Contributed Photo The 2015 prom court at Tigerton High School included, from left, front row, Ceara Lebo, queen Summer Kopitzke, Ashley Knaup and Abby Knaup; back row, Forrest Kernen, king Dexter Block, Hayden Harris and Logan Moderson.
Contributed Photo Brianna Stehberger, Kayli Posselt, Makena Arndt, Nicole Creapeau and River Otradovec rock their “native” print Tuesday for Culture Club Week at Gresham Community School.
Olga Brener Intermediate School
On Friday, third-grade students at Olga Brener Intermediate School experienced a special hands-on program called “Come Walk in My Shoes.” This program is designed to have the students and staff members explore the world of individuals who in their day-to-day lives also live with physical and or developmental challenges. Students attended eight stations that simulated what it might feel like to have an impairment. The stations were hearing and visual impairment, physical disabilities, learning challenges, communication challenges, fine motor challenges, autism, language learners and sensory challenges. In addition, our school guidance counselor has been teaching the students about differences in specific people who have disabilities. Students engaged in activities that show we are more alike than different. The main focus was on how our differences make us all special and unique. The goal for presenting the “Come Walk in My Shoes” program is to see the person first rather than the disability. We hope students have gathered a better understanding of many of the challenges others face and as a school we will have unity.
St. Paul Lutheran School
Under the direction of Deb Guenterberg, the third week of Prevea’s “Love to Run” program is nearly complete. The goal for last week was to run about 12 to 15 minutes without stopping, and this week we increased the time slightly. The weather has been perfect and warm for running. St. Paul has been participating in this program since 2013. It gives students of all ages the opportunity to learn the basics of a lifelong sport. Two after-school sessions each week include a warm-up, stretching, game and running. Each day ends with a cool-down and snack time. Students and parents will have the opportunity to use their running skills at the Cellcom 5K race in Green Bay for a reduced rate. It takes about 30 minutes to run a 5K, so we are slowly building toward maintaining a 30-minute run without stopping. Our overall end goal is to run the Cellcom 5K on May 16 at 9 a.m. as a St. Paul team.
This week is midquarter of the fourth quarter. The warm weather and sun have been a nice transition to some new activities.
Students in first grade are busy growing bean plants in their windowsills and this week their caterpillars arrive. They will await the transformation to butterflies and seed-to-plant as part of their science unit.
Fourth-graders are getting ready to identify minerals in a science lab.
Seventh- and eighth-graders are enjoying the opportunity to rake leaves. Helping out people in need of assistance with yard work also helps them earn money toward their class trip to Washington, D.C., in May.
Grades 5-8 are enjoying the nice weather to begin practice for Track & Field Day, coming up on May 15.
Eighth-graders are also busy working on their confirmation stoles and writing their statements of faith. This year’s witness service is Wednesday, with Confirmation Sunday on May 3.
St. Paul Lutheran School continues to accept enrollment for all grades, 3-year-old preschool through eighth-grade for the 2015-16 school year. We ask if you are considering St. Paul for your children, contact the office for a tour and registration papers. To schedule a tour or have questions answered, phone 715-758-8532.
St. James Lutheran School
The final forensics ribbon meet was held here at St. James on Monday. St. James had 16 students participating in the program this year in five different categories. All of the hard work and practice paid off as our students won ribbons: first place, play acting, Kyra Klement, Sophie Horsens, Bailey Hansen, Kate Andrada; second place, play acting, Julia Klemen, Lindsey Roloff, Abi Vomastic, Grace Licausi; third place, play acting, Emelie Horsens, Hannah Marien; third place, poetry, Elizabeth Dillenburg; first place, radio, Chris Parker; third place, poetry, Austin Andrada; first place, demonstration, Kyle Krueger; third place, demonstration: Courtney Parker.
Congratulations to sixth-graders Hannah Marien, who received her St. James letter this week in chapel, and to Emelie Horsens, who received her first star. Letters are awarded to students who have accumulated 20 praise certificates. Students then receive a star for every additional 10 certificates that they receive. Congratulations to both of these great girls.
Gresham Community School
Gresham junior high students recently started their Smart Balance testing, which continues throughout the next few weeks.
On Friday we also had a fantastic caring community meeting. Later that night, we had our annual spring band concert.
This week, we have dress-up days leading up to our powwow on Friday.
Tigerton High School
The Tigerton Junior Prom was held from 8 p.m. to midnight April 18 at the Tigerton Elementary School gym. The theme for this year’s prom was “Boardwalk,” and the prom song was “Beat this Summer” by Brad Paisley. Crowned this year’s king and queen were Dexter Block and Summer Kopitzke. The other candidates included prince Hayden Harris and princess Ashley Knaup. The rest of the court includes Forrest Kernan and Abby Knaup, Logan Moderson and Abby Knaup. The miniature king and queen were Gavin Kielblock and Grace Laatch. Last year’s king and queen were Austin Zychowicz and Kelsey Berg. The gym was beautiful, and everyone had a terrific time.
Bonduel Elementary School
Thursday was a special day at Bonduel Elementary School. More than 150 students participated in the Walk to School Day this past fall and Thursday received their reward: a bike stunt show provided through the Safe Routes for Schools program. Students were entertained by professional stunt bike rider Rich Weber, of Minneapolis, who talked to the kids about all of the benefits of riding bike and how to do it safely.
A great point he made was that bikes don’t give off exhaust and that they provide great exercise. Several times throughout the presentation, he mentioned to always wear a helmet when out riding your bike. He reminded the kids that wearing a helmet helps to protect the brain from injury and that it is cool to wear a helmet.
During the show he did many stunts as students cheered and clapped. At one point he chose a student from the audience to help him with a quick way to check your bike over to see that it is safe to ride. First, put your helmet on correctly, then do the basic bike check: be sure brakes are working, squeeze tires to see that they have enough air, and make sure the seat is on tight, handlebars are tight, chain is oiled and in working condition, and that your shoe laces are tied.
As a treat for being such a wonderful audience, Weber did a special trick. He had teachers Suanne Prestby and Tonia join him. They laid down on the floor and after several warm ups he backed up his bike and rode toward the teachers and jumped over them. The crowd went wild!
He ended his show by reminding the audience to do the right thing, believe in yourself, and stay healthy. If you would like to learn more about Weber, check out his website at www.bicyclestuntshow.com.