Kids School Pages - Dec. 2011

Kids School Pages

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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HX]dda EV\Zh DECEMBER 2011 Baxter Elementary

Garfield Elementary

Pillager Schools

Crosby/Ironton

Harrison Elementary

Pine River/Backus

Crosslake Community School

Lake Region Christian School

Riverside Elementary

Pequot Lakes

Discovery Woods Montessori

Pillager Area Charter School

Forestview Middle School

St Francis Catholic School Staples/Motley

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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BAXTER

ELEMENTARY Baxter School HOLIDAY HOOPLA Down the First and Second Grade hallways you will find busy little elves preparing for the holiday season. Ornaments and gifts are being created with love. Thank You to all of our Volunteers that help make the holiday magic happen!

First Grade Classes Make Ornaments

Second Grade Ornament Creations

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY 2 FRONT TEETH! The wish lists of some students might be a mile long. iPods and DS Games, Wii and XBox are very popular requests most parents are hearing.

But all these Baxter Students want for Christmas are their 2 Front Teeth!!

Kids School Pages

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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Crosby-Ironton Rangers Happenings Around Cuyuna Regional Elementary School

Students Design Reading Posters Students created posters to promote reading for an assignment in Digital Photography with Ms. Segersten. The posters featured were created by: Kayla Ferrari, Kayla Soper, Shyla Rocca, and Holly Olson.

Mrs. Olson’s third grade students made “Get Well” cards for injured veterans.

Mr. Sipper’s 5th grade class has accomplished over 100,000 math equations based on the MN State Math Standards, in the IXL math program.

Mrs. Jensen’s first graders are practicing basic math facts in the computer lab, with “Math Facts in a Flash.”

Mariah Bodle, 5th grader, has completed the 5th grade library of the MN State Math Standards through the IXL math program. She will now move onto the 6th grade library.

Michaela Stangel, 5th grader, has completed the 5th grade library of the MN State Math Standards through the IXL math program. She will now move onto the 6th grade library.

CRES 1st grade teachers are reviewing student test data at their Professional Learning Community meeting.

Service, Adventure and Leadership S.A.L.T. stands for service adventure leadership team and the group consists of sophomores, juniors or seniors who believe in their mission statement, which is: to empower youth with a sense of ownership and responsibility for environmental stewardship.

One of the services projects that they do in the schools is emptying the pop can and bottle recycling containers each week. They have also spoke to all the students in the school encouraging them to recycle.

They are pictured with the new recycling containers that Nisswa Sanitation donated to the school.

Two of the adventures they have done this year include mountain biking on the new mountain bike trails in the Cuyuna Recreation area and completing the high ropes course at the Clearwater State Forest.

Most adventures cost little to no money because of the partnership with community education.

S.A.L.T. also participates in a few activities with S.A.L.T. groups from the twin cities area. S.A.L.T. groups from the twin cities will be visiting C-I in May to do a mineland cleanup and go kayaking and mountain biking in the Cuyuna Recreation area.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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Crosslake LUMBERJACKS

Community School

Visiting Northern Train Trackers

TOP Box Top Collector Qtr. 1 Lyla Billman, Grade 5. Lance Swanson, 4/5 teacher

Scrapbooking

Native American Dancing

by Beverly Loeffler, 2/3 teacher The students in Mrs. Loeffler's 2/3 class at Crosslake Community School learn more about each other as they make a scrapbook page. Students are asked to bring in pictures from home to put on their page. As the students make their scrapbook page they get to visit and learn a little more about each other. The pages are then put into a scrapbook and kept in the classroom library.

by Beverly Loeffler, 2/3 teacher Crosslake Community School learns more about Native American dance with help from The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts. Larry Yazzie taught the students through Video Conferencing. Larry taught the students the "Fancy Dancer," one of the most energetic and athletic dances performed. Larry is of both the Meskwaki and Dine nations and is an international lecturer, educator, and performer.

Bowling

Geography Bee

The 4-8 team’s end of the quarter activity was a trip to Jack’s House

The Minnesota Zoo Visit

The Minnesota Zoo brings animals from the rainforest for students to learn about them

The team for Grades 4-8 held a Geography Bee. The School champion is Ethan Gibbs (grade 8). There were ten final contestants who represent Crosslake Community School.

In the photo: Jack Friday, Maverick Engstrom, Chase Tulenchik, Ethan Gibbs, Cole Gray, Emily Brunkhorst, Veronica Hulke, Chaia Tulenchik, Dillion Hassel.

This photo is courtesy of Echo Publishing.

Kids School Pages

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Aiden types his story about winter, Tylar watches

Brandon, Nathan, and Braden do test tube long division

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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Noah, Owen, Haylee, Oliver, Ty and Lauren add origami birds to the peace tree.

Discovery Woods Students Enjoy Learning a Variety of Subjects This month we have been talking about peace. The children have spent time learning how to create origami cranes. These cranes are hung on our Discovery Woods tree and Discovery Waters tree when the children have had peaceful days in the classroom. This project was created to help build community in each classroom as well as throughout the school. The children have responded well to the challenge and encourage others to have peaceful days. It is helping the students to become more aware of their choices while learning what a peaceful day feels like.

In math, the children are using the Stamp Game for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

The Test Tube Division has been popular with the 3rd-5th graders. This material was designed to help the children understand the hierarchy of division. The students are learning these operations concretely and moving towards abstraction. Geometry has given the students the opportunity to learn about three dimensional shapes. It also ties nicely to their art lessons on drawing and shading different shapes.

The concept of time is something that all the elementary classes are studying. The lower elementary classes (1st- 3rd grade) have mastered telling time. They have now moved on to working with elapsed time and incorporating time into story problems. The upper elementary class (4th and 5th grade) has been taking a deeper look at time. They have started looking at different ele-

ments of our solar system and have been giving amazing presentations of their work and knowledge to their classmates. They have also been studying the different eras of geologic time. Learning about the Megalodon has been a classroom favorite.

