a rundown of news and events from fridley public schools · 2015-11-17 · current service...
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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 rundown of news and events from Fridley Public Schools
SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT NEWS
FRIDLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR VETERANS
Fridley Middle School held its 30th
annual Veterans Day Program on
November 11, 2015. The program
was created to celebrate and com-
memorate the men and women past
and present who serve in the mili-
tary.
This year’s guest speakers were
former Fridley resident and veteran
Stan Kowalski, an 89-year old
WWII veteran who in his speech
said that “caring will be the only
future the human race has, and kids
are living messages we sent to a
future we will never see … Ameri-
ca is free because we helped do
what was needed to make that hap-
pen.”
Army Capt. Michael Griffis, the
other guest speaker stated about his
current service “through my time in
the military, I have internalized the
importance of discipline, honor and
integrity. I live a life committed to
helping others and selfless ser-
vice.”
Student speakers included 8th grad-
ers Chloe Cantlon, who honored
her great-grandfather, Sgt. Ernest
Carlsrud; Ruby Richard, who intro-
duced her grandpa, Vietnam veter-
an Navy Seaman Mike Richard (in
attendance); and McKenzie Swartz
-Porath, who talked about her
neighbor, Sgt. Matthew Birr. Birr
was a fifth grade student at Fridley
Middle School when the September
11, 2001 terror attacks occurred.
Prior to 9/11, not many schools
commemorated Veterans Day be-
yond a mere mention, according to
Principal and 12-year military vet-
eran Matthew Boucher. “The
events of 9/11 really brought to
light the value of service. Up until
then, people recognized a person
had served in the military, but it
wasn’t truly viewed as ‘service.’”
The program concluded by the re-
tiring of the colors performed by
VFW Post 363 Color Guard Bob
Dykof (Desert Storm veteran),
George Arnold (Korean War veter-
an), Randy Byrne (Auxiliary) and
Jesse Rundle (Auxiliary). Veterans
present and their families and
guests were treated to a light recep-
tion afterwards.
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
FRIDLEY STUDENTS ATTEND “WE DAY”
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
Fridley Public Schools has been selected to host
the 4th Annual EdTechTeam Minnesota summit
featuring Google for Education.
The Summit will be held on January 30-31, 2016
at Fridley High School, and will focus on deploy-
ing, integrating, and suing Google Apps for Edu-
cation (and other Google tools) to promote student
learning in K-12 ad higher education.
For more information, visit:
http://mn.gafesummit.com/2016
FRIDLEY SELECTED TO HOST STATE SUMMIT
RLS INTRODUCES CODE CAMP
With the debut of Code Camp, Stevenson Ele-
mentary School has become one of a select few
elementary schools in the state to offer such a
computer program.
The classes are taught after school by Stevenson
teacher Dianne Rae. “We have 13 students in
second grade who have signed up for this pro-
gram,” said Rae. “We meet twice a week after
school.”
The program lessons are run through Code.org,
an organization that exists to provide opportuni-
ties for computer literacy to schools with an
emphasis on creating more interest and oppor-
tunity in computer programming among women
and minority students.
The students currently participating in the cod-
ing camp will complete their basic introductory
courses by the end of winter, and new students
will begin the program toward the end of March
2016.
38 Fridley High School and 30 Middle School students
attended WE Day at the Xcel Energy Center on Novem-
ber 3. The event is a “celebration of youth making a dif-
ference in their local and global communities.” Students
learn compassion and tools to formulate positive change in
society, including volunteer work in their communities.
18,000 students and educators packed the arena for a full
day of speeches and musical performances by such celeb-
rities as Chelsea Clinton, Henry Winkler and Ciara. Frid-
ley students who attended were able to do so in recogni-
tion of their contribution to community action services
over the past year.
Fridley middle and high school students attend WE Day on No-
vember 3, 2015. Photos: Jessica Baker and Alexa Bailey.
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
PARENT WORKSHOP
Know Your Child’s Selfie!
Stress... Anxiety... Low self-esteem...
Depression... Anger...
Is your teenager stressed? Find out
how you can help. Join us to learn
more about helping your child manage
teenage stress and raise their confi-
dence.
When: November 17, 2015
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Fridley Middle School
(Cafeteria)
Agenda
5:00-6:00 Resource Fair
5:30-6:00 Free Dinner
6:00-6:45 Managing Teenage Stress presented by Bridge for Youth
6:45-7:00 Closing remarks
All parents and teenagers are wel-
come!
