Brainerd Public Schools Magazine - Fall 2022

A Place to Belong.

Fall 2022

A Brainerd Dispatch Publication

Superintendent Heidi Hahn is ready to give it her all

Letting the sunshine in

Robotics program helps students follow their dreams

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WELCOME, FALL 2022

BY DR. HEIDI HAHN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

A Place To Belong…Brainerd Public Schools The 2022-23 school year is in full swing, and I couldn’t be more excited for our Warrior community to be together again. We are nearing the completion of all the building projects that started four years ago. What a transformation that has taken place! Thank you, Warrior community!

Recently you should have received a VIP Pass in the mail inviting you to schedule individual school tours (if not, you can sign up at placetobelong.org). Our staff, students and volunteers have already been busy hosting these tours and look forward to many more. We are proud to share our new spaces with you and are even more excited to show you all the fantastic things that happen in these spaces each and every day.

The sky truly is the limit for our students and community partnerships are at the core of our success. We are grateful for the partnerships that exist, which allow us to continue to grow an innovative and robust Career and Technical Education programs. The experiences our local business partners provide are invaluable opportunities for students to explore career pathways and possibly their future vocations. From aviation to robotics, students have the opportunity to start on a path in high school and jumpstart their college career or transition immediately into the workforce (see pages 12 and 20).

Adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals character.

Adversity can be a stumbling block for some, but for others, it is a stepping stone to reimagined success. (see page 16).

Entrepreneur and alumnus Jackie Rassmussen is a great example of the never give up, never give in Warrior Spirit!

We know, now more than ever, that students and staff at every level need support. Through a Best Practices Grant, Forestview Middle School counselors, staff and an Essentia Health representative formed the Sunshine Squad (see page 23).

Through the efforts of the Sunshine Squad, teachers are offered training to help them better support students experiencing serious mental health crises, as well as the time and supplies to help address their own needs.

At Brainerd Public Schools, we want every student, family, staff member and community member to feel their school community is where they belong. What comes to mind when you think about a feeling or sense of belonging? I asked our students, staff and community members what is one word that evokes a sense of belonging. Their answers were very consistent — connection, acceptance, included and valued were the top answers.

Brainerd Public Schools are not just a place to come to school; they are a place to find opportunities, connections, purpose and community.

A Place to Belong — Brainerd Public Schools.

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 3 | FALL ‘22

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In The Spotlight 3 6

Welcome Fall 2022 Superintendent’s Letter

By Heidi Hahn

12

6

Capturing the spirit of education

By Sue Ready

12

Robotics program helps students follow their dreams

By Sue Sterling

23 PUBLICATION STAFF PUBLISHER Pete Mohs SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR/ COPY EDITOR DeLynn Howard DESIGN LAYOUT Christopher Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER Joey Halvorson Brainerd Public Schools magazine is produced by the Brainerd Dispatch in cooperation with the Brainerd Public Schools.

Comments and story ideas: Annmarie.Lacher@isd181.org | 218-454-6904 Advertising Support Opportunities 218-855-5895 | advertising@brainerddispatch.com

16

BHS alumna has ‘Northern Ties’

By Sara Schroeder

18

Three inducted into Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame

20

The sky’s the limit for students at Brainerd High School

By Sheila Helmberger

Copyright 2010 | Volume 12, Edition 2 | FALL 2022

506 James Street | P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705 | www.brainerddispatch.com

ON THE COVER:

A Place to Belong.

Fall 2022

A Brainerd Dispatch Publication

Superintendent Heidi Hahn is ready to give it her all

Letting the sunshine in

Robotics program helps students follow their dreams

At Forestview Middle School, there was light on the horizon of those dark days. The dawn of the Sunshine Squad brought hope and help to students and staff.

The Sunshine Squad is the brainchild of special education teacher Noelle Bussler.

23

Letting the sunshine in

28

Superintendent Heidi Hahn is ready to give it her all

By Sue Smith-Grier

By Sheila Helmberger

34

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Adventures at a Glance

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Capturing the Spirit of Education

BY SUE READY

M

rs. Tamie Swanson, a dedicated first grade teacher for 33 years in District 181, died unexpectedly in December 2021.

She captured the spirit of education with her passion, love of teaching and commitment to be the best she could be.

With her positive outlook, Mrs. Swanson changed many lives.

Tamie Swanson

Tamie always went above and beyond to make sure that our Baxter students could succeed and feel loved and she did it with such grace and passion.

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Karen Schroeder-Stave, her grade level partner, said, “Tamie was that go-to person for me and many others over the years. If you needed clarification, advice or help with anything, Tamie was on the top of the list of people to ask. She was an amazing educator and friend.”

Heather Bender, another co-worker, agreed. “Tamie always went above and beyond to make sure that our Baxter students could succeed and feel loved and she did it with such grace and passion. She will forever be an inspiration in our building.”

In 2019, Dr. Tammy Stellmach, principal of Baxter Elementary, nominated Mrs. Tamie Swanson for a Teacher of Excellence Award.

She noted, “Tamie had an incredible way of reaching out to all of her students knowing their abilities and being able to diversify her teaching to meet their needs. Her passion

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and drive for best practices and innovation were evident.

Her leadership commitments, staff development, continuous improvement for building literacy, PLC leadership as well as curriculum representative made her a deserving recipient of the award.”

The Swanson family chose to have Tamie’s celebration of life in the school gymnasium on Dec. 18, 2021. Students and staff were able to contribute by decorating paper hearts and adding their personal messages on them.

The family, recognizing Mrs. Swanson’s positive influence in the school district and dedication to students, generously gifted all the memorial funds they received to Baxter Elementary to use as they saw fit. A small team, under the auspices of Dr. Tammy Stellmach, explored several options. They decided part of the memorial funds

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should be art to represent her spirit. Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures were chosen as the best representation of Mrs. Swanson who was always on the move, adjusting to the winds of time and appreciating the beauty in front of her. The location of two wind sculptures, Bean Pole and Double Spinner, were intentionally placed near the wing of the first grade classroom where Mrs. Swanson worked. These sculptures represent constant movement in the world of elementary education and a tribute to the beauty of each individual.

Another part of the funds went to the purchase of two trees, a maple and an evergreen, scheduled to be planted this fall. The rest of the memorial funds went to the purchase of books as Mrs. Swanson loved to read to her students. Baxter librarian Tammie Sand-Benson described Tamie as “being a

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fierce advocate for books and getting them into the hands of kids.”

Many of Mrs. Swanson’s favorite books she read in the classroom as well as some of her personal favorite books read to her own children growing up were purchased with these funds. All of these recently purchased books will have a special memorial sticker placed on them.

This past August, Ace Hardware in Brainerd had a teacher appreciation event to honor all that Mrs. Swanson did for her students. The idea came about when Hal, her husband and a former manager at Ace, wanted to honor his wife’s memory in some way. With all the money she spent and teachers continue to spend on school supplies and other items for their classrooms, Ace decided to help out as well and put on a benefit for teachers. Proceeds from the money raised will be used to purchase school supplies that will be distributed to all six elementary schools of the Brainerd Public Schools. Ace also accepted donations of actual school supplies providing drop-off boxes.

Mrs. Tamie Swanson was an incredible person of strength whose caring nature touched many lives. She loved her students dearly and always worked to engage all of them. The impact of her legacy will continue to have long lasting effects on those she taught and worked with at Baxter Elementary and in the Brainerd School District.

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 11 | FALL ‘22

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Robotics program helps students follow their dreams

BY SUE STERLING

T

he Robotics Program at Brainerd High School teaches kids how to think.

Robotics is not a high school class; it is an after-school activity for grades 9 through 12. Kids come from diverse backgrounds. They learn how to problem solve by looking at a problem and then organize themselves for success.

The kids get to be part of a team, a STEM Team, which, to them, is a very cool thing.

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This Robotics Program was started in 2008 by Brian Bordwell integrating a robotics program called FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, which was started by Dean Cayman, the inventor of the segway. The team is coming up on the 16th year of being in competition with an expected attendance of 20-25 students, both males and females. The motto of FIRST is Gracious Professionalism.

FIRST gives teams a problem and they have six weeks to solve it. They give all the details in a manual and all requirements must be met to compete. There is no set blueprint. The kids are presented with a task, they brainstorm and they solve the task. The competitions are done roundrobin style, with 63 teams at a regional level. They don’t know who they are going to get paired with, so this teaches kids to work together for the good of the team.

