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Oct., Nov., Dec. 2013
Update on School Facilities Review By Jeffrey Olson, Superintendent of Schools As many of you now know, we are outgrowing our school facilities in the Saint Peter Public Schools. Growing enrollment, more and different programs for students, and facilities built for a different time have made it apparent that we need to take action to address this situation. I would like to update you on three steps we have taken over the past six months.
First, we are in the process of finalizing a singlepoint-of-entry in all of our buildings in the district. The idea behind this safety measure is that entry into any of our buildings can only be accessed through an office where school officials can see and identify would-
be visitors before they enter the main areas of the schools. All of our sites will have such a system in place by January 1, 2014. Second, we are working with facilities consultants and architects to develop plans for meeting our needs. Such plans involve repurposing existing buildings and looking at a plan for a new building to address our facilities and grounds limitations. Our goal is to have a “concept plan”
Bringing Art to Life With Technology Third and fourth grade students at North Intermediate have been working on a project in STEM that brings a picture “to life” using an iPad app called Aurasma. “I wanted to incorporate technology right away in STEM but most importantly I wanted to get to know the students. The Aurasma app provided the perfect opportunity to complete both tasks,” commented Angie Potts, North Intermediate STEM teacher. To begin the project, fourth grade students drew a caricature or exaggerated version of themselves, while third graders created a free drawing of themselves. After coloring and adding details to their pictures, students answered questions about things they like and highlights of their summer. Students then filmed one another sharing
in place by mid-January 2014 that will likely involve adding a new building and shifting grades and programs within existing buildings. Third, we are looking at options that do not involve adding a new building. The intent is to determine ways to remodel existing facilities and rent/renovate space in the community to address both the capacity and adequacy problems of our current facilities. These plans will be finalized
by January 2014. Once these three tasks are completed, the next steps involve gauging the support of the community for the options we develop. This process will involve a community survey set for February 2014, and a series of community meetings tentatively scheduled for March 2014.
JOBS CLASS TOURS FAMILY FRESH MARKET
Adult Basic Education for English Language Learners has a new class. Students in this image to their “all about me” class learn job related vocabulary, work expectations, and how to use a timecard. This video. When the students use class has guest speakers that talk about their jobs and any training or schooling needed the Aurasma app to scan oth- for their work. Students in the Jobs Class also tour local places of employment. er student’s pictures, the student’s picture comes “to life” as their image transforms into their all about me video right on the iPad screen. Students get an opportunity to watch their peers share about their summer highlights and other likes in common. Highlights of the project include drawing the characThird grader, Daisy Pehrson, ters and realizing they would uses an iPad and the Aurasma app to learn more about a fellow actually come “to life,” makclassmate. ing the video and putting the pieces together, and getting these “all about me” responses to see other pictures and vidas a video. eos created by fellow classOnce students completed mates. “Walking the STEM their drawings and videos, hallway gives students an opthey were ready to put the portunity to learn about their app into action! Using the peers with a simple push of Aurasma app students were a button on the iPad,” stated able to link their drawings Angie Potts. of themselves as the trigger The Community and Family Education ABE Jobs Class toured Family Fresh Market led by manager Connie Winter.
“Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting a particular way...you become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate action, brave by performing brave actions.” — Aristotle
2 — Highlights, December 2013
Switching It Up By Jacob Rinehart, Grade 11 This year, Saint Peter High School has done something different. Mrs. Kreft and Mr. Hanson taught each other’s classes for about three days. The classes that switched were the outdoor education class that is usually taught by Mr. Hanson and the food science class, which is usually taught by Mrs. Kreft. How did this idea come
up? Well, earlier this year Mr. Hanson had asked Mrs. Kreft if he could take his outdoor education class into her room and teach them how to use the sewing machines. Mr. Hanson doesn’t really know how to sew very well so they agreed to switch up the classes for a couple of days. Mrs. Kreft said, “It was easier to take the whole class and teach them how to
sew instead of teach Mr. Hanson individually because of the experience part to sewing.” So what did the classes do when they swapped? The outdoor education class learned how to sew with Mrs. Kreft and created bean bags for one of the carnival games at this year’s SPHS Homecoming. Mr. Hanson took the food science class and taught them how to
make yeast bread. Both teachers agreed that it was successful because neither of them had to adjust their curriculum to make this swap. Both teachers really loved the swap and said they would do it again if it was needed. “This swap showed the versatility of the teachers here in SPHS to go out of their comfort zones a little bit,” stated Mrs. Kreft.
