SAINTS SENTINEL SAINT CHARLES PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF I.S.D. 858 NOVEMBER 2020
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Homecoming 2020 Dress up days
Student Council organized dress up days for two weeks giving students the chance to dress up. From Country vs. Country Club day to School Spirit day the kids embraced the chance to dress up!
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
Coronation
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
Coronation was held in between the Girls Soccer game on Monday, October 5, 2020. Congratulations to the Senior Court and King and Queen: Dustin Zillmer and Kylee Reps!
Activities
Student Council got creative and put together fun activities for the students during Homecoming week, including the first annual Snapchat scavenger hunt. Participants traveled on foot throughout town as prompts were given and points were tallied. All equipped with masks on, another fun activity included an outdoor movie night.
what's inside? - Principal Notes - SCHS grad Drew DeVine - Community Ed - and more!
Dates to Remember: November 25‐27, 2020 No School-Thanksgiving Break December 23, 2020‐January 1, 2021 No School‐Winter Break
Letter from Superintendent Jeff Apse November Issue 2020
October 12, 2020 Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
The COVID-19 pandemic and facility construction projects continue to impact the day to day operations of the school district. While it is our District’s hope and desire to provide in person learning opportunities as much as possible this school year, as I write this, we are currently providing instruction for our students through a hybrid learning model, meaning students, who elect to participate in in person learning have the opportunity to receive in person instruction from their teachers up to three days per week. On the days that they are not in person, they are able to participate in their regular classroom instruction virtually. Our reasoning for continuing with a hybrid model stems from the level of COVID-19 activity in our region and within our school district’s communities. The decisions we make regarding our instructional model stem from following the data, working to keep daily tabs on local trends, and consulting with public health officials. We have learned a lot since the start of the 2020-2021 school year, and we have also learned how challenging it is for our staff to try and cater to three different modes of instruction. Our teachers are being asked to deliver instruction in person to about half of their students on a daily basis, while simultaneously planning to deliver instruction to the other half of their students who are distance learning. Our teachers are also working to cater to those students who have enrolled to participate this year exclusively as distance learners. We are finding that our teachers need more time to prep, plan, and to reach out and connect with students to help make sure our students have the resources they need and so they can continue to progress as learners. At the October 12 School Board meeting, we asked the School Board to approve recommended adjustments to our District calendar. The adjustments included eliminating early dismissal days for professional development in favor of seven additional workshop days for our Elementary staff, and implementing an advisory program on Fridays for our High School staff. The additional time will help our staff to better plan and prepare for delivering instruction through three separate platforms, while also providing them with opportunities to make more connections with our students and their parents regarding our students’ performance in their classes. We know adjusting to changes has been difficult for everyone, and greatly appreciate our parents’ support. Finally, a few notes on our facility construction progress. Significant progress has been made to the new cafeteria and kitchen addition at the Elementary school, a new parking lot has been constructed on the north side of the facility, and the early childhood playground equipment that has been in storage since 2016 was installed on the northeast side of the Elementary campus. We are currently finishing up the design phase for our upcoming High School improvements and anticipate that those projects will go out for bid later this month or early November. Thank you for your support of St. Charles Public Schools. Sincerely,
Jeff Apse Superintendent of Schools
High School Principal - Dr. Bernard This has been the most unique start to a school year that most of us, have experienced in education. There are unique challenges, pleasant surprises, and learning opportunities. The students and staff of St. Charles High School have handled these challenges and surprises in a way that should make the community proud. We have had a much more open school day, passing time schedule, and lunches. The students have not disappointed with their behavior. Many had taken the opportunity to take a socially distantly walk outside without their masks on or just a brief break in the day. For how they have handled this, I thank them. The staff here has also risen to the challenge. They are putting in countless hours to deliver the education to students learning in the building and at home, taking calls from parents when a child is sick, making sure the student’s mental health needs are met, and making sure the building is clean and safe. They deserve a big thank you as well. If you see a school staff member around town please show them your appreciation. As always, please reach out to me personally if you are having difficulties in any area of school. We will continue to be here to help when you need it. Best wishes for the coming winter season,
Ben Bernard
St. Charles Public Schools Nondiscrimination Statement The St. Charles Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, receipt of public assistance, or marital status and age in its programs and activities.
Construction Photo Updates
Elementary School north sidewalk.
North side parking lot at Elementary School.
Floors are prepped for cement.
New steps on north side of Elementary School.
