Minneapolis Public Schools

A Generation Awakens. A City Transforms. A Movement Begins. Amid global unrest and social reckoning, 612: Darkness in the Land of Nice makes its powerful premiere—a documentary that captures the rise of the post-9/11 generation as they realize their power and spark a movement that reverberates around the world. Set in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, 612 tells the story of how students and young people at the local level ignited the largest single-issue protest in modern history following the murder of George Floyd. Their voices, actions, and courage marked the beginning of a global decade of youth-led change—one defined by purpose, justice, and the refusal to remain silent. Amid the shifting tides of American identity, demographic change, and growing calls for equity, 612 explores the tensions and triumphs of a community confronting the disparities embedded in its systems. It offers a unique and urgent perspective on how American ideals collide with lived realities—and how grassroots action can be the spark for national and global transformation. The documentary shines a spotlight on four groundbreaking initiatives born in Minnesota: The Rondo Land Bridge Project in St. Paul, V3 Sports in North Minneapolis, The Page Education Foundation and Black Men Teach. Credits: Director / Writer / Producer: Diem Van Groth Producer: David M. Massey Executive Producers: Sarah Brokaw, Kokayi Ampah, Clint Schaff Event Details Date: Friday, May 23, 2025 Location: Justice Page Middle School - Door 1 (1 W 49th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419) Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. | Film Starts: 7:00 p.m. Producers Panel to follow. Tickets: Sliding scale option: $0 / $10 / $25 / $50 / $100 (all proceeds will benefit the Justice Page school community) Lemonade and cookies are included for each ticket holder. Note: All students must be accompanied by an adult. Featured in the Film: Alan Page – Retired Minnesota state Supreme Court judge. Minnesota Viking. College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marvin Anderson – Retired Attorney at Law and former Minnesota State Law Librarian. Board Chair, ReConnect Rondo. Executive Director, Rondo Center of Diverse Expression Erika L. Binger – Founder V3. Philanthropist. Former Chair of the McKnight Foundation. Former world triathlete and aquathlete champion. Markus Flynn – Executive Director at Black Men Teach. Henry Lake – Lake Media Group, Talk show host (WCCO, Fox, The Lake Show). Patty Hand – Chief Operating Officer Minnesota Department of Education. Susan Brower – Minnesota State Demographer and Director of the Minnesota State Demographic Center. John Gordon – Former attorney Faegre Baker Daniels, Former Executive Director American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU of MN). Maddie and Emma Pederson – Community Organizers. Toshira Garrway – Community Activist. 612 is a testament to the power of local voices and unsung heroes—community leaders, students, educators, and advocates—whose everyday actions create extraordinary change. It captures the spirit of unity and the transformative potential of collective action in the pursuit of justice, equity, and a better future. This is not just a documentary. It’s a blueprint for change. Important attendee information: Backpacks, large bags, or totes are not allowed inside the venue. No video recording or photography is permitted during the screening. Security screening will be in place. Please arrive early to ensure a smooth entry. NOTE: This movie is being presented by DVG Productions LLC and Waazakone LLC. The views expressed in this film are solely those of the production team and do not reflect the views of Minneapolis Community Education or Minneapolis Public Schools. Furthermore, DVG Productions LLC and Waazakone LLC. are not affiliated with the District, and the District is not responsible for the content/production shared in this film. This film may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film includes real footage of live protests. Some scenes may depict strong emotions/ loud crowds, mature language, and tense interactions between individuals and authorities. Viewer discretion is advised, and all students under 14 years old (middle school and younger) should be accompanied by a guardian. For more information about the film, please visit https://www.612film.com/

Rev up your engines and join us at Chanhassen Dinner Theater for the matinee performance of Grease! Greased-back hair and leather jackets, ponytails and poodle skirts, fast cars and rock’n’roll, Experience the nostalgia of high school in the ‘50s – peer pressure, love, and teenage life set against the campy backdrop of Rydell High! Discover the drama, comedy, and pop-culture satire that has made Grease one of the most popular productions of all time! Don’t forget the music, with songs like “Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Beauty School Dropout” and so many others, including the hits you love from the movie. Have fun as you groove and bop along! Your ticket includes Sit-Down Lunch, Show, Tax & Gratuity. Appetizers and drinks available to purchase at the table directly with your wait staff. Lunch Seating begins at 11:00 am. Grease Performance begins at 1:00 pm Meet Minneapolis Community Ed Staff at Will Call to pick up your tickets. Location: The Chanhassen Dinner Theater is located at 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317 NOTE: After May 7th you can transfer your tickets but no refunds or cancelations are available. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

NOTE: Group Tour Pricing is $23 per person. Tour is from 2-3:15 pm Explore Loonesota! Join us on our private tour of Allianz Field - Home to the Minnesota United FC Soccer Team. Our tour will take us to see the Brew Hall, Roof Deck, Concourse, Supporters Section, Owner's Suite/Suite Level, Stadium Club, Field Club, Press Conference Room, Home Locker Room and Midfield Tunnel. Transportation is on your own. For list of available transportation options go to https://www.mnufc.com/stadium/gameday/transportation. Join our group today!

