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June 2013
Remarks to the Graduates of the Class of 2013 - The 20-Mile March
By Jeffrey Olson, Superintendent of Schools Per a tradition established several years ago, I am publishing my remarks to the recent graduates of Saint Peter High School. Hopefully, these will be something in my comments to the Class of 2013 that resonates with the residents of our school district. Let me begin by welcoming honored guests, friends, relatives, faculty, and most importantly the Class of 2013 to the 2013 commencement ceremony. Tonight you will be graduating from high school and entering the “real world.” You have accomplished great things in academics, the arts, and athletics. But, you are not done! As graduates of Saint Peter High School, you have a chance to make a difference through your chosen careers or professions, through being a solid citizen, or through service to others.
So, my challenge to you is for each of you to set one or two really big goals. These are goals that you want and need to accomplish in your lifetime. And, as you set these goals, I want you to keep in mind the “20Mile March.” Thus, from the old history teacher, a history lesson… In 1911, two explorers, Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott led separate expeditions to be the first groups to reach the South Pole. Both Amundsen and Scott set out at the same time, but only one group of explorers returned. Robert Falcon Scott was said to have let the weather decide when they should move. Some days they would push great
distances, others they would not move at all. In the end, it is believed that this is what caused the death of his whole expedition team. Roald Amundsen, on the other hand, had a plan. Roald planned to go 20 miles every day. No matter the weather or how the team felt, they were to go the 20 miles. Roald Amundsen returned with all men in his expedition team alive. So tonight as you receive your diploma, tuck away the thought of the “20-Mile March.” Stay focused and be consistent every day in working towards your big goals and you will be successful. Congratulations on your graduation from Saint Peter High School. Have a good summer. We are looking forward to a great 2013-2014 school year!
Photo courtesy of Jim Johnson At the end of the commencement ceremony, the graduates toss their caps up in the air as Principal, Dr. Peterson looks on.
Photo courtesy of Jim Johnson
Jacob Grill speaks to his classmates one last time, as Ms Engeldinger and Mr. Alger look on.
Students in Miss Michelle’s Discovery Days 2 school readiness class celebrated their school year at a program for their family by wearing special caps and t-shirts they made.
“Unless you have courage, a courage that keeps you going, always going, no matter what happens, there is no certainty of success. It is really an endurance race.” — Henry Ford
2 — Highlights, June 2013
Another Successful Year
Seniors listen to guest speakers at the wisdom and college retreat they attended during the last week of school.
The Last Week of the 2012-2013 School Year By Lexy Smith, grade 12 As we all know, the month of May brings many things to high school students here in St. Peter. Classes are wrapping up, it is getting nicer outside, spring sports are coming to an end, and plans for the next year are underway. For the younger students, their first year here at Saint Peter High School may be wrapping up. They survived their first year at the big school, meeting new people and having a new sense of freedom. For other students it may just be the ending of another great year, ending with studying for tests and rushing to finish homework. For the seniors here at Saint Peter High School, things are a little bit different. Most have their plans for next year already set in place, a job lined up, finishing up their courses, and preparing and planning for graduation; what they have been waiting for over the course of the last thirteen years. In recent years, the last week of school has been a little different. In the past, all of the students at Saint
Peter High School finished up their high school career together. Last year, staff decided for the class of 2012, they would like to see the last week a little different. Seniors were let off from the last week of classes and instead, they had activities planned for all of them as a class. On Memorial Monday, there was no class for any of the students. Kicking off the last week on Tuesday the twenty eighth, the seniors of 2013 traveled down to Johnson Hall located at the Saint Peter fairgrounds for a wisdom retreat. They spent the day there working in small groups, working in teams, working as partners, all on activities bringing them all closer together as a class for one of the last times. At the end of the day they all grouped together in a large circle. In the center of the circle was a microphone where all of the students had a chance to share any great memories, any things they were sorry for doing or not doing as a class, any messages they wanted to share to the whole class before the year was over. This was called the
verbal yearbook. The next day, Wednesday, the twenty ninth, the senior class started off by taking the annual senior class picture out on the hillside. Following the picture, the students went to Gustavus Adolphus College where they listened to guest speakers and learned about stuff for college next year. On Thursday, the thirtieth, which was the last day of the 2012-13 school year, the seniors had their class trip to Valleyfair. They took buses up there and spent the school day riding the rides and hoping for no rain. Meanwhile, back in the classrooms, the other students handed in books, turned in final papers and any last homework they were able to, and took final tests. Each year brings new challenges, opportunities, and memories. This was a great school year by far here at Saint Peter High School, and all of the students are wished the best of luck in the upcoming years.
