Brainerd Area School Pages - November 2011

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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HX]dda EV\Zh NOVEMBER 2011 Baxter Elementary

Pequot Lakes Forestview Middle School

Brainerd Community Education

Harrison Elementary

Pillager Area Charter School

Central Lakes College

Learning Tree Preschool

Pine River/Backus

Crosby/Ironton

Lowell Elelmentary

Riverside Elementary

Crosslake Community School

Nisswa Elementary

Staples/Motley

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Kids School Pages

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BAXTER

ELEMENTARY High School Authors Visit Mrs. Swanson/Smith’s first graders had guest authors visit their classroom the last week in October. Students from Ms. Macioce’s Creative Writing Classes at the high school came over to share the children’s books they had written. Several of the high school students donated their books to the classroom so the first graders can continue to enjoy the creative stories.

Pumpkin Carving Students in Mr. & Mrs. Johnson’s Class Carved pumpkins in their classroom to jump start the Halloween Festivities.

Halloween Costumes and Games

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Washington Fun ‘N’ Friends Summer Fun

Emma Seibel and Marin Scheiterlein of KinderClub Early-Age Care/ Pre-K Program are bouncing their way to an active and healthy life.

Teaching and Learning

FORESTVIEW YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL The children enjoyed growing their own vegatables and eating their produce, espcially the fresh grilled corn.

They even made a farm friend named Kirby the Pig.

YOUTH CONNECTION Senior Leaders Have you checked out the youth in Sr. Leaders over at Forestview Middle School lately? They are . . .

Musically talented

Funny like a clown

Scary looking

Possesses the Warrior team spirit

Hip

And look like a diva

The FYAC (Forestview Youth Advisory Council) participated in this year’s Haunted Trail hosted again

by Northland Arboretum. The theme was Halloween Prom. Pictured are youths, volunteers, YOUTH CONNECTION Coordinator and Supervisors who all came together and weathered the cold chill to put on a scary prom. It was noted over 3,000 people visited the Halloween Trail and got scared out of their wits. At the end of the trail, apple cider was served.

Additionally, FYAC will be participating in a variety of projects in the upcoming months. They are Toy Drive, Ruby’s Pantry, Polar Plunge, Operation Interdependence and Homeless Awareness to name a few.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Rep. Urdahl visits CLC

The 16-person CLC Medical Assistant Advisory Board provided invaluable assistance in attaining national accreditation. Members include, front from left, Deb Bergsnev, Machel Marshall, Beth Sabas, Barb Goochey, and back from left, Debra Kearns, Jackie Och, instructor-program director Dawn Michel, Rebecca Bennett, Pamela Beebe, Deanna Kohout and not pictured: Nicole Finnegan, Connie Vieths, Roger Jahn, Ida Lombard, and Jeff Wig, dean of career and technical programs and Staples campus.

CLC Medical Assistant program gains national accreditation The Central Lakes College Medical Assistant program at the Staples campus has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

A review board and CAAHEP’s board of directors announced that the CLC program is in “substantial compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.” The initial accreditation status is in effect for five years.

The CLC program is also accredited through the American Medical Technologists. The latest endorsement comes

State Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), a retired educator and author, visited with former legislator Steve Wenzel (left) of Little Falls and Central Lakes College President Larry Lundblad in Brainerd recently.

The five-term lawmaker toured the campus of one of Minnesota’s fastestgrowing public community and technical colleges, discussing educational issues related to sustaining

search underway at the college’s Agricultural and Energy Center at Staples.

Manufacturing tour Welding and Fabrication student Pete Wolkenhauer (left) of Brainerd showed Brainerd High School juniors Matt Jares and John Elgard (right) pictures of his and other CLC students’ welding projects at the recent Tour of Manufacturing. Wolkenhauer, a 2012 graduate of Pine River-Backus High School, is an apprentice at Lakeland Mold, Brainerd.

This allows him to earn his degree at CLC and enjoy part-time work with a good chance of full-time employment at Lakeland Mold after graduation.

from the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field.

