Welcome!

In an effort to provide more direct and ongoing communication with Sibley's school families and the larger community, I have created this page. It's content will be developed to provide small bits of information whenever there is a need. I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so that you will know whenever new content is available.

District Aims:

Safe, healthy, welcoming schools;
Increase student opportunity and achievement;
Operate in the most effective and efficient manner.

Monday, January 17, 2011

"Buddy" Beginnings

In an effort to build community and an appreciation for others, last Friday marked the beginning of a new program at Sibley.  Our 6th and 1st grade teachers and students, lead be our music, phy-ed, and art teachers, have started to develop a "Buddy" program.  For their first activity together, 6th grade students were paired with a 1st grade student and together they ate lunch.  Prior to this event, staff at Sibley had talked about developing a program that would allow our older students to be leaders and role models to our younger students  and we were thrilled to say that it was a success.  Older students spent time visiting and getting to know their new "buddies" and we will continue to develop and devote an activity a month to this new endeavor.  First grade students were thrilled to be able to have an older student to visit with and look out for them.  Older students were great in that they saw the importance of being a good role model and making their younger peers feel less vulnerable and anxious when around older students.  Further ideas will continue to foster a system that is supportive of others and puts our older students into roles that require them to "do the right thing" and get all students caring for the other.  We are excited to see this grow.

Wizard of OZ

After a week long of practice, Sibley 3-6th graders gave two wonderfully entertaining performances of The Wizard of Oz on Friday and Saturday night.  Southwest Little Theater was packed for both, and it was a thrill to see the students have such a great opportunity to become engaged in theater and all that it is has to offer them.  It certainly isn't easy to put yourself on stage and in "character", so congratulations to all 75+ students that expressed such enthusiasm.  Another noticeable benefit of this experience is that it enables students to get to know others on a different level.  Like any activity, participation brings everyone TOGETHER for a common goal.  It was neat to see older students help in getting their younger team members in place, remembering their parts, and supporting others they wouldn't normally hang out with.  It is a bonding time for our kids and it can be certainly seen even after the show is over.  Students, regardless of age/grade, are more apt to visit with each other, say "hi" in the hallway, or even mingle more together before and after school.  Their "experience" pulls them together.  It is pretty cool. We can't wait until next year!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Praire Fire Theater comes to Sibley - Wizard of Oz

Tonight, begins the first official practice of the 2011 production of Wizard of Oz.  For the last several years, the Prairie Theater Company, has provided us two directors and a week long of fun for students grades 3-6 as they try out for, practice into the evenings, and finally perform two shows as a culmination of their foray into the world of theater.  This is by far one of the best opportunities that we have to offer our students and we are thrilled that through funding from the Perpich Center for the Arts and our own PTO-SHARE, we continue to be able to host this event.  This Friday, January 14th at 7pm and January 15th at 10:30am will be dates and times you won't want to miss.  The performances will be done at our middle school with the cost being $4 and $2 for adults and students respectively.  "Catch the Fire."

3rd Time is the Charm!!

Well, after two prior attempts at hosting our K-3 Winter concert, we finally did on our third attempt on January 6th.  As usual, the kids did a great job and it was a thrill for us and them to have so many in attendance.  We continue to enjoy being able to host our programs at the high school as it is such a great venue with a 750 seat capacity that we never have a hard time reaching.  We did film the concert as well and have every intention of running it on our cable access channel in the very near future.  If you missed my surprise assignment and entrance, don't worry, you'll be able to laugh it up with your kids over and over again.  I know the kindergartners were a bit shocked to see me on stage instead of Mr. Blong.  Again, thanks for bearing with us through three dates and lots of snow, but it was once again a success.  Special thanks to Teresa Bergene(music), Mark Blong(art), and Dyann Baumann(phy ed.) for all the preparation and practice work that went into the event.  See you next year.

Stories for Cousin Bear

Prior to our winter break, students were informed that they had an opportunity to do some creative writing over break for Cousin Bear.  He can be found in our library.  These stories have been collected as the deadline to submit was Jan 3-7. One story from each grade level will eventually be displayed with the bear. Cousin Bear has been loaned to the school from Steve Bottleson. He created the 6-foot 2-inch bear, which was modeled after the Berenstain Bears books.  Linda Bottleson, Minnesota Reading Corp Volunteer Coordinator at Sibley, came up with the idea as a way to promote literacy over the Holiday break.  For many, it was a fun activity to participate in as family members helped brainstorm ideas.  See a picture of Cousin Bear and learn more about Reading Corps and what it provides our community and school.