November 25, 2015

At 19 years old Jennifer Clarke, Pearson paraprofessional, was paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Since then she has raised a son as a single parent and has always worked multiple jobs to be able to provide for her family. She played with the Minnesota Rolling Timberwolves, a wheelchair basketball team, until a driver ran a stop sign and broadsided her. Due to continuous back pain, Jennifer had to quit playing basketball, but that didn't stop her from working multiple jobs to provide for her family. One of her biggest struggles has been transferring in and out of her non-handicap accessible vehicle. She has to physically take apart her wheelchair in order to lift it across her body to place it onto the passenger seat. She has to deal with rain, snow, and sub-zero weather while transferring the chair and herself. If you’re looking for a great place to donate, here’s an option for one of our staff members who works very hard to help all of our students be successful. Jennifer plays a huge role not only at Pearson but in our community as well. https://www.gofundme.com/momsnewvan

Vol. 1, Issue 4

Thanksgiving messages from the District

Featured Staff Member

During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude and thank you for being such an important part of our student’s lives. I am certainly aware of the many treasures we have in our Shakopee Public Schools. The treasures and strength of Shakopee Public Schools lies in the people we employ and the people we serve. I am so grateful to be part of the SPS family. Thank you for all that you do, and I wish you and your family a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Superintendent, Dr. Rod Thompson

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to our wonderful staff. Whether you keep our buildings clean and running, help to fill our student’s stomachs, or nurture and teach in the classroom — we are so grateful for how you impact our students lives each day. I know that you are constantly giving of yourselves to our students and we see it and appreciate it. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Assistant Superintendent, Dr. John Bezek

 

 

I am Thankful for…

“I am thankful for everyone that I work with, my team of teachers, because they make this stressful situation of trying a new team at Pearson very do-able.” Mary Thom, Teacher at Pearson 6th Grade Center

“I am thankful for parents who are engaged in their students education and are willing to work with teachers and other school professionals.” Sally Stocky, Social Worker at Sweeney Elementary

“I am thankful for life in general, my school, my family, my boyfriend, and anyone who has supported me thru the years.” Cassandra Erdmann, Student at Tokata Learning Center

“I am thankful for libraries and free books. I am also thankful for supportive EL staff working together to support students.” Melissa Vanderwaal, Teacher at Pearson 6th Grade Center

“I am thankful for family and friends as well as the opportunity to work with a staff that is dedicated to the success of our students. The students and staff truly make it a joy to come to work each day.” Tammy Doyle, AP at Sun Path

“I am thankful for my daughters who make it a competition everyday to see who can be the most excited to come running to give me hugs & kisses when I get home from work. No matter what kind of day I have had they can change it!” Stuart Lang, AP at High School

“I am thankful for my 93 year old Mom who is recovering from hip surgery.” Bob Greeley, Director of Community Education

“I am thankful for me, Ms. Justyne, Ms. Laura, and everybody in my class. And the blue boat.” Kenneth, Student at CFC in the Full-Day 4’s

“I am thankful for my family. I am also very thankful for my friends.” Tania Lanas, Teacher at Sweeney Elementary

“I am thankful for my teachers telling me stuff and teaching me what I need to know.” Diana Espino, Student at Pearson 6th Grade Center

 

 

 

Round of applause!

This year’s essay question was “How do we keep Lincoln’s second inaugural address promise to take care of our veterans and their families?” The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the contest every year and the winners advance to a state round. Winners from East Junior High are 2nd place (left) Katie Sawyer, 1st Amirah Al Amir, 3rd Courtney Ruddies with Barbara Klehr on the right of the Ladies American Legion Auxiliary and English Teacher Holly Loiselle on the left.

Veterans Day Essay Winners

Happy Holidays from the Saber Shop! We are excited to announce our Annual Saber Shop Holiday Sale is coming to you on:

Tuesday, December 1st, at the High School Saber Shop Lots of new merchandise available! Everything is 25% off in the store! Hours are from 11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saber Shop gift certificates may be used at the sale. Both debit and credit cards are accepted. Enjoy the first home boys and girls basketball games during the sale while wearing your new Saber apparel.

Warm and Feed Challenge Winners

This is the second year in a row Shakopee High School’s LEAD (Leaders in Education and Diversity) student group has united the school and community, coordinated a successful collection drive, and won the Salvation Army Warm & Fed Challenge. They collected more than 4,000 food and clothing items. All food and clothing donated will go to the Salvation Army to help people in need. Like last year, the prize is a special pep rally at the high school with the Minnesota Vikings, which will be on December 1.

 

 

     

The Shakopee Public Schools CommunicationsDepartment is looking to highlight some of our club and

activities accomplishments, but we need your help!

Do you have an important event or performance comingup? A student who has achieved great things?

Submit your news to:

communications@shakopee.k12.mn.us

SUbmit Your Headlines

TO THE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT