Steven Matula, younger brother of missing Eden Prairie women Mandy Matula, discusses a search for Mandy set for this Saturday meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Rice. Steven and the Minnesota United group plan to search areas near Blanchard Dam and North Mississippi Park where the Eden Prairie Police indicated she may be found. (Sun staff photo by Natalie Conrad)

Family and friends are still standing strong to find missing Eden Prairie woman Mandy Matula, as they plan another search going into the fourth week since her disappearance.

Younger brother Steven Matula and the Minnnesota United group he formed held a press conference today to gather volunteers for a search meeting at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, 130 First Avenue Northeast in Rice.

At 10 a.m. the group will depart to search an area near the Blanchard Dam and North Mississippi Park. The Minnesota United group spoke with Eden Prairie Police just prior to a press conference this afternoon to confirm that these are locations they believe Mandy will be. All are encouraged to help with the search and dress appropriately for the weather.

Mandy Matula, a 24 year-old Eden Prairie resident, has been missing since May 2. Eden Prairie Police and community groups have searched nearly every spot in the city and have yet to find Matula. (Submitted photo)

The group, including Steven and several other men, all donned nail polish in Mandy’s favorite color, purple. Minnesota United is a group dedicated to finding missing persons throughout the state and returning them to their families. Steven and his friends said they plan to continue to help find missing persons long after Mandy is found.

“The turnout has been incredible,” MN United member John Mitchell said. “It isn’t just about Mandy. It’s about making sure everyone is united and we will bring her home.”

For more information on the group, visit the Minnesota United Facebook page.

Steven also clarified that Mandy and David Roe had broken up six months prior to her disappearance and were just friends at the time.

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Central Middle School student Jameson Bernhagen finishes the 5K for the Vikings Fitness Playbook Program at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie alongside his PAL or Physical Activity Leader, University of Minnesota student Joanna Liu. (Sun staff photo by Natalie Conrad)

Large portion sizes, high-calorie foods along with a more sedentary lifestyle focused on television and computers can leave many kids surrounded by unhealthy choices and low self-esteem.

One program is doing something to better the nutrition and fitness of preteens in Eden Prairie and Maple Grove, in turn raising their self-esteem.

Students and families from the two suburbs are making strides towards leading healthier lives thanks to the Vikings Fitness Play Book Program. From cutting down on sweets to fitting in a daily walk, the little things make a big difference in living a healthier lifestyle. Through this three-month program funded by the Minnesota Viking’s Children’s Fund, 15 students lost a combined 58 pounds and achieved things they never thought possible.

“We teach them things that they can continue on by themselves,” said Program Coordinator and Registered Dietician Jana Dengel. “It’s never about being obese or overweight, it’s about trying to be healthy and fit.”

Students and their parents met with nutrition and fitness specialists twice a week over the course of the program to cover everything from portion sizes to getting a kickstart on exercise. They learned through nutrition sessions taught by Dengel and fitness classes taught by University of Minnesota Nurse Pam Baker. Most classes were held at the Eden Prairie Community Center, where participants tried a variety of new foods and fitness classes.

“Eden Prairie is making a big impact on kids lives and changing the way they see themselves,” Dengel said.

Program Coordinator and Dietician Jana Dengel throws a piece of fake fat to participants in the program following the final class. The group of 15 students lost a combined 58 pounds over the course of the three-month program on nutrition and fitness. (Sun staff photo by Natalie Conrad)

The preteens got advice and stayed on track with their progress by meeting with Physical Activity Leaders (PALs), University of Minnesota Kinesiology students. These students worked one-on-one with individuals throughout the course of the program, allowing them to not only build strong relationships, but also gain experience working in their field.

“It’s great to get this hands-on experience and inspiring that the kids love being here,” PAL Bridget Carlson said.

“I have enjoyed working one-on-one with the kids and seeing them progress,” PAL Jacqueline Bierck added. “Little steps make a big difference about healthy self-image.”

The program also addresses the psycho-social aspects of living healthy. Participants were encouraged to use “I am” statements and stay positive, improving their self-esteem. With the relatively small group, coordinators were able to adapt each program to meet individual needs.

“It’s more about individual triumphs than anything else,” Baker said. “They have changed so much from that first day of class, even how they carry themselves and their mental confidence.”

All of their learning and hard work leads up to the final test: running a 5K at the last meeting. All 13 students who were able to make it to the event last Thursday, May 16, finished the 5K, something many of them never thought possible.

For Jhonny Cuenca De Leon, a sixth-grader at Oak Point Elementary, this program was truly life-changing. Cuenca De Leon, who finished second in the 5K, discovered a love of running throughout the program and was inspired to join the Oak Point Running Club and plans to join the track team at Central Middle School. Despite his love of running, the race was still a challenge, but one he was more than willing to accept.

“When I was about halfway I felt like I couldn’t do it, but then I told myself I could do it and I kept going,” Cuenca De Leon said. “You just have to keep trying and never give up.”

His mom Argentina, although unable to make it to some of the classes due to a busy work schedule, still learned a thing or two from her son.

