brainerd area school pages - november 2011

Kids School PagesBrainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com Tuesday, November 29, 2011 1S

Baxter Elementary

Brainerd Community Education

Central Lakes College

Crosby/Ironton

Crosslake Community School

Forestview Middle School

Harrison Elementary

Learning Tree Preschool

Lowell Elelmentary

Nisswa Elementary

Pequot Lakes

Pillager Area Charter School

Pine River/Backus

Riverside Elementary

Staples/Motley

NOVEMBER 2011

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Kids School Pages2S Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com

BAXTERELEMENTARYMrs. Swanson/Smith’s fi rst graders had guest authors visit their classroom the last week in October. Stu-

dents from Ms. Macioce’s Creative Writing Classes at the high school came over to share the children’s books they had written. Several of the high school students donated their books to the classroom so the fi rst graders can continue to enjoy the creative stories.

Students in Mr. & Mrs. Johnson’s Class Carved pumpkins in their classroom to jump start the Hallow-een Festivities.

High School Authors Visit

Pumpkin Carving

Halloween Costumes and Games

Kids School Pages Brainerd Dispatch | www.brainerddispatch.com Tuesday, November 29, 2011 3S

Washington Fun ‘N’ Friends Summer Fun

Teaching and

Learning

The children enjoyed grow-ing their own vegatables and eating their produce, esp-cially the fresh grilled corn.

They even made a farm friend named Kirby the Pig.

Emma Seibel and Marin Scheiterlein of KinderClub Early-Age Care/Pre-K Program are bouncing their way to an active and healthy life.

The FYAC (Forestview Youth Advisory Council) participated in this year’s Haunted Trail hosted again by Northland Arboretum. The theme was Halloween Prom. Pictured are youths, volunteers, YOUTH CON-NECTION Coordinator and Supervisors who all came together and weathered the cold chill to put on a scary prom. It was noted over 3,000 people visited the Hal-loween Trail and got scared out of their wits. At the end of the trail, apple cider was served.

Additionally, FYAC will be participating in a vari-ety of projects in the upcoming months. They are Toy Drive, Ruby’s Pantry, Polar Plunge, Operation Interde-pendence and Homeless Awareness to name a few.

FORESTVIEW YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

YOUTH CONNECTION Senior LeadersHave you checked out the youth in Sr. Leaders over at Forestview Middle School lately? They are . . .

Musically talented

Hip

Possesses the Warrior team spirit

And look like a divaScary looking

Funny like a clown


Blood drive

‘Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail’

The cast of “A Winnie the Pool Christmas Tail” at Central Lakes College includes, from left, Andy Hopps (Eeyore), Abby Pratt (Piglet), Matthew O’Reilly (Winnie the Pooh), Andrew Smith (Owl), Theodore Wadsten (Christopher Robin), Justin Lane (Rabbit), Luke O’Reilly (Tigger), Sydney Stock (Kanga), and Trinity Shields (Roo). The show plays Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Dryden Theatre, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 17.

The Central Lakes College Medical Assistant program at the Staples cam-pus has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

A review board and CAAHEP’s board of directors announced that the CLC program is in “substantial compliance with the nationally established accredi-tation standards.” The initial accredita-tion status is in effect for fi ve years.

The CLC program is also accredited through the American Medical Tech-nologists. The latest endorsement comes

from the largest programmatic accredi-tor in the health sciences fi eld.

National accreditation is considered the “gold standard” for medical assist-ing, said Dawn Michel, instructor-direc-tor of CLC’s 44-credit diploma program.

Institutional accreditation helps to assure potential students that a school is a sound institution and has met cer-tain minimum standards in terms of administration, resources, faculty and facilities.

CLC Medical Assistant program gains national accreditation

At the Oct. 28 Staples campus open house Rose Dahlvang painted a monkey on the wrist of Augustina Bue, Little Falls. The annual event is an opportunity to visit with students and faculty to fi nd the career that is right for you. Guests received information on the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Applied Science degree, and diploma opportunities in these campus pro-grams: Graphic Design, Machine Trades, Photography, Robotics, Video Production, Diesel Mechanics, Nursing, Heavy Equipment, Medical Assistant, and Viticulture. There were tours, demonstrations, prizes, food, and fun.

