As we head into the final weeks of the school year; it a good time to reflect on the past year and how things have progressed for me and the school.
Let's start with the school: we added two new classrooms on the elementary wing, with one being used as a computer lab and one being used by everyone for projects, plays, extra work space, etc. The increased access to space and equipment was a great help to staff and students alike. The ability to spread out or break into smaller groups was a plus all by itself; include the easier access to computers and everyone wins. The uses for this room in the future will only grow as staff takes advantage of the extra space. The added gymnasium space benefits the highschool just as much as the classrooms benefit the elementary students. Increased gym space will mean better schedules for practices for everyone, greater flexibility for PE and even recess, additional 'stage' type space and room for shop projects, and the list goes on. We will continue to look for ways to improve our facilities; enhancing the campus for community and students alike.
Personally: I couldn't be happier to have my kids enrolled in Warner and taking advantage of the staff we have in the building. Mrs. Evans is a wonderful teacher and has a great understanding for our young students; she grasps what it takes to prepare them for many years of learning. We look forward to them learning from all of the staff in Warner; as many of you already know, the staff here is top of the line with everyone focused on getting the most out of students.
I've learned a lot over the past 10 months and will continue to grow and develop as a school administrator. I have benefitted greatly from the patience and expertise of all the school employees; the support of the School Board and community has enhanced my time in the district and my wife and I look forward to moving to Warner soon to finally settle in to the community on a more full-time basis.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Spring Events (other than Track and Graduation)
There are several things at school that sometimes go unrecognized/unnoticed that should be celebrated with more jubilation and notoriety. With Graduation and the last day of school right around the corner; these events are sometimes superseded by other more noteworthy activities, aka Graduation and Summer Vacation. Include "spring fever", track meets, spring clean-up, spring field work for area farmers, confirmation and the list could go on and on. It is no wonder some of these events get lost in the shuffle.
With that being said, please take note of the following events and show your support by attending and/or congratulating students participating in the following:
April 21--Spring Awards night. As difficult as it is for some parents to come to grips with the child getting older and graduating and moving on to the next chapter in their life. Spring Awards offers us one more chance to recognize our students for everything they have accomplished. We also get to identify students who have received scholarships, regional and state awards, and applaud them on another successful year.
April 24--3rd and 4th Grade South Dakota Play. Mrs. Ochsner indicated to me, this is the 17th year for the play. The classes and staff have spent a tremendous amount of time researching, preparing and practices for this significant production. I'm looking forward to seeing it for the first time.
April 30--Elementary Spring Concert. Our Elementary students have been singing and practicing. They are eagerly anticipating their annual Spring performance
May 4--High School 3 Act Play. One of the unheralded programs here at school, but one that offers our students a different avenue to display a different set of skills. Everyone knows about our athletic program successes and our fantastic band; we also want people to recognize how diverse the talents of our students range.
May 7--Middle School and High School Spring Concerts; don't forget we have two concerts on the same day, MS in the afternoon, HS in the evening.
We look forward to seeing people come out and support our students in all of their spring activities. Thanks for everyone's support of all our activities throughout the school year; it is one of the great parts of being involved in our school.
With that being said, please take note of the following events and show your support by attending and/or congratulating students participating in the following:
April 21--Spring Awards night. As difficult as it is for some parents to come to grips with the child getting older and graduating and moving on to the next chapter in their life. Spring Awards offers us one more chance to recognize our students for everything they have accomplished. We also get to identify students who have received scholarships, regional and state awards, and applaud them on another successful year.
April 24--3rd and 4th Grade South Dakota Play. Mrs. Ochsner indicated to me, this is the 17th year for the play. The classes and staff have spent a tremendous amount of time researching, preparing and practices for this significant production. I'm looking forward to seeing it for the first time.
April 30--Elementary Spring Concert. Our Elementary students have been singing and practicing. They are eagerly anticipating their annual Spring performance
May 4--High School 3 Act Play. One of the unheralded programs here at school, but one that offers our students a different avenue to display a different set of skills. Everyone knows about our athletic program successes and our fantastic band; we also want people to recognize how diverse the talents of our students range.
May 7--Middle School and High School Spring Concerts; don't forget we have two concerts on the same day, MS in the afternoon, HS in the evening.
We look forward to seeing people come out and support our students in all of their spring activities. Thanks for everyone's support of all our activities throughout the school year; it is one of the great parts of being involved in our school.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Final Stretch
Parents and Community members, we are heading down the home stretch of the school year and most everyone has their eyes on graduation and the last days of school. We need to recognize all the work teachers and staff have been finishing over the last nine weeks of the school year. State Testing, plays (SD and 3 Act), track meets and music concerts have been keeping everyone busy and will continue to keep them busy. It takes a lot of time, scheduling, and patience to make all of these projects successful and efficient. The staff does a wonderful job working around all the challenges the Spring school year brings and they should be commended for their work.
Something that we have noticed while running end of the year reports is attendance numbers. One of the factors the state uses for measuring the effectiveness of schools is attendance. We need to carry an average of 94% attendance rate for everyone in school to meet the state minimum requirements. Other than that, students need to be in school to be successful; learning happens at all times during the school day and our staff does an excellent job of making these environments engaging and beneficial no matter what subject is being taught. Please make every attempt possible to keep your children in school as much as possible for the rest of the school year. Also something to remember for next year when scheduling your family vacations and regular doctor/dentist appointments. Look at the school calendar and try to take advantage of the school's long weekends, in-service days, and regular vacation days when planning your vacation.
Quick thanks to all the community members who volunteer and help at the school; whether you are helping in the library, music room, classroom or parking lot. Your willingness to help our school doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thanks to everyone who helps make our students' learning and school experiences better.
Something that we have noticed while running end of the year reports is attendance numbers. One of the factors the state uses for measuring the effectiveness of schools is attendance. We need to carry an average of 94% attendance rate for everyone in school to meet the state minimum requirements. Other than that, students need to be in school to be successful; learning happens at all times during the school day and our staff does an excellent job of making these environments engaging and beneficial no matter what subject is being taught. Please make every attempt possible to keep your children in school as much as possible for the rest of the school year. Also something to remember for next year when scheduling your family vacations and regular doctor/dentist appointments. Look at the school calendar and try to take advantage of the school's long weekends, in-service days, and regular vacation days when planning your vacation.
Quick thanks to all the community members who volunteer and help at the school; whether you are helping in the library, music room, classroom or parking lot. Your willingness to help our school doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thanks to everyone who helps make our students' learning and school experiences better.
Monday, March 30, 2015
4th Quarter Enthusiam
With the end of March comes the final stretch run for school (lame pun intended); we have managed to avoid most of the weather concerns we tend to get March. I'm not sure what happened to the "Lion" but it appears we will be going out like a "Lamb". I appreciate the pleasant weather pattern and hope it continues for the remainder of the school year, but I also know April can be just as challenging. I also know most everyone would like to see some moisture before spring planting gets into full swing. We have lots of things going on during the last several weeks of school and all the activities will make the days go by faster than normal.
Testing: we are currently working through the state assessment requirement; 3rd--8th grades and Juniors are completing multiple tests to satisfy state mandates. The tests this year take a little more time since everything is on the computer and our elementary students have to share the computer labs. The process itself is working with minimal delays, which is a good thing, Mr. Gunn and Mrs. Goldade are diligent in making sure folks stay on schedule and equipment continues to work. The work they put in to complete this task is consuming and demanding; we appreciate everything they have done and continue to do to make this process as seamless as possible.
Fine Arts: students are currently preparing for 2 different performances. The 3rd and 4th Grade classes are preparing their SD Play, which will be performed April 24 at 1:30. Being a former History/Social Studies Teacher; I'm excited to see what put together to celebrate our great state. The High School is also preparing for the Spring Three Act Play. Ms. Herrboldt is directing the cast in a performance of "Murder's in the Heir" on May 4, with a 12:30 Matinee and an evening showing at 6:00. We also have 5th-8th grades participating in a Music Contest in Redfield on April 18th. I was enjoy seeing our students show off the great diversity of opportunities we have here in Warner.