National accreditation is considered the “gold standard” for medical assisting, said Dawn Michel, instructor-director of CLC’s 44-credit diploma program.

Institutional accreditation helps to assure potential students that a school is a sound institution and has met certain minimum standards in terms of administration, resources, faculty and facilities.

‘Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail’

the state’s economy with an educated workforce.

Talk included biofuel re-

Students do fall clean-up Central Lakes College student senators were busy earlier this fall raking and cleaning yards for the elderly in Staples. On one recent Saturday they completed a total of 8 yards in 9 hours. This is a free service that the Student Senate seeks to provide each fall in the Staples community and again in the spring semester for the Brainerd community. CLC thanks Steve Mau at Brainerd General Rental for donating several leaf blowers for this event.

The cast of “A Winnie the Pool Christmas Tail” at Central Lakes College includes, from left, Andy Hopps (Eeyore), Abby Pratt (Piglet), Matthew O’Reilly (Winnie the Pooh), Andrew Smith (Owl), Theodore Wadsten (Christopher Robin), Justin Lane (Rabbit), Luke O’Reilly (Tigger), Sydney Stock (Kanga), and Trinity Shields (Roo).

The show plays Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Dryden Theatre, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 17.

Open House Fun

At the Oct. 28 Staples campus open house Rose Dahlvang painted a monkey on the wrist of Augustina Bue, Little Falls. The annual event is an opportunity to visit with students and faculty to find the career that is right for you. Guests received information on the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Applied Science degree, and diploma opportunities in these campus programs: Graphic Design, Machine Trades, Photography, Robotics, Video Production, Diesel Mechanics, Nursing, Members of The Rose Ensemble gave a one-hour Heavy Equipment, Medical Assistant, and Viticulture. workshop in the Central Lakes College Music Rehearsal There were tours, demonstrations, prizes, food, and fun.

Hall on the Brainerd campus. The group was in Brainerd to perform “Songs of Temperance and Temptation: 100 Years of Restraint and Revelry in Minnesota” for the Cultural Arts Series. The show is a musical exploration of the humor and history behind Prohibition and Minnesota’s long-standing love/hate relationship with Kirstin Nelson (left), a Central Lakes College Practithe pub. cal Nursing student from Baxter, donated her blood for the American Red Cross at the Staples campus, assisted by Nicole Folger, a phlebotomist. Kirstin was among 50 people who volunteered to give a pint. The CLC Diesel Club earned a pizza party for having the highest percentage of donors. Erich Heppner, CLC director of student life, said the next blood drive will be Nov. 30 on the Brainerd campus from 8:30 to 1:30 in the gym.

Donors may make an appointment by emailing him at eheppner@clcmn.edu

Rose Ensemble workshop

Blood drive

Christmas concert The Steeles return to Central Lakes College for concerts Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre. This is a CLC Cultural Arts Series event. The Steeles are the First Family of Twin Cities gospel, soul, and jazz. Join Jearlyn, Jevetta, Billy, J.D., and Fred for a musical treat the whole family will love.

Prices for “The Steele Family” range from $25-$10 according to which section of seating. Tickets are for assigned seats. For full ticket details and seating charts, go to this event’s page at www.clctickets.com

Kids School Pages

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Crosby-Ironton Rangers

Homecoming Week Celebration Crosby-Ironton High School held their homecoming celebration October 7th-October 14th. As a part of the homecoming festivities there are dress up days, homecoming coronation, athletic events, a parade, and a dance. The homecoming parade, held on October 14th, included Homecoming King Joe Herda and Queen Mikayla Dehning.

Dress Up Days The dress up days this year were Monday – Dress as Your Favorite Teacher, Tuesday – 80’s Workout Apparel, Wednesday – Nerd & Ugly Sweater Day, Thursday – Halloween Costumes, and Friday was Spirit Day. Included are photos of students with the teacher they dressed up as, teachers recognized by the students were Mr. Galovich, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Ellingsen, Mr. Kuschel, and Ms. Pierce.

