Five Bloomington middle school educators won the Minnesota History Day Team Teachers of Merit Award, presented by the Minnesota Historical Society.

The winning group includes Oak Grove Middle School social studies teachers Patti Lang and Allison Lindman, Olson Middle School social studies teachers Cindy Nelson and Jonathan Swanson, and the district’s middle school media director Kristi Johnson. The award recognizes their teamwork to continually make History Day a success in BPS.

History Day projects are created by 6th and 7th grade students in Dimensions Academy, a district Gifted & Talented program. Students learn valuable research skills, and have opportunities like a field trip and learning from a mentor as they work on their projects. Staff also coordinate History Day contests at Oak Grove and Olson middle schools where students present their projects in hopes of qualifying for regionals, state and national competitions.

"I’m honored we were chosen for this award for our continued work with History Day,” Lindman said. “It’s a significant part of our curriculum for the Dimensions Academy gifted program and I’m so proud of the work students put forth to create their projects.”

Staff will receive their award at a State History Day ceremony in Minneapolis in April.