Around 656
Sharing the great work of Faribault students and staff
Reflecting on the progress of Faribault Public Schools
It’s been another great year for Faribault Public Schools. As we begin the year 2020, I find it’s a great time to reflect on the progress our school district has made, the generosity and support we receive from our community, the successes of our staff and students, and the pride I feel in my role as superintendent.
2019 was a year in which we began to lay a foundation for the future success of our school district. We improved student safety by building new parking lots, bus pick-up zones, and more secure entrances at several of our schools. We developed Falcon Learning and Connecting Days that will allow our students to continue learning from home even if poor weather requires us to close school buildings. In November, the community approved an operating levy that will allow us to offer additional career and college readiness opportunities for our high school students, and paves the way for increased collaboration with South Central College.
In addition to approving the levy, the community continues to show tremendous support for our students in a variety of ways. Just in the last month, dozens of businesses and community members have donated over $4,000 toward our students’ negative lunch account balances. Our student store, The Nest, continues to receive an abundance of donations as it provides free supplies and clothing for students in need. Organizations like the Faribault Booster Club, with the support of many local businesses, continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes.
We’re also grateful to the community members who show support by donating their time and sharing their knowledge, whether by visiting our classrooms to share their expertise, teaching a community education class, or hosting student interns at their businesses.
Just as the community supports our schools, students and staff across our district have given back generously to our community. In December, the student councils at Faribault High School, Faribault Middle School and Jefferson Elementary combined to raise over $14,000 for those in need. Every one of our high school extracurricular groups participates in a community service project. On Halloween, our high school student council collected donations for the food shelf. On Thanksgiving, our boys hockey team volunteered at the community dinner. Students from our middle school community service club, Falcons for Change, have initiated projects supporting local hospitals, assisted living facilities, Ruth’s House and many others. I’m very proud of the generosity of our students and staff.
I’m also filled with Falcon Pride when I see our music programs put on wonderful concerts and our theatre students present outstanding plays; when I witness the success of programs like AVID, DECA, our teacher cadet academy and our automotive department; when I see our Emeralds dance team and other athletes perform among the best at various state competitions; when I witness the innovative programming inspiring students at our elementary and middle schools; when I see our students provide perspective for Governor Walz on the topic of teen vaping; and when I see our teachers finding ways to connect with students and going above and beyond to make a difference in their lives.
Thanks to the Faribault community, we had many things to celebrate in 2019. I once again thank you for your support for our school district as we continue to empower, energize and engage students in Faribault Public Schools. I look forward to another great year for our schools and our community in 2020.
Superintendent Todd Sesker
Hoops for Hope
Fans and players wore pink for cancer awareness as it was Hoops for Hope night. Proceeds from the sale of cookies and other fan contests went to Rice County Relay for Life. Between games, the FHS Basketball Association presented a $300 check to Relay for Life, as well.
The busy night also featured a health fair hosted by DECA and introductions for the sixth-grade boys travel basketball team.
Working together
Seventh-grade AVID students donate blankets
DECA qualifies 36 for state
Santa N Smiles raises over $5,200
Brien named to Minnesota Mid-Level Honors Orchestra
Johnsrud, Hanson named FHS Triple 'A' Award winners
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon
Staff Spotlights
Becki Keilen
Job title: Kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt
Other roles: I am very involved with our Roosevelt PTO, Roosevelt Discovery Program Co-Chair, Sunshine, and my church committees. I see that getting volunteers in our schools and community can be very difficult. I like to keep important things going. I like to get families involved with the school.
Education: Faribault grad (Love my Falcons!!), K-6 licensure from Winona State, and Masters in Curriculum and Development from St. Mary's University.
Years with the district: 22 full-time, plus two subbing within the district
What are some of your hobbies and interests? Cheering on my daughters as they dance is #1 to me! I also love to travel, love Minnesota sports, play softball, card games, but most of all, spending time with my family and friends.
What’s something interesting about you that not a lot of people know? I have been to the 48 contiguous states. Still need to get to Alaska and Hawaii someday!