Homecoming Parade

mmfcu.org Baxter | Brainerd | Crosby | Staples Pequot Lakes opening January 2012!

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kids School Pages

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Crosslake LUMBERJACKS

Community School

Character Traits of the Month Each month we have a different Character Trait Word of the Month. It is announced at the beginning of the month, and at the end of each month the classroom teacher chooses 0-3 students who have demonstrated that character trait. The names are announced over the P.A. system, a photo is taken, each student gets a recognition certificate and a coupon for a free personal sized pizza from Rafferty’s.

Music & Band Award

September - Kindess

October - Integrity Lilly Swenson, Kate Davis, Music/Band Teacher, Samantha Swanson

PE Awards

Names by class: K: David Rabe, Emily Hulke, Jayda Anderson.

K/1: Alyssa Nelson, Amelia Davis.

1/2: Joe Rabe, Beau Engstrom.

2/3 Neumann: Parker Moan, Cole Pollock.

2/3 Loeffler: Wade Loeffler, Landon Mitchell.

3/4: Grace Bonfig, Rory Starkka.

4/5: Erin Gray, Robbie Hendrickson, Lyla Billman.

5/6: Ally Anderson, Joey Hendrickson.

7/8: Dylan Nelson, Jacob Young.

Perfect Attendance

Trout Lake Camp

(top) K-Brayden Thomas, Mercedes Engstrom; K/1-Taylor Max, Danika Dik; 1/2Donavan Lewandowski, Beau Engstrom, Pierce Swenson; 2/3L- Tristan Veit, Jonah Young; 2/3N-Korbyn Hulke, Hannah Taylor; 3/4Evelyn Swenson, Konner Dik; 4/5 – Sidney Veit, Emily Brunkhorst.

Not pictured is: 2/3L -Cruz Megazinni . (right) 5/6 - Emily Mitchell and Matt Bonfig.

Anthony Popehn Jonathan Rabe Chase Tulenchik Cole Gray William Gustafson Veronica Hulke Victoria Popehn Samantha Swanson Lyla Billman Clayton Meyers Stephanie Aldridge Tigerlily Bass Ghage Berger Grace Bonfig Jackson Brennan Erin Gray Ellie Loken Lillian Swenson Sidney Veit Caleb Davis Isaak Geroy Dane Hollingsworth

Korbyn Hulke Michael Johnson David Maschhoff Parker Moan Evelyn Swenson Rausie Cummings Braeden Davis Wade Loeffler Stephen Maschhoff Logan Mejdrich Maya ozrvis Joseph Rabe Pierce Swenson Hannah Taylor Tristan Veit Rose Aldridge Connor Cable Parker Schott Edward Shetka 5th Ethan Shetka Jayda Anderson James Cummings Amelia Davis Mercedes Engstrom Emily Hulke Levi Loken David Rabe Emma Schott Millie Taylor Tori Windorski

Row 1: Taylor Max, Amelia Davis, James Omtvedt, David Rabe, Beau Engstrom, Tristan Veit. Row 2: Joseph Rabe, Maya Orvis, Korbyn Hulke, Rory Starkka, Stephanie Aldridge, Sidney Veit.

Row 3: Veronica Hulke, Ethan Gibbs.

New Equipment

By collecting Campbell Soup Labels, the school has earned a variety of playground equipment - such as jump ropes, ankle twists, footballs, soccer balls, activity balls, Movement DVD’s and CD’s. Mrs. Martin, director of CCS, has spent several recess periods teaching students how to play jump rope games that she learned as a child.

The students in this photo are: Tori Tilbury-Shetka, Chaia Tulenchik, Tori Popehn, Veronica Hulke, Mrs. Martin, Lyla Billman.

Uppgaard Wildlife Area Trip

Chilli Cook Off

The students in Mrs. Loeffler’s and Mrs. Neumann’s 2/3 class from Crosslake Community School spent an afternoon at Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area. The students had been talking about plants and their structures in science class.

To extend their learning even more, the class went outside into nature.

Students collected leaves for a writing project they will be doing in class.

