District staff took time on May 27th to celebrate some retirements before the work of class placements and planning for next year took place, kids who attended the Adventure Day headed out to
Como Zoo, and many of you got a jump start on your long weekend.
With very few school days left, now is the time for transition days, field trips, super sticker and track and field days, and handing out yearbooks. At the high school, band and choir are practicing songs for graduation as seniors prepare to celebrate their achievements - June 6th at 7:00 p.m. - you can
stream it live if you can't attend.
Staff Retirements and Celebration of 2015-2016
The last district staff day took place on May 27th and was a celebration of another successful school year. Several teacher retirements were acknowledged, years of service pins handed out, updates on programs and initiatives given, and a few laughs enjoyed.
Before the work of the day began, staff took time to celebrate retirements:
Diane Schmidt - first grade teacher at Primary;
Shanda Waller - 4th grade teacher at Lakeside;
Ruth Thorstad - Reading teacher at Taylors Falls;
Linda Guanzini - English teacher at the middle school; and
David Carroll - teacher/paraprofessional at the high school. The five retirees have a combined 194 years of experience in education.
The celebration wrapped up with Superintendent Joe Thimm and CLEM president Jeff Lindeman conducting a drawing for door prizes.
MS Exploratory Classes = New Opportunities for Students
Exploratory is part of what makes the middle school experience unique and fun! For the first time in several years, students had the opportunity to choose two activities to explore. These activities helped students to explore or broaden personal interests or open their minds to possible careers. Students registered electronically for activities in art, music, math, drama,
photography, technology, foreign language or culture, food, science, crafts, and/or other areas of specialty as presented and offered by staff.
5th Grade Fun Night - the wrap-up to 5th grade transition day
After fifth graders from Taylors Falls and Lakeside converged on the middle school for a
transition day - a look at the building and programming that they will be heading into next year - the kids were invited back for a 5th grade Fun Night.
Other buildings also held transition days for students changing buildings next year: Primary 2nd graders went over to Lakeside, and 8th graders at the middle school headed over to the high school. The middle to high school transition also includes a 9th grade orientation that takes place in the fall before the start of the school year.
