This is a week of congratulations

By Jerry Ness | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2008

This is a week of congratulations and announcements as we finish up the school year. Thank you for your patience during this time of change for our district, which remains committed to providing a quality education for our students.

Annual dedication

Students honored social studies teacher Hal Johnson this year when they dedicated the High School’s annual to him. Mr. Johnson is a student favorite for his wonderful sense of humor along with his excellent teaching. The students used HAL as an acronym for Hilarious, Ambitious and Lovable. What great attributes for a teacher! Quoting from the annual, “Mr. Hal Johnson is just one of those people that you’ll remember long after you’ve left the halls of FFHS. He’s had a big impact on everyone he meets. … he treats his students with as much respect as if we are friends rather than students.” Congratulations, Mr. Johnson!

Open house honoring Beth Achter

Congratulations to Beth Achter, who’s retiring this year as director of Early Childhood Family Education and School Readiness. Thank you for 24 years of dedicated service to the district. There’s an open house in Beth’s honor from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Eisenhower School.

Week of Caring

High School students showed their generosity by collecting food and pennies for those in need during May. They collected 796 pounds of food for the food shelf and $2,581.32 for Pennies for Patients. Our students do care and make tremendous contributions to our community.

544 Education Foundation Hall of Fame

The 544 Education Foundation Hall of Fame and Senior Recognition Program showcased the quality people in our school system. Congratulations to Dave and Tudy Nycklemoe and Jeff Johnson (Distinguished Alumni), Kevin Schmidt (Arts Hall of Fame) and James Henkes (Athletic Hall of Fame). The late Frances Haller received the Distinguished Service award. Thanks, too, to Foundation Director Mindy Fuder for her leadership.

Senior Recognition

The Class of 2008 has set the bar high for future classes with its lofty achievements in academics, arts and athletics. I join the entire staff of District 544 in wishing our seniors well in their future endeavors.

I would also like to thank Gary Schuler and Sue Thorsen from our Activities Department for organizing a quality senior recognition program each year.

Baccalaureate

Many seniors and their families were on hand Sunday evening to hear inspirational testimonies, songs and a message from Otter football coach Richard Risbrudt, who talked with students about living their lives with dignity and integrity.

School ends May 23

Our students are looking forward to summer vacation a week earlier than planned, while the staff will be packing next week. The staff has done a wonderful job of concentrating on the education of the students during the transition. The students at Cleveland and the McKinley 4th graders will get the first tours of the new Cleveland addition this week.

iQ Academy Minnesota

The name and service provider has changed for our online school, but our mission of educating students virtually is the same. We look forward to serving more students in partnership with KC Distance Learning. Our goal is to have 200 students registered and taking classes next fall. The Web site address and open house dates will be announced in the near future.

Jerry Ness is the superitendent of the Fergus Falls School District. His column runs Wednesdays.