The upper elementary class has nearly completed their study of an insect’s life cycle. Almost all of the meal worms have turned into beetles. This was a very successful experiment. The lower elementary students have been working on a recycling experiment. They are documenting how long it takes for a banana peel to decompose.

The Children’s House (preschool and kindergarten) students have been conducting their own experiments.

They have planted pumpkin seeds and are watching them grow. The students have enjoyed learning about the care of the outdoor and indoor environments.

The preschoolers and kindergartners have been practicing numbers ranging from 10 to 100 with an assortment of Montessori Materials. The Spindle Box reinforces counting numbers from 0 – 10. The Teens and Tens Boards were designed for children to count beyond 10 to 20 and learn to count by tens to 100. The older students are practicing their math facts in addition with the Strip Board and Bead Bars. Some Kindergartners are using the Thousand Chain to learn to count to 1000.

Emily Hanson works with John on the Teens Board

Livia, Carsyn, Maya, and Stella pin prick shapes out of paper

Lindsey leads the alphabet song. Gabe and Sophia, front. Tyler, Madison, Kyzer, Faith, back row.

Evandyr makes landforms with clay and water

Lydia works with different sizes of rectangles

What do you like to learn at Discovery Woods?

Quinton and Coby do a science experiment

I love to learn about math with the Stamp Game. –Grant, 1st grade I love learning about dodgeball. – Jaiden, 3rd grade At Discovery Woods I like the Great Lessons. We had one with cave men and earth. –Cora, 3rd grade I love to learn about math with the Bead Frame. –Sophie, 1st grade At Discovery Woods I love to learn about the universe. I know about Mercury, Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune. I made a project about the universe. It’s really, really cool. I love Discovery Woods.- Lauren, 3rd grade

Sophia and Logan do stamp game addition

Miki and Kaylee show their multiplication boards

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Forestview Middle School Well Represented in 2011 State Honor Choirs

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Forestview Student Ambassadors

Forestview's 7th and 8th grade Student Ambassadors are working hard on various projects. They have been giving new students tours, helping students with test preparation, facilitating 5th and 6th grade Literature groups, tutoring in math, and helping 5th graders in a math classroom. These students were recommended for this program because they are helpful, friendly, kind to others, and hardworking. The Ambassadors are great volunteers and a tremendous help to our students at Forestview.

Row one: Maggie Mattson (7th grade), Grace Johnson (6th grade), and Emily Chock (6th grade).

Row two: Maren Pelowski (7th grade), Taiya Holmberg (8th grade), Aaron Nibbe (8th grade), Libby Kurtzman (6th grade), and Elizabeth Everson-Villella (6th grade). Not pictured: Kirsten Hirst (7th grade).

By Marcus Aulie Nine students from Forestview Middle School were selected to perform in the 2011 American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota State Honor Choirs.

Sixth graders Emily Chock, Elizabeth Everson-Villella, Grace Johnson, and Libby Kurtzman all sang in the State Elementary Honor Choir, while seventh graders Kirsten Hirst, Maggie Mattson, and Maren Pelowski, and eighth grader, Taiya Holmberg all sang in the State 7-8

Grade Girls' Honor Choir. Eighth grader, Aaron Nibbe, represented Forestview in the State 7-8 Grade Boys' Honor Choir.

All of these students were chosen from hundreds of auditions from all over the state, and they sang with 150 other students from around Minnesota in their different Honor Choirs. The 2011 State Honor Choir Festival took place on November 18 and 19 on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

Banks, Justin Benson, Reese Brink, Mac Ebinger, Jakob Figliuzzi, Ava Forsythe, Lauren Gohman, Madison Griffin, Mykala Gunsbury, Claire Heidmann, Collin Hirst, Kirsten Jensen, Lindsey Jensen, Travis Kendall, Billy Kosobud, Grant Kroll, Mason Larson, Samantha Markeson, Hannah Mattson, Maggie

Moran, Peter Norquist, Luke Peterson, Kaylea Price, Emily Sanganoo, Christine Schmidt, Camryn Sobania, Elizabeth Stark, Caitlin Veith, Hannah Watland, Brook Weiss, Kyle Anderson, Hannah(2nd yr) Borash, Sylvia(2nd yr) Brown, Nicole(2nd yr) Bruggeman, Landon Carlson, Sophie Cleveland, Rachel Crum, Alison Erickson, Taylor(2nd yr)

Gross, Jordan (2nd yr) Hartman, Samantha Johnson, Caden Johnson, Emma(2nd yr) Koupal, Kelsey(2nd yr) Laughton, Sean Leas, Taylor (2nd yr) Makey, Devin Miller, Carly(2nd yr) Nameniuk, Hannah(2nd yr) Nibbe, Aaron Qualley, Mason Saxum, David Severson, Dylan(2nd yr) Stangel, Sierra Swenson, Jenna (2nd yr) Swenson, Ty (2nd yr) Vrudny, Julian Wroolie, Megan (2nd yr)

Pictures at an Exhibition

By Kara Hall Mrs. Trista Sandusky and Mrs. Kara Hall’s seventh and eighth grade art classes teamed up with the Heartland Symphony Orchestra to create artwork for their fall concerts based on Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

Students listened to the music and created non-objective artworks using colors, lines shapes, movements, and rhythms to interpret how they imagined the music as if it was on paper. Acrylic paints, watercolors, pastels, ink, craypas, tinfoil, colored pencils, house

paint, nail polish, spray paint, and of course, glitter were used to create their artworks.

The artworks were then scanned and an iMovie was created by multi-media teacher Jim Reed and eighth grader Ryan Frank. The movie was projected on a large screen above the orchestra at concerts in Little Falls and Brainerd.

We would like to thank the Heartland Symphony Orchestra for this unique and exciting opportunity.

