Hendricks School has contingency plan ready

July 8, 2011

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The ISD 402 Hendricks School Board held a special school board meeting on Thursday, June 30.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide information to the community on the future direction the 402 (Hendricks) School District.
A power point presentation providing information including a brief overview of how the district got to where they are now beginning with the May 4 meeting in Ivanhoe, which ended with Ivanhoe wanting to go for a consolidation vote in November. Listed next was the June 7 meeting in Hendricks with members of the Ivanhoe Board, at which Hendricks and Ivanhoe Board members discussed the pros and cons of consolidation. Following that was the June 16 meeting of the Hendricks School Board at which time they voted 3-3 on presenting a consolidation timeline which slated a vote on a consolidation plan for September of 2012. The board stressed that they just voted on the timeline, not on consolidation, and that they had wanted to keep the “status quo” with the current contract with Ivanhoe.
The presentation also included a vision statement for the school that has been developed  and information on what the Hendricks School has to offer students, such as veteran teachers who are familiar with the students and families, a large amount of state of the art technology, things that are being added to support and improve the current curriculum such as the Guided Reading, Daily 5 and Singapore math. Also listed were improvements to the building itself. All of the classrooms have received a fresh coat of paint and new tiles have been installed.
The Hendricks 402 District also has made contingency plans to implement a middle school program and possibly high school if the Ivanhoe 403 District ratifies their minutes from their June 20 meeting to move forward with their K-12 plan. As of June 30, the Hendricks 402 District would be ready for students up to eighth grade. Grades 9-12 are still in the planning stages.
Following the meeting, the board had the public write their questions on note cards and were read and answered by the board. One of the questions asked at the meeting and around the community has been what the name of the Hendricks School would be. The board indicated that they are open to suggestions but at this time, the name is really not a priority.
In a follow up interview, Principal Shelly Jensen said that she would be putting a Principal’s Corner in this week’s issue of the Pioneer and that if anyone had any questions to call the school.

By Tammy Mathisonhendrickspioneer@gmail.com
The ISD 402 Hendricks School Board held a special school board meeting on Thursday, June 30. The purpose of the meeting was to provide information to the community on the future direction the 402 (Hendricks) School District. A power point presentation providing information including a brief overview of how the district got to where they are now beginning with the May 4 meeting in Ivanhoe, which ended with Ivanhoe wanting to go for a consolidation vote in November. Listed next was the June 7 meeting in Hendricks with members of the Ivanhoe Board, at which Hendricks and Ivanhoe Board members discussed the pros and cons of consolidation. Following that was the June 16 meeting of the Hendricks School Board at which time they voted 3-3 on presenting a consolidation timeline which slated a vote on a consolidation plan for September of 2012. The board stressed that they just voted on the timeline, not on consolidation, and that they had wanted to keep the “status quo” with the current contract with Ivanhoe. The presentation also included a vision statement for the school that has been developed  and information on what the Hendricks School has to offer students, such as veteran teachers who are familiar with the students and families, a large amount of state of the art technology, things that are being added to support and improve the current curriculum such as the Guided Reading, Daily 5 and Singapore math. Also listed were improvements to the building itself. All of the classrooms have received a fresh coat of paint and new tiles have been installed. The Hendricks 402 District also has made contingency plans to implement a middle school program and possibly high school if the Ivanhoe 403 District ratifies their minutes from their June 20 meeting to move forward with their K-12 plan. As of June 30, the Hendricks 402 District would be ready for students up to eighth grade. Grades 9-12 are still in the planning stages. Following the meeting, the board had the public write their questions on note cards and were read and answered by the board. One of the questions asked at the meeting and around the community has been what the name of the Hendricks School would be. The board indicated that they are open to suggestions but at this time, the name is really not a priority. In a follow up interview, Principal Shelly Jensen said that she would be putting a Principal’s Corner in this week’s issue of the Pioneer and that if anyone had any questions to call the school.

Filed under Government, School |

Ivanhoe School Board seeks consolidation with Hendricks for Lincoln HI

May 12, 2011

Ivanhoe School Board members are asking for a vote this November to decide whether the Ivanhoe and Hendricks School Districts should consolidate after 20 years of partnering.

The meeting held on Wednesday, May 4 came following a letter from Hendricks Superintendent Bruce Houck about a teacher employed by the Hendricks District but working in Ivanhoe.

In the letter, Houck informed the Ivanhoe Board that one teacher who was working in Ivanhoe, but employed by Hendricks, was being put on unrequested leave for the 2011-2012 school year.

