At Minnetonka Schools, the Explorers program supports students and their families every day with care before and after school. Our outstanding Explorers staff create an engaging and supportive environment where students are able to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. From April 18-22, the District is celebrating Explorers Staff Appreciation Week and the impact these staff members make in our community.

Minnetonka offers both before and after school Explorers for elementary school students, as well as Junior Explorers, which serves as full-time childcare for kids ages 3 to 5. In both programs, staff members are responsible for a wide variety of tasks ranging from organizing group projects and activities, supervising students during indoor and outdoor play time and assisting with meal times. 

In honor of Explorers Staff Appreciation Week, Minnetonka Schools is highlighting one of our very own Explorers staff members: Macall Stone, site leader at Groveland Elementary. Read on to learn more about Macall's experience and role in the Minnetonka Public Schools District. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your job! How long have you worked for the district? 
I was born and raised in Minnesota, right next door in Eden Prairie!  I have always had a passion for working with children, and have had a wide variety of experience with kids in various different settings.  My background includes teaching skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, fourth grade math and science in Texas, preschool here in Minnesota and so much more.  Additionally, I have a background in Speech Language Pathology, and spent time working as a Speech Pathology Assistant treating auditory processing disorder in children.  When I moved back home to Minnesota, I began searching for a job where I had the ability to continue to work with children while also strengthening my managerial skills.  This is what led me to Minnetonka Explorers last summer!  I absolutely love that I have the ability to interact with and spend quality time with students, while also helping develop and enrich a great program in the community I currently live in. 

Outside of work I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends, especially my boyfriend Blake and our new puppy, Rango.  

What’s your favorite part of your job? 
Building off the answer to the previous question, my favorite part of my job is the ability to contribute to the development and management of a program that impacts many students from a variety of different backgrounds.  It is extremely rewarding watching students participate in projects and activities that enrich and nurture who they are outside of the classroom.  

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in your role at Minnetonka? 
Developing relationships with each of the students and their families has also been a major highlight of this position and while one specific memory does not come to mind as being my favorite, the interactions I have with the students make coming to work each day a joy!

Is there anything you want students, staff, parents, etc. to know about the Explorers Program at your school?
Explorers is a choice-based program that offers a variety of different options and activities for the interests of all children.  We strive to provide a fun and safe environment for all while taking the wants, needs, and concerns of all children and their families into consideration.   

Explorers staff truly make a positive impact on our community. Make sure to reach out to an Explorers staff member this week and thank them for their dedication to supporting Minnetonka students and families!