WDC FFA member, Jezebel Snyder, along with members of the Staples-Motley FFA Chapter, visited Rep. Rod Hamilton during FFA Day at the Hill recently. Rep. Hamilton chairs the House Agriculture Committee.

Wadena-Deer Creek FFA member, Jezebel Snyder, recently attended FFA Day at the Minnesota State Capitol, along with members of the Staples-Motley FFA Chapter.

FFA members first attended a general session on capitol protocol, legislative training, and general information at the Minnesota Department of Revenue Building.

The delegation from WDC and Staples then visited Rep. Tim Miller before sitting in on the Agriculture Finance Committee meeting.  Students heard testimony on financing from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

WDC FFA member Jezebel Snyder meets with Minnesota State FFA Reporter Rebecca Paskewitz (Staples-Motley) at the Minnesota State Capitol.

  WDC FFA member Jezebel Snyder meets with Minnesota State FFA Reporter Rebecca Paskewitz (Staples-Motley) at the Minnesota State Capitol.

After the meeting, they visited Rep. Deb Kiel. FFA members had lunch with Thom Peterson, lobbyist for Minnesota Farm Bureau, before touring the state capital with Minnesota Corn Growers president and lobbyist, Kevin Patt. 

After lunch, the group visited Rep. Rod Hamilton, house chair of the Agriculture Committee, and chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.

The delegation finished the day at the capital attending the House Floor Session recognizing the 2016-2017 Minnesota State Officers. This included State FFA Reporter Rebekka Paskewitz from Staples-Motley.

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PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION NIGHT
Thursday, March 9
5:30-7pm
Cafeteria/Auditorium/Preschool classrooms

Enjoy a meal at 5:30pm in cafeteria; followed by info for parents in Wadena Memorial Auditorium at 6pm; and then visit preschool classrooms at 6:15pm. Parents will be able to turn in registration forms and meet preschool staff. Kids will be able to visit preschool rooms and meet staff. Join us! 

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If you need WDC apparel for the BLUE OUT THE GYM on Thursday, March 9, be sure to stop by The Wolverine Den to see the variety of apparel for sale. Call Jackie Becker, store manager, to make an appointment at 632-2340 or stop by after school.

Kristin Johnson is student teaching in Mrs. Van Dyke's first-grade classroom. Kirsten attends Bemidji State University and her assignment is 16 weeks.

Mrs. Van Dyke has been an awesome influence, says Kristin.

"I've been learning a ton -- she's amazing! Every day is a learning adventure. I'm especially enjoying the opportunity to learn about ENVoY, too."

Kristin and her husband, Tim, have three children and reside in New York Mills.

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Nancy Rach assists Liz Peterson with a question before the start of the NCRC test this morning in the Auxiliary Gym.

WDC seniors participated in taking the NCRC (National Career Readiness Certification) testing today at the school. This test evaluates proficiency levels in three skill areas: mathematics, reading and locating information. 

"This test has no expiration date and can be transferred to employments situations which may require it for hiring purposes," said Nancy Rach, WDC's college career advisor.

The test, which can take up to 3 hours to complete, is scored according to levels of achievement including Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.  Only about 1 percent of the students in the nation achieves a Platinum score.  A score of Platinum is recognized as a very high achievement score and shows that the examinee has the necessary foundational skills for 99% of the jobs in the WorkKeys database. 

A score of Gold on this test would indicate that the student possesses the necessary foundational skills for approximately 93% of the jobs in the WorkKeys database, a Silver score – 67% and a Bronze score – 16%. 

These percentages are based on approximately 20,000-plus jobs that were assessed in the job market by ACT and make up the WorkKeys database. 

Rach said WDC's seniors will get their scores and certificates back in about two weeks.

"In the past, WDC students have done very well," said Rach.

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Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary's kindergarten classrooms were brimming with students leading smiling dads, grandpas and father figures in tow to spend special time together over donuts, juice and milk. 

WDC Elementary held its third annual "Donuts for Dads" event where boys and girls got a chance to proudly show their dads school projects, sing songs and play games.

If dads were unable to attend, grandpas, uncles and teachers were there to fill in. Mrs. Moats’ dad showed up to be with his daughter too, much to the surprise and delight of her students. Donuts with Dad was also held in Mrs. Gallant, Mrs. Lenz, Mrs. Morlock and Mrs. Steffens’ classrooms.

Kindergartener Stella Hagen showed her dad a picture she drew. “Is that me?” her dad, Kyle, asked. Stella flashed a big smile and nodded, clearly pleased her dad recognized himself in her picture.