See more updates on the Construction Project Updates page on the school website: https://www.scschools.net/page/6210
The last brick on the Elementary building.
Mask Up SCHS!! November Issue 2020
Mask Campaign Posters As a way to support and encourage students to wear their masks in school a mask-up campaign was designed. Students and staff voluntarily participated in having their photo taken in the library with a black backdrop. This campaign started at the beginning of school. From "Stay Safe St. Charles" to "I wear my mask for...." these posters are hanging around the High School and serve as a reminder for students to wear the masks.
Notes from School Nurse Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas for Parents and Students *Whole fruit *Fruit leather *Sliced veggies (with or without dip) *Sliced turkey or ham *String cheese *Pretzels *Baked Chips *Cottage Cheese *Whole grain bread
*100% fruit juice boxes *Yogurt *Water *Milk *Crackers with hummus *Unsweetened applesauce pouches *Hard boiled eggs *Lettuce salad with dressing
When packing food from home, parents and students should always consider other students they may have contact with in their school day who have food allergies or intolerances. Thank you for your understanding.
Welcome Mrs. Iglesias! My name is Maria Iglesias and I just wanted to introduce myself to the parents of our community and kiddos. I recently accepted a parttime position as an adjunct school nurse, to help Justine Reinhardt during this crazy, highly changing and stressful year we know as 2020! I have been living in this town since third grade, and decided to stick around and raise my boys here, alongside my husband (Vicente). We have 4 boys who are our world. Damian (20) a student at UND and currently enlisted member of the National Guard. Jovani (13) he is an 8th grader at our middle school and avid soccer enthusiast. Sebastian (7) is in 2nd grade at our elementary school and lover of life in general. Last but not least Leonardo (4) preschooler at St. Matthews and the one to watch out for, as he is the one that keeps me on my toes :) I do hold a full time position at Mayo, as a flight nurse for Mayo One and decided life just wasn’t busy enough. I look forward to taking care of the kids and connecting parent faces to the kiddos. Just breath, we can and will get through everything.
Counselor Corner - Mrs. Olson Seniors October is Free application month for Minnesota State schools! Many colleges waive their application fee during the month of October. More information can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu. The FAFSA is now open as well! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available at fafsa.ed.gov and is how students attending any post secondary college or program are awarded state and federal financial aid and some scholarships and grants. Please plan to fill this out with your family by the end of 2020 to qualify for the most aid possible! Juniors It's time to start thinking about next year as well! What will you do after high school? Lots of colleges, apprenticeship programs and more are offering virtual visits. Challenge yourself to complete one virtual tour (if in person aren't allowed) during Thanksgiving or the holiday break! SPARK Spreading Positivity and Reinforcing Kindness - is the outreach arm of the counseling office - it's a club that spreads kindness and positivity by doing small acts in the school and community. The first meeting will be soon, so watch for an announcement! We are always welcoming new members!
A FAFS ! OPEN W O N ill out f o t Plan d of by en 2020!
SPAR is alw K welco ays min memb g new er Cons ider j s! o today ining !
High School News November Issue 2020
2020-21 Peer Helper Program The Peer Helpers program is a program in which a variety of interpersonal helping skills and behaviors are taught and assumed by a student who chooses to develop a helping role with others. The group’s (composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors chosen by their peers) aim is to be available for those students who are in need of counsel and may feel more comfortable talking with a Peer Helper. Peer Helpers can be used to help a student day to day life at SCES/SCHS; mediate tension or conflict between students, assist a student who is having difficulties at home and/or listen and talk to a student who may just need a trustworthy ear. They provide help with tutoring, mentoring, and mediation. They are trained to understand confidentiality, mediate conflict, listen effectively and know their limits…and refer students to the school counselor or the school social worker when necessary. Due to the pandemic, we had to make some adjustments to our annual weekend retreat this year to keep everyone healthy and safe. Our Peer Helper team recently completed a very successful “one day only” skills training retreat at the Mt. Olivet Conference & Retreat Center near Farmington, MN complete with masks & social distancing requirements firmly in place. They will continue to meet virtually on a regular basis throughout the year for support, training and problem resolution. This year’s team consists of Seniors: Anna Daood, Jacob Harris, Leah Mundt, Lindsay Root, EthanWa rmkagathje and Dustin Zillmer; Juniors: Emily Christopherson, Abbie Disbrow, Nora Fritcher, Carter Mathison and Andrew O’Hara and Sophomores: Grace Buringa, Jacob Meyer, Destany Moore, Todd Mueller, Riley Ward and Gavin Warmkagathje. Please say hello and thank these wonderful students for their time and efforts when you see them! Advisors: Mike Smith and Theresa Nunemacher
www.scschools.net Watch livestreaming, videos & more with the new button on the school homepage. Find the YouTube Channel and watch events. Look for additional communications for our artists! A new button on the school website leads you to The Arts homepage.
