By Tony Barnes
School’s out for summer! June is arguably the most transitional month in education. Sure, school lets out and most people go on vacation but there’s still work to be done to wrap everything up.
We got out on Friday, June 10 this year, and as is tradition, we celebrated with the annual polar bear plunge. This is a wonderful tradition that is not only fun but is also symbolic. Students invigorate themselves in the cold Lake Superior waters, which prepares them for the upcoming summer vacation. It serves as both a physical and mental celebration. Even a few faculty and staff felt the desire to participate this year!
The following week we started our capital project work. Olsen and Olsen contracting out of Manistique and Prime construction out of Marquette got right to work breaking ground, literally. Our major projects this summer include renovating the boys and girls shower rooms, a new downstairs boys’ bathroom, new water heaters, an updated cupola, and new south and west wall windows. We’re going to have so much beautiful natural light in our lovely school, blinds will also be in order. A good problem to have.
In addition to the renovations related to the capital project, we are also redoing our shop/weight room space. I said from the first day I started this job that I wanted to promote hands-on experiential learning and bringing back our industrial arts program is a major part of that. Our science teacher Mr. Gordon Tester completed a Briggs and Stratton small engine repair professional development workshop this summer in Wisconsin and was gifted 10 small engines. Adding small engine repair to our curriculum will provide students a safe opportunity to complete more technical work during the school day.
So, what’s next? That answer is easy: furniture. We will be on the search for gently used and also new furniture to fill these spaces. Shop benches, library tables, and classroom desks and chairs are on the horizon. We are so lucky to have the funding to be able to complete these desperately needed upgrades. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our school.
