Scarlet News and Notes
November 24, 2019
Assuring Learning Excellence and Readiness for a Changing World
“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” – Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)
With Gratitude...
As we break for Thanksgiving, I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for everything you do for students, staff members, and families each and every day. You make our Scarlet community special.
I am so grateful to be working with this staff. I feel fortunate to come to this building every day, because I get to work with an amazing staff and amazing kids.
I hope you enjoy time with family and friends, that you find time to relax, and that you have some fun over the break. I know that on Thursday, when I am gathering the family around the table and we are sharing what we are thankful for, you will be on my list.
Here's a thank you from a parent...
I believe it takes a village to raise a child well and here goes an attempt to recognize the way you shared your time and talent.
Thank you:
- to counselors and social worker for being there so many times over the last 4 years and creating an environment to help my child cope, allowing her to have a safe place and for the guidance you have given in so many areas of her life
- to teachers for being awesome teachers and inspiring mentors who really got my child thinking about a career and for listening to her and advising her on life in general
- to AP teachers for challenging my child to THINK about the world and her impact on it and helping to prepare her for the rigors of a continuing education in college
- to English and Math teachers who gave my child important knowledge to be successful and helped her when she didn't understand something she needed to know
- to teachers in Art who provided classes where she could enjoy learning by interest, for the joy of learning in general
- to coaches who challenge her physically and mentally and pushed her to be a better person through athletics and for creating a culture of such great support among the athletes in her program that she has made some life-long friends (who will continue to have adventures together going forward)
- to all of the staff who provide extracurricular opportunities and clubs such as NHS, P4T, Key Club, Link Crew, FCA, and Homecoming (what a wonderful sense of belonging and tradition that is at West - Wow!)
- to other support staff who are friendly faces in her world and make her feel that she's part of this school community
- to all of you for helping her learn important study skills and prepare for big tests and for showing that you care
- to all of the wonderful administrators she's been lucky to have who help create an amazing learning environment at West
Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and contributions to her success. It is a great emotion for a parent to have a senior who has LOVED her high school experience and appreciates the amazing people like you who have contributed to her feeling this way about it.
Let's Get to Know...
Allison Beck from the Math department. Allison grew up in Madelia. She attended Madelia High School and then went on to complete both an undergraduate degree in Math Education and a Masters in Teaching and Learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She’s been teaching for 8 years, all of which have been at West.
Last June, Allison participated in District 77’s PDS Summer Institute: All Means All. She attended several sessions to learn more about Somali and Sudanese cultures and their perspective/experience in our schools.This year, Allison is teaching Algebra 2A, EL Algebra 1, and EL Math. She lives in Madelia with husband David, an Ag Banker at Pioneer Bank, and her 11-month-old son, Garrett.
Jeff Ehmke from the Math department. Jeff has been an education for 22 years. This is his second at West. Every year he looks forward to “making lots of positive connections with students.” Jeff enjoys golfing and fishing with his boys in his free time. And this fall, he sent the first of his four children off to college.
Kim Hermer from the English Language Arts department. Kim grew up in Wisconsin among a family of teachers. “If there was a school activity, I was involved in it,” she says. “But basketball, tennis, and music were my favorites.”
Kim has been teaching for 29 years, 27 of which have been at West. Her favorite part of education is “allowing students to grow by ‘failing’ in a safe place with support.” This year, she teaches Communications 12 and AVID 11.
Last summer, Kim taught summer school and attended the AVID Summer Institute as West’s AVID site coordinator. She says, “I am really excited about the focus on student learning. The shift to make all students career ready is a necessary one. AVID’s focus has shifted to college and career ready, so we truly are preparing all students for a changing world.”
Kim is married to Mike. They have two sons--Logan, 19, a freshman at UMD, and Grant, 17, a senior at Mankato East. In her free time, Kim loves to walk and read and, thanks to Audible and Libby, she can do both at the same time.
Good News
Calendars
Kevin Haggerty, School Psychologist
We are happy you are here, Kevin!
Reminders
15 Minute Meetings
If you have not scheduled your 15 minute meeting to talk about Equity goals, please do so asap. The goal is to have all of the meetings completed by winter break.
Resource Room
- Bring a pass from your teacher.
- When finished working, return to class/study hall.
- If a test/quiz is open book/open note have your teacher
- communicate that to us. (preferably on the back of a pass.)
Registration Guide Updates
Please review course descriptions and revise as needed. All updates need to be submitted (via email) to Tracy Corcoran by November 26. Our current Registration Guide can also be found on the High School Curriculum homepage (and on our staff website).
The Week at a Glance
Monday
Andy, Mike, Joe and I will be out of building from 1:00 - 3:30 for DLT.
Tuesday
Events
Girls Hockey 5:15pm at ASA
Wednesday - Friday
No School
Birthdays this Week
Happy Birthday to...
Cindy Mendez and Lisa Welle - November 29
Coming Soon
November 26 - Deadline for Course Revisions for Registration Guide
November 27-29 - No School
December 3 - ACT practice test
December 5 - AVID Demo visit