Artist Makes a Stop in St. Charles
Saints Publishing and Yearbook Though we are looking at a number of changes from a traditional school year, life here at the high school continues on and the yearbook is doing its best to document the uniqueness of the situation - and also try and find those moments that can offer us a semblance of normalcy. We are still getting out to as many school events as we can to take pictures, and you can find those pictures over at www.saintspublishing.org. If you are aware of a notable school event (senior night/club event, etc.) that you'd like us to get pictures of, please reach out to rmcguire@schs.k12.mn.us. This is an important year for us to document and we are doing our best to capture the spirit, the challenge, and the uniqueness of the school year. Any pictures of students learning from home or related to aspects of the school year outside of the usual school day would be most welcome as we work to gather these memories and compile the 2020-21 yearbook. If you have any pictures you'd like to share, please send them to Rob McGuire at rmcguire@schs.k12.mn.us. If you'd like to order your 2020-21 yearbook, head over to www.Jostensyearbooks.com. Finally, 2019-20 yearbooks have arrived and are waiting to be picked up. They can be picked up in Mr. McGuire's room (211) or in the main office by request.
2003 SCHS graduate and accomplished artist, Drew DeVine, shared his talents and art with young artists at SCHS. While living out of his van DeVine is traveling Rob McGuire the 50 states to "spread love through emphasis on connecting communities through his art, activating a space by painting live." His two day stop at St. Charles High School brought a unique perspective, enlightened young artists, and allowed for an interactive painting experience. Beginning with a larger than life sketch of an everyday face, the sketch became alive with color in DeVine's two day visit. DeVine included young artists in his live painting experience encouraging them to paint with their own ideas and talents. As the painting evolved into something beautiful, DeVine continued to speak with the students about his experiences in life as an artist and beyond. Among many things he also shared that many failures can lead to success. Toward the end of his visit at SCHS, the painting was near completion when a he spotted a student with earbuds in and DeVine was instantly inspired to suggest music notes and earbuds to the painting. Although DeVine has not painted his entire life, he reflected on a third grade project where he sketched the St. Charles nursing home building and won the contest. While taking just one art class his senior year with SCHS Art Teacher, Mr. Torres, he learned how to sketch. From there he went on to take a solo art class while majoring in business at Luther College. Fast forward to just four years ago while living in Florida DeVine got hooked on painting. There, he observed artists on the street throwing up tables and selling their art and decided this could be for him. With just Walmart paints and brushes, he painted on recycled wood and starting selling his art. When he sold more and more he decided he could "really get on board with this." While he continued to paint on recycled materials he admits that painting on canvas changed the game for him. While not particularly having a favorite painting that he admires, DeVine states it's more about what he learns from painting, not just artistically about himself, but that it's okay to make mistakes. DeVine encourages others to not be afraid to start something new and to "get out and learn something." With the pandemic he felt the need to get out of town himself and reach beyond his stress level. As he continues his journey across the country, spreading his contagious love for life, art and connections, the main reason behind his travels was to learn. At the time of his visit, his next stop was to the Twin Cities to paint a butterfly for a gentleman, and then on to spend time at his grandfather's cabin. Follow his journey @drew.devine.art on Instagram.