Kindergartner Ava Jacobs grinned from ear to ear while her dad, Cory, watched her sign language “dad” in a song to him. “That was really neat,” said Jacobs.

Aaron Spicer said his daughter, Danya, couldn’t wait for Donuts for Dads to take place, as the students have been busy preparing for this special day.

“The last three days, it’s all she’s been looking forward to is today,” said Spicer, adding that the event surpassed his expectations. “It was great!”

WDC extends a huge thank you to all the dads, grandpas and father figures who attended this event. The Kindergarten classes hold a similar event in the spring for moms called “Muffins with Mom” on Friday, May 12. 

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More than 1,000 ladybugs were released in the school's greenhouse recently and are ready to gobble up "bad bugs" feasting on plants.

According to Kathy Connell, WDC Greenhouse manager, the primary purpose of using ladybugs is they provide pest control. "They like to eat aphids," she said, which is a problem in the WDC Greenhouse right now. Aphids thrive in greenhouses because of the facility's warmth and humidity, which are ideal conditions for aphids.

Connell and students enjoyed watching as the swarm of ladybugs quickly moved from the box they were mailed in, to finding plants to feast on aphids. An adult ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids! 

Riley Kasperson watches ladybugs find their new home on Swiss chard and other plants in the WDC Greenhouse where they will eat aphids. 

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Wadena-Deer Creek National Honor Society members Sarah Moen, Gabi Ross, McKayla Woods, Kayla Peters and Taylor Dirks are coordinating the 2017 Day of Caring. This is a community-service project where WDC High School students will help Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton residents with yard work projects. Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools. 

Wadena-Deer Creek High School’s ninth annual “Day of Caring” is slated for Wednesday, April 26 and WDC students are looking for individuals who need their help with outdoor yard projects.

Preston Warren cleans a flower garden for an elderly resident last year.

Organized by Wadena-Deer Creek’s National Honor Society (NHS), Day of Caring is a day set aside for WDC students to give back to their community by volunteering to help elderly, disabled, and others who need assistance with outdoor clean-up projects.   

Students will rake leaves, weed flower beds, wash windows, as well as other tasks around the yard in the immediate Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton areas.  This year, seniors Taylor Dirks, Sarah Moen, Kayla Peters, Gabi Ross, and McKayla Woods are the NHS students who are coordinating the Day of Caring project.

Student-volunteers in grades 9-12, along with school staff, will work on projects from 9 a.m. to early afternoon on April 26.  

If you have an outdoor project you would like assistance with, call the Day of Caring phone number at (218) 632-2444. Requests are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who put in a request can expect the student coordinators to contact them prior to the Day of Caring so they know what needs to be done and the time needed to complete the request. Deadline for calling in requests is Friday, April 7.

“There is no charge for this community service, so please give WDC a call. We are ready to lend a helping hand,” said Kayla Peters.

“This is a chance for Wadena-Deer Creek students to give back to the community and make a difference,” added McKayla Woods.

In case of severe weather, the back-up day is May 3. Dawn Hamelau, WDC special education teacher, serves as NHS advisor.

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Mr. Hotakainen's first graders visited the warm and wonderful school greenhouse today to plant Mother's Day flowers.

Granny Green aka Kathy Connell gave the first-graders a quick overview of what's growing in the greenhouse and to answer questions, then it was time to dig in the dirt!

The students enjoyed the warmth of the greenhouse too, which was at 82 balmy degrees today. Some even complained, "It's too hot!"

Before they left to walk back to the elementary, they bundled up, but were delighted in a being able to experience "spring" in the school greenhouse and plant flowers for their moms.

Mr. Hotakainen's class will return to the greenhouse later this spring to take home their Mother's Day flowers.

More than 400 elementary students will be making the trek to the school greenhouse to plant Mother's Day flowers this week. Granny Green and her high school students will be very busy!

Three Wadena-Deer Creek FFA members qualified for State competition with Supervised Agricultural Experience Proficiencies (SAEs). 

The Agricultural Education Program is made up of three components: classroom education, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). 

SAE is learned in the classroom and FFA; students apply it to an on-the-job experience (also referred to as placement) or entrepreneurship. Each SAE involves extensive record-keeping, including balance sheets and net worth statements. Each FFA member was interviewed by region ag teachers and industry leaders about their proficiencies and applications.

