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School board
She Ascends:
Women hikers take a break for meditation in Rockville’s Eagle Park this spring. Other hikes throughout the year include an Earth Day hike in April and a jingle bell hike in December.
Hiking club f ms in Bent C nty
Group helps women connect with nature, each other
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS –A new group is offering women a way to connect with nature and each other as they explore the outdoors in Benton County. She Ascends, a womens hiking and wellness club, has formed a Benton County chapter. The group, led by St. Joseph resident Keri Schaaf, held their fi rst hike Mother’s Day weekend at Bend in the River Regional Park south of Rice. “It’s just good to get out in nature,” said Schaaf, who organized the Benton County chapter and is looking to grow its membership. “It’s women empowering women. Everybody is so positive. It’s really inspiring.” The group is open to adult women of all ages and ability levels. “Come as you are,” Schaaf said. “You don’t have to buy any special stuff.” The group meets for a hike once a month and also hosts pop-up hikes throughout the year. Hikes last about an hour or two and usually take place on Saturday mornings or weekday evenings. Hikes take place throughout the year unless it is unsafe to venture outdoors due to weather, Schaaf said. The group typically meets at the location of a hike, or members can carpool to sites farther away. It is not mandatory to attend every hike. Upcoming hikes will take place at River Bluffs Regional Park, George Friedrich Park, Sauk River Regional Park in St. Cloud and again at Bend in the River Regional Park near Rice. The group will also hike at Eagle Park in Rockville and at Lake Carlos near Alexandria with members of the Stearns and Becker chapters. Special hikes include an Earth Day hike, a meditation hike and a jingle bell hike. During the Earth Day hike, hikers pick up trash. Other group activities such as yoga and kayaking are offered on some hikes. She Ascends also hosts a day trip, weekend trip and weeklong trip each year. Day trips involve allday hiking in state parks with women from across the region. Hikers work toward a challenge and receive a shirt when completed. Weekend wellness retreats focus on self-care. Participants gather from around the state to hike, relax and learn ways to create or enhance a selfcare plan involving nutritional, physical and mental health practices. Week-long trips take place at either a national park or international hiking destination. They are designed to push hikers’ limits and bring personal growth as they interact with a new state or country and are exposed to terrain and cultures. Founded by a Stearns County resident, She Ascends was launched in April 2019 and has since expanded to 13 counties, including Morrison and Becker. Benton and Dakota counties are the newest chapters. “I’m really excited,” Schaaf said about expanding to Benton County. Through hiking and wellness opportunities, the mission of She Ascends is to connect women of all ages to each other, to nature and to themselves so they can live happier, healthier lives. With the belief that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, She Ascends intergenerational hikes aim to strengthen bodies, feed minds and calm souls so women can be their best version of themselves and their light can shine for others, according to the group. Schaaf, who moved to central Minnesota from North Dakota, joined the Stearns County chapter in July 2019. The group has helped her build positive friendships and forge meaningful connections with women of all ages and backgrounds, she said. “Every time I meet someone new,” Schaaf said. When she goes for a hike, a feeling of thankfulness always comes over her. “Thankful that we have each other and such beautiful places to hike,” she said. Aside from hikes, Schaaf has continued to grow those friendships through She Ascends Facebook groups. “It’s been great for me to meet like-minded people and just learn about the area,” she said. Schaaf has hiked with as few as two people and as many as 30 people. The fi rst hike is free. The club has a yearly membership option that covers regular monthly hikes and offers discounts on day trips, weekend adventures and week-long trips; otherwise, women can pay per hike. Schaaf has been exploring places to hike in Benton County and is excited for upcoming hikes. She has started a Facebook group called She Ascends Benton County. Members of the private group post dates for regular and spontaneous hikes and special events.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
She Ascends members hike in Glacial Ridge State Park in Starbuck this spring. Through hiking and wellness opportunities, the mission of She Ascends is to connect women of all ages to each other, to nature and to themselves so they can live happier, healthier lives.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Keri Schaaf (front), Mindy Jensen (back, left) and Capri Loegering hike in Bend in the River Regional Park south of Rice. She Ascends, a womens hiking and wellness club, formed a Benton County chapter led by Schaaf.
