Letter to the editor: Miles

Letter to the editor:

My daughter has been involved with JO for the last 4-5 years. She loves the program, and looks forward to it every year. She is always great about practices and tournaments. Unfortunately, last year the big tournament in the Cities (President's Fest), was cut short for us as I received a call on Saturday night that my son was found without a pulse in his vehicle, which we found out upon autopsy was due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. My daughter kept to her JO volleyball practices in just days following his death. She found a lot of support in being around her teammates. The whole JO community was great and supportive. This year my daughter decided she would like to do JO once again, and I had left the decision up to her, knowing the big tournament of the season would also be associated with the loss of her brother. She was unable to try out at designated time, due to a work conflict. Every year there has been a make-up session for the skills assessment, so we enquired as to when that would be, receiving no response. A few days later, we received a phone call stating two girls had been cut from the entire JO teams, my daughter being one of them. They did not need her to try out as they were very familiar with all the girls and what spots they needed filled. I soon sent an email to each KMVB board member asking about their decision and why it was that two girls were cut, with no response. It's been four weeks and I have still not received a response of any kind, even after sending second request for response. I've read all the information on the KMVB.org site, front page/home page stating no girls would be cut. I also read on the site that each team would consist of 8-10 girls. The team my daughter would be on has 11 girls, so why wasn't another girl cut to make it an even 10 as stated? There were other questions I asked to be addressed, obviously receiving no answer to any of them, not even the promised refund for the skills assessment test, as she was never able to participate.

In summary, I'm appalled at the exclusion of two girls from the JO volleyball teams, a decision made by adults. With all that's happened in this small community, more thought should be put into what would benefit ALL of the youth wanting to participate. Bullying has been at the forefront, which often times starts with exclusion. How can we expect our youth to develop a wide circle of friends, without excluding, when they aren't taught this by example? Not to mention, the recreational drugs readily available to our school-age youth, keeping them otherwise occupied in healthy ways is a must. I wish the emphasis would be less on winning and more on all the players required to make a good team.

                     Sincerely,
                    Christel Miles

Letter to the editor: Musolf

Letter to the Editor:

In last week’s paper, Matt Nelson, a former volunteer firefighter and current city council member, had a Letter to the Editor published.

First, thank you Mr. Nelson for explaining the difference between Best Value Bidding and straight bidding.  In the Advertisement for Bids, Kasson Aquatic Center, Multi-Package Bid, etc., printed in the DCI, it states “All bids will be evaluated according to the Owner’s “Best Value Contracting” procedures as detailed in the bidding documents.”   In the Kasson City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2012, Public Forum section, it states that Chuck Coleman asked if Best Value was used on the bridge or the aquatics center.  City Administrator Lenth stated that Best Value was not used on the 16th Street Bridge project because of use of federal funds; but it is being used for portions of the aquatics center, of course the key word being portions.  It’s obvious why citizens might be confused.  This being said, I go back to my original point.  The taxpayers are paying $14,500 more than we should be.  We are not allowed to know why the City paid a settlement instead of going to court.  I understand this is normal procedure in many settlements, but the fact remains that we do not know.   

Second, if Mr. Nelson read my letter he would know that I NEVER questioned the NEED for a new ladder truck.  In fact, I stated that my husband, a former Kasson Fire Chief, assured me that the department DOES need a new ladder truck.  I may have had issues with the way some things were done in the past concerning the fire department, but obviously I, like all citizens, place the importance of our own safety and the safety of our firefighters above the importance of saving money.  I simply questioned the need for a truck with a ladder longer than any truck the Rochester Fire Department has.   

Of course we need to be thinking about where Kasson will be in the future, but I think it’s safe to say we will never be a “Rochester”.

Third, thank you for correcting me on the number of employees retiring.  Out of respect for my friends in the Public Works Department, I have no further comment on that issue.

Yes, Mr. Nelson, it has been about a year since I’ve attended a council meeting, and quite honestly I’m not sure what it would take to get me back to one.  I don’t feel it would be in my best interest to talk about my perception of the meetings I did attend.

I do not intend to involve myself in a back and forth war of words in the form of Letters to the Editor.  However, I felt a need to address this inaccuracy.

Georgiann Musolf

Letter to the editor: Nelson

Letter to the editor:

In last week’s paper, Georgiann Musolf had a letter to the editor published. Unfortunately, Mrs. Musolf had several “facts” incorrect. I felt a need to write a follow-up letter to correct those inaccuracies.

First, Mrs. Musolf wrote about the issue with the bidding of the work for our new aquatic center and the water main on 7th Street NW. Mrs. Musolf mistakenly referred to this as a “Best Value Bid” process. Best Value Bidding and straight bidding are two different processes cities can use to bid projects. This project she refers to was not a Best Value Bid process. The city used straight bids for this project. Meaning the low bid got the job. There were two aspects to this. The base bid was a large water main to be installed to the aquatic center. Along with that, there was an alternate project which extended the water main down 7th Street NW to Mantorville Avenue. In the bid documents it was spelled out the bid would be awarded to whoever had the lowest “Base Bid.” Every contractor who bid on this project signed the documents stating they understood how the bidding would work. Therefore, after the bids were opened we could not combine the Base Bid and the Alternate bids and award on the combined bid amount. In this care a contractor had a lower bid when the Base and Alternate were combined, however, his base bid amount was higher than the contractor who was awarded the bid. It is unfortunate the contractor did not understand this, even though he signed off stating he did understand it. I’m not at liberty to say why the City decided to settle out of court with the contractor, but I will say for myself, I would have hated to see the Aquatic Center project delayed. There is a lot of excitement building around the Aquatic Center and we need to keep that project on track.

Second, Mrs. Musolf questions the reasoning behind the purchase of a new ladder truck for the Kasson Fire Department. We have been told the current ladder truck no longer meets NFPA standards. In addition it is in need of several repairs which would cost many times what the truck is worth. Not meeting NFPA standards can put the City’s insurance rating at risk. We simply cannot do that to our citizens. The current Fire Chief and the Deputy Chiefs put in many hours researching what would best serve the community. They were able to come up with specifications which give us a truck that will fit in the current fire hall with no modifications needed to the hall, and with many safety features which will help to keep our firefighters safe. In addition, the cost of this truck came in at a reasonable amount.