What was their favorite part of the whole thing? Both teachers said they liked seeing new faces and creating relationships with more students in the school. Mrs. Kreft really liked how this swap shows the need for sewing machines in our world today. Mrs. Kreft also said she liked the fact that more people got exposed to sewing machines because
they are an expensive piece of equipment. Both teachers liked how they ended up learning a lot of new things and getting a chance to know more of the students. In the end, it was successful and the teachers and students really enjoyed the swap and learning new things.
DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES:
4 Short Films The Record Breaker – Aquadettes SUNSHINE – Mr. Happy Man Left to right: Shelby Heldberg, Logan Woods, Runnar Bahr, Anthony Gomez, and Morgan Weisgerber.
Thursday January 9 7 p.m.
Left to right: Shaun Timmerman (corner), Ryan Hoen, Riley Wenner, Caleb Ebeling, Keegan McCabe
Treaty Site History Center FREE (no registration required) Enjoy a mix of thought provoking documentaries. Subjects include a man who trains to break world records, a Bermudan who lives to bring happiness to those around him, an American filming a commercial in China, and a team of elderly synchronized swimmers.
Rebecca Berry at the sewing machine.
Sponsored by the Nicollet County Historical Society and Community & Family Education.
December 2013, Highlights — 3
St. Peter School Board OKs move to Big South Conference The 2013-14 school year probably marks the end of South Central Conference By Kurt Hildebrandt, Information and Marketing Coordinator For more than six decades, being a part of the South Central Conference has been an important part of the identity of St. Peter High School studentathletes. However, by the start of the 2014-15 school year a new era for SPHS athletic teams and other extracurricular activities should become reality. St. Peter School Board members voted to join the new proposed 13-team Big South Conference at Monday’s (Nov. 18) board meeting. The new conference is slated to include all six schools of the current South Central Conference and seven members of the Southwest Conference. To date, St. Peter has joined fellow SCC members Fairmont and Blue Earth Area and SWC member Windom Area in approving the conference change. The school boards of the other nine member schools are slated to vote on the issue sometime this week (Nov. 18-22). “From what we’ve heard, we expect all 13 schools to approve membership into the Big South Conference,” St. Peter High School Activities Director Steve Alger said. “There has been a lot of hard work put into this since
late summer and it appears as if the days of the South Central Conference, as we know it, are numbered.” The first order of business for the St. Peter board at Monday’s meeting regarding the Big South vote was to first officially withdraw from the SCC and then join the new league. The board unanimously approved both measures. “This is an either an all-in or you’re-on-your-own deal meaning any school not approving membership in the Big South will have to either find another conference to work with or possibly go at it on their own as an independent,” Alger said. “There is no opting out for any particular sports, either. It’s all sports or none at all.” Having just six members schools is unusual these days for Minnesota high school athletic conferences and makes for a house of cards of sorts when it comes to scheduling and that instability could only be magnified in the coming years, according to Alger, if the SCC maintained the status quo. “These two conferences each have a rich tradition in multiple sports and by bringing them together it is going to give us an even stronger conference with a lot more stability, which, for me as an AD, is very important,” Al-