Super Fans

Forestview physical education teacher Mary Linder was recently inspired at a Warrior volleyball game when some “super fans” led spectators in a group dance to the song “Interlude.” Linder brought the idea back to her FMS 6th graders, and together they choreographed their own production of the song. The number was videotaped and will be sent to Channel One, a daily news broadcast viewed by FMS students, with hopes that it will be chosen as Channel One’s “Play of the Week.”

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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GARFIELD

ELEMENTARY All we want for Christmas is our two front teeth!!

Sweet Creations and Celebrations On Tuesday, December 6th, Ms. Ruen's class "sweetly" celebrated December and Family Read Night with the making of Gingerbread Houses! Students designed and decorated their own gingerbread house with marshmallows, fruit loops, red hots, chex cereal, spice drops, m & m's, licorice, chocolate chips, candy canes, and LOTS of yummy white frosting! The houses looked spectacular and 100% scrumptious! Over the next few days all of our first grade classes will be creatively constructing sweet gingerbread houses to eat and share. A fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays.

We’re ready for snow....

Where did Jack Frost go?

Garfield students are reading machines!

Our students in grades 2-4 have already read more than 20 million words and over 7,800 books since the beginning of the school year using our accelerated reading program. Our wall of fame is growing by leaps and bounds and we are looking forward to introducing this program to our first grade students after the first of the year. At this rate, we are sure to beat last years’ amazing reading totals. Keep up the good work kids!

Family Reading Night On Tuesday, December 6th, Garfield hosted a “Family Reading Night” from 6:00 – 8:00. Children came to school, some in their pajamas, to hear their favorite teachers read them bedtime stories. Juice and cookies were provided and students and parents alike enjoyed some of our teacher’s favorite stories. After the stories were read, a drawing was held in each classroom to give away the book that the teacher read. Juice and cookies were provided, along with an opportunity to browse and shop at our Scholastic book fair.

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.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

HARRISON ELEMENTARY Kindergarten Feast The annual Harrison Kindergarten Feast was held on Wednesday, November 23rd. A short skit was performed by the Kindergartners highlighting all the things for which they were thankful. After the skit, all Kindergartners and their parents enjoyed a delicious feast with all the trimmings

Top 10 Reasons Why Santa Should Visit Our Class

By Mrs. Meyer’s 3rd Grade Class 10. We return our homework on time.

9. We help our school by bringing in box tops, milk lids, soup labels, and pop tabs.

8. Most of us have a “clean plate” at lunch time.

7. We have fewer stop light reports going home.

(Less grounding by parents) 6. We help others when needed.

5. We are always ready to learn everyday. (almost) 4. Yesterday only half of the class forgot his/her gym shoes at home.

3. We are all ears when Mrs. Meyer speaks.

(At least that’s what she thinks) 2. We do our morning responsibilities everyday.

(Looking to hire person to sharpen pencils... 1 cent per hour) 1. We always write our name on every paper. (except Ryan)

Family volunteers came and helped students in Mrs. Meyer’s 3rd Grade Classroom make decorations for Christmas.

Students in Mrs. Meyer’s 3rd grade classroom helped decorate the classroom Christmas tree

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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Lake Region Christian School Elementary Character Awards Each month, the elementary students learn a character trait and work to put that trait into practice in their lives. The October character trait was Attentiveness.

The winners of the Attentiveness Character Award were Norah Boyd, K5; Gethsemane Hiltner, First Grade; India Hiltner, Second Grade; Mikaela Jones, Third Grade; and Jude Hiltner, Fourth Grade. The November character trait was Gratefulness. The winners of the Gratefulness Character Award were Kyra Wermter, K5; Damien Bentho, First Grade; Ethan Boelter, Second Grade; Halle Wagner, Third Grade; Reese Wicklund, Fourth Grade. Congratulations, Students!

State Champs!

Christmas Program

Knowing that the MACS state tournament was going to be held at LRCS, this year's soccer team wanted to be playing their best soccer at the end of the season. The Hornets faced a feisty Fourth Baptist team in the semi-finals, coming away with an 8-1 victory. The championship game found the Hornets matched up against a determined Rosemount team. After being tied 0-0 at the half, our team pulled away in the second half to end the game with a 3-0 victory. This senior-led team will definitely be missed next year as the Hornets try to fill many vacancies. Thank you, Players and Coaches, for all the great memories this year. Congratulations on being the MACS State Soccer Champs!

The sound of hand bells ringing has recently filled the hallways at LRCS! The all-school Christmas program, "Ring Out the News!" was presented on December 8th, featuring the debut of the school's newly purchased Schulmerich hand bells. Thanks to the donations of LRCS families and friends, the bells were purchased this fall in time to be showcased at this special Christmas concert. Songs performed by the twelve member high school hand bell choir were "O, Tannenbaum,” "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High,” and "Carol of the

Bells." The elementary and junior high students also performed many songs at the concert. Two of the highlights were hearing elementary students playing recorders, xylophones, rhythm sticks, and child-friendly hand bells, and enjoying the beauty of "Still, Still, Still" - a collaborative piece arranged by Arnie Anderson featuring his string students and the hand bells. The finale of "Away in the Manger" included the voices of all kindergarten through twelfth grade students, hand bells, and violins.

Macbeth Banquet Scene Recently, the LRCS seniors studied William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in British Literature. A highlight of the study was a “breakfast banquet” while they studied the banquet scene. The students learned about the purposes of the banquets in Shakespeare’s plays as well as the significance of Macbeth’s banquet. Learning always comes easier when food is involved!

Thanksgiving Feast On November 22, the LRCS second graders celebrated Thanksgiving Feast. The students prepared songs and poems for a program that was presented to their special guests. Following the program was a meal, and each student could invite one guest to the feast. The students were all dressed as Pilgrims or Native Americans.

The special feast culminated a unit on the Pilgrims.

