January 2021 Newsletter

January 2021 | Issue 04

Franklin Elementary School - Gr. K-4

AN AUTHOR AMONG US

Melissa Lautigar, fourth grade teacher at Franklin Elementary, has become a published author! Melissa has been teaching at the elementary level for twenty-five years and has a Master's Degree in Teaching and Learning. Melissa stated that she would search in stores for books that would help her to teach character building within her classroom. Melissa wrote "Somebody's Hero," which focuses on little acts of kindness. Congratulations, Melissa!

Our talented Ms. Lautigar, teacher AND AUTHOR!

A great book for all!

Parkview Learning Center - Gr. PreK-2

ZOOMING INTO '21

Zooming into ’21 by Mrs. Kathy Seppala, PLC Kindergarten Teacher

From Thanksgiving Break through Christmas, I know I’m not alone…

In feeling that our hearts and brains—have never so greatly grown!

Technology skills, patience, flexibility too.

Changing plans at the drop of a hat—

is something we each had to do.

Students, parents, guardians—families and staff . . .

Through the ups and downs of Zoom calls--

Sometimes all we could do was laugh.

I know personally with my first Zoom; fresh batteries I thought I had.

Only to have my computer die—leaving kids alone, on their iPad.

“Where’s Mrs. Seppala? She was just right here! . . .”

They started to giggle and smile.

And making funny faces with one another—is what they did for awhile.

The next day would be better—Computer charged and ready to go!

Yet, when I hit the link to start—our math wall would not show.

For the sun was shining brightly on the numbers and calendar.

The whole chart was not visible—it was just a great big blur.

So I grabbed a towel, a shirt, my coat—along with a roll of duct tape.

Slapped that stuff up in seconds, and we were back in good shape!

To go with the flow, improvise, and being OK with those

“Plan B’s”.

If all else fails, we keep on trying—sometimes having “Plan C’s (or Z’s”).

We dressed up in Red and Green and wore our Pajamas too.

Bringing our Pets to “Class”—is something we actually got to do!!!

We made special art projects at home with our family.

And then brought them to Zoom the next day—for our whole class to see.

We are so proud of our students—how they’ve worked hard with this unique way of school.

Attending Zoom class, completing their work, & continuing to follow the rule.

The support of families and relationships fostered

has created a sense of great pride.

Knowing we are all in this together—& holding on for the crazy ride.

Definitely a different way of teaching and learning—

Yet, we’ve all tried—our very Best!!!

Is one reason why I believe our schools—truly shine above the rest!

As we flip our calendars with wishes of love—for this brand new year!

Health, happiness and hopes of being back together again—

feel so very near.

Happy 2021 to ALL!

Having your furry friend near by during distance learning is a bonus to this crazy time!

Gilbert Campus - Gr. PreK & 5-8

SPACE FORCE COMES TO NELLE SHEAN

5th and 6th graders at Nelle Shean Elementary had a chance to meet virtually with the United States Space Force. They watched a virtual informative presentation and got to meet with one or two officers from the Space Force via live Zoom. Students were engaged and were also allowed to ask questions of the officers. Thanks Space Force!

Roosevelt Elementary School - Gr. 3-6

SWEET HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

The holiday spirit was definitely in Roosevelt as kids made gingerbread houses! The Virginia LEO's Club - Leadership, Experience, Opportunity - which is made up of 9th-12th graders, prepared individual supply kits for all the kids attending child care to make their own gingerbread house. The LEO's also had a blast making an instructional video for the kids to follow along in making their gingerbread houses. Our students in the building were so thankful and appreciative. Holiday music played - giggles could be heard - great times had by all. What a great way to end the 2020 year.

Eveleth-Gilbert Senior High - Gr. 9-12

HANDS-ON AT HOME

Mr. Honkola, Industrial Technology teacher, has been busy trying to find a way his high school students in his woodworking class can participate in an industrial tech course while distance learning. He, along with the help from his son, made 45 kits for his high school students to take home and get some hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Each of these kits has a bridge and a crane to build. In addition, there are other creative, problem-solving projects included. "It's hard to get hands-on experience with limited resources at home," Craig Honkola stated, "This way, it's not another book assignment." Mr. Honkola will add more to the kits approximately every two weeks. He teaches classes at both the Gilbert and Virginia campuses.

