October 2015 - Saint Peter Public Schools

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October 2015
The Saint Peter School Board - Committed to Partnerships
Paul Peterson, Superintendent of Schools
I’ve never been so excited for the fall soybean
harvest to begin! The reason, of course, is that we
are within days of the official groundbreaking
for the new Saint Peter High School. By the
time this edition of HIGHLIGHTS goes to
press, mass grading of the 100+ acre school
and city park campus should be underway.
Through the continued implementation of
their long-range facilities plan, the Saint Peter
School Board has maintained its focus to provide high quality
learning spaces for Saint Peter students for years to come. As we
watch the initial physical work progress this fall, I’d encourage
school district residents to reflect on the years of planning and
visioning done by current and former Board members, committed
faculty and staff, and supportive parents. Saint Peter Public
Schools has been on quite a journey...with many miles to go!
A key component of the Board’s leadership is their pursuit
of partnerships. There’s no greater example of this than the
cooperation between the school district and the City of Saint
Peter on the joint development (and now site grading!) of the
new Saint Peter High School and city park and recreational
facilities. In September, both entities signed off on a shared
use agreement that establishes how we will work together to
schedule fields, handle conflicts and keep each other informed
of emerging issues. Yes, property lines clearly identify school
and city property, however school board and city officials rarely
discussed the site in these terms. Rather, there was consistent
effort on all sides to ensure that the goal of an integrated,
community-friendly campus became a reality. The plans are set,
the beans are yellow, and the grading trucks are ready to roll.
Let’s do this!
SPHS groundbreaking
and District 508’s 150th
Anniversary reception
set for Oct. 19
Kurt Hildebrandt,
School Information Coordinator
October 19 will be a momentous day for
Saint Peter Public Schools as District 508 will be
honoring the past and committing to the future
with two special events scheduled that day.
The festivities will begin at 3:15 p.m. with
a special groundbreaking ceremony at the new
Saint Peter High School location (near Fort
Road/Broadway Avenue and Gardner Road
intersection, just west of the Catholic Church of
St. Peter). The brief ceremony will be open to the
public with limited parking available at the site.
After the groundbreaking is completed,
activity will move to the St. Peter Community
Center’s Senior Center. Starting at 3:45
p.m., there will be an open house and
reception commemorating the 150th
anniversary of the Saint Peter School District.
A special program will also take place
in the Senior Center during that time with
guest speakers on hand to talk about the
past, present, and future of District 508. The
special 150th anniversary exhibit will be on
display in the Saint Peter Room for attendees
to view and refreshments will also be served.
For more information please call the
District 508 office at 507-934-5703.
New building update
Bid Package #1 (first of three) for the
grading work at the new Saint Peter High School
site will begin in early October. Dirt Merchant,
Inc., of Mankato was awarded the bid at the Sept.
21 school board meeting. Currently, there is a
soybean crop in the field at that location and once
those are harvested work at the site will begin.
Bid Package #2 (footings and foundation
work) will be awarded this winter with work
on that expected to begin in early spring. Six
to eight weeks after that begins, Bid Package #3
(rest of new school construction work) will be
awarded and work will begin soon after that.
“No act of kindness, no mater how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop
2 — Highlights, October 2015
SPHS fall play to hit the stage November 12-14
Kurt Hildebrandt, School
Information Coordinator
S a i n t
Peter High
S c h o o l ’s
annual fall
play
will
have
an
interesting
twist this year as director
Scott
Hermanson
has
decided to stage three
one-act
performances
rather than the typical one
performance with three acts.
Those three one-act plays
(in order of performance)
are “I Don’t Want to Talk
About It,” “Ernie’s Incredible
Illucinations,” and “Murder
of Lidice.” The performances
will begin at 7:30 p.m. on
Thursday, Nov. 12; Friday,
Nov. 13; and Saturday, Nov.
14 at the SPHS theater.
“My goal in choosing these
three plays was to get more
students involved who are
in other activities and to try
and work with their schedules
to give them a chance to try
theater,” Hermanson said.
“I’m very excited about all
three of these plays because
they are so different from
each other and will really
challenge our students.”
Hermanson, who has
directed the SPHS fall play
and been involved with
the theater program in the
past, returns “after taking a
few years off,” he said. Erica
McIsaac is the assistant
director this fall while Lyn
Vavreck is technical director.