Grandparents’ Day On Friday, October 14th, the preschool and elementary students from LRCS put on their annual Grandparents' Day program. Attendees listened to each class perform a song, recite a poem, and quote a Scripture passage centered around the

theme "Teach Us to Number Our Days," taken from Psalm 90:12. Following the performance, grandparents enjoyed refreshments and had pictures taken with their grandchildren in front of a beautifully painted autumn backdrop

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Kids School Pages

Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

Pequot Lakes PATRIOTS Author Visits Pequot School

By Katy Schrock & Andrew Mitchell Students in grades sixth through twelfth at Pequot School recently had the privilege of meeting author, Will Weaver. He introduced himself with pictures and a wide variety of his books. Mr. Weaver leads an exciting life as an author, as he recently came home from a trip to New York. Middle school students read his book, Memory Boy, in honor of his visit. Mr. Weaver answered questions about his life and specifically about this book. Many students also purchased a copy of the book and had him sign it.

Eighth grade student Katy Schrock said, "Overall, I thought he was a pretty cool man. I was surprised that he was just like us." Andrew Mitchell said, "He was one of the nicest men I have ever met."

Mr. Weaver also talked about his new book, Survivors, which is the sequel to the book we read for class.

The book is coming out in January, 2012, and is long awaited. He showed the students the new book and read the first chapter for us. Many students are eager to read this and other Will Weaver books!

Living Zoo in Pequot Lakes

By Cory Casanova and Josephine Grubb Have you ever heard of MR. FAB? The ¾ multi-age classes of Eagle View Elementary School sure have!

The students in Mrs. Zeidler’s and Mrs. Harman/ Virnig’s classes have been studying the different classes of animals in the vertebrate family. MR.FAB stands for all the types of animals that are vertebrates. The “M” stands for mammals. The “R” stands for reptiles. The “F” stands for fish. The “A” stands for amphibians, and last, but certainly not least, the “B” stands for birds.

Both classes have been working on the Living Zoo

project for about a month. All of the students were assigned to a class of vertebrates. Each group had to find information about four or five animals within their class of animals. They also had to find a picture of each of the animals. Each group created dioramas to represent the habitat of the animals they studied. They also created an “It’s Alive” data form to share what they had learned from their research.

Finally, the students had the opportunity to share what they had learned with another classroom. It was hard work, but in the end, it was all worth it!

Paul Bunyan Tall Tales

Back Row (l to r) Blake Millner, Emma Benson, Hayden Cameron Front Row (l to r) Lachlan Larson, Cooper Danielowski, Hailey Halverson

By Lachlan Larson and Braden Holmes I’m sure you’ve heard of Paul Bunyan. He’s a giant lumberjack that created the many lakes of Minnesota.

He also created the Great Lakes, the Grand Canyon, and the Smoky Mountains. He loves to fish and he’s good at it. Paul has his ox, Babe, whom he found in the winter of the Blue Snow.

In Mrs. Harman’s and Ms. Virnig’s 3-4 multi-age classroom, students are writing Paul Bunyan tall tales.

We are including the Pequot Lakes bobber tower and how it came to be in here in our town.

To get ready for parent teacher conferences, we made “almost” life-size Paul Bunyan’s out of construction paper and put our tall tales inside his lumberjack coat for visitors to read. That was the most fun part, making the gigantic Paul’s because we got to do art by making him. We think they look really cool and awesome. We think Paul would agree!

HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITY

Penny Challenge By: Lauren Bengtson & Barbara Miller The penny challenge is a competition between the middle level grades to see which grade can raise the most money for the cause. All pennies and dollars went toward each grade for positive, and silver and other cash put in by other grades counted as a negative. The goal was to have the highest “Positive Penny” total. This year, all the money raised went to the Lakes Area Food Shelf, and “Christmas for Kids” – providing a holiday for families in need. A total of $1568.36 was raised, and there was a fierce competition!. After the positives and subtractions were calculated, the totals came as follows: 6th grade had positive $151.99, 7th grade had negative $77.39, and 8th grade had positive $172.36. In the end, 8th grade “won” by $20.37. The real winners are the people we will be able to help with these funds. A thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to our Penny Challenge, and are helping people to have a happier holiday season.

By Alex Nelson and Haley Wiebolt Eighth grade students at Pequot Lakes Middle School are participating in community service projects. They did this as a part of their Life Skills class. We rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Cub Foods. The best part was that it made us feel good about helping other people. Also, the money we raised went to a good cause.

Other people in our class volunteered at the soup kitchen, assisted living, church, and the book fair/library.

ANIMALS OF THE WORLD

By Nicole Young Hoowwwwwll!, e-e-o-o-a-ah, growl, oink-oink are some of the animals you would see at the Cheek residents. We, the fifth grade, at Eagle View Elementary went there for our first field-trip of the year. Located in Breezy Point MN, Mr. Cheek has mounted at least 1 animal from every continent of the world. All in his own house!! From the tiny quail of North America, to the giant elephant of Africa, you can see, touch, and learn about all the amazing animals of the world. In their beautiful house, Mr. and Mrs. Cheek have a wild and wide variety of deer, hogs, wild cats and many more wonderful animals for you to discover. What a great experience for us!

Happy Holidays!

Baxter | Brainerd | Crosby | Pequot Lakes | Staples

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

11S

PILLAGER AREA

CHARTER SCHOOL 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.

Our Journey to New York 11-11-11!

By Tiffany Wilson Our journey to New York started early this morning at 6:15 AM. We rode the bus to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport and arrived there about 9:30. Some of us chose that almost three hour drive to catch up on sleep. The others, like me, were too excited to sleep.

On our way down, we stopped at Burger King in Clearwater for breakfast. Luna left her phone there. She didn’t realize it until we got to the Airport.

At the Airport, we checked into our flight. We waited to board for about 45 minutes. During that time, we first time fliers were nervous and excited about the flight.

At 10:55 AM we boarded the flight.

When we started going down the runway, I got so excited I started crying and laughing at the same time. Mark laughed at me.

At about 12:15 we landed in Milwaukee, WI. From there, we had a two hour wait before we got on our connecting flight to New York. That flight was about two hours.

Flying over Lake Michigan, I felt like I was looking at the ocean because it was so vast and beautiful.

