School Pages Feb. 2011

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

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HX]dda EV\Zh In this issue:

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

Then see how many of these words you can find in today’s newspaper.

Baxter Elementary Central Lakes College Crosby/Ironton Crosslake GarďŹ eld Elementary Harrison Elementary Lake Region Christian School Learning Tree Pre-School Lowell Elementary Nisswa Elementary Oak Street Christian School Pillager Elementary/High School Pine River/Backus St. Francis Catholic School Staples/Motely Schools

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Wednesday, February 23

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BAXTER

ELEMENTARY DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW, CLAP YOUR HANDS AND GET TOGETHER Baxter School Library turns into Camp Baxter one week every year in February.

A Night of Reading and Fun

It’s a camping wonderland, well equipped with books, tents, bird sounds and darkness. Flashlights, fireflies, camp fire and Songs create giggles, laughs and memories. It’s a week never forgotten in the life of a Buccaneer.

Kindergarteners at Baxter School, had a fun night with their dads. The FRED program, AKA: Fathers Reading Every Day, was a huge success.

Games were played, books were read, and there were many smiles on the faces of Baxter kids and their dads!!

CRAZY RACERS 2nd Graders had a blast creating their Crazy Racing cars out of kleenex boxes.

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

International ice experience International students attending Central Lakes College toured the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza on a well-frozen Gull Lake, where they met Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.

State Rep. John Ward was the Governor’s escort for the first-ever visit by a chief executive of Minnesota to the popular event.

Most of the international students at CLC have never experienced a cold winter. Friends and needed volunteers for the students hope to take them to the same area (thawed) by boat this spring to maximize the seasonal wonder of northland experience.

As members of the International Club, they are planning the second annual Celebration of Nations at CLC April 1 from 4-8 p.m.

New mascot The Student Senate at Central Lakes College has announced the arrival of a Central Lakes College mascot. Raz is the new symbol of student spirit, prepared to rally support for athletic teams and any other occasion suited to exemplifying all things Raider. From 182 submissions, Elizabeth Trenkenschuh of Pequot Lakes came up with the preferred name Raz, and she received a prize of $15. Raz will be the sideline support leader for CLC athletic teams.

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ Central Lakes College Theatre presents “The Drowsy Chaperone,” an award-winning musical, in John Chalberg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2426 and March 3-5 and 2 p.m. March 6. It has been called the funniest musical of the 21st century.

Ralph Knowlton (left) is a gangster posing as a pastry chef, Marc Oliphant is a frustrated producer, and Wendy DeGeest is the producer’s no-talent girlfriend. For tickets call the theatre box office at 218-855-8199 or order online at www.clctickets.com

Concert tonight

Gaelic Storm, a Celtic quintet, performs tonight (Wed., Feb. 23) at 7:30 p.m. in Tornstrom Auditorium at the Washington Education Building, 804 W. Oak Street. Admission to the Feb. 23 concert is $16, $12 for age 60-up, $8 for high school and junior high students, and $5 for CLC students. The next Cultural Arts Series event this spring is the Fabulous Armadillos presenting the multimedia storytelling soul music showcase, “Motown & Soul,” March 11 in Chalberg Theatre at CLC. On March 18 and 19, CLC hosts Minnesota’s Central Lakes Ego Fest, an extravaganza of short films from Minnesota and beyond featuring filmmakers, awards, and food.

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Nursing students get disaster training Members of the AD Nursing Club at Central Lakes College recently participated in two voluntary training activities.

On one Saturday 35 students signed up for disaster training from the American Red Cross in the Lecture Hall on the Brainerd campus. A few days later several students were trained through MN Responds and Crow Wing County Public Health at CLC. “I am very pleased with the professional participation of the club related to service learning and continuing education efforts, such as this training,” said Darci Goeden, club adviser. “We must be life-long learners in the nursing profession in order to provide the highest quality of care to clients, families, and communities.”

Cultural Thursday Heidi Purdy and Abra Fisk presented the February Cultural Thursday Feb. 3 on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College, showing images from last May’s trip to Mexico. Their journey included a short stint of schooling in the Spanish language and delivery of donated clothing to Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), a network of orphanages. Their trip included an archaeological tour of pyramids, the cultural experience of Catholicism, and rural markets of commerce.

Celebration of Nations The second Central Lakes College Celebration of Nations is scheduled for Friday, April 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Brainerd campus. Cultural musicians, which begin performing at 4 p.m., perform music from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Scandinavia. The gymnasium becomes a one-stop shop/travel experience, with African story-telling and drumming in an authentic African hut, a South American beach experience, Indian henna, Korean origami activities in an Asian rest house, and World Cup soccer experience of Latin America and Europe. Enjoy ethnic treats from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The CLC International Club and Diversity Leadership Council are co-hosting. The Asian Lion Dance team will lead the crowd outside for fireworks at 8:15. Admission: $6 adults, $4 CLC students, free for children.

Give Kids a Smile Central Lakes College Dental Assisting students, including Jordan Ylinen of East Gull Lake, helped volunteer dentists provide free exams and teeth cleaning to about 150 children at Give Kids a Smile Day. In the ninth year of the program, Dr. William Beasley examined the teeth of Necole Lyons, 10, in the Community Dental Clinic at CLC.

CLC instrumental concert is March 1 The Central Lakes College Instrumental Music Department on Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. presents “Snowdrift Serenade,” the winter concert featuring the CLC Jazz Band, the CLC Brass Ensemble and, for the second year, the CLC Woodwind Ensemble. The concert will be in the Music Rehearsal Hall on the Brainerd campus. Admission is $5 for adults, free for ages 12-under and CLC students with I.D. Proceeds will go to the 2011 Summer European Tour fund for the Community Band.

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Wednesday, February 23

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Crosby-Ironton Rangers Pennies for Patients

60’s Day

Students at Cuyuna Range Elementary School collected donations during the week of January 24-28 as part of the 20th annual Pennies for Patients program, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Students teamed together, each contributing a little and the total was an amazing $1,849.62! We would like to say a special thanks to Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union for counting all the coins.

The top fundraising class was third grade Ms. Hanson’s class. They donated $370.74 and won a pizza party. The top five fundraising classes are: Ms. Hanson’s $370.74 Mrs. Cordie’s $194.50 Mrs. Abear’s 4164. 31 Mrs. Jensen’s $132.29 Mrs. Ayken’s $120.37

In Ms. Hansen’s 3rd grade classroom we raised $370.74 for Pennies for Patients to find a cure for childhood cancer. Students got to do Ms. Hansen’s and student teacher, Mr. Rengo’s hair and makeup for reaching their classroom goal of $300.

