Oliver Kelley Farm

During our trip to the Oliver Kelley Farm, we had an opportunity to compare the technology of the past to the technology that preceded the late 1800's. In some cases it seemed as though there wasn't a great deal of technology evident however when the production of work was impacted by 2 or 3 times, it became easier to see. Some of the key questions we were asked included, "Does technology make things better?" and "What was the impact of technology improvements...was it always always good?" 

At the farm, we plowed, sewed, fed pigs, made crackers, and shucked corn. It was quite an experience! Oh yeah, we liked the farm cats as well!

 

Is it time for a Shadow?

What is St. Croix Lutheran Middle School like? What are the teachers and students like? Are they nice? Mean? Tall? Short? Would I like it?

These are some of the questions that go through the minds of students considering St. Croix. The thought of something new or different can make the possibilty scary.

At St. Croix we have a way to make things a little less scary...it called shadowing. Students who are interested in St. Croix can come and visit the school and spend a day with a student in the middle school to see what a typical day might be like. Shadows can be selected by parents (if they know a present student) or they can be assigned by the Director. Shadowing allows student to get a "feel" for things and eases some of the concern about the possibility of a new school. Best of all it's FREE!

Call today to set up a time to visit, and see what a St. Croix experience is all about!

Visiting our Pen Pals at Hope!

On October 30th we visited our pen pals at Hope Community School in St. Paul. This is the school where Mrs. Strehlow (one of our teachers) once taught. Prior to visiting the school, the students learned about Hmong culture and art. In addition, they were matched up with 5th grade student pen pals from this charter school which mainly serves the Hmong community of East St. Paul.

We missed our Bus, but we made the most of it. (Above)

Here are some students with a few of their new friends! (Below)

We went out to play "Oh Deer." We learned this game at Eagle Bluff.

(Above)

Following our visit, we went to Swede Hollow. This is the place where many immigrants lived while they worked in Hamm's brewery.

Our last place to visit was Bruc Vento. There we ate lunch, walked, and took pictures.

This trip was a double thumbs up!

Having a little Spanish fun!

Learning doesn't have to be serious all the time....See Ben and Ethan demonstrate a Spanish dance for you as Mr. Kohler assists them. Note the pen's use as a rose. Nice job gentlemen!

Thoughts from the Director - The End of SIX Weeks!

Well....we are six weeks into the year. I thought an update might be in order. Although everything has not gone exactly to plan, I think it is safe to say that the first six weeks have been a great success!

During these six weeks we have made some minor adjustments to our schedule in hopes of creating better continuity. Most of those adjustments worked, but not all. Fortunately, we are blessed with a staff that is willing to make these changes, even if it is only for a short failed attempt :) They do this because they desire to help our students....even if it makes their day more difficult.

Our students have been energetic learners who keep us laughing along the way. It has been a pleasure to work with them as well as our families.

In the next couple of months, we will visiting a farm, learning about East Side St. Paul History, and visiting some pen pals from St. Paul. We look forward to experiencing these things with them.

If you ever want to visit, get information, or shadow a student...give us a call! We would be happy to oblige.

Eagle Bluff Gallery

We spent 3 awesome days at Eagle Bluff in Lanesboro, MN. While there we did the ropes course, hiked, learned about Karst Geography, caves, ecology, and more. Mrs. Buller and Mrs. Privette helped as our chaperones. It was a great time to be had by all.

Empty buckets mean no waste...we wasted only 2 ounces of food in 3 days!

We learned about birds of Prey!

We laughed a little too :)

Here is our final picture with our host Meghan and our Golden Plate Award (less than 1lb. 8oz of waste for 3 days)

The First Week!

Some Pictures from Week #1

Math...Rollercoaster Safety

Ethan and Sofia...does Jesse get to keep his hands?

Come on Jennie...you can reach higher than that...can't you?

Mr. Russ...you do realize that you are not on a real rollercoaster...don't you?

What! Laughter during Math....is that legal?

Lisa...stop being so serious...there are no assignments for lunch :)

Mr. Hulse...they must not be working hard enough. They are still smiling in P.E.

Ribbet?

I don't see a jump rope, but it doesn't seem to bother this group.