SCHOOL PAGES B R A I N E R D D I S PATC H
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DECEMBER 2014
A Newspapers in Education Publication
In This Issue: ■ Brainerd Community Education ■ Crosby/Ironton Elementary ■ Crosby/Ironton High School ■ Crosslake Community School ■ Forestview ■ Lakes Region Christian School ■ Learning Tree Preschool ■ Nisswa Elementary ■ Pillager Elementary ■ Pillager Area Charter School ■ Pine River-Backus ■ Sacred Heart Area School ■ Saint Francis ■ Staples-Motley High School
Ice Candles Ice candles are simple to make. They’re so easy to make that even young children can help. In fact, they will have enough fun making these candles they’ll want to create enough of them to light up the whole backyard. Here’s how to turn your background into a magical winter wonderland. Ice candles are simple to make. They’re so easy to make that even young children can help. In fact, they will have enough fun making these candles they’ll want to create enough of them to light up the whole backyard. You’ll need some containers which will create
the ice base. Children’s sand pails, paper milk cartons or plastic milk jugs with the top cut off are all possible options. Think about the things you have at your home which you can use. Remember to use something that it isn’t important because the ice may cause them to bust. Besides the larger containers, you’ll also want to find some empty tin cans which have the top cut out. Fill these with rocks to weigh the cans down. Then place those cans into the various base containers you’ll use. Pour enough water into each container to
come almost to the top of the tin can. Place the containers outside and allow them to freeze solid. In the morning you’ll want to check the containers to ensure they’re frozen. If they are frozen, carefully remove the ice from the outer container by running it under warm water to loosen it. You can peel paper milk cartons away without having to wet them. Pour out the rocks which were used to weight the can down. Then you’ll want to carefully remove the tin can from the ice. Set a votive or small candle down into
the center of the ice. To make the ice candles even more interesting, you can also add toys, berries or other things in the water as its being frozen. Items which float will provide added appeal. You can also leave the containers outdoors and allow them to
partially freeze. Stir the slushy ice and then allow it to freeze the rest of the way. It may create cloudy ice rather than clear ice. Craft idea from: http:// www.pur plekittyyar ns. com/craft-patterns/howto-make-ice-candles.
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Community Education Fun ‘N’ Friends programs celebrate the Holidays and our Community. At Nisswa Fun ‘N’ Friends we love to celebrate our young member’s achievements, big and small. As staff, we are proud to be a part of their day to day life by building positive and supportive relationships with our families and children. We also help to guide and encourage them to dream BIG by using their imagination through educational and recreational activities. Their faces light-up when they have put together a few ingredients to make something wonderful or have created a masterpiece. We play & create with a purpose!
Christmas Kindness Committee WESB Fun ‘N’ Friends Christmas Kindness Committee made holiday treats and held a bake sale to raise funds to provide sweets and presents to a local charity. Our children know that hard work and kindness comes with “cleaning up” the dishes. They still say it is FUN!
Nisswa Fun’N’Friends.
Special guest speaker Nick teaching the children what soldiers do
Celebrating and learning about our Community Soldiers on Veterans Day!
Hard working Christmas Kindness Committee.
Veterans Day was fun and educational. Nick, President of the Veterans office in Central Lakes College, shared and answered questions from our members on what it is like to become a soldier, his experiences in Iraq, and what soldiers do.
Having fun and keeping fit with Yoga
Bianca and Hailey helping with clean up.
Yoga Club is just one of many clubs the F ‘N’ F-Sr. Leaders School-Age Care and Enrichment programs offer at the Nisswa and WESB sites. So far cooking club, sign language club, tennis and garden club have all been offered. Trips to local businesses and recreational sites (water parks, miniature golf) keep the children exploring and learning about the wonders that our community offers.
Veterans Day with Nick.
Having fun with yoga.
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Crosby- Ironton Rangers
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5th Grade Engineering 5th graders explore the effects of water on land forms in this engineering activity.
Stangel reading Dr. Skjevland takes time out to listen to kindergarten student, Louie, read him a story from their new Journey’s reading curriculum.
