Several members of the district teaching staff were recognized for 25 years of service, which included Doug Anderson, Richard Ellerbusch, Ann Howe, Kathy Meyer and John Schultz. And last, but not least, Art Barnett was recognized for 30 years of service to education.
It was also announced that KAAL TV from Austin, Minnesota had recognized two of the district teachers, Robin Eder and Terri Engel, as "Excellent Eduators" during the 2010-2011 school year.
Superintendent Wellen then recognized Kermit Kalke, who retired from driving school bus at the end of this school year. Kermit started out driving school bus for the New Richland school district and has been driving bus for a total of 32 years.
Kermit and his family actually moved to New Richland when he was nine years old. He went on to graduate from New Richland and later started driving school bus for the district. Kermit said, "It was always great to see the faces of the new kids who got on the school bus the first day of school.” He went on say, "You never quit being a bus driver." Kermit also said he loved the school district and will miss seeing the kids.
Wellen thanked everyone for the great year. He was very proud to announce that the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva school district had graduated 65 students on Sunday, May 29th.
Education for life' skills goes beyond the teaching staff.
The knowledge and personalities of administrators and staff and an intelligent cooperative school board may well lead the way. The office staff, the janitors, the bus drivers, the aides, the music makers, the athletic department, the hands-on teachers of home economics, ag and shop teachers all do their part very well.
We must also remember those who prepare the food, take temperatures, find the right book and keep up with the every changing computer and technical tasks.
The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva School district had an enrollment of 950 students during the 2010-2011 school year. It was estimated that the district had employed three administrators, 74 teachers, 35 aides, a social worker, a person who worked with students regarding sign language, coaches for the fall, winter and spring sports seasons, a librarian, a nurse, seven office staff members, eight members of the kitchen staff, six janitors, 11 full time bus drivers, plus many subs. The district also had seven members of the community serve on the school board, as well.
Math, science, history, English, spelling, music, physical education etc. are all important and taught in many little ways. Cooperation and life styles and learning to be interactive with other class mates are all very important to preparing children for adulthood.
Take time and tell a teacher you appreciate their interest in our children. Education demands the human element.