One student or one penny acting alone doesn’t accomplish much, but when we all work together, anything is possible. our students and staff did a great job of giving selflessly to help children and others battling blood cancer.

“These students serve as an example to all of us through their commitment to helping others”, said Angie Lundeen, campaign director of the Minnesota Chapter. “Their efforts will help local patients and their families along with funding blood cancer research at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic.”

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and young adults less than 20 years old. An estimated 957,902 Americans are living with a blood cancer, and every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed. Since 1992, $5.9 million has been raised locally by thousands of pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school and college students. For information regarding local programs and services of the Minnesota Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, call (888) 220-4440 or visit www.

LLS.org/mn.

Cuyler Watson and Dad Brian. Cuyler raised $70.00 for pennies for patients. His Dad Brian had acute leukemia when he was 18 years old, and Cuyler and his Mom say they are lucky to have him around. Culyer wanted to do this for his Dad. He shoveled sidewalks and etc. to raise the money. Cuyler is in Third grade in Ms. Aykens class.

In Mrs. Pierner’s class, the students have been busy reading books for “I Love to Read” month. Students will give a book report on a favorite book to stir up interest in new books. The students have also made Valentine Bear bags for our Valentine’s Day party. Crosby Super Valu donated the bags for the students.

Mrs. Pribyl’s kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school by collecting 100 food items for the local food shelf.

The Digital Photography II students created posters to honor the Crosby-Ironton athletes who were chosen by the Brainerd Dispatch as athletes of the week during the fall season.

Caught you being good

Snowshoeing

Students at Crosby-Ironton High School can receive “caught you being good” tickets from any staff member at the high school. These students “caught being good” displayed respect, responsibility, and integrity in classrooms, the commons, hallways etc.

After a student receives a “caught you being good ticket” they can enter their ticket to win prizes given away throughout the school year. (Not all students are pictured) The percentage of students “caught being good” for first semester were:

After reading Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky, some of the 4th graders at CRES tried their hand at snowshoeing.

7th Grade--43%

8th Grade--34% Larissa Neilson and Marlee Zender concerning a hill on their snowshoes.

9th Grade--28%

11th Grade--43%

10th Grade--32%

12th Grade--33%

Gabe Gibson enjoying his time trekking along.

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

Crosslake LUMBERJACKS

Community School

January science fair

Spelling Bee Winners Seth Srock, Kiley Anderson, and Zion Kramer.

Kate Grossman, not pictured These students received recognition for “Exceptional Creativity on the ‘Create a Musical’ project. For Qtr. 2.

Star Class Bev Loeffler’s 2/3 classroom. They received the Star Class Music Award for 2nd Quarter.

Lifesize Kindergarteners Mrs. Steffen’s Kindergarten group at Crosslake Community School created lifesize pictures of themselves. After reading the story “This is the Jacket I wear in the snow”, the students colored thier clothes on the lifesize drawings and then wrote their own sentences about the outdoor gear they wear in the snow. All of the lifesized drawings lined the hallways in the school and the students love to see themselves on the walls.

A Honor Roll GRADING PERIOD: QUARTER 2 8th grade Kelsi Bergquist Debra Mitchell Seth Srock 7th grade.

Ethan Gibbs Samuel Hendrickson 6th grade.

Katriana Grossman Dylan Nelson Anthony Popehn Kelsie Weite 5th grade.

Matthew Bonfig John Engstrom Joseph Hendrickson Veronica Hulke Emily Mitchell Victoria Popehn Kayla Richey

Annie Berndt, Beau Engstrom, Ella Archambault and Stephen Maschhoff

Scrapbooking Scrapbooking project in Mrs. Loeffler’s 2/3 combination classroom.

B Honor Roll GRADING PERIOD: QUARTER 2 8th grade.

Kiley Anderson Kyler Huckabay 7th grade.

Jack Friday LoganOlson Jacob Young 6th grade.

Leona Crabb Jonathan Rabe

Jack Friday, an 8th grader, was recognized for bringing in the most Box Tops for Education points for the 2nd Quarter for all grades K-8.

5th grade.

Hannah Dahlberg William Gustafson Cameron Huckabay Samantha Swanson Victoria Tilbury-Shetka Stasha Vesterby Abigail Wedge

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Wednesday, February 23

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

GARFIELD

ELEMENTARY Deep Portage: A Place for Learning On January 10, the Garfield fourth graders headed out on their 3 day adventure to Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center, near Hackensack. The fourth graders were accompanied by their teachers, other Garfield staff members, and most importantly, a number of parent chaperones. It is unsure who enjoys the trip more, the kids or the adults.

Deep Portage Learning Center is a residential environmental learning center, fully accredited by the North Cen-

tral Association of Colleges and Schools.

Garfield’s students, teachers, and parents participated in the following classes: Pioneer Olympics (Voyageur and Native American cultural history), Winter Survival (focus on safety while enjoying the outdoors), Animal Signs/Snowshoeing (study of 8 basic clues animals leave behind), TEAM (Together We Accomplish More: teamwork and cooperation), Cross Country Skiing, Climbing Wall (focus on technical skill of climbing on a 34 foot

state-of-the-art climbing wall as well as team skills), and Fish Printing (a Japanese art form studying information on fish population), Nightstalker (predator/ prey simulation), Wolf Howling (explores pack structure, behavior, and communication), and an activity of their choice during a Recreation time.

This was Garfield’s 7th annual trip.

As teachers we are committed to giving our students this experience. The trip is funded with payments from families,

fund raising, and community sponsorships. All of Garfield’s students are currently participating in a Cookie Dough Fundraiser. We appreciate everyone’s support.

“The Spirit of Deep Portage” lives on in Garfield’s students. Can you hear it in these essays?

My Deep Portage Experience By: Kelsey Miller

Tate vs. Deep Portage By: Tate Magnan

My Time at Deep Portage By: Luke Engelmeyer

On Monday, January 10th we were on our way to Deep Portage. I was nervous and scared at the same time. Our whole class went with the teachers and chaperones. There were 77 kids and about 30 adults. When we got there we had to go down the long driveway. The driveway was two miles long. It took ten minutes to get to the building. Deep Portage has about 6,300 acres, which I learned is enough land for one wolf to survive on. Our class only used about twenty acres to survive our three days.

There were a lot of things I liked at Deep Portage and Pioneer Olympics was one of them.

