Around 656
Sharing the great work of Faribault students and staff
FPS students help keep MLK's message alive at community breakfast
Faribault Public Schools students and staff played a big role in an inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast held Jan. 20 at South Central College.
FHS students Abas Ali, Kiara Turcios and Abigail Engbrecht all gave keynote speeches. Led by director Jonah Heinen, FHS choir students performed songs from the civil rights era. Eighty students across the district submitted their work for the poetry contest and seven were on hand to accept their first-, second- or third-place awards (pictured).
Equity and multilingual coordinator Sam Ouk did a great job emceeing the event, which was hosted by FPS, the Faribault Diversity Coalition and the Faribault Virtues Project.
From the Daily News:
“In his essay, FHS student Abas Ali described friendship as what keeps others from feeling left out. He quoted King, who said, “In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends,” and encouraged others to stand up for others.
FHS student Kiara Turcios read her essay about the virtue of love, which she described as “treating people with care and kindness.” She spoke about love as being accepting others regardless of differences.
Abby Engbrecht delivered the final student essay. She spoke about examples of unity in history and entertainment and encouraged others to celebrate the joys of others to create unity.
“Without unity, differences scare people and drive them apart,” said Engbrecht. “… When you think about it, no one ever discriminates against someone who is like them.””
Emeralds sweep Section 1AA dance competition
The team qualifies for the state competition Feb. 14-15 at Target Center in Minneapolis. It will be the 29th straight year the team has competed at the state meet. Last year, the Emeralds placed third at state in the high kick and sixth in jazz.
Four members of the team were recently selected to perform in the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams All-State Show in March: Madeline Casper, Alissa Battles, Morgan Rist and Lauren Rindahl.
The Emeralds also won their eighth straight (and 20th out of 23) Big 9 Conference title on Jan. 24, sweeping the high kick and jazz categories. All-conference honors went to Makayla Keilen, Maria Pierce, Madeline Casper and Alissa Battles. Brynn Whitten, Emma Paquette, Morgan Rist and Lauren Rindahl were named honorable mention.
(Photo Courtesy of Michael B. Photography)
Hockey programs raise $4,200 for Bauer family
On Feb. 1, the Faribault and Winona hockey communities came together to support former Falcon player Austin Bauer (Class of 2014), his wife Allie and their son Bowdenn, who was diagnosed with cancer in January. Bowdenn is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for the next couple months to shrink the tumor. Once it’s small enough, doctors will surgically remove it.
Saturday’s game at Faribault Ice Arena featured free admission with a $5 donation or more to the Bauer family. Suckers and wristbands that said #BattleWithBowdeen were sold.
The teams came together for a ceremony before the game. After introductions, the house lights were turned off and players from both teams held lights and came together to form a human ribbon.
A total of $4,200 dollars was raised and presented to the Bauer family after the game, including a $1,500 donation from the Winona Blue Line Club. Later on, Bowdenn was presented with the game puck (pictured below).
“Hockey families are for life. When you need help, the hockey community steps up,” Faribault coach Dean Weasler said. “Even the Winona community stepped in to support, which was great to see.”
The Falcons won the game, 5-3. It was Senior Day and the four Falcon seniors were happy to share the spotlight with the Bauer family.
Girls hockey plays for trip to state Thursday
The girls hockey team will play for a trip to state Thursday night at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna after edging Austin 2-1 in the Section 1AA semifinals Saturday night at Faribault Ice Arena.
The Falcons (19-5) trailed 1-0 after the opening period, but took the lead in the second on goals from Grace McCoshen and Rylie Starkson. Olivia Williamson assisted on both goals.
Goaltender Mikayla Bohner took care of the rest, stopping 20 of 21 Packer shots.
The second-seeded Falcons will take on Rochester Lourdes, who defeated them 4-0 Jan. 10 in Rochester. Game time for Thursday is 7:30 p.m.
(Photo Courtesy of Michael B. Photography)
Five FHS students sign national letters of intent
Olivia Williamson - Brown University, Hockey
Sam Liffengren - Bethany Lutheran College, Tennis
Rachel Bostwick - Dordt University, Golf
Madelyn Skjeveland, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Cross Country & Track & Field
Mitchell Hanson, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Cross Country
The Nest in the news
The Daily News got the scoop on FHS's student-run store, The Nest, back in June...
The Star Tribune caught word of the awesome work being done by FHS students in January...
And WCCO's Esme Murphy gave The Nest nearly 13 minutes of airtime on her radio show on Feb. 2. Check it out!
Celebrating our staff
FHS theatre hosts 22nd-annual Children's Theatre
For the 22nd year in a row, Faribault High School theatre students presented the Children’s Theatre to elementary students from across the district the week of Jan. 20-24.
Thirty-six students presented the Children’s Theatre seven times over the course of two days at the Michael J. Hanson Performing Arts Center at FHS. Teacher and director Paul Johnson was pleased with his students’ performance.