ger said. At first glance, it might seem like there will be more of a burden being placed on studentathletes from a time away from school and travel commitment perspective, but careful planning has been done to split up the new conference into two divisions when necessary -- either in an east-west fashion or by splitting the bigger school’s enrollment-wise from the smaller schools. “There obviously are some concerns that came to mind right away such as the thought of our students having to take a long bus trip out to say Pipestone on a school night and vice versa,” Alger said. “But, with the use of divisions it has been worked out where the travel time and time away from class is very similar to what we have right now. In fact, in some years it may be even less.” Alger also pointed out the new conference could benefit more than just the school’s athletic teams. Discussions have already been held on hosting Big South band and choir festivals and a conference speech meet along with other possibilities. “I think this definitely opens the door for some new and exciting opportunities for our students,” Alger said. Other options considered
This isn’t the first time St. Peter has looked at a change from is SCC ways. A few years ago the school had applied for and been rejected in their request for membership in the Minnesota River Conference, which includes neighboring schools such as Le Sueur-Henderson, Tri-City United, Belle Plaine and Sibley East. The vote was an even 4-4 split among the MRC membership, falling just short of the majority requirement. Other SCC schools such as New Ulm and St. James each have explored other conference options as well. “We have explored all of our options, including staying as is, but with the instability of the South Central Conference
we feel this is our best option at this time,” Alger said. “If just one school left the South Central Conference it would have been the end of it.” Once all 13 schools have voted, each member of the new conference would be required, per the bylaws, to give a twoyear notice if they wish to get out of the Big South. Other factors which could change the current arrangement include the possibility of football going to a section-scheduling format which would change things for that sport or a school opting not to join. However, for now it appears as if the Big South is going to become reality sooner rather than later.
The following is a breakdown of those schools involved: BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE - * SCC Schools Enrollment New Ulm 523 Waseca 500 Fairmont 492 St. Peter 482 Blue Earth Area 318 St. James 272 SWC Schools Enrollment Marshall 678 Worthington 558 Redwood Valley 318 Luverne 308 Jackson County Central 305 Pipestone Area 293 Windom Area 222 (* These figures are for the 2012-13 enrollment - grades
9-12 - per MN State High School League website. The final numbers are adjusted based upon free and reduced lunch participation in each district) St. Peter’s SCC Championships (by year) Overall -- 107 (72 boys, 35 girls) Boys (* - denotes shared title) Cross Country - 2 (1975, 1974). Football - 15 (1999, 1995*, 1993*, 1989, 1988*, 1986, 1981*, 1979, 1977*, 1976, 1975, 1959, 1958, 1955*, 1945). Soccer -- 3 (2010, 2008*, 2007*). Basketball - 6 (2013*, 2012*, 2011, 1995, 1955, 1948). Hockey - 0. Wrestling - 2 (1975*, 1963). Baseball - 17 (2006, 1989*, 1982*, 1981, 1978*, 1976, 1975*, 1970*, 1960*, 1959*, 1956*, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1949*, 1948*, 1947). Golf - 12 (2003, 1978, 1977*, 1975, 1966, 1959, 1958,
1957, 1955, 1954, 1947, 1946). Tennis - 12 (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008*, 1993, 1988, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955). Track & Field - 2 (1988*, 1978). Girls (* - denotes shared title) Cross Country - 0 Tennis - 0 Volleyball - 7 (2013, 1990, 1980*, 1979*, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975) Soccer - 2 (2013*, 2010) Hockey - 2 (2009*, 2004*) Basketball - 12 (2012, 2011, 2003, 2002*, 1997, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 Gymnastics - 2 (1991, 1975*) Golf - 1 (1978) Softball - 7 (2009, 2008*, 2004, 2001*, 1992, 1980*, 1979*)
4 — Highlights, December 2013