Ethan Benson’s SAE was a placement on his home farm, Benson Dairy near Bluffton. His placement in Diversified Agricultural Production involved the milking and feeding of dairy cattle, building and maintenance of agricultural structures, and crop production. Ethan logged over 4,301 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.

Mitch Janson’s SAE was a placement on Janson Dairy, rural Wadena. His placement in Dairy Production included milking, feeding, and care of dairy cattle. Mitch logged over 959 hours in his two-year proficiency. His application placed second in Region II FFA.

Jack Goeden’s SAE was an entrepreneurship in Dairy Production. Jack owns dairy cattle on his home farm near Wadena. His proficiency also included milking, feeding of dairy cattle and crop production. Jacked logged over 3,714 hours in his three-year proficiency. His application placed first in Region II FFA.

The 87th annual FFA State Convention will be held April 24 to 26. Richard Muckala serves as Wadena-Deer Creek's FFA advisor.

Mitch Janson feeds a newborn calf colostrum in his Dairy Placement Proficiency on Janson Dairy near Wadena. Courtesy photo.

Jack Goeden shows cattle at the Wadena County Fair as part of his Dairy Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency. Courtesy photo.

Ethan Benson adjusts a twin-basket rake for his Diversified Agricultural Production Placement Proficiency on his home farm, Benson Dairy. Courtesy photo.

WDC FCCLA Chapter members prepared to attend the Academy Awards Session.

Bloomington, MN – Over 1,000 middle and high school students gathered for Minnesota FCCLA’s (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) annual State Leadership Conference, April 14-16 in Minneapolis.

This year’s student-created theme is “Agents of Change.” Chapters from across the state competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, participated in youth-training workshops, and took interest in general sessions lead by student officers of the organization that showcased this year’s successes.

Highlights of the conference included keynote speaker Reggie Dabs with an inspirational presentation on keeping a positive outlook to overcome adversity and living a life of high moral character. Hope Norenberg and Andrew Backman led the Safest Summer Ever Teen Driving Summit for teens.  Motivational speakers Renae Groskruetz, Joe Schmit, Mark Lindquist and Evelyn Vonn Banks presented to the delegates. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith and singer Kat Perkins were at general sessions to address members.  The closing session featured “Sheltered Reality,” a high-energy drumming group.       

Another feature at the state conference included participation in over 30 different categories through STAR Events. Members gave presentations about projects they’ve organized and executed this past year—having advanced from Regional competitions—for an opportunity to attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.  Projects covered a wide scope of current issues that address anything from career preparation, to fitness, to traffic safety. Students attended the Academy Awards session Friday evening to receive STAR Event results, including awards in bronze, silver, and gold categories dependent on performance. Many STAR Events give students the opportunity to ignite youth leadership in the community, stressing cooperation as the basis of success.        

As the MN FCCLA State Vice President of Communication, Hope Norenberg was a part of the leadership team that planned the conference.  Jessica Langer, the 2015-16 MN FCCLA Region 6 Treasurer, relinquished her position at the meeting.  She also was a STAR Event judge.

WDC FCCLA members who competed in STAR Events were very successful. Earning gold medals were: Frannie Bakken and Paige Barthel for We Scare Hunger: Morgan Grangruth, Casey Bounds, and Issac Breitling for Dime Drive: Joslynn Judd and Taylor Simon for Protecting You Protecting Me; and Angela LeComte, Emma Mehl and Teagan Roberts for Little Dresses for Africa.

Caitlin Savage competed in Chapter in Review Display received a gold medal, and is one of the advancers to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in San Diego, California. Hope Norenberg also earned a gold medal in Career Investigation and advanced to national competition.

At the Academy Awards Session, LaDonna Norenberg was one of four people honored with Honorary Membership.  LaDonna is co-adviser for the WDC FCCLA chapter.

Tyler Jahnke participated as a helper to the state officers and assisted with sound and lighting for the general sessions in the Grand Ballroom.

Caitlyn Savage, WDC FCCLA Chapter Treasurer picked up the STAR Event trophy earned by the chapter members earning at least 3 gold medals.

LaDonna Norenberg was presented a plaque during the FCCLA Academy Award Session as she was awarded FCCLA Honorary Membership.

Foster Grandparent Leona Porter offers help to third-grader Ettore Pinnella with an Accelerated Math problem. 

Every day, Foster Grandma Leona Porter spends time in Mr. Mehl's classroom, helping students with their Accelerated Math. She sits at a small horseshoe table where five students immediately gravitate to her and begin to work diligently on their math problems.

