504 - Student Dress and Appearance 506 - Student Discipline 514 - Bullying Prohibition Policy 515 - Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records 516 - Student Medication 521 - Student Disability Nondiscrimination 522 - Sex Nondiscrimination (Title IX) 524 - Internet and Tech Acceptable Use Policy 526 - Hazing Prohibition Policy 531 - The Pledge of Allegiance Policy 533 - Wellness Policy 537 - Kindergarten Lottery Policy 538 - Enrollment Policy 600 Series 601 - School District Curriculum and Instruction 602 - Organization of School Calendar and School Day 603 - Curriculum Development 608 - Instructional Services - Special Education 609 - Religion 609.1 - Religious Accommodation 610 - Field Work 611 - Personnel Volunteer Driver's 612 - Development of Parent and Family Engagement Policies for Title I Programs 616 - School District Systems Accountability 700 Series 704 - Dev and Maint. of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System 707 - Procurement Procedures 709 - Student Transportation Safety 721 - UGG Policy RE Federal Revenue Sources 736 - Use of School Credit Card 800 Series 801 - Equal Access to School Facilities 802 - Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material 806 - Crisis Management Policy 900 Series 903 - Visitors to School Building Additional Policies Board-Staff Linkage Director Limitations Policy Group Health Insurance Coverage Group health insurance is available for full time staff. Staff who are 0.8 FTE qualify for the group health/dental insurance option. Medica is our current health insurance provider and Principal is our current Dental/Vision/Life/Disability insurance provider. Annual renewal occurs in July of each year. For additional information please contact the School Director (Minn. Stat. § 124E.12,subd. 5(b) .

Introducing Heartland Lakes Community School, a Park Rapids, MN charter school. HEARTLAND LAKES COMMUNITY SCHOOL A free, public charter school in the Heartland Lakes area of Park Rapids, Minnesota. Now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. A Few Quick Facts: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WE'RE OPEN FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR! FAQ'S SERVING: K-7 SCHOLARS POTENTIAL STUDENTS NATURE BASED SPACE: HEARTLAND LAKES STAY UP TO DATE Our enrollment period for the 2025-26 year will begin on the first Monday in December and end on the third Friday in January of the following calendar year. Our Mission Empowering Young Scholars Heartland Lakes Community School exists to empower scholars to bravely live their truth, to become wise stewards of the land and resources and to ignite lasting curiosity that leads to positive change in their school, their communities, their world and themselves. Our Purpose An Expeditionary Learning School An emphasis on outdoor learning by using the environment with which we live and learn by utilizing both structured and unstructured outdoor learning spaces; we are an expeditionary learning school where students work together on a specific project throughout the school year to achieve a common goal; HLCS is a community school with smaller class sizes which will lead to more individualized attention and care. Our Guiding Philosophy The Whole Child To develop and meet the needs of the whole child. Providing hands on learning experiences fostering curiosity and allowing students to discover their abilities, values, passions. All members in the school community will strive to take responsibility in their learning, collaborate and build mutual trust so all individuals feel safe and confident to take responsible risks. Our school intentionally fosters a space of inclusivity for all members. THE FUTURE OF HEARTLAND LAKES COMMUNITY SCHOOL A COMMUNITY SCHOOL Using the Community Schools Model, HLCS is a learning community that prioritizes community partnerships, relationships with students and families, environmental stewardship, and service to the community around us. We use the latest research in trauma-focused practices, restorative discipline, and Collaborative Leadership to create an enriching learning community. LEARN MORE