We started with the tomahawk throw. We had to throw the tomahawk in to a wood block. It was very hard! Then we threw the atle-latle.

We threw them into a hay bail. It was fun! My favorite game was “Cat and Mouse”. We had a rope and two people on two blocks. We pulled the rope and tried to pull it out of the other person’s hands. Although, we didn’t get to do all the games during that class it was still a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed Animal Signs Class and walking along the trail in snowshoes. In a tree, a porcupine sat and looked at us. When I was walking I saw all kinds of tracks and animal homes.

There was deep snow. I could hear it crunch under your snowshoes when I walked. Everyone in my class fell once or twice, at least. My dad and I got sweaty because it was a lot of exercise. These are some of my favorite things I did during Animal Signs Class and snowshoeing.

In Survival Class I learned a lot. One thing I learned was how to build a fire. After our team got the fire going, we filled a pot with snow and melted it in to water. Our team also had to build a shelter. The only supplies we had was a pot, a tray, a shovel, some birch bark, and a tarp. We all had to find some dry wood. It was very hard, but when we worked together it got a lot easier.

These are the things I learned in Survival Class with my teammates.

The campfire was the last class and it was my favorite. My favorite part was when Casey did his toaster song. We sang a lot of other songs, too. Another thing we did at the campfire was watched some great skits. Some of the dads and some of the kids both did amazing skits. They all were very funny!! Casey also did some magic, although it was not really magic. For one of the tricks he got a coat and lifted his leg and said his leg disappeared. You had to be there!! He also got some cool whip and told us to look out the window and he ate the cool whip!! Casey did a lot more, too. A couple of people told stories. The stories were really silly! I loved the Musky story.

It is easy to see why the campfire was my favorite class at Deep Portage.

Our last day at Deep Portage was January 12th. I was so sleepy! I didn’t want to go home, but I was missing my family and bed. Deep Portage was not just one of the best field trips ever; it was the best field trip EVER!!!!! I’m sure I will remember Deep Portage all of my life. All of the staff at Deep Portage was so nice, and they all were very fun to be around. The teachers and chaperones were all very helpful. It was a life experience. Deep Portage will be in my heart forever!

On January 10th, 2011 my mom brought me to school and I had to wait in the classroom for an hour. Next, we loaded all of our bags on the bus and we were off to Deep Portage.

The bus ride there was an hour and a half, but it felt like five hours. Then we got to Deep Portage and unpacked all of our bags in our rooms. I was excited to get started.

On January 10th, 2011 all of the Garfield 4th grade students went on a field trip to Deep Portage for three days and two nights. When my dad and I got to school, I felt nervous and anxious to go. When we started to load up, I was excited because we have been waiting since we got to school. When we got in my dad’s truck we drove for what felt like twenty hours. Then, we finally got there and started to unload, and we went to a big room called The Great Hall. The teachers talked to us. Then they dismissed us to our rooms. When I got to my dorm room I asked everyone where they wanted to sleep. Four kids wanted top bunks and two kids wanted bottom bunks. That was my first morning at Deep Portage.

My favorite thing at Deep Portage was cross-country skiing. At first, we saw a porcupine in a tree. It was funny when my dad was falling while skiing. I saw him fall two times. When we went down hill we got a lot of speed. It’s harder to go up hill than down hill. Those are the reasons I liked cross-country skiing.

My second favorite thing was survival. First we gathered sticks, and put them on a piece of wood.

Then we put our tarp on top of the wood. Next, we shoveled snow out of our fort. After that, we gathered sticks for a fire. Finally, we made fire. Those are the reasons why I liked survival.

My third favorite thing was The Tower Hike. On our way Ethan, Chuck, my dad, and I went geo cashing.

We found the treasure right away. Then we walked to the tower. When we went to the top of the tower, I held on to the railing as hard as I could. The tower is 55 ft. tall on top of a 100 ft. hill. When I made it to the top I looked out and there was an extraordinary view.

These are the reasons I liked The Tower Hike.

On January 12th, 2011 I got up from bed and packed my stuff together, and then my dad put it in his truck. Later, we went to breakfast. Then, we got ready for our last class. It was Pioneer Olympics. I liked that class because we got to throw things at fake animals. When we were done in that class we had lunch. Finally, we left. Deep Portage was best place I have ever visited!

My first class was Cross-Country Skiing Class. It was hard to get up after you fall. Then going down the big hill was awesome. Next, going up the big hill was hard to do. It was not as hard as getting up after falling. Going down the biggest hill was awesome! Cross-Country Skiing Class was my favorite class at Deep Portage.

Another favorite class was Survival Class. There was one bad part; I burned my finger trying to light the fire. My group got snow to boil so it was purified water. We had to make a shelter that could fit my entire group under the tarp. Finally, Survival Class was awesome.

My next favorite class was climbing the rock wall. It was marvelous! I made it to the top four times. When I looked down I got the shivers. I saw Mr.A’s initials, in the wall, at the very top. Finally, climbing the rock wall was another one of my favorite classes at Deep Portage.

There are so many things I haven’t shared about yet. For example, the 55 foot tower was tremendous and I climbed to the top. The food at Deep Portage was terrific. We also did a class called Pioneer Olympics where we threw old weapons at fake animals and we threw tomahawks at a large stump.

The campfire was amazing and marvelous. I enjoyed the funny skits and the musky story. Finally, the experience I had at Deep Portage was one of my best experiences ever.

Our “AR Wall of Fame” is continuing to grow. Recently our students were able to go shopping in the AR store, which is funded by our school PTA. T-shirts, hats and other treasures were purchased with their reading points. Keep up the awesome job kids. Our students have now read OVER 36 MILLION words and over 9,600 books! Amazing!!

This year’s trip is in loving memory of Gary Reiten. To learn more about Deep Portage go to: www.deep-portage.org

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

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HARRISON ELEMENTARY My Hopes and Dreams for 2011 (Typed as written by students in Mrs. Tetreault’s 3rd Grade Classroom)

By Noah These are my hopes and dreams for 2011. Would you like to hear them?

I want to be a singer in Hawaii, California, and Florida because it would be cool to sing country songs. I could also sing in different states.

I hope that I can be an artist because I could paint my dogs. I could also paint lakes.

I wish the war will stop because I don’t like to see people die. I don’t like to see people get hurt.

Would it be cool if some of my dreams came true?

By Arica I hope my hopes and dreams come true for 2011. Do you think my hopes and dreams will come true?