Track: the greatest benefactor of our pleasant weather has been the track teams. We have a terrific turn-out for track and field; hopefully everyone gets a chance to get a full slate of meets in this year. Track is the only sport that helps all the other sports and every athlete benefits from being out from track (even if they don't place at any track meets; not everyone is fast, but everyone can get faster and track helps you do that).
I wish everyone the best in their upcoming performances, both on the stage and the track.
Testing: we are currently working through the state assessment requirement; 3rd--8th grades and Juniors are completing multiple tests to satisfy state mandates. The tests this year take a little more time since everything is on the computer and our elementary students have to share the computer labs. The process itself is working with minimal delays, which is a good thing, Mr. Gunn and Mrs. Goldade are diligent in making sure folks stay on schedule and equipment continues to work. The work they put in to complete this task is consuming and demanding; we appreciate everything they have done and continue to do to make this process as seamless as possible.
Fine Arts: students are currently preparing for 2 different performances. The 3rd and 4th Grade classes are preparing their SD Play, which will be performed April 24 at 1:30. Being a former History/Social Studies Teacher; I'm excited to see what put together to celebrate our great state. The High School is also preparing for the Spring Three Act Play. Ms. Herrboldt is directing the cast in a performance of "Murder's in the Heir" on May 4, with a 12:30 Matinee and an evening showing at 6:00. We also have 5th-8th grades participating in a Music Contest in Redfield on April 18th. I was enjoy seeing our students show off the great diversity of opportunities we have here in Warner.
Track: the greatest benefactor of our pleasant weather has been the track teams. We have a terrific turn-out for track and field; hopefully everyone gets a chance to get a full slate of meets in this year. Track is the only sport that helps all the other sports and every athlete benefits from being out from track (even if they don't place at any track meets; not everyone is fast, but everyone can get faster and track helps you do that).
I wish everyone the best in their upcoming performances, both on the stage and the track.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Amazing Teachers
Good Afternoon,
Those of you who have been part of the Warner School District for more than the nine months I have been around are already aware of this fact but for me it becomes more and more clear everyday. We have tremendous teaching staff that show up everyday with wonderful ideas to engage student learning and create lasting impacts on our students. I know when I took the job the staff had a great reputation based on academic performance and assessment. It didn't take long for me to witness all the little things they do to make learning a wonderful experience.
We have staff that put on weddings from Romeo and Juliet, staff who arrange to have books made from student projects, models in social studies, demonstrations from SD HP, and everything in between. The amount of time, thought and effort that our staff members contribute to this school is amazing. I've seen wreaths made from peppermint candy and chariots in the hallways and donuts shared with dads. We have a staff that embraces the meaning of teaching and learning and helps students focus on those same principles. Classrooms are where the magic of learning happens and teachers are the magicians.
The stress of state assessments are right around the corner; focus of staff will now move to getting the most out of the students' academic ability. The mood of building will become more serious, patience may be a bit shorter, recesses may even be shorter. Rest assured however, your children are in good hands as we tackle this annual practice. With the Smarter Balance testing (which was introduced last year), we will also be facing "new" or different results; the results will be difficult to compare to the high standards set during past years. The results will all be sorted out over the following years as everyone gets a better handle on what the new numbers relate to. Have some patience with us and the system if the numbers appear significantly or even marginally lower.
The staff here is amazing and they all do terrific work with the students. Of course, all of you knew that already; I'm the new guy on the block getting made fully aware.
Those of you who have been part of the Warner School District for more than the nine months I have been around are already aware of this fact but for me it becomes more and more clear everyday. We have tremendous teaching staff that show up everyday with wonderful ideas to engage student learning and create lasting impacts on our students. I know when I took the job the staff had a great reputation based on academic performance and assessment. It didn't take long for me to witness all the little things they do to make learning a wonderful experience.
We have staff that put on weddings from Romeo and Juliet, staff who arrange to have books made from student projects, models in social studies, demonstrations from SD HP, and everything in between. The amount of time, thought and effort that our staff members contribute to this school is amazing. I've seen wreaths made from peppermint candy and chariots in the hallways and donuts shared with dads. We have a staff that embraces the meaning of teaching and learning and helps students focus on those same principles. Classrooms are where the magic of learning happens and teachers are the magicians.