Along with this, Mrs. Musolf makes reference to a new fire hall and some other future planning. Yes, the city does have a conceptual drawings for a new Public Safety Building. These drawing were required for that grant. Unfortunately, we were not selected for that grant. In fact, I don’t believe any city in Minnesota was selected for that grant. One thing I have always felt was important as a City Council member is long range thinking. Yes, we need to take care of today’s problems and today’s issues, but we also need to think how these decisions affect us in five years, in 10 years, and in 20 years. I expect our City staff to be constantly thinking about where Kasson will be in the future. Will the future include a full-time fire chief? In 15 or 20 years, it might.

Mrs. Musolf’s third statement is a bit confusing. She criticizes the City for hiring three full-time employees after a long-time employee retired. Actually, the City of Kasson just celebrated two retirements of City employees two weeks ago and a retirement this past summer. In addition we had a full-time employee leave the City a couple of months ago. Yes, we need to replace these staff. The City provides many services residents have come to depend on. We need staff to keep those services going. I don’t understand how Mrs. Musolf, or anyone, can criticize us for this.
The Kasson City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. At the beginning of each meeting is a time when the public is invited to make statements or ask questions. It is rare to have anyone from the public to show at these meetings. In fact, I think it has been over a year since I have seen Mrs. Musolf at one of our meetings. By attending the meetings, one can then get the facts instead of just “hearing it around town.”  

Thank you for the opportunity to address this.
Matt Nelson

Mayor's Memo

The past few months I have written mostly about the status of 16th Street and the Bridge, the pool, etc.  Today, 16th Street is open (still some minor work to be completed now and in the spring) and the pool project is in full swing.  These are very good things to have going on!

With the pool project we will be placing solar panels on the southern portion of the pool house roof.  This will be very similar to the solar panels currently in use on City Hall.  In the October Newsletter (included with your utility bill) some information was provided on how much energy has been produced by those panels.  Most of the power generated is used by City Hall (lowering our need to purchase power) and we did produce enough power to put back into “the grid” 3.9 megawatt hours.  Quite frankly, I’m impressed by this! By putting these and more panels to work for us, along with finding other energy savings, just pushes us further ahead in our quest to be more efficient. 

The solar panels also coincide with our Green Steps program to move towards a more sustainable energy model for our community.  If you look at where our energy comes from, we have moved significantly away from a mostly coal based energy source, to natural gas, solar, wind, etc.  There is even a hydroelectric project in Canada our power agency is keeping an eye on.  With energy prices dropping/leveling off (at a time most experts predicted higher prices) most people would be staying the course; however, it behooves our community to continue to move forward finding new ways to provide energy to our homes while conserving energy when possible.
 
On the topic of conserving energy, we are offering up a new program (in partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment -- a MN non-profit) for our utility customers.  A FREE informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30PM in the High School Choir Room.  This is a great time to find out more about conserving energy in your home, doing a home energy audit, etc!  Child care will be provided free of charge.  We do need a count of how many are planning to attend, so please call or email Krista at City Hall (634-7071 or cityhall@cityofkasson.com). 

Finding more ways to be energy efficient and produce energy from multiple sources will help our community weather the inevitable increase in energy prices as our economy recovers.  Keep an eye out from more information on the above and more!

Lastly, please join me on Saturday, November 17, from 8:30 – 9:30AM at Daniel’s.  I’ll be there having a cup of coffee and available to answer your questions, take ideas, etc.

In your service,
Mayor Tim Tjosaas
mayor@cityofkasson.com

Photo Identification required for voting

The Constitutional Amendment for Voter ID is stated on the ballot as:

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voter, effective July 1, 2013?
What does this constitutional amendment really mean? Do you know all of the extras that the legislature has included in this amendment?

If this passes, a voter voting in person must present valid government-issued photographic identification before receiving a ballot. If a voter does not have this then they will have to vote on a provisional ballot and their vote will not be counted on Election Day. The voter will then need to come to the courthouse within a few days to show ID or obtain a new one for their vote to be counted. If they cannot produce an ID in the time allowed then the provisional ballot will not be opened and counted.

Dodge County Commissioner Lyle Tjosaas of Kasson who is running unopposed, said that on the surface the voter ID amendment looks like a good idea. When people get all the facts it does not look like a such a good idea to require voter ID. In fact the amendment is not even complete and still has language to be added, which will be done the next legislative session.

The proposed constitutional amendment will have costs to Dodge County for the additional items needed to run elections. “The county will have to purchase poll books for the polling place and train and educate  additional election judges on the new provisional voting system. The county will also have the added cost of supplies needed to do provisional ballots and the additional staff time to work with provisional ballots, “ said Sara Marquardt who is in charge of voter information and registration for Dodge County.

The estimated cost for Dodge County if this passes is between $71,000 and $122,000 depending on the type of additional equipment the county will have to buy.

The cost of standard poll books, includes the computers, signature pad, ID readers, cables, other peripherals and tax is $1,625 each. Dodge County has 21 precincts so this cost will be $34,125.00.

The cost of electronic poll books that have the power to have a real-time connection to SVRS (Statewide Voter Registration System-this is what the county uses for tracking registered voters) and meet the other requirements of HF 210, including the computers, ID card reader, cables and other peripherals and tax, is $4,028 each. With 21 precincts the cost will be $84,588 at least. In some precincts the county may need to have additional poll books. The county will also have to have printers in each polling place for an additional cost of $339 each including tax. The county may only have to have one per polling place for a cost of $6,102.00. The machines alone will cost Dodge County $40,000 and $91,000.

“This is the cost for only one of the poll books in each precinct, I am sure that some of our precincts will need at least two poll books. Plus we will have to have at least one backup machine just like we do the AutoMARK and M100 precinct counter,” said Sara Marquardt.