"You wake up everyday knowing you're wrong and then try to be a little less wrong"
Kitchen Corner - Kris Young November Issue 2020 Greetings from the SCPS Food Service staff, Our year has gotten off to a good start. We are settling into a routine and enjoying having the students back in the building. It may not be all of them every day but we are enjoying seeing their smiling eyes as we serve them. We are trying to alternate their favorite meals so that everyone gets to enjoy them. Our menus are a little repetitive as a result. Since we are unable to allow self-service of any foods, we don't have our salad bar available this year. We are offering make to order salads for staff and students at the high school. There are order forms available in the high school office. We celebrated homecoming at the high school by grilling out Thursday and Friday. We tried to make it similar to previous years. The kids enjoyed grilled hamburgers on Thursday and hot dogs on Friday. We offered an orange dream bar to promote our school colors and help encourage school spirit. The students enjoyed it. We are currently delivering over 200 meals daily. Please be patient with us. Some of the meals may be delivered as early as 8:30am and some may take a little longer and not arrive until 11am or after. Please wait until noon before you call to ask about your delivery. Thanks for your understanding. We are now able to offer free meals to all students enrolled in our district. Every meal that we serve in person and every meal that we deliver is now free. It was originally just until the end of this year. On October 9 it was announced that the USDA is extending it until the end of the school year. This will give us the opportunity to serve any student that wants a meal at no cost to them. With winter approaching we may find delivering meals challenging. We will be establishing pick up sites at our schools in the near future. More information will be sent out via JMC and Facebook when the sites are ready. We will continue to deliver to families that request it. We have had a beautiful fall and I hope you have taken the time to get outside and enjoy it! Kris Young
Thank You!
Thank you for your patience as our food service program delivers over 200 meals every day to our families. Your patience is so appreciated!
School Age Child Care St. Charles School Age Child Care #SACC School Age Child Care SACC is a Community Ed program that provides care for school aged children. Our before and after school program focuses on creating a safe, fun, learning environment for children to grow. We have also been providing the community with Hybrid care as our district shifts into the different learning models due to COVID-19. COVID -19 has brought it’s challenges to our SACC program, but there have been some exciting new changes as well! We have an awesome group of high school helpers as well as a great hybrid care staff during the school day. New this year, the SACC program is open on non-school days! We like to explore outside during our free time. Some of our favorite spots are the outdoor classroom, the grass baseball field, and scavenger hunts! Tasha Shea
If you are willing and able to donate SACC is in need of these items: Bean bag chairs that can be wiped off Markers & Sharpies (we like to draw a lot!)
Thank you for considering!
St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence A note from the St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence The SCFAE board members are very proud of the St. Charles School District students and staff. The annual recognition awards banquet was cancelled due to Covid19 protocols and we will be working on a way to recognize those students who qualified for academic excellence. The continued widespread community support of the foundation is the reason for its success. This support is a testament that high quality education in our school district is valued and an inspiration to our staff and students to continue that trajectory of excellence. Outright Giving
Francis (Frank) Colvin Tim and Jayne Ask
Florine Iverslie John and Sherry Slavin
In Memory of Gifts
Marge Decker Cunningham Paul and Kathy Decker Dale and Vicki Gathje Cheryl Nintemann Mike and Brenda Ruhberg SCHS Class of 1983
Leland Jonsgaard John and Sherry Slavin
Tom and Barb Ames  Wm. Bill Anderson John and Sherry Slavin Harold Bartsh Greg and Deb Haas Louis and Deb Heim Cecil and Bev Hulshizer Tom and Deanna Tollin Don Behrens Henry and Vivian Hentges Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Joe and Donna Speltz Donald Benedett Gary and Kathryn Feine Allen and Barb Rasmussen Gene and Nancy Steward Patricia Brouwer John and Sherry Slavin Roger Brown Henry and Vivian Hentges Mark Bushman Tom and Deanna Tollin Frank Cobrin Carmen Rossow
Dennis Duellman Greg and Deb Haas Joe and Renee Hewitt Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Jim and Barb Mickow Gary and Shirley Neumann Charles Nicklay Tom and Deanna Tollin Virginia Heim Estabrook Bob and Rose Heim Fran Goodrich Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Bette Guenther David Guenther Tom and Olivia Heim Joe and Renee Hewitt Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Jim and Barb Mickow Linda Mueller Tom Mueller Gary and Shirley Neumann Charles Nicklay Joe and Donna Speltz Gene and Nancy Steward