By Lexy Smith, grade 12 Each school year is different; new students, some new teachers, new homework and new memories. When asked what their favorite and least favorite part of the 2012- 2013 school year waas, students from different grade levels said: Ryan Van Rossum, grade 11“ My favorite part of the school year was fall, when I was playing soccer and having a good time. My least favorite part of the school year is the last quarter when I’m sick of school and want to be outside enjoying the nice weather.” Morgan Schwarz, grade 12“ The best part of this year was Tennis season. The worst part of this school year was realizing that it was my last year with my classmates.”
Heather Smith, grade 8- “ My favorite part of the school year was going to a lot of the school sporting events with my friends, and the worst part was taking tests.” Joey Gardner, grade 12- “ My favorite part was mostly seeing my friends every day. My least favorite was probably how short and late lunch was.” Nicole Filler, grade 11- “ My favorite part was being at school with my friends and sticking to the thought of getting good grades. My least favorite part of the school year was not being able to go on any fun trips like the middle school students and seniors did” Lydia Kennedy, grade 12- “ My favorite part of the school year was probably the homecoming events. My least favorite
part was not spending enough time with my friends.” Ashlynn Schlueter, grade 8“ My favorite thing about this school year was being able to hang out with my friends. My least favorite part was having to present things.” Jake Powers- Endressen, grade 11- “ My favorite part was the welding course, and my least favorite part were consequences such as serving detentions.” The students have made many different memories and have different likes and dislikes about the 2012-2013 school year, but they all seem to have one thing in common. Everyone who was asked seemed to enjoy the time they were able to spend with their friends.
Saint Peter School District is sponsoring FREE LUNCHES and READING ACTIVITIES for children this summer!!! Who: All children ages 1-18. Children 7 and under need to be accompanied by a responsible caregiver.
What: FREE Lunch for all children who attend. There are no income guidelines required. Adults may choose to purchase a lunch for $3.50. Activities: All children are invited to participate in FREE reading activities scheduled from 11:30-12:00 p.m. each day. When: Wednesday, June 5 - Thursday, August 1, 2013 Lunch served 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Where: Saint Peter Public High School Cafeteria 100 Lincoln Drive, St. Peter How: No registration required—just come—all are welcome!! * The Summer Food Service Program is available to all children 18 years of age and under, and
persons over 18 who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for the mentally or physically handicapped. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
June 2013, Highlights — 3
Photo courtesy of Jim Johnson Ms. Josie Thulien gives the Graduating Class of 2013 words of wisdom and advice. She also thanked them for her time at Saint Peter High School as she is moving on to a new teaching job in Colorado.
Photo courtesy of Jim Johnson Due to the weather, commencement exercises were held in the high school gymnasium. The lobby area was packed as friends and family members connected with the new graduates after the program.
Human Sundae Students at North Intermediate were given the challenge of working hard and doing their best on the state assessments this spring. The students worked very hard and met this challenge! In doing so, students were given the opportunity to bring in sundae toppings and turn Ms. Coblentz, the school principal, into a “human sundae”! Congratulations to all North students and staff for your hard work!