The county will also have to pay for provisional ballots, provisional ballot envelopes, training for election judges and staff who are administrating the provisional ballots. Post-Election the election staff will have to put in additional time to help voters who return with IDs and to process the provisional ballots. Each polling place will need an additional secured ballot box for the provisional ballots. Each polling place will need an additional secured ballot box for the provisional ballot that will cost approximately $100. So Dodge County will need $2,100 for the 21 precincts.

There are so many unanswered questions with this constitutional amendment. How will this effect absentee voting? How will this effect the overseas and military voting? Will there still be same-day voter registration?

The amendment says that “All voters, including those not voting in person, must be subject to substantially equivalent identity and eligibility verification prior to ballot being cast or counted.” The absentee, overseas and military voters will have to present ID somehow to election officials. But how can someone in California or the Philippines provide the county with ID? They could send a copy of the ID, but how will the county know the person voting is the person on the ID? This will also be hard for seniors or persons with disabilities to produce an ID.

The ammendment states that the state will provide identification at no charge to an eligible voter who does not have ID. Where will these ID’s be available? At the county level who will pay for the technology to make these ID’s? Also to receive the free ID, you will need to pay for the needed documents. These include a birth certificate or marriage license.

Letter to the Editor: Brumfield

Letter To the Editor:

I supported Duane Quam in the past, and I feel that was a mistake. During the last session, I went to the Capitol to visit with legislators who represent me; I had some information about current issues that I felt should influence their decisions. It is standard practice that lawmakers will make every effort to meet with constituents who come to the Capitol. Nineteen other people also attempted to see Mr. Quam on the same day I was there. We couldn't get an appointment even though we called in advance. We worked with Mr. Quam's office to find a time and place where we could speak for a few minutes. Other legislators came out of the same meetings where he was, to meet with their constituents, and they told Mr. Quam that we waited outside. But Mr. Quam disappeared out the back door. We went back to his office to meet him, his staff tried to help us find a constantly disappearing legislator. He never turned up as expected; his staff directed us back to his next committee meeting where we stood by. But he never showed up. Many of the people filled out comment cards at his office, leaving their contact information. To my knowledge, none of those people have ever been contacted by Duane Quam. When I left, I felt that my Representative was representing his own views, and had no interest in the views of the voter.

Back home, I spoke with other people who had similar experiences with Duane Quam at the Capitol, and I was told that several groups had been unable to meet with him. I heard of one group of teachers who did finally corner him and they felt that they had to block the exit to the room just to get him to hear their concerns. One teacher told me she overheard Mr. Quam tell his staff "Don't let those people get near me.” 

I have firsthand knowledge of Duane Quam’s opponent-John Vossen. For many years I have known John to be a person who will always listen to everyone, consider all the evidence, and come up with decisions that are fair and good. I have known him as someone who can work well with all sides to arrive at equitable solutions.

I cannot condone Mr. Quam's behavior and I apologize to the voters for my part in sending a Representative to the Capitol who has repeatedly refused to  even hear the people whom he was elected to represent. I feel that I made a terrible mistake during the last election and I hope that you will join with me in my efforts to fire Mr. Quam and stop him from using our forum to further his own personal views. Let’s vote together for John Vossen and put representation back in the office of Representative for District 25A.

Jim Brumfield
Kasson, MN

Mayors Memo

What an amazing autumn we are having!  This dry weather is great for finishing up those yard and home projects, getting crops out, and of course working on city projects.  However, I hope we experience some rain soon to avoid the drastic drought conditions that some of our neighboring areas and states are already dealing with.  

Update: 16th Street is progressing well.  The Aquatic Center (after some delays mostly relating to a permitting issue with the State) has started.  The target is still for a June 8th open date and that is what we are planning on.  So as much as we need the rain it can hold off for a little while!

You might have already noticed through all the constant TV and radio ads, that this is an election year.  Surprise!!??! While we have probably heard enough presidential ads to last us a lifetime, did you know at the local level we do have two positions on the council up for election and we have six candidates that are running (one for re-election and five other candidates)?  At the local level it can be difficult to find information on the candidates.  The DCI will once again be running as they have in the past, candidate questions and answers before the election along with the many ads that are sure to be in the paper as well.  However, I would suggest you give these candidates a call or if you know them and see them around town -- chat them up when you get the chance.  Without having a primary system set up, we are limited on how we can get to know the candidates.  And, with six candidates it can be even tougher.  Below is a listing of them in alphabetical order:

Steve Breza
Chuck Coleman
Dan Eggler
Rich Miller
Spencer Stevens
Sheldon Torkelson (currently serving on City Council)

We have many exciting things happening around town.  It’s a great time, I feel, for people to be getting involved and having six candidates is an indication that people are interested in what is going on around town.   

Also, if you want, you can access a copy of what our ballot in November will look like at the Secretary of State’s website.  That address is: http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/
Or, you can go to the City’s Facebook page and access the site from the posting on September 25th. 
And, as always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. 

In your service,

Mayor Tim Tjosaas
mayor@cityofkasson.com

Seven drivers chose not to get behind the wheel sober during enforcement campaign

Local law enforcement officers arrested seven drunk drivers during a nationwide end-of-summer DWI enforcement effort, August 17th–September 3rd. Around 400 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota participated in the state’s effort conducted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety.

Participating agencies in Dodge County were: Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, which made five arrests, and the Kasson Police Department, which made two arrests.

Each year in Minnesota, nearly 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI — there were 104 arrests in Dodge County in 2011. During the last three years in the state, 2009–2011, 344 people were killed in drunk driving crashes — nearly one-third of 1,200 total deaths. In Dodge County during this period, drunk driving resulted in four serious injuries and one death.

“We can make progress and advance the fight against drunk driving by taking simple, preventable steps, and step one is to always plan ahead for a sober ride,” says Kasson Officer Josh Hanson.

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.
Certain DWI offenders are also eligible to use ignition interlock. Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to install interlock and use for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

In Dodge County, 12 drivers use ignition interlock.  Users must provide a breath sample into the interlock with an alcohol concentration below 0.02 in order for the vehicle to start.