Snow removal at Saint Peter Schools is a team effort By Kurt Hildebrandt, Information and Marketing Coordinator Whenever bad winter weather hits, many in the Saint Peter Public School District probably don’t realize how much preparation and hard work goes into making sure as much of the snow and ices is removed as possible by the time the opening bell of a new school day rings. Making the walking areas safe for pedestrian traffic and roadways safe for vehicle traffic...even after a small snowfall takes place...can be quite the task. However, the district’s custodial staff does its part in ridding those surfaces of the white stuff as quickly and efficiently as possible. “It definitely is a team effort to rid of the snow and we’ve got a good crew that I know I count on if and when they are needed,” Saint Peter Public Schools custodian Neil Hanson, who is in charge of the snow removal efforts district wide, said. “We have five building sites we are responsible for (South, North, Middle/ High School, Hoffmann Center and MVED) and that is a lot of space that needs to be cleared. In all, it takes about eight or nine
hours to clear all the snow at those locations.” Depending upon the significance of the snowfall, Hanson may be able to handle a majority of the work himself allowing other custodial staff to focus its efforts on the inside of the buildings. The more snow that falls means more of the custodial staff gets involved. “The staff at each of the buildings helps out for sure by pushing the snow away from the doors,” Hanson said. “How much more they get involved depends on how much snow we get.” The district has four main pieces of equipment used for snow removal. They have two Ford fourwheel drive pickups, each equipped with front-end Boss V snow plows; a tractor with a front end loader and also a smaller tractor with a large rotating brush. Hanson said the school district does an excellent job providing his department with the equipment necessary to remove the snow as quickly and efficiently as possible. His fellow custodial staff members are also a big help whether it be pushing the snow away from the doors around their own build-
Neil Hanson (far right) with the Saint Peter School District’s 2008 Ford pickup he mainly uses for snow removal efforts at the district’s five building sites. The hopper on the back is used for spreading sand and salt.
ings. “They’ve been very good to us and the equipment allows us to move a lot of snow when necessary,” Hanson said. “It’s great knowing that we’re taken care of because it allows us to do our jobs the best we can.” He also works with the city of St. Peter in obtaining salt and sand when it is needed to combat potentially slippery conditions. “It’s a cooperative effort that has worked well for both sides,” he said. A snowfall of just an inch or two is something that Hanson usually handles himself with the 2008 Ford pickup that also has
a hopper on the back to spread sand and salt. Snow removal starting times can vary, depending upon the arrival of the snow and the duration for which it may fall. “Most of the time we start around midnight and we kind of keep an eye on the weather forecast to see how much it’s going to snow,” Hanson said. “A lot of times I’ll watch channel 12’s (KEYC) forecast and I also have three or four websites I sort of follow that give me good information. “I do consult with Dr. (Jeff ) Olson once in a while, too, because he’s out there driving around
whenever the weather gets bad trying to determine if there is going to be school or not.” Hanson said his staff tries to use the two fourwheel drive pickups first to get rid of the snow along with the lawn tractor with the rotating brush. The tractor gets brought into use if the snowfall amounts get about the four inch mark and more staff is brought in to help. “I do know that if it gets around 3 in the morning and we haven’t been able to start yet then we start to get a little bit into panic mode,” he said. “Then we have to prioritize things and I usually put the little
kids first since they are the ones at a greater risk safety-wise.” “My former boss, Tom Applen, always used to say ‘sleep with one eye open’ whenever you think it might snow and that’s sort of how I operate. During the winter months I’m always getting up in the middle of the night to first check out my garage roof, which is just outside my bedroom window. If that’s still dark I know I can go back to sleep, but if it’s white colored at all then my mind kind of kicks into gear and I start planning.”
