Spring Brings Change

The calendar tells us it’s spring and we have moved our clocks ahead. As the days get longer and warmer, our thoughts turn to the various projects that need to be completed as the school year’s end draws nearer.

Some of our staff members are approaching a new season in their lives as well. The following staff members will be retiring after the completion of this school year: Gary Haglund - 32 years teaching MS/HS Science, Gwynne Nichols -32 years teaching Elementary Special Education, David Rangaard – 26 years teaching Elementary, Jane Hjelle – 29.5 years teaching Elementary Special Education, Lori Asche – 29 years teaching Elementary Special Education, Pat Nelson – 25.5 years teaching MS/HS Special Education, and Diane Dutcher – 25 years teaching Physical Education/Health and Adaptive Physical Education. I would like to personally thank these staff members for their 199 combined years of service and dedication to our students and our community. They have touched many lives and we are all better for it. I wish them much happiness and a long healthy retirement.

A special group of young people that have seen a dozen springs in their educational calendar are now approaching a very important season in their lives with their high school graduation. We can all be proud of the role that we as parents, guardians, and educators have played in raising these children. We wish them all life’s best and hope that they bloom where they are planted by using the tools of their Paynesville Area Schools education.

April marks an important time for our students as they will be taking the MCAII’s tests. Not only must our students pass these very important tests in order to graduate from high school, our school district is also held accountable for the test results. I encourage you to stress to your student how important it is to do their best on these tests. In addition to working hard on the practice tests, students should get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast for best results.

I would like to congratulate the Bulldog Wrestling team for their 6th place finish at the State Wrestling Tournament. A special thanks to all those who supported the Bulldogs this season; it was great seeing all the students and fans down at the Excel Center. I would also like to congratulate all of our winter coaches and athletes as well as our fine art students and advisors for all of their accomplishments this past winter. I wish our spring coaches, athletes, fine arts advisors and participants a warm, dry and successful season. Studies prove that involvement in extra-curricular activities not only promotes teamwork and increased self-esteem in our athletes, it also brings a community together as coaches and parents demonstrate excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie at the events.

In this newsletter, you will also find the spring calendar. As I mentioned earlier, this is a very busy time of the year filled with many sporting activities and other events like prom, track and field days, testing dates, and field trips. Cut it out and keep it handy on your refrigerator. You can always refer to our calendars on-line at www.paynesvilleschools.com.

Mr. Todd Burlingame
Superintendent