Yesterday Wyndmere watched as 18 graduates proudly accepted their diplomas to signify the accomplishments of 13 years of hard work. Graduation is a bitter sweet day for anyone who works in education. On the bad side, you are saying goodbye to young adults you have watched grow for years. Thousands of hours were spent with these individuals in the classroom, music room, FFA meetings, and athletic practices. When one has that type of daily interaction with these quality young people, it takes a little time to get used to not seeing them anymore. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives as we as a staff couldn't be more proud whenever a young man or woman accepts that diploma. It is very rewarding for the students, but is just as rewarding for the staff. We as a school wish each and every one of them the best as they move on to the next step in life. On whatever road they may choose, we all wish them to find success and happiness.
Congratulations Class of 2012!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Russell and Patsy Janssen
Earlier this school year, Russell Janssen passed away. Shortly after, the school received notice that the district would be a benefactor of his estate. Before I discuss the generous donation, it is important to first acknowledge both Russell and Patsy's contribution to this community and school.
Since I have been in Wyndmere I have walked past a trophy case each and every day. The trophy case doesn't hold district championship trophies or game balls, but instead holds the history of a truly remarkable career in education. For 51 years, Patsy Janssen worked in small country schools and the Wyndmere school district. Think about that for a second...51 years. That is enough time to see three generations sitting in a school desk. Anyone who grew up in Wyndmere had a connection to her. Either you had her as a teacher, your parents had her as a teacher or your children had her as a teacher. Sometimes all of those were true. I never met Patsy, but I feel as if I sat in her classroom because she is a relative legend in this school.
While I know less about Russell, his reputation preceded him as well. I learned of a man who had some unique hobbies, such as his radio correspondence with friends from around the world. However, what most impressed me most about what I heard was his love for his wife. Even after Patsy passed away, people would remark about how his love for his wife still carried on, stronger than ever. This is something that I have the utmost respect for.
But now let me discuss Russell Janssen's will. As many people may have heard by now, the school was a benefactor of a very generous monetary gift. A gift was given to the elementary, in what I view as a gift to the same type of students Patsy called her own for years. The other portion was given to the high school to be used for scholarships for graduation seniors.
It is too early to say how exactly the money will be used in the elementary and to what type of students the scholarships will be awarded. Those details will be discussed later.
While the school was fortunate to be selected by Russell (and I am sure Patsy), I feel it is important to mention one other thing. Having seen the will, I was able to see the numerous charitable donations Russell chose to make in his last will and testament. His generosity far extends outside of the school district. This is yet another thing I can respect about the Janssen's and will ensure the generosity will be used to benefit the students of Wyndmere.
Since I have been in Wyndmere I have walked past a trophy case each and every day. The trophy case doesn't hold district championship trophies or game balls, but instead holds the history of a truly remarkable career in education. For 51 years, Patsy Janssen worked in small country schools and the Wyndmere school district. Think about that for a second...51 years. That is enough time to see three generations sitting in a school desk. Anyone who grew up in Wyndmere had a connection to her. Either you had her as a teacher, your parents had her as a teacher or your children had her as a teacher. Sometimes all of those were true. I never met Patsy, but I feel as if I sat in her classroom because she is a relative legend in this school.
While I know less about Russell, his reputation preceded him as well. I learned of a man who had some unique hobbies, such as his radio correspondence with friends from around the world. However, what most impressed me most about what I heard was his love for his wife. Even after Patsy passed away, people would remark about how his love for his wife still carried on, stronger than ever. This is something that I have the utmost respect for.
But now let me discuss Russell Janssen's will. As many people may have heard by now, the school was a benefactor of a very generous monetary gift. A gift was given to the elementary, in what I view as a gift to the same type of students Patsy called her own for years. The other portion was given to the high school to be used for scholarships for graduation seniors.
It is too early to say how exactly the money will be used in the elementary and to what type of students the scholarships will be awarded. Those details will be discussed later.
While the school was fortunate to be selected by Russell (and I am sure Patsy), I feel it is important to mention one other thing. Having seen the will, I was able to see the numerous charitable donations Russell chose to make in his last will and testament. His generosity far extends outside of the school district. This is yet another thing I can respect about the Janssen's and will ensure the generosity will be used to benefit the students of Wyndmere.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
STEM Day
Last week our students in grades 7-12 had a little bit different school day. For the first time, Wyndmere held a STEM day. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) provides students an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in everyday classes to a real life work situation.
The students met in the gym in the morning and a couple ladies from NDSCS presented a scenario to the students. The fictitious company was approaching the student groups in order to ask them to test, analyze and market their product, "Magic Sand". Magic sand was a product that was created to help clean up oil spills such as the one that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
The students were split into 14 corporations and all groups included students from every grade (7-12). The goal was to conduct testing on the magic sand and create a marketing campaign which would be presented to a panel of board members.
At the end of the day, here were a few of my observations.
1. I was very impressed with a majority of our groups. Many were well prepared and did an excellent job. And while there were some groups that didn't perform as well, I feel that this was a bit of an eye opener for our students. We plan on doing this a few times again next year and I have no doubt they will take a step forward on their second attempt.
2. I felt this was a great opportunity for students to interact with students they normally wouldn't have. Some groups functioned very effectively, while others had a few more bumps in the road. Ultimately the students were able to see the positive and negative aspects of group work and how to become a better team player.
3. We had many students who were noted for excelling in the public speaking aspect. However, we had many students who had never been asked to do anything like this. As a staff we were able to identify an area where we can improve the education of our students.
In closing, I hope your students had positive feelings about the day. I am sure there are some that had to really step outside of their comfort zone. I know this may be tough for some, but in the end it can only benefit them to get more comfortable with this type of thing as it will only benefit them in their careers after school.
I am interested in hearing parent perspectives about STEM day. Comments on the blog are always appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.
The students met in the gym in the morning and a couple ladies from NDSCS presented a scenario to the students. The fictitious company was approaching the student groups in order to ask them to test, analyze and market their product, "Magic Sand". Magic sand was a product that was created to help clean up oil spills such as the one that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
The students were split into 14 corporations and all groups included students from every grade (7-12). The goal was to conduct testing on the magic sand and create a marketing campaign which would be presented to a panel of board members.
At the end of the day, here were a few of my observations.
1. I was very impressed with a majority of our groups. Many were well prepared and did an excellent job. And while there were some groups that didn't perform as well, I feel that this was a bit of an eye opener for our students. We plan on doing this a few times again next year and I have no doubt they will take a step forward on their second attempt.
2. I felt this was a great opportunity for students to interact with students they normally wouldn't have. Some groups functioned very effectively, while others had a few more bumps in the road. Ultimately the students were able to see the positive and negative aspects of group work and how to become a better team player.
3. We had many students who were noted for excelling in the public speaking aspect. However, we had many students who had never been asked to do anything like this. As a staff we were able to identify an area where we can improve the education of our students.
In closing, I hope your students had positive feelings about the day. I am sure there are some that had to really step outside of their comfort zone. I know this may be tough for some, but in the end it can only benefit them to get more comfortable with this type of thing as it will only benefit them in their careers after school.
I am interested in hearing parent perspectives about STEM day. Comments on the blog are always appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.
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