State Rep. Dean Ur-dahl (R-Grove City), a retired educator and au-thor, visited with former legislator Steve Wenzel (left) of Little Falls and Central Lakes College President Larry Lund-blad in Brainerd recently. The fi ve-term lawmaker toured the campus of one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing public communi-ty and technical colleges, discussing educational is-sues related to sustaining

the state’s economy with an educated workforce. Talk included biofuel re-

search underway at the college’s Agricultural and Energy Center at Staples.

Rep. Urdahl visits CLC

Welding and Fabrica-tion student Pete Wolken-hauer (left) of Brainerd showed Brainerd High School juniors Matt Jares and John Elgard (right) pictures of his and other CLC students’ welding projects at the recent Tour of Manufacturing. Wolken-hauer, a 2012 graduate of Pine River-Backus High School, is an apprentice at Lakeland Mold, Brainerd. This allows him to earn his degree at CLC and en-joy part-time work with a good chance of full-time employment at Lakeland Mold after graduation.

Manufacturing tour

Central Lakes College student senators were busy earlier this fall rak-ing and cleaning yards for the elderly in Staples. On one recent Saturday they completed a total of 8 yards in 9 hours. This is a free service that the Student Senate seeks to provide each fall in the Staples community and again in the spring semester for the Brainerd community. CLC thanks Steve Mau at Brainerd General Rental for donating several leaf blowers for this event.

Students do fall clean-up

Members of The Rose Ensemble gave a one-hour workshop in the Central Lakes College Music Rehearsal Hall on the Brainerd campus. The group was in Brain-erd to perform “Songs of Temperance and Temptation: 100 Years of Restraint and Revelry in Minnesota” for the Cultural Arts Series. The show is a musical explora-tion of the humor and history behind Prohibition and Minnesota’s long-standing love/hate relationship with the pub.

Rose Ensembleworkshop

The Steeles return to Central Lakes College for concerts Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in Chalberg Theatre. This is a CLC Cultural Arts Series event. The Steeles are the First Family of Twin Cities gospel, soul, and jazz. Join Jearlyn, Jevetta, Billy, J.D., and Fred for a musical treat the whole family will love. Prices for “The Steele Family” range from $25-$10 ac-cording to which section of seating. Tickets are for as-signed seats. For full ticket details and seating charts, go to this event’s page at www.clctickets.com

Christmas concert

Open House Fun

The 16-person CLC Medical Assistant Advisory Board provided invaluable assistance in attaining national accreditation. Members include, front from left, Deb Bergsnev, Machel Marshall, Beth Sabas, Barb Goochey, and back from left, Debra Kearns, Jackie Och, instructor-program director Dawn Michel, Rebecca Bennett, Pamela Beebe, Deanna Kohout and not pictured: Nicole Finnegan, Connie Vieths, Roger Jahn, Ida Lombard, and Jeff Wig, dean of career and technical programs and Staples campus.

Kirstin Nelson (left), a Central Lakes College Practi-cal Nursing student from Baxter, donated her blood for the American Red Cross at the Staples campus, assist-ed by Nicole Folger, a phlebotomist. Kirstin was among 50 people who volunteered to give a pint. The CLC Die-sel Club earned a pizza party for having the highest percentage of donors. Erich Heppner, CLC director of student life, said the next blood drive will be Nov. 30 on the Brainerd campus from 8:30 to 1:30 in the gym. Donors may make an appointment by emailing him at [email protected]


Crosby-IrontonRangers

mmfcu.org Baxter | Brainerd | Crosby | Staples

Pequot Lakes opening January 2012!

Crosby-Ironton High School held their homecoming celebration October 7th-October 14th. As a part of the homecoming festivities there are dress up days, home-coming coronation, athletic events, a parade, and a dance. The homecoming parade, held on October 14th, included Homecoming King Joe Herda and Queen Mi-kayla Dehning.

Homecoming Week Celebration

Dress Up Days

Homecoming Parade

The dress up days this year were Monday – Dress as Your Favorite Teacher, Tuesday – 80’s Workout Ap-parel, Wednesday – Nerd & Ugly Sweater Day, Thurs-day – Halloween Costumes, and Friday was Spirit Day. Included are photos of students with the teacher they dressed up as, teachers recognized by the students were Mr. Galovich, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Ellingsen, Mr. Kuschel, and Ms. Pierce.