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Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church in Rice for Alice Mae Ellefson, age 93, of Sauk Rapids, who died May 21, 2021, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta. The Rev. David Edge will offi ciate and burial will be at Minnesota State w Veterans Cemetery near Little V Falls. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids with a prayer for the mines. The mines went on service beginning at 7:30 p.m. strike and they moved to Anoka There will also be a visitation one in 1953. Alice worked at AAA hour prior to services Wednesday Auto as a travel agent and lived at the church in Rice. in her house in Sauk Rapids until
Alice M. Ellefson was September 2019. She moved to born in Clear Lake to Victor Good Shepherd Apartments in and Anna (Moore) Anderson Sauk Rapids following the sale Dec. 19, 1927. Alice graduated of her home. valedictorian from Clear Lake Alice’s deep faith led her to High School in 1945 and after becoming a charter member of the graduation attended a technical Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran school in Minneapolis for two Church in Rice. She sang in the years. Following graduation, church choir and was also an she worked for Pillsbury Mills, usher, reader, greeter, bible study Minneapolis for four years. On leader and participated in the Sept. 1, 1951, Alice married Wings Program. Steven Ellefson Jr. they moved She is survived by her to Keewatin where Steve worked children: Bradley (Jan) Ellefson
Alice Mae Ellefson
of Westport, South Dakota; Barbara Ellefson of Sauk Rapids; Jeffrey (Sharon) Ellefson of San Juan Capistrano, California; daughter-in-law, Karen Ellefson of Sauk Rapids: grandchildren, Justin and Matthew Ellefson, Phillip and Leanna Murphy, Leah Ellefson, Charlie (Amanda) Henkemeyer and Alex (Kelly) Henkemeyer, Noah Ellefson and Hannah (Andy) Eggert; great grandchildren, Lauren Eggert, Leo Henkemeyer and one on the way; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Hemen of Aberdeen, South Dakota; brother-in-law, Cyril (Vicki) Ellefson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Ellefson Jr; son, Steven V. Ellefson; parents, Anna and Victor Anderson; brother, Willard (Betty Jane) Anderson; sisters, Mary (Larry) Guentzel and Dorothy (Russell) Nelson.
Special thank you to Angela, Natalie, and Heather at Arise Cares, Dr. Amanda Lovold, and Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.comR-21-1B
Mildred “Millie” Mary Gibbard
Mildred Mary Gibbard was born July 21, 1927 in Fergus Falls, to Peter and Katherine Gibbard (nee Mulvaney). After attending elementary school in District 143, her family moved to rural Maine Township where she attended District 24 elementary school. Millie graduated as valedictorian from Underwood High School in Underwood in 1944. She obtained her teaching certifi cate in Fergus Falls in 1945. Millie taught in several rural schools in Ottertail County including one-room school houses. She then moved to Fergus Falls and taught third grade at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School for seven years. Millie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Moorhead State University. Her next teaching assignment took her to Sauk Rapids where she taught fourth grade at Pleasantview Elementary School and Hillside Elementary School for 21 years.
Millie’s passion was teaching but she loved her two bowling leagues and her volunteer work at the Great River Regional Library and the Stearns History Museum. She also loved puzzles, traveling and reading mysteries.
Millie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances (Kenneth) Kugler, nephews Richard (Sheree) Kugler, Daryl Kugler, Jim Kugler and brothers-in-law David Butenhoff and Norman Cossette. She is survived by her loving sister, Jean Cossette, nieces Verona (Steve) Bell, Mary (Dennis) Frahm, Patricia Keidel, Lois (Al) Fasching, Donna (Steve) Anda, and nephews, Dale Kugler, Douglas (Terry) Kugler,
Mildred “Millie” Mary Gibbard
Wayne (Bernie) Kugler, Gregory (Peggy) Butenhoff, LeRoy Butenhoff, Danny (Carolyn) Cossette, and Duane (Stephanie) Cossette. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.
A funeral Mass was 11 a.m. May 28 at St. James Church at Maine, 32009 County Hwy 74, Underwood. The Rev. LeRoy Schik offi ciated. Visitation preceded the Mass from 9-11 a.m. A graveside service was held immediately following the Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.
In lieu of fl owers, the family requests memorials be made to the St. Cloud Library Foundation, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, MN 56301.
A special thank you to the staff at Country Manor senior housing, assisted living and nursing home in Sartell for their loving and compassionate care of Millie.
Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.comR-21-1B
Stephen S. Fiedler
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rice for Stephen “Steve” (Fudd) S. Fiedler, age 68, of Rice who died May 25, 2021, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House near St. Augusta. The Rev. Kenneth Popp will offi ciate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church in Rice. Parish prayers were 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Steve was born Jan. 12, 1953, in St. Cloud to Alphonse and Mary (Lass) Fiedler. He graduated from Sauk Rapids High School and lived his entire life in Rice. Steve was a member
Stephen S. Fiedler
loved spending time with family and friends and wanted to make a difference in everyone’s life. Steve was great with children and was able to relate to them on their level. He was very loyal, generous and had a great sense of humor.
Survivors include his siblings, Jean Maurer of St. Michael, John Fiedler of Brooklyn Center, Rose Kruchten of Rockford, Illinois, Michael (Nancy) Fiedler of Rice and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Pamela and brothers-in-law, Joe Maurer and Michael Kruchten.
Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.comR-21-1B
About 586 students are expected to attend summer school. Attendance is higher than previous years, which Peterson attributes to a transportation offering and to a larger-thannormal number of students who have fallen behind during the school year.
Summer school will be offered at Hillside School, Rice Elementary, Pleasantview Elementary and the middle and high schools. Due to a roofing project, programming will not take place at Mississippi Heights Elementary. Eighth graders will attend at the high school to experience learning environments in ninth-grade classrooms.
Early childhood special education and high school students will attend four days a week. Kindergarten through eighth grade students will attend fi ve days a week. Programs are about three to four hours per day, depending on grade level.
Elementary students are expected to fi nish in early July and older students later in the month. High school students may fi nish sooner based on when they complete coursework for required credits.
Distance learning will not be provided. In-person attendance is required daily and critical in order for students to be successful, Wagner said.
Summer school is recommended for kindergarteners through eighth graders who fell below the 25th percentile in reading or math or were recommended by their teacher based on factors such as social skills and attendance. Summer school is recommended for high schoolers who did not earn required credits and are off track for graduation.
Summer school will offer an extended schooling for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade special education students on individual education plans, or IEPs; targeted services for kindergarten and grades 1-8; and credit recovery for grades 9-12.
Key components offered this year are bus transportation, a grab-n-go breakfast and hot lunch, along with lessons, discussions and activities that foster social and emotional learning.
For the fi rst time, hot lunches will be provided by the district’s food service department.
“It will be as simple as we can make it but still a good meal,” Peterson said.
More than half of the students are expected to use the offered transportation service. Most students will be picked up from their regular bus stop.
“Some of these students I don’t believe would be able to access summer school without this,” Wagner said. “It’s just been a god-send.”
Transportation has long been a barrier to students attending summer school, said board member Tracy Morse.
Educators are excited to incorporate social and emotional skill building, Peterson said. Activities and lessons will help younger students regulate emotions and show empathy. Older students will learn selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.
Social workers will work with students one day a week in each building. This will help maintain relationships already established and facilitate learning opportunities, Peterson said.
Bergstrom said the district will receive additional summer school funding from the state.
In the fall, the district will compare assessment data of students who attended summer school versus those who did not, Peterson said.
In other board news: – Approved lifting a district policy requiring face coverings effective at the end of the school day June 4. Until then, students, staff and visitors – vaccinated or not – are required to wear a face covering during the instructional day and on buses.
Once the requirement is lifted, people may wear a mask at school or on the bus.
“It will not be a requirement, but it is still an option,” Bergstrom said.
Bergstrom said it may be up to districts to decide whether face coverings will be required at summer school. He expected to receive new guidance May 28.
–Dr. Holly Schoenherr, director of human resources and administrative services, reported one COVID-19-related absence among staff as of May 20. There were 146 COVID19-related absences among students, up 46 from the previous week.
A staff member has not tested positive for COVID-19 since late March. – Approved hiring an additional full-time employee to provide support services to English language learners during the 2021-22 school year.
The request was based on increased student need. Bergstrom said the district has steadily increased the number of English language learners, including students who are new to the country or have had a lapse in formal education. Due to insuffi cient staffi ng and time, the district has not been able to provide support to resident students.
Jenny Bushman, director of teaching and learning, said the greatest need for English learner support services is at Pleasantview Elementary School, which has 17 students who need this service. This position will have fl exibility to provide support wherever needed. – Approved hiring an intervention specialist for the special education department for the 2021-22 school year. This position will provide professional development and support to teachers and paraprofessionals.