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Central Lakes College offers many robotics programs with “Last year we were in the top 36 teams in the state, Nathan Peterson as the program director. Many Brainerd which qualified us to compete at the state tournament, High School students go through Peterson’s where approximately 196 teams from program and earn a robotics degree. around the state competed. We finished Bordwell said CLC’S program is one of the in 27th place overall,” said Bordwell. best in the state as far as robotics goes and “At our regional we finished fifth out of Last year we were in its graduating students are being hired at 63 teams. BHS’s team won a $500 check the top 36 teams in the basically 100%. Once they get through the from Dunwoody College for outstanding state, which qualified us program, they are almost guaranteed a job. engineering and design work. It was When asked if it is possible to make awesome. Our team competes under to compete at the state good money in robotics without a fourthe name ‘2503 Warrior Robotics.’ You tournament, where year college degree, the answer was, can check out their website at www. approximately 196 “Absolutely!” CLC’s program is a direct team2503.com,” Bordwell said. teams from around the pipeline into an excellent career in the This is a mentor-driven program. state competed. robotics industry, Bordwell said. They need Many of the mentors are returning team - Brian Bordwell a technical degree in this field to get a start members, who use their free time on and there is plenty of room for upward Saturdays to work with the kids. That movement once they get into a job. Jobs as is a powerful thing because the kids see there is a future in whatever they want to do in robotics, in robotics technicians, design engineers, mechanical engineers are great jobs for young people starting out. Bordwell said engineering, and in any STEM-related career.

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there is a tremendous opportunity for kids to get out in two years. A two-year degree could earn someone $50,000 a year.

Students don’t enroll in robotics. It is a Warrior activity with a $50 fee. No one is turned away if they don’t have $50.

A way is found to get it. In the fall, there is a spaghetti feed fundraiser at the Brainerd VFW and the kids sell tickets.

“The VFW also gave us a wonderful donation last year, and we want to thank them very much. Our sponsors and our fundraising pay for everything. We have many local sponsors and without them, this program wouldn’t be possible. They are greatly appreciated,” Bordwell said.

“They also do things outside of the robotics classroom,” Bordwell continued. “They bag at grocery stores, help package meals to send overseas and they have served at the soup kitchen. That community piece is important. Each year one of the businesses who sponsor the team will give them a tour. It is a good way for kids to realize that they can get a good job right here in Brainerd, Minnesota.”

Having fun is a huge part of this program, and the parents appreciate the fact that their kids can have a safe place to come after school. The kids learn problem-solving, troubleshooting, collaborating with a team and speaking skills, which are needed at award ceremonies. All of these are the skills they learn from being a part of the team and they will use them regardless of what field they go into.

The robotics program exposes kids to tremendous opportunities. It gives them an ethical and authentic learning experience. The mentorship in this program gives kids a chance to talk to people in this field, which is especially important for helping them make choices for their futures.

“The future is high tech. The future is technology and these kids are experiencing technology through FIRST in our program,” Bordwell said.

“Our students can follow their dreams when they leave here. That is a huge part of why we are continuing to run the program,” he said. “It is a lot of hard work, but the kids say it is the ‘hardest fun’ they have ever had!”

The future is high tech. The future is technology and these kids are experiencing technology through FIRST in our program - Brian Bordwell

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 15 | FALL ‘22

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BHS alumna has ‘Northern Ties’

BY SARA SCHROEDER

I

t’s not just singers and musicians who become famous on TikTok. TikTok users are now seeing new businesses and small businesses become well known worldwide as well — just like BHS alumna Jackie Rassmussen.

When Jackie found herself furloughed from her corporate job as a graphic designer in 2020 due to the pandemic, she also found herself with extra time on her hands and she took to experimenting with reverse tie-dye (using bleach to remove color from garments).

Jackie’s first products were reverse tie dye hoodies and crewnecks. She started off with two just for fun and because it was the new TikTok trend in May of 2020.

By June, she had registered as an LLC and in July she launched as a business — Northern Ties. Starting out with two crewnecks, Jackie went from 16, 32, 48, 68, 112…and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Jackie gave advice for anyone wanting to start a business.

“Be consistent, get your mindset right. You have to have the right mindset. And my best advice is share your story and show your face. I have connected with people all over the world and they ask for advice and tell me that I am an inspiration.”