CrosslakeLUMBERJACKS

Community School

Chilli Cook Off

Trout Lake Camp

Names by class:K: David Rabe, Emily Hulke, Jayda Anderson.K/1: Alyssa Nelson, Amelia Davis.1/2: Joe Rabe, Beau Engstrom.2/3 Neumann: Parker Moan, Cole Pollock.2/3 Loeffl er: Wade Loeffl er, Landon Mitchell.3/4: Grace Bonfi g, Rory Starkka.4/5: Erin Gray, Robbie Hendrickson, Lyla Billman.5/6: Ally Anderson, Joey Hendrickson.7/8: Dylan Nelson, Jacob Young.

(top) K-Brayden Thomas, Mercedes Engstrom; K/1-Taylor Max, Danika Dik; 1/2- Donavan Lewandowski, Beau Engstrom, Pierce Swenson; 2/3L- Tristan Veit, Jonah Young; 2/3N-Korbyn Hulke, Hannah Taylor; 3/4- Evelyn Swenson, Konner Dik; 4/5 – Sidney Veit, Emily Brunkhorst.Not pictured is: 2/3L -Cruz Megazinni .(right) 5/6 - Emily Mitchell and Matt Bonfi g.

Each month we have a different Character Trait Word of the Month. It is announced at the beginning of the month, and at the end of each month the classroom teacher chooses 0-3 students who have demonstrated that character trait. The names are announced over the P.A. system, a photo is taken, each student gets a recog-nition certifi cate and a coupon for a free personal sized pizza from Rafferty’s.

Character Traits of the MonthSeptember - Kindess

October - Integrity

The students in Mrs. Loeffl er’s and Mrs. Neu-mann’s 2/3 class from Crosslake Community School spent an after-noon at Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area. The students had been talk-ing about plants and their structures in science class.

To extend their learn-ing even more, the class went outside into nature. Students collected leaves for a writing project they will be doing in class.

They have to turn their leaves, pine cones, and acorns they found into an object or animal. Then they have to write a de-scriptive paragraph about their picture.

Uppgaard Wildlife Area Trip

Music & Band Award

Perfect Attendance

PE Awards

By collecting Campbell Soup Labels, the school has earned a variety of playground equipment - such as jump ropes, ankle twists, footballs, soccer balls, activity balls, Movement DVD’s and CD’s. Mrs. Martin, director of CCS, has spent several recess periods teaching students how to play jump rope games that she learned as a child. The students in this photo are: Tori Tilbury-Shetka, Chaia Tulenchik, Tori Popehn, Veronica Hulke, Mrs. Martin, Lyla Billman.

Row 1: Taylor Max, Amelia Davis, James Omtvedt, David Rabe, Beau Engstrom, Tristan Veit. Row 2: Joseph Rabe, Maya Orvis, Korbyn Hulke, Rory Starkka, Stephanie Aldridge, Sidney Veit.Row 3: Veronica Hulke, Ethan Gibbs.

Lilly Swenson, Kate Davis, Music/Band Teacher, Samantha Swanson

New Equipment

Anthony PopehnJonathan RabeChase TulenchikCole GrayWilliam GustafsonVeronica HulkeVictoria PopehnSamantha SwansonLyla BillmanClayton MeyersStephanie AldridgeTigerlily BassGhage BergerGrace Bonfi gJackson BrennanErin GrayEllie LokenLillian SwensonSidney VeitCaleb DavisIsaak GeroyDane Hollingsworth

Korbyn HulkeMichael JohnsonDavid MaschhoffParker MoanEvelyn SwensonRausie CummingsBraeden DavisWade Loeffl erStephen MaschhoffLogan MejdrichMaya ozrvisJoseph RabePierce SwensonHannah TaylorTristan VeitRose AldridgeConnor CableParker SchottEdward Shetka 5thEthan ShetkaJayda AndersonJames CummingsAmelia DavisMercedes EngstromEmily HulkeLevi LokenDavid RabeEmma SchottMillie TaylorTori Windorski


An October trip to Chisholm and Hibbing for Forestview 5th graders provided a unique op-portunity for students to learn how mining has affected a com-munity, state, and nation, the impact that mining has had on the environment, as well as the process of reclamation. Students were guided through the MN Dis-covery Center in Chisholm while learning about mining methods of extracting, processing, and modify-ing minerals into usable products, the geology of locating and iden-tifying minerals like coal, oil, and granite, along with the history of the mining industry. They watched

a performance by Cuyler Adams ex-plaining the history of the Range.

