Around 656
Celebrating the great work of Faribault students and staff
Distance Learning, a new tool for our educational toolbox
It has been a busy last few weeks, to say the least. Our creative use of distance learning to teach kids has changed the way we not only deliver education, but the way many of us perceive it. Teachers remain at the core of education whether it is through alternative delivery methods, such as distance learning, or they are working at a charter school, public school or any other type of educational institution. A high-quality teacher is still the best measure of success for any educational institution and I am proud to say that Faribault Public Schools has great teachers.
I have been in education for a long time, beginning as a teacher in 1985. Just like today, students in that era were influenced by great teachers. Students have also adapted over the years as their needs have changed and the way they learn has evolved. Students and families certainly face more social and emotional barriers compared to when I first started teaching. I’m proud of the way our students and staff have adapted to face the challenges brought forward by this pandemic.
Next fall, when students go back to school, the learning environment will not look the same or feel the same. What will remain are those great teachers and students. Our educators have been adapting now for 40 years. I know, because I have been through this every step of the way. Teachers in Faribault will adapt and continue to create engaging learning environments for kids, whether virtual or in-person.
Back in the 80s, I was a secondary math and computer science teacher. I was also in charge of technology for our district. I remember when our environment changed as technology really became part of the toolbox for teachers. Teachers adapted and students started to utilize technology to help enhance their learning. Technology did not replace great teachers then and distance learning will not replace great teachers now.
Just like technology became a new gadget for teachers to use in the 80s, teachers now have a new virtual tool in their toolbox, called “distance learning” (probably an appropriate name since students are not physically at school during this pandemic). These tools are a means to communicate with students and positively influence and enhance the way they learn.
Distance learning, like many other tools in the past, will not replace a teacher and how students receive a high-quality education. In my experience, quality learning has always been defined by a great teacher using all of their tools in the toolbox to engage students academically as well as facilitating students to acquire the skills they need to be successful. These skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, citizenship, communication and collaboration with others, and communication and informational technology. Along with high academic expectations, these 21st-century skills are critical attributes for all students that graduate from Faribault Public Schools.
We are all in this together as we create this new normal for our teachers and our students. I hope you are all able to stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive. We are Faribault!
Todd Sesker
Superintendent, Faribault Public Schools
Faribault Booster Club shows support for senior class, teachers with signs, banners
National School Nurse Day
On May 6, we thanked our nursing staff for all they do on National School Nurse Day. Our school nurses support education by ensuring our students are safe, healthy and ready to learn.
Mrs. Terra Boyd, LPN - FHS
Mrs. Susan Pelkey, LPN - FMS
Mrs. Rosita Wheelock, LPN - Jefferson Elem.
Mrs. Candy Gunderson, LPN - Lincoln Elem.
Mrs. Hannah Bongers, LPN - Roosevelt Elem.
Mrs. Correen Bronstad, RN - Jefferson and Lincoln
Mrs. Bonnie Story, RN - McKinley, Roosevelt, FMS and FEC
Mrs. Mary Herzog, RN - Faribault Parochial Schools
School Lunch Hero Day!
May 1 was School Lunch Hero Day. Since school buildings closed in March, our team of food service workers, school staff and volunteers have teamed up to provide over 80,000 meals to Faribault kids!
Administrative Professionals Day
-Principal Brad Palmer
"Val Dolezal is one of the hardest workers in this side of town! She’s a problem solver and dedicated to helping our staff and early childhood families. She’s the jack of all trades!"
-Early Childhood Coordinator Olivia Sage
"We have always known the value we place in our Administrative Professionals and how much we lean on them daily for the work that we do. That has never been more evident than now, when they are not occupying the chairs they usually occupy. Wow! I cant tell you how many times I want to call out their names to help me with an endless amount of responsibilities and they are not as easily accessible. They are doing amazing work in this distance learning format and still working tirelessly from home, but it truly brings to light how vital they are to the smooth operation of the schools, We can't do what we do without them. Thank you so very much for all you do."
-Principal Terry Ronayne
"It's people like Julie Eul and Jann Pettipiece-Zabel that make Jefferson a much nicer place to be. Every day, we are reminded how lucky we are to work with them. During this Covid-19 pandemic, their dedication and can-do spirit has lifted every one of us. We appreciate everything that they do."
-Principal Yesica Louis
"Faribault High School is so fortunate to have an amazing team of administrative professionals that help us serve our students, families, and community every day. We are very proud of the customer service they provide and the love that they show our students all of the time. Thank you, administrative professionals!!!"
-Principal Jamie Bente
"We are grateful for Minda Vininski, Judy Johnson, Lisa Quimby, and Laura McColley and all that they do for our students, staff, and families of Faribault Middle School. Happy Administrative Professionals Day to these fantastic people."
-Principal Michael Meihak
VIDEO: High School students give teachers shout-outs during Teacher Appreciation Week
Peck wins Southeast Minnesota Assistant Principal of the Year Award
Story courtesy of the Faribault Daily News
Faribault High School Assistant Principal Shawn Peck isn’t one to use the pronoun “I” very often. He prefers the word “we.”
That’s one of many reasons why FHS Principal Jamie Bente says he nominated Peck for the Assistant High School Principal of the Year award. Earlier this week, Peck learned the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) selected him for the award in the Southeast Minnesota division.
“It was certainly unexpected,” said Peck. “I did not see it coming at all. Once I had a chance to reflect, it really is a great honor because it speaks to the tremendous work being done at the high school … I think it’s a representation of the work people are doing, and I think people are taking note of some of the things that are happening.”
Bente said the district is fortunate to have Peck on its team, as he delivers beyond what his job requires of him. In particular, Bente noted Peck’s vision for equity in the FHS building and his vision for restorative practices have both transformed the way students’ needs are handled at the high school.
“As a person, as a friend of his, they don’t come much better than Shawn Peck,” said Bente. “His caring and passion for the education of students is second to none. He’s an amazing guy who cares about students and their learning.”
If you ask Peck, it’s the teachers and supporting staff that deserve the accolades. He considers the high school and the district’s success a team effort and said he loves going to work with people who share the common vision of creating a positive school experience for students.
He’s proud of the student voices club, which gives teenagers a say in what happens in the district, and parent groups that also accept new viewpoints and perspectives.
Peck also commends the district for changing its climate to a more positive one in a short time. He believes it’s contributed to a drop in administrative referrals and suspensions.
“Faribault Public Schools is not afraid to be bold and do some bold things if we feel like it’s going to support students,” said Peck. “Moving from a six-period to a seven-period day was a bold move, but the community supported it. Some schools may want to maintain the status quo, but Faribault Public Schools is not one of them.”
Peck started out his career as a social studies teacher in Wisconsin, then coached college baseball at the University of Minnesota Duluth before he accepted another social studies teaching job at Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights. Faribault High School offered Peck the assistant principal job in 2017.
“Right when I showed up [at FHS], I was made to feel extremely welcome,” said Peck. “I still am amazed by the kindness and support we get from our community. It really is a special place.”
Peck feared he would lose his connection with students in the transition from teaching to administration. But Peck said he’s been intentional about going “where the buzz is happening” — the cafeteria and the hallways in particular — so he can get to know students and have a positive impact on their lives.
Reflecting on his own high school experience in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Peck said he had a lot of influential teachers. His social studies teacher, Mr. Ekern, had a unique impact on him that put him on the path to becoming a social studies teacher himself.
“ … When I think about why I liked him and his class so much, it had less to do with the curriculum but the fact that he liked me and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” said Peck.
Believing each student who walks through the doors of FHS has greatness inside of them, Peck said he follows his former social studies teacher’s example of pointing out skills students may not recognize in themselves.
“For me, it’s always just been about being around young people and helping them figure out who they are, figure out what their strengths are, helping them find their way, helping them find their purpose,” said Peck. “That’s never really changed … I’ve always been focused on the people we serve. I just find a lot of purpose in that and I’ve really enjoyed that.”
Acts of kindness
VIDEO: A Teacher Appreciation Week message for Faribault Middle School staff
Sage honored online by President of Carleton College
In March, assistant principal Joe Sage was named a recipient of the 2020 Presidents’ Engaged Campus Award through Minnesota Campus Compact. The award recognizes Joe for his commitment to civic responsibility and community leadership.
The awards ceremony on April 17 was cancelled, so Carleton College President Steven Poskanzer made a video to congratulate and thank this year's winners.
Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3d3WGd70bU&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2YL2IafI4wOPuxtRaluh0UAkXQkbDx7PYnTTrooZsBl_FCIdGLDeMds00
Alumni Update: Casie Steeves (Class of '05)
Work history
I work for The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, as the Events Director, and Office Manager. I love connecting businesses and individuals to people and resources, and love hearing people’s “why”, (why they do what they do- what motivates and drives them!)
As a lifelong resident of Faribault, it continues to amaze me how many wonderful things we have going on, and how interconnected we all are! My career challenges me, is different everyday, but is very rewarding, as we are making Faribault a better place to live, work and play!
Additional activities
District One Hospital Board of Directors 2016-current (second term)
Faribault’s Future Graduate, 2019
Heritage Days Board of Directors, 2017-current
South Central College Foundation Board of Directors,2019-current
Family
Matt (FSHS grad 2006) Caden (Age 7, Lincoln Lion) and Chloe (2)
What classes and teachers do you remember best from your time in Faribault schools?
I enjoyed all classes, especially biology and science classes. These classes allowed me to work in group settings, in a hands-on way, and have shaped how I approach and solve problems in my adult life. Mr. Turtle, (Principal at FSHS during my time there), was always encouraging and blunt, (something I appreciate to this day!)
What is your favorite memory from attending Faribault schools?
Honestly, all of them. I’ve always been quite social, and enjoyed the “social aspect” of school, (sometimes a bit too much!)
I met my husband, (although we did not start dating until after high school) in Mrs. Bisping’s Quest class!
What lessons did you learn in school have stuck with you and helped you be successful?
My passion for lifelong learning was inspired at Faribault Public Schools. Learning from my peers, in formal education settings, hands on, and through experiences has truly shaped my life, allowing me to shape my children’s.
VIDEO: Senior Decision Day event, May 5
Coaches continue to mentor athletes through distance coaching
Story courtesy of the Faribault Daily News
Claire Boatman already anticipated a change this spring, coaching softball for Faribault High School for the first time, but COVID-19 was not the curveball she expected.
It wasn’t long after the season began that Boatman needed to switch to distance coaching. But while she hasn’t interacted with the girls in person much this season, she’s connected with them on a more personal level than she may have otherwise.
“It’s very different,” said Boatman. “In the sense of being able to see them every day, that’s not the same, but I’m sending them messages daily … I feel like we’re getting more conversations out of them.”
Across the district, spring sports coaches have shifted to online formats for the sake of keeping their athletes motivated and engaged in the activities they love, even if that means no physical contact with their team. But apart from encouraging their athletes to stay active, coaches find themselves showing up as life mentors and added support during a national crisis.
According to FHS Activities Director Keith Badger, coaches’ overwhelming response to the distance learning is that they’re more involved with athletes than they would be during a normal season.
“The only thing we’ve removed this spring is the scoreboard,” said Badger during a virtual School Board meeting April 22. “The education and growth experience is absolutely there.”
Boatman and some of her former college teammates and coaches together created a YouTube channel called Safe at Home to share with their athletes and any other interested softball players. The channel contains videos in which the coaches demonstrate ways to practice softball skills when equipment is limited.
“It’s been fun,” said Abby Lake, a senior on the Falcons softball team. “It gives us something to do during the day, and I think it makes everyone feel a little bit more active.”
Lake was looking forward to one last season on the FHS softball team and seeing how the new coach and younger athletes worked together as a team. But through weekly online meetings with the whole team and small groups with individual coaches, she at least enjoys catching up with the other girls.
Boatman said athletes can join these weekly meetings as they like to share what’s going on in their lives and ask any questions about the videos. But since some of the athletes need to work or babysit on top of managing six distance learning classes, Boatman understands if they’re unable to join discussions at the scheduled time.
“Different times work better for some people,” said Boatman. “They’re really hungry for any sort of softball related activity, so they carve out that time as they would. Some have really stuck to that schedule.”
Boatman also recognizes her athletes crave competition, but due to the pandemic and rules the Minnesota State High School League established in response to it, she hasn’t yet found a way to supplement contests. Especially for seniors whose softball career may soon come to a close, Boatman hopes her athletes find ways to fill the competition void, either now or in the future as coaches themselves.
“I have to say I’m very impressed with the maturity of all my athletes,” said Boatman. They’ve been handling this way better than I ever could have expected them to. They know they’re not the only people in the world going through times that are really unfair and unfortunate. I could not be more proud.”
Ready to run
Mark Bongers, head girls track coach for FHS, has also found distance coaching allows him to connect more with athletes on a personal level. Like Boatman, he reaches out to his athletes through weekly meetings online.
Instead of offering his usual coaching, he focuses more intensely on promoting mental wellness. Before shifting to distance coaching, Bongers said physical coaching usually took precedence over the mental health component. He now invites athletes to do weekly workouts, if they want to participate, but more than anything he wants athletes to have an outlet for expressing frustrations and disappointments. Part of that involves becoming more intentional about sharing his own experiences of social distancing.