Marjorie Persons Louis and Deb Heim Joe and Donna Speltz
LuVerne Majerus Henry and Vivian Hentges Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Charles Nicklay Joe and Donna Speltz
Eugene Putzier Dean and Robyn Fox Skip and Eileen Hazel Tom and Olivia Heim Delmer and Mary Jane Ihrke Marge Kingsley Charles Nicklay Cheryl Nintemann Carlos and Helen Pierce Bernie and Terry Siebenaler John and Sherry Slavin SCHS Class of 1974 SCHS Class of 1983
Kevin Motske Tom and Deanna Tollin
Louise Rainey Henry and Vivian Hentges
Florence Mueller Gus and Marilyn Ihrke
Bev Reps John and Sherry Slavin
Ray Mueller Louis and Deb Heim Jim and Barb Mickow Linda Mueller Tom Mueller Charles Nicklay Paul and Laura Reisdorf
Richard "Bubber" Schaber Greg and Deb Haas Gus and Marilyn Ihrke
Calvin Langer Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Chris Lennon Gene and Nancy Steward
Irv Nunemacher Tim and Jayne Ask John and Sherry Slavin
Ruth Shea Tom and Barb Ames Bob and Rose Heim Louis and Deb Heim Tom and Olivia Heim Joe and Renee Hewitt Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Jack and Susan LaValla
Ruth Shea continued... Jim and Barb Mickow Elizabeth Mueller Cheryl Nintemann Allen and Barb Rasmussen Maurice Shea Gene and Nancy Steward Class of 1982 Paul and Laura Reisdorf Bev Thompson Southeast Mutual Insurance Co Friends of Bev Thompson Tom and Barb Ames Mark and Liz Ellson John Gregoire Matt and Michelle Hander Jeff and Karen Hartman Bob and Rose Heim Delmer and Mary Jane Ihrke Gus and Marilyn Ihrke Marge Kingsley Chris and Sheila Kolbert Steve and Sheryl Langer Norm and Barb Lecy Bev Ludwig Jana Miller David and Irene Novak Fran and Dawn Rainey Mike and Brenda Ruhberg Linda Schaber John and Sherry Slavin Teresa and Lance Small Joe and Donna Speltz Terry and Janel Stevens Gene and Nancy Steward David and Tammie Thisius SCHS Class of 1974 Bea Wait Gary and Kathryn Feine Joyce Wurl Linda Schaber
St. Charles Elementary School November Issue 2020
SCES Parents and Guardians,
It has been a very interesting Fall with both a pandemic as well as construction, but the kids have done great in adjusting to the new norm and all of the restrictions we have in place. It has been great to see kids around here again. We’ve had some great feedback on the shifts we’ve made to our plans as we have adjusted throughout the year. Our staff really appreciates the flexibility that students and families have shown us as we continue to try to build a completely new school program. It has been stressful to say the least, but our community’s support has really helped with our ability to make something that works. Every day comes with new and unique issues, but every day we get closer to a system that works, and the issues we are running into get smaller. The back side of our building is beginning to look like a building again. Our new PreK playground is installed and has already seen heavy use. We are excited to have more space, and hope to get our playground back in the near future. Kids can’t wait to have that back again during the day. We hope to get the playground area back at some point in late October. Ryan Ihrke
Elementary Phy-Ed ventures on bikes! New Pre-K playground installed
PE gets clever with kids' mask hanging!
Art with Mrs. Ihrke
Below, kids working on a multi-grade collaborative project. They assembled a bunch of painted branches together to look like a tree.
Below, distance learning at home and in-person Second graders designed their dream tree houses. They started with doing a tree study outside and then let their imagination run wild on paper.
PTO News Next PTO meeting: November 16th, 6:30 pm Elementary Library Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Saint Charles Parent Teacher Organization! Our next meetings are currently held virtually on Facebook live, and Google Meet at 6:30 pm on November 16th, 2020, Resuming in 2021 on January 18th, February 15th, March 15th, April 19th.
November Issue 2020
What is Community Ed? St. Charles Community Education provides lifelong learning opportunities for all ages in our community! Please browse our offerings to see the wide range of options available. Then, we invite you to join us for a Community Education class. Develop a talent, learn a new skill or try something different ~you'll be glad you did!
Lego Robotics Made possible by Community Ed, Lego Robotics with Mr. Robertson finished up its first session. #LegoRoboticsClub
Canvas Painting These kids chose to paint either a dinosaur or a unicorn after school in canvas painting with Mrs. Ihrke.
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SCPS Welcomes Back Students in August November Issue 2020
HOMECOMING 2020
DRESS-UP DAYS
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
photo credit: Saints Publishing / Rob McGuire
A VIRTUAL HOMECOMING PEPFEST AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Elementary School Phy-Ed Teacher, Mrs. Puetz, put together a homecoming video in place of a homecoming pep fest in hopes to make it somewhat special for the kids. The video is filled with student interviews, ping pong show down, 6th grade crowing of homecoming royalty, and staff ping pong trick shots. Take a look at this fun video on this YouTube link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DZM4MHjvvYU
Outdoor Life at SCHS Beautiful fall days to study and play music outside!