This year, I would like to get a blue ribbon for the first time at the Crow Wing County Fair for doing my needle point. My second hope and dream is to pass 3rd grade. To pass I will have a lot of studying, working hard, listening to directions and doing my homework. My last dream is to spend the night at the cabin this summer.

It would be fun to go tubing, swimming and to sleep in.

Those are my hopes and dreams for 2011. I hope my dreams come true.

By Macanzie I hope my hopes and dreams come true. I have lots of dreams. I hope they will come true this year. I love all of them.

My first wish is I want to be a teacher when I grow up so I can see what kids are like. I can go to my mom’s house so I can get better learning.

The second thing is that I want to get rich so I can buy a big house and have a lovely car. I can get cool stuff.

I hope blind people get to see. My mom works with a blind person. If she could see, then my mom could stay home.

Do you think these wonderful hopes and dreams will come true?

The Harrison School Patrol has 21 extremely responsible 4th grade students. They’re an awesome group of students who are leaders in our school. We are very proud of all Harrison’s School Patrols!

Statue of Liberty Madeliene in Mrs. Tetreault’s 3rd grade classroom drew a picture of the Statue of Liberty so she could enter it in a school contest.

Third grade students could enter their picture of the Statue of Liberty and have it sent to The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to determine the winning entries.

Valentines Box Arica in Mrs. Tetreault’s 3rd grade classroom is holding a Valentine Box she made for the classroom Valentine party.

By Zach T. These are my hopes and dreams for 2011. I have wishes and hope they come true.

I wish my dad’s athletes foot goes away. He has had it for 1 year. He has a special medicated cream for it.

I hope my sister starts to be nice to me. I want her to stop punching me. She needs to stop making me do her chores and stuff.

My last wish is for my parents to be able to buy the new house. The house has a big back yard. I will be able to have my very own bedroom.

Are these wishes going to come true?

By Shayna Here are some of my hopes and dreams for 2011. Do you think they will come true?

My first dream is to become a professional artist. Drawing is my passion. My favorite thing to draw is trees because they are fun and easy. I like to draw with pencils.

I also would like to see a real dolphin. I will have to travel somewhere warm, like Florida, to see a real dolphin pillow pet.

I wish that everything was made out of candy. It would make me feel happy to have candy all around. It might be interesting because I never saw Minnesota made of chocolate.

Do you think my hopes and dreams will come true? I do.

By Beau I hope my hopes and dreams come true. These are some of them.

I want to be a famous dirt biker. That would be cool! I want to make a lot of money doing that.

I also want to be rich when I grow up so I can help people out by paying for their health bills.

I want people who have been slaves for a very, very long time to be free so that they don’t have to be torchered all the time. I wish that their houses could be torn down and they rebuilt their houses. I wish that people do not lose a lot of money. I want people to live in their houses and not live on the street.

These are some of the things I want to change for 2011.

By Jasmyn These are my hopes and dreams for 2011. Would you like to hear about some of my hopes and dreams?

I wish that I can pass third grade so I can learn more stuff in forth grade and get smarter. I wish when I grow up I would like to be a veterinarian so I can help animals that are sick or hurt. I wish that the animals and the people in the hospital gets better soon. I wish that the people that have cancer are cured or get better. I wish that I will get to go to Florida and go to Disneyland and then go to SeaWorld.

Those were my wishes for 2011. Do you think they will come true?

By Richard These are my hopes and dreams for 2011. If they come true I will be happy.

My first dream is I want to be a wizard. I will have a wand, spellbooks and a flying broom. I want to be a wizard so I can grant everyone a wish on their birthday.

I would be a good wizard!

I hope I pass my math facts. I am working on my multiplication facts. I study hard every night.

I hope they put a chucke cheese across from my house. I feel happy when I am there because the pizza is awesome and I like the games. They have a lot of fun games I like to play.

I hope these things happen. Do you?

By Britney Would you like to hear some of my hopes and dreams for 2011.

I would like to be a famous fashion designer and singer. The two reasons that I want to be a designer and singer is because it’s fun and so I get money. I would like to explore the worlds places like Japan, Mexico, Brazil, France and Europe with Madi. I’m going to take my family on a vacation exploring the world.

Would you like to come with me? Will three of my wishes come true?

By David These are my hopes and dreams for 2011. These are my three wishes.

Do you have three wishes for 2011?

I wish I could be a wizard. I would wish for a mansion. I would wish for a car and for my license and I would be rich just by wishing. I wish the wars will quit because if it wasn’t for the wars people won’t get hurt. I wish violence were not allowed and guns were not invented.

I wish I could go to Florida so I could go to Sea World and Disneyland.

I hope my homes and dreams come true.

Honorary Hawks For the months December and January, Harrison students were working on the character trait “Work Together=Cooperation”.

Students worked on helping others out, thinking of others first, taking turns, working together and learning together. The following students were honored at a Harrison Hawks gathering on Monday, February 7.

1st Grade

Kindergarten

3rd Grade

2nd Grade

4th Grade

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Wednesday, February 23

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Lake Region Christian School

Hornets Sweep Chisago Invitational The Hornets recently traveled to the Chisago Lakes Invitational Basketball Tournament. The girls won all four of their games to land a spot in the championship game. The Lady Hornets defeated Tri-City Christian from Kansas City, Missouri, by a score of 40-30. Senior Kelsey Grider was named MVP of the tournament, and Sophomore Bethany Cressman was named to the all-tournament team.

The boys also won all four of their games. Their competition in the championship game was the AFSA charter school from Minnesota. The guys defeated their opponents by a score of 46-37. Sophomore Daniel Newton was named MVP of the tournament. Junior Patrick Trout was named to the all-tournament team. Congratulations, Teams, on a great weekend of basketball!

Spirit Week at LRCS Spirit Week, a much-anticipated event at LRCS, took place from February 7-February 10. The entire school participated in dress-up days. Monday was “Fake an Injury Day”; Tuesday was “Hero Day”; Wednesday was “Old Folks Day”; and Thursday was “Sports Day.” Staff and students alike participated each day. Each afternoon, the high school students were involved in some friendly team competitions. Students tested their academic knowledge with a Jeopardy academic bowl, and their physical abilities were tested by playing sheet volleyball, floor hockey, and indoor field hockey. A new event this year was the Big Foot races. Three people from each team “raced” on giant board feet. The races provided great entertainment for all who watched! Missionary Kevin Zakariasen spent two days with the high school students challenging their spiritual lives as well as participating in many of the activities. Thursday morning, the students were treated to a pancake breakfast compliments of the school board. A highlight for the entire student body was the Pep Fest held Thursday afternoon. The week culminated with parent night for the parents of the varsity basketball players at the basketball games Thursday night. Everyone enjoyed the special week as school spirit was shown!

