New Ulm students go back to school

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Summer drew to a close on Tuesday, as bells rang all over the area, marking the first day of the 2000-2001 school year.

With the exception of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, which started classes Aug. 30, students all over the area began classes Tuesday.

At New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, the day started with a morning mass, followed by a full day of classes for all students.

Students at St. Anthony's Elementary School enjoyed new playground equipment that was put in place during the summer. The playground was made possible by donations and with help of parents, Superintendent Dave Schieffert said.

"The playground is a welcome addition to the school, and has been well received by everyone," he said.

The enrollment is down by 12 from what it was on the first day of the 1999-2000 school year, but things looked good overall, he said.

"We had anticipated a drop of 25, so we are better off than originally expected, which is a good sign," Schieffert said.

Administration was a little apprehensive about the construction on nearby streets and how that might affect traffic flow and students, but things went well, he said.

At St. Paul's Lutheran School, the day began with an opening worship service for parents, staff and students. The service was conducted by Don Sutton. For lunch, the students enjoyed foot-long hot dogs, which proved to be quite a task for younger children to eat, Principal Dale Markgraff said.

"Things flowed smoothly all day, with very few hang-ups encountered," he said. "There were no major traffic problems with parents dropping off students, or with buses, as we had anticipated."

Total enrollment for the year is 315, which is down from last year, a trend that is expected to continue over the next few years, he said.

"We have 27 kindergarten students this year, and the decline will continue as the number we draw from gets lower," he said. "There are two student teachers in place this year as well, and we have adopted a new math program for the year. We feel this will be an improvement."

The student teachers attend Martin Luther College, and will be working with seventh and eighth grade programs, Markgraff said.

At New Ulm High School, the day began with a welcoming event in the gymnasium, featuring speeches from student council members and performances by the band, the dance team and the cheerleaders.

"Everything came together smoothly," Principal Dick Lapatka said. "There will be some minor schedule changes that will take place, but overall, things went well. The freshmen found their classes okay."

There are about 980 students in the high school this year.

One of the major differences this year at the high school will be in the area of the construction class. The Habitat for Humanity will not be funding the project this year, because of a lack of funding. Grants are being sought for the program. The house will be built on school property and sold at the end of the school year, Lapatka said.

At New Ulm Middle School, the day began with a short home room period, followed by a full day of classes for the students. Overall, the day went well, though, Principal Steven Weber said.

"The short home room was beneficial to the students, because it helped them adjust to their schedule and get comfortable with how things work at the middle school," he said. "All the students were on time and responsible. The lunch period went well. There were no major busing problems. It was a successful first day that was better than normal."

There are 228 students in the seventh grade and 221 students in the eighth grade, for a total enrollment at the middle school of 449.

"It was a great day overall," Washington Elementary School Principal Randy Voth said. "The (students) and the staff were all excited. They couldn't be happier that school has started back."

The first day was great for students and staff at Jefferson Elementary School Principal Tanya Schull said.

"The celebration of learning we held last week helped a lot by creating less apprehension for students," she said. "There was very little anxiety about starting school."

Something new at Jefferson this year is that Kids Connection, providing services before and after school for students, has been moved from the early childhood center, she said.

"The day has progressed very well," Superintendent Harold Remme said. "The bus pick up went well. There were a few students at the intersection instead of in the middle of the block as required now, but that transition will go smoothly."