April 2016 eNewsletter

April 2016 eNewsletter

Something to talk about...why the improvement projects are needed

By Superintendent Westerberg

In last month's article I explained the basics of the bond referendum for facility improvements approved by the school board for May 24, why the board decided not to include these improvements as an additional question in the November operating levy referendum, and how these improvements are different from deferred maintenance items. The purpose of this article is to explain why the main improvement projects are important to the district and the community.

While every facility improvement idea didn't make the cut for the bond, those items the community said were important as well as updates that will improve efficiency of systems did. Read more.

Big Lake Schools awarded school finance award

Big Lake Schools was recently named a recipient of Minnesota Department of Education's 2016 School Finance Award. This is the tenth year the district has received this award.

The award is based on three criteria indicating fiscal responsibility: timely submission of financial data, having positive fund balances, and having zero financial reporting errors.

"This award is a direct reflection of the importance the district places on fiscal responsibility and the hard work of our employees who ensure we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely," said Board Chair Mark Hedstrom. Read more.

Big Lake Schools Staff & Students Donate $10,000 to Food Shelf

"PIE IN THE FACE. PIE IN THE FACE," is all you could hear Friday afternoon in the gym at Liberty Elementary School as students chanted and cheered while watching fellow classmates throw pies in the faces of their teachers and principals.

What's the cause for such an occasion? It's Liberty Elementary School's annual Pennies for Pies campaign where classrooms compete against each other in raising the most money for the Big Lake Food Shelf. The winning class gets to throw whipped cream pies at their teacher, assistant principal Teresa Smock-Potter, and principal Caryl Gordy. Read more.

Summer school dates set

Summer school for kindergarten to eighth grade students will run from June 20 through July 21(will not meet July 4 and 5) this year. Students will meet Monday through Thursday each week from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Grades kindergarten to fourth grade will meet at Independence Elementary School and grades fifth through eighth will meet at the middle school. Free roundtrip busing will be provided again this year!