“He teaches me to be careful about what I eat,” Argentina said.

Many parents involved in the program learned new things either directly or indirectly through their children. Several even ran portions, if not all, of the 5K with their kids.

Central Middle School student Dana Brue sprints to the finish with Maple Grove resident and St. Vincent de Paul student Duncan Mastermann not far behind during the 5K at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. (Sun staff photo by Natalie Conrad)

Maple Grove sixth-grader Rachel Hambrook ran the race with her dad Ted, a former Marine and avid runner who had taken a hiatus from running for several years after breaking his leg. Rachel had never anticipated completing a 5K, but decided to take on her fears with her dad by her side.

“To anyone who is afraid, it’s not as bad as you think,” Rachel said.

Anisha Joshi, a seventh grader at Central Middle School, learned how to conquer her cravings and embrace physical activity. Joshi would read while on the treadmill and found herself exercising for hours, often getting lost in her favorite book. While Joshi said the program was fun and enjoyed making new friends, there was a deeper meaning.

“Just work at it until you feel satisfied, don’t push it,” Joshi said. “But if you aren’t happy with where you’re at, keep pushing it.”

Ben Matthews, the first runner to cross the finish, dropped 10 minutes from a previous 5K time. The seventh grader at Central Middle School says he learned a lot about how to eat better alongside his younger sister Julia, 9, the youngest participant in the program. Their mom Kathy was overjoyed with their progress.

“We’ve learned a ton about living a healthier balanced life,” Kathy said. “I can’t say enough nice things about Jana and Pam. This is such a motivating and encouraging atmosphere.”

Coordinators performed assessments along the way to gauge the students progress, but at the end of the day their progress goes far beyond numbers.

“It’s really hard to measure the quantitative effects of the program,” Baker said. “Many of these kids couldn’t jog 30 seconds when we first started and now they have all run a 5K and have more confidence than they could have imagined. We just want to provide them with tools to make good choices the rest of their lives.”

Contact Natalie Conrad at natalie.conrad@ecm-inc.com.

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Founder of Agape Christi Academy Jeff Evans stands at the school’s campus located at 9557 Valley View Road in Eden Prairie. (Sun staff photo by Natalie Conrad)

Several years ago, three families embarked on a mission to provide Christian-centered education with a rigorous classical curriculum.

They felt it was crucial to students in Eden Prairie and surrounding southwest suburbs, and not available through existing public or private schools. This fall, their dream will come fruition as the Agape Christi Academy opens its doors .

“This is a school with a Christian world view,” said founder Jeff Evans. “We look at all subjects rigorously from a Christian perspective.”

Evans, along with his wife Chrissy, represent one of the three founding families for the school, located at 9957 Valley View Road in Eden Prairie. Evans is the pastor of Christ Church Twin Cities in Minnetonka and Chrissy has experience teaching at a classical Christian school. The two other founding families are involved at Eden Prairie’s Grace Church, one of the largest churches in the city. Jed Culbertson, the IT and Creative Director at the church, and his wife, Sarah, complete the circle of founders along with Dave and Aleta Johnson, who founded a Community Care Ministry at the church.

Agape Christi, which translates to “love of Christ” in Latin, will feature a “Christian immersion” approach to education, in which each subject is centered around the Christian faith.

In its first year the school will offer grades K-5 as well as a home school hybrid program for grades 1-5. Plans call for the progressive adding-on of upper grade levels each year to eventually reach grade 12. First and second grades will be combined this fall, along with and third and fourth grades.

The school, accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS), will follow the classical curriculum. This teaching method reverts back those used in the 18th and 19th centuries while maintaining emphasis on current technology and practices, according to the ACCS. Learning consists of three stages: grammar, logic and rhetoric. These themes are split amongst each age group of elementary, middle and upper schools.

“This curriculum encourages an excellence in education and a joy in learning,” Evans said. “Students who have attended these schools have test scores through the roof.”

Students at Agape will study Latin starting in third grade and continue through their senior year of high school. While often referred to as a “dead language,” Latin adapts the mind for other subjects and prepares students to learn romance languages, according to Evans.

In the future, the founders plan to offer additional languages starting in eighth grade including both romance languages, such as Spanish, and other classical languages, such as Greek and Hebrew.

While the school is ingrained with the Christian faith, students would be exposed to different viewpoints throughout their education at Agape Christi. In science, students are taught both the creation story from the Bible and the theory of evolution. Evans said the school offers an answer to parents who are concerned about same-sex marriage being forced upon their students at other schools, yet the upper school students could commonly be assigned to either side of the topic during a debate in one of their classes.

“We don’t want to hide anything from them,” Evans said. “We want them to be informed of different views, but also how to make the right choices and be able to respectfully disagree.”

The founders hope to have 30 students enrolled the first year and are about half-way to their goal. As the school grows, they plan to cap class sizes at 20 students each. With smaller class sizes in the first year, the staff will also grow through the years.
Bill Landis was recently hired as the headmaster for the school. Landis hails from Michigan and has taught at several public and charter schools. With the headmaster hired, they hope to fill the staff positions soon.

