Cameras, expanded offerings, exchange students

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

BROWN COUNTY -- Students in New Ulm and surrounding communities returned to school Wednesday and learned about new programs and security improvements.

District 88 students should feel safer than ever this year for several reasons. First, they should smile because they'll be on security cameras at all four school sites. Second, automatic external defibrillators will be in each building and at athletic events, thanks to a partnership with New Ulm Medical Center.

The Automotive Technology class will be expanded to a two-year program with summer internships. Students will be able to earn up to 16 college credits.

New Ulm Cathedral added expanded science offerings in environmental studies and advanced earth science. A new faith formation class is available.

A $3 million capital campaign is under way for updated science and technology labs and maintenance improvements. in New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

On Friday, NUACS will host a birthday party including a tree planting ceremony at 2 p.m.

The first school building, built in 1874, is 130 years old. The middle school is a century old and the high school was built a half-century ago.

Six foreign exchange students will grace the Minnesota Valley Lutheran halls this year. Three students are from Korea, two from Taiwan and one hails from Japan.

The school's "25 and Growing" fund-raising campaign will seek synod help to pay for air quality, locker room, weight room and classroom improvements at MVL and possibly other synod schools. The pilot program seeks to develop endowment funds for needy families and other campaigns.

Eight security cameras, staff ID badges and key card systems were added at Sleepy Eye Public Schools. A school emergency action plan includes flip charts for emergency and medical services, weather emergencies, fire procedure, abduction and intruder attempts, civil defense alerts, bomb threats and homeland security codes.

An after-school study club for K-6 students that need help is being created. A new reading series and high school literature program is in use.

The school day was lengthened slightly at both Sleepy Eye high schools.

St. Mary's students have renovated lockers and lavatories and new water fountains and hallway lights.

Computers were replaced in two computer labs at Springfield Public School. New college credit courses are available in psychology, sociology and speech. Accelerated Reader programs were improved.

Sleepy Eye Public School agriculture instructor John Lanou will teach an introductory agriculture class in Springfield.