She also shared that like many she was scared, owned a home by herself, had bills, and had no idea if she would be welcomed back to a full-time job.

After seven months, Jackie was brought back, but she realized how much she enjoyed creating bleached apparel.

After putting her marketing expertise to the test and being consistent on social media, her following started to grow.

Her first year in sales was $200K, making it possible for her to quit her job in March of 2021, just eight months after she started Northern Ties.

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 16 | FALL ‘22

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Now in 2022, Jackie has added screenprinting and embroidery in house as well as hiring on her parents and sister.

Jackie’s mom also has become well known on Tiktok and is referred to as “Mama Rass.” She has been a huge part of Northern Ties.

After purchasing from wholesale, Jackie produces each product in her backyard. Each garment takes up to three hours from start to finish (bleach, embroidery, so on).

Northern Ties has 65 products to pick from and will be adding another 30 for the fall drop.

Jackie’s personal favorite garment from her shop is the TikTok viral reverse tie dye hoodies (spring_2022). But for those who do not like bleached apparel, half of the store is branded apparel that is not reverse tie dye.

Check out Jackie’s online store, northerntiesmn.com, and be sure to follow her at “Northern Ties” and her mom, “Mama Rass,” on Tiktok where you can get to know them both personally and be the first to know what she is doing next.

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BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 17 | FALL ‘22

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Three inducted into Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame

R

ay Frisch, Steffen Johnson and Bob Nystrom were the 2022 inductees into the Brainerd Public Schools Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame.

The three men joined a long line of Brainerd graduates recognized since 1999 for distinguished achievements in their fields.

The candidates were inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony Sept. 23 at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts.

Ray Frisch Ray Frisch is a 1950 Brainerd High School graduate who went on to earn accolades in education.

He taught at Ogilvie High School, where he was also librarian, director of junior and senior class plays, and competitive speech and one-act play coach. He also taught at Brainerd Junior College and Brainerd Community College (now Central Lakes College). He served as vice president and co-program chair of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English in 1976.

Frisch’s honors include: Brainerd Community College Distinguished Alumni in 1988, Minnesota Community College Faculty Association Recognition Award in 1989 and Crow Wing County Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2008. He was president and co-founder of the Brainerd Community College Alumni Association and also served for 25 years on the Bethlehem Lutheran Christian Education Board.

Frisch has also been active with the Brainerd Public Library, Crow Wing County Historical Society, American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Northeastern Minnesota Synod Board and Sons of Norway.

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 18 | FALL ‘22

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Bob Nystrom Nominated by former Brainerd Superintendent Laine Larson and School Board Chair Ruth Nelson, Bob Nystrom is a 1975 Brainerd High School graduate who became a pharmacist and has remained an active member of the Brainerd lakes community.

He opened his pharmacy in downtown Brainerd after graduating from college and eventually set up a second location in Pine River. After 20 years in the business, he sold his business to a major pharmacy chain.

Nystrom spent 17 years on the Brainerd School Board, during which time he negotiated employee contracts, helped pass the 2018 referendum and oversaw the many subsequent building projects.

He has worked as a mentor at Central Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge and has also been active with the Brainerd Rotary Club, Minnesota Pharmacy Association, First Presbyterian Church, Lakewood Evangelical Church, Alzheimer’s Association and the Brainerd Lakes Curling Club.

He has also worked with his daughter, Quinn Nystrom, as an advocate for lower cost insulin for those with diabetes.

Steffen Johnson Nominated by Jim Ruttger, Steffen Johnson graduated from Brainerd High School in 1987 and is now a partner at Wilson Sonsini Law Firm in Washington, D.C. In his law work, Johnson leads his firm’s nationwide Supreme Court and appellate practice and has argued cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. He has twice been named a “Legal Lion” by “Law360,” a legal news company, for Supreme Court and Federal Circuit Court victories.

In recent years he was a runner up for American Lawyer’s Litigator of the Week honor. Several of his cases have been featured in publications like “National Law Journal,” “American Lawyer” and “Law360.”

Johnson is a founding member and current board chair of the Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club, which began in 2020 and introduces the sport of rowing to the Brainerd and Crosslake communities. He and his family spend summers at their home on Gull Lake’s Pine Beach Peninsula.

BRAINERD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 19 | FALL ‘22

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The sky’s the limit for students at Brainerd High School

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

S

igning up for classes at Brainerd High School no longer means just choosing between math and science courses.

