In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law chats with elementary principals Andrew Gilbertson from Groveland Elementary, and Jennifer Smasal from Excelsior Elementary.
Listen in for a conversation that touches on the highlights of the year—from the programs that make each Minnetonka elementary school unique and impactful for students–to the belonging efforts that strengthen each school’s community– to the ways that family involvement, such as the elementary PTO and PTA groups, support the schools’ success.

Join Minnetonka Schools Superintendent David Law as he connects with three MHS seniors just ahead of graduation. As the Class of 2025 becomes Minnetonka’s newest alumni, these student leaders reflect on their various experiences in Minnetonka Schools- from the academic opportunities that challenged and inspired them to the extracurricular activities that fostered their community of friends and peers. They share what’s ahead for each of them as they begin their next steps, and they offer advice for the new students who will enter Minnetonka High School in the fall.

Minnetonka Schools celebrates excellence in how our students and staff live, lead and learn. We do this by honoring our teachers and staff and the dedication and drive they bring each day, by lifting up the achievements, milestones and successes of our hardworking students, and by fostering growth and connection by celebrating all of the unique and vibrant voices throughout our school district all year long. In this episode, Superintendent David Law connects with Emily Rosengren, Assistant Principal at Minnetonka High School, and Mary Cornelius, Communications Specialist, for a conversation about the many ways our community’s achievements are recognized.

Community input plays a critical role in shaping the direction of our schools and Districtwide initiatives. Continuing to build trust with our stakeholders—students, parents, prospective families, teachers and staff, alumni and the broader community—remains an action item in the School Board goal of Excellence in Leadership and Organizational Support. In this episode, Superintendent David Law connects with Dr. JacQui Getty, Executive Director of Communications, and Sally Browne, Director on the Minnetonka School Board, for a conversation about our District’s community engagement efforts and the ways we actively seek to inform, provide opportunities for feedback and build connections with our community.

In this episode, Superintendent David Law connects with School Board leaders Kemerie Foss, Vice Chair, and Dan Olson, Treasurer, for a mid-year chat about how the school year is going. The conversation focuses on the District’s progress toward the three School Board Goals: Excellence in Well-being, Belonging and Connection; Excellence in Student Learning and Support; and Excellence in Leadership and Organizational Support. Together, the Superintendent and Board leaders discuss District finances, facilities, well-being, and community engagement.

Literacy is at the heart of learning, and Minnetonka Public Schools is making significant strides in ensuring every student is set up for success. In this follow-up episode, Superintendent David Law connects with Associate Superintendent Dr. Amy LaDue and Literacy Coordinator Alyssa Rutherford for a deep dive into literacy. They discuss the professional development teachers and staff have been participating in related to reading, the State of Minnesota’s new English Language Arts standards for 2025-26, and practical strategies for families to foster literacy growth at home. 

For nearly 40 years, the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation has supported innovation and excellence in Minnetonka Schools. From annual teacher grants that bring innovations to life in the classroom to large endowment gifts, the Foundation elevates the District’s work to provide outstanding and unparalleled learning experiences for students.

In this episode, join Superintendent David Law for a chat with Jill Howe, Executive Director of the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation, and Troon Dowds, the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Together, they discuss the Foundation’s recent gift of $100,000 in support of literacy efforts, the upcoming Dream Makers fundraising event and auction, and ways for community members to become involved with this impactful organization.

One of the exceptional programs the Minnetonka Public School District offers is a robust Preschool program. In addition to preschool classes, Minnetonka Community Education also offers preschool enrichment opportunities, preschool-aged wrap-around childcare through Junior Explorers, and Early Childhood Family Education classes for families with children ages birth to 5. 

In this episode, join Superintendent David Law for a discussion with the Coordinator of Minnetonka Preschool, ECFE and Junior Explorers, Molly Bahneman, and ECFE and Preschool Parent, Mary Cornelius, as they connect about what makes Minnetonka Preschool, Junior Explorers and ECFE such welcoming and nurturing environments for young learners.

Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE will host an Open House on Saturday, January 25 from 9:30-11:30am at the Minnetonka Community Education Center in Deephaven. Registration for the 2025-26 school year begins on Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 am. 

Learn more at minnetonkacommunityed.org.

A key aspect of the mission of Minnetonka Public Schools is to ensure all students envision and pursue their highest aspirations while serving the greater good. Our students and staff excel in how they serve their communities, and they contribute to making society a better place by getting involved and volunteering in many different ways.   

In this episode of Ahoy, Minnetonka!, Superintendent David Law connects with Sarah Johnson, the coordinator of the Tonka Serves office, as well as two Minnetonka High School seniors who have made volunteering in their community a priority in their lives. Join them for a discussion on the importance of service and ways students and families may get connected with volunteering and service-learning opportunities.