Nerstrand School Update

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Nerstrand has been busy this past month. We have experienced several adventures in and out of the school. The first was a visit to the prairie at the Engeseth-Rinde Farm, Prairie Creek. The children planted prairie seeds and learned about the cycle that a prairie goes through each year. This prairie was close enough to the school that we were able to walk there and back.

On Halloween, students participated in the Harvest Parade. They got dressed up and walked downtown to Trick or Treat from the businesses. We enjoyed our walk to show off our great costumes. The staff theme this year was Rock Stars and they did a fabulous job of sticking to the theme and going all in on the dressing up. We are extremely grateful for the support of the businesses.

In November, we had Art Adventures in the School. Through the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), several pieces of art were sent to us. Cara Waddell, one of our paraprofessionals, led this experience for the entire school. The theme this year was Artists Inspiration. The children seem to really enjoy seeing the various pieces of art and learning about what the artist was thinking while creating them.

Finally, students participated in our unique tipi experience. This occurs only once every three years. One of our community volunteers, Larry Richie, brought in the tipi and set it up with the help of the Peace Garden students. Larry then walks the students through life as the Dakota people experienced it. Parent volunteer Carissa Erickson also helped throughout this adventure making sure the fire was stoked and the food was prepared and cooked. The children thoroughly enjoy this experience and talk about it for a long time after it is completed.

Nerstrand Elementary School is enjoying this school year. We have completed our first trimester and are eager to keep learning in and out of the classroom.