St. Michael's Big Woods Elementary Sends Students Off in a Big Way

What is the recipe for an amazing end of year elementary school assembly? Try a variety of talented performers, authentic Chinese song and dance, awards, instrumental selections, musical slide shows, staff shout-outs and sumo wrestling -- and you have a slam dunk success!

Last Thursday, June 2nd,  Big Woods Elementary wrapped up their 2010-2011 school year with a jam-packed hour of great fun, laughs and a few truly moving moments as well. 

Principal Lee Brown was the event’s emcee – her pride in Big Woods and love for the students was evident in all her words.

The assembly opened with the solo dance performances of two nationally recognized local dancers. Sixth-grader Alyssa Ulrick (St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East) performed her solo to “Beauty”. Next up sixth-grader and previous of (St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West), performed her solo – to “Do You Have It In You." Both girls dance at Northland School of Dance in Champlin, Minn.

Following the soloists, was a lovely performance of genuine Chinese dance taught by Big Woods Chinese teacher – Rosaline Fu. A group of fourth-graders, adorned with wings and large flower props, entertained the audience with a classical dance piece. The young students used their movements to emphasize Chinese harmony through circular motions, and through standing straight and tall “as the stem of a lotus flower”. 

This portion of the program was narrated by two student hosts -- 4th graders Mitchell Miller and Anna Felt – both of whom read and spoke in Chinese.

Following the classical Chinese readings, students of Sandy Carlson’s and Mrs. Scheruman’s classes, sang the American classic -- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star -- in Chinese. During the piece, students worked collaboratively to wave large Chinese stick animals in the air.

Moving on to academic achievement, Big Woods enrichment teacher Marcie Harrison – recognized Word Masters and Continental Math League winners. Previous (fourth grade), took first for the district in math league. Big Woods took the traveling trophy for highest combined team total between St. Michael’s three elementary schools. Lillian Albright (third grade) took highest honors, first place in school and a first place district trophy. Brennan Pederson (fourth grade) took first place and honorable mention – second year in a row.

Mr. Hackett recognized the student leadership team. These were fourth graders selected by their teachers to work on service or school projects. 

Second-grader Justin Anderson played Indian Boogie on the piano.

Second-grader Thomas Libbey played Take Me Out To the Ballgame on the piano.

Mr. Hansen and Mr. Rasch noted standout Physical Education records. 

Fourth-graders played Zippedty Do Dah – using the bottom of 20 gallon plastic containers as drums. This piece was led by music teacher Victoria Van Beusekom. 

Fourth-grader Rachel Ottoson played Ode To Joy on the piano.

Fourth-grader Mitchel Rabehl played a Russian piece on the piano.

Big Woods recognized 31 fourth graders for Academic Achievement based upon their NWEA and MCA scores. These students received ES (exceeds standards) on 3rd grade reading and math MCAs (state test) and scored in the 85 percentile on the 2011 spring NWEA reading and math tests.

Haylee Coulson and Brianna Burke played Cotton-Eyed Joe on the violin and viola, accompanied by teachers Sandy Carlson on piano and Victoria Van Beusekom on the bass.

Donning cowboy hats and strumming real guitars, the staff gathered around the piano to sing Happy Trails to the departing 4th graders.

Mrs. Berning and Mrs. Smith put together a fabulous end-of-year slide show to music. This presentation displayed the picture of every student that reached their AR reading goal, as well as each grade’s combined reading totals. Each grade let out boisterous cheers as their scores were displayed. 

The entire assembly proudly stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Two retiring Special Education teachers -- Mrs. Bergquist and Mrs. Castor -- were recognized for their “Cadillac services”.

Mrs. Fu was thanked for her year of Chinese instruction and wished well in resuming her life back in China. She has one last special event here, as her husband is coming to visit before she leaves.

Two Special Education paras -- Mrs. Leathers and Mrs. Matson -- were warmly thanked as they will no longer be working at Big Woods. “Phenomenal!” is how Principal Brown describes them.

Aly of “Rally for Aly” was recognized in support of her battle against cancer. Nearly the entire student body and staff wore the blue Aly spirit shirt or another blue shirt as a sign of solidarity with Aly. The students were delighted to see Aly was with them enjoying the festivities.

Retiring Superintendent Dr. Ziegler, and incoming Superintendent Dr. Behle, were introduced and gave the crowd a wave. Principal Brown explained to the students, “Superintendent is like being President of the United States for the St. Michael-Albertville School District”. The students thought this sounded very impressive and applauded with gusto.

Kids were reminded to READ and to “Make it a great day or not – the choice is yours.”  This mantra was told to them daily throughout the school year.

Just before dismissal, Principal Brown stopped the students to ask if they “wanted a surprise”. Nearly 100% of the hands shot up and the children cheered loudly. As a reward from the PTO for making their General Mills Box Top goal – “Hans and Franz” from the morning news were going to make a live appearance. But not just any appearance – they were going to have a sumo wrestling match right there in the gym. The lights went down, mats were rolled out, theme music played and out came two beloved gym teachers dressed as giant sumo wrestlers. Their overstuffed costumes allowed them to knock each other to the floor and “bounce” off their opponent’s belly. The students laughed and stomped as Hans and Franz battled each other for the Sumo title.