Aykens Science Emma Dobson , Austin Fonda and Amari Haffner show their completed Science balancing project for 2nd grade. Miss Aykens class. 5th grade engineering.
Food drive Kindergarteners sponsored their annual food drive with big success. 310 pounds of non-perishables were donated to the Crosby Food Shelf. Way to go CRES!
Chess Chess.
Stangel reading.
Food drive.
Chess.
CRES 6th graders develop their critical thinking skills in Chess Club. Thanks to Sue Peterson for volunteering her time.
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Crosby- Ironton Rangers
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Choir and band at Disneyland While most Lakes Area residents were trying to stay warm as they were cooking Thanksgiving dinner this November, 118 band and choir students, along with 13 adult chaperones spent the holiday in sunny Florida at Disney World! The Crosby-Ironton A-Capella Choir and Symphonic Band took a performance-based trip to Orlando, FL. Students left on Monday, November 24 and returned on Monday, December 1 . The group arrived in Orlando on Wednesday, November 26 and had a tasty barbecue lunch after having a chance to shop at Ron John’s Surf Shop. The “chilly” 55 degree weather didn’t stop C-I students from playing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean at Melbourne Beach! During the week, the kids had a chance to check out four Disney parksHollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. The Symphonic Band did an awesome job with their performance at the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney on Friday, November 28th. They even had a few people dancing in the audience! The choir looked and sounded fantastic at their two performances on Saturday, November 29th during Epcot’s Candlelight Processional. This event is so popular that audience members have to wait in line for two hours ahead of time to get seats in the amphitheater. The narrator was Jodi Benson; who is best known for providing the voice of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Some students celebrated Thanksgiving by chowing down on smoked turkey legs at Hollywood Studios. A few of the highlights that day included the Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror and the amazing light and water show of Fantasmic! Friday was spent at the Magic Kingdom, where students had a chance to get soaked on Splash Mountain, ride Space Mountain and see some amazing fireworks in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Saturday the students had the chance to ride Mission to Space and Test Track and explore many different countries at Epcot. Before they departed for the long bus ride back to Crosby, MN, the C-I music students got to check out Animal Kingdom. Highlights at this park included the Expedition Everest roller-coaster, the Festival of the Lion King show and the Kilimanjaro Safari. Both the band and choirs had worked extremely hard this fall to prepare for the Orlando tour. Not only did they practice music to be prepared for each performance, but each student saved up money by participating in several band and choir fundraisers. Even though most C-I music students didn’t get to sit down to turkey and mashed potatoes this holiday, they had an amazing Thanksgiving vacation – one they will remember for the rest of their lives! th
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Magic Kingdom.
Disney Candlelight.
Awesome chaperones.
Disney band concert. Animal Kingdom.
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Crosslake Community School LUMBERJACKS
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Elks Hoop Shoot Crosslake Community School participates in the Elks Hoop Shot Free Throw Contest. We held our school’s preliminary contest and the students who qualified to move on and their respective age groups are: Amelia Davis 8-9, Rausie Cummings 10-11, Stephanie Aldridge 12-13, Korbyn Hulke 12-13, Tristan Veit 10-11, and David Rabe 8-9. These students were invited to compete in the Brainerd Lakes Contest at Forestview on December 13.
Winter Program The CCS Choir performed their winter program “Forever Christmas” on December 11. Audience members were treated to a collection of favorite holiday songs including visits from Frosty, Rudolph, Suzy Snowflake, and Santa himself. It is always fun to see all their hard work come together for an entertaining show!
Forest History Center Trip BY EVAN M, RYLIE T AND ROBBIE H
Participants in the Elks Hoop Shoot are excited to have qualified to compete in the Brainerd Contest.
Middle school students take turns operating saws like the lumberjacks used to use.