Window clings were posted around the community by the Dodge County Toward Zero Death (TZD) Coalition to support the DWI enforcement campaign.  The “Don’t be what you drink” window clings, with messages like “Beer mugged” and “Screwed driver,” were created by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  Bar coasters with these messages were distributed to area pubs, saloons, and bars in Dodge County as well.

The Dodge County Toward Zero Deaths Coalition encourages people to utilize these safe driving behaviors:

• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Families should let each other know that they will be available to offer a safe ride home.

• Buckle up and wear protective motorcycle gear — the best defenses against an impaired driver.

• Report impaired driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Witnesses must be prepared to provide location, license plate and observed dangerous behavior.

A look back... Kasson Mayo opens January 10, 1977

The new Kasson Mayo Health Facility started operation in Kasson January 10, 1977 with a staff of five.

The 7,300 square foot building contained facilities to provide both acute and preventive medical care. The facility also served as a training center for Mayo's family medicine education programs. Dr. John Collins was the first physician at the new Kasson Mayo building and he retired seven years ago.

The clinic was financed by a $375,000 bond issue passed by the citizens of Kasson. The building was leased to the Mayo Clinic, which provided the staff and equipment. The community overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bond issue by a 686 to eight margin, more than a 98% approval.

The staff was headed by Dr. John B. Collins, a consultant in Mayo's Division of Family Medicine. Paramedical staff included receptionist Ramona Smith, laboratory technician Vicki Tiedemann, nurse JoAnne Palmer and x-ray technician Joyce Beaver.

The facility was designed to accommodate up to four full-time physicians and serve as the home base for up to 12 residents from the family medicine program of the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, as well as for students studying family medicine at the Mayo Medical School.

In 1977 the facility had 2,111 patients who accounted for 6,883 office visits. The number increased to 2,571 patients and 9,195 visits in 1979. By 1981 Kasson Mayo had 14,900 office visits.
At the time, the new facility was the latest addition to Mayo's "outreach" programs, which also include satellite clinics in Zumbrota and Plainview.

What triggered the Kasson project was a bill signed by then Governor Rudy Perpich granting the Mayo Clinic $48,000 to begin a graduate residency program. The Kasson Clinic was considered home base for the residency program.

Seven men on the Kasson Medical Services Committee worked for almost two years to convince Mayo Kasson had a need for a medical facility. Longtime Kasson physician Dr. D.E. Affeldt supported the project and the two other physicians in the county signed a letter in support of the project. Committee members were Dr. L.B. Severance, Folmer Carlsen, Bim Juhnke, Garry Purvis, Leonard Prescher, Kenneth Kellar and Al Hodge. All seven had ties as members of the Kasson Masonic Lodge.

Since construction of the Kasson Health Facility growth has been continual and in fact exceeded growth expectations. A 1981 DCI article stated that expansion would take place as needed to meet patient needs.

Update from Mantorville

I hope everyone enjoyed another Marigold Days.  The timing of this message is such that Marigold Days has just wrapped up another awesome year.   Please remember the success of this event requires the hard work of many people each year.   Groups like the MRA and Chamber of Commerce, the pageant judges and fishing contest volunteers each do their part to make this weekend enjoyable for everyone.  These people deserve great praise for all of their ongoing efforts.  Too often this effort is not fully appreciated.  

In general, Mantorville continues to be high on peoples list of places to visit.   Our parks and camp grounds have enjoyed a record number of reservations.  Our downtown commercial district is busy each day.  The construction and building permits are climbing.  Our home owners show great pride in living in Mantorville and we continue to host special events throughout the calendar year. 

I am happy to report the economics of the City of Mantorville are solid and we are in position to continue with more projects to better our town.  Through the last couple of years, we have taken steps to ensure we can continue to be financially stable and in control of our future.  This has not been easy or without some sacrifice but we are now able to enjoy the benefits of sticking with the plan.  With our preliminary budget to be set at our first council meeting in September, we continue to examine our options for both our short term and a long term infrastructure development.

Specifically, with continued work to finalize the plans of how to proceed with our sewage treatment plant, these details will be available to everyone in an attempt to be clear to all what to expect and why this plan was selected.

The confidence you citizens have in this council is amazing.  Through this trust and working relationship, great things are being done.  I am humbled by this and pledge to do my very best each and every day.

As always….please contact me if you have any questions.  I can be reached at any time, day or night. 

Respectfully,
Luke Nash, Mayor of Mantorville  

Mayor’s Memo

As I write this the start of school is just a few days away.  Another summer has gone by swiftly!
As you may have noticed the 16th Street and Bridge project is well underway.  From what we are being told construction is about a week ahead of schedule.  The landscape has definitely changed significantly out there. 

The pool project should be getting underway soon.  The items not needed for the new aquatic center have been salvaged by a local pool supply company.  The majority of the bids were approved and demolition should hopefully begin soon.  A couple of the items for the center will be re-bid, however those items should not impact the timeline for completion. 

At our last Council meeting in August a quick update on the 2013 budget was provided.  City Staff have been working quite hard on this given the tax increase approved by referendum for the pool.  In percentages, we’re looking at about a 12% increase for the pool and less than 4% for the 16th Street and Bridge project. 

As far as the operating or General Government levy side of the budget we are targeting a 0% increase at this point.  The preliminary levy will be set at our next meeting on September 12.  Once we set the preliminary levy the final levy can only be the same or less.  So essentially we are putting a cap on 2013 budget at that point. 

As school begins, please keep in mind the safety of our children as you drive around town and make sure to stop for pedestrians in the cross walks and watch for those who do not always use the crosswalk areas.  Please keep in mind as well that as part of an ongoing review process some stop/yield signs have been removed.  We’re all busy and rushed at times -- but make sure to slow down through town and keep your eyes open for those heading back and forth to school. 

In your service,
Mayor Tim Tjosaas
mayor@cityofkasson.com

Letter to the editor: National Night Out

Letter To the Editor:

In 2008, the City of Mantorville, through its Park Board, started a city wide observation of National Night Out.  National Night Out is meant to bring neighborhoods together to get to know each other and promote a safer community.  2012 marked the fourth year of this event in Mantorville.  It has become a tradition that many people truly enjoy.  This year’s event was made possible with the generous monetary donations of area businesses and non monetary donations from several citizens and groups. 

I would like to thank the VFW Post 4555, Mantorville Saloon, Citizens State Bank, Gary Bromley – Bromley Repair, Kent Keller – Keller Properties and the Hubbell House for their monetary donations.   The Mantorville Fire Department contributes on every level.  Their setting up of tables,  cooking and entertainment for the kids is always a hit!!  Also,  thank you to all the people who continue to supply us great salads and desserts.   And don’t forget the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge Center Ambulance and the American Red Cross for joining us and being visible to the public and available for questions and safety information that is the foundation for the event.
A special thank you to Paul Larsen,  Cami Reber our City Clerk, and my wife Lynnette for their priceless help and dedication getting this organized and put together on time!! 
I hope to see you all next year.

Luke Nash
Mayor of Mantorville, MN
 

KOMET REPORT

The KoMet Report may have some errors due to copy and paste of the document, the report may be found on the school's web site. 

A Message from Superintendent Matuska

Kasson-Mantorville Schools

Independent School District 204

Welcome Back!  To all of our students, parents, and teachers, I hope your summer included many new experiences and exciting memories as we enter the new school year.   I thoroughly enjoyed my first year as your superintendent and have enjoyed meeting many of you throughout the year. I look forward to visiting with many more of you during the upcoming school year.

Some great curricular changes greet the students as they enter the new school year at Kasson-Mantorville. Middle School students will be delving into the new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering courses, Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics. In addition, they will also be able to enroll in an Introductory Agriculture course.

The High School is also offering a number of new courses for the students. Three new Project Lead the Way courses will be offered, Principles of Engineering, Human Body Systems and Principles of Biomedical Science. We are hopeful that each of these classes becomes certified during the school year, allowing the students college credit through PLTW-affiliated universities. The following courses are also new: Wildlife Management, Sculpture, Personal Finance, Advanced Computer Applications, Technology Applications, Digital Graphics, College Speech, Interpersonal Communications, Team Sports/Life Fitness, and Senior Math. Students will also be able to take classes opposite their Band and Choir classes, which will increase the number of classes they can complete during their High School career.

The Elementary School is getting a major make-over this summer in a number of areas. We have increased safety by funneling all visitors to the school through the office during the school day. We have also added new tile and carpet to the office/vestibule area. We started a de-humidification project during July and expect it to be completed by October 1. Again this year, the elementary school will be conducting their monthly literacy nights for parents and their children. We look forward to even more parents attending this year.

Please take some time to review the KoMet Back-To-School Report.  There is a great deal of valuable information for parents, students, and teachers in the district.  The report will also be available on our website throughout the school year.  If you have any questions regarding this report, please be sure to call your respective school or the district office for assistance.

Go KoMets!

 

 KOMET REPORT

August 2012

SCHOOL BOARD

MEMBERS

Candy Ellingworth

Kent Harfmann

Chris McKern

Jill Minette-Stacey

Guy Paradise

Ryan Thomas

Judy Thompson

Camille Snyder

(Student Council Rep)

SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES

All School District Policies, including the following:

413 Harassment & Violence

514 Bullying Prohibition Policy

524 Internet Acceptable Use &

Safety Policy

can be found at this location:

www.komets.k12.mn.us

• District
• District Office
• District Policies

Kasson-Mantorville ISD 204

101 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

www.komets.k12.mn.us

Superintendent

Mark D. Matuska 634-1100

Secretary – Karlyn Brewington 634-1100

District Wide Staff

Accounts Payable - Deb Schwartau 634-1142

Activities Director - Aaron Wilke 634-1179

Activities Director Secretary – Maureen Bernard 634-1105

Business Manager - Bob Hasz 634-1175

Copy Center – Denise Gillard 634-1192

Crossing Guards – Sue & Bob Kern 634-1100

Curriculum & Instruction Director – Kelly Braun 634-1130

English as 2^nd Lang (ESL) – Sara Winkels 634-1234

Gifted & Talented Coordinator – Aimee Johnson 634-1234

Grounds Maintenance – Bill Hanson/Corey Carstensen 634-1172

Operations & Maintenance Director – JJ Williams 634-1172

Payroll & Benefits -Jodie Torkelson 634-1109

School Nurse -Tammy Richard 634-1108

School Resource Officer - Jason Peck 634-1196

School Psychologist – Terri Wehrman 634-1157

Special Education Coordinator - Darcel Reker 634-1121

Student Services & Registration - Deb Schwartau 634-1142

Tech Integrations Specialist – Tomi Swanson 634-2961

Transportation Supervisor - Larry Meeker 634-1177

Web Master/Infinite Campus – Julie Johnson 634-1182

Elementary School

Principal - Michelle Krell 634-1234

Secretary – Amy Thompson 634-1234

Secretary - Jennifer Flynn 634-1234

Counselor - Karen Besch 634-1234

Social Worker - Lindsey Campbell 634-1564

Middle School

Principal - Alan Hodge 634-4030

Secretary – Mary Kay Johnson 634-4030

Secretary – Sally Smith 634-4030

Guidance Counselor - Ivan Kroulik 634-4030

Social Worker - Lindsey Campbell 634-1664

High School

Principal - Jerry Reker 634-2961

Secretary – Nicky Wilke 634-2961

Attendance Office – Tammy Ruud 634-1174

Guidance Counselor - Shelly Bielen 634-2981

Guidance Office Secretary – Karen Wetzstein 634-2981

Social Worker - Kerri Snyder 634-2981

Community Education

Director - Janelle Kirsch 634-4464

Secretary – Cindy Cassem 634-4464

Project Kids 634-1321

PARENT-TEACHER STUDENT

CONFERENCES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

October 15 & 16, 2012

January 29 & 31, 2013

3:30-7:30 p.m.

Individual Classrooms Scheduled by Appointment

KINDERGARTEN

October 12, 2012

February 1, 2013

(No Kindergarten classes these days)

Scheduled by Appointment

MIDDLE SCHOOL

November 15 & 19, 2012

February 28 & March 4, 2013

4:00-7:00 p.m.