December 2013, Highlights — 5
Please Join Us for our Winter Concerts Please join North Intermediate students and staff for the presentation of our Winter Concerts on Thursday, December 19th and Friday, December 20th at 9:00am and 1:30pm. Concert participants include the 5th and 6th Grade Bands along with 3rd - 6th Grade Music Classes. The theme for this year’s concert is “A Million Little Snowflakes.” The concert is lovingly dedicated to the community of
Newtown, Connecticut and the children and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School. It is our way of “sending them a snowflake.” Following the tragedy of December 2012, millions of snowflakes were made and sent to the school at the request of the Connecticut PTA. They were used to decorate the school in Monroe where the children would now attend. It created a “winter wonderland” to com-
fort and welcome the students back to school. A “blizzard” of homemade snowflakes arrived from around the world. It took a Facebook message request to stop them when they ran out of room to hang them! To honor the memory of the lives of the children and teachers lost in this tragedy, the students of North will provide the “Winter Wonderland” for our
concerts. The entryway will be decorated by the 3rd Grade art classes and the gym walls will be adorned with banners made by “Buddy Classrooms” as part of our North Star Program. The music for these concerts will be a mix of new and familiar, to celebrate the season. The students of North Intermediate look forward to sharing an hour of music with you in the midst
of this busy time of year.
Third Floor Youth Center moved to new location at North By Kurt Hildebrandt, Information and Marketing Coordinator Over the years the Third Floor Youth Center has established itself as a popular program for kids in grades 3-6 to participate in during after school hours. While the popularity of the program has maintained strong numbers over the years, finding a place to call “home” for the Third Floor has been difficult as it has bounced around locations a bit since its inception in 1997. This school year the Third Floor, which is a joint effort between the Saint Peter School District and City of St. Peter, has moved to a new location on the North Intermediate School gym stage. The last few years the program had been located in a former computer lab in the south
wing of the school. Due to classroom space constraints, it had to be moved to the stage area of the North gym. “This is my first year as coordinator of Third Floor, but the kids really seem to enjoy the new location,” BethAnn Emley, Third Floor coordinator, said. “We have 120 kids signed up but we usually have anywhere from 45 to 60 kids here each day which works well with the space we have. If we start getting more than that we will have to work some things out especially if one of the other areas isn’t available. “From what we’ve seen the kids haven’t really noticed the change in location and they have transitioned up here very well. It’s a wonderful program which gives kids a place to go af-
Third Floor Coordinator BethAnn Emley oversees the concession stand which is open when the kids first arrive at the youth center at North.
ter school for a couple hours and be active.” While students in Third Floor can participate in a variety of activities on the stage area including ping pong, air hockey and foosball along with a video game area with plenty of comfortable seats, they also have access to the gym for games like dodge ball, the cafeteria for board games such as Bingo, the computer lab for homework help and/or Internet access and, weather permitting, the outdoor playground area. North student council members also provide snacks for the concession stand which is available. . The free program is open to Saint Peter students in grades 3-6. However, students do have to register in advance in order to
take part in the Third Floor activities. Once they are signed up, students are required to check in when they arrive and check out when they leave. Emley, who also works as a special education paraprofessional at North during regular school hours, has an assistant (Jennifer Leslie) on staff and they both are employed by the city. There are also as many as three to five work study students from Gustavus Adolphus College that help out each day during the week. “Without the Gustavus students this really wouldn’t be possible,” Emley said. “Jennifer and I are able to do a lot of things, but the Gusties really make this thing go. We love having them with us.”
The gaming area up on the North gym stage is a popular area for Third Floor attendees.
Utilizing the space available is important in making a program like the Third Floor run smoothly. “Special education uses the space some during the school day, but we’re definitely making it work,” Emley said. “We also might have a bit of a conflict during the spring because the high school golf team has used the stage to set up their net, but I’m sure we’ll find a way to make that work, too.” For more information on the Third Floor Youth Center contact North Intermediate at (507) 934-3260 or the St. Peter Recreation Office at (507) 934-0667.
The computer lab is a place where Third Floor students can work on homework or use the Internet.