"How are you doing today?" she asks each student. "I'm good, Grandma," a student replies, "But I need some help with this."

She leans over and scans the student's math worksheet, then gently scolds him for doodling in the margins. "That's where you should show your work, not doodle," she says in a stern, yet gentle voice. They work together on solving the problem. A big smile emerges on the student's face when he finishes the problem, along with a "Thank you, Grandma Leona." 

What Grandma Leona brings to the classroom is beyond measure. She is there to help students when Mr. Mehl is busy with other students. But most importantly, she nurtures students with her knowledge and her grandmotherly love and presence.

Often, Mr. Mehl will ask Grandma Leona to stand in front of the class and share "words of wisdom." Sometimes, she'll share stories about when she was a little girl attending a one-room country school, or perhaps, a simple pep talk. "Keep working hard on your math problems. You're doing great!" 

Grandma Leona, 82, is no stranger to Wadena-Deer Creek Schools. She served as a dedicated paraprofessional for 39 years, the majority of that time at Deer Creek School. She's volunteered as a Foster Grandparent for past eight years now.

"I love working with children," said Grandma Leona, who can be seen walking outdoors every day--no matter the weather--around the school's sidewalks. Mr. Mehl will ask a couple of students to walk with her. Students beg to walk with Grandma Leona because it's a privilege, an honor. But mostly, because they love her.

Her positive outlook, her one-on-one tutoring, and her compassion are extraordinary. Thank you, Grandma Leona, for sharing your love, time and experience with our students. You've already left footprints on our hearts forever!

Foster Grandma Leona Porter said spending time with children is what she loves. She's pictured her helping third-grade students with Accelerated Math in Mr. Mehl's classroom.

Lily Parker gives Grandma Leona a long, heart-felt hug. 

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WDC FCCLA Chapter members prepared to attend the Academy Awards Session.

Bloomington, MN – Over 1,000 middle and high school students gathered for Minnesota FCCLA’s (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) annual State Leadership Conference, April 14-16 in Minneapolis.

This year’s student-created theme is “Agents of Change.” Chapters from across the state competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events, participated in youth-training workshops, and took interest in general sessions lead by student officers of the organization that showcased this year’s successes.

Highlights of the conference included keynote speaker Reggie Dabs with an inspirational presentation on keeping a positive outlook to overcome adversity and living a life of high moral character. Hope Norenberg and Andrew Backman led the Safest Summer Ever Teen Driving Summit for teens.  Motivational speakers Renae Groskruetz, Joe Schmit, Mark Lindquist and Evelyn Vonn Banks presented to the delegates. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith and singer Kat Perkins were at general sessions to address members.  The closing session featured “Sheltered Reality,” a high-energy drumming group.       

Another feature at the state conference included participation in over 30 different categories through STAR Events. Members gave presentations about projects they’ve organized and executed this past year—having advanced from Regional competitions—for an opportunity to attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.  Projects covered a wide scope of current issues that address anything from career preparation, to fitness, to traffic safety. Students attended the Academy Awards session Friday evening to receive STAR Event results, including awards in bronze, silver, and gold categories dependent on performance. Many STAR Events give students the opportunity to ignite youth leadership in the community, stressing cooperation as the basis of success.        

As the MN FCCLA State Vice President of Communication, Hope Norenberg was a part of the leadership team that planned the conference.  Jessica Langer, the 2015-16 MN FCCLA Region 6 Treasurer, relinquished her position at the meeting.  She also was a STAR Event judge.

WDC FCCLA members who competed in STAR Events were very successful. Earning gold medals were: Frannie Bakken and Paige Barthel for We Scare Hunger: Morgan Grangruth, Casey Bounds, and Issac Breitling for Dime Drive: Joslynn Judd and Taylor Simon for Protecting You Protecting Me; and Angela LeComte, Emma Mehl and Teagan Roberts for Little Dresses for Africa.

Caitlin Savage competed in Chapter in Review Display received a gold medal, and is one of the advancers to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in San Diego, California. Hope Norenberg also earned a gold medal in Career Investigation and advanced to national competition.

At the Academy Awards Session, LaDonna Norenberg was one of four people honored with Honorary Membership.  LaDonna is co-adviser for the WDC FCCLA chapter.

Tyler Jahnke participated as a helper to the state officers and assisted with sound and lighting for the general sessions in the Grand Ballroom.

Caitlyn Savage, WDC FCCLA Chapter Treasurer picked up the STAR Event trophy earned by the chapter members earning at least 3 gold medals.