The cast lists for each of
those three one-act plays
includes:
I Don’t Want to
Talk About It
Kyle: Noah Wilson
Carley: Sam Mitchell
Rachel: Kendra Lindquist
Tessa: Olivia Young
Jake: Josiah Johnson
Meredith: Lauren Mayer
Philip: Noah Gassman
Maya: Ruby Langr
Erica: Nora Leonard
Nick: Chandra O’Brien
Rayna: Cady Belden
Samantha: Lily Werner
Baby: Rachael Obermiller
Idea: Kaylee Ronnkvist
Therapist: Sophia Lamor
Mr Frith: Peter Stelter
Drive-Thru: TBA
Twitch: Shannie Rao
Priest: TBA
Grandma: Nia Weiss
Mom: Rachael Obermiller
Dad: Josiah Johnson
Brett: Chandra O’Brien
Karissa: Rachel Quist
Cameron: James Kelley
Logan: Noah Gassman
Saint Peter Public Schools to have
21 staff members for 2015-16
Kurt Hildebrandt, School
Information Coordinator
Saint Peter Public Schools
has several new faces on staff
for the 2015-16 school year
as District #508 welcomed 21
new members. Classes started
on August 31 and September 2.
Those new staff members
along with new teaching staff
at Gustavus Adolphus College
were recognized at the St.
Peter Chamber of Commerce’s
annual New Faculty Breakfast,
held on Thursday, Aug. 20, at
the Minnesota School Board
Association’s conference room.
Scholarship
America
sponsored the food for
the annual breakfast while
Thrivent Financial, Wells
Federal Bank, Nicollet County
Bank, and First National Bank
of St. Peter provided door
prizes for the event.
Matt: Peter Stelter
Taryn: Maansi Bhakta
Rebecca: Amy Shevtsov
Emmett: Kelsey Kampa
Brenna: Leah Harms
Chelsea: Isabel Panciera
Ernie’s Incredible
Illucinations
Ernie: Kaden Burmeister
Mum: Sam Mitchell
Dad: Jordan Kienholz
Receptionist: Katrina Creel
Doctor: James Kelley
Officer: Peter Stelter
Auntie May: Mara Johnson
First Barker: Eleanor Grinnell
Second Barker: Morgan
Miller
Third Barker: Noah
Gassmann
Fourth Barker: Chandra
O’Brien
Referee: Nia Weiss
Timekeeper: Ruby Langr
Man: James Kelley
Woman: TBA
Kid Saracen: Josiah Johnson
Second Man: Noah Gassmann
Lady: Nia Weiss
Library Attendant: Rachel
Quist
Girl Librarian: Morgan Miller
Lady Librarian: Eleanor
Grinnell
A Tramp: Josiah Johnson
Murder of Lidice
Teller: Winston Taylor
Woman: Taylor Graft
Man: Jacob Marlow
Girl: Molly Jurewicz
Boy: Aidan Bistrup
DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES:
University AvenueOne Street, A Thousand Dreams
Thursday
November 5
7 p.m.
Treaty Site History Center
FREE (no registration)
This is a story about people and ideas, hopes and dreams. Since the
beginning, the street has been shaped by people determined to turn their
dreams into reality. This film follows the changes of University Avenue from
1870 to the present.
Sponsored by the Nicollet County Historical Society and Community & Family Education.
October 2015, Highlights — 3
New staff at Saint Peter Middle/High School
Kurt Hildebrandt, School Information
Coordinator
Saint Peter Middle/High School
welcomed several new faculty
members to the building.
Elise Hagemann - University of MN,
Duluth; Social Studies; first year
teacher; Hometown: Mankato
Johanna Schmitz - Minnesota State
University-Mankato; Science; first
year teacher; Hometown: Canby
Elizabeth Burnett - Minnesota State
University-Mankato; Visual Arts; first
year teacher; hometown: Albert Lea
Sarah Roiger - Minnesota State
University-Mankato;
English/
Language Arts; first year teacher;
Hometown: Lakeville
Ericka Gustafson - Minnesota
State University-Mankato; English/
Language Arts; first year teacher
Aaron Dimock, Ph.D. - Black Hills
State University (undergraduate);
University of Colorado, Boulder
(doctorate); previous experience:
Minnesota State University-Mankato
and University of Nebraska, Kearney
Justine Schrader - The College of Saint
Catherine; Technology Integration;
previous experience: Mankato Loyola
and Le Sueur-Henderson.