“It’s OK for a coach to be angry about this, too,” said Bongers. “As adults, we process emotions in the same way, and kids don’t always get shown that … It’s good for them to see I’m not different from them in a lot of ways.”
Lilli Ruisi, a senior on the Faribault High School varsity girls track team, said distance coaching is “definitely different.”
“It’s weird to have an option to do workouts instead of having to do them,” said Ruisi. “Overall Bongers has done a phenomenal job in motivating us.”
As a senior, Ruisi said it hit her hard Tuesday evening when Bongers said the track season was officially cancelled. But distance coaching, she said, is absolutely a better alternative than no coaching at all. The meeting sessions keep the team together and allow them to interact without leaving home.
Thinking positively, Ruisi said, “I look back at all the things I did get to do. It’s hard, but I don’t regret anything.”
VIDEO: Community parade on April 29
Middle School virtual art show
Larson, Skjeveland named All-American Athlete Award recipients
On April 23, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announced Faribault High School seniors Evan Larson and Madelyn Skjeveland as 2020 All-American Athlete Award recipients. The award recognizes these athletes’ accomplishments and dedication to strength and conditioning. Physical education teacher and strength coach John Frank nominated these athletes for their determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence.
Larson has maintained a 3.4 GPA while competing in football and basketball.
“Evan’s dedication to the weight room earned him a spot on the football field and basketball court his senior year. His attitude, effort, and selflessness on and off the field is something every coach dreams of,” Frank said. “He is always there when you call upon him, and always is willing to step up to be that role player. Evan is the first one to put the hard hat on and go to work, never backing down to new challenges, and most importantly he always puts the team before himself.”
Skjeveland has maintained a 3.9 GPA while serving as a team captain and qualifying for state individually in both track and field and cross-country.
“Madelyn is the type of leader that brings positive energy to the team,” Frank said. “Madelyn has been a starter and all-conference selection on the girls cross country team and varsity track team since 7th grade. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without her dedication in the weight room and after school runs. There isn’t a day that goes by where you won’t find Madelyn pushing herself and influencing her teammates in becoming better.”
Custodial staff implementing new practices and procedures to keep schools clean
By Kain Smith, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Faribault Public Schools
Who could have possibly imagined all our lives would change in a matter of weeks? All the things we once took for granted we now wish we had back, like meeting up with friends and family at a restaurant or gathering for a family holiday. Covid-19 has changed what used to be the norm for all of us and will probably create a new norm for us moving forward.
I know that’s the case for my department. The way we cleaned in the past probably isn’t going to be the way we clean moving forward. Covid-19 has opened our eyes to a lot of procedures we considered effective only to find out they weren't so effective, at least not for Covid-19. We are finding out that no one thing will control this virus. Hand sanitizer, washing hands, disinfecting, and social distancing when done alone are not very effective, but when you practice doing them all together the effectiveness of controlling this virus increases significantly.
We all know we can’t stop the virus, but we can limit it and we can develop good preventative measures for today and for any future viruses that may come our way (it’s inevitable there will be more viruses). The key is to not get lackadaisical and resort back to bad habits once this threat is over. Keep washing your hands often, and stay home when you're sick.
You can rest assured our group of custodians are working hard to make sure that buildings are as safe as possible when we all return to the schools. We have disinfected every table, chair, and counter top in every room in every building. We have developed a sign-in procedure at every building. This provides us an efficient way to know who’s in the buildings and where they went so we can disinfect every day to ensure a safe environment for staff when they return the next day.
We have purchased mobile hand sanitizer units for each building so we can have hand sanitizer available where soap and water isn’t readily available. Custodians are checking soap dispensers frequently to make sure they don’t run out. I’ve been attending many virtual Health and Safety meetings happening in my field of work and picking up new and better practices to provide a cleaner building. Those new practices will be implemented in our buildings.
There is one thing that never changes in my field of work and that is everything can change in the blink of an eye. In my field of work, if you can’t embrace change and be willing to change your plans or practices frequently, you are doing a disservice to your district, staff, and students. My department will continue to strive for better ways of doing things to ensure all our buildings and grounds are presentable, safe, and a great place to work and learn.
Hopefully this sheds a little light on what we are doing in the custodial world during these crazy times. We, like all of you, are ready to move forward and embrace our new normal.
McKinley students plant seeds
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Email: msteichen@faribault.k12.mn.us
Website: faribault.k12.mn.us
Location: 710 17th St.
Phone: 507-333-6000
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Twitter: @District656