The next open house for Agape Christi is set for June 3. More information on the school and upcoming events can be found on its website, agapechristi.com. The new school will open its doors on Sept. 3.

Classical and Christian may not always be paired together, but Evans and the other founders believe the two compliment each other perfectly.

“This provides a strong education bridled with a love of Christ,” Evans said. “We want to make sure they are deeply trained and educated, but also show them how to understand other points of view and be respectful of others.”

Contact Natalie Conrad at natalie.conrad@ecm-inc.com.

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This is the second time the exhibit has visited the district this year. It is currently on display in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center at Eden Prairie High School. This award-winning exhibit tells the stories of the Dakota and Ojibwe nations through their experiences and in their own voice as treaties with the U.S. government in Minnesota changed the way they lived in their native land. It includes 20 large banners featuring text and images, and a video presentation. It explores how treaties affected the lands and lives of Minnesota’s indigenous population, and why treaties are still important today.

The exhibit was created through a unique partnership between the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Minnesota Humanities Center, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. It has been travelling throughout Minnesota since August 2011, taking up residence at colleges and universities, government and community centers, Native American centers and historical societies
Eden Prairie Schools is one of only a handful of school districts to host the display.

The exhibit was on display at the Administrative Services Center for two weeks last fall. It will remain on display at the PAC through June 7.

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“Our team has made unprecedented strides this year,” said speech coach Jason Meyer. “These students present an amazing level of professionalism in competition.”

The following seven members will compete in the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament in Philadelphia May 24-26:
• Rahul Agarwal, freshman, Extemporary Speaking
• Annabelle Ludwig, freshman, Oral Interpretation of Literature
• Raffy Maristela, senior, Original Oratory
• Akila Pai, senior, Dramatic Performance
• Layla Safina and Raffy Maristela, seniors, Duo Interpretation
• Priyanka Shetty and Tina Liu, sophomores, Duo Interpretation

The following four members will compete at the National Forensics League National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama June 16-21:
• Victor Dorobantu and Allison Hurst, seniors, Duo Interpretation
• Raffy Maristela, senior, Original Oratory
• Tim Ose, senior, Extemporary Speaking

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The grant will fund six Minnesota Reading Corps positions for Early Childhood programs during the 2013-2014 school year. Training is provided and no teaching background is needed. Reading Corps members are paid a monthly stipend and receive an educational award. Those interested should contact the Early Childhood Office at 952-975-6980.

For more information or to apply, contact Jill Schroeder at jschroeder@edenpr.org.

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Below is the list of teachers, their assignments and background information:

• Nate Gabel will teach grade five at Prairie View. He has a master’s degree in education from Hamline University and is currently enrolled in the gifted and talented certificate program at Saint Mary’s University. Prior to this, he worked as an elementary teacher in the district.

• Karen Oakes will teach grade four at Prairie View. She has a master’s degree in education of the gifted and talented from the University of St. Thomas. She is currently an elementary gifted and talented teacher at Prairie View, and has worked in the district for 22 years.

• Megan Skogstad will teach grade four at Forest Hills. She has a gifted endorsement from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in education from Ohio State University. Skogstad is currently the STEM specialist for grades K-5 at Chanhassen Elementary School.

• Elizabeth Stamson will teach grade five at Forest Hills. She has a gifted and talented certificate and a master’s degree in education from Hamline University. She also has a master’s degree in educational leadership, with a culturally responsive teaching certificate, from Saint Mary’s University. Stamson is currently working in the White Bear Lake School District as a second grade teacher, administrative intern, intervention specialist and instructional math coach.

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A 45 year-old Eden Prairie woman reported an incident that occurred between 12:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. on May 14 at her residence located at the 8000 block of Deer Path. The victim stated her vehicle in the driveway had been rummaged through and the gas cap had been taken off. According to the report, her other vehicle appeared to be rummaged through and the doors were ajar. Nothing appeared to be taken and no fuel was missing from the tank that was opened.

An automobile was reportedly tampered with at the 6000 block of Brackett Road sometime between 9 p.m. on May 14 and 6:30 a.m. on May 15. The victim, a 46 year-old Eden Prairie man, reported that someone had emptied the contents of the center console of his vehicle parked in the driveway. While the car appeared to be rummaged through, the GPS was not taken and there was no damage to the vehicle.

Another tamper with automobile was reported on the same block of Brackett Road between midnight and 9 a.m. on May 16. A 59 year-old Eden Prairie man, left his vehicle in the driveway and was notified by a nearby neighbor that someone had broke into his car. Several items appeared to be rummaged through, but nothing was stolen, according to the report.

A similar case was reported at 5 a.m. on May 15 at the 1900 block of Joseph Curve. The victims, a 45 year-old male and 27 year-old male, both of Eden Prairie, reported that a vehicle that was left unlocked and parked on the street had been rummaged through. A $10 LED flashlight was stolen.

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