a bi-monthly rundown of news and events from fridley ... · a bi-monthly rundown of news and events...

Fridley Public Schools PHONE: (763) 502-5020

Communications Office FAX: (763) 502-5050

6000 West Moore Lake Drive E-MAIL: [email protected]

Fridley, MN 55432 WEB: www.fridley.k12.mn.us

A bi-monthly rundown of news and events from Fridley Public Schools

SCHOOL EVENTS

FRIDLEY STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT MODEL ASSEMBLY

Nearly 100 Fridley students will participate in the YMCA statewide Youth in Government program,

Model Assembly to be held on January 9-12, 2014 at the State Capitol Complex and the Minneapolis Hil-

ton Hotel.

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) is a youth development program emphasizing the Y's four

core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The session provides unique, hands-on, oppor-

tunities for the young people of Minnesota to learn about their government. The YIG Model Assembly

has over 1,500 students from all over Minnesota and Fridley has in the past had a strong student represen-

tation.

Pictured: Fridley students pic-

tured during a Youth in Govern-

ment event in 2012.





News and events from Fridley Public Schools

LONG TERM SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER CHAIRS LAST MEETING

Perhaps with the largest audience that has attended

the Fridley School Board meeting in recent years,

current school board chair Gordon Backlund presided

over his last School Board meeting both as a member

and Chair of the Board on December 17, 2013. Back-

lund lost his reelection bid during the November 5,

2013 elections to newcomer Joseph Sturdevant who

will join the Board in January 2014.

Backlund was first elected to the Fridley School

Board in 1989 and served for 24 years. As a member

of the School Board, Backlund has served as Board

director, treasurer, clerk, vice-chair and chair of the

board during his term. He also served as the School

Board representative on the Association of Metropoli-

tan School Districts (AMSD), Schools for Equity in

Education (SEE), and a member of the Rotary Club of

Fridley and Columbia Heights.

During his tenure on the Fridley School Board,

Backlund supported the implementation of many pro-

grams and initiatives such as the district-wide transi-

tion to International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum,

all-day kindergarten for children, renewal of levies,

School Board policies, and contract negotiations. His

record of accomplishments includes the addition of

the Fridley Moore Lake Area Learning Center, up-

grades of aging facilities in the district, and the Hayes

and Stevenson Elementary Schools’ expansions.

Gordon thanked several people for their support

through out his tenure on the Board, including super-

intendent Peggy Flathmann, and former superinten-

dents Mark Robertson, Mary Ann, Nelson and Dennis

Rens. He thanked the voters who for 24 years had

kept him on the Fridley School Board. He also

thanked the Fridley School District teachers, staff and

administrators for the tireless work they perform eve-

ryday to provide quality education to students.

Backlund urged everyone to continue the great work

they are doing adding that he had confidence that the

school district would continue to excel.

Top: Backlund presides over the last School Board meet-

ing of the year on December 17, 2013. His term expires

on December 31. Bottom: Pictured (seated) shortly after

the meeting with (L-R) Superintendent Dr. Peggy Flath-

mann, Board members Kim Sampson, Mary Kay Delvo,

Fred Bischke and Chris Riddle.

Superintendent Peggy Flathmann and Board members

Fred Bischke, Mary Kay Delvo, Kim Sampson and

Chris Riddle thanked Backlund for his many years of

service on the Fridley School Board. Board Vice

Chair Fred Bischke read a proclamation honoring

Backlund’s service from Governor Dayton, as well as

a resolution from the School Board recognizing his

contributions to the Fridley School Board and District.






Keeping fit and staying healthy.

What better way to do that than

to trek across the continents?

Fridley Middle School students

participating in the Fit for

Learning– Fit for Life PEP

grant program are doing just

that - without leaving the state!

On Thursday, December 5,

2013 students wearing pedome-

ters began a project where they

would count every step walked

and convert those steps to miles

that will be measured across

continents. Fit for Learning—

Fit for Life is the district’s PEP

grant initiative.

During this first world walk, the

students collectively covered

over 17,000 miles! They

started in Fridley, made it

through Central America, and

even managed to tour all the

major capital cities in South

America. Congratulations to

Mr. Zackery Bobick whose

homeroom won the contest with

an average of 53.55 miles per

student, and Ms. Karyn Meier’s

homeroom that placed second

with 42.9 miles per student.

When students return from the

winter holiday break, they will

begin walking and tracking

miles walked in Africa, where

they will start from Morocco.

FRIDLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL’S WORLD WALK REACHES SOUTH AMERICA

Above; Kate Roos, PEP Grant Liaison stands beside the Fridley Middle

School world map mural showing the first leg travelled on the World

Walk. Below: the 17,000 miles students traveled is measured on the

world map. Next, students begin trekking through Africa.