North Staff “Gets Caught Reading” North Staff ’s Favorite Childhood Books Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Holes by Louis Sachar Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh Happy Hollisters by Jerry West and Helen S. Hamilton Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree by Stan and Jan Berenstain Anything written by Judy Blume North Staff ’s Favorite Books to Read to Students Wonder by RJ Palacio Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick James and the Giant Peach Roald Dahl The Napping House by Audrey Wood Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulson Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Daniels Story by Carol Matas Hatchet by Gary Paulson Advice to the Students From North Staff “Find a cozy, quiet spot and read a little bit every day.” “Search for books that relate to something you’re interested in. Look for books that are similar to other stories that you’ve heard and loved. Revisit old favorites and discover more from those authors.” “Stick with the challenges of learning to read so that it can become a source of wonder and entertainment when it becomes second nature.” “Reading can take you places you have never been to before!!” “You can go anywhere and be anything in a book.” “There is always something that interests you - find it, read more about it, and then read everything there is to know about it!”
4 — Highlights, June 2013
Rockin’ Rockets
Students in Mr. Nelsen’s class learn the effects health food and junk food have on the brain.
Students from Mrs. Guappone’s class participate in an activity to answer the question, “Do you see better with your left eye, right eye, or both?”
Learning about Our Brain
Students from Mrs. Hinton’s class study a tray of objects before discussing short term and long term memory.
Neuroscience students from Gustavus Adolphus College visited the fourth grade classrooms at North Intermediate to share their knowledge of the brain through presentations and hands-on activities. Students had the opportunity to rotate through various stations focusing on topics from short term and long term memory to
vision and brain safety. Students played games and participated in demonstrations to help them understand the concepts presented. The fourth-grade students and staff at North Intermediate want to extend our thanks to the students and staff from Gustavus for sharing their time and talents with us!
By Sophia Lee and Kiki Krueger (6th grade)
For many years rockets have been the big buzz of the sixth grade classes at North. We had always wondered what it would be like to build a rocket first hand, and this year, we got to find out! Everyone started with background research of the rocket itself. We learned when the first one was made, where to put our wings, and how to build the basic design. The sixth graders formed groups of three and mapped out the whole project. We were given $1,000.00 in fake money to “purchase” the items needed to construct our rocket. Over the next couple of days we budgeted out our spending, created a theme, and finished the building of
our rocket. Every day at the end of our rocket work time we would journal about what we completed that day, our frustrations, and our goals for tomorrow. Once our rocket was complete we attached a string and did a flying test. If it worked, we painted our rocket and it was ready to be launched. Launching took around two hours. The teachers hooked up our rocket to this wooden device and when we pulled the string, “BOOM!” - off the rocket went. It was very fun to see everyone’s rocket theme and how they launched. It was the best sixth grade project ever!
Reminder! Sign up for 5 t h Grade Summer Beginning Band Lessons Mon. – Thur., August 12- 22 North Intermediate, Mrs. Shoemaker
Trip to the Zoo This lazy leopard was just one of the many animals seen by the entire fifth grade class from North Intermediate on May 17. One-hundred and fifty students and more than fifty chaperones took the science related field trip which has become an annual trek to the Minnesota Zoo. Fifth graders learned earlier in the year about food chains, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
$80 ( sc h ol a r sh i ps a v a il a b l e) Lesson times and group practices to be determined Ways to Register: www.stpetercommunityedonline.com , call 934-3048 or in person at the Saint Peter Community & Family Education office (room 207 at the Community Center)
June 2013, Highlights — 5
South School Memories
“Doing math stations was my favorite things to do this year. We do fun games and lots of fun stuff. I learned how to sort and do measuring. My favorite game was number scrolls, where we counted numbers to 100. I just love math so much.” Libby, grade 1
