“MINNDEPENDENT workshops provide you with the nuts and bolts to build your program – whether it’s a technology program, development program, or recruiting program. There is no wasted time. You’re going to accomplish more by attending an MINNDEPENDENT workshop for two hours than sitting in your office wondering what’s the next step for those same two hours.” ~ Camille Kiolbasa, Development Director, St. Croix Catholic School (2014 MINNDEPENDENT Workshops participant)
“MINNDEPENDENT is a wonderful information source that is able to connect our staff with expert professionals. This wealth of knowledge and experience from outside sources provides a smorgasbord of ‘best practices.’ By providing our school with this service, it saves us time and energy so that we can take the information that we can best use and immediately put it to work for us.” ~ Marge Thiesse, Director of Development & Recruitment, Martin Luther High School (2013 Admissions/Mktg Workshop participant)
“This is the third MINNDEPENDENT meeting/workshop I have attended over a few year period. Every one I have attended has a topic and speaker which was knowledgable, informative, interesting and just overall worthwhile to take the time to attend. It is also nice to get out, sit down and receive lunch! Ususally I am the one planning the meeting and waiting on folks, so it is a nice change!” ~ Chris Frank, Annunciation Catholic School, Alumni Advancement Coordinator (2013 Development Workshop participant)
“I hope that MINNDEPENDENT knows what a positive influence you have with people even over emails and that your customer service is top notch!!” ~ Kris Thomas, School Administrator, Zion Lutheran School, Mayer
“Thank you so much for a great conference [2013 School Head Retreat]; I have been sharing things I learned with my staff all day today.” ~ Tom Zellmer, Principal, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Golden Valley
“Our school has held membership with MINNDEPENDENT for an entire school year. Our teaching staff has enjoyed receiving the MINNDEPENDENT email updates. We are getting this incredible outside support from MINNDEPENDENT by the great resources and workshops and by being represented and informed of state/federal decisions impacting education. It is an honor to be part of such a well run organization that truly puts kids first. Thanks, and keep up the good work.” ~ Jack Pallas, Principal, St. John’s Lutheran School, Chaska
“Christ Community Lutheran School is appreciative of MINNDEPENDENT’s support and advocacy for private schools across the State of Minnesota. We are proud to be part of this wonderful organization.äó ~ Jeff Boehlke, Principal, Christ Community Lutheran School (Watertown)
“Membership in MINNDEPENDENT supports our school goal of making quality education accessible to all students. By joining other private schools, we will be able to more effectively voice our needs to policy makers and stakeholders. Furthermore, the quality programs, grants, and professional development offered through MINNDEPENDENT will further support our staff to engage our community in increasingly effective ways. In conjunction with other schools, we are looking to leverage the access to the Science House and STEM grants to improve instruction and curriculum in our school. As part of our school planning, we are looking for additional ways to advance our development, marketing, and communication efforts to support our school programming. MINNDEPENDENT would provide additional resources for our staff to advance those goals.” ~ Patrick O’Keefe, Principal, Blessed Trinity Catholic School
“MINNDEPENDENT [networking] meetings are rich learning environments where professional speakers detail topics that are critical to private schools and school professionals share solutions that work.” ~ Jeffrey Lemke, Admissions Director, St. Croix Lutheran Schools
“MINNDEPENDENT does a great job bringing school professionals together with engaging topics and high quality speakers.” ~ Susan Nagel, Friends School of Minnesota
“Once again, I want to share my gratitude for all the work the MINNDEPENDENT staff does to make this retreat possible. It is one of the highlights of the year for me. I learn a lot but also get a much needed rest and recharge from this event. The work you do to get sponsors to keep it a high class, yet affordable event are greatly appreciated. For small schools, this is a key. It is often difficult to get away, especially for two days, but the affordability and the excellent content make it a must attend event. Thank you for all you do for our schools!” ~ 2011 School Head Retreat Participant
äóìThanks for another great [STEM Teacher] seminar. I always return to school armed with innovative ideas to use with my students. I am so glad you recommended the Minnesota Framework session. I am so excited about that wonderful resource. Thanks again!äó ~ Kathleen Diffatte, Highland Catholic School (St. Paul)
“We are proud members of the MINNDEPENDENT. As a private school facing many challenges, it is essential that we have an organization that looks out for our best interests while promoting positive relationships with other schools, businesses, and organizations to maximize the potential in each of us. Our kids are definitely blessed by our relationship with MINNDEPENDENT and we look forward to our continued partnership with our fellow schools throughout the state.” ~ Joel Landskroener, Executive Director, Mayer Lutheran High School (Mayer)
“[MINNDEPENDENT’s networking] meetings are a good value — solid information, nice lunch. The exchange of ideas among peers and opportunities to network are invaluable.” ~ Anonymous
“MINNDEPENDENT plays an integral role in helping lawmakers, policy makers and the general public understand the tremendous asset Private Education is to the State of Minnesota.” ~ Dennis Nigon, Former President, Rochester Catholic Schools (Rochester)
“The School Head Retreat was a wonderful time. I made connections to people that I would not have made in any other way. I enjoy both the topics as well as the opportunity to network with the other administrators. Thanks again for making these two days possible…..I look forward to next year.” ~ 2010 School Head Retreat Participant
“Iäó»m very excited by what Iäó»m learning at the MINNDEPENDENT networking gatherings Iäó»ve attended this spring. Iäó»ve never seen such a truly collaborative group before!” ~ Jill Gubash, Advancement & Admissions Office, St. Agnes School (St. Paul)
“We are excited to be a part of MINNDEPENDENT!” ~ Terry Graf, Principal, Salem Lutheran School (Stillwater)
“For many years MINNDEPENDENT has been a great support to Maranatha Christian Academy and other Minnesota private schools. We have enjoyed financial gifts for technology purchases as well as teacher training in the use of technology through the annual STEM conferences. We appreciate and value MINNDEPENDENT for the education of our private school students. ~ Brian Sullivan, Chief Administrator, Maranatha Christian Academy (Brooklyn Park)
“I recently took advantage of the opportunity to attend the Development Director’s meeting at Austin Pacelli School offered by MINNDEPENDENT. I traveled two hours from Sleepy Eye, and it was worth every minute. What a wonderful meeting with an excellent exchange of information that served very worthwhile. I look forward to the next meeting. Keep up the great work!” ~ Chris Heiderscheidt, St. Mary’s Catholic School (Sleepy Eye)