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

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LEARNING TREE

PRESCHOOL

In January we ask the parents to come to school to enjoy an evening with their child. We show them a regular school day by having circle, playtime, preparing their own snack and singing a few songs. This year’s theme was “Winter Fun.”

Natalie, Evan, Gavin, Dylan and Simon are pretending to ice fish with their parents.

Raven and her mom and dad are making the snowman art project.

Bailey and her parents roasting marshmallows after they pretended to ice skate.

The morning class this year.

The afternoon class this year.

The afternoon class playing a game at circle. Left to right, Alissa, Colin, Emily, Asher, Daniel, Dawson, Tanner, teacher Kathy, and Delika.

These are parents that went to Learning Tree as a child and now their child attends. Left to right, Amanda, Jamie, Kloi, Ella, dad Ryan, Kiley, Libby, Kelly, (front) Sheila and Alayna

The afternoon class is singing “I’m a Little Snowman.”

These are parents that went to Learning Tree as a child and now their child attends. Left to right, Maggie and her son Kaden, Madysen and her dad Jason, Hendrix and his mom Amelia.

We are having an Open House for Fall Registration When: Thursday, March 3 Time: 9 am– 6 pm Where: Learning Tree Preschool 424 South 8th Street Call to Pre-register: 829-6175

The afternoon class listening to a story.

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Wednesday, February 23

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First Graders at Lowell School love playing in the snow!

Hands on Science Science abounds in all grade levels at Lowell School. Students in these pictures are from third and fourth grades. Students are learning and teaching and using hands on to totally immerse them selves in what is happening in each of their programs.

Valentines Day Valentine’s Day was enjoyed by all classroom on Friday, February 11th. Mr. Marohn’s fourth grade students had a balloon pop contest. No hands were allowed.

Teddy Bear Picnic Lowell Kindergarteners showed off their ‘stuff’ to their parents with a Teddy Bear Picnic held in the library.

Songs, poems and reading were highlighted for parents to see what they have learned this year.

Students of the Month

Super Citizen Back L: Middle L: Front L:

Avery E.; Taya P.; Teerza S.; Andrew K.; Brayden M.; Karter B.; Riley M.; Spencer L.; Kalie S. Avery G.; James L.; Aden E.; Riley D.; Madison B.; Jadon P.; Jacob V.; Maddy S.; Riley T. Logan P.; Breanna V.; Jazmyn S.; Griffin C.; Quinci L.; Olivia N.; Tyler B.

Crosby Cares.

The Medical Campus in Crosby.

www.crosbycares.com

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Wednesday, February 23

11S

Nisswa

ELEMENTARY Beach Day There may have been a cloudy chill in the air outside, but inside Nisswa School on Friday, February 4th it was sunny and 80 degrees as Beach Day was celebrated. Students and staff broke out their shorts, summer t-shirts and sunglasses as they limboed their way through the hallways and surfed to Beach boy music. In the library students read books while floating on air mattresses among the fish and sharks.

Winter Olympics Challenge After reading Ready Freddy: Ready, Set, Snow! Mrs. O’Brien’s class challenged Mr. Koman’s class to a Winter Olympics based on the events in the book. The two classes competed in snowball toss, snowball stack, snowshoe race, and sled relay. The snowball toss winner won by one inch!

The snowshoe racers wore milk jugs over their boots! It was fun to see them run in the deep snow.

The snowball stack winner stacked 12 snowballs. The snow sled pullers worked hard to pull their partners in the snow. At the end of the day Mrs. O’Brien’s class was awarded the Snowball Cup for winning the most events.

Our friend Briley

Clementine Hunter

2nd graders enjoyed reading a story by the fireplace on a cold winter day with Briley, a trainerd therapy dog. Briley, along with his trainer Tracy Vosen, visit Nisswa school every few weeks and enjoys laying by students as they practice their reading.

4th graders Will Lundstrom, Kevin Chrisinger and Jaylynn Ruikka displayed artwork they created based on artist Clementine Hunter.

Valentine Fun

Science

Kindergartners from Mrs. Wards class were busy getting ready for Valentine’s Day by creating these special bags and valentines.

1st graders in Mrs. Lambert’s class created runways during science class to learn about balance and motion.

Word Building

Mrs. Ward’s kindergarten class is working on building words during writing time. Our focus today was the “an” family.

12S

Wednesday, February 23

Christian Kids Fellowship Oak Street Christian School operates a homeschool group called Christian Kids Fellowship.

Twice a month homeschool families from all over the Brainerd Lakes Area come to our school to participate in different fun, educational classes that might be a little more challenging to do in a homeschool setting. We offer physical education, art classes, and a time for science experiments. We also spend time worshiping God and getting to know each other better.

Most classes are taught by the dedicated parents who attend Christian Kids Fellowship.

It is so exciting to see the halls FULL of children and to see so many smiling facing interacting with each other. God has blessed our homeschool group

Memorial Library The students of Oak Street Christian School have always been blessed with a reading library. Unfortunately, years of limited funds have meant very few new books get added to the library each year.

This year however, our library received a new name along with many new books. Jeanette Lowe, a long time member of the Brainerd SDA Church, passed away on October 3, 2010. Jeanette had a heart for Adventist education, and specifically for our little school. She kept Oak Street Christian School and all the dear children in attendance in her prayers year after year. Prayer is powerful and God has been good to our school, but Jeanette always longed to help out in a more concrete way. So when she passed away this last fall, her children put together a memorial fund, in her honor, for the library at our school. Through this very generous donation, the Jeanette Lowe Memorial Library received many new books that the children will enjoy reading for years to come.

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Community Outreach The students of Oak Street Christian School get an opportunity each month to bond with people

of a different generation. Once a month, our school goes to a local retirement community where the students get to interact with the residents. Relationships develop between the students and the residents as they pair up to play BINGO or work together on a craft. The residents look forward to our visit and to working with their “special little person.” The kids enjoy the break in routine and the opportunity to reach out to the elderly people of our community.