“My favorite thing to do is play with my friends. We play outside and at playtime. Sometimes we get to go to the playroom. In the playroom there’s a shoe store and a little tent. I like to wear the tap dance shoes in the shoe store the best. My friends like to play blocks and school with me. I don’t get to be the teacher, but I get to be the helper. I really like that.” Adaja, kindergarten
“My favorite thing to do is art projects. I have made cows, pigs, sheep and a farmer. I made them because I was learning about farm animals. After we make them we get to put them in our cubbies. Then I bring them home. When I get home I show them to my mom and dad. They say, good job. That makes me happy.” Braedon, kindergarten
“My favorite things is that we do all these fun things like math, science, and social studies. Science is my favorite. In science, I learned about the planets and how big they are and that they are made out of gases, solids, and liquids. I liked learning about the astronauts and astronomers!” Ben, grade 2
“I learned a lot about science this year. My class learned all about matter. Matter is what everything is made of. There are liquids and gasses and solids and you can change them. Like ice turns to water and water turns to vapor. Gases make things bigger, like air is a gas and air makes balloons bigger. I really like science. It’s an upgrade of math for sure.” Conor, grade 1
“My favorite thing is at recess my friends always play football with me. People just start coming over and we all just make theateams even and play. We only play two hand touch. One time, my friend snuck up behind me and took the ball away and scored a touchdown. I laughed! It was still fun even though he scored. I think it will be fun to play in second grade, too!” Tate, grade 1
As the year comes to a close, students and staff were asked to share their favorite memories of our year together here at South Early Learning Center. Though there are many greats to choose from, a common thread among our memories are the friendships shared, the knowledge gained, and the triumphs of our successes. I hope you enjoy reading about just a few of them. Trish Hiscock-Austin, Minnesota Reading Corp Tutor: I have a sweet first grade student for whom English is her second language. In September, we were working hard together on her letter sounds and blending words, but engaging in basic conversation was very difficult because her vocabulary was so limited. At the beginning of the year, this student did not know what a “pig” or “cat” or “fish” was when she was shown pictures of a pig/cat/fish; she would just shrug her shoulders and give me a blank stare. “How would anything we eventually read mean anything to her?” I thought. But we kept at it, often learning to read simple words that she didn’t have any clue what they were or what they meant. We kept at it. I talked to her, I asked her questions. And then she started to talk too, very short sentences such as “I like cat”. We kept at it. Her teacher kept at it. And most importantly, SHE kept at it. It’s now May, and yesterday she was excited to tell me a story she made up about a frog family that went “camping” with their “cousins” in the “forest”. She told me that these frogs like to eat “ice cream cones” and “play Frisbee”. WHAT?! Each week now, I have to set aside 10 minutes for her to “tell me stories” such as the one about camping frogs and so many more that she has come up with, sometimes on the fly. I am amazed by her! How does a child go from not knowing the word for FISH and in a matter of months, to THIS?? Her persistence is unbelievable. Her imagination is on fire with words and ideas. She is reading first grade stories now with me, and when she finishes one, she often looks up at me and says, “Ms. Austin, that was such a good story.” Yes, my friend, yes it was. Mollie Meyer, Reading Specialist When I look back on this year, I smile at all of the student successes in our building. I had one second grade student in particular who came into this school year hesitant and scared to read aloud. He wasn’t sure about reading and was worried that he’d never be “good” enough to read chapter books. As all kids are, he was curious about so many things. He enjoyed learning about animals and science. He loved listening to stories read by other adults and peers. Throughout the course of the year, day by day, week by week, he worked at his reading. He listened as others modeled fluent reading for him and he practice diligently during small group intervention sessions and began reading nightly at home. Over the course of a few months, he began to see himself as a reader and his curiosities broadened. He was seeing that with his increased confidence and ability in reading, he was able to gain information through the comprehension of text. Not only is this boy reading chapter books about topics that interest him, he is enjoying reading. So, my favorite memory of this past year is watching the love of reading and the curiosity of a young mind grow exponentially.