In the spring of 1861, writer/philosopher/poet/naturalist Henry David Thoreau traveled to Minnesota for the first and only time. Seven years prior, Thoreau published his landmark book “Walden,” which championed nature, the woods, and the act of staring at a body of water for internal and spiritual self-awareness. The next year, Thoreau would die from his lifelong bout with tuberculosis, at 44 years old. Other than botanical notes, Thoreau never had a chance to write about his Minnesota visit. What would he have had to say about our great lakes and big river? Thoreau fan and writer/songwriter/author Jim Walsh has long wondered as much; now in the spring of 2025, join Walsh as he leads a tour of Twin Cities landmarks visited by naturalist/writer/poet Henry David Thoreau during his trek to Minnesota in the spring of 1861. Stops include Nicollet and Hennepin Islands and Bde Maka Ska. 12:45 pm Board Coach Bus 1:00 pm Bus Departs 4:00 pm Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 Park & meet in the Chowen Ave. lot on the West side of the school between 46th & 47th Streets. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will let you know if space becomes available.

NOTE: Details are still being finalized so itinerary may change slightly. Join us for a fun-filled day touring the Minneapolis Fire Department's Training Tower, Rosenbauer Motors, Inc.- the world’s largest manufacturer of custom fire trucks and a guided tour of the Hinkley Fire Museum. At the Minneapolis Fire Department’s training tower, you’ll get an up close look at where new recruits go through their academy training and where veteran firefighters hone their skills too. From EMS, high-angle, confined-space, roof and arial operations, see how firefighters train using real props to prepare for any type of emergency. You’ll also get a look at specific rigs and equipment not kept at fire houses. At Rosenbauer, learn how an order for a new fire apparatus is taken, the design and model process, and manufacturing. Did you know it can often take 2 years or more for a new fire engine and they cost upwards of a million dollars? Also, learn about how Rosenbauer is a leader in developing and producing electric fire trucks that Minnesota Departments are beginning to use. Creating firetrucks for all over the world, this gem of a factory is on our own backyard and you’ll get to see fire trucks in all stages from bare aluminum all the way to completed units. We'll visit The Great Hinkley Fire Monument and climb the Fire Tower at St. Croix State Park Price includes Motorcoach transportation, rolls on the bus, admission to all tours. Ages 10+. NOTE: Lunch is on your own in Hinkley. You can bring a bag lunch. There will also be a stop near Tobies Express and several fast food options. Our coach bus will leave from Southwest High School's Chowen Ave. parking lot located at 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 BOARD COACH BUS: 8:00 am BUS DEPARTS: 8:15 am APPROX. RETURN: 5:30 pm. If event is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. We will let you know if tickets become available. Thank you!

Minneapolis and St. Paul are separated by a river and a world with a host of traits that make them distinct from one another. However, the twins have plenty in common when it comes to the unexpected history of crime that shaped both cities long before the dawn of the prohibition era. Ride along with gangster moll Marie Comforti on a bus tour that spans both sides of the river. You’ll learn how each city created covert criminal structures that shaped the culture and economy of the “evil twins” in the first half of the twentieth century. Includes lunch. Board Bus: 9:45 am Bus Departs: 10:00 am Bus Returns: @ 2:00 pm Meet bus at Ella Baker Elementary School - 1200 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405 Please enroll on the waitlist if the tour is full. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

In the middle of North America exists a beautiful and mysterious land, left untouched by glaciers, a rugged landscape home to fascinating geology, and physical features unique to the world. We will spend the day traveling through the Driftless Region of Wisconsin enjoying its unique geography. We will visit Amish and Norwegian rural areas and have an opportunity to buy goods from local farmers at a local farm products auction. One of the highlights will be touring Norskadlen a Norwegian cultural site, dedicated to preserving Norwegian history in the heart of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. On this 40 acre site, we will explore Norwegian buildings and enjoy a special Norwegian dinner. We also will learn about this special part of rural America that is the center of organic farming. Historian Dave Bredemus will tell us the history of many small towns in this area of Wisconsin and make a special stop and visit Viroqua Wisconsin.Viroqua is famous for it, tobacco warehouses, historic downtown-district and many shops that support organic farming. Includes Motorcoach, Bakery Stop, Museums, and Dinner TIME: 7:15 am Board Bus 7:30 am Bus Departs Southwest High School 9:00 pm @ Return to Southwest High School Pick-Up & Drop Off Location: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after September 8th. If tour is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. We will let you know if spots become available.