Lower Grade “Face Lift” The lower grade students at Oak Street Christian School have been blessed by a local volunteer with a heart for young children. For many years, Oak Street Christian School has been a one teacher school. Kids in all 9 grades (K-8) study, socialize, and grow in a single classroom. While this multigrade setting has many academic and social advantages, at times it can limit the amount of “movement” that many younger students crave. Mrs. Donna Shanholtzer recently started volunteering two days a week at our school, where she works with the lower grade students. She helps them with their studies and teaches them new concepts. But most importantly, she creates a hands-on learning environment where younger students are free to move about as they learn. She has brought many new ideas and fun projects into the classroom.

Why We Love Our School “I like my teacher and I like the gym. We can teach Christian stuff at our school and we can praise God.” Amanda Olson, 4th Grade “I like that I still have recess in 8th grade. I like that we have a gymnasium and that we can ride ripstick in the gymnasium.”

Nathan Olson, 8th Grade “I love school because it’s fun. I like it because there’s a big gym. I like it because we can play with legos.”

Michael Olson, 2nd Grade “What I love about school is friends and having a nice teacher that lets us talk and help each other on assignments.”

Taylor Olson, 7th Grade “Our school is a safe place to be; there is no bullying. The kids who go here are all nice. I have guitar lessons at school. The teacher gives you direction. She always helps with school work before you start it. Jesus is here.”

Hannah Northburg, 7th Grade “We get a Christian education.”

Calvin Hanson, 8th Grade “The people are nice. We learn new stuff. We have fun. It’s a Christian school.”

Colby Hanson, 2nd Grade “I like the stop light (a classroom discipline strategy). I like the reading loft.”

Carter Woodward, 1st Grade “My school work is fun. I like rollerblading. I like going in the loft. I like reading books.”

Millie Holbrook, Kindergarten “We have a big gym. We have fun. We learn lots of stuff. We believe in God.” Owen Schwartz, 2nd Grade There is no bullying. We have a good teacher. I wish there were more kids here. Everybody can talk about God without being made fun of. When someone gets hurt, one of the older kids can help out. We have good kids.”

Carlie Hanson, 6th Grade “Everyone is nice. School is a place where you can learn about God.” Jodie Doxtator, 6th Grade

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Wednesday, February 23

PILLAGER

13S

Home of the Huskies Passports Pillager schools first graders are traveling around the world! They are having tea with the queen of Europe, making blubber in Antarctica, weaving Kente cloths in Africa, making maracas in South America, and much much more!

Recorders

by Autumn Meyer and Morgan Kohout The 4th grade class has been learning to play recorders. The recorders are really fun to use. They look really cool. Mr. Stoneking and the whole class say they look festive and you can see through them. The recorders will be a really fun experience for the 4th grade.

Front row: Seth Jones, Braedon Nelson, Becca Smith.

Row 2: Ben Oie, Annie Posner.

Row 3: Krystal Yoder, Adina Dosser, Andrea Torres.

Lutefisk Christmas Mrs. Cousino’s class of readers studied various animals, chose interesting facts, and created reports to present to the first grade. They learned the writing process and showed Husky PRIDE in their creations!

Aquatic Biology This is the third year that Mr. Saulsbury’s Aquatic Biology class has attempted to recreate a type of water treatment plant, in the classroom.

This may just be the year we get it to work! The first step for the students is to gain some knowledge about water quality. What does that mean exactly? Quality water for whom? For what purpose? How do you measure quality? It is with questions like this that we start talking about water.

From there they learn about things like dissolved oxygen, surface water runoff, pollution, habitat alterations and much more. Techniques used to measure chemical, physical, and biological factors that impact our waters are discussed and practiced. Then they have to figure out how to “clean” some water using the contraption seen below.

Growing on the rocks in the tubs is a biofilm. A layer of living creatures comprised of single celled organisms. The biofilm is mainly composed of organisms called Protists. Over time the Protists cover all the rocks and the walls and are found free-floating in the water. These organisms need food to survive. So we feed them a variety of things including sunlight (many are photosynthetic), hay, wheat, soil, and of course a little fertilizer.

The fertilizer contains limiting agents, compounds that limit growth due to their scarcity. The main two limiting agents we discuss being nitrogen and phosphorous. Some pollution is then added to the water in the form of excess fertilizer. The exact concentration is calculated, and placed in the top. This should cause and algae bloom in the tanks.

As the Protists grow and eat the pollution (fertilizer) the water should become cleaner. Or will another problem arise? Perhaps you know what will happen, perhaps you don’t. To find out what exactly happens you will have to wait and see. Or you could always stop on by and check it out for yourself!

Mr. Saulsbury

Spelling Bee Chase Muller. 6th Grade won the Pillager Spelling Bee held on 1/20 in the Media Center. He went 13 rounds to be our District winner and will advance to The Lakes Bee at Tornstrum Auditorim on February 18, 2011 at 1:30 for a chance to win our regional bee and advance to Washington DC!

It’s All in Knowing How That’s what the soldiers said as they left the village in the story “Stone Soup.” Mrs. Fredman’s kindergartners are memorizing the lines from this story and the lines from the story titled, “The Enormous Turnip” for their Family Program on February 25th. The students are working on expression, clarity, and stage blocking. Other parts of this program include narration, recitation, and songs. The students are extending invitations to parents, grandparents, and other special people. By the time February 25th arrives, everyone in the class will be saying, “It’s all in knowing how,” and they’ll be excited to show it!

By Braden Kramer

Mrs. Jacobson came to Pillager Elementary to teach Mrs. Nordin’s 4th grader class all about Christmas in Norway. We learned how to decorate a Norwegian tree. We ate lutefisk and we learned some Norwegian words. We also learned that a Norwegian Santa is called a Nisse.

Raptor Center Visits On January 5th the Raptor Center visited Pillager Elementary.

Adam brought four feathered friends to school to teach us about a special group of birds called raptors. The students learned that raptors have really good eyes, hooked beaks, and special feet called talons. Raptors eat meat and are called predators.

Forensic Science Final Each year as a part of the final exam for Forensics, a crime scene is created to test the students knowledge of the techniques covered in class. This year The Pillager Family center was kind enough to allow us to use the old church located by the Early Childhood wing of our school.

It worked out great! The Pillager Fire Department also allowed us to use their c.p.r. mannequin for a body in addition to the one created out of old clothes, newspaper and a balloon. This meant there could be a double homicide, with lots of room to look for evidence.

Students photograph and sketch the crime scene the first two days. They take detailed measurements and record everything they see. Then the students collect each piece of evidence for analysis back in the lab. This process takes a couple days as well. Once back in the lab the students examine: fingerprints, shoe impressions, and tire prints; handwriting, paper, pencils and markers, hair, fibers, impressions, unknown powders, blood type, blood spatter and DNA evidence.