“My favorite memory was when we had pajama day. We got to bring our stuffed animals and take a picture of our class with them in our reading corner. We earned pajama day by ‘going for the gold’ in the lunchroom. To earn it, all of second grade had to be quiet at lunch. We could still talk to the people by us, but we just didn’t yell. I really liked it when it was quiet so people wouldn’t distract me. But, I really liked wearing a nightgown, robe and bringing my stuffed pig from my grandma and grandpa in Texas.” Brooke, grade 2
“My best friend and I liked to make up our own games and play outside. We played spies and princess. For spies, we were all spies and some of us got to be captured and them some of us help the ones who got captured. For princess, all four of us were princesses who lived in our kingdoms. We had sleepovers in each other’s kingdoms. We even have a secret kingdom where we can all live together. I really like my friends. We are fun and we like to have other kids play with us, too.” Ella, grade 2
6 — Highlights, June 2013
Preschool Graduations
Miss Erin’s K Ready school readiness class celebrated their year and are excited for kindergarten next year. Miss Joni’s Discovery Days 2 school readiness class showed their special guests what they had learned during an end of the year celebration.
ECFE VEHICLE FAIR
Children had fun trying on the firefighters’ gear and climbing through the fire truck and ambulance at the Vehicle Fair.
There was a great turnout at the 2013 ECFE Vehicle Fair. Children enjoyed exploring vehicles such as the excavator and garbage truck.
June 2013, Highlights — 7
English Language Learners Cook Up a Storm Students in the Community & Family Education adult English Language Learners program have enjoyed working with Chef Kenny White and nutritionists, Becky Kunst and Amy Baack, during their 6 week Cooking Matters class. Each week Chef Kenny demonstrates how to make one recipe. Students then make the recipe in small groups with help from the chef
and nutritionists. At the end of each class the students get to bring ingredients home to make the meal for their family. Besides learning the recipes, students are taught kitchen and food safety, the vocabulary used in the recipe, and the food groups. The Cooking Matters program is part of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
INSTRUCTOR INSIGHT: Becky Menk with Q Computers Promoting Lifelong Learning with Community Education
What is Q Computers?
Q Computers has been in Mankato for many years, originally as a retail and repair computer store. We may look like a pawn shop, but we are a “Green” business, recycling used computer equipment to renew and repair existing machines. We sell used computers and build computers to the customer’s specifications. When the current owner took over in 2003, the services offered were expanded to include web design and hosting, networking and IT Services and computer training classes. Last year we expanded to include our own classroom. We provide training to corporate clients, private customers and through the Community Education offices in several cities. What types of classes does Q Computers offer?
The ELL Cooking Matters class put on aprons and chef hats to prepare to cook.
There are over 60 classes in our library, and we can also create custom classes to answer the need of any student. Classes range from fun things like Geocaching, Pinterest and iTunes, to practical things like Introduction to Windows 8 and technical things like HTML Coding. While Saint Peter features only a limited number of our classes, we encourage students to let them know what classes they might like to take. Who comes to your classes? Our classes have ranged from nine year olds at our Kid’s Computer Camp, to a delightful 89 year old, who is learning to edit and organize his photos. We love to get retirees over their “I’m going to break it” fears and help them become tech savvy. Many of our students are referred through the Work Force Center or the Small Business Development Center.
The students in the Cooking Matters class prepare the ingredients for their recipe with the guidance of the nutritionist.
What do you like about working with Saint Peter Community and Family Education? As a Saint Peter resident, I was delighted to be able to expand the courses available to our community. The challenge in offering classes is always finding a sufficient number of people who are able to take the class at the scheduled time. Working as a team and offering our schedule through both the Mankato and Saint Peter Community Education offices increases our ability to access interested learners. It’s great to meet the neighbors and friends who share the common interests developed through these classes. We look forward to continuing this great partnership!
The next classes Q Computers is offering through Saint Peter Community & Family Education are: Tweets & Twits with Twitter on Tuesday, July 2 from 6:30-8:30 pm and More Help for the Computer Challenged on Tuesdays, July 9-30 from 1-3 pm. Call 507-934-3048, ext. 0 or go online at HYPERLINK “http:// www.stpetercommunityedonline. c o m / i n s i g ht / r e g i s t r y / c l a s s l i s t . asp?c atID=597”w w w. stpetercommunityedonline.com for more information or to register.
