The two LARP wrestlers who participated at the state wrestling meet were recognized and congratulated at the R-P School Board meeting March 18. Freshman Christian Zibrowski wrestled at 107 and placed fifth; senior Lauren Honken wrestled at 106 and was the first female to qualify for state for LARP.
Coach Tim Tekautz commented, “I’m super proud of them both! I’m looking forward to what Lauren has done for the program; we hope to have a stand-alone girls program next year. Christian worked his can off this year; he did all the extra work!”
Tekautz went on to say he’s hoping to see Christian return to state many times in the coming years. He shared that the wrestling program is growing at R-P, calling the numbers “great!”
In public comments, Judy Tekautz asked the board to consider hiring a girls wrestling coach. She pointed out that there has been a 55% growth in girls’ wrestling in the past year throughout the state; it is the fastest growing sport in Minnesota. Lauren’s dad, a wrestler, took on much of the role of coa
ch for her, according to Tekautz. In closing, Tekautz declared, “If you build it, they will come!”
New Clubs at R-P
The board approved the addition of paid advisor positions for Go Green, Trapshooting, a second FFA advisor and art. They also approved having a one-year probationary period for new clubs before considering them for paid advisor positions.
Parents of youth bowlers approached administration to ask that the Bowling Club be recognized as part of the district for 2024-2025. In the past, the Bowling Club had been part of the school; bowlers were able to letter and the club was featured in the yearbook like other sports. The parents asked that this be reinstated; they stressed that they were not asking for a paid advisor position. The booster club does help support the bowlers, however. The board approved the Bowling Club as part of R-P sports.
Administrative Reports
Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard shared new information on the failing stone on the front of the school. Wieser will be testing water mitigation procedures to attempt to find a solution. They plan to cut in a drip cap and seal the railings. Bernard assured the board he would be pushing to find a lasting solution.
Bernard informed the board the following positions for next year would be posted this week: Early Childhood Special Education teacher, Title I teacher, K-12 counselor, Long-term sub for Elementary Education, Activities/Community Education director, head dance coach, head football coach, assistant dance coach and JH volleyball. Bernard is hoping to have hiring recommendations to bring to the board for the April meeting.
A letter from a Glenville-Emmons parent complimenting R-P on its well-behaved students was shared with the board. Bernard credits the students as well as their parents and staff for their great behavior.
Elementary principal Angela Shepard informed the board that kindergarten registration will be April 4 from 5-7 p.m. The intent is to give parents and students time to explore the school without a lot of other people there. A total of 38 students are expected.
Shepard told the board that PIE grant information has been shared with the teachers. The teachers are encouraged to apply for the grants which are up to $500. The intent is that the grants be used for something unique for their classrooms.
MS HS Principal Jake Timm shared the success of the Senior High Knowledge Bowl teams; four teams made it to Sub-Regionals. A team consisting of Brodie Vickerman, Cole Timm, Jace Dvorak, Christo Badenhorst and Christian Lindmeier placed fifth at Sub-Regional and sixth at Regional.
Timm detailed some of the recent career experiences students attended. The seniors attended the Houston County Job Fair March 6. The Dream Job Event will take place March 27; 9th-11th graders will be able to choose three different career options and listen to professionals from those areas.
Maryanne Smith led a team of students and teachers to create a Square One room. This room, located in the library, can be used by students throughout the school day. If students need a break to regulate their emotions, they can check into the rooms for 10 minutes to calm down.
Other Business
In other business, the board:
- Approved the retirement of Mary Wolter, Title I teacher effective May 31;
- Accepted the resignations of John Loney, Activities/Community Education Director effective June 30 and Tracy Agrimson, Early Childhood Special Education teacher effective May 31;
- Approved the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year; graduation has not been set yet. If the usual May 25 graduation date is selected, the seniors would be getting out of school seven school days before the rest of the school.
The next R-P School Board meeting will be April 15 at 6 p.m. in the forum room; the public is welcome to attend.
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