Tim Campbell - Minnesota State
University-Moorhead;
Spanish;
previous experience: 8 years in
Arizona; Hometown: Faribault
Jon Graff - Minnesota State UniversityMankato; Assistant Principal at Saint
Peter Middle/High School; previous
experience: Dakota Meadows Middle
School, Assistant Principal and
Dakota Meadows Middle School,
science teacher.
New faculty at Saint Peter Middle/High School includes: front row (l to r), Jon Graff, Aaron Dimock, Erika
Gustafson, Elise Hageman; back row, Tim Campbell, Justine Schrader, Sarah Roiger, and Johanna Schmitz.
Not pictured is Elizabeth Burnett.
Wanted: A New “Home” for Your
Old Instrument!
Clean your closets, basements
and attics! Your old instrument
is looking for a new home. Each
year students going into fifth
grade have the opportunity to
learn to play a band instrument
and will get a chance to play
music with their friends. The
learning that takes place in
music transfers well in their
learning in other subject
areas, but some students are
unable to join in the fun due
to economic reasons.
They
cannot afford an instrument.
That’s where your instrument
comes in to play. Donating your
unused instruments will provide
opportunities
for
students
to participate in band that
would be unable to otherwise.
The economics of the times
mean that number of needed
instruments is higher than usual.
Please consider donating
your unused instruments for a
new student to “adopt.” These
instruments would be donated
to the school district checked for
playability, repaired or traded
in for newer instruments when
necessary, and will be on loan for
as long as a student plays in band.
Donated instruments can be
brought to the Middle School
Office or North Intermediate
School Office. Please leave your
name and address as a tax credit
statement for the value of your
donation will be sent to you.
Please help more new band
students have the opportunity
to enjoy making music together
with their friends. If you have
questions, or need someone to
pick up an instrument, please
contact Lauren Shoemaker
lshoemaker@stpeterschools.
org or call 934-3260 ext. 638.
If you don’t have an instrument
to share, but you still want to
help, a financial donation to the
regional “Kids Making Music”
program pays for repairs on
donated instruments for use by
students in the area. Several
St. Peter students were able
to qualify for an instrument
through this program. For more
information on the “Kids Making
Music” program please contact
the Music Mart in Mankato at
[email protected]
Meeting the Needs of
Children & Teens
In affiliation with St. Peter Area Food Shelf and
Saint Peter Public Schools
Children’s Weekend
Food Program
During the school year, this
program serves students at
South Early Learning Center
and North Intermediate with
child-friendly,
nutritious,
non-perishable food items for
breakfast, lunch and snacks for
most non-school days. Contact
[email protected] to learn
more about eligibility or to make
a donation.
Teen Food Pantry Program
Starting in October at the Community Center, teens will have
access to a food pantry program. Contact a middle or high school
counselor for more information and to sign up for the program.
4 — Highlights, October 2015
The New Faces at North
Eva Hendrickson is our
new art teacher at North
Intermediate.
She is
from Stillwater and has
a Bachelor’s degree in
Art History and Studio
Arts with a Master’s in
K-12 Art Education.
Eva enjoys gardening
vegetables and flowers,
reading fiction, sculpting,
running, and hiking. As
a child she wanted to
be an archeologist when she grew up. Her favorite
childhood book is, Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Her favorite foods are sushi and fresh fruit. Some
interesting facts about Mrs. Hendrickson are that
she was a foreign exchange student in Germany and
currently has farm animals. Her favorite subject to
teach is art; specifically, sculpting and anything threedimensional. She loves her art room at school because
it is big enough to do the kind of projects she likes to
do. Eva’s inspiration for her sculptures comes from
plants and nature. She had two dynamic teachers
that inspired her to become a teacher. They are, Heir
Jacobs, her 7-12 grade German teacher and Linnea
Wren who was her art history professor at Gustavus.
Mrs. Hendrickson’s favorite quote is, “You can only
change what you can touch,” from The Indigo Girls.
Kirsten Guentzel is
one of the physical
education teachers this
year. She comes from
Wells, Minnesota and
has a Bachelor’s degree in
Physical Education and
Health Education from
Gustavus and a Master’s
degree in Educational
Leadership.
Mrs.