8 — Highlights, June 2013 Boar d of E duc ati on Mark Karlsrud, Board Chair 934-4062 (H) mark.karlsrud@stpeterschools.org Marty Duncan, Board Vice Chair 934-5300 (H) marty.duncan@stpeterschools.org Peter Nelson, Board Treasurer 934-2600 (H), 931-3310 (W) peter.nelson@stpeterschools.org Ben Leonard, Board Clerk 934-2100 (H), 934-2160 (W) ben.leonard@stpeterschools.org Jon Carlson 612-964-5801 (C) jon.carlson@stpeterschools.org Sharon Fitch 934-2161 (H) sharon.fitch@stpeterschools.org Robert Lambert 931-2856 (H) robert.lambert@stpeterschools.org
Admi ni str at ors Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Olson jolson@stpeterschools.org High School Principal Paul Peterson Dean of Students and Activities Director Steve Alger Assistant High School Principal Annette Engeldinger North Intermediate Principal Karen Coblentz South Elementary Principal Darin Doherty Community & Family Education Director Tami Skinner Building & Grounds Director Marc Bachman Business Services Director Dean Peterson Special Programs Administrator Ytive Prafke
www.stpeterschools.org The school district newsletter, Highlights, is distributed monthly through the office of Community and Family Education. Any questions or suggestions regarding Highlights should be directed to the office of Community and Family Education: Tami Skinner, Editor th 600 South 5 Street, Suite 207 Saint Peter, MN 56082 (507) 934-3048 ext. 238 tskinner@stpeterschools.org
Is your family on the school census?
The Saint Peter School District keeps a record of all families in our school district. Being on the school census ensures: • You will automatically receive ECFE mailings. • You will be notified of Early Childhood Screening. • The elementary school will be expecting your child when it is time for kindergarten. • That maximum funding is received by our district from state/local government. Please call 934-3048 if you are new to the district or your family has grown with additional births or adoptions!
Saint Peter Community & Family Education 600 S. Fifth St., Suite 207 ● (507) 934-3048 www.stpetercommunityedonline.com
Ch i l d ren & Yo u th Cl ass es Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math – a.k.a. STEM! Completed grades 3-7 Mon.-Fri., June. 24-28, 10-11 a.m., $45 Watch Me Draw! Zoo Tycoon 3D Art Workshop Completed grades K-6 Mon.-Thu., June 24-27, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $89
Adult Classes Healing Your Home and Life
Thu., June 20, 6-7:30 p.m. FREE, pre-registration required by calling 934-3048
Basic Bicycle Maintenance
Thu., June 27, 6-7:30 p.m. FREE, pre-registration required by calling 934-3048
Finish Your Unfinished Scrapbook Projects Fri., June 28, 5-9 p.m. & June 29 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $15
Youth Clay Workshop Ages 12-15: Mon.-Thu., Jul. 8-25, 9 a.m.-noon, $275
Tweets & Twits with Twitter Tue., July 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $38
Kids Art Workshop Ages 6-8: Mon.-Thu., Jul. 8-25, 8:30-10 a.m., $80 Ages 9-12: Mon.-Thu., Jul. 8-25, 10:30-12:12:30 p.m., $90
Scrapbook Your Family
Watch Me Draw! Things Girls Love Art Workshop Completed grades K-6 Mon.-Thu., Jul. 8-11, 9-11 a.m., $89
Tue., July 9-30, 6-8:30 p.m., $49+$13 supply fee
Sensational Science: Fun in the Sun Completed grades K-4 Wed., Jul. 10, 1:30-3 p.m., $8
Tue., July 9-Aug. 13, 6-8 p.m., $45+$40 supply fee
Hand-building Face Pots
Herbal Sun Screen and Summer Skin Care Thu., July 11, 6-7:30 p.m. FREE, pre-registration required by calling 934-3048
Teen Wheel Teens ages 13 & up: Tue., July 16-Aug. 20, 4-6 p.m., $95 Wheel for Kids Completed grades 4-6: Thu., July 18-Aug. 8, 4-6 p.m., $40
Click here to register online or call 507-934-3048