Kenneth Gagner, Superintendent
Braham Area School District
After our first major snowfall I stopped for my morning coffee and was welcomed by a small snowman which had been placed next to the drive-up window. This was around 6 a.m., pitch dark, the roads were in rough shape, and yet someone had taken a few minutes to build this snowman and greet me with a cheery good morning. All this from a youngster making minimum wage who was up much earlier than she probably would have liked. I share this story because in the world of education we seem to be in constant search for the magic bullet — something that will guarantee all children will easily succeed in school. What most of us realize is there is no magic bullet. Succeeding in education and life is a lot more about hard work, the right attitude, and building snowmen when it snows.
Speaking of working hard, we have many examples to share from Braham Area Schools. I could certainly share the stories myself but I would encourage you instead to ask the students of our district; I’ve even provided you a few sample questions below.
• “Tell me how you have been using technology in the classroom.”
• “What is one thing you learned today?”
• “Which of your classmates do you admire, and why?”
• “What is one thing your teacher does that makes it easier to learn?”
• “What makes you most proud of your school?”
If you can’t find a child to interview, visit our school website. You will be amazed at all that is happening.http://brahamhs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Updates:
• Thanks to those of you who provided feedback as we look to build the 2016-2017 school calendar (the survey is still available on the school website). Current results indicate a desire to lengthen the time for fall open house and to possibly examine the structure for parent-teacher conferences. The board examined a draft copy of the calendar at the Dec. 14 meeting and you can take a look at this draft on our website (see school board agenda) or call us for a copy. Final approval will occur at the Jan. 25 meeting.
• Construction Update: The exterior work (new track, football, baseball, and softball fields) is basically finished for the winter. The last work completed was installation of the storm sewer at the site of the new baseball field. The only other portion which may occur this winter will be installing the culvert and driveway on the west side of Elmhurst — this is contingent on permit approval and the weather. Regarding the interior project, the curtains in room C100 have been successfully installed and look outstanding. The new scoreboards will arrive within this next week and will be installed over the holiday break. No additional work will occur on the interior project until school is out.
• Minnesota Law MS 120B.11 requires school districts to adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan to support and improve teaching and learning aligned with creating the world’s best workforce. As part of this process Braham Area Schools is looking for interested community members to serve on a planning team. Contact the district office at 320-396-5199 if you are interested in serving.
Finally, we want to remind everyone of the Braham School District’s commitment of service and our promise to do everything we can to ensure students are fully prepared at the highest level to be successful in the 21st century. Contact me at 320-396-5199 or kgagner@braham.k12.mn.us should you have any questions.