The middle school recently went on a field trip to the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids. This trip was a great learning experience for the students. It really immersed our classes into an old authentic environment. When the children first arrived they were they were greeted with a warm welcome by two friendly tour guides. They lead the students outside to show them how the lumberjacks lived and what their daily routine was. The first thing they did was discover how cold and harsh the living quarters were. The students also had a rather awkward experience entering into the “bathroom” which was just a log with a deep hole behind it. Soon they went into the kitchen, where they were treated like real lumberjacks and told all of the rules adding to the immersive experience. Having learned much about the lumberjacks, the students got to walk around the museum and learned how to operate the old saws and cranes. After a quick trip to the gift shop, the students were brought back to the small town of Crosslake.
Fun for 4s and 5s
Winter program.
This year at CCS we have had the opportunity to offer a special class for four and five-year-olds on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The children join the kinderfriends as they play, learn, explore, create and discover the world of “school.” In the first session, they learned about “Fabulous Fall Fun” and they just started the second session “Winter Wonderland” on December 2. It has been great to expand our multilevel learning to preK through this community education class.
The CCS choir performs “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and welcomes Santa to the performance.
Kindergarten students work side-by-side with their preK friends as they cut out holiday lights to decorate the classroom.
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Student Council Food Drive The Forestview Student council was busy collecting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army food shelf a few weeks before Christmas. Each grade level was encouraged to bring in food, and the grade with the most items earned prizes. Individual students were also able to sign up for prizes. The student council provided boxes for the collection and kept track of the food amounts using a large candy-cane graph display in the front entrance of the school. Thanks to our students and student council members for contributing to the well-being of our community!
The Selfie
Ringing bells and gathering food for the FMS food drive.
Mrs. Hall’s 8th grade art students learned about the wall-sized portraits created by artist Chuck Close (1940-present). Like Close, each student took a “selfie” that expressed something about who they are and used his grid system to accurately enlarge their photographs onto large sheets of watercolor paper. Using the app Sumo Paint, the photos were posterized with added contrast for students to create the topographical maps of themselves with a range of values from white to black. The selfies hung in the main entrance of the school for the month, and made an impressive display. Close once said, “I want the viewer to get lost in the painting.” Believe me...we did!
State Boys and Girls Honor Choirs
Boys and Girls Honor Choir singing in Mahtomedi, MN.
The Songs of the Season
Ringing bells and gathering food for the FMS food drive.
Forestview student council members have been singing up a storm this winter, preparing for two Christmas concerts at area nursing homes. On December 9 and 11, about 20 students participated in a concert and sing-along with the residents of Bethany and Woodland Good Samaritan Nursing Homes. The students also made door hangers for the residents’ doors, and for the facility to hang in the halls and gathering spaces. Members of the FMS student council singing at Bethany Good Samaritan.
The Selfie
Seven Forestview students were selected to represent Brainerd in the State 7th and 8th Grade Boys and Girls Honor Choirs on Saturday, November 22nd in Mahtomedi, MN. The Honor Choirs are hosted by the American Choral Director’s Association. Every year, over 2000 students from across Minnesota audition for various choirs, and 150 students are accepted into each group. Students are scored and selected on the musical elements of intonation, pitch accuracy, tone quality, attention to diction, and musical expression. The seventh grade students who were chosen to represent Forestview included Jacob Drietz, Morgan Erickson, Jacob Hanson, Peyton McConkey, and Eden Worden. Eighth grade students included Rebecca Eslinger and Abby Oldham. Students spent five weeks preparing for the event and learned five songs. During the day, students spent time rehearsing with guest conductors, practicing in sectionals, and socializing with students from schools across Minnesota.
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Lake Region Christian School
LRCS students perform “Every Little Crook and Nanny” In conjunction with Lake Region Christian School’s 40th anniversary dinner, the comedic play by Pat Cook, “Every Little Crook and Nanny,” performed for a full house. Cast Members Lillie Scones - played by Sydni Ogren Jocelyn Minnow - played by Grace Ogren Carmella Dundee - played by Kristin Gross Stu Benchley - played by John Swanson “Little” Pat Turgesson - played by Ethan House Teddy Hitchell - played by Noah Boelter Betty Collins - played by Haylee Jacobus Gerald Sims - played by Trey Ogren Chief Dana Collins - played by Abby Grider Mrs. Sims - played by Ashley Rodvik
The cast and crew of “Every Little Crook and Nanny.”
