By Herman the Mouse Hi-My name is Herman the mouse. I’ve lived in the Mini-School trip room for a long time, hidden away among the Duluth packs. Occasionally I stow away on a Mini-School trip and write about it for Com-Mini-Cations. I’d like to tell you about the 1999 Mini-School Boundary Waters Winter Camping trip. … [Read more…]
By Audrey Lopez Recognition night is a special little night at the very end of the year. A time for students to be recognized for accomplishments. It’s also a less formal more intimate graduation for seniors. Every year there is a featured speaker who has been anyone from a parent to a superintendent. This years … [Read more…]
By Doug Berg I am pleased and proud to announce this year’s recognition night speaker, Walt Bromenschenkel. Walt was MHS assistant principal and acting principal from 1968-1971. From Minnetonka he went to various principalships and superintendencies in Korea, Colorado, South Dakota, Kentucky and Alaska. Walt was the driving administrative force behind the creation of Mini-School. … [Read more…]
Doug’s note: After I announced my retirement in the last issue of Com-mini-cations, I have received many wonderful phone calls and letters. The following from Jon Clifford, Mini-School student in the early ‘80’s and a strong supporter of Mini since then, is representative. Dear Doug,I received my most recent copy of Com-Mini-Cations this last week, … [Read more…]
By Doug Berg Well, this is it. My last issue of Com-mini-cations, my last “Meandering.” I led my last Mini-School big trip to Utah in April, will lead my last Mini-School trip to the BWCA in late May, participated in my last Mini-School parents’ meeting the other night. As the “lasts” accumulate, it’s time, I … [Read more…]
By Laura Huberty The summer trip involves five days of paddling down the Namekagon and St. Croix rivers. You are educated on the surrounding trees and plants, along with how the Ojibwe people used them hundreds of years ago. It also helps develop skills like fire building, group cooperation, canoeing and outdoor survival techniques. The … [Read more…]
From JJ Day and Trevor Scott Doug Berg is retiring. This is a fact. Other changes will also happen. This is inevitable. Many people are worried that Mini-School is doomed. That it will become like mainstream. That it will become rows of desks and learning packets. That there will be no more trips. That teachers … [Read more…]
By Nate Paulson In this article I’m interviewing past Mini-Schoolers and receiving their personal feelings about Doug’s retirement this year, and what they think the future holds for Mini-School…… 1) Jayson Paulson: 1991-94.I don’t think that Mini-School could ever be the same after Doug retires. I feel sorry for all the future Mini-Schoolers that won’t … [Read more…]
By Audrey Lopez A distant howl…echoing throughout lonely trees…then the crunching of snowas paws chase the cryGracefully, almost effortlessly-they flow through the coldto meet the curious calland soon… their shrieksjoin the howl of anothers …covering the open foresta bit eerie, but still comfortingI get the feeling of being alone…with another’s company close byan empty forest, … [Read more…]
By Leah Shoberg When a tragedy such as this hits America, in a nice western state, in a quiet little town, we always ask ourselves the same question: “Could it happen to us?” That’s a good question. I’m sure that the people of Littleton asked themselves the same when the last school shooting occurred, in … [Read more…]