Students enjoyed a trolley ride to a an old mining pit site at the Dis-covery Center that was set up with old buildings from the early mining days. At this site, demonstrators showed students about weaving, old fashioned games, and cane making.

On the way home, classes stopped at Hull Rust Mahoning

Mine Observation Area in Hibbing, where students were be able to view and learn about the world’s largest open pit mine. Fifth grader Olivia King remarked, “I would have never thought that Minnesota would have the biggest open pit mines in the world! What an awesome trip. I had no idea this was all here!”

The 7 th & 8th grade Project Lead the Way courses at Forestview Middle school introduces basic concepts of engineering to all 7th and 8th grade students.

One of the design challenges that 7th grade student’s work on is known as the “Automated Launch Ball Ma-chine”. This is a project that requires students to re-search, design, construct and test a land transportation vehicle. The students are given the requirements and expectations of the project.

We talk about mathematical and scientifi c concepts that could be helpful tools for their individual designs. After researching possible solutions students then use the engineering design process to create their sketch design ideas.

The students in the photos are working on the begin-ning steps of the design process, brainstorming ideas and sketching. They will then go through the process of building and testing their ideas in the near future.

The project is an 11 day creative thinking design challenge that allows students to use their problem solving skills and express their creative abilities that will benefi t them in the life choices.

Fifth Grade Field Trip ExploresMining in Northern Minnesota

Project Lead the Way Introduces Engineering Concepts


HARRISONELEMENTARY

Friendly Fridays has returned to Harrison School! All of the students in Grades K-4 have been divided into groups which include children from all grade levels. On Fridays, from 8:30-9:00, these groups of students meet with one special staff person. During this half hour, the

groups discuss and learn such things as social skills, behavior skills, goal setting, self-confi dence, self-esteem and developing the feeling of belonging to a group. Pic-tured here are a couple of our groups reading a story about a skunk who was self-conscious about her scent.

Friendly Fridays

Students in Mrs. Comstock’s fi rst grade enjoyed learning about a sunfl ower, which was brought in for science sharing. Students read books and wrote stories and used their science journals to write down their observations.

First grade students in Mrs. Comstock’s classroom read stories about seeds, roots and stems to make connections to our science sharing of a giant sunfl ower.

During math lessons in Mrs. Comstock’s fi rst grade, students used a variety of manipulatives and activities to reinforce new concepts.

Mrs. Comstock’s fi rst grade class enjoyed wearing their Halloween costumes during their Halloween party.

Students in Mrs. Comstock’s fi rst grade measured pumpkins of a variety of sizes during math activities on Halloween.

A student in Mrs. Comstock’s fi rst grade classroom works daily on her 100 High Frequency Words, using Magna letters and white boards.

Mrs. Comstock’s Class

Mrs. Hunter’s Class

A student in Mrs. Hunter’s fi rst grade donated a 70lb. pumpkin! We had fun guessing it's weight and counting the seeds.

Mrs. Hunter’s fi rst grade found lots of goop to go through to get to the seeds!

A student in Mrs. Hunter’s fi rst grade is using an Eye Spy gets a closer look at a leaf.

This was a mystery guest reader in Mrs. Hunter’s 1st grade.

A high school guest reader came to Mrs. Hunter’s 1st grade. You are never too old to appreciate Dr. Seuss!


LEARNING TREEPRESCHOOL

Halloween fun with the morning class.

Bingo fun.

We are making our “witches brew” for snack.

Playing a game at our party.

We learned how the equipment worked, future doctors?

For enrollment information, please call 829-6175.

Future Fire Fighters?

The ambulance came to teach us about their job. We just learned about the fi re truck.