Untie me, please!
Officers question a potential crook.
Evesdropping.
A special thanks to Miss Julie Kovacik for all her hard work and to the entire cast and crew for making possible the excellent performance of “Every Little Crook and Nanny.”
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Learning Tree Preschool
Invention day was a big hit with creations of rocket ships and army tanks using paper towel rolls, boxes, stickers, paper and of course, lots of tape!
CLC student, Kelly, has joined us for the semester and is explaining the safety rules of crossing the street.
Teamwork and cooperation is needed to build a ramp system as part of the science curriculum
In a continuation of our season of caring and sharing, the children created a huge get well card and sent this photo via e-mail to a classmate who was ill.
There has been daily practice and prop preparation to prepare for the Parent Christmas Program on the 15th.
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A busy time at Learning Tree Preschool The development of positive social skills is fundamental to the Learning Tree Preschool program. It is also a key component in preparing children for Kindergarten and their future life experiences. We stress our “Caring and Sharing Learning Tree Family” curriculum activities throughout the school year. The children have taken “ownership” in fundraising for the new playground by crushing aluminum cans and watching the goal thermometer move toward the top. We recently received huge donations from the Brainerd Lions, Garrison Commercial Club and the Brainerd Eagles toward the new playground and playground equipment fund. Thank you to all the generous non-profits that support our program! Look for great pictures of the playground in the Spring! Our science program provides the children with hands on experiences such as building creations out of recycled materials, experiencing the mess and texture of making slime, feeling a beaver pelt, llama fiber, observing a tarantula shell or studying a snake under a magnifying glass. We really love science! Christmas is in the air and the students have been diligently practicing their program songs, poems and creating props for the Parent/Family Christmas Program. A favorite is “Reindeer, Reindeer shake your fluffy tail”. For program information, we can be reached at 218-839-6042 or 218-829-9552, First Lutheran Church, 424 South 8th St, Brainerd, MN 56401 We at Learning Tree Preschool wish you all a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Baxter the therapy dog OLIVIA JOHNSON AND BROOKLYN SWEET Mrs. Ward’s Kindergarten Class
Baxter, a dog came to our classroom. He is soft. He was funny. He was on our rug. We pet him and read to him. He liked us. We showed him pictures in books and we want him to come again.
Multi-Age Manners Meal During the month of November our class worked on using our manners. We made placemats and turkey place card holders to use at our manners meal. Things we learned from our manners meal as told by Mrs. Miller’s students: “We said, please and thank you.” “We put our napkin in our laps.” “We chewed with our mouths closed.” “I liked our manners meal!” “We sat down and waited for everyone to get their food.” “ We had raisins and ice cream cones like cornucopias.” “We used 103 manners word that week.” “We practiced this for Thanksgiving.” “It was yummy!”
Nisswa PTO Bingo Night The annual Nisswa PTO sponsored Family Bingo Night was held on November 20th. Over 200 people were served that night, which makes it a record setting Bingo Night! Thank you to the Nisswa PTO members for making the night one to remember! A big thank you to our families for coming out for the event, the many volunteers that made the event happen, Carlson Hardware for our grand prize sleds and of course, Rafferty’s Pizza! The next PTO family event will be on January 29th...see you there!
Baxter the visiting dog.
Mr. Koman’s Writer’s Workshop In kindergarten we are writing books everyday. The students practice writing skills while writing about a topic of their choice. “We love writing.”--Cora “We stay on topic.”--Abby I. “We learn what the letters say.”--Ayven “We use spaces.”--Victor “We draw pictures, too.”--Jade “We draw neat.”--Avery “We should write words in our book.”--Tayla
Multi-age manners meal.
Bingo night.
Blue Ribbon awards.
Writer’s workshop.