Sponsored by Fridley Middle School
and Fridley High School.
To give back to its communities and celebrate public education, Educa-
tion Minnesota is organizing a statewide Week of Action November 16-
20. The Week of Action gives local organizations the opportunity to
show statewide unity and to give back to communities that support edu-
cators and public schools.
The theme this year is “Giving Back.” In Fridley, the FEA Executive
Board is supporting this initiative by collecting non-perishable items in
each building which will be donated to SACA (Southern Anoka Com-
munity Assistance).
So how can we help?
Collect non-perishable items in each building – making it a friendly
competition to see which building can collect the most, Novem-
ber 16-19.
Building representatives will send out reminders throughout the
month of November and also set up a collection box.
Items collected will be delivered to SACA on Thursday night with
representatives from the FEA.
The building that collects the most items may even get their picture
in the news.
What to collect?
Non-perishable food: canned goods, boxed meals, boxed potatoes,
condiment items - maybe think of possible items that families
might want to make a Thanksgiving meal.
Personal items: diapers, toothpaste, personal bath items.
Below is an example of what $10 buys at a local grocery store and a
regional food bank.
FRIDLEY 2015 WEEK OF ACTION FOOD DRIVE
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
FRIDLEY SENIORS APPLY FOR COLLEGE DURING COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE MONTH
Senior Evan Ryd adds his name to the list of students
who completed an application during College
Knowledge Month.
Class of 2016 Dean Carrie Wrona assists a student
in filling out an online college application.
October was College Knowledge Month, and Fridley High
School Dean of the Class of 2016 Carrie Wrona made sure eve-
ry senior knew about it.
“Around 90% of our seniors filled out applications. At the be-
ginning of the month, I went into their English classes and
talked about different ways of exploring for colleges, how to
start that process and then letting them know I was going to
come back and help them do their actual applications. It start-
ed with giving them websites they could look at and do their
research and then, finally, three weeks later, apply,” she said.
The benefit of taking part in College Application Week is the
application fee being waived for MnSCU schools, most private
schools (Macalester, Hamline, Gustavus, St. John’s), and all
community colleges.
Most students thus far are planning on staying in Minnesota,
though about 10% indicated to Wrona they wanted to attend
school elsewhere, including as close as North Dakota and as far
as California.
Does Wrona see any trends between four-year universities and
technical schools? “I still see four year. Some students are
realistic and some are not at this point. The majority are still
signing up for four-year colleges. I did have a good amount
apply to Anoka Ramsey, MCTC, and Hennepin Tech.”
When asked how much of an issue financial aid is to making a
decision, Wrona said, “It’s huge. They are really concerned.
‘What is the cost? Can I afford this? Will I be able to get
scholarships?’ Some of the students have already looked into
how many merit scholarships are out there. ‘I don’t want to
have too many loans. I’m not taking out loans.’”
Senior Luca Patrick Vescio Schreiner, who applied at St. Cloud
Tech for its automotive services program, agreed. “Definitely.
The cost is important, and the location.”
Continued next page
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
Wrona added that “A lot of scholarships are out there
if they’re looking. Our kids, a lot of them economi-
cally are disadvantaged. So scholarships would help
their college tuition if they can get those or grants
from the state. The students might as well apply and
see what financial package they can get from the col-
lege and then make a good decision. Just looking at
the sticker isn’t always right.”
Senior Annika Paulson had additional criteria for her
decision, including size of the campus. “I’d like it to
be more medium – not too big. One of my problems
with the U of M is that it’s so big. But my top criteri-
on is the major programs they have. I want to go into
psychology, so if they have a good psychology major,
that’s a good thing. And also a good music program,
because I want to double major in music.”
Degree programs were also a consideration for Aaron
Neumeister. “My top school right now is North Park
University in Chicago. My second is Hamline. They
both offer non-profit management, and also they have
political science, which I want to minor in.”
Next year, according to Wrona, Jim Cummings, the
Dean for the Class of 2017, will be meeting with
those students to start the same process. As for what
students can do in the meantime? “We’d like the kids
to be more present with where their GPAs are, how
many credits they have and who can you reference so
that’s it’s easier to build that application when they
go through and have those questions answered.”