The stress of state assessments are right around the corner; focus of staff will now move to getting the most out of the students' academic ability. The mood of building will become more serious, patience may be a bit shorter, recesses may even be shorter. Rest assured however, your children are in good hands as we tackle this annual practice. With the Smarter Balance testing (which was introduced last year), we will also be facing "new" or different results; the results will be difficult to compare to the high standards set during past years. The results will all be sorted out over the following years as everyone gets a better handle on what the new numbers relate to. Have some patience with us and the system if the numbers appear significantly or even marginally lower.
The staff here is amazing and they all do terrific work with the students. Of course, all of you knew that already; I'm the new guy on the block getting made fully aware.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
March
March is always an interesting month; the weather is never easy to understand or get patterned out. We have wind chill warnings this morning and they are saying we could get to 50+ next week. So, as some folks say, "...if you don't like the weather in SD, just wait an hour or so and you'll see something different..." Weather decisions are always difficult to make as well; I try to make the decision on weather delays and/or cancellations as soon as possible. Tuesday morning was one of those difficult days because you never know where the snow will begin and where it will end and we were right on the edge. Please know; I make the decision based on what is in the best interest of the students and school, and it is not a decision I take lightly.
We have lots of activities going on the next several days; boys basketball in Aberdeen Thursday for the District 2B Championship versus Langford, girls basketball in Milbank Friday for the Region 1B Championship versus Summit, Rozell JH BB Tournament Friday and Saturday here at Warner, Middle School All State Band is in Huron with Mrs. Schwan, and that only covers the next 3 days. Things continue the rest of the month at a constant pace and the Spring Break Fridays only add to the mix of hectic and fun month of "March Madness" (if I can borrow the line from CBS). Please show your support for our students at all the events with your positive attitude and energy.
March also brings us to the end of the SD Legislative session, and as they near the end budgets start to become real. As normal, school seem to be left wondering what the final budget number will be until the very end. There are also some key measures left to be decided from the final percentage increase, to the possible changes for capital outlay, to the proposed scholarships for private school students, just to name a few. I encourage you to voice your opinion to your representatives; they need to hear from their constituents.
I hope to get back into the habit of posting regularly on the blog; I know I dropped the ball for a couple of months. I like using this medium to share information with the public in a more informal method. It also allows me to discuss more aspects of the school and share some thoughts and opinions on issues that are outside of the normal school realm. So have some patience with me as I get back in the swing of things, thanks.
We have lots of activities going on the next several days; boys basketball in Aberdeen Thursday for the District 2B Championship versus Langford, girls basketball in Milbank Friday for the Region 1B Championship versus Summit, Rozell JH BB Tournament Friday and Saturday here at Warner, Middle School All State Band is in Huron with Mrs. Schwan, and that only covers the next 3 days. Things continue the rest of the month at a constant pace and the Spring Break Fridays only add to the mix of hectic and fun month of "March Madness" (if I can borrow the line from CBS). Please show your support for our students at all the events with your positive attitude and energy.
March also brings us to the end of the SD Legislative session, and as they near the end budgets start to become real. As normal, school seem to be left wondering what the final budget number will be until the very end. There are also some key measures left to be decided from the final percentage increase, to the possible changes for capital outlay, to the proposed scholarships for private school students, just to name a few. I encourage you to voice your opinion to your representatives; they need to hear from their constituents.
I hope to get back into the habit of posting regularly on the blog; I know I dropped the ball for a couple of months. I like using this medium to share information with the public in a more informal method. It also allows me to discuss more aspects of the school and share some thoughts and opinions on issues that are outside of the normal school realm. So have some patience with me as I get back in the swing of things, thanks.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Grand Opening Week
What a wonderful and exciting week we just experienced here in Warner and it was a pleasure to be part of something that was so long in the making. Opening the new gym and having five large crowds for the basketball game was great sight to see. In my haste to make sure I didn't forget anything, I forgot to thank some very important people, so let me do that now.