Middle School Commons Area

HIGH SCHOOL

October 8 & December 10, 2012

February 25 & May 6, 2013

3:30-6:30 p.m.

North Gymnasium

First Quarter 41 days

August 20-21 New Teacher Workdays

August 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 Teacher Workdays

Monday, September 3 Labor Day – No School

Tuesday, September 4 First Day of School

Friday, October 5 Homecoming

Wednesday, October 17 No School – Teacher Workday

Thursday, October 18 Education MN – No School

Friday, October 19 Education MN – No School

Friday, November 2 Last Day of 1^st Quarter

Monday, November 5 No School – Teacher Workday

Second Quarter 44 Days

Tuesday, November 6 First Day of Quarter 2

Wednesday, November 21 No School – Conf. Comp. Day

Thursday, November 22 No School - Thanksgiving

Friday, November 23 No School

Monday, November 26 Two Hour Late Start

Friday, December 21 Early Dismissal – 12:50 pm

Monday, December 24 –

Tuesday, January 1 Winter Break

Wednesday, January 2 School Resumes after break

Friday, January 18 End of 2nd Quarter

Monday, January 21 No School

Tuesday, January 22 No School – Teacher Workday

Third Quarter 44 Days

Wednesday, January 23 First Day of Quarter 3

Friday, February 15 Early Dismissal – 12:50 pm

Monday, February 18 Presidents’ Day – No School

Tuesday, February 19 No School

Wednesday, March 27 Last Day of 3rd Quarter

Thursday, March 28 No School – Teacher Workday

Friday, March 29 No School – Spring Break

Monday, April 1 No School – Conf. Comp. Day

Tuesday, April 2 No School – Spring Break

Fourth Quarter 45 days

Wednesday, April 3 First Day of Quarter 4

Monday, May 27 No School - Memorial Day

Wednesday, June 5 Last Day of School

Thursday, June 6 Teacher Workday

Sunday, June 9 Graduation

ACTIVITY DIRECTOR

Visit us at www.komets.k12.mn.us and click on Activities.   

Fall Sports Sign-Up - ‘Fall Sport Sign-Up Night’ is Monday, August 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Middle School Gymnasium.  All students participating in a fall sport must have a parent present.  Forms can be found online. 

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Jason Peck is the School Resource Officer for the Kasson-Mantorville School District.  He is a Police Officer for the Kasson Police Department who is assigned to work full-time in the K-M Schools.  Some of Officer Peck's responsibilities include law enforcement, criminal investigations, classroom presentations on various topics related to law enforcement and safety, teaching DARE and building positive relationships with students.  He has an office in the high school and middle school, but is accessible to all schools when needed.  If you need to contact Officer Peck you can stop by one of his offices or call him at 634-1196 high school or 634-1636 middle school. 

KOMET WEBSITE & PARENT PORTAL

Our KoMet Website had more than 1.6 million hits this past school year!  Please continue to check the school website at www.komets.k12.mn.us for information about school activities, lunch menus, school board minutes/agendas, as well as other important items.  Teacher websites contain information about homework, class notes, teacher expectations, supply lists, etc. You may want to utilize the “My Personal View” feature linked on the K-M Homepage to customize your own calendar to keep track of your student’s activities and sports. You are also able to access K-M’s Infinite Campus parent portal via the KoMet Website.  The parent portal contains class assignments, grades, schedules, attendance information, progress reports, report cards, and immunization records. Thank you for making our website and parent portal a success. 

SCHOOL CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION

You will be notified of school closings, late starts, or early releases using our School Messenger Calling System, Radio, TV and our Web Site.

• KAAL –TV ABC 6 News TV – CHANNEL 6

www.kaaltv.com

• KTTC TV – CHANNEL 10, www.kttc.com

• KXLT Fox 47, www.myfox47.com

• KROC AM 1340; FM 106.9; KYBA 105.3; KWWK 96.5; KLCX 103.9; KDZZ 107.7 www.kroc.com, www.quickcountry.com, www.y105fm.com, www.zrock1077.com, www.klcxfm.com

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN CLASSES

SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

August 20 - Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4

New Parent-Student Night

6:30 p.m. Elementary Gym

Students and parents new to the District will have an opportunity to meet with the Elementary Principal and Counselor. The elementary student handbook will be reviewed. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions. The evening will end with a tour of the elementary building. Hope to see you there!

September 4 & 5 - Kindergarten

Orientation

Parents should receive a letter stating the time and agenda for the orientation. If you have not received a letter by August 19, 2012, please call the elementary office at 634-1234.

KINDERGARTEN

SCHOOL HOURS

AM Kindergarten:

8:10 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

PM Kindergarten:

12:20 p.m.-3:10 p.m.

PARENTS OF INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

You must submit dates of your child’s immunizations PRIOR to the first day of classes or your child will not be able to attend school.

SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY 533 can be found on the web page under:

www.komets.k12.mn.us

District

School Board

District Policies

Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School

604 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-1234

www.komets.k12.mn.us

K-M ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF

Principal Michelle Krell

Anderson, Jennifer Grade 2

Bell, Danielle Grade 2

Bennett, Rhonda Special Education

Besch, Karen Counselor

Bolstad, Alyssa K-12 Music

Bronk, Lisa Grade 3

Buehler, Rita Kindergarten

Campbell, Lindsey K-8 Social Worker

Christensen, Ryan Grade 3

Dahms, Paula Grade 4

Dalsted, Jenny Media Specialist

Darveaux, Sara Grade 3

Diercks, Heidi Grade 1

Erredge, Mathew Grade 3

Felten, Jill Special Education

Furst, Sharie Grade 3
Gilmore, Patricia Rdg Specialist/Coach

Groslie, Lori Grade 1

Hamm, Michelle Grade 1

Hamm, Nathan Physical Education

Haraldson, Ryan Grade 2

Hennessey, Cathy Physical Education

Ignash, Micaela Grade 2

Irish, Beth Speech

Johnson, Aimee High Potential

Johnson, Bryan Speech

Johnson, Mary Grade 3

Johnson, Nancy Music

Kerr, Kelly Grade 1

Kujath, Jennifer Kindergarten

Lau, Colleen Grade 1

Lechnir, Camille Special Education

Lenzmeier, Rachel Grade 4

Markham, Sara Grade 2

Meline, Alecia Grade 1

Mikkalson, Ann Title I Rdg Specialist

Mulrine, Tim Grade 1

Naylor, Curt Grade 4

Obst, Jennifer Grade 4

Olson, Joel Grade 4

O’Reilly, Sara Kindergarten

Paulson, Stacy Grade 3

Peck, Laura Grade 2

Perez, Lisa Spanish

Petersen, Jill Speech

K-M ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF

(Continued)