Blue Ribbon Celebrations On November 11, 2014 Brainerd Elementary Staff accepted our National Blue Ribbon Awards in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Raske and Mrs. Olson accepted the award on behalf of Nisswa Elementary School. It was made very clear that Brainerd Public Schools had made history with all of the elementary schools being nominated and then awarded with the National Blue Ribbon Award in the same year. Nisswa Elementary was awarded for being an Exemplary High Performing School. On November 21, Nisswa Elementary had a school-wide Blue Ribbon Ceremony to officially award the students with their Blue Ribbon Plaque and Flag from Washington, D.C. At that Ceremony, Dr. Willert presented the plaque to two fourth grade student council members, the Brainerd Foundation gave each student and staff member a Blue Ribbon shirt, and the Brainerd Education Minnesota President, Tim Edinger, presented the Blue Ribbon Banner that the union bought for Nisswa Elementary. The ceremony was a true celebration of the work and effort that our staff, students, family and community put into ensuring excellence in education for Nisswa students.
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PILLAGER
Home of the Huskies
Lisa Pettit’s Kindergarteners Our gingerbread cookie ran away! The kindergartners had to solve riddles to track him down. Also, our class collected $56.57 for the Family Center’s Christmas for Kids program.
Pillager RAK PAK One year ago, Pillager School started a group called the Pillager RAK PAK. RAK stands for Random Acts of Kindness. This year, one of the many activities the RAK PAK is involved in is the collecting of Christmas cards for troops. The effort was part of a collective effort by the Heartillery Group and Hero Helpers of America. The RAK PAK was assisted by the PAES Lab and National Honor Society. Together they collected 318 Christmas cards to be sent overseas to the troops in Afghanistan. It was truly a job well done. The multiple groups of students also sang Christmas carols and visited with the residents of Riverside Assisted Living in Pillager.
Art Department News
Lisa Pettit’s kindergartners managed to catch their gingerbread cookie.
On Wednesday, December 3rd, Pillager art students joined students from Clarissa, Eagle Valley, Henning, and Bertha on a trip to the Twin Cities to tour the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The students were engaged by the incredible variety of art media used in artistic works that spanned in their creation date from modern times to 4,000 years ago. They were exposed to high-quality artwork that could inspire them in their own creative endeavors and force them to ask indepth questions. This educational outing was sponsored by the Five Wings Arts Council who provided the cost of the buses and Freshwater GCT Funds who provided the lunch room fees and Art Lab expense. The Pillager Art Department is also teaming up with The Crossing Arts Alliance to offer art exhibits in the new commons area of the school. One of the exhibits was entitled The Language of Clay. The Clay and Sculpture class obtained experience in learning to display artwork well, while the other students and community members were exposed to unique work by professional artists.
The Christmas Store
Pillager art students at the Walker Art Center sculpture gardens.
Pillager RAK PAK.
Art exhibit preparation.
Pillager’s Christmas store.
The kids grinned ear to ear with excitement as they picked out their secret Christmas gifts. Over 4000 secrets went home with students on December 5, wrapped in Christmas bags for families!! All of the Pillager Elementary students were given an opportunity to buy up to 10 Christmas gifts for their family at the 17th annual Christmas Store. Adult shoppers, through Community Ed, comb the local stores for $1 items for students to purchase at the store. Then it is set up in the Elementary gym for students to shop for that perfect gift for parents, friends, and family. Each item is placed in a gift bag and sent home with students to place under their Christmas tree. (Rumor has it that many don’t actually make it to Christmas because students are so excited to share what they have purchased.) This has become a favorite event for students, and adult who help the children shop.
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A Newspapers in Education Publication Pillager Area Charter School will educate by building relationships with students, families, community and Mother Earth. Students will become stewards of the environment as responsible actively involved citizens.
WE DAY BY HOPE
“WE DAY” was by far a very good experience. It taught us all about how hunger is a big issue in all of spoke about how their mother killed and how their father made them drop out of school. Kids’ die every day over there because they do not have food. Some kids do not even get to go to school. We take much of what we have for granted. It makes me want to make a change. There were performers there too like, “The Band Perry” and “Collbie Callet” There was also special guests like “Magic Johnson”, a man with only an upper body who has climbed 3 major mountains in America. Overall, WE DAY was great and for sure going again. Remember it is, “ WE not ME!”