What a creative idea from Mr. Honkola...

and the bubble gum is a nice touch!

Collin Hill, a senior at Eveleth-Gilbert is ready to tackle this project at home.

Virginia High School - Gr. 7-12

MELBY'S MOTIVATIONAL MONDAYS

Mr. Melby knew from the beginning that playing music as a full ensemble would simply not be

possible as the school transitioned to hybrid and then to distance. In response, this year students use an application called SmartMusic, which allows them to independently practice their instruments at home. But he felt it just wasn’t enough. “While this program is an excellent learning tool, I wanted to give them something more,” he said, “something else for them to look forward to and get excited about each week.”

It was as a result of this that Mr. Melby created Motivational Monday - a day devoted entirely to motivation and well being. His goal was to bring the world into his classroom for his students to see. In the weeks leading up to distance learning in November, Melby contacted professional

musicians and athletes, and incredible people who have made a difference in his life, or in the lives of others. As a result, Concert Band and 8th Grade Band have had the pleasure of hearing from some

amazing human beings each week.

Concert Band students listen to Gunnery Sergeant Monica Preston, Assistant Drum Major to the “President’s Own” Marine Band in Washington D.C.

Concert Band students chatting with Dr. Peter Haberman from Concordia College

Band 8 Students engage with former Vikings right guard, Mike Harris.

In the band classroom, students are used to sitting by their friends, playing their favorite songs, working toward concerts and performances throughout the year. This year the band classroom has looked entirely different, and while band teacher Mr. Melby has certainly had to make some drastic changes to band over the last 9 months, he has chosen to focus on what he can do as opposed to dwelling on all that isn’t possible.

“To me, band class is a class about more than just music. Yes, we play our instruments. Yes, we learn how to read music, but there is more to our class,” Melby commented, “Band is a class about teamwork, being a good person, treating

people right, and taking care of ourselves. We have focused on our health and well-being first and foremost throughout the semester. If we aren’t healthy and well, there is no band.”

Band 8 students interacting with radio personality Tom Baldrica.

First, on November 30th, was Dr. Peter Haberman, Director of Bands at Concordia College, who visited the band last year. Peter’s story of how wanting to be a fighter jet pilot turned into becoming a college professor was a great lesson on accepting change in our life plans. Native Iron Ranger and radio personality, Tom Baldrica joined in on December 7, telling of how anything is possible if you follow your dreams, as following his dreams led him to working for Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert in Nashville, TN. Next was Gunnery Sergeant Monica Preston on December 15, whose leadership role as the Assistant Drum Major to the “President’s Own” Marine Band in Washington D.C. means leading the band in numerous ceremonial events for the President throughout the year.

GySgt Preston took the class on a tour of the Marine Barracks, and taught the class about the history of the Marine Band. She encouraged the students to travel, as travel was a huge factor in finding her career. On December 21, the bands had the pleasure of meeting and hearing from recently retired Mike Harris, a right guard for the Minnesota Vikings from 2014-2017. Harris told the class about how he uses principles from Urban Meyer’s Living Above the Line in his daily life to avoid obstacles and live his best life. Most recently, Mr. Melby’s students heard from the coach of the Olympic gold medalist US Men’s curling team, and Iron Range native and resident, Phill Drobnick on January 4, who told of how perseverance and never giving up brought the curling team to the top of the podium in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Concert Band students interact with Phill Drobnick, coach of the Olympic gold medalist US Men’s curling team.

“It has been incredible to watch my students listen and interact with these world-class humans,”Melby added. “While each one had their own unique story, their messages of having a dream, setting goals, working hard, and being open to change were consistent week to week.

It isn’t coincidental that all of these individuals have experienced their own versions of success with such similar messages. They have all put in the work to get to where they are today, and how amazing that they were willing to join our Zoom call and share their stories with my students in band class.”

From all of us at RRPS, have a Happy & Healthy New Year!