STEVENSON PARENTS LEARN MORE ABOUT ADSIS OPPORTUNITIES

Several parents of Stevenson Elementary

School students attended a parent breakfast held

on December 3, 2013 for parents whose stu-

dents participate in the Alternate Delivery of

Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) pro-

gram.

ADSIS is a program designed to provide in-

struction and services to students in K-12 who

need additional academic or behavioral support

to succeed in the general education environ-

ment; and who may eventually qualify for spe-

cial education or related services if the interven-

tion services are not available.

Stevenson Elementary School held this parent breakfast to give parents an opportunity to ask questions

about the program and to learn more on how the school is supporting students in the program by providing

them with behavioral and mobile skills that can be used during the school day. The district’s ADSIS staff

seeks to foster collaborative partnership with the parents so as to build strong parent involvement in the stu-

dents learning. Staff members present to speak with families included principal Daryl Vossler, school

counselor Christa Sanders, behavioral specialist Jacqueline Munyon and family outreach liaison Aloda

Sims.

The Fridley Concert Band hosted a

special visitor on December 18,

2013. Sam Bergman, a viola

player from the Musicians of the

Minnesota Orchestra, came by to

speak to our students about playing

music in an ensemble, how to ap-

proach performances and rehears-

als, how to take musical perform-

ances to a higher level, and an-

swered additional questions from

the students. This was an incredi-

ble opportunity for students to learn

from and listen to a professional

musician. Pictured right: Bergam

addresses members of the Fridley

High School Concert Band.

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA VISITS FRIDLEY CONCERT BAND STUDENTS






KEY CLUB AND AASU MEMBERS MAKE SPECIAL DOLLS FOR AFRICA

Members of Fridley High School’s Afri-

can American Student Union joined

Fridley Key Clubbers on November 21

and created dolls that will be given to chil-

dren in select orphanages in Af-

rica. Fridley Key Club has undertaken this

project in the past in collaboration with the

JAMS Ladies at the Fridley Community

Center.

At the high school cafeteria, students sat

around tables filled with cotton stuffing,

and fabric and spent a couple of hours

stuffing the pre-sewn fabric and making

cloth dolls for children who live in or-

phanages in Africa. Under the watchful

eye of key club advisor Mary Bowen and

Family Outreach Liaison Aloda Sims,

there was a general atmosphere of camara-

derie as these high school students talked

and joked amongst themselves while their

hands expertly created dolls for children

thousands of miles away.

Top picture l-r: Malik Alexander and Konita Sasraku, stu-

dent leaders in the AASU club.

Middle picture: Key Club advisor Mary Bowen gives

some creative advise. Left picture l-r: Anterrian Moore

and Darius Berry.





NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS


TOM HAUGE NAMED DECEMBER 2013 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Tom Hauge is the District Grounds Custodian. Since get-

ting the job in August of 2013, Tom has taken control of

the position in a positive way and has provided results.

One comment about Tom said that he is “showing a re-

sponsibility to take care of the grounds and a willingness

to listen to concerns and to figure a solution to problems

or tasks”.

Tom is a multitalented individual and doesn’t shy away

from issues. He takes initiative to find a reasonable solu-

tion, and then when he is given the go ahead, will finish

the job in a professional and timely manner and move on

to the next.

Tom is a caring individual. Part of Tom’s job is to work in

all the District buildings in other capacities as needed. At

FCC, Tom was observed taking the time to assist an elderly woman out to her car during one of his

shifts. Tom listens and communicates clearly. When Tom is in the building covering for another cus-

todian, he lets the appropriate people know he is there and how they can get in touch with him if

needed, and then see to it that the job he is doing is done to the best of his ability.

In his capacity as District Grounds Custodian, Tom Hauge has blazed a trail of good will, profession-

alism and a sound work ethic that sets an example for all to follow. The District is a better place be-

cause of Tom’s selfless contributions. Congratulations Tom, and keep up the good work!






IB DIPLOMA STUDENTS PRESENT EXTENDED ESSAYS

COLTER ALLEN SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO JOIN IOWA HAWKEYES IN 2014

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a

focused topic, chosen within a subject

group, intended to promote high level re-

search and writing skills, intellectual discov-

ery and creativity. It provides students with

an opportunity to engage in personal re-

search in a topic of their own choice, under

the guidance of a supervisor.

The product is a piece of formally presented,

structured writing in which ideas and find-

ings are communicated in a reasoned and

coherent manner, appropriate to the subject

chosen. The 4,000 word essay encourages

students to develop the independent research

skills that are expected at colleges and uni-

versities.