We learned about fi re safety. The fi refi ghter showed us what he looked like in his safety gear and not to be afraid.

The afternoon classes’ ghouls and goblins.

Learning About Fire Safety

Halloween Party

New friends at school


Fall Trips for Lowell StudentsLowell second grades took a fi eld trip to Farm Of

Plenty to learn about farming. The students picked radishes straight from the fi eld, picked out their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and had a pump-kin rolling contest. Each brought home a pumpkin.

Lowell fi rst graders went to St. Mathias Farm and ran through the corn fi elds enjoying the October sun.

Student of the Month

Back (left to right): Zakia H.; Hailey H.; Nick R.; Kristin B.; Ashlin S.; Emma K.; Tennyson K.; Karter B.; Lily L. Middle: Kyra P.; Quinci L.; Myah N.; Ben K.; Lily B.; Taylor R.; Nariah F.; Nick S.; Abby W.Front: Micah H.; Seth L.; Savannah M.; Emma K.; Zach B.; Max V.; Hunter C.; Max H.; Katie W.

Have a plan ~ Make a planFarm of Plenty and St. Mathias Farm

Camp ShamineauMr. Meyer and Mrs. VanVickle’s classes went to

Camp this month to learn how team work can make things easier.

American Heart Association Chefs Cook for Classes

Ronald McDonald and friends stopped by Lowell School and spoke to the student body about respect

In these pictures: (top) Mr. Meyer’s fourth grade is learning team work can make the beam move if everyone cooperates. (bottom left) on the high wire (bottom right) swinging through the forest

Amercan Heart Association Chefs visited Lowell and made healthy breakfasts for third grade classes.


ELEMENTARYNisswa

Nisswa 4th graders traveled to Deep Portage Conser-vation Reserve on October 11th where they experienced canoeing and rock climbing as well as had environmen-tal lessons such as solar heat and its importance to our environment. Special thanks goes out to the following local organizations that so generously offered contribu-tions to make this fi eld trip possible: Pelican Lake Con-versation Club, Nisswa Women’s Club, Cullen Lakes Property Owner’s Association, Nisswa American Le-gion, Nisswa American Legion Auxiliary, Nisswa Lions, Nisswa Garden Club and Lake Hubert Women’s Club.

Madison Yeager, 4th Grader, played the role of Helen Keller in the recent CLC production of The Miracle Worker. All of her classmates had the opportu-nity to see her impressive performance at a matinee performance at Central Lakes College in October. From Nisswa School's production of the Wizard of Oz, where Madison played 'Dorothy', to this leading role, Madison has proven herself a star on and off stage!

Student Stars as Hellen KellerThe Nisswa Elementary Student Council wrapped up their annual United

Way Coin Drive. Representatives walked over to Black Ridge Bank, turned in $235.65 for a cashier’s check, and sent it to Crow Wing County United Way. Thanks, families, for helping support nearly 40 agencies in Crow Wing County!

Coin Drive for United Way

Deep Portage Trip

Jack Weinhandl in Mrs. Ward's Kindergarten and Hala Davis in Mrs. Headlee's 2nd Grade won prizes for their closest estimates in the Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin contest, sponsored by Mike and Kim Hemmeich of MK Auto Body. The pumpkin weighed in at 264 lbs., 7 oz., and two students went home anxiously awaiting spring weather to ride their new bikes. Thanks goes out to the Hemmerich Family for their generosity!

Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin

The Nisswa Fire Department made their annual vis-it to Nisswa Elementary School on Wednesday, October 12th to promote fi re safety. As students exited the build-ing, fi re trucks pulled into the school parking lot with lights and sirens, sprayed the school down, and followed up with a fi re safety assembly. The morning was topped off with kindergartners from Mr. Koman, Mrs. O’Brien and Mrs. Ward’s classrooms all riding on a fi re truck to the fi re hall where they were given a tour and learned more about fi re trucks and fi re safety.

Fire Safety

This fall, 2nd - 4th grade students participated in the Nisswa Orienteering Club. Coordinated by Chad Holm, PE Specialist, students were divided into groups to nav-igate their way through the courtyard at Nisswa School. This orienteering course, funded through a S.H.I.P. grant, had participants use a map and compass to fi nd 6 control points, each with a distinct pattern that was recorded on a punch card that spelled out L.A.K.E.R.S. (as in Nisswa LAKERS' Pride!)

