Star Eagle office
Coming home
- Details
- Hits: 6710
NRHEG 2nd-grade teacher originally hails from Geneva
HOME AGAIN — New second-grade teacher Kiley Beenken is very happy to be living and working in the NRHEG school district.
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Contributing Writer
Kiley Beenken, originally from Geneva, MN, is the new 2nd-grade elementary teacher at NRHEG this year. She graduated in May from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and a certificate in STEM education.
As someone who grew up in this area, Beenken is excited to have the opportunity to teach in her home district.
Beenken says she decided to go into teaching because she wanted to make a difference in students’ lives. “I believe that helping to shape young lives is an absolute privilege,” says Beenken. “Throughout my college career the most common question I was asked was “Why do you want to be a teacher?” For me, it was, and still is, a simple question to answer because teaching is my passion. My goal in life is to help all students become lifelong learners who will contribute positively to our society. Teaching is my tool which will allow me to help children soar in their academics and will also help me shape students into kind, caring, and respectable individuals.”
Even though this is her first year of teaching, Beenken knows exactly what type of classroom she wants to have – a welcoming one that helps students grow academically and personally. “But I also want our classroom to have an environment that promotes equity, offers unconditional support, and makes children feel safe and appreciated,” says Beenken. That’s why the theme this year in her classroom is “Home.” “The students know that it’s not just ‘My’ classroom, it’s ‘Our’ classroom. It’s important for me that all students feel ‘At Home’ when they come into our classroom. I also want my students to feel that they always have a welcoming place to come learn in and express who they are as individuals. I want to help all of my students reach their full potential!”
Baby, it’s cold outside
- Details
- Hits: 7915
As ugly as we might find cold temperatures and strong winds, they certainly can create some beautiful visual effects, as illustrated by this sun dog as photographed through airborne snow. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
All That Sparkles
- Details
- Hits: 9532
Dancers present winter recital
A dancer performs during the 2017 Just For Kix Winter Dance Recital, “All That Sparkles,” Sunday, Dec. 17 in the NRHEG High School gymnasium in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Most precious gift
- Details
- Hits: 7281
The Botten sisters, Violette and Hazel, right, look at their baby brother Conway during their visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at New Richland City Hall. The event was sponsored by the New Richland Commercial Club, which is also responsible for the Christmas lights on the trees on Broadway Ave. in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Sara Jo Vulcan)
NRHEG Band takes it indoors
- Details
- Hits: 6947
Awards announced at concert
SENIORS — Seniors were recognized during the 2017 NRHEG Indoor Marching Band Concert. Front from left: Cole Thompson, Emily Pirgge, Kyra Possin, Taytum Ihrke, Lillian Bell, Ben Lewer, Emma Tollefson, Solveig Stafford. Back: Lauren Hermann, Christopher Stenzel, Landon Johnson, Caleb Harpel, Betsy Schoenrock, Justin Mortenson. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Contributing Writer
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the 2017 Indoor Marching Band Concert and Awards Ceremony took place at the NRHEG High School. The band was led by director Miles Otstot, and Amber Roeker was the color guard instructor.
The Jazz Ensemble got the concert started with Sonny Rollins’ “St. Thomas,” arranged by Mark Taylor, with Jadyn Sarat on trumpet. This number was followed by a jazzy “Hit the Bricks” by Gordon Goodwin, with solos by Chris Stenzel on alto saxophone, and Lawren Deml on baritone saxophone, both of which brought heartfelt applause from the audience.
Otstot took the microphone to deliver thanks to a number of individuals, especially to the custodians. “They make our lives easier; no matter how much of a mess we make, they never complain,” said Otstot.
The Color Guard used mirrors and flags in a moving interpretation of the song “Reflections” from the movie Mulan, and then danced to Glee’s version of “I Dreamed a Dream.”
The Drum Line beat their hearts out in “Tear in my Heart” by Tyler Joseph, arranged by none other than Miles Otstot.
The seniors gathered on the gym floor to watch a slide show, and then played “Take On Me” by A-HA, arranged by Waters.