Photo by Wanda Hanson
At the April 20 regular Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard informed the board that he was “extremely impressed” with the candidates for positions at R-P. He shared that there were some hard decisions as a result in the hiring process. “I feel like we added some excellent people to the staff for next year,” Bernard concluded.
New personnel for next year include Heather Grigg, EC/ECFE; Jacob Heftman, second grade; Jacqueline Avilez, third grade; Brooklyn Werner, fifth grade; Clay Olstad, fifth grade; Chris Drinkall, 5-8 physical education; Ethan Papenfuss, band; Guy Eastep, high school math.
Clay Olstad is a familiar face at R-P. He is returning to the elementary classroom after serving as R-P’s Activities Director.
In order to comply with new requirements, R-P signed a $500 library media specialist contract with Robert Routh. Routh is the St. Charles superintendent and is licensed as a library specialist, a certification that is not very common. Routh will provide library management oversight through quarterly meetings which will include a site visit and a virtual meeting. In addition, Routh will be available to staff for guidance.
Girls Flag Football
High school football coach Robert Strand addressed the board to explain the newly formed girls flag football team. The team initially garnered the interest of 35 to 40 girls.
The flag football team is a club team rather than a Minnesota State High School League team. It’s sponsored by the Minnesota Vikings; the school receives $10,000 the first year, $5,000 the second year and $2,500 the third year.
Practices are held on Wednesday nights with games played on Sundays intentionally to not interfere with other activities.
Strand explained the goal is to allow the girls to experience something fun and new. The team’s first game will be against La Crescent, the defending state champs. Matt Helgemoe and Tyler Drinkall are helping coach the team.
Superintendent Bernard applauded Strand, commenting, “Strand has been trying to get really positive things at R-P!”
Superintendent Report
Dr. Bernard reported that the front wall of the school will have a solid plan after Friday and is being scheduled for the necessary repairs. Deep sandblasting will be done to make the areas look good.
Bernard shared that enrollment has decreased slightly. The incoming kindergarten class is small next year, but the following year’s class will be much larger.
The school is looking for a reading intervention specialist for grades k-8 as well as a long-term substitute kindergarten teacher and substitute paraprofessionals, van drivers, food service assistants and teachers.
Elementary Report
Elementary principal, Angela Shepard shared the experiences at the elementary school during the recent tornados threats. The school had run their annual practice drill on Thursday; on Friday they had a chance to implement their plans when the tornado sirens went off at 3:15. Counselor Kelly Smith brought in her music, which helped calm the students.
A spring concert is planned for May 7 in the big gym; the entire elementary will be involved.
Each of the elementary classes are looking forward to upcoming field trips. Teachers continue to share what’s going on in their classes with reports and pictures.
MSHS Report
MSHS principal, Jake Timm shared the honor roll numbers. Of the 71 students on the A honor roll at the middle school, 24 earned a 4.0; of the 77 students on the A honor roll at the high school, 25 earned a 4.0.
Timm gave details of graduation. With class colors of green and gold and the motto: “The best thing to hold on to in life is each other.” (Audrey Hepburn), the class will graduate May 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Principal Timm reported the sophomores toured the University of Minnesota and St.Olaf April 1. On April 29, the juniors will attend the Build My Future career fair in La Crosse. On May 27, the freshmen will attend Career Exploration Day at local businesses.
Activities Report
In his activities report, Clay Olstad reported that the FFA state participants were due back from competition that night; speech students will head off to state competition Thursday.
Olstad shared that the Three Rivers Conference is transitioning from r-schools to the Bound platform; R-P will likely do the same.
Business Conducted
In other business, the board:
- Continued in completing first and second readings of policies; the policies had no changes from the suggested policies from MSBA;
- Approved the R-P Class of 2026 graduates;
- Accepted donations totalling $6,100; $2,000 of which was from the R-P Booster Club for golf course fees; the remainder was from local businesses and individuals for Community Education Sponsorship.
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