The registration guide is peppered with options from a wider area of interests than ever before and some of the electives give students a real chance to explore careers they may have in the future.

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For those interested in flight, two courses offered through the school district and NorthPoint Aviation, located at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, lay the groundwork for those who are reaching for the sky.

Aviation — Fundamentals and Aviation — Private Pilot Ground School are open to juniors and seniors at BHS. Aviation — Fundamentals, the initial course offered fall semester, gives students an introduction to the principles of flying aerodynamics, the systems of an aircraft, FAA regulations, navigation and the various careers in the field. By using aviation training videos, class discussion and field trips to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, the course is perfect for those who are curious about the world of flight. Guest speakers come in to talk to students including pilots in various areas of the profession, managers from the airport and air traffic controllers.

Aviation — Private Pilot Ground School was added two years ago as a

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A Brainerd High School student pilot ćies their Ćrst solo ćight at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.

Contributed

follow-up course for those who are a little more serious about enough for me to know, for sure, that this is what I want to do the field. The goal at the end of the second course is to have for the rest of my life.” students ready to take the two-and-a-half-hour FAA private Koop says he starts every new year asking why students pilot written test, the first license in becoming a pilot. have decided to take his class. “About one-third are here Information presented in the course includes aircraft because they are curious, one-third might possibly consider performance, airplane systems, aviation weather, regulations flying someday, and one-third are already more seriously and flight operations. At the beginning of the course, interested in flying. “Those are the students,” he says, “that students receive a free flying lesson. “It gives them their we will see in the second class. “ first chance to sit in the pilot seat,” says Tom Koop, course Initially, Koop says he noticed not many girls were instructor. “The student starts the plane. With guidance they registering for the aviation courses. He connected with taxi the plane, fly it; we might fly over their physics teacher Madeline Anderson and house and they get to land.” visited her class. He made a presentation Offered for the first time in 2015, the and engaged the class about aerodynamics. course came about when DJ Dondelinger, Now he visits her class each year and says part owner of the flight school, presented It was just there are typically nine or 10 girls in all the idea to BHS Principal Andrea Rusk. an incredible his classes. Internationally, only about five There were seven students in the class the opportunity, and it first year and 29 in the one last fall. percent of pilots are female,” he says. “That was enough for me Eighteen-year-old Gabi Chapulis is a is starting to change. Women have figured to know, for sure, first-year student at the University of out there are no limitations for them.” that this is what I North Dakota. She took both aviation Koop has 51 years of flying experience want to do for the courses at BHS because she has always been rest of my life. and says he enjoys sharing his own passion interested in space and the sky. “The reason for aviation with his students. “My dad was - Gabi Chapulis I got my first job was to save money so I in aviation. It gave me time with him. Out could go to space camp in Alabama,” she of five siblings, I am the one that took to said. “They had space simulators there and it.” He took his own first solo flight at age I just fell in love with flying.” She was grateful to be able to 16.

He retired from a full-time career as a CPA but continues take courses that would so perfectly fit into her future plans. to move up in his own pilot credentials.

Pursuing a degree in commercial aviation in college, He says it is rewarding to know high school students who Chapulis said she would love to fly for a major airline one day. have taken the class have become pilots, flown in the military She was surprised to learn she would be able to take classes and two are key flight instructors at the airport. Koop says on aviation at BHS. NorthPoint and the school district offer an excellent product.

“That meant I did not have to wait until college to see if it “Most school districts don’t offer something like this,” was something I enjoyed. I could do ground school here for no extra charge. It was just an incredible opportunity, and it was said Koop.

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Letting the sunshine in

BY SUE SMITH-GRIER

C

hildhood is supposed to be a time of happiness, fun and games.

For most children, this rings true. Then the time of “stress and storm” moves in as they enter pubescence and adolescence. For some, this can be the beginning of dark days. Youth suicide rates were increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic but as the country began to shut down and distance learning became the standard, the situation worsened. The incidents of serious mental crises increased.

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We take care of a lot of kids in the building, and we help parents and families care for their kids too.

Ashley Rutman

At Forestview Middle School, there was light on the horizon of those dark days. The dawn of the Sunshine Squad brought hope and help to students and staff.