Meet the founding members of Heartland Lakes Community School. Our Board Our founding board is made up of visionary teachers, passionate professionals, a driven social worker, parents, and small business owners who are invested in the growth and education of our young scholars in the Heartland Lakes area of Park Rapids, MN community. Sarah Skjonsby Small Business Owner & Licensed Birth-5 Provider HLCS Board Chair Sarah brings a wide range of skills and experiences to the HCLS board. She has owned multiple businesses, is an expert in birth - 5 development, and is always engaged with the community. Sarah and her family live in Park Rapids, MN. Get in Touch Jamie Simon-Linkowitz Licensed Teacher Jamie has decades of experience teaching in a variety of different communities and languages. She is a fluent Spanish-speaker and a life-long learner. Jamie and her family live in Park Rapids, MN. Get in Touch Rebekah Sundsrud Bio Coming! Bio Coming! Get in Touch Nikki Gack Hubbard County Deputy Auditor/Treasurer HLCS Board Secretary Energetic and Fun, Nikki brings her dedication, attention to detail, and experience serving kids with special needs to the HLCS board. Nikki and her family live in Park Rapids, MN. Get in Touch Elise Erickson Licensed Teacher Thoughtful and wise, Elise brings her passion for education, student-centered approach, and great questions to the HLCS board. Elise and her family live in Park Rapids, MN. Get in Touch Board Meetings Schedules, Agendas & Meetings HEARTLAND LAKES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Board of Directors will meet the 2nd & 4th Mondays of every month (unless otherwise posted) Meeting Time: 6:00 PM Meeting Location: Heartland Lakes Community School (1005 Park Ave N, Park Rapids, MN) Zoom Link Upcoming Board of Director Meetings: Monday, May 19, 2025 Monday, June 23, 2025 Monday, July 14, 2025 (if needed) Monday, July 28, 2025 Monday, August 18, 2025 Finance Committee will meet the 4th Monday of every month (unless otherwise posted): Monday, May 19, 2025 Monday, June 23, 2025 Monday, July 28, 2025 Monday, August 18, 2025 Meeting Time: 5:00 pm Meeting Location: Heartland Lakes Community School (1005 Park Ave N, Park Rapids, MN) BOARD AGENDAS & MINUTES

Heartland Lakes Community School exists to empower scholars. Here are a few frequently asked questions one may have. Frequently Asked Questions What is a charter school? A Charter School is an independent public school of choice that is a common option for students looking for an alternative to traditional public schools. Charter schools do not have any admission requirements or tuition - and they are legal obligated to serve any scholar who enrolls. There are currently 179 operating charter schools in Minnesota! The closest charter schools to our community are in and around the Bemidji area: Schoolcraft Learning Community, Trek North, Voyageurs Expeditionary Learning School, and Aurora Waasekone Community of Learners. Is there tuition for kids to attend? No! There is no tuition for students who attend a charter school. It is a public school and it is funded based on student enrollment by the Department of Education. Who can attend Heartland Lakes Community School? Charter schools do not have admission requirements -so any student can attend! In our opening year (2024-2025 School year) we will be serving students in K-6th grades. Each year we will add an additional grade until we are serving grades K-8th. Keep an eye out for community events and subscribe to our form for updates or if you are interested in future enrollment. Who will teach our kids? Like all public schools in Minnesota, charter schools employ licensed teachers. We are looking specifically for teachers who would love teaching in an environment that matches our mission and philosophy. If you are interested in learning more or applying, subscribe and we'll stay in touch or send us an e-mail! Meet our teachers here ! What curriculum and teaching methods will Heartland Lakes Community School be using? There are a variety of evidenced-based strategies we will use to guide our school community. One of our guiding frameworks will be Expeditionary Learning (EL). EL Education places a strong focus on character, school-wide culture, and mastery of knowledge. By joining the EL Education network, HLCS will join thousands of schools throughout the country in a shared vision of education where students are taught to: be courageous, reach for more than you think is possible, look out for others, and leave no one behind. Students and teachers will explore learning in a way that is challenging, collaborative, adventurous, and meaningful. HLCS will also prioritize Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Restorative Discipline, and Equity for all members of the HLCS learning community. To learn more about EL Education: click here To learn more about SEL: click here To learn more about Restorative Discipline: click here To learn more about Equity in Education: click here Where is Heartland Lakes Community School located? We are located in the Heartland Lakes of Park Rapids, Minnesota. Our location is both accessible to the community and centered around our strong belief that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to learn both inside and outside and to explore the land and resources around them. Why does our community need Heartland Lakes Community School? Our community needs HLCS because not every scholar learns in the same way! And while some scholars thrive in a traditional public school, some need a different approach. HLCS will offer that different approach: through outdoor classrooms, expeditionary learning, and a person-centered approach to learning and community. HLCS is for scholars and families looking for something different. Our goal is a small setting with excellent academics, strong community partnerships and lots of time outdoors. How Can I Get Involved? There are lots of ways to get involved with HLCS! You can subscribe to our website and newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events, you can follow us on Facebook or Instagram - or you can pledge your support as either a community partner or future student ! Have additional questions for us? Join us at a future community event or reach out now. Connect with Us Subscribe Form Stay up to date Submit Thanks for submitting!