6 — Highlights, December 2013
Teaching Students to be Teachers
Classrooms at South Early Learning Center (ELC) are buzzing with activity from the time students arrive until they depart at the end of the day. Students read, discover, explore new concepts, and learn how to make positive choices under the guidance of their teachers. A quick walk through the halls at South ELC and a peek into the classrooms will give any visitor an indication that the young learners at South are not the only students who are working on developing their skills. Partnerships with local colleges have allowed their future educators to come into classrooms at South to hone their skills and work towards becoming effective teachers themselves. South ELC has developed strong connections with the elementary education
programs at Gustavus Adolphus, Bethany Lutheran, and MSU-Mankato. Through these partnerships, college students are paired with a cooperating teacher at South who is willing to help future teachers practice their skills, develop lessons that will support student learning, and provide modeling of strategies that will help students reach their fullest potential. While some of the future teachers are entering South eager to have their first formal experience with preparing lessons under the guidance of a teacher, others are entering South ELC for their student teaching experience the semester before they will be searching for teaching positions themselves. While these prospective teachers receive the benefits of working with their cooperating
teachers and students, classroom teachers are also witnessing the impact the college students are having on their students’ learning. Mrs. Rushing, a kindergarten teacher at South ELC who has worked with several prospective teachers in recent years, noted several benefits both for herself and for her students. When the college students are in her classroom, her students receive much more individualized attention along with more opportunities to interact with adults to promote relationship-building and language development. Further, the partnership allows cooperating teachers Mr. McCann, a prospective teacher from MSU-Mankato, to view their teaching from kindergartners in Mrs. Hartfiel’s classroom. a fresh perspective, as the prospective teachers often concepts into their teaching. intersections that are creating come with new ideas and The partnership South ELC has learning opportunities from ways to integrate important with these schools has become every angle. Teachers learn a multi-lane street with many from teachers, students learn
shares a story with the
from students, and the greatest benefit is that a love of teaching and learning can be sparked within all involved.
Mighty Milers Program Promotes Fitness Students at South Elementary Early Learning Center will be putting on their running shoes this year and working to stay fit in a motivating and fun way. Mighty Milers is a running program that supports students of all fitness levels from preschool through eighth grade. Physical education teacher Christi Maloney piloted the program with her physical education classes during the 2012-13 school year. South ELC has now been accepted to participate in the program during this school year. The Mighty Milers program is sponsored by the New York Road Runners, a group that raises money to support efforts to keep children and adults moving and prevent obesity and illness. Last year, 125,000 students across the nation participated in Mighty Milers with
program. Students build their selfesteem and learn to make and achieve their personal goals by completing one to four “marathons of miles” during the program. They are guided and encouraged to run or walk briskly for up to a half mile two to five times a week. At South ELC, a quarter mile loop has been designed to support teachers with taking their students outside for Mighty MilMighty Milers can earn medals ers movement breaks. Physifor the marathons they complete. cal education teachers Christi Maloney and Bill Stuewe also embed this program into their each participant averaging a daily lessons. total of 36 miles. Schools are The program offers incenaccepted into the program after tives for students and staff an extensive application pro- members as well. For example, cess, and once accepted, there medals and t-shirts are awardis no cost to the school. South ed to students who complete a ELC is the first school in Min- specified number of miles. In nesota to be accepted into this March, students will be run-
Brayden, Ava, and Bri run to log miles.
ning to earn books for the school library. The district wellness committee will also encourage healthy lifestyles for teachers and staff by promoting this program during their wellness events. While students complete some of their miles during the school day, they also have other
opportunities to log miles as they work toward completing a marathon. Plans are being made to offer occasional Saturday fun runs at South ELC where families will be invited to show their support for the students by joining their children as they run or walk. Participation in the St. Peter Mon-
ster Dash and annual Walk to School event will allow students to log miles as well. With so many opportunities to get moving, South’s Mighty Milers will know exactly how to lead healthy lifestyles now and into the future.
December 2013, Highlights — 7
Ana Cerritos showed students how to make papusas in the class Cooking with Ana
COOKING WITH ANA: PAPUSAS Ana Cerritos, ELL student and new U. S. citizen, taught a cooking class for Community and Family Education. Ana showed how to make a traditional El Salvadoran dish called papusas. The participants helped prepare the food and then ate it together. Delicious food and great conversation completed the fun evening.