Postier, Beth Kindergarten

Raaen, Cynthia Grade 2

Rosaaen, Matt Grade 1

Sandstrom, Brian Grade 2

Southwick, Jana Grade 4

Vossen, Jody Grade 3

Vossen, John Grade 4

Voth, Nancy Grade 2

Walbruch, Linda Grade 1

Winkels, Sara ESL

Wishy, Kristin Art Education

K-M ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SUPPORT STAFF

Brekke, JoAnn Assistant

Brogan, Leah Assistant

Castellano, Sue Assistant

Dorschner, Lisa Media Technician

Dubbels, Curt Custodial

Eggert, Nita Assistant

Elton, Danita Assistant

Fiscus, Bettie Assistant

Flynn, Jennifer Office Secretary

Gilbertson, Laura Assistant

Hubbard, Rhonda Assistant

Kaufeld, Gayle Assistant

Lange, Rachel Assistant

Marlow, Heidi Custodial

McCool, Beth Assistant

Melius, Jodi Nurse

Ness, Dale Custodial

Ramer, AJ Custodial

Ramsey, Joan Assistant

Riker, Jill Assistant

Schmidt, Jake Custodial

Thompson, Amy Office Secretary

Vrieze, Carrie Assistant

August 29 – Grades 1, 2, 3, 4

Open House Grades

Grades 1 & 2 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Grades 3 & 4 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Open House gives you an opportunity to tour the school and visit your child’s classroom and meet the teacher.  We hope you make every effort to attend the Open House and Orientations. Parent involvement is key to student success in education. It is an opportunity to start positive communication between home and school.

Kasson-Mantorville Elementary . . . participates in a number of programs during the year. With these programs, we either receive products to be used by the school or money that can be used to purchase items for the school. The following is a list of the programs and items we collect. Please bring them to your child’s classroom teacher or the elementary office.

• Campbell’s Labels for Education – We collect UPC labels from all Campbell products.
• Box Tops for Education – Coupons from various General Mills Products
• Kemps Give ‘Em Five – Stickered caps from gallon & ½ gallons of Kemps white, skim, and chocolate milk or proof of purchase from paper ½ gallons of milk
• Target Take Charge of Education – Every time you use a Target visa or Target Guest card, we receive 1% of your purchase.
• Milk Moola and Donuts to Dough – Nature’s Touch product caps, bag tops, and Glazers price ovals from Kwik Trip
• Land O Lakes – Stickered caps from milk, orange juice or chocolate milk
• Tyson Project A+ - labels from participating Tyson Products
• Capri Sun drink pouch

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL HOURS

8:10 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.

ALL STUDENTS NEW TO THE DISTRICT . . .

must enroll through Student Services located at 101 16^th St NE

District Office

Summer hours are Monday through Thursday from

7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

or call Deb at 634-1142

for assistance.

GRADES 4, 5, 6:

Maturation Lectures

Winter/Spring 2012-2013

Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School

604 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-1234

www.komets.k12.mn.us

KINDERGARTEN

* School Supplies - Subject to change

Each child needs a large backpack (no wheels) which your child can zip, snap or button in order to hold a library book and other school items. During the winter, their shoes will need to fit in the bag so consider this when choosing a school bag. They will also need:

• 1 wide lined spiral notebook (70 count)
• 1 large box of tissue (last name A-M)
• 1 large container of Clorox Wipes (last name N-Z)
• 6-8 glue sticks
• 1 bottle of white Elmer’s school glue
• 1 box of 16 crayons
• 2 two-pocket folders with bottom pockets
• 1 box washable markers
• 2 dry-erase markers
• $1.90 for headphones used in the computer lab (check made out to K-M Schools)

Requests for additional supplies may be needed throughout the year.

GRADE 1

Please label all materials with your child’s name

• 1 - package of 12 yellow #2 pencils (no pens)
• 2 - large pencil erasers
• 4 - yellow highlighter markers
• 8 – Fat Expo low-odor Chisel tip dry erase markers (red, green, blue, or black)
• Old sock or Dry Erase eraser
• 6 - large glue sticks
• 1 – bottle of white glue
• Crayons (box of 24)
• 1 – pack washable markers
• 3 - 2 pocket (bottom pockets-no side pockets) 3-hole punched folders
• 3 – 3-prong folders (ONLY Mrs. Lau, Mrs. Diercks, Mr. Mulrine, Miss Meline, Mr. Rosaaen, Miss Kerr & Mrs. Groslie’s classes)
• 1 - 1” heavy duty 3-ring binder
• 1 - spiral notebook (wide lined) - two notebooks for Mrs. Hamm’s & Mrs. Walbruch’s classes
• Scissors (metal blades)
• Large box of tissue
• 1 Box of Clorox wipes
• Small container with the following coins:

• 20 pennies
• 10 nickels
• 10 dimes
• 4 quarters

• 1 – folder for Spanish – Please label Spanish
• Backpack-no wheels
• Paint shirt
• $1 (Mrs. Diercks, Mrs. Lau, Mr. Rosaaen, Mr. Mulrine, & Mrs. Groslie – we will purchase pencil boxes with this money)
• Pencil box (Only Mrs. Walbruch’s class)