My Three Wishes BY STUDENT B.C.
If I were to have three wishes they would be; to own a successful motor vehicle decal business, for the weather to stay decent instead of freezing constantly, and to go to Oklahoma to visit my family and my tribe. I would love to own the business because I love to work on vehicles, I’m good at designing, and there is good money in having a good decal business. For my second wish I want the weather to stay decent so that when I walk around I’m not at risk for frostbite or getting sick all the time. I love being outside but it makes it difficult when it’s so cold. I can hardly stand to be outside when it is so cold. If it were a little warmer, I could still do all the outdoor activities I like year round. For my third wish, I would love to be able to go to Oklahoma to see my family and tribe. I haven’t been down there for years but I love it there we have so much fun and its really interesting learning about my ancestors and the past about my tribe. Also, I have a lot of family down there and we always have a blast when I’m down there. I enjoy visiting and would one day like to live down there.
Spencer West shared his story at WE DAY.
My Three Wishes BY MATT STORSTAD
Dorothy’s Lasagna noodle ornament. Center piece made from recycled materials.
Collection bags left on doors for the Food Shelf.
Wood shop cutting boards.
For my three wishes, I wish for a skateboard manufacturing plant, Blizzard tomorrow, and a trip to Norway. If I had a skateboard manufacturing plant, I would always have fresh boards on deck. I could sponsor people or help people when they break their boards. In addition, I would be rich and able to travel and skate anywhere. Owning a skateboard manufacturing plant is a passion and would be a dream come true. I wish we would have a blizzard tomorrow. If we had a blizzard tomorrow I would be happy because our yard is scraped down to the grass from snow skating. If I had more snow to work with, I could create many more obstacles for snow skating. More snow would make getting speed a lot easier, as well as riding in general. A blizzard would make me happy. I wish I could travel to Norway. I would like to visit Norway because I have heritage there. In addition, the country captivates my attention. Another reason, the fishing is theoretically impressive. I have read about the Norwegians and I would like to learn more about Norway’s traditions. If I could have my skateboard manufacturing plant, a blizzard and a trip to Norway, my wishes at this moment would come true!
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3rd Graders Receive Dictionaries The Central Lakes Rotary and the Pine River-Backus Interact Club delivered dictionaries to all 3rd graders recently. Each student received their own dictionary and had the opportunity to search for some fun and interesting words.
Our Storyteller and Author Visit The Pine River-Backus School hosted its 7th Annual Community Read celebration. Author, Ben Mikaelsen and Storyteller, Susan E. Fowler were special presenters for our students and at our Community Read Luncheon. Our students enjoyed novels Petey, Rescue Josh McGuire and Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. The primary students reenacted the wonderful book, The Worry Stone written by Marianna Dengler and illustrated by Sybil Graber Gerig. Ms. Fowler shared her special worry stones from Indiana with the students. Our Community Read continues to be a way to celebrate literacy with a common theme and author as a unified focus. Our school takes great pride in partnering with our community on this project. A special thank you to our contributors: Crow Wing Power Community Trust, Happy Dancing Turtle, Trussworthy, Lakes Area Pharmacy, Associates in Eyecare, Hanneken Insurance, Dave and Wanda Mongan, Schrupp Excavating, Cass County Insurance, Anderson Brothers Construction and Minnesota Power.
Daybreak with dad.
Mrs. Sether’s 3rd grade class is excited to use their new dictionaries!
Morning With Mom and Daybreak With Dad The PRBE PTO sponsors breakfast four times a school year for moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and/or special friends to come and have breakfast with their students. With the help from the 5/6 Grade Student Council cinnamon rolls, juice, milk and coffee were served.
Preschoolers spent day in forest as part of their adopt a treeprogram.
Our Story teller, Susan Fowler, visits.