They have to turn their leaves, pine cones, and acorns they found into an object or animal. Then they have to write a descriptive paragraph about their picture.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Fifth Grade Field Trip Explores Mining in Northern Minnesota An October trip to Chisholm and Hibbing for Forestview 5th graders provided a unique opportunity for students to learn how mining has affected a community, state, and nation, the impact that mining has had on the environment, as well as the process of reclamation. Students were guided through the MN Discovery Center in Chisholm while learning about mining methods of extracting, processing, and modifying minerals into usable products, the geology of locating and identifying minerals like coal, oil, and granite, along with the history of the mining industry. They watched

a performance by Cuyler Adams explaining the history of the Range.

Students enjoyed a trolley ride to a an old mining pit site at the Discovery Center that was set up with old buildings from the early mining days. At this site, demonstrators showed students about weaving, old fashioned games, and cane making.

On the way home, classes stopped at Hull Rust Mahoning

Mine Observation Area in Hibbing, where students were be able to view and learn about the world’s largest open pit mine. Fifth grader Olivia King remarked, “I would have never thought that Minnesota would have the biggest open pit mines in the world! What an awesome trip. I had no idea this was all here!”

Project Lead the Way Introduces Engineering Concepts The 7 th & 8th grade Project Lead the Way courses at Forestview Middle school introduces basic concepts of engineering to all 7th and 8th grade students.

One of the design challenges that 7th grade student’s work on is known as the “Automated Launch Ball Machine”. This is a project that requires students to research, design, construct and test a land transportation vehicle. The students are given the requirements and expectations of the project.

We talk about mathematical and scientific concepts that could be helpful tools for their individual designs.

After researching possible solutions students then use the engineering design process to create their sketch design ideas.

The students in the photos are working on the beginning steps of the design process, brainstorming ideas and sketching. They will then go through the process of building and testing their ideas in the near future.

The project is an 11 day creative thinking design challenge that allows students to use their problem solving skills and express their creative abilities that will benefit them in the life choices.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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HARRISON ELEMENTARY Friendly Fridays Friendly Fridays has returned to Harrison School!

All of the students in Grades K-4 have been divided into groups which include children from all grade levels. On Fridays, from 8:30-9:00, these groups of students meet with one special staff person. During this half hour, the

Mrs. Hunter’s Class groups discuss and learn such things as social skills, behavior skills, goal setting, self-confidence, self-esteem and developing the feeling of belonging to a group. Pictured here are a couple of our groups reading a story about a skunk who was self-conscious about her scent.

A student in Mrs. Hunter’s first grade donated a 70lb. pumpkin! We had fun guessing it's weight and counting the seeds.

Mrs. Comstock’s Class Mrs. Hunter’s first grade found lots of goop to go through to get to the seeds!

This was a mystery guest reader in Mrs. Hunter’s 1st grade.

Students in Mrs. Comstock’s first grade measured pumpkins of a variety of sizes during math activities on Halloween.

A student in Mrs. Comstock’s first grade classroom works daily on her 100 High Frequency Words, using Magna letters and white boards.

A student in Mrs. Hunter’s first grade is using an Eye Spy gets a closer look at a leaf.

During math lessons in Mrs. Comstock’s first grade, students used a variety of manipulatives and activities to reinforce new concepts.

Students in Mrs. Comstock’s first grade enjoyed learning about a sunflower, which was brought in for science sharing. Students read books and wrote stories and used their science journals to write down their observations.

Mrs. Comstock’s first grade class enjoyed wearing their Halloween costumes during their Halloween party.

First grade students in Mrs. Comstock’s classroom read stories about seeds, roots and stems to make connections to our science sharing of a giant sunflower.

A high school guest reader came to Mrs. Hunter’s 1st grade. You are never too old to appreciate Dr. Seuss!

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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LEARNING TREE

PRESCHOOL

Learning About Fire Safety

The ambulance came to teach us about their job.

We just learned about the fire truck.

We learned about fire safety. The firefighter showed us what he looked like in his safety gear and not to be afraid.

Future Fire Fighters?