Guentzel’s inspiration to
become a teacher comes
from working at summer
basketball camps while
she was in high school. At the camps, Kirsten worked
with younger kids and she enjoyed watching them
improve. She enjoys teaching elementary physical
education and health. Some of Kirsten’s hobbies
include running, lifting, and playing volleyball and
softball. Mrs. Guentzel’s favorite books are Sum it Up
by Pat Summitt and Born to Run. Some interesting
facts about Kirsten are that she has run four half-
marathons and farms beans and corn. When she
was little she wanted to be a pilot or a farmer, like her
dad. Frozen yogurt is her weakness and her favorite
movie is Top Gun. Mrs. G’s favorite quote is, “It’s what
you learn after you know it all that counts,” by John
Wooden. Something Kirsten enjoys about Saint Peter
is feeling like a part of the community and working
with Mrs. Sandborg.
Betsy
Anderson
is
a
new
intervention
teacher at North. She
is from Rhinelander,
Wisconsin and has her
Bachelor’s degree in
Elementary Education
from UW-River Falls.
Mrs. Anderson’s favorite
subject to teach is reading.
Her favorite books are,
Harry Potter, The Hunger
Games, and as a teen she
enjoyed reading Greek Mythology. Her inspiration to
become a teacher was her third grade teacher, Mrs.
Schoeneck, who always had a smile on her face and
welcomed her students with open arms. Betsy enjoys
baking, making jam, reading, and playing with her
girls. Her favorite foods are seasonal fruits, ice cream,
and cheese. An interesting fact about her is that she
has made wedding cakes. Her dream job as a child
was to be an artist and her current favorite quote is,
“Just a Wisconsin girl living in a Minnesota world.”
Mrs. Anderson enjoys living in Saint Peter because it
is a beautiful community.
Stephanie
Bjorklund
is a fifth grade teacher
from Prior Lake. She
has a Bachelor’s degree
in Elementary Education
and Communications.
Her favorite books are
the Harry Potter series
and as a child she loved,
The Mouse and the
Motorcycle by Beverly
Cleary. Stephanie enjoys
teaching math and reading. Her inspiration to become
a teacher came from nannying two girls, Megan and
Morgan. While working with the girls, she realized she
needed to make a change in her career and decided to
go back to school. Some of her hobbies include DIY
crafts from Pinterest, reading, going out to eat, and
spending time with friends. An interesting fact about
Miss Bjorklund is that she is getting married on New
Year’s Eve. When she was younger she wanted to be a
veterinarian and a wedding planner. Her favorite food
is hot sandwiches and her favorite movie is Grease.
She also likes to watch The Gilmore Girls. A piece of
advice she would give to anyone is that you’re never
too old to start over. She likes the small town feel and
a sense of community of Saint Peter. Stephanie likes
seeing friendly faces and feeling part of a family.
Bre Steele is a new
third grade teacher. She
student taught in the
classroom she is in now!
She is from Eagan. She
has a Bachelor’s degree
in Elementary Education
and is currently working
on her Master’s degree in
Educational Technology.
Miss Steele’s favorite
books are the Harry
Potter books and as a
child she liked reading the Berenstain Bear books.
Her favorite subject to teach is math. Her inspiration
for becoming a teacher was from helping others while
growing up and when she was younger she took a
personality test which directed her toward teaching.
As a child, Bre wanted to be a teacher, chef, and an
architect. She enjoys watching movies, playing sports,
and being outside. Some interesting facts about Bre is
that she played hockey for ten years and played soccer
at Mankato State. Her favorite movie is Remember the
Titans and her favorite food is ice cream. Miss Steele
appreciates how North feels like a community and
that people are here to help. She also likes that the
kids in 3rd grade are fun and want to learn.
October 2015, Highlights — 5
South Elementary Early Learning Center Welcomes New Staff Members
Shelly Torbenson
competing in my Fantasy Football League.
Current position: Special
Education Teacher
What are you most excited about being in the St.
Peter school district? I love that the two schools that
I work in are both exciting and encouraging places to
participate in supporting and educating students. Where did you go to
college? I received a
BS & Master’s degree
from the University of
Wisconsin Oshkosh in
Special Education and
Elementary Curriculum.
a teacher? 16 years
How long have you been
Where did you teach before this? Northwestern
Wisconsin
What are your hobbies? I love to visit state and
national parks. I have always loved to take pictures. What are you most excited about being in the Saint
Peter school district? I have found St. Peter to be so
warm and welcoming. Before being employed with the
district, I had heard many positive things about Saint
Peter Schools. I love the atmosphere here.