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Celebrating this Season of Love In addition to their regular school work, the students and staff at Sacred Heart Area School took the time to celebrate the season of Advent in various ways. The SHAS Christmas program was held December 17th. Our Preschoolers and kindergarteners performed “Christmas All Around”, while grades 1-5 performed, “Super Gift from Heaven”. Both performances were brilliant, bringing the true meaning of Christmas to all in attendance. Ms. Jonckowski’s Kindergarteners collected food items for the food shelf as well. All school families were encouraged to participate in this charity drive teaching children love for their neighbors and the true spirit of Christmas. Thank you boys and girls for helping build the Kingdom! Your good will is catchy. “It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.” Luke 13:18-35
Kindergarteners with their food shelf donations- Left to Right: Rose Zimmerman, Hannah Cole, Gavin Stevens, Joey Opelia, Ronnie Noska, Tessa Jensen, Isabelle Becker, Madison Perius, Maddock Harvey, and Jaxon Gregerson not pictured: Suhaila Mikhaeil
We Love Our KNIGHTS! We greatly appreciate the Knights of Columbus Council 1803 for all they have done for our school over the years, blessing us in so many ways; working our spring blast dinner and auction, raising revenue for the school through their calendar raffles, taking on major construction projects, which saved the school thousands of dollars, and keeping us safe throughout the years during our marathons. Like the love of a parent towards its child, you have watched over us. Thank you so much!
Kindergarteners with their food shelf donations.
SHAS November Student of the Month Front Row: Joe Zimmerman (2nd), Isabelle Becker (Kindergarten), Isabel Cole (1st) Back Row: Leo Mathews (3rd), Chad Dickey (5th), Corrine Japke (4th) Grandma Mona Weber working with students.
Upcoming Fun We look forward to two fun events on the horizon. Catholic Schools Week (CSW) will be observed across the nation January 25th-30th. Throughout CSW we will celebrate who we are as a Catholic school through community outreach and fun events, including a community dance January 28th at 6pm. The Sacred Heart Area School Carnival will be held February 1st. All are welcome! To learn more about what’s happening at Sacred Heart, follow us at sacredheartareaschool.org. We wish you and your families a very blessed Christmas and New Year!
Knights of Columbus working on sidewalk project.
SHAS November Students of the month.
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VFW Awards Given In celebration of our Veterans, the fifth grade class participated in an essay contest for the Woman’s Auxiliary of the VFW. The theme was “Why I am Proud to be an American”. During Veteran’s Day week, Mrs. Zbacnik Martin’s Language Arts class spent time writing, editing, and perfecting their ideas for their essays. “I would have not wanted to be the judge for the contest,” Mrs. ZM admitted when asked about the contest. “Each student’s paper had a unique perspective on our topic; everyone did such a fantastic job. I am so proud of all of my students.” Out of the plethora of profound submissions, Robert Bueckers (1st place) and Catherine Moraghan (2nd place) were chosen as the contest winners.
Donor Wall Unveiling
Mrs. Zbacnik Martin, with contest winners Robert Bueckers and Catherine Moraghan.
The Saint Francis Catholic School Foundation and School Capital Campaign Committee unveiled the School Donor Tree on Friday November 21st. The donor display is located in the foyer of the school. The donor wall is a significant achievement for the school because it represents a legacy of giving that was built on the faith, generosity and loyalty of the school’s donors. The impact that has been made by these financial contributions will live on for families, students and staff yet to come. This is an opportunity to recognize and publicly express gratitude to St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School donors. Close to 100 were in present for the event. Attendees enjoyed appetizers, provided by Ruttgers Bay Lodge, and an array of beverages, served by Wild Rice Depot and Liquors. A short program was presented with comments by Father Tony Wroblewski, superintendent of the school, Dr. David Boran, School Foundation Board member, and Ginny Knudson, Chair of the School Capital Campaign committee.
7th and 8th Grade Advent Retreat BY FR. BLAKE ROZIER
We wait and prepare this Advent season.
Fr. Blake Rozier and Fr. Daniel Weiske had the honor of pulling back the curtain at the Donor Wall Unveiling.