LaDonna Norenberg was presented a plaque during the FCCLA Academy Award Session as she was awarded FCCLA Honorary Membership.

Pictured at the award presentation, from left to right: Michael Tast, Wadena VFW Commander; Holly Becker, Jeff Mehl, and Jim White, VFW Teacher of the Year Committee Chair. Photo by Louis Rutten, WDC Schools.

The Wadena VFW Post #3922 honored Wadena-Deer Creek third-grade teacher Jeff Mehl and high school math teacher Holly Becker with its “Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year” award on March 16.  

Wadena VFW Commander Michael Tast and Wadena VFW Citizen Education Teacher award chair Jim White presented both teachers with their local awards at their meeting. The award recognized these teachers for their efforts in educating students about the importance of integrity, character and becoming good citizens.  

WDC School Board vice chair Jil Fiemeyer nominated Mehl for his award. In her nomination, Fiemeyer praised Mehl for stressing the importance of compassion, patience and willingness to help students at WDC Elementary – especially with her own daughters, Katie and Anna. 

“Two of my girls have been lucky enough to have had Jeff as their third-grade teacher. Jeff had my Katie in his classroom when she was struggling with finding her place in this world after her sister died. His compassion, patience and willingness to walk beside both of my girls in their journey are something this momma will never forget. Jeff and Holly are awesome teachers and beautiful humans, but I doubt either one of these amazing teachers realize just how deeply they positively impact their students,” Fiemeyer said.   

Since 2005, Mehl has taught at WDC Elementary. He and his wife, Amy, who teaches elementary special education at WDC, have a daughter, Emma, an eighth-grader.

Mehl said he is very honored to receive the VFW Citizenship Education award from the local Wadena VFW.

“I am very honored to have received this award and would like to thank Jimmy White, Michael Tast and the rest of VFW Post 3922. I would also like to thank Jil Fiemeyer for the very humbling nomination. I feel very blessed to have taught the past 18 years here at WDC and have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful children, parents and fellow teachers alike. WDC is truly a great place to teach and I am very honored to be a small part of all the wonderful things that take place here,” Mehl said.

WDC School Board chair Kent Schmidt nominated Holly Becker for the VFW award because, he said, she’s not only an “amazing algebra teacher but a fun and passionate person who goes above and beyond what is necessary.”

“She constantly takes considerable amounts of time after hours to help students better understand math… She is always positive and makes everyone around her a better student or person. Holly definitely makes a difference,” Schmidt said in his nomination.

Becker has been a high school math teacher for 11 years now. She also serves as the school’s cheerleader coach. She and her husband, Trent, who works at the Freshwater Education District in Deer Creek, have a daughter Braelyn.

In addition to her local award, Becker also won at the district level. She said she is overwhelmed and humbled to receive this honor, at both the local and district level.

“I absolutely love being a teacher, so being named a ‘Teacher of the Year’ is such a humbling feeling and such an honor.  Thank you to Kent Schmidt for nominating me for this amazing award,” Becker said.

Becker will accept her district award on April 28 in Sauk Centre.

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Wadena-Deer Creek special education teacher Cami Oakes will be honored at NJPA’s Educators of Excellence banquet, May 1. Photo by Dana Pavek, WDC Schools.

Wadena-Deer Creek special education teacher Cami Oakes will be honored at the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Educators of Excellence Awards Banquet on May 1 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.

Mrs. Oakes will be recognized, along with other educators from central Minnesota, for their commitment to excellence and demonstration of best practices and leadership in education, which has led to increased student learning.

Since 2011, Mrs. Oakes has been teaching special education at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. She is described as organized, energetic, friendly, positive and nurturing. She is also known as an educator who pushes her special education students to always do better and achieve success, said Tyler Church, WDC Middle/High School principal, who nominated Mrs. Oakes for the award.

“As a special education teacher, she sets high expectations for her students. She pushes her students to realize their potential, but also provides a caring and positive support system that goes above and beyond her job description,” said Church, adding, “Mrs. Oakes also epitomizes what a colleague should be. She’s always willing to help those around her and she has been a true asset to WDC Schools.”

Mrs. Oakes said she is very humbled and grateful to be a recipient of the NJPA Educators of Excellence Award. She will accept her award at the recognition banquet on May 1.