ECFE Registration
at the Saint Peter High School & Community Pool $2.00 per swimmer/day (pay the lifeguard) 1:00-3:00 p.m. December 26, 27 & 28 January 2, 3 & 4 Note: Children 7 and under must be accompanied by a proficient swimmer age 13 or older or wear a life jacket.
It is time to register for winter/spring Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes for children ages birth through 5. All classes start the week of January 27 and end in early May. Parents and children will experience a wide variety of learning opportunities planned by a licensed teacher that promote a child’s growth and development and gives parents ideas to try at home. How to register: • In person at the Community and Family Education Office in the Community Center, Suite 207 • By Phone,507-934-3048, extension ‘0’ • online at www.stpetercommunityedonline.com
8 — Highlights, December 2013 Board of Education
St. Peter Community & Family Education
Mark Karlsrud, Board Chair 934-4062 (H) mark.karlsrud@stpeterschools.org
600 S. Fifth St., Suite 207 ● (507) 934-3048 Saint www.stpetercommunityedonline.com Peter Community & Family Education 600 S. Fifth St., Suite 207 ● (507) 934-3048
Marty Duncan, Board Vice Chair 934-5300 (H) marty.duncan@stpeterschools.org Peter Nelson, Board Treasurer 934-2600 (H), 931-3310 (W) peter.nelson@stpeterschools.org Ben Leonard, Board Clerk 934-2100 (H), 934-2160 (W) ben.leonard@stpeterschools.org Jon Carlson 612-964-5801 (C) jon.carlson@stpeterschools.org
Sharon Fitch 934-2161 (H) sharon.fitch@stpeterschools.org
Robert Lambert 931-2856 (H) robert.lambert@stpeterschools.org
Administrators
Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Olson jolson@stpeterschools.org High School Principal Paul Peterson Dean of Students and Activities Director Steve Alger Assistant High School Principal Annette Engeldinger North Intermediate Principal Karen Coblentz South Elementary Principal Darin Doherty Community & Family Education Director Tami Skinner Building & Grounds Director Marc Bachman Business Services Director Dean Peterson Special Programs Administrator Ytive Prafke
www.stpeterschools.org The school district newsletter, Highlights, is distributed monthly through the office of Community and Family Education. Any questions or suggestions regarding Highlights should be directed to the office of Community and Family Education: Tami Skinner, Editor 600 South 5th Street, Suite 207 Saint Peter, MN 56082 (507) 934-3048 ext. 238 tskinner@stpeterschools.org
www.stpetercommunityedonline.com
AquaticsAQUATICS Saturday Swim Lessons start January 11th
Saturday Open Swim Water Babies, Aqua Tots, Dolphins, Sharks, Whales,
Nov. 1-3Level p.m.3 Level2-May 1, Level10, 2, and $2Tuesday per swimmer per Swim time, Lessons pay lifeguard at the pool. & Thursday start January 14th Note: 7 and mustSharks, be accompanied WaterChildren Babies, Aqua Tots,under Dolphins, Whales, Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6 by a proficient swimmer age 13 or older or wear a lifejacket. Lifeguard Training Sat., Dec. 21, Mon., Dec. 23, Mon., Dec. 30 & Tue., Dec. 31 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $188 Aerobics Aqua Fit/Water
Aqua1:FitMon. Water Sess. &Aerobics Thu., Nov. 25-Dec. 12 (no class Nov. 28) Mon. & Thu., 4-5 p.m. or 7-8 p.m., $40 per Afternoon at 4-5 pm or Evening at session 7-8 pm, $20 Sess. 2: Jan. 13-Feb. 13 (10 sessions)
Early Morning Lap Swim/Water Walking
Mon.-Fri., Now through May 16, 5:45-7:15 a.m. for $3 Tuesday per time or $40Topics for 20 punch card,Parents pay lifeguard Tuesday, December 17, 12:15-1:45 p.m. at the pool.
