By Leah Shoberg
As the time of change approaches for Mini-School, we are all waiting, anticipating the possibilities. On one hand, people like J.J. Day hold high hopes for the future of Mini. But on the other hand…..some hopes have been suppressed by the myths and rumors of those not so optimistic. And that’s why we’re here; to set the people straight as to what the plans of the future are, with the leaders of the future of our beloved Mini-School Program: Ramona and Pauline.
Question: To start, could you tell us how both of you feel about this semi-sudden weight of responsibility?
Answer: We feel like there’s a lot of people counting on us, and it’s going to be quite a challenge to hold Mini-School to the high standard that past leaders have set in place.
Q: Do either of you plan any major changes in the basic way things are run around Mini–such as the schedule, the blocks, newspaper class, issues groups etc….?
A: Mini-School has been a great place for kids and we don’t plan to change any aspect of the program except to make accommodations for the state imposed standards and allow the new people to add their touch to it.
Q: Will either of you be doing more trips? Will the annual Triathlon trip still go out next year?
A: With the both of us having two small children, our roles in the trips program have changed, making it difficult for us to be away from home for extended periods. As our kids get older and more independent in the next year or two, we’ll hopefully be able to take more trips. Some of the trips I (Pauline) would like to lead are Rum River, Michigan, Grantsburg, Mark Warren, Triathlon, BWCA….well, I’m getting a little carried away- I think you get the idea.
Q: What are your hopes or expectations of the people who will be taking over the positions of Doug and Joanne?
A: That they love teaching, learning, and our students. And that they have as much charm as their predecessors, and a good sense of humor-(it’s necessary for survival in Mini).
Q: Do you think that the option of Mini turning more toward conventional mainstream teaching is a possibility?
A: Why do what doesn’t (hasn’t) worked? Someone once told me; “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.”
Q: Do you know where Com-mini-cations might be headed? Will there be any major changes there? A difference in the articles, the art work, the overall content?
A: I think the kids involved will determine the direction the paper will take in years to come.
L: Well, thanks to both of you, for your insight, I’m sure it will give more people hope and optimism about the future. Know that we are all here to help and support the both of you if you need us, and that we believe in your abilities to run our beloved Mini-School Program.