Halloween Party

Halloween fun with the morning class.

Playing a game at our party.

We learned how the equipment worked, future doctors?

The afternoon classes’ ghouls and goblins.

We are making our “witches brew” for snack.

Bingo fun.

New friends at school

For enrollment information, please call 829-6175.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kids School Pages

Fall Trips for Lowell Students Farm of Plenty and St. Mathias Farm

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Student of the Month Have a plan ~ Make a plan

Lowell second grades took a field trip to Farm Of Plenty to learn about farming. The students picked radishes straight from the field, picked out their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and had a pumpkin rolling contest. Each brought home a pumpkin.

Lowell first graders went to St. Mathias Farm and ran through the corn fields enjoying the October sun.

Back (left to right): Zakia H.; Hailey H.; Nick R.; Kristin B.; Ashlin S.; Emma K.; Tennyson K.; Karter B.; Lily L. Middle: Kyra P.; Quinci L.; Myah N.; Ben K.; Lily B.; Taylor R.; Nariah F.; Nick S.; Abby W. Front: Micah H.; Seth L.; Savannah M.; Emma K.; Zach B.; Max V.; Hunter C.; Max H.; Katie W.

Camp Shamineau Mr. Meyer and Mrs. VanVickle’s classes went to Camp this month to learn how team work can make things easier.

American Heart Association Chefs Cook for Classes Amercan Heart Association Chefs visited Lowell and made healthy breakfasts for third grade classes.

In these pictures: (top) Mr. Meyer’s fourth grade is learning team work can make the beam move if everyone cooperates. (bottom left) on the high wire (bottom right) swinging through the forest

Ronald McDonald and friends stopped by Lowell School and spoke to the student body about respect

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Nisswa

ELEMENTARY Deep Portage Trip Nisswa 4th graders traveled to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve on October 11th where they experienced canoeing and rock climbing as well as had environmental lessons such as solar heat and its importance to our environment. Special thanks goes out to the following local organizations that so generously offered contributions to make this field trip possible: Pelican Lake Conversation Club, Nisswa Women’s Club, Cullen Lakes Property Owner’s Association, Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa American Legion Auxiliary, Nisswa Lions, Nisswa Garden Club and Lake Hubert Women’s Club.

Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin Jack Weinhandl in Mrs. Ward's Kindergarten and Hala Davis in Mrs. Headlee's 2nd Grade won prizes for their closest estimates in the Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin contest, sponsored by Mike and Kim Hemmeich of MK Auto Body. The pumpkin weighed in at 264 lbs., 7 oz., and two students went home anxiously awaiting spring weather to ride their new bikes. Thanks goes out to the Hemmerich Family for their generosity!

Pizza and Bingo Family Fun Night Pizza &Bingo Night, the first of several Nisswa PTO Family Fun events scheduled for the year, was held Oct. 14. “Bingo!” was enthusiastically claimed in both settings; K-2 located in the cafeteria and 3-4 in the library, as many players of all ages mopped up on fun prizes.

Orienteering Club This fall, 2nd - 4th grade students participated in the Nisswa Orienteering Club. Coordinated by Chad Holm, PE Specialist, students were divided into groups to navigate their way through the courtyard at Nisswa School.

This orienteering course, funded through a S.H.I.P. grant, had participants use a map and compass to find 6 control points, each with a distinct pattern that was recorded on a punch card that spelled out L.A.K.E.R.S. (as in Nisswa LAKERS' Pride!)

Fire Safety The Nisswa Fire Department made their annual visit to Nisswa Elementary School on Wednesday, October 12th to promote fire safety. As students exited the building, fire trucks pulled into the school parking lot with lights and sirens, sprayed the school down, and followed up with a fire safety assembly. The morning was topped off with kindergartners from Mr. Koman, Mrs. O’Brien and Mrs. Ward’s classrooms all riding on a fire truck to the fire hall where they were given a tour and learned more about fire trucks and fire safety.