In the letter Houck encouraged the Ivanhoe District to hire the art teacher under the Ivanhoe contracts.

Houck, who also serves as superintendent for the RTR and Lynd School Districts, was not present at the meeting on May 4 because of other obligations.

“I was aware of the meeting but not what it was about,” Houck said in a Pioneer interview on Friday, May 6.

“We made the decision to put (the position) on unrequested leave to make our budget,” Houck said. “I didn’t hear back from (the Ivanhoe District following the letter).”

In a Marshall Independent story about the meeting, Ivanhoe School Board Member Steve Citterman said he was disturbed by the Hendricks School Board’s decision to put staff on URL and the number of students from the Hendricks District opting to open enroll outside of the Ivanhoe District.

According to the Marshall Independent, “(Ivanhoe) Board Member Marty Rost moved that Ivanhoe pursue a consolidation vote with Hendricks, to be passed by November, or else form a K-12 school for the 2012-13 school year. The motion passed 5-1.”

Shelly (Orren) Rybinski, a 1988 graduate of Hendricks High School who owns property in both districts, said she would vote in favor of consolidation.

A number of Hendricks residents were asked their feelings on a possible consolidation vote but declined to comment publicly.

The response generally expressed concern over paying taxes in Hendricks that would go toward the Ivanhoe School that was recently renovated.

Other community members said they would need more information about what would be involved in consolidating.

“Consolidation requires more than just a vote, however,” the Marshall Independent said. “State statutes require school districts to prepare a consolidation plan, including a plan for reducing the current school boards down to a single board of six or seven members, and new voting districts, as well as a proposed plat of the new district. The plans must then be approved by the Minnesota Commissioner of Education.

“Consolidating school districts may also end up sharing any debt one of the districts has. Citterman told audience members Wednesday night that if the districts consolidate, Ivanhoe would not be asking Hendricks taxpayers to shoulder the debt for Ivanhoe’s recent school renovations.”

* This version of the story includes a correction: The printed version of this story included the wrong name for Steve Citterman. The pioneer regrets the error.

Filed under School |

Lincoln HI announces Snow Royalty

February 17, 2011

Lincoln HI’s 2011 Snow Days Royalty, Queen Chantell Nelson and King Matt Otto.

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
While Lincoln HI planned to celebrate Snow Days 2011 during the week of Jan. 31 through Feb. 4, the snow days they got were not what they had in mind.
Instead of coronation on Monday, Jan. 31 kicking off a Snow Days week filled with activities, winter weather started a four-day stretch of school cancellations resulting in an eventual postponement of coronation and the other planned activities until the following week.
On Monday, Feb. 7 during coronation ceremonies held at the high school in Ivanhoe, Matt Otto and Caley Lundberg were crowned Snow Days King and Queen. Other royalty candidates were Nancy Jerzak, Samantha Przymus, Cody Ness, Jacob Pavek and Dan Paluch.
Juniors Travis Studemann and Alicia Moen were emcees and the cheerleaders and pep band were also part of the program. After their crowning, Otto and Lundberg read the scroll declaring
the start of Snow Week.
Monday was also Color Wars Day and was done a bit different than other times, with the juniors wearing blue and the seniors wearing black. The underclassmen chose which class to support by wearing either blue or black.
Tuesday was Life on the Farm Day, with some students dressing in farm clothes.
On Wednesday students wore their pajamas to school and many brought their pillow pets.
Thursday was a blast from the past as it was 80s Day. Parents in the area had their closets raided and several Hendricks Huskies were spotted in the halls, along with many other wildly dressed students dressed to represent the decade of decadence.
Friday, students dressed in red and black for Spirit Day and played games in the gym in the afternoon.
During the week, with the exception of Monday, the boys basketball team, cheerleaders, girls basketball team and royalty each visited at the elementary school to have lunch with students there and play games at recess.
Filed under School |

Nelson and Otto named Queen and King for Snow Week at Lincoln HI

February 9, 2011

Chantell Nelson and Matt Otto, pictured above, were crowned Lincoln HI’s 2011 Snow Days Queen and King on Monday, Feb. 6 at coronation ceremonies held in Ivanhoe at the high school. Due to the weather and school cancellations last week, Snow Days had been delayed for an entire week.

Filed under School |

Candidates for 2011 Lincoln HI Snow Days royalty announced

January 28, 2011

Candidates for the 2011 Lincoln HI Snow Days Queen are, in front from left to right, Caley Lundberg, Samantha Przymus, Nancy Jerzak and Chantell Nelson. King candidates are, in back from left to right, Matt Otto, Jacob Pavek, Cody Ness and Dan Paluch. Coronation is planned for Monday, Jan. 31 at 2:40 p.m. in the Lincoln HI High School Gymnasium in Ivanhoe.