The Sunshine Squad is the brainchild of special education teacher Noelle Bussler. In the early days of the pandemic, Noelle saw an uptick in mental health crises with students. It was the mental health crisis of a student that inspired her and the school counselors to write a Best Practices grant through the school district to provide teachers and students with time and resources to address mental health crises.

They were awarded $7,500 through the Best Practices grant. This provided the funding for the development of resources and tools for teachers to help address the needs of students and staff experiencing mental health crises.

The 2020-21 school year had been difficult so, in the summer of 2021, a small group of staff from Forestview

came together to reflect upon the previous year, process the data and brainstorm ideas about what improvements could be made to help teachers handle mental health crises and support their own mental health.

After a few days of brainstorming together, the group determined there should be time and training offered to teachers to help them better support students who experienced serious mental health crises. They also provided teachers with supplies and time to help address their own needs in working with the students.

As a result of these sessions, during the 2021-22 school year, Sunshine Squad members were given the opportunity to participate in yoga classes throughout the year. The group also had two events last year for staff in March and May to support student mental health and teacher mental health.

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Along with school counselors Trudi Storbakken and Ashley better job keeping teachers and staff in the realm of support when a student came back (from a mental health crisis.)

Rutman, as well as Karen Johnson of Essentia Health, the We’d always ask the parents if they wanted a meeting with group collaborated to create kits and develop resources to the teachers when they came back where we would talk build a support network around students who had missed about moving forward,” said Trudi. The kits were also a way school due to mental health crises. Karen provided funding to care for the staff too. “When they (the kids) hurt, we through a mini grant to help create the kits offered by the hurt, too.”

Sunshine Squad.

Brainerd does not have the facilities to The kits are meant to help instill adequately address the needs of youths calmness and inspire a healthier mental who need hospitalization for mental outlook. They include items such as health crises. Consequently, children with essential oils, chocolate, journals, stress toys and inspirational cards. They also life-threatening mental health issues include a list of resources to help support are hospitalized outside of Brainerd. mental health.

Returning to school can be difficult but “One of the things that I thought was the Sunshine Squad makes it easier for the - Trudi Storbakken really neat is that we started doing a student and staff.

When they (the kids) hurt, we hurt, too.

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Working with the counselors and parents, teachers help students create a personalized kit that can include a virtual calming room in addition to items that help the student feel cared for and valued. The Sunshine Squad helps bring a deeper level of care for students and staff building a supportive community and providing important resources around mental health.

The Sunshine Squad is a group of passionate individuals who have witnessed the increased mental health crises among our youths. Though this was a one-time grant, their work is ongoing and important for the wellbeing of students in crisis. Ashley Rutman said, “We take care of a lot of kids in the building, and we help parents and families care for their kids too. If you notice anything that you’re worried about with your student or your student’s friend, use your voice. Reach out to people and let them know what’s going on and see if there are ways in which the child can be supported.

Hopefully the Sunshine Squad will continue to be a shining light for the students and families of Forestview Middle School. Their passion for the work and compassion for the students’ mental wellbeing is commendable.

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Resources: Forestview Middle School Counseling Department Local Crisis Line 828-HELP (828-4357) serving Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Trained volunteers provide confidential and anonymous support and also serve to connect clients to resources in the area.

Northern Pines Mental Health Center Provides clinical mental health care and education throughout Central Minnesota.

Minnesota Crisis Text Line Text with professionals that can help text 741 741.

The 988 Lifeline (a national network that provides free and confidential support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.)

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Superintendent Heidi Hahn is ready to give it her all

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

H

eidi Hahn has no problem admitting being the superintendent of a school district was never on her bucket list.

But here she is.

While there were no first day of school jitters, Hahn, who previously was assistant superintendent for Brainerd Public Schools, was as excited as the students to start her first school year in the new role. She is clear on the reasons why she decided to throw her hat in the ring when Laine Larson retired this past year.

“I’ve lived here for 27 years,” she says. “This is my home. This is my community. Brainerd Public Schools does amazing work. I am going to give it everything I’ve got.

“I have no desire to leave and if you love what you do and you love the people you are doing it with, that is the dream. Part of that is because our staff truly are amazing. I think that each individual, in any capacity, who is choosing to be in education right now, is doing it for the right reasons. It’s a call to service. I just want to be able to continue to support that.”