School Board members--current and past--have committed countless hours to the project, starting from the very beginning with encouraging people to vote, providing informational meetings, determining the proper budget, adjusting the plans and making decisions on the final project. They have been involved with various meetings prior too and during construction, establishing priorities for the project, gathering support and finalizing what will be the best use of school funds. Everyone from the Warner School District should commend them for their efforts and commitment to the school; they were a significant force for the betterment of the school while fostering what is also in the best interest's of the local taxpayers and patrons. Our current five member board, consisting of President Wade Young, Vice President Brenda Dreyer, Brad Oye, Chad Fischbach and Angie Bakeberg, along with past board members who have served; should be commended for their work to our school and community.
School Personnel--Angie Vetter (Business Manager), Stewart Bohle (Athletic Director), Gene Smith (Head Custodian) and Missy Reeb (Food Service Coordinator and Concession Stand Director), all of these folks helped make the week a success. Mrs. Vetter has been involved from the very beginning, helping with budgeting and planning, but she also helped with organization and ordering of materials, planning the grand opening and making sure everything was paid for. Mr. Bohle coordinating the change of venues when we knew the building would be ready to go, facilitating the building needs from seats to basketballs to sideline equipment. Gene was very helpful during the entire building process, making sure construction workers had access to existing parts of the building, maintaining continued use of our classrooms and grounds and helping clean up all the messes. Missy was able to coordinate the changes for the new concessions and even handled a faulty pop cooler with ease and little stress. I don't think anyone realizes how much work running a concession's stand is and she makes it look easy. They all do amazing work and should be applauded for their efforts and commitment to the Warner School District.
I also want to thank everyone who helped with after game clean-up; we had five large crowds over the eight days we hosted games and lots of folks helped pick-up garbage, sweep, and clean. Having staff, community members and others pitch-in to make large tasks easy makes it wonderful to be part of such a caring community.
I'm sure there are still others that I forgot to thank and over the coming days I will be adding more to the list. Please know your commitment to the betterment of the school and facilities doesn't go unnoticed and we appreciate everything, everyone does to help.
School Board members--current and past--have committed countless hours to the project, starting from the very beginning with encouraging people to vote, providing informational meetings, determining the proper budget, adjusting the plans and making decisions on the final project. They have been involved with various meetings prior too and during construction, establishing priorities for the project, gathering support and finalizing what will be the best use of school funds. Everyone from the Warner School District should commend them for their efforts and commitment to the school; they were a significant force for the betterment of the school while fostering what is also in the best interest's of the local taxpayers and patrons. Our current five member board, consisting of President Wade Young, Vice President Brenda Dreyer, Brad Oye, Chad Fischbach and Angie Bakeberg, along with past board members who have served; should be commended for their work to our school and community.
School Personnel--Angie Vetter (Business Manager), Stewart Bohle (Athletic Director), Gene Smith (Head Custodian) and Missy Reeb (Food Service Coordinator and Concession Stand Director), all of these folks helped make the week a success. Mrs. Vetter has been involved from the very beginning, helping with budgeting and planning, but she also helped with organization and ordering of materials, planning the grand opening and making sure everything was paid for. Mr. Bohle coordinating the change of venues when we knew the building would be ready to go, facilitating the building needs from seats to basketballs to sideline equipment. Gene was very helpful during the entire building process, making sure construction workers had access to existing parts of the building, maintaining continued use of our classrooms and grounds and helping clean up all the messes. Missy was able to coordinate the changes for the new concessions and even handled a faulty pop cooler with ease and little stress. I don't think anyone realizes how much work running a concession's stand is and she makes it look easy. They all do amazing work and should be applauded for their efforts and commitment to the Warner School District.
I also want to thank everyone who helped with after game clean-up; we had five large crowds over the eight days we hosted games and lots of folks helped pick-up garbage, sweep, and clean. Having staff, community members and others pitch-in to make large tasks easy makes it wonderful to be part of such a caring community.
I'm sure there are still others that I forgot to thank and over the coming days I will be adding more to the list. Please know your commitment to the betterment of the school and facilities doesn't go unnoticed and we appreciate everything, everyone does to help.
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