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com
Candidates for the 2011 Lincoln HI Snow Days King and Queen are Cody Ness, Matt Otto, Dan Paluch, Nancy Jerzak, Caley Lundberg, Chantell Nelson and Samantha Przymus.
Coronation will take place on Monday, Jan. 31 at 2:40 p.m. in the Lincoln HI High School Gymnasium in Ivanhoe. The public is invited to attend.
The week long celebration will take place during the week of Jan. 31 through Feb. 4 and will include pep fests on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to cheer on both the boys and girls basketball teams. Tuesday the Lincoln HI cheerleaders will lead the pep fest at the high school in preparation for the basketball games which will take place later in the evening. The boys will take on Renville County West at home in Ivanhoe at 6:15 p.m. while the girls will travel to Hills-Beaver-Creek. The girls games will also begin at 6:15 p.m.
On Thursday high school students will travel to the elementary school for an elementary relay day and pep fest. This activity is planned for 9-11:30 a.m.
Students at the high school will enjoy High School Game Day beginning at 1:40 p.m.
Friday evening another home game will take place when the boys take on Canby at 6:15 p.m. Community Black Out Night is also planned for that evening and those attending the game are asked to wear black in support of the Rebels. Later that evening will be a dance in the gym following the game from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Dress up days for Snow Day week are as follows:
Monday – Color Wars
Tuesday- Life on the Farm
Wednesday- Pajama Day
Thursday- 80s Day
Friday- Show Your Spirit Day
Filed under School |

What makes me want to be a principal

January 20, 2011

By Shelley Jensen
Lincoln HI Elementary School Prinicpal

I am looking out the window; it is snowing again. I am so grateful for Mike Evert. He has been outside shoveling every day this week to ensure a safe walkway for staff and students. Thank you Mr. Evert, we appreciate your hard work. Did you know that one of our buses got stuck in the snow this week? The students were very grateful that Chad Olsen’s crew was available to help get the bus out. I am happy to report the students were safe and on time to school. Thank you Chad, you are very kind! Since I have been here, I have witnessed the kindness
and strength that the Hendricks and Ivanhoe communities have brought the school. It is an amazing feeling knowing that our community supports our students through education.
Principals are often challenged with the question, what made you want to be a principal? There are many reasons why I wanted to become a principal; however, I think that the one that stands out the most is being a leader. To me, a leader was once a good follower. A leader is one who earns the right to be responsible for others not just through education but through their character.
A leader is one who is enthusiastic about work in happy times and stressful times. A leader listens and remains calm in a predicament.
Finally, I believe a good leader demands excellence and raises the bar to challenge students and teachers to take their success to the next step. Jim Rohn said, “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” I know that I have a lot more to learn before becoming the leader that I want to be. I have a poster in my office that says, “The expert in anything was once a beginner.” I am challenged, but thankful every day by teachers and students that expect greatness from this administration.
As the conductor says, “You can ride for free and join the fun; if you just say yes; cause that’s the way things happen on the Polar Express.” It has been a great ride and I hope you continue to join me.
Filed under School |

Are you smarter than a Lincoln HI fifth grader?

January 14, 2011

by Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

What would you do if a fire extinguisher hose was whipping around spraying fine powder everywhere?
Quick thinking and good reflexes went a long way to preventing further mess last week when a fire extinguisher fell off the wall and started spraying the powder it contained.
According to Lincoln HI fifth grade teacher Sharon Evert, last Monday, at the end of the day when the students went in to the science lab to feed the animals and clean their cages, the door slammed, causing the extinguisher to fall from the wall. “The hose was (moving back and forth) like a fan,” said fifth grader Bailey Jensen.
Seeing the problem, two of the fifth grade boys, Tristen Sorenson and Tanner Sik, took action. Sorenson told Sik to grab the extinguisher, which he did, pinching off the hose to stop the spray.
While the boys were taking care of the extinguisher, other students hurried to get their teacher, Mrs.Evert, and remove the animals from the room.
“It was a mess, but it could have been a lot worse,” said Evert. “There was dust from the extinguisher everywhere in the lab. It was amazing how much dust was there. The fourth grade room would have also filled up with dust if the kids hadn’t of put a stop to it.”
By Wednesday, of last week, the lab had been cleaned up and was ready for use again.