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Growing up, Hahn says she always hoped to live here. “I was one of the lucky, lucky kids who had grandparents here.

I was born in May, and by June I was coming to Brainerd,” she laughs, “I have always had a fascination with this area.”

She went to undergraduate and graduate school at Montana State on a volleyball scholarship. When she graduated, she decided to move close to her grandparents and landed an internship at Camp Confidence. After that she found a job in the school district as a mental health professional and volleyball coach.

Hahn served as the assistant director and then director of special education for the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.

“I was getting a little frustrated then,” she says honestly. “There was a period where we went through four superintendents in five years and three assistant superintendents in four years. I just really felt compelled at that time to consider the assistant superintendent role.”

I think that each individual, in any capacity, who is choosing to be in education right now, is doing it for the right reasons. It’s a call to service. I just want to be able to continue to support that.

-Heidi Hahn

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She feels strongly that the people in the area are the school district’s strongest support system. “Schools are just vital. You need a healthy school to be a reflection of a healthy community.

We are seeing that right now with so many people stepping up to run for our school board. It is fantastic that they want to be involved. Lean in. Get involved!

“Schools are meant to be a place of community connection. I think COVID really shined light on that. When people say there isn’t transparency, my response to that is, we had over a year where we were in people’s living rooms and every parent or guardian had an opportunity to be in our classrooms every day. How much more transparent can we all be, and I encourage that continued connection.”

Schools are just vital. You need a healthy school to be a reflection of a healthy community.

-Heidi Hahn

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Hahn says sometimes the district begins communications with families before their child is even born if they know the child will have a disability. “I had a front row seat for that, working with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.

The district provides comprehensive services for students with disabilities up to 21 years of age. The district has collaborative workers that connect with families, so they have access to the resources they need in the community.

“Being able to hold a baby at birth and then watch them get their diploma. I have had that gift, and it takes hundreds of people here working together to get them there.”

After COVID, the enrollment in the district saw a decline but the numbers are already on the rebound. At the end of August there were 230 new enrollments going into the new year.

Ninety of those were students that were returning to the schools after distance learning, leaving for other schools or being home-schooled.

Besides the end of COVID restrictions this year, construction projects in the district’s schools are also ending. The

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remaining work will be completed in the Washington Educational Services building with little disruption to students.

“We have some real first-class facilities now,” says Hahn. “Besides our culinary centers and career technical ed, the aquatic center is second to none and our Kixters finally have a beautiful practice space. All our elementary schools have been transformed. They have wonderful learning spaces and updated technology, air quality and safety features. They are handicap-accessible. We were lacking in so many ways. It is such a gift from and for our community.”

The construction was finished on a very zealous timeline, she admits. Our principals were taxed, buildings, grounds and our custodial staff were taxed. Our kids have endured jackhammering and beeps, but phenomenal learning has still happened. We are so much more than buildings,” Hahn says.

With distractions out of the way, the new school year is truly a fresh start.

“Now it is time to get back to what we’re

All our elementary schools have been transformed. They have wonderful learning spaces and updated technology, air quality and safety features. They are handicap-accessible. [...] It is such a gift from and for our community.”

-Heidi Hahn

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really good at,” says Hahn. “Back to being a center of the community, back to having that opportunity for connection.”

The new superintendent is sincere in her appreciation for the staff in the district. “I look at our staff and I think ‘you are highly educated, licensed, have special certificates, endorsement and training, have great social skills, you are so flexible and go above and beyond. You are the perfect employee to go someplace else, and you choose to stay right here. To me it’s just innate. I look at our staff in education and think, ‘You can do something else, go somewhere else, make more money and work less hours — from custodial to clerical to bus drivers. But people do it because they really feel called to do it, and I am just so grateful.” It is her hope that good people will always continue to be called to the profession.

“People here typically lean in out of genuine caring and concern for our kids. People always step up here. Our businesses give generously. Last year at graduation, the Brainerd Public School Foundation awarded 240 students $143,000 in scholarships.

That is a testament of how much people care about the outcomes here. Whether you want to be an artist or a dancer, a musician, or work in the technical trades, culinary arts, or robotics. We provide a world class education. Tell me anybody who does it better.”

“My decision was easy,” says Hahn of her new role in the district, “because of the people and 27 years of a career I love. What a better place to give it your all and see what happens?”

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