The Heart of Scenic Heights

Two years ago a group of passionate educators wrote a Design for Learning Grant, focused on redesigning and creating a new space for the Scenic Heights Media Center. Media Specialist Melinda Barry puts it nicely by stating, "The media center was updated about 20 years ago to meet the needs of children, staff, and parents who could only dream of tools like the iPad, and who had never heard of computer COWS and could only imagine having access to databases and a library of eBooks in their pockets.

They had a dream to make a difference for their students and staff and they dreamed BIG. Using the Third Teacher as inspiration, they identified things like:

Make it Feel Good!

Provide a variety of table heights and seating options to support technology, large classes, small groups, individual work, Explorers Club, and staff meetings. Make a place that is AGILE and can easily be configured.

Cherish Children's Spaces

Create a "warm and comfortable space to read, think, collaborate and learn."

Reclaim Space

Make an efficient check out station that doesn't take up a lot of room and allows multiple students to check out at once.

Cozy Nooks

Replace the teacher desk and create a space that fits students without feeling overcrowded.

After making changes in 2015-16, the team immediately saw and felt a difference in their student learning and teacher instruction. Not wanting to give up on their big dream for this space, they continued to pursue how to make changes. and applied for another grant in 2016-17. Below highlights some before and after pictures of their space.

Thank you to the Minnetonka District, Minnetonka Foundation, Principals, students and staff, Intereum, and ATS&R for their support and efforts in making this happen!