Orienteering Club

Pizza &Bingo Night, the fi rst of several Nisswa PTO Family Fun events scheduled for the year, was held Oct. 14. “Bingo!” was enthusiastically claimed in both settings; K-2 located in the cafeteria and 3-4 in the library, as many players of all ages mopped up on fun prizes.

Pizza and Bingo Family Fun Night


Pequot LakesPATRIOTS

By Skylar Salvevold

Eighth grade students at Pequot Lakes Middle School have been studying epics, like the Iliad and Beowulf in English class. Since we were reading literature that dealt with the Greek and Trojan war for the Ili-ad, Josh Whittemore, substitute teacher at Pequot Lakes, brought in Greek artifacts to display. He brought in a helmet, shield, and armor for students to try on and experi-ence. Some students had fun dressing up in it, and here is what they had to say about it: Sage Brezinsky said, “I thought it was cool and unique and fun to try on.” Math-ias Carlson said, “I liked the texture and the way that the armor was formed out of leather.” Overall, people really got into the story more because they got to see what it was like to dress up, like in the Trojan War.

By Faith Wacholz and Chris Foster

The past couple weeks the 7th grade has been studying genetics. Genetics is the scientifi c study of he-redity. Punnett Squares help with fi nding the offsprings’ looks and other things that come fromthe par-ents.

We did a project making paper pets. We found the looks by fl ipping a coin because it’s a 50:50 chance of getting traits from each par-ent. Then we styled the clothes and had about a week to do all that. Then we did the presenta-tion. We showed our family and answered a few questions.

The 7th grade class at Pequot Middle School learned the pos-sible outcomes for their genet-ics project. Using the Punnett Square and by fl ipping a coin the students now understand pos-sible trait outcomes much better.

The whole 7th grade class enjoyed the project, especially the family portrait which included family pets that the students were able to cus-tomize. They found this part of the project fun and educational because it was teaching the students about passing traits in a hands-on project. That’s how we learned about genet-ics. It was very interesting.

The Student of Excellence award is for students who are performing at the top level of excellence in our school. Teachers select students who rise to the expectations of our middle school. We believe in PRIDE, perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, and excellence in all we do at Pequot Lakes Middle School. These students not only do this in the classroom, they are role models outside the classroom as well. Congratula-tions to the students, parents and guardians of these great students. We look forward to their continued success in the future.

Pequot Lakes Middle School1st Quarter Student of Excellence

All in the Family

Johnny Tremain

Fun with the Greek Artifacts

Eagleview ElementaryMrs. Sullivan’s class has been

busy studying life cycles. Each stu-dent made their very own life cycle. They presented their projects to stu-

dents in other classrooms.

Erin Kempka - Life Cycle of a bird

Kate Stephens - Life Cycle of a frogTasia Flen - Life Cycle of a penguin

Caleb Hughes - Life Cycle of a fi sh

Jaiden Biley - Life Cycle of a leaf

Maci Martini - Life Cycle of a frog

Technology in the Pequot SchoolsBy Brady Cable, Trevor Latzke, and Joe Bocklund

We are juniors now but ever since we entered high school, we have noticed an upward trend in the amount of technology used in the Pequot Lakes School District. In some departments, it’s more evident than others because differ-ent teachers have different opinions and meth-ods. However, we have consistently been seeing new implementations every year, such as using Smartboards, having online projects, and using iPads.

We spoke with our school technology coordina-tor, Mr. Dan O’Reilly, about what he thinks of the possibility of a “mobile” computer lab.

“They are already implementing it,” he said. He told us there is already a full iPad system

in the computer lab at the elementary school. Mr. O’Reilly said he expects a similar setup in the high school within two to three years.

Next, we spoke to Mr. Brian Kazmierczak, a social studies teacher at PLHS. When we had him for a history class, we noticed an obvious push by him for more technology use in a regular classroom. He says using things such as Google Docs to turn in assignments online “really im-proves communication between students and teachers.” He also agrees with the idea of having a group of tablets such as the iPad to be used for online assignments and possibly even to replace textbooks.