Join Maddy Bartsch, natural dye farmer, educator and organizer of decentralized textile economies, as we visit these three unique farms near Northfield. Maddy, who has worked closely with all three farms, will be on the bus with us to share insights and answer questions throughout the t LITTLE HILL BERRY FARM: From owners Aaron and Molly Wills: Our farm grows certified organic, delicious blueberries, strawberries and raspberries south of the Twin Cities in beautiful Northfield. Over the last 10 years, we've slowly transformed the gentle, rolling terrain of our farm from a field of corn and soybeans into a luscious, fruitful landscape. Our farm is blanketed with rows of organic blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries - along with cherries, grapes, and native prairie strips - to provide you with both amazing tasting fruit and a beautiful and peaceful landscape to enjoy with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you soon out on the Little Hill.. After a farm tour, we'll have opportunity to pick berries and shop in their gift store. GET BENTZ FARM AND FIBER PROCESSING MILL: Theresa Bentz raises Icelandic and Icelandic cross sheep on her beautiful farm which overlooks the Cannon River Valley. Here you can find a variety of products from our sheep including yarn, meat, and sheepskins. They also have a woolen mill which is home to Badgerface Fiber. They source local fibers, paying a fair wage for their raw materials, and turn them into beautiful roving, yarn, and rug yarn. KEEPSAKE CIDERY: Join orchardist and cidermaker Nate Watters and his partner and Tasting Room Manager Tracy for this exclusive deep dive into natural ciders and wines from regional fruit. Keepsake is one of a small group of Cideries nationally to utilize spontaneous fermentation in 100% of their ciders and wines. Take a tour of the orchards, fermentation area and tasting room with the owners and then sit down for a guided tour through select Keepsake ciders. Go home with bottles to enjoy in addition to having an eye-opening experience in what cider can truly be! You'll have an opportunity to shop at all the farms, returning home with berries, jams. yarn and cider. Includes: Motorcoach, 3 farm tours, berry picking experience at Little Hill Berry Farm, fiber project at Get Bentz Farm and lunch at Keepsake Cidery which includes a Toastie (choice of , chips & cider tastings. TIME: 7:30 am Board Bus 7:45 am Bus Departs Southwest High School @ 4:30 pm @ Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after July 8th. No refunds. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.

Step back in time and explore the vibrant history and cultural richness of Rondo, St. Paul's historic African American neighborhood, on our immersive bus tour. Led by Dr. Artika R. Tyner (award-winning author, civil rights attorney, and Rondo native), this tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Rondo, where you'll learn about its history as a bustling community filled with thriving businesses, arts, culture, and close-knit families. As we wind through the streets, you'll hear captivating stories of resilience, creativity, and community engagement, from the challenges faced during the construction of Interstate 94 to the vibrant cultural scene that once flourished here. Alongside its rich history, Rondo was also a hub of arts and culture, nurturing talented musicians, artists, and writers who left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. You'll visit significant landmarks, including historic churches, schools, and businesses, each with its own fascinating tale to tell. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to meet local residents and community leaders, gaining insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve Rondo's legacy and build a brighter future. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about this important chapter in St. Paul's past, our Rondo bus tour offers a unique and memorable experience for all. Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of this beloved neighborhood, steeped in history, creativity, and community. Includes samples from Flava Coffee, Slice Bros. Pizza and Life Juices Super Food Bar! - 9:45 am Board Motorcoach at Hallie Q Brown Community Center located at 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102 - 10:00 am Bus Departs - 1:00 pm @ Return to Hallie Q Brown OPTION: Support the "Planting People Growing Justice" Literacy Program by ordering a copy of Dr. Tyner’s book “Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo". Fee includes coach bus, guides & light refreshments, A portion of tour proceeds will support participating Rondo businesses. Note: Only transfer of registration after April 17th. No refunds. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitlist. We will let you know if spots become available.