Filed under School |

Elementary welcomes new administrative assistant

January 6, 2011

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

New Lincoln HI Elementary Administrative Assistant Shanda Frank, left, spent most of December training with Sharon Peterson, right, who retired from the position at the end of 2010.

Recently, the Hendricks School Board approved the contract for new Lincoln HI Elementary Administrative Assistant Shanda Frank.

Frank will be replacing Sharon Peterson, who had been employed with the district for nearly 34 years.
Following Peterson’s announcement of her intention to retire at the end of 2010, Frank, who had filled in for Peterson in the past, decided to apply for the position. “After my daughter Courtni was born, before going back to work full-time, I was able to fill in at the school as a para professional and in the office (for Sharon). Every day was a new adventure and I really enjoyed it,” said Frank.
Frank interviewed in November of 2010 with Superintendent Bruce Houck, Principal Shelly Jensen and Sharon Peterson and started at the school on Dec. 6, 2010. Since that time, she has been working alongside Peterson in order to become familiar with the necessary computer programs and the general day-to-day duties and routine. “Sharon is such a wonderful asset to Lincoln HI Elementary. I am so grateful that she has been there to train with me for the last few
weeks,” said Frank. “There are so many things to learn. Sharon, Shelly (Jensen) and Mary (Swenson, Lincoln HI Elementary business manager) have all been very helpful. The most challenging part of my new position, so far, has been learning how to do all of the reports. I have taken a ton of notes and have asked several questions,” Frank added.
“The staff at Lincoln HI Elementary is like a great big family, everyone has been so welcoming,” said Frank.
“I am very blessed and feel fortunate to have been given this great opportunity. When Sharon says “I love my job!” I can relate. It is so fun being with the students, they are so full of life and make you smile,” said Frank. “There are so many wonderful things happening at Lincoln HI Elementary and I am looking forward to all that is to come.”
Frank, a 1992 Lincoln HI graduate, is married to Chet Frank. For most of their sixteen years of marriage they have resided in Hendricks. The Franks have three children who attend Lincoln HI High School and Elementary School, Tyson, age 14, Kolbe, age 12, and Courtni, age 9.
In her spare time, Frank says she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing games, golfing, watching NASCAR and the Vikings.
Filed under School |

Cody Ness hits 1,000 rushing yards mark during Oct. 20 game

October 27, 2010

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

Lincoln HI Rebels Running Back Cody Ness rushed for over 140 yards, including one impressive 83 yard drive, during the Oct. 20 home game against  Verndale for a season total of over 1,000 yards. “This is quite a feat,” said Lincoln HI Athletic Director Craig Midtaune. “We only play eight games during the season and this was our last game.”

Ness came into the game needing only 68 yards to reach his goal of a 1,000 yards. With four minutes left in the fourth quarter, and 11 yards short of his goal, it seemed reaching his goal may not happen. The team rallied behind Ness, however, and made sure he got the ball and kept everyone out of the way. Ness then made his impressive 83-yard drive, reaching his goal and getting the only touchdown of the game.

Ness, a senior a Lincoln HI High School, is the son of Jim and Jeanie Ness and Carol and Tony Simons. He will be presented with an award in honor of his achievement later in the fall at which time a complete story on Ness will be published.

Filed under Community, School |

Kiwanis awards scholarships to students

September 2, 2010

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

The Hendricks Kiwanis held their annual ice cream social on Friday, Aug. 27. Proceeds from events such as the ice cream social help fund community and school projects and scholarships that are given by the Kiwanis. - Photo by Tammy Mathison

The Hendricks Kiwanis recently awarded scholarships to 12 students from the ISD 402 School District. The scholarship recipients are recent graduates of Lincoln HI, Deubrook and Estelline High Schools.

Megan Buller, Peder Digre, Megan Evert, April Lisowski, Brian Lawberg, James Lawberg, Erika Mathison, Danielle Nelson, Miranda Nelson, Monica Nelson, Greg Olson and Kendra Tomaszewski were the recipients of $100 scholarships from the Kiwanis. All were graduates of the Class of 2009, except for Greg Olson, who graduated in 2008.

“We’re playing a little catch up,” said Kiwanis President Duane Hogie. “We decided that rather than awarding two scholarships in the amount of $600 each, we would give these twelve students $100 each.”

The money for the scholarships and other school and community projects comes from fundraising that the Kiwanis does, such as the recent Annual Ice Cream Social held on Friday, Aug. 27, the Annual Belgian Waffle Feed in the spring and the collection of aluminum cans throughout the year.

Filed under Community, School |
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