Student Stars as Hellen Keller

Coin Drive for United Way

Madison Yeager, 4th Grader, played the role of Helen Keller in the recent CLC production of The Miracle Worker. All of her classmates had the opportunity to see her impressive performance at a matinee performance at Central Lakes College in October. From Nisswa School's production of the Wizard of Oz, where Madison played 'Dorothy', to this leading role, Madison has proven herself a star on and off stage!

The Nisswa Elementary Student Council wrapped up their annual United Way Coin Drive. Representatives walked over to Black Ridge Bank, turned in $235.65 for a cashier’s check, and sent it to Crow Wing County United Way. Thanks, families, for helping support nearly 40 agencies in Crow Wing County!

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Pequot Lakes PATRIOTS Pequot Lakes Middle School 1st Quarter Student of Excellence The Student of Excellence award is for students who are performing at the top level of excellence in our school. Teachers select students who rise to the expectations of our middle school. We believe in PRIDE, perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, and excellence in all we do at Pequot Lakes Middle School. These students not only do this in the classroom, they are role models outside the classroom as well. Congratulations to the students, parents and guardians of these great students. We look forward to their continued success in the future.

All in the Family

By Faith Wacholz and Chris Foster The past couple weeks the 7th grade has been studying genetics.

Genetics is the scientific study of heredity. Punnett Squares help with finding the offsprings’ looks and other things that come fromthe parents.

We did a project making paper pets. We found the looks by flipping a coin because it’s a 50:50 chance of getting traits from each parent. Then we styled the clothes and had about a week to do all that. Then we did the presentation. We showed our family and answered a few questions.

The 7th grade class at Pequot Middle School learned the possible outcomes for their genetics project. Using the Punnett Square and by flipping a coin the students now understand possible trait outcomes much better.

The whole 7th grade class enjoyed the project, especially the family portrait which included family pets that the students were able to customize. They found this part of the project fun and educational because it was teaching the students about passing traits in a hands-on project.

That’s how we learned about genetics. It was very interesting.

Johnny Tremain

Fun with the Greek Artifacts

By Skylar Salvevold

Eighth grade students at Pequot Lakes Middle School have been studying epics, like the Iliad and Beowulf in English class.

Since we were reading literature that dealt with the Greek and Trojan war for the Iliad, Josh Whittemore, substitute teacher at Pequot Lakes, brought in Greek artifacts to display. He brought in a helmet, shield, and armor for students to try on and experience. Some students had fun dressing up in it, and here is what they had to say about it: Sage Brezinsky said, “I thought it was cool and unique and fun to try on.” Mathias Carlson said, “I liked the texture and the way that the armor was formed out of leather.” Overall, people really got into the story more because they got to see what it was like to dress up, like in the Trojan War.

Technology in the Pequot Schools

By Brady Cable, Trevor Latzke, and Joe Bocklund We are juniors now but ever since we entered high school, we have noticed an upward trend in the amount of technology used in the Pequot Lakes School District. In some departments, it’s more evident than others because different teachers have different opinions and methods. However, we have consistently been seeing new implementations every year, such as using Smartboards, having online projects, and using iPads.

We spoke with our school technology coordinator, Mr. Dan O’Reilly, about what he thinks of the possibility of a “mobile” computer lab.

“They are already implementing it,” he said.

He told us there is already a full iPad system in the computer lab at the elementary school.

Mr. O’Reilly said he expects a similar setup in the high school within two to three years.

Next, we spoke to Mr. Brian Kazmierczak, a social studies teacher at PLHS. When we had him for a history class, we noticed an obvious push by him for more technology use in a regular classroom. He says using things such as Google Docs to turn in assignments online “really improves communication between students and teachers.” He also agrees with the idea of having a group of tablets such as the iPad to be used for online assignments and possibly even to replace textbooks.

With things in place for upgrading the school building, we look forward to more up- grades in technology as well.

A culminating activity in the 7th grade Revolutionary War/Johnny Tremain unit (interdisciplinary unit between social studies and English) was to write an essay analyzing how history and the development of our nation might have been changed if certain events had never occurred.

This is a response.