We will follow the route of world-famous composer Antonin Dvorak, who, in 1893, spent the summer in the beautiful Spillville, Iowa area composing music and visiting Saint Paul. Dvorak started life as a son of a peasant in the provinces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and ended it as one of the most renowned musicians in the world. Spend the day retracing his steps and see what might have inspired him to write so prolifically about America. The local Czech community greeted Dvorak in St. Paul at the Czech and Slovak Sokol Hall on West Seventh Street. We will learn about the early Czechs of Saint Paul and see the very same CSPS Hall. We will also tour Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church, originally a Czech church. Then, we will travel through many beautiful small towns to Spillville, in Northeast Iowa. We will visit historical and cultural sites in this heavily Czech-influenced town, including Saint Wenceslas Church and Cemetery, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bandstand, and the Bily Clock Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit. The Bily Clock Museum has some of the most beautiful carved clocks in the world and is a virtual treasure chest full of Spillville and Dvorak history items. Includes Motorcoach, Bakery stop, museum and church admissions. Lunch is on your own. TIME:- 8:30 am Board Bus 8:45 am Bus Departs Southwest High School 7:30 pm @ Return to Southwest High School Pick-Up & Drop Off Location: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after May 7th. No refunds. If tour is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. We will let you know if tickets become available.

Join the Metro Food Justice Network on a tour of Twin Cities metro area urban farms. From youth-led growing and a deep winter greenhouse, to market gardens and those geared towards building capacity, there's a little something for everyone. See these growing sites, learn more about the farmers who work the land, and sample delicious, local foods grown right in your proverbial backyard! Your fee helps support the farms on our tour! Bring a bag lunch. TIME: 9:45 am Board Bus 10:00 am Bus Departs Southwest High School 4:00 pm @ Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after July 23rd. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will notify you is a spot becomes available.

Discover the magical landscape of bluffs, water, and quaint villages while experiencing history, food, and spectacular scenery along the Mississippi River. Learn the history presented by Dave Bredemus as we explore the villages of Prescott, Stockholm, Pepin, Nelson, Diamond Bluff, Maiden Rock, Alma, Wisconsin. We will tour one of Dave’s favorite museums, the Great River Road Museum, and have a special tour. Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park are part of our agenda, along with a walking tour of Stockholm, Wisconsin, as well as Riecks Lake along the Mississippi River with its migrating birds, especially tundra swans. Bring your binoculars for a closer look! One of the day’s highlights will be driving to the scenic overlook in Alma, Wisconsin, to view the Mississippi River Valley in all its splendor. For some of us, the highlight may be lunch, where we will eat at Twin Bluffs Café in the shadow of a beautiful Mississippi River Valley Bluff. Includes Motorcoach, Lunch, Pie, Museums, and the Riecks Wildlife viewing area. TIME: 9:00 am Board Bus 9:15 am Bus Departs Southwest High School 6:30 pm @ Return to Southwest High School Pick-Up & Drop Off Location: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 NOTE: Only transfer of registration available after May 7th. If tour is sold out, please add your names to the waitlist. IWe will let you know if spots become available.

No other neighborhood in Minneapolis has impacted our city’s music and theater life, diverse demographics, higher education opportunities, and unique skyline as has the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. As we walk through the blocks centered on Cedar and Riverside Avenues, we’ll learn about the liquor patrol zone, immigrant homes, West Bank bars, the food co-op movement, Dania Hall, protests and rent strikes, mosques, markets, a settlement house and those colorful high rise buildings next to 35W. Bring your own stories to share with tour leader Maureen Trepp, lifetime Mpls. resident, historian and frequent Cedar Riverside visitor. Meet at the outdoor entry to the Humphrey Institute on 19th Ave. So. and 3rd St. E. at 10:00 a.m.. The tour lasts 1 ½ hours and is about a mile in length. There are 2 Blue line and 1 Green line light rail stops in the neighborhood and a parking ramp on 19th Ave. along with street parking. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Created during an era when parks and gardens were all the rage, Como Park has delighted visitors from every walk of life since it first opened in 1873 and it continues to be one of the most beloved public parks in the Twin Cities. Designed by noted landscape architect Horace Cleveland, Como famously features distinct gardens, ponds, plazas, a conservatory, a zoo and a world class pavilion. It also quietly features countless memorials and statues that are tucked into the folds of its arresting grounds. This tour unveils the park’s hidden gems on a lovely morning walk that is sure to fascinate and inspire listeners of every age. Come and walk the trail less traveled and hear the stories of the park’s colorful history and development. Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Or stop for refreshments at the Pavilion at tours end! Tour is 1.5 miles If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.