At about 6:00 PM Eastern Time, we landed in New York. I was so happy to get off the plane and finally be in New York. Once we got off the plane and into the concourse, we were greeted by a packed waiting area. I was shocked at how small and compacted everything was, especially for a city with over eight million people.

Once we got all our things and people, we took a shuttle to the hotel Pan American to make plans… sort of. After that was done, some of us “attempted” to go to the mall a couple blocks away. We only got as far as the McDonald’s before we stopped and ate.

After a long day with waking up early and being constantly on the move, plus adding an hour, I was ready for bed.

11-12-11 First official day in the Big Apple.

In the morning, we left the hotel around 8:30. From there, we walked four blocks to the Subway station and took a subway to Times Square. My breath was taken away as soon as we stepped out of the station and saw Times Square for the first time.

From there, we walked a couple blocks to the Rockefeller Plaza to see Top of the Rock. It was so amazing seeing New York from almost one hundred stories high.

After Top of the Rock, we took a ferry to Battery Park, which were a few blocks from the 911 Memorial.

At Battery Park, we bought stuff from the vendors there. I bought a New York hoody and three New York shirts. On our walk to the memorial, I bought a pair of sunglasses for five bucks on Wall Street, right across the street from the

Wall Street protests.

Once we got to the memorial, we walked around the pools and read the names that were engraved on the sides. It was so peaceful and quiet…

Before we went to the Empire State building, we went to Madame Tussaud’s wax Museum. It was really cool. One of the floors was a REAL candy shop. I bought some gummy sharks and frogs. I want more…

At the Empire State, we went on a virtual tour of New York called the Sky Ride. It was so cool and the commentary was funny. I was laughing almost the entire time.

Back at the hotel, I was ready for bed… and for the ground to stop moving.

11-13-11 Another eventful day in the city that never sleeps; we began today by going to the Statue of Liberty. It was so beautiful; But a lot smaller in person.

After the Statue, we took a ferry to Ellis Island. There, we walked around the main building and read about the people that came there.

Once we were done at Ellis Island, we went to Chinatown. At first, we were supposed to go to the Brooklyn Bridge but we stayed too long in the Subway.

In Chinatown, Renae and I found all the deals on Mott Street.

I bought a cow hat with a scarf and pockets.

11-14-11 Today began bright and early for five of us. Renae, Reinna, Cody, Kali and I went to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the Today Show. We made signs. Al Roker came out and I got to shake his hand. We were on National Television!

After the Today Show, we walked to Good Morning America. On our way, we stopped at Tiffany’s. We all thought it was a café, but it was only a jewelry store. We stopped at a real café to grab a bite.

We got to GMA as the show was ending. Renae and I got pictures with Robin and George Stephanopoulos!

For about a half hour, we sat in Times Square, just looking at the sights and people.

We went to the American Museum of Natural History, where we met up with all the other kids. Before we went in, we sat in Central Park where I took a cow nap on a park bench; so peaceful.

At the museum, I saw lots of attractions on the stars and how Earth came to be. There were also exhibits on animals and dinosaurs, it was huge!

When we left, some of us went back to Times Square to do over fun things, like shopping. I got my shopping done at a store called Grand Slam.

After shopping we went on the Intrepid, the air, sea, and space mu-

seum. I took it easy there. My feet were pulsing.

We went on the Circle Line cruise after the Intrepid, it was so cool! We got to see New York from the water and at night, so beautiful.

11-15-11 Today our day got off to a somewhat late start. We didn’t leave the hotel until about eleven. From our hotel, we took about an hour and a half Subway ride to Coney Island.

While we were there, Mark treated us all to lunch at Famous Nathans.

I got the crispy chicken sandwich and fries. Not really good.

For a while, we sat around and ate our food near some drunken hobo’s. Needless to say, I didn’t care for Coney Island all that much.

After Coney Island, Renae, Kali, Sara, and I went to Canal Street to shop. I got my nephew a shirt, me some PJ pants, and some hats.

When we left Canal Street, we went to Soho. There, we went to a coffee shop for something warm to drink then to H&M. I bought two shirts and a hair clip.

From there, we made our way to Grand Central Station. Shortly after leaving there, Sara left us at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. While we were looking for a subway, I found a Barnes and Noble. I got really excited. I went in and bought two books.

With just Kali, Renae, and I we made our way over to Times Square again. Kali went to eat at an Irish place while Renae and I went to the Hershey store. I bought a chocolate lover mug. After that, we went across the street to Sabrro’s.

While I was eating my cheese pizza, Renae scared me by having a NYPD take a picture with me. After eating, we went to the Disney Store and Forever 21. I got an Eeyore for my mom and a Stitch for me. We stayed there for about another half hour then decided to go back to the hotel; packing to do tonight.

11-16-11 Home. This morning, we got up and left the hotel about ten. We took two busses to the Airport.

Once there, we waited to board tor about an hour and a half. We had lunch. I had pizza again.

It is a little sad we left New York.

I had such a great time…except for a few things, Coney Island. I’m so glad I got this chance to go. I loved it. Times Square was my favorite place.

Our flight from New York to Milwaukee lasted about two hours.

There, I bought a little cow with buggy eyes. I named her Bug-Moo. We almost missed our flight to MSP. Our plane was at another gate and we didn’t realize it until they were boarding. Glad to get on it. Good to be going home. We got to Pillager around ten, after making a short stop in Clearwater to pick up Luna’s phone. HOME!!!

B is for Bully

PACS School Board member Retreat

Trip to the Iron Range Derrick working on a Solar Panel

Luke working on the trailer

(Top two photos) Top of Rockefeller Center, (middle) Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, (bottom) Today Show!