“I am very thankful, humbled and honored to receive such recognition from NJPA. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr. Church for nominating me. It's a privilege to work alongside so many tremendous educators here at WDC. I feel blessed to belong to such a caring, dedicated and outstanding staff who go above and beyond each day to bring the best out in our students,” Mrs. Oakes said.

She and her husband, Jason, have three children – William, Henry and Hannah. In her spare time, she is busy with her children’s school activities, which includes going to their basketball, hockey and baseball games. Once the weather warms up, she also enjoys spending as much family time on the lake as possible -- fishing, knee-boarding and tubing every chance she gets. 

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Seventy-four band/choir students departed on Wednesday, March 22 around 5:30 p.m. by charter bus and are planning to arrive in Washington, D.C., this evening (Thursday, March 23) at about 6 p.m.

Students will tour the major monuments, sites and memorials around the Washington, D.C. area, including the Smithsonian Museum and Zoo, United States Holocaust Museum, the National Archives (see original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights), the National Cathedral, and the Ford Theater.

New sites added to the itinerary this year – Gettysburg National Military Park Musuem & Visitor Center and the Flight 93 Memorial.

The band and choir are set to perform March 27 at Mount Vernon and March 28 at the Gettysburg National Park.

The band will perform: America The Beautiful, God Bless the USA, God Bless America, Veteran's Salute, This is my Country, Sousa Classics, Service Song, You're a Grand Old Flag, and Colonel Bogey March.

While the choir will sing: Star Spangled Banner, We Honor You, American Anthem, Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones, Bring Me Little Water Silvy, The Glory, and God Bless the USA.

Students return to Wadena on March 29 between 7:30 and 8 p.m.

WDC band director Lisa Weniger and choir director Mike Ortmann extend their appreciation to parents, the community and friends of WDC for their support of the music programs. Students earned money for the trip by organizing fundraisers.

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Good luck to these BPA students competing at the State Business Professionals of America Conference, March 23-25 in Minneapolis.

They are pictured here getting ready to leave after school, March 22. From left: Laura Guaglini (competing in Entrepreneurship), Derek Plautz (Computer Security), Cole Pearson and Jerry Wang (both Website) and Shayne Haustveit, BPA advisor.

Best of luck!

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Congratulations to Lucas Doyle on being selected to attend Legion Boys State this summer!

Minnesota Boys State is a week-long experience of learning about Minnesota government at the local, county and state levels.

Ths year's Boys State is June 11-17 at St. John's University Campus in Collegeville, Minn.

Scholars to Boys State must be juniors in high school and are chosen by each Legion organization based on their outstanding qualifications and desire to learn about local and state government.

Lucas is the son of Ben and Holly Doyle of Wadena.

Pictured with Lucas, left, is Dennis Peterson, longtime chair of the Legion Boys State selection committee in Wadena.

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Congratulations to Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary for achieving 80-percent of their K-4 classroom teachers as ENVoY-certified.

Principal Louis Rutten said this accomplishment has been a real team effort.

“Everyone has been so open to support each other and practice their ENVoY classroom-management skills. We've grown together as a staff and understand how we can continue to get better together. I am so proud of how we have opened up our classrooms to area teachers to view ENVoY LIVE. We've positively affected about 75 teachers and more than 1,700 students,” Rutten said.

The Wadena-Deer Creek School District has been using the Educational Non-Verbal Yardsticks or ENVoY program after extensive training with NJPA. NJPA is providing about $75,000 to WDC Elementary to be used toward ENVoY training to become an ENVoY Certification and Demonstration Site. This funding has assisted with training teachers and support staff.

The ENVoY approach is based on Michael Grinder's best-selling book for educators called “ENVoY: Your Personal Guide to Classroom Success.”

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS, WDC Elementary teachers on your hard work and efforts!

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WDC Elementary Principal Louis Rutten announced the recent PAWS recipients, which are awarded for positive behavior.

Pictured, front row, Lily Stroeing, Ella Wegschied, Ava Jacobs, Naveya McManigle, Danica Peterson, Vanessa Haataja and Eva Pulver

Back row: Mason Brauch, Salvador Lopez-Arevelo, Karter Redetzke, Kiahana Truman, Angelina Dieryck, and Deacon Priewe.

PAWS (Positive Always ready Working together Safe) supports positive behavior for students in grades K-4.

A student can be nominated by any staff member, not just their teacher. They are nominated by exhibiting positive behavior and helping others.

The students are given a "yellow ticket" for their positive behavior, which they put it in a bucket that Principal Rutten draws from each month. Students get to pick a prize. All prizes are donated by local and area businesses.

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