The Spring Grove School board met on Tuesday evening, May 17, 2021, from 7:08 p.m. to 7:43 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center. Board members in attendance were Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, and Aric Elton. Absent was Board member Rhan Flatin. Staff in attendance included Cindy Thorson, Gina Meinertz, Luke Kjelland, Rachel … [Read more...]
R-P Schools – moving back to “normal”
With the new reduced masking regulations announced by the state, the Rushford-Peterson School Board members conducted their regular monthly board meeting on May 17 sans masks. Superintendent Jon Thompson joked with new board member Ken Sawle that it was the first time he’d seen his face! Thompson assured the board that teachers, staff and students would continue to wear … [Read more...]
Houston School Board looks ahead to next fall
At the regular Houston School Board meeting May 6, Mikayla Simmons was announced as the new Activities/Communications director effective June 7. Simmons will take on some of the duties that had been removed from the superintendent duties before the posting of the superintendent position, as well as the activities director position. With Jill Diana resigning from her position … [Read more...]
College News
Fall 2020 Graduation List • Coastal Carolina University: Alliyah Beisell, Spring Valley, BS, Business Administration • Iowa State University: Alyvia King, Rushford, BS, Child, Adult and Family Services • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Adam Schlee, Grand Meadow, BS, RN Baccalaureate Completion • North Dakota State University: Angela Engen, Caledonia, BS, … [Read more...]
What do school concerts look like during a pandemic?
Music directors at area schools spent a considerable amount of time brainstorming with students, parents, and administration to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and meet the needs of their students. The results – creative ideas that could become the norm. Dustin Moburg, vocal music teacher, Caledonia, reminded students and family members that if they are experiencing symptoms … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board approves 2021 revised budget
At the May 5, 2021, board meeting, board members present were: Josh Thompson, Matt McMahon (virtually), Jill Harstad, Tom Keefe, and Lanny Isensee as well as Principals Shane McBroom, Randy Paulson, Superintendent Ed Harris, Trista O’Connor, business manager and Lorri Lowrey, administrative assistant. Board member Katie Priebe was absent. Principal Paulson reported on end of … [Read more...]
Kingsland reminds spectators to “mask up”
Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” on May 3, with all members participating. Athletics and Activities Director Mark Fitzpatrick and Business Manager Amber Herbrand participated via Zoom technology. Mark Fitzpatrick stated that at Kingsland sports and activities, many spectators are attending without wearing a mask. He asked for the board’s input on how … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central in need of summer rec director
At the April 27 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad said that no applications have been turned in for the position of summer rec director yet. Summer rec activities begin in early June right after school gets out, but may need to be canceled if the job cannot be filled. The kindergarten enrollment for next year is projected to be approximately … [Read more...]
Lanesboro enrollment numbers continue to increase
At the April 15 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz reported that 36-37 kindergarten students are enrolled for the 2021-2022 school year at Lanesboro school. Just two years ago, the prediction was that the kindergarten enrollment number would be 20 students for this upcoming school year. “It’s a positive development,” Schultz said. Over the past school … [Read more...]
New superintendent chosen for Houston Public Schools
Mary Morem, currently principal at Triton High School, was selected by the Houston School Board as Houston’s new superintendent at their regular board meeting and final superintendent interview session April 15, 2021. Morem will replace current superintendent Krin Abraham when she retires in June. In her interview, Morem pointed out that she has been very involved in … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Public School hires new social studies teacher, Madeline Rainey
The Spring Grove School board met on Tuesday evening, April 19, 2021, from 7:02 p.m. to 8:02 p.m. in the school’s Learning Resource Center, adhering to the Governor’s guidelines for capacity (maximum 10 people). Board members in attendance was Chairman Aaron Solum, Stephanie Jaster, Kelly Rohland, Jenny Stender, Rhan Flatin, and Aric Elton. The board unanimously approved the … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton plans for spring events
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on March 16, with all members present (Business Manager Aimee Lake participated via phone). Also in attendance were Principal Michelle Wiedemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Lisa Halverson, and student representatives Colton Heintz-Kuderer and Matthew McClimon. Principal Wiedemann informed the board that prom plans are … [Read more...]
The first prom of the decade
Some area high school proms are returning this year after many were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chatfield, Grand Meadow, and Rushford-Peterson high schools will hold a prom this year that is very similar to previous years, while Houston High School will hold an event different from traditional prom. On Saturday, May 1, students at Chatfield High School … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board selects new high school principal
At the April 14, 2021, Chatfield School Board meeting, these board members were present: Katie Priebe, Josh Thompson, Matt McMahon, Jill Harstad, and Tom Keefe, as well as Principals Shane McBroom and Randy Paulson, Superintendent Ed Harris, Trista O’Connor, business manager and Lorri Lowrey, administrative assistant. Board member Lanny Isensee was absent. Student senate … [Read more...]
Schaeffer Academy eighth grader is the Southeast Minnesota Spelling Bee Champion
Twelve spellers (six from each Regional Spelling Bee) competed in the Final Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 23, at 9 a.m. at the Southeast Service Cooperative in Rochester. These 12 students were narrowed down from 36 students from 20 districts in Southeast Minnesota who participated in the two Regional Spelling Bees on March 9, 2021, coordinated by the Southeast Service … [Read more...]