“With all of the storms plaguing the juggling of the schedules right before the children's theatre this year, I think the students showed great resilience and maturity to pull it all together the way they did and have a very strong, fun show,” he said.
In lieu of charging admission, the theatre department once again asked attendees to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food shelf.
“It is all about building community between the elementary students and high school students and the community at large,” Johnson said.
Distinguished Alumni Class of 2020 announced
A reception for the award winners will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Faribault American Legion, sponsored by FHS Alumni Award Committee.
Falcon Cafe teaches students a variety of skills
The Falcon Café is up and running again this year.
So far, a group of about 30 students from Nikki Hagedorn and Marcia Helgeson’s classes have delivered over 200 cups of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cider to staff members at the middle school and district office.
Twice a week, Falcon Café students take orders via email and load up their food cart to make deliveries. In the process, they learn math skills, social skills and customer service skills.
“We wanted our kids to get those soft employment skills, be able to apply their math and reading, and make it a well-rounded experience,” Helgeson said.
Hagedorn saw similar activities at other schools and got the café started at FMS last year. She said students have come to really enjoy the process of taking orders and delivering the drinks.
“It’s hard to teach these skills without doing them and the kids have fun applying the skills in real life,” she said. “We’ve noticed that sometimes the kids who struggle sometimes during the day, this is really a place where they shine, and that is nice to see.”
Middle School Geography Bee top three finishers
First place: Joey Ruisi (8th Grade)
Third place: Morgan Holven (7th Grade)
Lincoln Elementary won the JustStep challenge, averaging 773,527 steps per person over eight weeks!
Sledding for science
“It’s a great review of the motion studies in physics. We can determine velocities, accelerations and energy changes.” -Mr. Wieber
Warmington qualifies for ICDC Nationals in the Stock Market Game
Jackson Warmington has a natural knack for business.
The sophomore has yet to take a business class at Faribault High School, but he’s already qualified for both the DECA State Career Development Conference and the International Career Development Conference. He earned the trip to the ICDC in Nashville by placing 11th out of over 1,000 players in the DECA Stock Market Game.
“I really like investing, buying, selling – everything business. A few of my friends were playing the stock market game and I was really intrigued by that,” Warmington said.
Warmington got in touch with business teacher and DECA advisor Jared Kegler and signed up for the game in early November. By the time the online game wrapped up on Dec. 13, Warmington had turned his virtual $100,000 into over $116,000. He did a lot of research to figure out what stocks to buy, and Tesla ended up being his most profitable.
“I watched a lot of YouTube videos and learned a lot of about Tesla. They were marketed as the safest car out there, and it was pretty stable, so I thought the stocks might benefit,” Warmington said.
Tesla’s stock rose early on in the competition and Warmington was shocked to find himself in fourth place.
“It made me feel pretty awesome,” he said. “I checked it every single morning and all day. As soon as I started I thought the top 25 was going to be impossible. To get up to fourth was pretty amazing.”
Warmington was happy to have Kegler advising him throughout the competition.
“He was kind of like my manager. He always told me the best thing to do,” Warmington said. “We would talk about the market being up or down and at the end he advised me to hold my stocks to keep my position.”
Warmington will write a paper on his portfolio and present it at ICDC in Nashville April 29-May 2. First he will join over 30 other FHS students at the DECA State Career Development Conference in Minneapolis March 1-3.
Warmington is looking forward to taking business classes with Kegler next fall.
“I want to get more involved, get more information and know more about what I’m doing,” he said.
VIDEO: Summer STEAM
Concert Choir collaborates with Chris Koza Band
"Koza had a positive impact on students by showing interest in their lives, making personal connections with his music, and showing gratitude for the week he had with us. FHS Choirs are grateful for this opportunity and for the Paradise Center for the Arts, who reached out and offered us this opportunity." -Director Jonah Heinen
CAST students deliver door decorations they created for residents at Pleasant Manor
New to the District Office
Benefits Specialist Kelly Kalash
In December, Kelly Kalash started as our district's new benefits specialist. In this role, she guides employees through the insurance enrollment process (coming up this spring), provides documents and information for employees transitioning in or out of the district, and handles workman's comp claims, employee leaves and retirements, among many other duties. She is available to answer any questions regarding these topics, as well as questions about your health or dental insurance, 403B, HSA, and VEBA accounts.
"I enjoy helping people figure out their benefits questions and resolving any issues, so feel free to reach out to me any time. Thanks for your patience as I become familiar with my new role. Everyone has been very welcoming! I look forward to getting out to the buildings and meeting the staff - it is nice to be able to put names and faces together." -Kelly
You can contact Kelly via email at kkalash@faribault.k12.mn.us or reach her by phone at 507-333-6007
Larson selected by MSHSL as Most Valuable Teammate
VIDEO: Middle school and high school band concert, Feb. 3
Kenney, Hagre selected for State Honor Choir
Faribault High School sophomores Sam Kenney and Erik Hagre were recently selected for the Minnesota State Honor Choir.