Pictured front row l-r: Nicole Varichak, Erin Gorman,

Courtnie Dritz, and Mikaela Maier.

Back row l-r: Namarig Kram, Makayla Kuykendall, Idris

Mohamed, Christine Hitomi, Nathan Strecker, Colter

Allen, Josiah Bender and Elizabeth Bender.

Fridley High School senior Colter Allen is one of six seniors who have

signed letters of intent to join the University of Iowa in 2014 as members of

the Hawkeyes swimming and diving team.

In a press release issued on December 17, 2013, University of Iowa head

coach Marc Long stated: “we are very excited about this talented group both

academically and athletically. We expect this group to make a significant

impact on the team and at the big ten and NCCA level.”

Allen is a three-time all-state and all-conference selection who earned All-

America consideration as both a sophomore and junior and was the Section

Swimmer of the Year in 2013. Allen is currently a Fridley High School record holder in seven events

— 200 free, 200 IM 100 fly, 100 back, and as a member of the 200, 400-free relays and 200-medley

relay. Nationally, he placed seventh in the 50 fly (LCM) at the Summer NCSA Junior Nationals with a

25.54. His top times include 50.55 (100 fly), 1:42.64 (200 free), 4:39.22 (500 free) and 1:55.54 (200

IM).






FRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCES 2013 AWARD WINNERS

Student athletes are selected as All-Conference by the coaches. Academic All-State is an award that

the high school football coach nominates a student for who is then selected by a committee of high

school coaches. This year, there were only 15 athletes selected for the award in the entire Class 4A.

Fridley team awards are voted on by the varsity football team. Congratulations to the Fridley High

School Tigers football players pictured below for being recognized for their outstanding athleticism.

ALL-CONFERENCE

L-R: Nick Rathke, Darius Mulbah, Michael Murray, Samuel Musa, Odell Howard and Luke Prosser

ALL-CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION

Top row l-r: Kevin Blake, Ronald Flomo, Johnl Jones,

Matt Duehn and Pat Whalen.

Bottom row l-r: Emmanuel Kormah and Wilbert Meaway.






CONFERENCE AWARDS

ACADEMIC-ALL CONFERENCE

ACADEMIC ALL-STATE

L-R: Matt Duehn, Luke Prosser, Kevin Blake and Noah Wiggins

Luke Prosser Offensive MVP

Darius Mulbah

Defensive Lineman

of the Year

Samuel Musa






FRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM AWARDS

L-R: Carson Hauge, Scout Team MVP; Odell Howard, Special Team’s MVP; and Kevin Blake Offensive Lineman MVP

L-R: Samuel Musa, Defensive Lineman MVP; Luke Prosser, Defensive MVP; and Darius Mulbah, Offensive MVP

and Team MVP

Left: Nick Rathke, winner of the 2013 Senior Award.

Not pictured:

SENIOR PARENT BOOSTER OF THE YEAR Courtney Rathke






Congratulations to Fridley High School students for their outstanding performance in the school’s pro-

duction of Little Shop of Horrors held in November 2013. Several students’ performance have been

rewarded with the 2013-14 Spotlight Awards recognition. SpotLight is the Trust’s flagship educa-

tional initiative which honors and supports Minnesota high school musical theatre programs and stu-

dents.

This year, a record 67 schools including 13 from greater Minnesota, presented musicals made possible

by the collaboration of almost 5,400 students, which are annually seen by an estimated 130,000 audi-

ence members. This fall, 38 schools presented musicals and a group of evaluators assessed each

school’s production with written commentary.

Fridley High School’s production of the Little Shop of Horrors received the following awards:

Honorable Mention Overall Production

Honorable Mention Overall Performance

Outstanding Acting Performance by a Chorus/Ensemble

Individual Awards

Honorable Mention Performance in a Leading Role:

Evan VonDeLinde as Seymour

Sarah Peterson as Audrey

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role:

Jordan Olson as Orin

Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting Role:

Vanessa Vah as Ronette

Payton West as Crystal

Maggie Bergman as Chiffon

Praise Hall as Roxy

Nathan Strecker as Mr. Mushnik

Fridley High School and participating students will be honored at SpotLight’s culminating events, the

ninth annual SpotLight Showcase, held for the first time on two nights on Sunday, June 8 and Monday,

June 9, both at 7 p.m., at the Orpheum Theatre.

FRIDLEY’S ‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’ PRODUCTION WINS SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

a bi-monthly rundown of news and events from fridley ... · a bi-monthly rundown of news and events...

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