Vescio Shreiner feels College Application Week is
valuable. “It’s definitely helped spread awareness. I
would’ve definitely applied, but it would’ve been
later on. I would’ve had to pay; I wouldn’t be here
for the free application that they had.”
Aboubacar Toure and Breezy Rucker sign their names on
the college poster.
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
FRIDLEY KEY CLUB UPDATE
Every year, the first week of Kiwa-
nis Family Month is an excellent
opportunity for Fridley Key Club to
show the community who they are.
From November 2-6, Key Clubbers
all over the school showed their
Key Club spirit!
On Monday, November 2, Key
Clubbers made sure to wear their
club shirts and pink flamingo head-
bands to grab fellow students’ at-
tention and to get them to ask about
the club. This brought in new
members who were eager to sign up
for such a fun service club! Tues-
day was “Kudos to the Key Play-
ers.” It takes many people to have
a successful club, and it’s not just
advisors, so this year Key Club sent
“Messages in a Bottle” to the prin-
cipal, vice principal, athletic direc-
tor, communications specialist, and
four advisors, to thank them for
their support of the club.
Many people also attended We
Day, the “movement of our time”
that kicked off another year of ser-
vice in our school. Wednesday’s
theme was “Dare to Care.” Key
Club made over $50 for Eliminate
from a successful Hat Day as one
event for “Dare to Care.” Also,
during lunch, any student was invit-
ed to stuff dolls and dogs to send to
orphanages in Africa, which con-
vinced many of them to join Key
Club. As students walked through
the halls Thursday morning, it was-
n’t uncommon to see little cards
taped on lockers and desks. Thurs-
day was “Random Acts of Kind-
ness,” so Key Club taped Pass It On
cards around the school where they
encouraged students to do the ran-
dom act of kindness on the card and
then pass it on to another student.
There were lots of cards passed
around Thursday, enhancing a feel-
ing of inclusiveness and caring
throughout the school!
The final day of Key Club week
was “Connect the Ks” day, where
Key Clubbers are encouraged to
celebrate the whole Kiwanis fami-
ly. Fridley Key Club invited the
Builder’s Club at Fridley Middle
School and the Columbia Heights/
Fridley Kiwanis Club to an ice
cream social where all could inter-
act and discuss what was all going
on in their different clubs. With
plenty of frozen custard donated by
Culver’s, the party was a hit and set
a great tone for Kiwanis Family
Month.
All in all, the week was fun and
everyone had a blast sharing and
bringing attention to all the great
things Key Club does!
Article by Abby Ladwig and Kati Stevenson. Photos by Mary Bowen
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENT
Fridley High School Prinicpal Renee Van
Gorp announced that Parker Brady and Erin
Larson have been named Commended Stu-
dents in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship
Program. A Letter of Commendation from
the school and National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the
program, will be presented by the principal to
these scholastically talented seniors.
About 34,000 Commended Students through-
out the nation are being recognized for their
exceptional academic promise. Although
they will not continue in the 2016 competi-
tion for National Merit Scholarship awards,
Commended Students placed among the top
five percent of more than 1.5 million students
who entered the 2016 competition by taking
the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/
NMSQT).
“The young men and women being named
Commended Students have demonstrated
outstanding potential for academic success,”
a spokesperson for NMSC said. “These stu-
dents represent a valuable national resource;
recognizing their accomplishments, as well as
the key role their schools play in their aca-
demic development, is vital to the advance-
ment of educational excellence in our na-
tion. We hope that this recognition will help
broaden their educational opportunities and
encourage them as they continue their pursuit
of academic success.”
FRIDLEY STUDENTS COMMENDED IN 2016 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Parker Brady
Erin Larson
Fridley Public Schools November
2015 Employee of the Month is Su-
san Treuchel, a paraprofessional at
Fridley Middle School (FMS). Su-
san works throughout the school
year as a paraprofessional support-
ing many students with significant
disabilities.
In this role, she strives to make the
school experience positive and pro-
ductive for all students. Her com-
mitment to assisting students and
staff comes from her heart. Fridley
Middle School Principal Matthew
Boucher said that for Susan, this is
not just a job, it is a calling.
Susan is a community member and
parent who is committed to making
Fridley schools the best they can be
for the benefit of all students, staff
and families. This extends into the
summer when she works with the
custodial staff to get the building
ready for the upcoming school year.