David Ribar Current position: School
Social Worker
Where did you go to
college? University
of St. Thomas for my
undergraduate degree in
Social Work and MNSU Mankato for my Master’s
Degree in Social Work.
How long have you been
a teacher? I am a brand new School Social Worker! I
am so happy to be doing what I love and in such special
schools.
Where did you teach before this? I have worked as
a Social Worker in nursing homes before, but loved
working with kids so much that I went back to college
so that I could become a School Social Worker. I also
worked as a Paraprofessional at South Elementary for
several years which was a great experience.
What are your hobbies? I love to spend time outside
with my family and our dog Gus. We go for walks, hike
at parks, and go fishing. I enjoy building, woodworking
and landscaping projects. I also like to work in our
perennial and vegetable gardens. I also have fun
Stacy Abel
Current position: Special
Education Teacher
Where did you go
to college? I got my
Bachelor of Science
degree in Special
Education from St.
Cloud State University.
I earned my Master
of Science degree in
Special Education from
Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Where did you teach before this? I taught in Park
River, North Dakota which is about an hour past Grand
Forks. Although I grew up north of Nicollet on the
Fort Road, I decided to “follow a guy” who is now my
husband. I taught Kindergarten for four years and then
I was a reading and math specialist for one year for
grades K-4. What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family
ranks among the top of my hobbies. My husband, Dan
is an agronomist at Grommersch Seeds in Nicollet. My
daughters Cora (2) and Clara (7 months) are spirited
and entertaining. I also enjoy being outside, reading,
and cooking. What are you most excited about being in the Saint
Peter school district? As the English as a Second
Language Instructor at South Elementary, I am excited
to make an impact on our school’s lifelong learners.
Secondly, I am thrilled to be among the caring staff and
energy-filled students at South. Lastly, I am thankful to
be close to family and back in Nicollet County!
How long have you been a teacher? This is my 11th
year of teaching!
Kelly Nyhammer
Current position: Art
Teacher
Where did you teach before this? I taught for one
year in an Autism program in New Ulm. Then I taught
for nine years in a multi-categorical special education
resource room in Le Center as part of the Tri-City
United School District.
What are your hobbies? I like to play with my three
children - indoors, outdoors, wherever! I also like to
kayak on our lake. In the fall/winter I judge competitive
high school dance team for the Minnesota State High
School League. I enjoy flower gardens, playing softball,
and reading when I get a chance!
What are you most excited about being in the Saint
Peter school district? I love being in the classrooms
and seeing the different strategies and technologies
that teachers are implementing with their students. It is
invigorating!
Alysha Coffman Current position: English
Language Teacher
Where did you go to
college? I am a Gustavus
Adolphus College graduate. How long have you been
a teacher? This is my 6th
year as an educator. Where did you go
to college? I went to
Minnesota State University,
Mankato and received a BS
in Art Education.
year of teaching.
How long have you been
a teacher? This is my 7th
Where did you teach before this? I taught for 3 years
in Sebeka teaching k-12 and 3 years at Tri-City United
teaching K-12 at the various schools What are your hobbies? Art, camping, traveling,
gardening and spending time with family and friends. What are you most excited about being in the Saint
Peter school district? I have heard so many wonderful
things about this school district and I am coming to
find out they are true!!! Everyone is so welcoming and
kind. It is a great place to be! See NEW TEACHERS Page 6
6 — Highlights, October 2015
Saint Peter Peter
Public Schools
2015-2016 Annual
Asbestos Notification
Saint
Public
Schools
2015-2016 Annual Asbestos Notification
Saint
Federal
Asbestos
Hazard
Emergency
Response
SaintPeter
PeterPublic
PublicSchools
Schoolsininaccordance
accordancewith
withthethe
Federal
Asbestos
Hazard
Emergency
Response
Act(AHERA)
(AHERA)continues
continuestotoimplement
implementan
anE.P.A.
E.P.A.approved
approvedasbestos
asbestosmanagement
managementplan. plan. This
Thisplan
planhas
Act
has been developed to identify and manage asbestos containing materials within ISD 508
been
developed to identify and manage asbestos containing materials within ISD 508 buildings. ISD
buildings. ISD 508 approaches this issue in a safe and proactive manner to insure the health and
508
approaches
thisstaff
issueand
in aother
safe building
and proactive
manner to insure the health and safety of students,
safety of students,
occupants.
staff and other building occupants.
