Hi, our names are Zach and Zorina. We are Ramona’s kids. We would like to reflect a bit or meander if you will through Mini-School. We each got to write the Meandering the year we were born (Doug really made us), but this year we wanted to because it’s our mom’s last year in Mini and we just wanted to say a few things.
Mini-School began in 1970 and has been here for many and all types of students. As the laws and education have changed Mini-School has changed as well. The goal has always been to be there for the students that need the program. Our mom started in Mini-School in 1992 with a small group of students, only around 45, that were strong, outdoors kids. By the end of the year, there were around 95. Wow!! The classrooms got really crowded. Mom was a bit overwhelmed that year. She had to attend college classes all year in order to take the job in Mini, and Grandpa died that winter, as well. Even though the students were upset to see Joe, the previous math teacher, go they helped our mom through the year. Some, like Jesse W., took her class even though he didn’t need any math. Can you imagine that?
Mom has grown so much during the time she has been in Mini-School. Though she camped all her life, she never camped the way she did in Mini. Doug truly mentored her to do things that she never thought she would do. Sounds so much like what he did with, and for, so many of the students. So Mom did several things she had never done before, like: backpacking, snow shoeing, skiing, going on a bike trip and even writing in Meandering. Randy mentored her as well, but in different areas. He worked with her to stretch her skills in the classroom by doing Women’s Issues, teaching the Crime and Justice Class, and by doing more of the coordination and Department Chair work. Sometimes Mom looks back and wonders how it all happened and how time passed so quickly.
As the staff all leave their imprints on each other, the students leave imprints on all of us as well. There are so many, it’s hard to just name a few. When Mom became part of the program she had two step-sons living with her and Dad. Because the program is such a family, we all get talked about and the students were really helpful to Mom in understanding what Travis and Ryan (our big brothers) were going through and how she could or could not help them — she’s very grateful for the students during that time for all the perspectives they gave her. We came along in ’94 and ‘97 and the students made cards for Mom and us. She still has a picture of Joe B. and Pat C. holding Zach when he was just two or three months old. She still remembers Chad A. and how he just couldn’t believe that Zach was growing inside of her. How he wished he could experience that feeling — of course he also thought it seemed like an alien thing. The students were always so encouraging and often, when Mom talked about them outside of school, she would have to clarify that she was talking about her students and not us. Mom has lots of pictures of her students, past and present, all around her desk, She loves that. We know at this time of year she goes into that “get business done” mode because if she stops too long to think about what’s happening — sadness can break in. She is so proud of all of you, but also sad that you will be gone — bittersweet. You know how men get all confused when women cry during happy things — “If you’re happy why are you crying?” The math teacher in her wants to keep it under control.
This past summer Mini-School had its 35th Reunion that was really wonderful. Mom had such a good time seeing, all the alumni and meeting so many that were students from before her time. There were many alumni there from all periods of the program. Don’t forget– this summer Minnetonka is going to have an all-class reunion in Excelsior — hope to see all of you there. If you didn’t get a Mini-School Jersey let Mom know and you can still get one.
We are supposed to write about this school year as well. Paul Gerten left at the end of last year to try some new career opportunities. He is still around and subs for us regularly. Matt Mosiman joined us this year to teach Social Studies and has fit in well. Merlin Zimmerman returned this year and has been busy teaching English. He also had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. to play with the Minnesota Police Pipe Band that he is involved with. They played for the President. Very Exciting!! Jen Goepfert also joined us to help with 10th grade English. She brought lots of energy with her and that is why we have one last Com-Mini for you to enjoy. Thanks Jen. Pauline was reassigned this year and joined the Science Department. The students still have her for science, but they go to the mainstream classrooms for that. We also had Nancy Schuett join us to help with Health this year — she did a great job and really enjoyed teaching the class.
This year Mom needed to get students to do some service learning for the Health requirements. So with the help of Matt Mosiman, Kenny Kraft, Keith and Eric, a trip to Timber Bay went out for two days. The students were Renee Aymar, David Barnier-Wells, Michael Griffiths, Marty Strait, Greg Lasky, Ben Dols, Matt Dols, Joe Hines, Melli Fleming, Ashley DeMers, Ben Pollock, Chase Crowley, Nick Ellenbaum and Erik Goderstad. The students cut down trees and stripped off the bark to prep the logs to make a cabin in the near future. The students cleaned the camp and built a great big bon fire. They worked very hard. Mom also arranged two service projects with Loaves and Fishes in St. Paul, a charity that helps to feed the poor. Renee Aymar, Megan Harper, Ryan Studer, Amanda Frederick, Monica Sheats, and Joe DeMiguel helped with these activities. The last activity was a fun Egg Hunt with Jaquon Blair and Rosalind Turner helping kids at the Pillsbury Crisis Nursery Center in Minneapolis. We think the students really enjoyed the things they did. Way to go guys!!!!
Jen has brought some new energy into the program — Mom has been very encouraged by her. Jen took out two trips during her one semester here in Mini. She took her 2nd hour class to James J. Hill House and several F. Scott Fitzgerald historical sites. She also brought Paul back for a day to do a one-day canoe trip down the St. Croix River. The kids had so much fun. Mom said that it was great to see their energy and excitement. The next day she said they were a bit tired, but they managed.
The year is coming to an end now and that means Recognition Night and Graduation. Wow, has it gone fast. Mom’s anxious about Recognition — she wants to say a few words, but she doesn’t like doing that very much — just another learning experience chalked up to Mini-School. She’s trying to keep those emotions down right now.
As we, Zach and Zorina, look back over Mom’s time in Mini-School and after having met so many of you — her students over the years — we are so glad that she was with you and you were a part of her and our lives. She has grown and changed over the years and become a better person because of Mini-School.
Thank you and know she loves all of you — we can tell. Continue to go and make great imprints in the lives of those you meet.
Sincerely,
Zach and Zorina
Alumni News:
Mike Peden ’97 is in the Army. He served in Iraq for 7 months, but is now in Maplewood recruiting — if interested call ***-***-****. He is married and has a 2 year old Tatiana.
Alex Peden ‘02 is carpet-laying right now and has a steady girlfriend and doing fine.
Justin McNeal ’05 was living in Mpls, but recently moved back to Minnetonka with his parents. He is currently working in the restaurant business but is looking at college soon in Duluth.
Stephanie Tucker ’93 is expecting a child, but has probably had it by the time you see this — so well wishes to your family Steph!!
Chad ’93 and Jessica ’94 Zaback had a baby boy!!! Mom and baby are doing fine. Congratulations!