MAAP State Conference

February 10-12, 2010

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

Duluth, MN

Conference Theme: "Educational Alternatives: Above and Beyond”

State Conference Report
By Dave Hagman


On behalf of the 2010 MAAP Conference planning committee, I would like to thank all of the presenters who contributed their time and talents to our conference. They are at the heart of what this three day affair is all about. There were over 100 concurrent sessions during the conference and these sharing opportunities are vital to the health and knowledge base of our members. Thank you, presenters!

There are many examples of how far “Above and Beyond” many people went to participate in the 2010 MAAP Conference. Bill Ayers, for example, who led a book study on Wednesday afternoon and gave the keynote address on Wednesday evening, left Chicago in the middle of a snowstorm at 4:30 AM Wednesday morning to get to O’Hare Airport. (I can’t imagine driving a ‘Smartcar’ in a foot of new snow). Special thanks also goes to Glory Kibbel and the rest of the MDE contingent. They work hard on our behalf!

Julie Johnson-Wilborg. once again, led an efficient group of volunteers at the registration table and also took care of a myriad of important conference details. She will be missed on the MAAP Board! Kraig Dibb, a staff member at Northern Lights Community School, threw 50 bowls that MAAP members glazed at the conference. These bowls, once fired, will be a part of the Empty Bowls luncheon in Grand Rapids next month that will raise over $500 to help feed the hungry in Itasca County. Thanks to these folks and many more who did so much to help with the conference.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the positive energy and passion that MAAP President Steve Allen brings to our conference and organization. He is such a critical link to our MAAP history and he continues to work hard (in retirement!) to advocate for our students and our programs. Steve and Christine Sanguinet, for example, spent countless hours working with legislator auditor, Judy Randall, to edit the auditor’s report that is such a vital link to the state legislature for all of us!

Overall, the 154 conference evaluation forms scored the conference as a ‘3.2’ on a 4 point scale. While we have many ideas on how to make the 2011 MAAP Conference in Duluth even better, (Feb 23-25, 2011!), we believe that our annual get together continues to serve our students and staff well. Please let any of the conference committee members know if you have ideas.

Please thank these folks when you see them:

Mark Wolhart
Lucy Hart and student workers from Lake Superior High
Lisa Weber
Kristin Tuel
Bill Zimniewicz and Wayne Jennings – Keynote Speakers
Kraig Dibb
Lorin Ellertson
Tonya Allen – MDE coordination

Support Group
Christine Sanguinet - Logistics and CEU’s
Allison Whittlef – Professional Development
Laura Freer – Awards
Cy Durand and Shelly Peterson – Alchemist
Todd Mensink – MAAP STARS
Deanna Chiodo and Marine Kieger – Exhibitors
Michelle Heizelman – Regional Meetings and Map