Latest news with #SouthwestMiddleSchool
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Albert Lea High School principal accepts new job in Northfield
Jun. 3—Albert Lea High School Principal Chris Dibble has accepted a position as the high school principal of Northfield Public Schools, Board Chairman Dave Klatt announced Monday during the school board work session. Dibble started with the district in 2016 as dean of students and became principal of Southwest Middle School in 2018 before transitioning to his current role at the high school in 2021. Dibble said he is most proud of remaining focused on students as the district transitioned through multiple leaders and said he thinks he has been able to open lines of communication between administration and staff to focus on student needs. He said he also thinks he has built relationships with students, staff and community members during his time as a leader. Under his leadership, the high school has received levels 1 and 2 certification in the High Reliability Schools framework, giving the staff direction and a focus on data-driven strategies that give students the best environment for school. They have also rebuilt safety protocols and worked closely with the city and county to support students both in and out of the school building. "As a team, we are always pushing to try new ideas and plans that will enhance the students' experience each and every day," he said. "We know there is work to be done and we listen to the feedback we receive from parents about bullying, cell phones, social media and chemical use." As he leaves the district, he said he knows there are people already here who will continue the journey that has led to a team dynamic at the high school. "We have a great staff, students who do great work and a community that supports their children," he said. "There are wheels in motion that will carry ALHS forward as the leadership change happens." In an email sent out to parents, he said he plans to continue relationships with many people who helped shape the middle and high schools during his time. "I wish the Albert Lea Area Schools and the Albert Lea community nothing but the best as I begin my next professional journey," he said in the email. "My family and I thank you for your support and look forward to catching up with you whenever our paths cross again." Klatt said he spoke with interim Superintendent David Krenz and incoming Superintendent Steven Heil about a rough timeline to replace the position, and Klatt said they hope to have the job posted by Friday, with candidates screened at the end of June and first part of July. They hope to set up interviews by July 7. He also mentioned surveys they are planning to send out surrounding the position.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
ALC educator named Albert Lea's Teacher of the Year
Apr. 2—Albert Lea Area Learning Center math teacher Andrew Gustafson was named the District 241 Teacher of the Year on Wednesday in a reception in the Albert Lea High School Commons. Gustafson, who has also taught at Albert Lea High School and Southwest Middle School, said he didn't expect to win the award because he knows so many amazing teachers in the district who have made connections with students and who have helped him grow as a teacher. Gustafson has worked for the district for 15 years and is an eight-time Teacher of the Year nominee. He said his favorite thing about being a teacher is interacting with his students and helping them push back the barriers in front of them. School board Chairman Dave Klatt announced the award, and John Double, chairman of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, recognized Gustafson with an award from the chamber. Gustafson also received $1,000 from Wuerflein Chevrolet. Klatt congratulated the six finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award and all those who serve in the classroom every day. Other finalists were Wendy Bidne of the Area Learning Center, Katie Nielsen of Albert Lea High School, Sammy Schell of Lakeview Elementary School, Robin Viktora of Southwest Middle School and Anna Wescott of Halverson Elementary School. More than 70 nominations were received this year. Double said teachers do more than deliver lessons; they also help students cultivate curiosity, resilience and critical listening skills essential in every profession. "Education and business are deeply connected," he said. "Strong schools mean strong communities and strong communities build thriving businesses. Students in our classrooms today are future leaders, entrepreneurs and the workforce of tomorrow." Interim Superintendent Dave Krenz said when he came to Albert Lea Area Schools in the middle of January out of retirement, he never thought it was something he would do. But now, a few months later, he is glad he did. "The reason is it reminded me and helped me acknowledge why I started teaching almost 50 years ago in Byron, Minnesota," he said. He said while they were at the reception to honor "the best of the best," all of the teachers and staff deserve the recognition. "These six individuals exemplify the work of some 200-plus teachers and 500-plus employees that we have in the district," Krenz said. Wendy Greenfield, the 2024 Albert Lea Teacher of the Year, and Janece Jeffrey, Albert Lea Education Association president, talked about the changes that have taken place in teaching during the time they have been in the profession, particularly in technology. Despite all the changes that have taken place, they said there are five universal truths that can guide teachers: —First, collaboration is key to teachers' success. Teachers cannot be successful without their teams pushing their thinking forward, challenging their assumptions and supporting them when difficulties arise. This helps transform their teaching from good to great. —Second, no matter how fascinating the lesson, students will always find distractions, so teachers must be flexible and have a sense of humor. —Third, learning never truly ends, and there's always something new to learn, whether it's a new teacher or one who has been teaching for over 30 years. —Fourth, teachers make a difference. "All that we touch changes, and what we change, changes us ... " Jeffrey said. "If you want to encourage learning, be a learner, intrigue learners, assist struggling learners, push advanced learners, celebrate learning and celebrate the struggles of learning." —Fifth, few teachers want to be recognized and generally don't want to stick out in a crowd. Greenfield thanked the finalists for their dedication, passion and unwavering belief in the potential of students. "You represent all the good we aspire to be," she said.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Juvenile cited for disorderly conduct after reportedly joking about gun in backpack