In this role, she is very self-directed
and always looking for ways to im-
prove the overall appearance of
Fridley Middle School.
She works tirelessly to support staff
in their preparations for the upcom-
ing school year, while consistently
looking for ways to improve the
physical environment and the stu-
dent, staff and community experi-
ence at FMS. Susan is truly com-
mitted to making Fridley Middle
School and Fridley Public Schools a
better place for each and every per-
son who engages with our schools.
“Thank you, Susan, for her steadfast
commitment and selfless service to
the students, staff and families of
Fridley Middle School,” said Bou-
cher.
TREUCHEL SELECTED NOVEMBER 2015 DISTRICT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
LADY TIGER GILREATH SIGNS WITH UW MADISON
Surrounded by her parents, David Gilreath Sr. and Susie Gil-
reath, and siblings, David Gilreath Jr., Davenna Gilreath and
Suzette Gilreath, Fridley High School senior Suzanne Gilreath
singed a letter of intent committing to University of Wisconsin
Madison. Gilreath, a star basketball player for the Fridley Lady
Tigers team, will join the Badgers team in the fall of 2016.
Gilreath has been a 4-year starter and Fridley High School’s all-
time leading scorer. She set the Minnesota State High School
record for 3 pointers made in a season.
Fridley Athletics Director Dan Roff congratulated her and her
parents on her accomplishments, noting that Suzanne’s hard
work was not just limited to the basketball court but in academ-
ics where she has also excelled. “Suzanne is a great role model
for kids,” said Roff.
Gilreath was the Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minne-
sota Sports Radio Network Athlete of the Week in 2014. Her
back-to-back 30-point games led the Lady Tigers to a two season
opener victory in 2014.
“I have no doubt that Suzanne will continue to have success both
at the University of Wisconsin and throughout her life. She is a
hard and an outstanding young adult,” said Fridley girls basket-
ball coach Erick Redepenning.
Top picture: Suzanne Gilreath, wearing a UW-Madison Badgers
sweatshirts smiles at her family and well wishers moments before
signing her commitment to join that university next fall.
2nd picture: The Gilreath family proudly witness Suzanne signing
her letter of intent which commits her to play basketball for the
UW Madison Badgers. (Standing l-r:) dad David Gilreath Sr.,
brother David Gilreath Jr. who is a member of the Seattle Sea-
hawks football team, Suzette Gilreath, Suzanne’s twin sister, older
silster Davenna Gilreath, and mom Susie Gilreath.
3rd picture: Gilreath (seated), l-r: Jolene Blood (assistant coach),
Erick Redepenning (head girls basketball coach) and Jim Miller
(assistant coach).
Last picture: Suzanne Gilreath and twin sister Suzette sit sur-
rounded by Suzanne’s friends from Fridley High School who at-
tended to celebrate the special occasion with her.
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
CONGRATULATIONS TO FRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL OCTOBER 2015 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Fridley High School is proud to announce its October 2015 Students of the Month! Teachers and staff select up
to two students for the Students of the Month (SOTM) recognition. Students are selected based on their demon-
stration on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile traits: Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, com-
municators, principles, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective.
Halah
Abbood
Emely Acosta-Hilario
Samira
Ali
Michael
Barrera Thanh
Beach
Darius
Berry
Samantha
Broadhead
Icis
Burgess
Emelyn
Campos
Gustavos
Juarez Chacon Vianka
Damas
Hailey
Deluca-Davis
Keith
Emmons
Bailey
Ellefson
Zachary
Fischer
Alisa
Forkpah
Thomas
Gowah Jilian
Guza
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
News and events from Fridley Public Schools
CONGRATULATIONS TO FRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL OCTOBER 2015 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Sawyer
Hoff
Amelia
Howard
Jamia
Johnson Terriann
Johnson Jabril
Leaks
Christine
Ludi
De’Jah
McCarter
James
Martin
Janessa
Millar
Jaylen
O’Neal
Sierra
Pacheco
Chloe
Rich
Edward
Riddle
Abe
Rizvi
Sandra
Salgado Hailee
Schalwig
Summer
Siedlecki
Syed
Sarwar
L-r: Christopher Vasquez
Ezekiel Walker
Cheng Xiong
Danny Yang
Justin Yang