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 April 19, 2021, consent agenda, minutes from the March 15, 2021, regular board meeting, the treasurer’s report/approval of bills, and extended the in-house substitute position for Tim Opat through the end of the school year.
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) started this week. APA testing begins the week of May 19. This year the school can offer five different APA subjects – AP United States Government, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Computer Programming, AP Psychology, and AP Biology.
The summer school letter has gone out. This year the school will be offering two sessions, June and July; students can attend one or both sessions. The credit recovery session is scheduled for July.
It has been difficult for the school to offer special activities this school year due to COVID-19, but on May 19, elementary students will be treated to a bluegrass performance. There will be two shows, one for lower elementary and one for upper elementary.
Assistant Superintendent Gina Meinertz mentioned that there would be a Color Run for elementary students at the end of the year. One of the classes is planning the event for their economic development project.
There have been several design team meetings, and the team has been gathering feedback from lots of people. The team has been asking questions. What do you think? Do you think this will help us?
The school continues to be recognized for its initiatives in the media and professional organizations. According to Meinertz’s report, “The school’s partnership with Gundersen Lutheran has led them to be nominated for the FutureReady Community and Industry Partner of the Year Award.” Meinertz announced at the board meeting that, “The school will be recognized at the Learning from Disruption: Leading Forward event in May by the Bush Foundation and Education Evolving. A partnership with the three school districts in Houston County, Houston County, and Hiawatha Valley Mental Health is centered around equity to help community members learn, discuss, and create a county more open and educated in equity work.
Essential visitor update
Update on essential visitors. College and military recruiters are considered essential visitors and must be vaccinated before coming into the school to meet with the students.
The school wants to get the kindergarten families in the building; therefore, to ensure everyone is safe, kindergarten round-up will be held in the evening.
Prom is scheduled for May 1 and will be held at the Fest building. The junior prom committee is working hard, and Udstuen shared, “It has been fun working with the students.” The grand march will be held outdoors, and there will be post-prom and a grab and go breakfast. Graduation is Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m. at the football field.
The school music department will follow the model used by sports for the end-of-year band and choir concerts. The band concert is May 18, and the choir concert is April 27. The K-6th choir concert will be virtual.
Awards day is the last day of school. There is a new format this year. The school believes it a value for the younger students to see awards day; therefore, students will watch the ceremony in their classroom. Two family members will attend the ceremony, and other family members can watch it virtually.
New social studies teacher
The Superintendent recommends hiring Madeline Rainey as the new social studies teacher for grades 7-12. Principal Luke Kjelland shared that Rainey was in town last week for a tour of the school and town, which typically lasted 15 minutes, but in Rainey’s case, it lasted an hour and a half, making the principal’s day. The board hired Rainey.
New band uniforms and choir robes
Included in the 2020-21 budget are funds to purchase new band uniforms and choir robes. The band uniforms are 50 years old. The banner will also be replaced as it was purchased for the Fiesta Bowl and is 30 years old. The students have provided input into the design of the uniforms and robes. The board approved the purchase of new uniforms and robes.
The stage curtains will be replaced, and after further inspection, it was determined that the rigging would need to be replaced after all.
The board approved the 2021-22 school calendar. If the 2022 graduation date is changed from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening, the superintendent will bring it to the board for approval.
The board approved school policies 101-214.
The next regular meeting of the Spring Grove Public School Board of Directors is scheduled for May 17 at 7 p.m. The school board, administration, and business manager will meet in person (10 max). The school will continue to offer the board meetings on Google Meet for anyone else who would like to attend. For assistance monitoring the meeting, contact the district office at (507) 498-3221 or email rachel.udstuen@springgrove.k12.mn.us.
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