CAREERS Specialist Teacher Part-Time Position The Specialist Teacher gets the exciting job of inspiring and developing HLCS students through specialized learning experiences. Whether teaching music, robotics, yoga, physical activity, or a specific maker's craft, the Specialist Teacher fosters curiosity and creativity in every lesson. Responsible for the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child in their classroom, they create a safe and supportive environment where students thrive. As a valued team member, they also contribute positively to the professional culture and broader school community. Read the full Job Description here . If you have questions or are interested please email us . Special Education Teacher 2025-2026 School Year The Special Education Teacher will support the diverse learning needs of HLCS students by providing individualized instruction and managing IEP services. This role includes working closely with students in both special education and general education settings, ensuring every learner is supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Read the Special Education Teacher Job Description and instructions for applying. If you have questions or are interested please email us. Gen. Education Teacher 2025-2026 School Year The Classroom Crew Teacher will get the awesome job of supporting the diverse learning needs of HLCS students in second & third grade. The classroom teacher is responsible for the successful school experience of every child in their classroom. From academics to social skills, the classroom teacher is responsible for developing each child in a holistic way. Read the General Education Teacher and instructions for applying. If you have questions or are interested please email us. Short-Call Substitute Teachers, & Substitute Paras Part-Time Position We are hard at work building a strong crew of subs who can support our Staff Crew when they need to be gone from school. We are currently adding both Teacher and Para Subs to our list. If you'd like to find out more information about becoming a licensed sub, check out Minnesota's requirements here. If you are interested in subbing at HLCS - please email us at info@heartlandlakescs.org Special Education Paraprofessional Part-Time Position The Special Education Paraprofessional assists Special Education and General Education teachers in the delivery of educational and behavioral interventions for Special Education students; also assists the Special Education student in the general education classrooms with the goal of supporting school wide educational goals. Read the Paraprofessional Job Description and instructions for applying. If you have questions or are interested please email us. Special Education Service Providers Request for Proposals for 2025-2026 Heartland Lakes Community School (HLCS) is accepting proposals from qualified service providers for special education services for the 2025–2026 school year and beyond. We are seeking proposals for the following roles: Director of Special Education Speech-Language Pathologist School Psychologist Occupational Therapist Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Read the requirements for the RFP and how to submit here .

Enrollment Lottery & Waitlist: If you are interested in enrolling your child at Heartland Lakes Community School for the 2025-2026 School year complete the Student Application Below: All applications received after February 1, 2025 will be added to the waitlist in the order they are received. 2025-2026 STUDENT APPLICATION The Enrollment Lottery The Enrollment Lottery for the 2025-2026 School Year was held on Saturday, February 1, 2025. At the lottery we established the Waitlist Order for the 2025-2026 School Year. If you have a scholar on this list, you will want to refer to the Student Application number you received in your email to determine where they landed on the waitlist. Some Key Points 1 Already Enrolled? If your child is already enrolled at HLCS for he 2024-2025 school year you do NOT need to fill out another student application or go through the lottery process. Your scholar has a spot at HLCS for as long as you want it! 2 How Many Open Spots? We won't know exactly how many open seats we have for 2025-2026 until later in the year, as our current scholars have the first opportunity to re-reserve their spot for next year. We do know we will have a brand new Kindergarten Crew! 3 Who Gets Preference? In accordance with Minnesota State Law, there are two groups who get preference in the enrollment lottery: (1) Siblings of Enrolled Students (2) Children of HLCS Staff If either of these apply to your child, you will have an opportunity to indicate that on the student a pplication. The Lottery Process: The lottery process is dictated by Minnesota State Law and the HLCS Student Enrollment Policy. Below is a description of the step-by-step process that you can expect if you have one or more students in this year's lottery. Step One: Each student who was entered into the lottery between December and January will be assigned a number. This number will be emailed to the parent or caregiver who completed the student application. These numbers will be what is drawn in the lottery! Step Two: At the lottery, an HLCS representative will draw the assigned numbers out of a hat for the available spots in each grade level. These numbers will establish the waiting lists for each grade level. The waiting list (numbers only, no names) will be posted on the HLCS website. PLEASE NOTE: these waiting lists are TENTATIVE due to our legal requirement to offer preference to siblings of enrolled students. Step Three: Once the waiting list is established we will begin offering enrollment to students on the waitlist starting with Kindergartners and moving up through the grade levels. All enrollment offers will be communicated via email - so please watch you email closely! If you receive an offer of enrollment, you have 7 calendar days to return your Statement of Commitment, accepting your spot. If any student declines their offer of enrollment, we will move down the waitlist to the next Kindergarten student. Step Four: This process will continue with each additional grade level until all the available spots in grades Kindergarten - 7th Grade have been offered.

