How far can snow travel???

Jeff enjoys traveling. This picture is one where he was hiking in the mountains of Colorado. He has spring break this week and left on Saturday for Arizona to visit a friend and some relatives. Richard joined him today. When Jeff was leaving he mentioned that he had been asked to "bring something from Minnesota". So, he wondered if snow could make it all the way there without melting. So, he went outside, gathered a rubbermaid container full of snow and packed it in his suitcase. Of course we awaited the phone call saying that the plane had arrived safe and guess what else arrived safe......the snow made it all in one fluffy piece! So, the next time you fly to Arizona you may want to bring some snow! There is plenty to share.

The Stare Down!

Yesterday during the blizzard, Nicholas was upstairs when he glanced out the window. He noticed an owl in our front yard in the middle of the day staring at our kitchen window. Guess who he was staring at?????
It was Oreo and they quietly and intently were having a stare down. Could it be this owl was a little hungry for milk and cookies!

Congratulations Dad!

Supt. Ness: Most Influential Educators
Written by Jerry Ness
Monday, 09 March 2009
Most Influential Educators
Last Friday, members of the Class of 2009 surprised District 544 staff by recognizing the most influential teachers and support staff, as voted on by the students. Representatives from the class and National Honor Society first served cake and lemonade as the staff gathered for an inservice in the high school gym.

Seniors Tommy Olsen and Amber Hovland were masters of ceremonies and, after introductions, senior Sarah Lyngby told staff why they were there and how much their positive influence has meant in the lives of the Class of 2009.
Matt Mithaugen presented the most influential support staff award to high school secretary Jane Schierer, and Erika Magnusson recognized elementary teachers Vicki Hanneman and Larry Goos. Mark Boen received the last elementary teacher award from his senior class mentor, Regan Helbling.

The middle school award went to Chuck Vigen, presented by Hanna Skaalrud, and Luke Wedll represented the seniors in naming Richard Risbrudt as the most influential high school teacher. Following the ceremony, colleagues, family members and the students congratulated the award winners.

The students pulled off the surprise and I believe warmed the hearts of our staff with their thoughtfulness. For an educator, being recognized by students is a highlight of one’s careers.

MAD GAB

On Saturday night we went to Moorhead to have a night with my siblings and their spouses. We played Mad Gab. Mad Gab consists of puzzles of a set of unrelated words that when you read them aloud sounds like familiar phrases, or names or places. For example, "law sand jealous" sounds like Los Angeles". Teams try to solve 3 puzzles at a time before the timer goes off. Off course the women took on the men and we were short "staffed" as Paula was in Arizona with her sister. Here are a few movies and pictures of us playing the game.