Topic: Stopping the Cycle of Negative Behavior-Channeling your Child’s Intensity Speaker: Meg Stump, L.M.F.T. FREE to parents with children enrolled in Discovery Days, Young Explorers, Early Learners, K- Ready or ECFE November classes. Child care is free for these parents when you prewill be a $5 charge for other parents and an 21 register. SouthThere Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8 pm . Register withpm HS Theatre for child care 21 additional Charlie$5&charge the Chocolate Factory 7:30 Community & Family Education. 22 Charlie & the Chocolate Factory 7:30 pm HS Theatre 23Calendar Charlie & the 7:30 pm HS Theatre ofChocolate DistrictFactory Events
Calendar of District Events
26 South Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8 pm 27December NO SCHOOL SOUTH Conferences (All Day) 16 MS Band/Choir Concert, High School Theatre th 28-29 NO SCHOOL (*E-12) Break 7:00 p.m.-7 grade,Thanksgiving 8:00 p.m.-8th grade 23-Jan. 3 No School (E-12*) Winter Break
Is your family on the school census? The Saint Peter School District keeps a record of all families in our school district. Being on the school census ensures: • You will automatically receive ECFE mailings. • You will be notified of Early Childhood Screening. • The elementary school will be expecting your child when it is time for kindergarten. • That maximum funding is received by our district from state/local government. Please call 934-3048 if you are new to the district or your family has grown with additional births or adoptions!
December January
4 6 Early Classes Releaseresume Day 8 Early Release Day (K-12) 5 North Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-8 pm 13 South Parent Council Mtg. 6:30 pm 8 15 &16 SouthSouth Parent Council Meeting pm Music Programs 9 a.m.6:30 & 1 p.m. 9 20 Holiday Choir Concert No HS School (*E-12) Martin7:30 Lutherpm KingGAC Day 16*E refers MS toBand/Choir Concert HS Theatre Early Childhood Programs th 7 Grade 7 pm, 8 th Grade 8 pm 23-Jan 3 NO SCHOOL (*E-12) Winter Break *E refers to Early Childhood Programs
Adult Classes Bo o ks Mak e a G reat G i f t ~consider giving one this holiday season~
Handmade Christmas Cards 2013 E.B. Ses. 1: Wed., Nov.White 20, 6-8 p.m., $10+ supplies ReadSes. Aloud Award 2: Tue., Dec. 3, 6-8Winners p.m., $10 + supplies PICTURE BOOKS
Gluten Free Holiday Meals Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett Creepy Carrots by Aaron Thu., Nov. 21, 6-7:30 pm Reynolds Bear HasCall a Story to Tell FREE, 934-3048 ext. ‘0’bytoHervéTullet register. Oh No! by Candace Fleming Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino Finish Your Unfinished Scrapbook Project Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham Fri., Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m. & Sat., Dec. 7 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $30 BOOKS FOR MIDDLE READERS
Wonder by R.J. Palacio The False Throwing Prince byLarge! JenniferBig A. Neilsen Bowls & Platters The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,Fforde $30 The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
AARP Driver’s Safety Classes
Look for the Winter Community & Family Education Brochure in your mailbox in early January. 4 Hour Refresher Course
Tue., Nov. 19, 1:15-5:15 p.m.
$15 for AARP members, $17 for Non-AARP members
HOW TO REGISTER:
8 Hour First Time Course • Tue., In person – Wed., Dec. 3 & 4, 1:15-5:15 p.m.
Center, Suite 207 $17Community for AARP members, $19 for Non-AARP members • www.stpetercommunityedonline.com • By phone – 934-3048 ext. 0 4 Hour Refresher Course • By Mail – 600 S. 5th St., Suite 207
Tue., Dec. 17, 1:15-5:15 p.m.
$15 for AARP members, $17 for Non-AARP members Register with Community & Family Education at: 600 South Fifth St. Suite 207 (507) 934-3048, ext. ‘0’ www.stpetercommunityedonline.com