If you are interested in learning more about being a scholar at Heartland Lakes Community School. Learn more here! CLASS ✄ WISH LISTS WINTER WISH LIST K'S WISH LIST 1st GRADE'S WISH LIST 2/3 GRADE'S WISH LIST 4/5/6 GRADE'S WISH LIST SPEC. ED. WISH LIST We have established Amazon wish lists for our classrooms. The items on these lists will be used to outfit and equip our classrooms in our brand new school year. You can purchase items directly from the list through Amazon, or feel free to order elsewhere if Amazon isn’t your jam. SCHOOL ✄ SUPPLIES LIST SUPPLIES LIST Some things to know if you're considering enrolling your scholar: HLCS will serve scholars in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade for the 2024-2025 school year There are NO eligibility criteria for HLCS (In other words: all are welcome here!) Bussing will be available for scholars Special Education will be available for scholars ELL (English Language Learner) services will be available Currently our scholars bring their own food daily HLCS is a FREE, public school (In other words: NO TUITION) If more applications are received than the number of open spots for any grade level, all applicants for that grade level will be entered into a lottery to determine enrollment. ENROLLMENT INFORMATION APPLICATIONS Applications for the 2024-2025 Waitlist remain open! All applications received after the lottery deadline will be added to the waitlist in the order in which they were received. Apply now for 2025-2026! Our enrollment period for the 2025-26 year will begin on the first Monday in December and end on the third Friday in January of the following calendar year. Existing scholars DO NOT need to reapply or engage in the lottery. STUDENT APPLICATION APLICA YA ENROLLMENT LOTTERY LOTTERY INFO FORMS & DOCS A day in the life of a HLCS scholar... What will it be like to be an HLCS scholar? What can I expect? Click below to find out.... LEARN MORE Light Pollution: A Public Service Announcement Brought to you by the 2/3 Crew