Colleen preparing our Open House Thanksgiving Dinner

by Emily Feustel Thursday, December 1st, I had the opportunity to see a play entitled “B is for Bully.” This play was at the Central Lakes College in the Dryden Theatre. When I arrived, along with the rest of the students and teachers, we beheld a small, dark room with a makeshift stage across from the seats. I had been expecting a large theater, but this was all right too. As we proceeded to our seats, there was a bit of commotion as we all shuffled around other people trying to sit down. When we were all finally seated, the lights dimmed, and the actors went to their places. The play consisted of the actors portraying people who were victims of bullying, the bullies, and onlookers who saw what happened. Each of the actors told stories about different cases of bullying, including discrimination, abuse, and even murder.

It wasn’t a long play, which is good since the attention span of some students is very short. It opened my eyes to how anyone can be a victim, and that sometimes people don’t even realize they are being a bully.

Also, I learned that people are afraid of what they do not understand, and so they shun it, or try to destroy it. Young, old, man, woman- no matter your age, gender, race, beliefs- anyone can be bullied. But most people just turn a blind eye on the situation, sad but true. This play inspired me to take a stand against bullying when I see it, and it made me realize that I have been a bully. My goal now is to change that. I hope the message of the play got through to other people too, because together, we can make a difference.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Kids School Pages

PILLAGER

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Home of the Huskies Classes focus on forestry products and processes Forestry and Digital Photo students traveled to Pillsbury Forest Hardwoods, Inc. recently. Students saw the “forest to mill” process and were able to connect what they see in the woods to the processes and careers that make possible the products they use in their everyday lives. Students watched the mill’s la-

Literature and cultures come to life

“Try Five” challenge begins in elementary classrooms

ser-guided saw cut basswood logs into lumber and strips to be shipped to the East coast where they will be used in hardwood blinds. Digital photography students traveled with the forestry class to capture the action and practice their picture-taking techniques.

By Sabrina Beach All of Mr. Ihrke’s English classes and Ms. McLean’s Honors 10 English class took a field trip to the Guthrie Theater last month for a performance of “Burial at Thebes,” a modern adaptation of Sophocles’ play “Antigone.” Students thought it was pretty good how the actors brought the play that they had read to life.

The best part of the trip, according to sophomore Amanda Cowan-Nelson, was the long, mirrored escalator up to the theater seats, “which was cool—looking down at your self in the mirror and hoping you didn’t fall down.” Students also enjoyed sitting and watching the play, according to Amanda.

A stop at World Market was also fun: walking around, seeing different cultures and clothes, and trying different foods.

(right) Pillsbury Forest Hardwoods’ product which is then shipped East for final processing (below, top) Mr. Kaufmann discusses the forest to mill process with the group (bottom) The laser-guided saw Photos by: Adam Manlick and Brady Peacock

Kindergarten classes kick off the holidays In November, Kindergarten class were busy learning about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower.

To wrap up the unit, Mrs. King’s class made “stone” soup and home-made butter.

Pillager School was awarded a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program USDA grant, “Try Five.”

This grant is administered by the MN Department of Education in coordination with Nutrition Services.

The program’s goal is to create healthier school environments through better food choices, to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience, and to increase fruits and vegetables in children’s diets.

Beginning December 1, a fresh fruit or vegetable snack is delivered every afternoon to each classroom.

Children are encouraged to try the snack every day.

Sample snack items include blackberries, red peppers, apples, pea pods, pears, jicama, kiwi, celery sticks, root mix, mango, cucumber, and pineapple. Each day brings a new variety.

Dads and kids bond at third annual event

By Cierra Smith and Tristin Long, grade 10 On Friday, November 18th community education hosted Donuts for Dads in the Pillager High School gym.

Community members of all ages and their fathers or father figures started arriving at 7:30 in the morning. They ate donuts and drank juice while they made paper airplanes to fly in the “Paper Airplane Contest.” This is the third year that Pillager community ed. has put on this event. Ninth grader Jack Twiss said, “It gives us bonding time with our dad.” Donuts for Dads is a very popular and positive event that the kids and adults seem to enjoy a lot!

Family Movie Night The Pillager Elementary Parent-Teachers Organization sponsored another fun Family Movie Night in November. Over 200 people enjoyed the movie Cars 2 in the gym as kids, parents, and teachers sold food, won door prizes and raised $500! Admission to the movie was free thanks to a donation from CTC. Money raised will go back into classrooms for books and other materials.

Danielle Pikus

Josh Warren

Jade Rau

Morgan Cunningham

Husky of the Month Jade Rau, sophomore, was chosen as the girls’ cross country Husky of the Month for October. Jade cut 1:35 off her season best at the Conference meet with a time of 18:48 for 4000 meters. Coach Hollingsworth said, “Jade has been a great addition to our team this year. Moving in from Wisconsin, Jade has worked very hard and been a great team leader in practice and at meets.”

The boys’ cross country October Husky of the Month was senior Josh Warren. Josh moved into the Pillager top 10 list with a 19:37 time at the Birchtree Conference Meet. “Josh has been working hard all year,” Coach Hollingsworth said, “His times have shown this with his first meet running 23:45 down to his 19:37 time at conference.”

Danielle Pikus has been named the November Husky of the Month for her work on Student Council. Danielle, assisted by Zoe Loucks and Samantha Levig, did outstanding advertising and posters for the Student Council’s recent food drive. Danielle and the gang also picked up all of the food that had been donated. Advisor Ms. Millette said, “Danielle made a great leader for the team, and together she, Sam and Zoe worked very well.”

Yearbook chose Morgan Cunningham as their Husky of the Month for November. Mrs. Devine, advisor for the yearbook, said, “Morgan is a dedicated and hardworking member of the yearbook staff. She serves as treasurer along with committing herself to multiple yearbook page designs.”

Ceramic paw produced by many hands The art department invited students and staff to join in an all-school project, a collaborative coil activity starting with a shape of a husky paw to show “Husky Pride.” This project was inspired by our connection with art instructor Dorian Beaulieu from Lake Superior College.

Dorian has been working with our CIS ceramic students and is providing the clay for this 3 ½ foot tall, 17 inch wide project.

