By Doug Berg
As the Holiday season approaches, the excitement around Mini-School reaches a fever pitch. Dustin Olson, Derek Knowles and Andy Black increase their physical abuse of one another, Matt Thompson increases his number of calls to California to see what’s in store for him on that front, Aaron Hoerst becomes pesky beyond belief, Craig Schrupp literally bounces off the walls, Lakaysa Bollig’s smile gets bigger, Young Kim has had several #7 days in a row, Sam Maeder escalates his volume of words per minute, Mike Bromme gets squirrelier than ever, and everyone seems happy, looking forward to vacation, presents, fun and good cheer.
The warm December weather has everyone confused. Mini-School’s cross country skis, snowshoes and sleds rest in the trip room, collecting dust until the temperature drops and the ground is white. Nevertheless Jeremy Latcham and Mike Bromme have officially declared the onset of winter by sporting new stocking caps and Clare Meyer asked “Doug, can we have a sledding day?” The other day. “Yes, Clare, we’ll hose down the sliding hill and go mudding.
The Grantsburg Hike went out November 18th-19th, the two worst weather days this fall. The 18th brought cold, drenching rain and the 19th brought light snow, colder temps and brisk, biting wind. Everyone did real well though and managed to have fun and learn some things despite the conditions. Randy and I were particularly impressed with first-time Mini-School trippers Jessica Johnson, Derek Knowles, Dusty Mahn, Nick Merchant, Dustin Olson, John Quaas, and mainstream teacher Scott Johnson. The only kids among the dozen on the hike with any extensive experience on a physically challenging trip were Kristina Petron and Clare Meyer.
Despite the relative inexperience of the group, they completed the hike as fast and as well as any group Randy and I have led in 16 years of doing the hike.
Recycling is back. Jon Schmidt is doing a good job of leading the Mini-School kids in this valuable service Mini-School performs for MHS and the environment.
As I write this, Pauline is nearing the time of the birth of her second child. Maybe she’ll have a Christmas or New Year’s baby! We’ve been working on finding a replacement for her and are getting close.
On December 17th we plan to take a Mini-School outing to Dudley Rigg’s Brave new workshop. The staff and kids really enjoy this annual night out together. Jamie Rasmussen has promised to be my date for the evening.
On Friday December 18th, the last day of school before winter break, Mini-School’s calendar drive fundraiser will officially draw to a close. $100 will be given back to the student’s in a drawing with prizes of $10, $10, $10, $20, and $50. Every time a Mini-School student sells a calendar his/her name goes into the hat. Once again due to the outstanding efforts the kids have made for their program, Mini-School will realize well over $2000 from this drive.
I’d like to wish the best of the season to all Mini-School’s students, staff, parents, alumni and supporters. We love y’all.