Mar. 31—Police cited one juvenile for disorderly conduct after receiving more than one report of a student at Southwest Middle School who reportedly had a gun. A message from Principal Tyler Johnson sent out Friday morning stated a parent had called police stating that their child had heard from another student about another student possibly having a gun in their backpack. "School administration and the school resource officer immediately brought the alleged student to the office and investigated the situation," Johnson said. No gun was found, and the student stated they had "joked" about having a gun in their backpack to the student. "School safety is our top priority, and we take all allegations seriously," Johnson said. "The student was given consequences." He thanked those who called in to the school. Juveniles cited at high school Police cited one juvenile for possession of marijuana under 21 at 12:21 p.m. Thursday at 2000 Tiger Lane. Police cited one juvenile for possession of marijuana under 21 at 12:35 p.m. Friday at 2000 Tiger Lane. Police cited one juvenile for possession of a vaping device on school property at 2:12 p.m. Friday at 2000 Tiger Lane. Dog reportedly attacks another dog Police received a report at 4:44 p.m. Thursday of a loose dog that attacked another dog at 2165 Highland Ave. Storage unit broken into A storage unit was reported broken into at 7:14 p.m. Thursday at 301 Rezin Ave. 1 injured after car goes in ditch One person was reportedly taken to the hospital after his vehicle went into the ditch at 7:45 a.m. Friday near the intersection of 180th Street and 705th Avenue. Scam reported Deputies received a report at 12:40 p.m. Friday of someone who had been scammed out of money during an attempt to buy a puppy over Facebook. Grass fires reported A grass fire was reported at 5:08 p.m. Friday at 76303 170th St. A grass fire was reported at 6:41 p.m. Friday in the wildlife management area near 875th Avenue and 320th Street in Blooming Prairie. 1 arrested for DWI Deputies arrested Taylor Wayne Spooner, 33, for third-degree driving while intoxicated and open container after a traffic stop at 11:42 p.m. Friday at 498 E. Main St. in Clarks Grove. Robbery reported Police received a report at 5:48 p.m. Saturday of two people who attempted to rob an individual at 407 First Ave. NE in Geneva. Damage reported A mailbox was reported broken off at the base at 6:58 a.m. Friday at 510 W. Richway Drive. A cable box was reported damaged at 7:30 a.m. Friday at 2024 Greenwood Drive. Wallet reported missing A wallet was reported missing at 10:04 a.m. Friday at 25 Katherine St. Checks stolen Police received a report at 10:45 a.m. Friday of checks that were believed to have been stolen at 1619 Blake Ave. 1 arrested after domestic incident Police arrested Luis Fred Cardenas, 34, after receiving a report of a domestic incident at 12:44 p.m. Friday at 510 Grace St. 3 arrested on warrants Police served a warrant on Ashta Ashante Kane, 45, at 6:43 p.m. Friday at 411 S. Broadway. Police arrested Pah Ne Gay on warrants at 9:07 p.m. Friday at 1205 James Ave. Police arrested Trini Cortez, 52, on a local warrant at 9:11 p.m. Friday at 2740 Bridge Ave. Damage reported Damage was reported to a vehicle at 10:38 a.m. Saturday at 1020 Swanhill Drive. Damage was later reported inside the house at the same address at 7:19 p.m. Sunday. Packages reported stolen Police received a report of stolen Amazon packages at 1:29 p.m. Saturday at 418 Columbus Ave. 1 arrested on A&D hold Police arrested Micah Hildon Ogren, 32, on an arrest and detain hold at 10:36 p.m. Saturday at 616 James Ave. 1 arrested for DWI Police arrested Lachelle Ann Swenson, 37, for driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of East Main Street and Wilson Street. 1 arrested for domestic assault Police arrested Christopher Gutierrez for domestic assault at 10:16 p.m. Sunday at 710 Jefferson Ave.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
School board approves interim superintendent contract
Feb. 19—The Albert Lea school board on Tuesday approved the contract for Interim Superintendent David Krenz to lead the district as it continues its search for a permanent superintendent. The agreement includes 60 contracted days between Jan. 27 and June 30, but Board Chairman Dave Klatt said if the district needs beyond 60 days, that can be extended. The contract could also end earlier if a new superintendent is hired before June 30. Krenz, a retired superintendent for Austin Public Schools, will be paid a salary of $44,100. Klatt talked about the impact Krenz is already making in his time with the district thus far. "Within the first six days that Dave was here, he was in every building," Klatt said. "He had an opportunity to see many classrooms, and I had a couple teachers who came up and say, "He literally said, 'What can we do for you?'" He said he thought Krenz was doing a great job in bringing the district together. Board member Gary Schindler said he also appreciated the steadiness and professionalism Krenz brings to the district. "He has served our purposes to get us on the ground as we do our search," Schindler said, also noting that he appreciated Krenz's communication with the board. Board member Kim Nelson said she appreciates the board hearing about things happening in the district before they hear about them on the street or read them in the newspaper and appreciated Krenz for his communication with them. The contract was approved 6-0. Board member Davy Villarreal was absent. In other action, the board heard from Southwest Middle School Principal Tyler Johnson, Halverson Elementary School Principal Kim Larson, Albert Lea High School Principal Chris Dibble and Albert Lea High School Assistant Principal Sean Gaston about a recent conference they attended on High Reliability Schools. The administrators talked about what the High Reliability Schools framework has meant to their own schools and that they hope it is at the forefront of the superintendent search. Gaston said the framework has provided accountability, buy-in, compatibility and sustainability and that it has been appreciated by the teachers in making sure everyone is on the same page and in helping them grow as teachers. The high school has obtained Level 2 certification and is seeking Level 3 certification, while all of the other schools have obtained Level 1 certification and are seeking Level 2 certification. Board member Mary Jo Dorman, who worked for the district when it first started implementing the High Reliability Schools framework, also voiced her support for the system. Klatt said he liked the consistency it brings to the district.