Finally, the class is given folders containing information on both the victims and several suspects. It is then their job to determine who was involved, who wasn’t, and the chain of events that lead to the deaths. It is this part where their minds are truly stretched. Can you prove, based on fact, not opinion or ”what you think”, but based on fact, what happened?

There is a lot of room for mistakes, but those tend to be some of the best teachers. The students that really dive into the scene and get caught up in the details learn the most, and have the most fun along the way. In the end, this year, they solved the crime. If you want to know what happened just find a PHS CSI and ask. I bet they would love to tell you about it.

Mr. Saulsbury

Husky of the Month The Pillager Husky Booster Club’s Husky of the Month is a member of the ImPrint newspaper staff. Lauren Jeziorski was selected by Advisor Ryan Ihrke. Ihrke states, “Lauren is always positive and ready to help; even if that includes bringing food for long meetings.” The Booster Club meets the first Monday of each month in the school board meeting area. Those interested in joining, may contact Greg Bennett for more information.

ARTIST’S CORNER Acrylic/Oil on Masonite “Cedar Snack Time” Grade 10

Artist: Matthew Neururer

14S

Wednesday, February 23

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Fun With School Readiness!

PRB Raises Funds for Ronald McDonald House The Pine River Backus Elementary School brought in 62 pounds of pop tabs to raise funds to help children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House. Mrs. Goddard’s Kindergarten class helped Miss Henkel weigh the pop tabs.

Preschool students sing with enthusiasm during their School Readiness performance.

Making Old New Again Mrs. Sether’s 4th Grade class learned about recycling paper to make new paper. They used old book orders and, with the help of Barb and Michelle from Happy Dancing Turtle, created new paper to draw on or make projects from.

Dad and daughter are decorating a gingerbread house before the School Readiness program held in December.

3rd Grade Dictionaries Third grade students from Ms. TeHenneppe’s and Mr. Hoffarth’s classes received student dictionaries donated by the Central Lake Area Rotary. A representative from the rotary, Bob McLean, is pictured with the students. Student members of Interact were also present to assist with the dictionaries.

Go Wild!

Go Wild with Fruits & Veggies! is designed to involve students in active and experimental learning.

Rather than reading the traditional textbook, students gather around a large flip book that the educator (Monica De La Cruz, Cass County) uses to share information and guide discussion. Lessons are organized by fruit and veggie colors. An animal character is associated with each lesson to make learning more enjoyable and educate the students about area wildlife. Lessons include games, music, dance, tasting, and other activities to stimulate all five senses and keep the students engaged!

Gingerbread Baby Escapes Again!

The first graders at Pine River-Backus kicked off “I Love to Read Month” with a serious scavenger hunt throughout the elementary and high school. After reading Jan Brett’s The Gingerbread Baby, all three classes followed a recipe to make their own life-size gingerbread baby, and then.. Oh No! When they went to take him out of the oven, he had run away! They followed the clues from staff throughout the school building until finally they came to the principal’s office. Mrs. Bruns said that she had let the gingerbread baby join first grade! The first graders returned to their rooms only to find that the gingerbread baby had left each of them one of his little friends to snack on... but they never did catch the Gingerbread Baby !

Clifford Visits PRBE! Clifford and Emily Elizabeth were surprise guests in Miss Richards’s Kindergarten class!

Students from Ms. TeHennepe’s third grade put on plays for parents and classmates in December.

Super Spellers!

The PRB District Spelling Bee was held on Thursday, Feb. 3 in the High School gym. Twelve contestants from grades 5-8 participated, and 5th grader Shaun Jacobsen was declared the 2011 Champion.

Shaun will compete at the Lakes Bee in Brainerd on Friday, Feb. 18.

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Wednesday, February 23

15S

Mission Statement St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, in cooperation with the family, is a vibrant school committed to challenging students to grow spiritually, academically and socially within a Catholic-centered environment. Our students come from the entire region including Brainerd, Baxter, Pillager, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, MerriďŹ eld, Aitkin, Deerwood, Ironton, Crosby, Garrison, Pine River, Crosslake, E. Gull Lake & Fort Ripley.

LENTEN FISH FRIES Friday nights: March 11th through April 15th

Community, tradition and appetites reign during our fish fries! Everyone is invited to join us for an oldfashioned fish fry with sides, dessert and lemonade on Friday nights during Lent. The students of St. Francis School will serve meals to raise money for their school.

St. Francis Catholic Church Social Hall (basement) 404 North 9th St., Brainerd, MN 56401 Fridays March 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 15 4:30pm - 7:00pm Children <12 - $4.00, Everyone else - $8.00 If you would like to volunteer, please call 829-2344

Valentines by Fourth Graders:

Catholic Schools Week Celebration

Valentines are red, sometimes blue. Yours is purple because I love you. Josh One Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Garret was walking, and all of a sudden he tripped. He fell into a heart and sunk into it. He was now in a world of Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Garrett There once was a baby named Cupid. Cupid loved to ďŹ&#x201A;y. Cupid went all around his house with his diaper on and his bow ready to shoot. Amy Once there were two friends. Their names were Hope and Lily. They were best friends and always got together on holidays. Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day was coming up so they needed to get each other gifts. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to give each other because they wanted to like it. So they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get each other anything, but Lily and Hope didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care. They knew all they needed was love and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they got. Mariko It was Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morning and a brand new baby Cupid was born. There was a party, and they had a great Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party.

The party had heart cookies, cakes, doughnut, and pink marshmallows. The were wonderful. There was Twister, karaoke, jump rope, hide and seek, ďŹ nd the pink golden cookie, and all sorts of games, even more than 100,000. It was the best party ever. Ellie

Father Steve and Mrs. Titus (K) watch the Talent Show.

Outside Fun

Funny Hat Day

Getting ready for the Talent Show

Prayer Buddies read together.

Singing at the Talent Show

Teachers versus Middle School Students Volleyball game

Sports Jersey Day

Family Fun Dance

Biztown Field Trip On January 13 the 5th and 6th graders took a ďŹ eld trip to Biztown in Maplewood, MN. Each student was given a job in one of ďŹ ve different businesses. They were in charge of operating the business, producing goods or services for other students at Biztown, and learned how communities operate.

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16S

Wednesday, February 23

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Staples

Motley

Independent School District #2170 First Robotics Competition Staples Motley High School is fortunate to have received two grants aimed at helping our students become involved in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) which holds a robotics competition. One grant is from JCPenney and the other from 3M. Both of which have allowed SM to purchase the equipment and materials needed to build a competition robot. Graco Co. is also providing grant money and as well as an engineer, Kevin Mashuga, to help.

