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More than a phone policy: Preparing students for success

One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a school district is preparing students not only for graduation, but for life beyond our classrooms. That means helping students develop academic knowledge, strong character, healthy relationships, and the self-regulation skills they will need to succeed in college, careers, and their communities. This year, Marshall High School took an important step toward that goal by implementing a bell-to-bell personal electronic device policy, which includes cell phones, air pods/ear pods, smart watches, and personal computers. To support the ...

Vietnam War – Norman Teigen – Working with Chaplain Huebner in Vietnam

We have been learning about Norman Teigen, who grew up on the campus of Bethany College in Mankato, graduated from Mankato State College in 1964, and accepted an English teaching position at Marshall High School in January 1965. When his local draft board notified him in 1968 that he would be ...

On the Porch

William Gieseke (Alt. Gieske) Sr. was born in Hanover, Germany, in September of 1831. He came to the United States when he was 17 years old. In 1861, he moved to New Ulm, where he lived for 22 years. During his residence in New Ulm, he served as sheriff of Brown County for nine years. In 1883, ...

Finding Laura

I’ve been reading the book “Prairie Fires” by Caroline Fraser. I chose it for a couple of reasons. First was that it involves Laura Ingalls Wilder who, along with her family, lived at De Smet, South Dakota for many years. De Smet is about 40 miles west of our farm, so it feels like a ...

It’s time to…

On a road trip to visit Lake Pepin, I was reminded of something very important. Driving to the lake, we drove by a group of citizens demonstrating in support of our country's democracy. The activity was a part of a nationwide movement encouraging everyone to stand up for our democracy. It got me to thinking that it's time for me to get involved, too. We must always recognize when it's time for us to begin a new adventure, or to become involved in something that we are passionate about. For instance... Why not realize it's time to begin a new physical activity. Whether that new ...

A wet reminiscence

With the boggy grasp of the slough gripping at my loosened boot, I pushed my way through the last 10 yards of cattails with my large, lumbering lab behind me. Wedging my foot back inside, I pulled the boot free from the grip of the stinking mud and made my way to the edge of the slough and saw ...