The pot was the result of the work of many classes and staff members; it was fired successfully and is on display in the art room.

Josh Smith, dean of students, brought the pot to a Minnesota Positive Behavior Intervention Systems conference. The “Husky Pride” paw pot will be displayed at the MN PBIS conference as one of the unique, positive aspects of school improvement and pride.

(Above) Senior high students work with Dorian Beaulieu on the collaborative coil pot. (below) Fourth graders joined in making coils to show their Husky Pride.

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Keep A Clear Mind Congratulations to the Pine River Backus fourth graders who just completed the drug and alcohol education program; KEEP A CLEAR MIND. It is a nationally recognized program that has been shown to be effective in helping fourth grade students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to resist drug use. The fourth graders, the Class of 2020, designed their own t-shirts which celebrate the fun things or “sparks” that they enjoy and use as their anti-drug.

Kids School Pages

Generations of Fun

Ed-ventures!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

13S

Mrs. Holden's 4th grade enjoyed an afternoon at the Good Samaritan Home in Pine River. Students visited, read poetry, and helped with bingo.

Everyone enjoyed a snack before heading back to school.

Mrs. Rowell’s kindergarten class read the book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. Following the reading, they went to the school forest looking for leaves to make their own leaf man.

Minute To Win It! PRBE held its monthly assemblies featuring a new game for the classes at each grade level with the best attendance. Grades 3-4 had to knock over plastic cups with air from a balloon, 1-2 grades were challenged to keep a balloon in the air, and Kindergarten students bounced balls into a basket.

Caution: Kids At Play

Sounds of Music

Mrs. Huckstead's and Mrs. Kotaska's School Readiness classes held their Annual Fall Program on Monday, December 5th. It was a fun time for all. Students gave parents and families a great performance of nurs-

ECFE families enjoyed a night of open gym. The theme was "Tiger Cubs." Children and parents followed tigers and tiger paws through an obstacle course. Each child received a special Tiger Cub necklace once completing the course.

ery rhymes and songs learned in preschool. Fine motor and large motor stations were available for all, but the most popular activity was making gingerbread houses!

Just Hanging Out

Ultimate Homework Stations Students from Ms. TeHennepe’s second grade class and Mr. Johnson’s fourth grade class work together counting money.

During conferences, K-4 students were given the opportunity to create a fold-up work station that transforms their kitchen table into a study carrel that can be set up in a flash, with all the necessary supplies close at hand. Their Ultimate Homework Station can help keep them get focused on learning by providing a fun home-base for tackling homework!

5th and 6th graders put together binders with dividers and paper to get themselves organized, as well as learned some strategies to make homework time more

efficient. They were shown tips on putting together a large report, given a journal page on how to manage their time, and several other handouts to set and achieve their academic goals.

7th and 8th grade Youth in Action students worked with Youth and Family Services to help students and parents get everything they needed, to focus on homework time, and building their commitment to learning!

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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RIVERSIDE

ELEMENTARY Merry Christmas from the Staff and Student of the Month for November Students at Riverside Elementary!

Trustworthiness

Radiothon to End Child Abuse Mrs. Schirmer’s third grade students were able to visit the WJJY Radio Station to record their radio announcements to End Child Abuse. Mrs. Schirmer’s classes have been sharing their time and talent to End Child Abuse for 18 years.

Feathered Friends Beautiful and Regal were the feathered friends who came from the Raptor Center at the U. of M. to visit us in November.

Thank You Grandma Rose Rose started many years ago with the Brainerd School District in the Food Service Department as Head Cook at Riverside for over 14 years. After her retirement, Rose returned to her Riverside family as a volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program. Rose recently received recognition from the Foster Grandparent Program for 15 years of service.

Rose comes to Riverside everyday. She is known by everyone in the building, but works closely with the third and fourth grade students with their reading. All of the students at Riverside School affectionately call her “Grandma Rose”. Rose is also a member of both the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary #1647 and the American Legion Auxiliary #255. Rose has received a written citation and pin for years of service from both President George W. Bush and President Barrack Obama.

Rose is very active with the V.F.W. school programs for patriotism and Americanism. Rose proudly hangs the “bricks” for our Veterans Wall each year as we honor Veterans Day. We love our Rose!

Yo ho…a pirate’s life!!!

Black Jack reads to the first graders

Safe Life Martial Arts Safe Life Martial Arts Academy instructor, Sean Benham, came to Riverside with valuable tips about being safe. The kids then practiced the skills they were taught.

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

15S

Mission Statement St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, in cooperation with the family, is committed to challenging students to grow spiritually, academically and socially within a Catholic-centered environment.

of the

Lakes Catholic School

OUR CHILDREN. OUR FAITH. OUR FUTURE. 817 JUNIPER ST., BRAINERD, MN 56401 WWW.STFRANCISCATHOLICSCHOOL.ORG

218.829.2344 The best investment you’ll ever make isn’t in stocks or bonds .

STAR Students S – Star Students T – Try Harder A – Act Christ-like and are R – Responsible and Respectful

Congratulations to our November STAR students:

Age 3 preschool through 8th grade Enrollment for all ages for 2012-2013 begins Jan. 13 for supporting parish families and Jan. 31 for the greater community.

St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School 817 Juniper Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 218—829—2344 www.stfranciscatholicschool.org

K—Anna V. 1st grade—Madeline A. 2nd grade—Katie C. 3rd grade—Allyson B.

4th grade—Shaylee S. 5th grade—Mariko H. 6th,7th and 8th grade— Konrad B.

Procession of the Blessed Sacrament

NOVEMBER FOOD DRIVE THANKS FOR MAKING THE ST. FRANCIS OF THE LAKES NOVEMBER FOOD DRIVE SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS! TOGETHER, WE COLLECTED 1,174 POUNDS OF FOOD AND$230.00 FOR THE LOCAL FOOD SHELF!!

Band Program Grows Three years ago, St. Francis started a band program with Mrs. Lori Howe as our Band Director. This year, we have grown to 25 band students.