The robot is being designed to pick up an inner tube and place it on a wall across the arena. At the end it can release a minibot which will be able to climb up a pole. Our 19 students involved are working on designing, building and operating this robot with the help of Nathan Peterson, CLC robotics instructor and a few of his students who are volunteering their time to mentor our students in creating the robot.

We will be demonstrating this robot to the public during half time at the SM Girls basketball game on Feb. 15th. The competition is March 10, 11 and 12 at the DECC in Duluth. Further information can be found about this competition on www.usfirst.org or check out our facebook page: tfrc clc. (the First Robotic Cardinals).

Pen Pals As a friendly letter lesson, the 4th grade students in Mrs. Odden’s class at Staples Elementary wrote pen pals letters to students in Naples, Florida. Even though email was an option, Mrs. Odden believes that the skill of letter writing via “snail mail” is still a very crucial part of communication that could be lost in future generations. She emphasizes that authentic handwritten letters can be cherished and treasured keepsakes from parents, grandparents, loved ones, and even pen pals for a lifetime.

One of her fourth graders, Olivia Kruchten, who previously attended the Village School in Naples, matched up the students, as she knows both classrooms very well. After learning about the five parts of a friendly letter and going through the writing process, the well written and informative letters were delivered via Express Mail just in time for Christmas!

Mrs. Thompson’s students were so excited to receive them and to begin communicating with their new friends. They have since sent letters to the Staples kids along with a class picture, and the writing continues! Next, we will be corresponding via Skype in our classrooms!

WEBSITE Once again this year, we urge our parents to use our website (www.isd2170.k12.mn.us) and Family Access. Sports schedules, news items, handbooks, etc. are all on the web! Announcements are also posted daily. Family Access is a great way to keep in touch with the school and teachers. This feature allows you to monitor your childs’ attendance, grades, lunch account and much more. Be sure to contact us if you still need a password and instructions. You can also pay your lunch accounts, activity fees and music rental, with check or credit card, through e-funds on our web site. Click on “Links” to find the site, then follow the instructions to set up your e-fund account.

Polar Plunge Staples Motley High School has 4 seniors that are participating in the “POLAR PLUNGE” in Brainerd (Breezy Point) on March 5th, at 1pm.

We are trying to raise money for them to participate. Money will be donated to Minnesota Special Olympics. The boys are: Philip Smithley, Zach Israelson, Erik Nelson, and Derek “Larry” Deyonge.

For more information visit www.plungemn.org. The boys’ team name is CUDDLY CREW and they will be wearing pajamas!

Dollars for Scholars The annual Staples and Motley Dollars for Scholars Auction and spaghetti supper was held January 31, 2011. There were well over 100 items to be auctioned. Most local businesses were represented as well as several others who donated homemade food and craft items. Over $11,000 was raised for the scholarship program. Every year the Staples and Motley Dollars for Scholars organization gives scholarships to graduating seniors who plan on attending college. Last year $81,000 of scholarships were awarded.

STAPLES MOTLEY BUSES GO GREEN RECEIVING A $27,000 GRANT School buses serving Staples Motley ISD #2170 are now running cleaner and greener thanks to the voluntary efforts of the school district.

ISD #2170 recently partnered with Project Green Fleet, a collaboration of businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Minnesota’s air quality by reducing diesel emissions.

Buses are made “green” by the installation of federally approved catalyst mufflers that can reduce engine emissions and eaters that reduce idling. Five school buses in the Staples Motley School District fleet have been retrofitted with catalyst mufflers and nine will have idle-reducing heaters installed, with a combined worth over $27,000.

Cleaner running buses serving Staples Motley School District are part of a larger statewide effort by Project Green Fleet. To date, more than 1,800 buses have been retrofitted all around the state of Minnesota. Those retrofits have reduced emissions exposure for thousands of school children. Because children breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults, they are especially susceptible to the health problems these pollutants can cause, such as asthma and other upper respiratory ailments.

Participation in Project Green Fleet is entirely voluntary. Air quality in Minnesota currently meets federal standards administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

As a result, there is no mandate in Minnesota to retrofit diesel engines to make them run cleaner.

Norbert Klimek, who works at the Staples Motley bus garage, worked on obtaining the grant after reading an EPA email and watching a news segment about Project Green Fleet on TV. Klimek says, “I am extremely pleased with the project results. The benefits go way beyond cleaning up our environment. These Espar Heaters being installed on nine of our buses will also save on the longevity of expensive bus components and will make for much easier start in the winter, plus will help keep our buses warmer for the children on the brutally cold days.

Thanks to Project Green Fleet’s sponsors, participation is completely free to participating bus fleets. In Staples Motley, clean buses have been made possible through a federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Project Green Fleet has also received support from project funders such as Flint Hills Resources, Andersen Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Project Green Fleet worked with Donaldson Company Inc., a Minnesota based manufacturer of clean diesel technologies to purchase the pollution control equipment.

Please visit www.projectgreenfleet.org to see other school districts that are participating.

Middle School Respect & Responsibility Students at MSMS now have the opportunity to have an 18 minute morning break each day, depending on whether or not they are adhering to the new “Respect & Responsibility Break” program. This program started at the beginning of the 3rd quarter and it will be an incentive for students to act respectfully at school and to have their homework assignments done well and in a timely fashion.

The 18 minute break was made possible by shaving off three minutes from each class period. Everyone reports somewhere during that time period and there are three options available which include: · Socialization/physical activity. Those students who have been both respectful in class and responsible with their homework will be rewarded. This means a choice of participating in a physical activity outside or in the gym; or socializing and playing games in the cafeteria. · Time out room. Students who have been disrespectful in class will spend the break time in this room. Students are allowed 2 “time-outs” in a week’s time. If they have a third one, they will also receive a disciplinary notice. · The study room is available for students who do not have their assignments done or are struggling with their homework. We hope students will view the study room as an opportunity to become better students.

We want our 6th—8th graders to be better students and we want to reward them for doing that. We also realize that some are struggling and hopefully this study room option will give them a chance to catch up.

The idea for the “Respect & Responsibility Break” program came after hearing constructive feedback from MSMS teachers last spring indicating that students needed more incentive in the classroom. The new program will be evaluated in a few months to see how it’s working.

Hopefully, the 18th minute break reward will be the incentive needed for students to show respect in class and to get their assignments done on time.