Why did you decide to pursue a career in education? I know many people say this, but it is truly all that I have ever wanted to do. I loved every minute of elementary school (The only days I missed in all of K-6 was when our family went on a trip once). I attribute my love for school to the amazing Jefferson teachers that I had that made school great. I want my students to love school and know that I care for them.
What do you enjoy most about working with students? I love those teachable moments. My students are like sponges and when they ask you about something I just want to help them soak it all in. The excitement in their faces as they learn something new is the best!!
What do you enjoy about being part of Faribault Public Schools? Being raised in Faribault really builds that hometown pride. I love going out into the community to attend my childrens' and my current and former students' events. I love cheering them on and letting them know how proud of them I am. It is wonderful to see students grow and I take such pride in trying to remember each and every one of them, even 20 years later. Faribault is a great community and I love raising my family here. My daughters have made wonderful friendships and had great teachers to influence them over the years. I am so proud to be part of Faribault Public Schools!
Calla Case
Job title: 4th grade teacher at Lincoln
Education: Burnsville High School, BA at University of Minnesota-Duluth, MA at Concordia St. Paul (graduating this spring)
Work experience:
Interventionist Duluth Public Schools - 2011-2012
5th Grade Teacher - Lucy Laney in Minneapolis Public Schools 2012-2014
3rd Grade Teacher - Sioux Trail in Burnsville ISD 191 2014-2015
4th Grade Teacher - Lincoln in Faribault 2015-Present
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, gardening, and cheering for my favorite Minnesota sports teams!
What’s something interesting about you that not a lot of people know?
I taught in a one room school in a small village of Mexico located in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta during my undergrad.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in education?
I have always loved spending my time with children. My mom taught preschool in our home and I loved being her helper. I used to practice teaching my stuffed animals and begged my brothers to play school with me.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I love the balance of building relationships and teaching students. It’s hard to do one without the other. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I get to partner with parents and invest in the futures of children. I love reflecting on learning with kids and reminding them how far they’ve come in understanding new ideas.
Share a fun project you've worked on or innovative teaching method you've used this year. What made it memorable for you?
I teach my students songs to help them remember ideas. I recently taught one about the branches of government. It’s fun seeing them use my silly songs to help them recall.
What do you enjoy about being part of Faribault Public Schools?
I get to learn from the students I work with and the other fourth grade teachers each day. I am so thankful to have a career that flourishes with collaboration. I've taught in a handful of schools, but Faribault is where I've chosen to stay. Faribault has wonderful students and teachers.
Dave Wieber
Job title: Science Teacher at Faribault High School
Other roles: Science Department Chair, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Head Boys Track & Field Coach
Classes you teach: Introductory Physical Science, Physics, and College Now Physics.
Education: I graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1984. I graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science Secondary Education and earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Work experience: In high school, I worked as a data entry person for a trucking company and as a dishwasher for a bakery. In college, I worked as a library aide, a groundskeeper, a telemarketer, and worked in retail clothing sales.
Years with the district: This is my 30th year teaching science and coaching at Faribault High School. I started teaching in the fall of 1990.
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I enjoy traveling, both in the US (47 of 50 states) and abroad(16 countries, mostly in Europe). I like camping, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. I am a voracious reader, especially science fiction/fantasy and historical fiction. I also enjoy playing games of all kinds.
What’s something interesting about you that not a lot of people know? I lived in Alnwick Castle in Northern England for six months when I studied abroad in college.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in education? I chose to go into teaching because I enjoy learning and want to share that passion for learning with others. I also find the daily variety of challenges to be refreshing.
What do you enjoy most about working with students? I enjoy watching them grow and develop over their four years at FHS. I especially enjoy seeing students accomplish things that they never thought possible and growing in their self-confidence and realizing what they are capable of.
German students go caroling
"It was really fun for all who participated and I hope to make this an annual tradition," teacher Kate Falvey said.