With things in place for upgrading the school building, we look forward to more up- grades in technology as well.

A culminating activity in the 7th grade Revolutionary War/Johnny Tremain unit (interdisciplinary unit between social studies and English) was to write an essay analyzing how history and the development of our nation might have been changed if certain events had never occurred. This is a response.

By Elsa HeadleeOur lives would be very different

if the outcome of the events in our early history were different. The Boston Tea Party might not have happened if they sent the tea back to Boston. If we had lost the Revo-lutionary War we could still be a British colony. We could still have a king instead of president. These events changed American history.

If the British had sent the tea back to England, the Boston Tea Party wouldn’t have happened. This event was the trigger to protest against the British rule. But, I feel the Patriots would have found some-thing else to fi ght for. They would have fought against the British liv-ing in their homes, eating their food, and taking their horses. They would have fought the British because they didn’t let them represent them-selves in government. The British made them pay taxes without rep-resentation. I think we would have fought for our freedom even without the Boston Tea Party.

If we hadn’t had the courage to fi ght the Revolutionary War, we probably would still be a British col-ony. If that happened, we wouldn’t have our own constitution. Our constitution sets out the laws, prin-ciples, organization, and process of government. It makes sure that the people have their rights protected. If we had lost we would still be a British colony.

If we had a king instead of a pres-ident, things would be very differ-ent. The king can overrule anyone’s decisions. The king’s rule is the law. We have a president. The president needs other people to agree with him. There are three branches of government in the United States of America to make sure not just one person has all the power. The branches are legislative, judicial, and executive. The branches make sure the president’s decisions are fair and legal. The king has only himself as a judge of his decisions.

If any of these events had not oc-curred, life in the United States of America would be very different. If history would have changed, the present and the future would also have changed. We could still be a colony ruled by Britain. We might not even have our rights protected by the constitution. But we do have our freedom from Britain, and we are thankful.


PILLAGER AREA

CHARTER SCHOOLPACS experiential learning in action

Science

Shop Class Builds a Sakte Board

Collaboration Activities

Outdoor Activities

Sara climbing a rock wall challenging her strength.

Sabrina in the rushing river hoping she makes it to shore.

Chris, Liz, Tiffany, Emily looking to what lies ahead.

All aboard the Paddleford on the Mississippi River, Northern Lights Community School out of Warba, MN joined us. We listened to the history of the shore traveling up stream for an hour and then back with lots of cool facts, One being Renae won the trip for 30 students and three staff!

Elijah, Sabrina, Erick, Dachota, Alex, and Brady working on the skate board ramp.

Erick catching some samples for experiments. Nate and his windmill project.Jenny and Rainna dissecting something.


Recently the PRB-PTO hosted two breakfasts en-couraging families to gather. The breakfasts, called Mornings with Mom and Daybreak with Dad, were held in October and November.

Students in the second grade classrooms at PRBE had the opportunity to try out some fun activities for Halloween. All the students were split into groups and rotated around classrooms to; work on Halloween trivia with the SMART response system, manipulate legos and connect popsicle sticks into creations.

Elementary students at PRB hosted the Pine River and Backus Fire Departments in October to celebrate Fire Safety month. The fi remen came around to classrooms to

educate students on basic fi re safety, took students outside to explore the fi re trucks, and also provided great resources to the stu-dents in gift bags.

Miss Miller’s 3rd grad-ers and Mr. Meyer, PRB Technology Coordina-tor, took a photo safari in the School Forest using digital cameras on loan through the DNR’s Bridge to Nature Program. These beautiful nature photos were taken by 3rd graders.

On Halloween, 50 ECFE parents and children boarded a bus and rode to A-Maze-N-Pumpkinz in Nisswa. It was a cold morning, but that didn’t hamper the fun for the everyone that participated. Fami-lies got to walk through a corn maze, see and pet small animals, play in a bouncy house, a corn box, do a Halloween craft project, and have a hayride.

Scaring Up Some FunProud to be AmericanSecond grade classes at PRBE, working

together with the Pine River Legion, have adopted a former PRB graduate and his unit, deployed to Kuwait. The Legion sup-plies the essentials for care packages, while the students send drawings and encourage-ment. The students also devoted a day to wearing red, white and blue in honor of the soldiers.