The
Thefollowing
followingasbestos
asbestosrelated
relatedactivities
activitieshave
havebeen
beencompleted
completedininthe
the2014-2015
2014-2015school
schoolyear
yearoror will
be completed
the 2015-2016
at Saint
Schools.
bewill
completed
withinwithin
the 2015-2016
schoolschool
year atyear
Saint
Peter Peter
PublicPublic
Schools.
Summer 2015 – South Elementary Early
Learning Center
Summer 2015- Middle/High School
Fall 2015 – Middle/High School, North
Intermediate, South Early Learning Center,
Minnesota Valley Education Building
Spring 2016 – Middle/High School, North
Intermediate, South Early Learning Center,
Minnesota Valley Education Building
Asbestos Insulation removal – Boiler Room
Asbestos Floor Tile removal
Asbestos Periodic Inspection
Asbestos Periodic Inspection
Saint
Peter Public
Public Schools
2015-2016
Integrated
Pest Management
Notification
Saint
Peter
Schools
2015-2016
Integrated
Pest Management
Notification
To limit the potential pesticide exposure, this school follows safety regulations to ensure pesticides
are requiredAllto pesticide
be registered
with thewhich
Minnesota
Department
of Agriculture
the
arebuildings,
applied properly. products,
are used
in and around
school and
buildings,
are
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, school employees and certified and licensed
required to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental
applicators are required by state and federal law to comply with all requirements of the pesticide
Protection Agency. In addition, school employees and certified and licensed applicators are required
label, including building sites, application rates, re-entry intervals, posting, use of personal
byprotective
state and federal
law to comply with all requirements of the pesticide label, including building sites,
equipment, use restrictions, and disposal on the product label.
application rates, re-entry intervals, posting, use of personal protective equipment, use restrictions,
and
disposal
onlike
thetoproduct
label.prior to pesticide applications made on days other than those
If you
would
be notified
specified
If you would
like
to
be
notified
to pesticide
applications
madeplease
on days
other than those
in the estimated schedule prior
(excluding
emergency
applications),
contact:
specified in the estimated schedule (excluding emergency applications), please contact:
Saint Peter Public Schools 2015-2016
Saint Peter Public Schools 2015-2016
Indoor
Air Air
Quality
Annual
Notification
Indoor
Quality(IAQ)
(IAQ) Annual
Notification
Saint
thethe
Minnesota
Department
of Education
and the
Saint Peter
Peter Public
PublicSchools
Schoolsinincoordination
coordinationwith
with
Minnesota
Department
of Education
and the
Environmental
Protection
Agency
(EPA)
has
developed
an
indoor
air
quality
management
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an indoor air quality management plan. The
plan. The IAQ Management Plan and related information is available for viewing to all district
IAQ
Management Plan and related information is available for viewing to all district residents by
residents by contacting the program coordinator.
contacting the program coordinator.
The School Board of Education has approved the Saint Peter Public Schools IAQ Management
The School Board of Education has approved the Saint Peter Public Schools IAQ Management
Plan. place in
in 2014-2015
2014-2015 and
andwill
willtake
takeplace
placeinin 2015Plan.These
Theseare
arethe
theIAQ
IAQrelated
relatedactivities
activitiesthat
that took
took place
2016.
2015-2016.
Janet B. Johnson Parents’ Right-to-Know Act of 2000
All Minnesota schools
are required
to inform
parents/guardians
andAct
school
employees that they may
Janet
B. Johnson
Parents’
Right-to-Know
of 2000
All Minnesota
schools
are to
required
to inform
parents/guardians
and school
employees
thatchemicals
they
request
to be notified
prior
pesticide
application
on school property. Pesticides
include
may request
notified
prior to
pesticide
application
school
property.
include
which
are usedtotobecontrol
insects,
weeds,
rodents
or otheronpests
as defined
by Pesticides
the law (M.S.
123B.575,
Spring 2015 District Wide
Indoor Air Quality questionnaires
chemicals
Subd.
9). which are used to control insects, weeds, rodents or other pests as defined by the law
Spring
2015
District
Wide
Indoor Air Quality walkthrough
123B.575, Subd. 9).