DECA makes donation to Faribault Youth Investment
Winter sports update
The wrestling team traveled to Stillwater on Jan. 11 to compete in the Stillwater Stampede Tournament. The 13-0 Falcons earned the #5 seed with four top-10 teams in their bracket. They fell to the Coon Rapids Cardinals 36-35, defeated Highland Park 68-9, and defeated Mahtomedi 51-27. The are Falcons varsity is now 15-1 on the season. The ninth-grade team will compete in the ninth-grade state tournament Saturday.
Dance
The Emeralds traveled to Lakeville South on Saturday, January 11 for an invite. The girls placed 2nd in high kick and 4th in jazz. The JV team placed first in high kick at Lakeville South.
Hockey
The boys and girls hockey teams have started the season with a combined record of 25-6-2. The boys remained in the middle of a crowded Big 9 Conference with a 3-2 road win over Red Wing last Thursday. Seven players have scored at least 10 points for the Falcons.
The girls rank second in the conference behind Owatonna with a record of 15-3 overall and 11-2 in the league. They outscored their opponents 39-11 during a recent six-game winning streak. Five players on the team have already reached 20 points.
Boys swimming and diving
Boys swimming and diving traveled to South St. Paul for an invite with Chisago Lakes, Como Park, Owatonna, Minnehaha Academy, Mound Westonka, Orono, Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Henry Sibley. The Falcons placed 4th out of the 10 teams.
Gymnastics
Several gymnasts turned in personal-best performances during the team's 129.175-126.575 dual loss at Winona on Jan. 10.
Varsity Vault
Lauren McDonough- 8.6 (2nd place) (Personal best)
Alexis Bottke- 8.5 (4th place)
Brianna Radatz- 8.45 (5th place)
Hannah Merdan- 8.35 (6th place)
Evie Wood- 8.1
Varsity Bars
Lauren McDonough- 8.375 (2nd place) ( personal best)
Lexi Bottke- 8.05 (4th place) (personal best)
Brianna Radatz- 7.575 (5th place) (personal best)
Hannah Merdan- 6.85 (personal best)
Evie Wood- 6.475 (personal best)
Varsity Beam
Lauren McDonough- 9.125 (1st place) (personal best)
Lexi Bottke- 7.2 (4th place)
Hannah Merdan- 7.125 (5th place)
Brianna Radatz- 6.5
Evie Wood- 6.275
Varsity Floor
Lauren McDonough- 8.925 (2nd place) (personal best)
Brianna Radatz- 8.2 (6th place)
Hannah Merdan- 7.425
Evie Wood- 7.375
Morgan Borchert- 7.275
Students do the teaching
Alumni Update: Nate Sevcik
Graduating year: 1998 (98... 98... 90,90,98!!!)
Student activities and awards
While in high school I was a three-year letterman on the varsity hockey team. Although at the time it didn’t really seem like a award but I was voted “Most Shy” of my senior class. Although it was quite the honor I have grown out of that stage of maturity.Additional education, training or licensures
After leaving FHS, I attended Dunwoody Institute to pursue an AAS degree in Electrical Construction. During my second year of schooling I decided to pursue a 2nd degree in Electrical Construction Design and Management. I graduated there with a 3.97GPA.
Work history
Before attending Dunwoody I worked for a short time at Cedar Lake Electric. While in school I worked for a consulting engineering firm in downtown Minneapolis called Michaud Cooley Anderson as an electrical designer. When I graduated from Dunwoody I returned to Faribault back at Cedar Lake Electric where I am currently the Vice President of Operations.
Family
My wife Kristal is also an FHS graduate of the 1998 class. Although we have known each other since childhood, we never dated anywhere through our schooling in Faribault. We got together in 2001 and have since had three children; Mason-13, Ian- 11 and Elli-7.
What were your favorite teachers or classes?
My favorite classes were Woods with Mr. Ahlman and industrial technology with Mr. Temple. These classes taught me how to work with tools and equipment and skills that I still use today.
What lessons did you learn in school that have stuck with you and helped you be successful?
Mr. Hoenthan was one of my science teachers and he had this process he called “unit analysis” that he drilled into us. Little did I know I would still be using that process today. His other tag line was “Trust no one. If your mother tells you she loves you, CHECK IT OUT!” I have confirmed that one many times over, but the process of verifying things for yourself still stands true.