Outdoor Adventure

A Family Affair

Fire Safety

Pumpkin Patch Kids


RIVERSIDEELEMENTARY

At Bremer Bank, our dedication to our community goes back to our founder Otto Bremer. In his words, “To serve our clients, we must also serve their communities.” Today, through nonprofit grants from our owner, the Otto Bremer Foundation, local bank donations and thousands of employee volunteer hours each year, we’re still taking action to make our community even stronger.

We’re proud to call this our home town.

Brainerd 829-8781 • Baxter 828-5191 • Aitkin 927-3794 1-800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.com

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An “A-Mazing” First Grade – Down on the Farm

Kindergarteners at the Fire Station

Witches and Ghosts and Goblins…Oh My!!!!!

October Students of the Month “Citizenship”

September Students of the Month “Respect”

Playground Fun!

R-E-S-P-E-C-TBy Ronald McDonald

We Honor Our Veterans


Staples MotleyIndependent School District #2170Independent School District #2170

Teacher Award. Kerry Lindgren is the recipient of the MREA Distinguished Service Award for 2011. Awards Banquet was Nov. 3 at Cragun’s.

Teacher Receives Award!

A cast of new and seasoned actors were in the Staples Motley High School fall play, Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at Centennial Auditorium, Staples. “The Last Resort” by Eddie McPherson has hilarious down-home humor that comes from the antics of an eccentric and lovable cast.

SMHS Fall PlaySMHS had 10 seniors in this year’s fall play, many of whom have been with

us for 4 years. 13 actors were fi rst time performers. This year we had one or two members from every fall sport Staples Motley High School offers. These extra-curricular programs enhance our schools and our communities. Students who are encouraged to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity, regard-less of which activity is chosen, report more satisfaction with their educational experience. It can also promote increased academic success.

When you are shopping at Ernie’s Food Market, have you ever wondered about the boxes located at the doors as you exit the store? These boxes are labeled: Staples Elementary, Motley Schools, Staples Motley High School and Sacred Heart. Shoppers are encouraged to drop their grocery receipts into one of these boxes as they leave the store.

This is because our schools are taking part in the Mason Brothers Apples for the Students program that helps earn educational awards without spending from the school budget. Thanks to the Mason Brothers program, and Ernie’s Food Market, we can receive computers, software, sporting goods, audio-visual aids, science materials, books and other teaching tools FREE in exchange for reg-ister receipts!

The value of the receipts is redeemed and the points earned are used to pur-chase FREE educational items! Last year, Motley Elementary and Motley Sta-ples Middle School had a combined total

of 102,686 points. Some items received at the Motley site over the past several years include volleyball sets, playground balls, an electric infl ator, stop watch, dig-ital cameras, a book binder and cart, art supplies, and misc. offi ce supplies. Sta-ples Elementary earned 94,500 points last year, and ordered 50 headphones for their computer lab. At the High School level, pencils, markers, a digital camera, a headphone set and 2 computer moni-tors were ordered! Sacred Heart School was able to redeem about 90,000 points for educational materials for the class-rooms and some miscellaneous offi ce supplies.

Staples Motley Schools wishes to rec-ognize Ernie’s Food Market, and to thank them for participating in this program. We encourage all shoppers to drop your register receipts (either in the store box or at any school offi ce) in support of edu-cation. What a great way to support both your school district and a local business!

Apples for the Students program!

CONGRATULATIONS to Assistant Tennis Coach Mary Freeman! She has been selected as the 2011 Class A Girls Assistant Tennis Coach of the Year by the Minnesota State High School Tennis Coaches Association. Great Job!

Congratulations to Asst. Coach

Jayde Jordahl and his mom Stephanie, Natalie Sarbaum and her mom Betsy.

Muffi ns with Mom!

Fall Festival2011

Fantasy Baseball, an elective class for 7th & 8th graders.

Motley Staples Middle School

brainerd area school pages - november 2011

Documents

high school students

school pages2s

clownkids school pages4s

nie educational resources

nie link

new nie website

educational use contact

years haunted trail