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Heartland Lakes Community School exists to empower scholars to bravely live their truth, to become wise stewards of the land and resources and to ignite lasting curiosity that leads to positive change in their school, their communities, their world and themselves. Mission Statement We exist to empower scholars to bravely live their truth, to become wise stewards of the land and resources and to ignite lasting curiosity that leads to positive change in their school, their communities, their world and themselves. Our Purpose: Using the Environment An emphasis on outdoor learning by using the environment with which we live and learn by utilizing both structured and unstructured outdoor learning spaces; we intend to be an expeditionary learning school where students work together on a specific project throughout the school year to achieve a common goal. HLCS will be a smaller community school with smaller class sizes which will lead to more individualized attention and care. Our Guiding Philosophy: Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child To develop and meet the needs of the whole child. Providing hands on learning experiences fostering curiosity and allowing students to discover their abilities, values, passions. All members in the school community will strive to take responsibility in their learning, collaborate and build mutual trust so all individuals feel safe and confident to take responsible risks. Our school will intentionally foster a space of inclusivity for all members. Our Founding Vision For Our Scholars: To empower students: ・T o be leaders of their own learning ・T o make choices regarding their education To bravely live their truth: ・By welcoming and celebrating families and staff of all backgrounds and identities ・Helping students explore other ways of being and examine how multiple perspectives align or digress from their own. To ignite lasting curiosity: Positive Change in Their School, Their Community and Their World: ・ Using a cross curricular approach, scholars will learn content and skills through exploring topics from multiple perspectives ・ Giving students and teachers tools to ask questions and investigate their ideas ・ HLCS believes in the importance of students becoming producers, rather than consumers. ・ Our scholars will be equipped to look for problems in their space that they would like to solve. Wise stewardship of the land and resources: ・Learning about and appreciating our natural surrounds in the north woods ・Gardening projects where we are able to use the harvested crop for a healthy breakfast or lunch option ・Expanding education regarding the land as a collaboration with community organizations, such as the DNR Standardized Testing Calendar 2024-2025 Heartland Lakes (HLCS) administers Fastbridge testing in Fall, Winter, and Spring as a general screener for reading and math, in all grades. Fastbridge is an approved screener by the Minnesota Department of Education and is in compliance with the READ Act. Local Literacy Plan 2024-25 Our Vision Boards These are our visions for Heartland Lakes Community School Brainstorm Vision Session Meet our Founding Board with a vision for our community. Meet Us Our Authorizer Heartland Lakes Community School is Authorized by Volunteers of America. Our Authorizing Liaison is Stephanie Olsen Senior Manager, VOA-MN Charter School Authorizing Program 9220 Bass Lake Rd. Set 255 New Hope, MN 55428 (612) 270-1998. Subscribe Form Stay up to date Submit Thanks for submitting!

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes: Below you will find the HLCS Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes. Please direct any questions to: info@heartlandlakescs.org Board Meetings Schedules, Agendas & Meetings HEARTLAND LAKES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Board of Directors will meet the 2nd & 4th Mondays of every month (unless otherwise posted) Meeting Time: 6:00 PM Meeting Location: Heartland Lakes Community School (1005 Park Ave N, Park Rapids, MN) Zoom Link Upcoming Board of Director Meetings: Monday, May 19, 2025 Monday, June 23, 2025 Monday, July 14, 2025 (if needed) Monday, July 28, 2025 Monday, August 18, 2025 Finance Committee will meet the 4th Monday of every month (unless otherwise posted): Monday, May 19, 2025 Monday, June 23, 2025 Monday, July 14, 2025 (if needed) Monday, July 28, 2025 Monday, August 18, 2025 Meeting Time: 5:00 pm Meeting Location: Heartland Lakes Community School (1005 Park Ave N, Park Rapids, MN)

Read our Handbook for scholars and cargivers. Fill out a transportation requests, background checks, and more. HANDBOOK, FORMS, & SURVEYS For Scholars & Caregivers Family Handbook Transportation Request Background Check Medication Authorization Non-Prescription Medication Form FORMS APPLICATIONS & SURVEYS Lunch Survey Help us make decisions about our lunch program, as we work with local restaurants to provide nourishing meals for our scholars. MN Application for Educational Benefits Filling this out helps us receive funding from the MN Dept. of Edu. for educational programs. We are asking every caregiver to fill out. Food Angels Backpack Program Park Rapids Rotary and Community volunteers will provide your child(ren) in grades K-4 with a bag of nonperishable food every Friday. ENROLLMENT Applications for the 2024-2025 Waitlist remain open! Because all of our enrollment spots are currently filled, all new applicants will be added to the waitlist in the order in which they were received. When you add your scholar to the waitlist, you will receive an email with their waitlist number. FIND MORE INFO APPLICATION AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Thanks for some generous community grant funding, we are thrilled to offer after school clubs free of charge for all HLCS scholars! Start Dates: Robotics Club: March 18th Community Mural: March 20th Soccer Club: TBD Robotics Club Community Mural Soccer Club Community Opportunities Here are some cool opportunities in the Park Rapids Area for kids and families! Registration Link