By Elsa Headlee Our lives would be very different if the outcome of the events in our early history were different. The Boston Tea Party might not have happened if they sent the tea back to Boston. If we had lost the Revolutionary War we could still be a British colony. We could still have a king instead of president. These events changed American history.

If the British had sent the tea back to England, the Boston Tea Party wouldn’t have happened. This event was the trigger to protest against the British rule. But, I feel the Patriots would have found something else to fight for. They would have fought against the British living in their homes, eating their food, and taking their horses. They would have fought the British because they didn’t let them represent themselves in government. The British made them pay taxes without representation. I think we would have fought for our freedom even without the Boston Tea Party.

If we hadn’t had the courage to fight the Revolutionary War, we probably would still be a British colony. If that happened, we wouldn’t have our own constitution. Our constitution sets out the laws, principles, organization, and process of government. It makes sure that the people have their rights protected.

If we had lost we would still be a British colony.

If we had a king instead of a president, things would be very different. The king can overrule anyone’s decisions. The king’s rule is the law.

We have a president. The president needs other people to agree with him. There are three branches of government in the United States of America to make sure not just one person has all the power. The branches are legislative, judicial, and executive. The branches make sure the president’s decisions are fair and legal. The king has only himself as a judge of his decisions.

If any of these events had not occurred, life in the United States of America would be very different.

If history would have changed, the present and the future would also have changed. We could still be a colony ruled by Britain. We might not even have our rights protected by the constitution. But we do have our freedom from Britain, and we are thankful.

Eagleview Elementary Mrs. Sullivan’s class has been busy studying life cycles. Each stu-

Tasia Flen - Life Cycle of a penguin

Erin Kempka - Life Cycle of a bird

dent made their very own life cycle.

They presented their projects to stu-

Jaiden Biley - Life Cycle of a leaf

Maci Martini - Life Cycle of a frog

dents in other classrooms.

Kate Stephens - Life Cycle of a frog

Caleb Hughes - Life Cycle of a fish

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

13S

PILLAGER AREA

CHARTER SCHOOL PACS experiential learning in action Outdoor Activities

Shop Class Builds a Sakte Board Elijah, Sabrina, Erick, Dachota, Alex, and Brady working on the skate board ramp.

Sara climbing a rock wall challenging her strength.

Sabrina in the rushing river hoping she makes it to shore.

Science Chris, Liz, Tiffany, Emily looking to what lies ahead.

Jenny and Rainna dissecting something.

Erick catching some samples for experiments. Nate and his windmill project.

Collaboration Activities

All aboard the Paddleford on the Mississippi River, Northern Lights Community School out of Warba, MN joined us. We listened to the history of the shore traveling up stream for an hour and then back with lots of cool facts, One being Renae won the trip for 30 students and three staff!

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kids School Pages

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Scaring Up Some Fun

Proud to be American Second grade classes at PRBE, working together with the Pine River Legion, have adopted a former PRB graduate and his unit, deployed to Kuwait. The Legion supplies the essentials for care packages, while the students send drawings and encouragement. The students also devoted a day to wearing red, white and blue in honor of the soldiers.

Students in the second grade classrooms at PRBE had the opportunity to try out some fun activities for Halloween. All the students were split into groups and rotated around classrooms to; work on Halloween trivia with the SMART response system, manipulate legos and connect popsicle sticks into creations.

Pumpkin Patch Kids On Halloween, 50 ECFE parents and children boarded a bus and rode to A-Maze-N-Pumpkinz in Nisswa. It was a cold morning, but that didn’t hamper the fun for the everyone that participated. Families got to walk through a corn maze, see and pet small animals, play in a bouncy house, a corn box, do a Halloween craft project, and have a hayride.

Outdoor Adventure Miss Miller’s 3rd graders and Mr. Meyer, PRB Technology Coordinator, took a photo safari in the School Forest using digital cameras on loan through the DNR’s Bridge to Nature Program. These beautiful nature photos were taken by 3rd graders.