(M.S.
In order
to provide the required information, schools must maintain a list of parents/guardians and
Spring 2016 District Wide
Indoor Air Quality questionnaires
school
employees
who
notification. provide
information
about individual
In order
to provide
therequest
required
information,Schools
schoolsmust
mustalso
maintain
a list
of parents/guardians
and
Spring 2016 District Wide
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Operations and Maintenance Department
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Attention: Marc Bachman
damage
to materials within the school building or to the school building itself, or to control pests or Operations and Maintenance Department
disease, cause asthma, and/or trigger an allergic reaction. Pesticides may also be used to prevent
100 Lincoln Drive
Attention:
Marc
Bachman
weeds
that
are
seen
as
a
nuisance. or control damage to materials within the school building or to the school building itself, or to
St. Peter, MN 56082
control
The long-term
healththat
effects
on children
from the application of such pesticides or the class of 100 Lincoln Drive
pests or weeds
are seen
as a nuisance.
(507) 934-4210 extension 433
chemicals to which they belong may not be fully understood. Children may be more susceptible to St. Peter, MN 56082
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playful behavior may expose them to more pesticide residue.
NEW TEACHERS: South Elementary Early Learning Center welcomes new staff
To limit the potential pesticide exposure, this school follows safety regulations to ensure
pesticides are applied properly.
All pesticide
products, which are used in and around school
From Page
5
Liz Welter
Current position: Second
Grade Teacher
Where did you go to college?
Minnesota State University,
Mankato
Marin Beck
Current position: First Grade
Teaching Fellow
How long have you been a
teacher? This is my second
year of teaching.
Where did you go to college?
I went to Minnesota State
University, Mankato where
I earned a BS in Elementary
Education and a certification
in STEM education.
Where did you teach before
this? Woodbury Elementary How long have you been a
teacher? This is my first year!
What are your hobbies? Softball, Pintrest, country music
concerts and watching the Vikings/Patriots What are you most excited about being in the Saint Peter
school district? Being with a great group of teachers! Where did you teach before this? Most of my experience has
been here at South, but I also spent a bit of time learning about
STEM education at McKinley Elementary in Owatonna. What are your hobbies? My father instilled in me a great love
of the outdoors, and I enjoy hiking, golfing, and downhill skiing
when I have the time. I also dabble in crafts such as knitting
and scrapbooking. When I need to de-stress, I turn to music by
singing along while I plunk away on my ukulele. What are you most excited about being in the Saint Peter
school district? I have never been in a district with such a strong
sense of community and such evident support of the learning that
takes place. I came back to South after student teaching because
of the people here. The families, staff, and teachers of Saint Peter
think first of their students, second of the community, and last of
themselves. This attitude is contagious and I’m excited to be the
best that I can be every day. South feels like coming home and I
couldn’t be happier to be a part of the team!
October 2015, Highlights — 7
COMMUNITY & FAMILY EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT:
Tressa Bushaw, St. Peter Yoga
How long have you been teaching
yoga? I have been teaching yoga for
16 years. What are the benefits of taking
a class? There are so many great
benefits to yoga - increased flexibility,
balance and strength building. It
also relaxes your system and reduces
stress, supports a healthy immune
system and encourages self-care. It
is a wonderful tool to compliment
any fitness program. Young or old,
healthy or unfit, anyone can do it! Do you need to know anything
about yoga to take the classes?
There are yoga classes offered for
all fitness levels from beginners to
experienced practitioners. We have
supplies available for use; you just
show up. What do you enjoy about teaching
yoga classes? I love meeting new
people and teaching people to pay
more attention to what their body is
telling them. Personally, I have found
yoga to be an incredible gift in my life
and I love sharing that gift with others. For more information or to register
for Tressa’s classes visit www.
stpetercommunityedonline.com or
call (507) 934-3048.
Photo courtesy of Pat Beck, St. Peter Herald
Community & Family Education
FINANCIAL CLASSES
Estate Planning Basics
Thu., Oct. 22, 5:30-6:30 pm, $5
Women & Money:
Taking Charge of Your
Financial Future
Mon., Oct. 26, 12-1 pm, $5
Parents/Kids & Money
Mon., Oct. 26, 5:30-6:30 pm, $5
Strategies for Year End
Tax Planning
Thu., Nov. 5, 6-7:30 pm, $5
To register for these classes, visit
www.stpetercommunityedonline.com
or call 934-3048.
