Hello Minneapolis Schools Voices audience and community members. 

My name is Cirien (pron. Serene) Saadeh and I am the new Community Connector for Minneapolis Schools Voices. My job, as Community Connector, is to connect with each of you and to learn your stories, your issues, and your perspectives on all things Minneapolis Public Schools. 

First, a little background. I am a long-time community journalist, community-based educator, and community organizer. I have run community-based newsrooms, taught community journalism across the Twin Cities, and worked as a community journalist in North Minneapolis, across the Twin Cities, and out of the Minnesota State Capitol. A few years back I had the opportunity to guest teach a community journalism class at Patrick Henry High School, working with students to develop “Area 44.” Here’s more about that project from North News.

As part of my work at Minneapolis Schools Voices, I’ll be connecting with folks across Minnesota. I’m starting that work by attending Parent Advisory Committee meetings across the district. 

We’re conducting a survey with our readership and community members. The survey is online but soon you’ll be able to find ways to take the survey at in-person locations across Minneapolis. I’ll also be connecting with folks, one-on-one, over a warm beverage or a meal. Expect to hear more about that soon. 

I am committed to transparency in this work - community connecting is only as strong as our community is and that means we need to have open lines of communication. I will be sharing updates with you all, through this space, on a regular basis. 

If you are interested in connecting, you can reach out to me directly. My email is cirien@mplsschoolsvoices.news and I check it regularly. 

Thank you all for your support with this endeavor!