A Family Affair Recently the PRB-PTO hosted two breakfasts encouraging families to gather. The breakfasts, called Mornings with Mom and Daybreak with Dad, were held in October and November.

Fire Safety Elementary students at PRB hosted the Pine River and Backus Fire Departments in October to celebrate Fire Safety month. The firemen came around to classrooms to

educate students on basic fire safety, took students outside to explore the fire trucks, and also provided great resources to the students in gift bags.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

15S

RIVERSIDE

ELEMENTARY We Honor Our Veterans

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

By Ronald McDonald

Playground Fun!

September Students of the October Students of the Month “Citizenship” Month “Respect”

Kindergarteners at the Fire Station

Witches and Ghosts and Goblins…Oh My!!!!!

An “A-Mazing” First Grade – Down on the Farm

We’re proud to call this our home town.

At Bremer Bank, our dedication to our community goes back to our founder Otto Bremer. In his words, “To serve our clients, we must also serve their communities.” Today, through nonprofit grants from our owner, the Otto Bremer Foundation, local bank donations and thousands of employee volunteer hours each year, we’re still taking action to make our community even stronger.

Brainerd 829-8781 • Baxter 828-5191 • Aitkin 927-3794 1-800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2011 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

16S

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kids School Pages

Staples

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Motley

Independent School District #2170 SMHS Fall Play

Motley Staples Middle School

SMHS had 10 seniors in this year’s fall play, many of whom have been with us for 4 years. 13 actors were first time performers. This year we had one or two members from every fall sport Staples Motley High School offers. These extracurricular programs enhance our schools and our communities. Students who are encouraged to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity, regardless of which activity is chosen, report more satisfaction with their educational experience. It can also promote increased academic success.

Fantasy Baseball, an elective class for 7th & 8th graders.

Congratulations to Asst. Coach A cast of new and seasoned actors were in the Staples Motley High School fall play, Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at Centennial Auditorium, Staples. “The Last Resort” by Eddie McPherson has hilarious downhome humor that comes from the antics of an eccentric and lovable cast.

Fall Festival 2011

CONGRATULATIONS to Assistant Tennis Coach Mary Freeman! She has been selected as the 2011 Class A Girls Assistant Tennis Coach of the Year by the Minnesota State High School Tennis Coaches Association. Great Job!

Muffins with Mom!

Jayde Jordahl and his mom Stephanie, Natalie Sarbaum and her mom Betsy.

Teacher Receives Award!

Teacher Award. Kerry Lindgren is the recipient of the MREA Distinguished Service Award for 2011.

Awards Banquet was Nov. 3 at Cragun’s.

Apples for the Students program!

When you are shopping at Ernie’s Food Market, have you ever wondered about the boxes located at the doors as you exit the store? These boxes are labeled: Staples Elementary, Motley Schools, Staples Motley High School and Sacred Heart. Shoppers are encouraged to drop their grocery receipts into one of these boxes as they leave the store.

This is because our schools are taking part in the Mason Brothers Apples for the Students program that helps earn educational awards without spending from the school budget. Thanks to the Mason Brothers program, and Ernie’s Food Market, we can receive computers, software, sporting goods, audio-visual aids, science materials, books and other teaching tools FREE in exchange for register receipts!

The value of the receipts is redeemed and the points earned are used to purchase FREE educational items! Last year, Motley Elementary and Motley Staples Middle School had a combined total

of 102,686 points. Some items received at the Motley site over the past several years include volleyball sets, playground balls, an electric inflator, stop watch, digital cameras, a book binder and cart, art supplies, and misc. office supplies. Staples Elementary earned 94,500 points last year, and ordered 50 headphones for their computer lab. At the High School level, pencils, markers, a digital camera, a headphone set and 2 computer monitors were ordered! Sacred Heart School was able to redeem about 90,000 points for educational materials for the classrooms and some miscellaneous office supplies.

Staples Motley Schools wishes to recognize Ernie’s Food Market, and to thank them for participating in this program.

We encourage all shoppers to drop your register receipts (either in the store box or at any school office) in support of education. What a great way to support both your school district and a local business!