The Early Learners School Readiness class, offered through Community and Family
Education, is held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons for children that are 3-4 years old.
A family member comes to school with the children on Wednesday and participates in the
class activities. For the last hour of the class the parents separate and meet with a parent
educator to discuss relevant issues pertaining to their children. Call 934-3048 for more
information about these classes.
8 — Highlights, October 2015
Board of Education
Mark Karlsrud, Board Chair
934-4062 (H), 507-621-0614 (C)
[email protected]
Sharon Fitch, Board Vice Chair
934-2161 (H)
[email protected]
Ben Leonard, Board Clerk
934-2100 (H)
[email protected]
Jon Carlson, Board Treasurer
612-964-5801 (C)
[email protected]
Drew Dixon
933-0885 (C)
[email protected]
Bob Meeks*
507-382-7943 (C)
[email protected]
Charlie Potts
507-351-1042 (C)
[email protected]
Saint Peter Community & Family Education
600 S. Fifth St., Suite 207 ● (507) 934-3048
www.stpetercommunityedonline.com
Children & Youth Classes
Adult Classes
Spanish for Kids
Lefse with Schelli McCabe & Carol Moline
Grades K-2: Tue., Oct. 13-Nov. 17 (skip Nov. 3)
2:45-3:45 pm, $39
Grades 3-6: Mon., Oct. 19-Nov. 23 (skip Nov. 2)
3-4 pm, $39
Sat., Oct. 10, 1-4 pm
FREE, Call 934-3048 ext. ‘0’ to register.
Thu., Oct. 15, 5:30 pm, $5
*serving remainder of Marty Duncan’s term
Administrator s
Superintendent of Schools
Paul Peterson
[email protected]
High School Principal
Annette Engeldinger
Dean of Students & Activities Director
Steve Alger
Assistant Middle & High School Principal
Jon Graff
North Intermediate Principal
Darin Doherty
South Elementary Principal
Doreen Oelke
Community & Family Education Director
Tami Skinner
Building & Grounds Director
Marc Bachman
Business Services Director
Tim Regner
Special Programs Administrator
Ytive Prafke
Technology Director
John Lustig
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
600 South 5th Street, Suite 207
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 934-3048 ext. 238
[email protected]
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!
5 Steps to Stress Freedom
Fun with Books: Halloween
Grades K-2: Mon., Oct. 26, 2:45-3:45 pm, $4
Watch Me Draw! Explorers Make it Pop
Grades K-2: Wed., Nov. 11-Dec. 16
(skip Nov. 25) 2:45-3:45 pm, $51
Grades 3-6: Tue., Nov. 17-Dec. 15 , 3-4 pm, $51
Aquatics
Moderate Intensity Water Aerobics
Saturdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Oct. 3-Nov. 21 (8 classes) $36
Beginning Weaving
Thu., Oct. 22 (6-8 p.m.), Fri., Oct. 23 (6-8 p.m.)
and Sat., Oct. 24 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
$83 includes materials
Young Living Essential Oils
Wed., Oct. 21, 6:30-8 pm
$10 + $10 instructor supply fee
Courage & Confidence:
Daring to Pursue Your Dreams
Thu., Oct. 29, 7-9 pm, $70
Fad Diets and Eating Sensibly
Thu., Nov. 5, 5:30 pm, $5
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Nov. 16-Dec. 16 (10 classes) $45
Aqua Fit/Water Aerobics
Mon. & Thu., Nov. 16-Dec. 17 (9 classes-no class Nov. 26)
Afternoon at 4-5 pm or Evening at 6:30-7:30 pm, $41
Calendar of District Events
Saturday Open Swim*
October
Nov. 21-Apr. 16, 1-3 pm
$2.50 per swimmer, pay lifeguard at the pool.
*Note: Children 7 and under must be accompanied by a
proficient swimmer age 13 or older or wear a life jacket.
12
14
15-16
30
South Parent Council Meeting 6:30 pm
Early Release Day
No School (*E-12) MEA
No School (*E-12) Teacher workday
November
5
6
6
10
17
North Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 pm
NO SCHOOL NORTH Conferences 8 am-3 pm
Marching Band Concert, HS Gym, 7:30 pm
North Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 pm
Parents of North Group meeting 6:30 pm
*E refers to Early Childhood Programs