Kaylee Ranweiler hangs an ornament on her
On Tuesday, December 9, I helped co-lead an Advent retreat at St. Andrew’s parish for the 7th & 8th grade students of St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, along with Fr. Nick Nelson from the parishes of Crosslake & Emily. We began the day by meditating upon the shepherds who went to encounter the baby Jesus. The shepherds went away temporarily from their daily routine to more intimately encounter God, and their hearts were more fully transformed. I believe the same can be said for the students. They were receptive to the Holy Spirit. It was a day of fun, a day of prayer, and a day that challenged the students to be great for the Lord. My hope and prayer is that they continue to live for Him, and that they continue to realize how intimately the Lord desires to be a part of their lives. “ O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His loves endures forever!” (Psalm 136:1). A Very Merry Christmas to you all! “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Isaiah 40:3
7-8th grade students playing a game during their retreat day.
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Staples Motley
Independent School District #2170
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Colla Voce
Colla Voce is the Italian phrase meaning ‘follow the voice’. Colla Voce is a girl’s choir that began in the Staples Motley schools in 2007. We offer a high quality musical experience for adolescent girls who wish to be dedicated to the organization. Colla Voce is directed by Kathy Iverson and accompanied by Sandy Paskewitz. This year there are 28 girls that work hard to learn beautiful music every week after school. The performances this year include: The Staples Community Foundation Dinner, Lakewood Health System Care Center and the Community Christmas concert. Colla Voce will also have an end of the season concert in the spring. Staples Motley School District offers an elementary school choir, Colla Voce Girls Choir as well as the Central MN Boys Choir. For more information please call 218.894.5400.
Motley Elementary and Motley Staples Middle School
As part of a service learning project, Mrs. Turner’s Advisory has partnered up with Mrs. Denny’s Kindergarten class. Each week students have an opportunity to work together in a variety of ways. Students take turns reading to one another, share and write stories, and work on small projects together. Motley Second Graders have been studying our Pilgrim forefathers, and the Wampanoag Indians who helped them to survive in this new land. We made Pilgrim and Wampanoag villages, and invited the other classes to visit and view our creations.
Jeans for Troops
Jeans for Troops There were 61 amazing ISD 2170 staff members who participated in the Jeans for Troops G.I. Go Fund this fall. On short notice this generous staff raised $305 for a great cause! Next year we will go after even more support to help out these wonderful men and women!
Pilgrim and Wampanoag villages
SMHS
Blake Connell is a senior who transferred to SMHS this year. His basketball stats shows he is currently averaging 15pts a game and is leading the entire state in Steal and Steals per game! He is also 5th in the state in 3 pointers made. Great job, Blake, keep up the hard work!
Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste
Staples Motley Seniors
SMHS
As has been the custom since 1975, the Staples Motley High School Choirs presented “Ye Olde Madrigal Dinners” on December 6 & 7. Continuing their “Tradition of Excellence” in the performing arts, guests of the King were transported five hundred years back into the realm of English Lords and Ladies. Guests of the Royal Court entered the “castle” from the east where they were summoned by the “Crier’s Call to the Feasting Halle!” Between the many courses of “Morsels to wyet thyne appetyte,” guests were entertained with music of the renaissance style, featuring works like “The Boar’s Head Carol, Gloucestershire Wassail” and many more. Many of these works were popular during the time of Shakespeare. Thank you to all who helped contribute to this wonderful tradition.
Honors
Colla Voce Celebrated Students at SMHS
Congratulations to these 10-12 grade students who were honored this month for maintaining a 4.o GPA or higher during the 13-14 school year. Ft row: Josie Erickson, Sydney Martin, Anna Koopmann, Amy Lochli. Middle row: Rebecca Soukup, Rebekka Paskewitz, Kali Shequen, Alisha Johnson, Katie Benson, Elizabeth Brown. Back row: Jenessa Iverson, Grace Wolhowe, Nikki Edin, Jordan Haglin, Tatum Williams, Lauren Nelsen, Sarah Koopman, Quinn Uhlman, Meagn Han, Spencer Svendsen, Chloe Litts. Back back row: Zach Strickland, Noah Han, Tim Hepokoski
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A Newspapers in Education Publication