After practicing for a few days, Kenney and Hagre recorded themselves singing “Sally Gardens” for their audition. Both boys made the cut, and will sing with the American Choral Directors Association Minnesota 9-10 Honor Choir Feb. 13 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
The ACDA-MN Honor Choir program receives over 2,400 applications annually for its seven programs. Of these applicants, less than 1,000 are chosen.
Photo: Erik Hagre is on the left and Sam Kenney is on the right. Courtesy of the Faribault Daily News.
STOPS students provide technology training at Buckham West
Science Olympiad team qualifies for state
The high school Science Olympiad team placed fifth Feb. 1 at its regional competition at Rochester Century to qualify for the state team competition. FHS students medaled in three events. Richard Camarillo and Halimo Ahmed won first place in Boomilever! Will Tuma and Chau Truong won second place in Gravity Vehicle! And Richard Camarillo and Mitchell Hanson won 4th Place in Machines!
The team will compete at state March 7 at Bethel University.
Anatomy and Physiology: Halimo Ahmed and Gudon Ahmed
Astronomy: Thomas Drenth and Sarah Engbrecht
Boomilever: Halimo Ahmed and Richard Camarillo
Chemistry Lab: Will Tuma and Mitchell Hanson
Code Busters: Mitchell Hanson and Chau Truong
Designer Genes: Alix Rohloff and Chau Truong
Dynamic Planet: Halimo Ahmed and Gudon Ahmed
Fossils: John Cunniff and Thomas Drenth
Gravity Vehicle: Will Tuma and Chau Truong
Machines: Richard Camarillo and Mitchell Hanson
Ornithology: Jaclyn Meier and Alix Rohloff
Ping Pong Parachute: Gabby Hollund and Richard Camarillo
Write it Do it: Tyler Ta and Gabby Hollund
Winter Walk to School Day
Six graduate from first Custodian Training Course
In January, six people made up the first graduating class of Adult Education’s new Custodian Training Course.
Knowing how much the school district is in need of custodial help, director of buildings and grounds Kain Smith stepped out of his comfort zone and taught the course. Smith got the idea from Mankato where their adult education program ran a similar class.
“It’s just another way to find some subs because substitute custodians are really hard to find,” Smith said. “I brought the idea to (adult education director) Cassie (Ohnstad) and she thought it was a good idea.”
The class met in the evenings twice a week for three weeks in December. In January, they spent three more nights job shadowing with custodians at the high school. At the conclusion of the final class, students filled out their substitute custodian application and were presented with a certificate of completion.
“I think it went really well,” Smith said. “Being a guy that’s not really much for teaching classes, I actually enjoyed it. The student were willing and eager to learn and picked up things quickly.”
Students learned the process for disposing of garbage, vacuuming, dusting and mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
“We showed them just about everything they can run into in a school building,” Smith said.
So far, three students have worked in the schools. With a district staff of 42 custodians, there continues to be a need for substitutes.
“It’s worked out really well, better than it usually does. The class has helped them be better prepared,” Smith said. “From what I’ve heard from our staff, they’ve worked out really well.”
Adult Education plans to run another Custodial Training Course sometime this spring. For more information, contact the Faribault Education Center at 507-333-6472.
Alumni Update: Janel Klein, broadcast journalist
Student activities
Volleyball, golf, track, Student Council, Voyageur Yearbook Staff, Echo Newspaper Editor In Chief, Senior Class President, Honors graduate
Additional Education
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, University of Wisconsin
Work History
I worked during high school at Paul Swenson Photography and as a sportswriter at the Faribault Daily News, both of which were invaluable preparation for my career today. My bosses, Paul Swenson, Lisa Schwarz and Corey Voegele were all fantastic mentors.
My first job after college was as an anchor and reporter at the ABC affiliate in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I then founded my own company working with national media outlets (NBC, ABC, FOX Sports, The Weather Channel, NFL Network, ESPN, NBA Entertainment etc.) and locally with KARE-TV in Minneapolis.
Favorite Teachers/Classes
There are far too many to name, which shows what a great experience I had at Faribault schools. I always felt our teachers cared deeply and truly wanted us to succeed.
Lessons
I feel lucky to have grown up in Faribault, and one reason is that I was able to try all kinds of different classes, sports and activities—including many I wasn’t good at! I realized at an early age it’s ok to not excel at everything you try, and that there’s a lot to learn from failure. I also learned the importance of character. Our teachers and coaches modeled and expected kindness, respect, teamwork, discipline—attributes that are crucial no matter your career path—and I’m grateful those lessons were part of my education.
Empower. Energize. Engage.
Email: msteichen@faribault.k12.mn.us
Website: faribault.k12.mn.us
Location: 710 17th St SW, Faribault, MN, USA
Phone: 507-333-6000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faribaultpublic/
Twitter: @District656