Culvers / St. Francis Marathon Celebration

Student Council members helped load up food shelf donations for delivery to the Salvation Army Food Shelf.

St. Francis students made it to their $42,000 goal for the marathon fundraiser! To help celebrate, Culvers treated the students, staff and parents to an ice cream party on Dec. 7th.

Many thanks to all who helped us reach the goal and a special thank you to Culvers for donating ice cream, an ice cream cart and staff to serve at our celebration!

Archery Grant Received

Give to the Max Day

Our school received a National Archery in Schools Program matching grant through the DNR allowing K8th grade students to learn archery during physical education.

Thank you to the MN DNR, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association /

Brainerd Chapter, James & Patricia Stroot, Jesse & Desiree Hopkins, Arthur & Joyce Vadnais, Scott & Patricia Engelstad, Goodie & Peter Schmitz, Pelican Lake Conservation Club, Lee & Jerilyn Arendt, and an anonymous donor.

We raised $3,421 in a 24-hour period on 11/16/11! Thank you to the 67 people who donated. We have enough for a new Smart Board which will be installed in our Science Lab for all students to use.

Our GiveMN site will remain open to accept donations for another Smart Board ($3,500).

A link is provided on the front page of our website at www.stfranciscatholicschool.org

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Kids School Pages

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Staples

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Motley

Independent School District #2170 Exciting News for our littlest Cardinals!

Families with preschoolers can now look forward to expanded preschool programs and an exciting new space at the Motley school. Starting September 2012, Motley will offer area families a new family center, a new all-day preschool program for children 16 months to age 5, expanded school readiness classes and a new 3 year old preschool class.

Parents interested in learning more about allday preschool may sign up on the registration information list by contacting Bonnie Madson at (218) 894-5400 or emailing bmadson@isd2170. k12.mn.us.

The new family center will have space to include the all-day preschool classes, an additional classroom for school readiness and Head Start classes, and a parent education room. The center will also house a large gross motor room. Grant

funds are being sought to purchase indoor playground equipment. In the future, additional services may be offered at the family center including school age care (before and after school), a lending library, parent education classes, and winter weekend open gym offerings.

“This is a decision for our district’s future. We want to provide a great space for families to start their children’s education. The Motley family center is an investment in the Motley community and in our students.” -- Justin Sperling, Motley Elementary and Middle School Principal.

In addition to new programs in Motley, Staples Motley is continuing research on creating a preschool class in the Lincoln Lakes area for fall 2013 and continuing to evaluate all-day preschool options to be held at the Staples Family Center to start fall 2013.

1,000 books The Staples Motley Early Childhood Coalition recently recognized 11 children who reached a reading goal of 1,000 books in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at their Move, Drop & Read event held on November 15, 2011. The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a joint effort between the Staples Public Library and the coalition where children are encouraged to read 1,000 books before they start kindergarten and are recognized for reading accomplishments on their journey. This is a free program and available to any child who has not yet entered kindergarten. Pictured are front row: Oliva Neal, Jaden Johnson, Sarah Elfstrum, EmmaLee Dobson, Caden Dobson, Ella Tingum, Caiden Neumann, Maci Mithun, Peyton Mithun, Amanda Mithun. Back row: Head Librarian Ellen Peters, Myra Horner, Staples Motley Early Childhood Coalition Project Coordinator, and Jessica Kleinschmidt holding Gunnar Kleinschmidt. Not pictured: Walker Johnson.

Foster Grandparents 10,650 hours. Its more hours than are in one year, and more time than most of us can fathom. 10,650 hours is also the amount of time Foster Grandparents spent volunteering in the Staples-Motley School District in the 2010-2011 school year.

Last year over seventy percent of school districts nationwide experienced budget cuts. In a time where resources are being squeezed, the StaplesMotley School District is committed to utilizing the Foster Grandparent Program to the fullest extent to meet the needs of their students. Currently between Motley Elementary, Staples Elementary, and Staples-Motley High School there are thirteen Foster Grandparents.

In each school, Foster Grandparents are working one-on-one with students that need extra help, attention and support. Students and Foster Grandparents often work together on reading or math, and that extra time can make the difference in students staying on track with their peers.

At Staples-Motley High School, two Foster Grandparents volunteer in Special Education classrooms.

Principal Ryan Luft said, “It’s a great way of adding more adults into our school. The number one thing we try to focus on is building relationships with kids. Our Foster Grandparents deal with kids that maybe otherwise would just get shuffled through.”

Staples Elementary Principal Jason Luksik knows the value of Foster Grandparents extends beyond the students, to the teachers as well. “They are another

Welcome Home!

helping hand,” he said. “There’s so many times when class ratios are 25:1, and that can be overwhelming.

They are an extra pair of eyes in the classroom. Our Foster Grandparents can say to students, ‘Are you doing your job?’ and kids respect that and get back on task.”

As the school district provides the opportunity for older adults to volunteer as Foster Grandparents, they gain a precious resource: advocates in their communities. Principal Luksik said, “Our Foster Grandparents are getting a chance to come into school and be a part of this. They go out and share things with their friends

and say how well the school is doing.” He added, “By having these volunteers in our building I get to build relationships with community members I wouldn’t normally get to work with.”

By committing to the Foster Grandparent Program in such a large way, by bringing together different generations to teach and nurture each other, the Staples-Motley School District is making a difference. “It makes our community stronger,” said Principal Luksik.

Indeed, the thousands of hours invested in StaplesMotley students each year are sure to enrich the towns and their citizens for years to come.

Serving Others

Preston (along with the rest of his class) was surprised last week when his dad showed up unexpectedly! He is serving in Afghanistan and has been gone for several months!

On Thursday, November 17th, Motley Elementary assisted with the Scandia Valley Lions Senior Dinner. The students served coffee, lemonade, pie, cleaned tables and helped with the clean-up. Serving coffee in the picture is Jaden Dumpprope – Grade 5 Motley Elementary.