GRADE 3

Most Supplies Will Be Community Supplies

Do not label

• Small pencil box
• 24 Dixon Ticonderoga #2 Yellow Pencils
• Large, rectangular erasers
• 1 Package white 3x5 index cards
• 2 glue sticks
• 1 highlighter
• Scissors
• 1 box of 24 crayons (no larger)
• 6 wide lined notebooks (red, yellow, blue, green, & 2 others)
• 6 bottom pocket folders (red, yellow, blue, green, & 2 others)
• 1 Sturdy plastic folder (2-pocket with center fasteners)
• 1- 1 ½ inch 3 ring hard cover binder (No Trapper keepers or zipped )
• 4 dry erase markers (not washable kind) and eraser or sock
• 1 Composition notebook
• 1 Box tissue (200+ count)
• Backpack
• Paint shirt
• Spanish class supplies – one 1-subject notebook, one dry-erase marker, *for new students only – one regular folder (either accordion style nor transparent/clear folders), & 2 sharpened pencils

Supplies not specifically requested will be sent home

GRADE 2

Please label all materials with your child’s name (permanent marker)

All students need to wear non-marring tennis shoes during Phy Ed class

• 24 Sharpened pencils (no mechanical or push-up pencils)
• 1 Pencil sharpener with plastic reservoir for pencil shavings
• Colored pencils and/or crayons (no more than 24 count)
• Highlighter
• 4 Dry erase markers: black, red, blue, or green (not washable kind)
• Pencil erasers -at least 1 hand held block eraser
• 1- Plastic folder (2-pocket with 3 center fasteners)
• 1- 1” 3-ring binder (for Mr. Haraldson & Mr. Sandstrom)
• 2- 1” 3-ring binders (for Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Gile (Bell), Mrs. Herold (Ignash), Mrs. Markham, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Raaen & Mrs. Voth)
• 4 Pocket folders
• 4 Spiral notebooks (wide lined)
• 2 Composition notebook (wide lined)
• 1 - 8 oz. School glue (not colored)
• 4- Glue sticks
• Scissors
• 1- 3 ring binder pencil pouch with zip closure
• Pencil bag (zip closure)
• Small Pencil box for desk supplies
• Real coins for math (15 pennies, 10 nickels, 15 dimes, 4 quarters)
• 1- Gallon Ziploc bag for headphones
• Large box of tissues (200 ct or larger)
• Backpack
• Art shirt

GRADE 4

Please do not label materials

• Ruler (cm and inches)
• Markers – (8 count)
• 5 Spiral Notebooks (1 each: red, blue, green, yellow + 1 choice)
• Crayons (48 count)
• Colored pencils (small pk.)
• Kleenex tissue (200+ count)
• Pencils (pack of 20, #2)
• 3 Black Fine Point Sharpie Markers
• Pen (red, blue, or black only)
• 4 Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• 6 Pocket Folders (1 of each: red, blue, green, yellow + 2 choice)
• 1 Pack of 3 x 5 Index Cards
• Erasers
• Scotch Tape
• Calculator (basic functions)
• 4 Dry Erase Markers
• 1 Old Sock
• No Trapper Keepers or Binders
• Athletic shoes (non-marking and no skateboarding shoes)
• 1” binder: Mrs. Southwick’s & Miss Lenzmeier Class
• 2” binder: Mr. Naylor’s class

K-M MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF

(Continued)

Wilke, Aaron Gr. 7-12 Activity Director

Wix, Amy Gr. 6

Wyttenbach, Jenny Gr. 7 English

Wyttenbach, Peter G. 6

K-M MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF

Bauer, Trish Assistant

Bendickson, Tony Assistant

Johnson, Mary Kay Office Secretary

Laganiere, Tammy Assistant

Lubahn, Bob Custodial

Marlow, Tim Custodial

Miller, Cecilia Assistant

Morrow-Porter, Trish Assistant

Poncelet, Michelle Media Technician

Richardson, Joe Custodial

Rumpza, Diane Nurse

Sandeno, Mary Sue Assistant

Schouten, Julie Assistant

Skime, Lori Custodial

Smith, Sally Office Secretary

Sorgenfrie, Sheryl Media Assistant

Stachowitz, Keith Custodial

Ware, Kelly Assistant

K-M MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF

Principal Alan Hodge

TBD Gr. 7/8 FACS

Bach, Tressie Gr. 8 Math/Science

Bolstad, Alyssa Gr. K/12 Music

Bornfleth, David Gr. 7 Math

Buchanan, Jon Gr. 7 Geography

Buchholtz, Shannon Gr. 5/8 Spanish

Buck, Cassandra Gr. 5/6 Art

Bungum, Gail Gr/ 6

Campbell, Lindsey Gr. K/8 Social Worker

Denter, Dillon Gr. 8 English/History

Denter, Jessica Gr. 5/8 Reading

Ellerbusch, Diane Gr. 5/12 Speech/Lang

Fague, Jeff Gr. 8 History

Felegy, Rob Gr. 7 English/Geography

Franke, Matt Gr. 7 Math/Science

Gierok, Tony Gr. 7/8 PE

Harwood, Liz Gr. 5-8 Band

Havumaki, Bryson Special Education

Jaensch, Wendy Gr. 5

Johnson, Dawn Gr. 5

Johnson, Hilary Special Education

Johnson, Tim Gr. 8 Science

Jurrens, Nick Gr. 5

Jystad, Susan Gr. 5/8 Music & Choir

Kells, Jim Gr. 7/8 Industrial Tech

Knuttila, Lauren Gr.8 English

Kroulik, Ivan Guidance Counselor

Mann, Paul Gr. 5

Marquardt, Jennifer Special Education

Miller, Scott Gr. 8 Math

Mitchell, Joshua Gr. 7/8 PE & Health

Myran, Erik Gr. 6

Nelson, Matt Gr.6

Otterness, Chris Gr. 7/8 Industrial Tech

Robertson, Travis Gr. 6

Ronnenberg, Cori Gr. 7/8 Health

Schmidt, Tracy Gr. 5

Schoonover, Amber Gr. 5/8 PE & Health

Smith, Jodi Special Education

Soderberg, Chris Gr. 5

Suess, Slone Gr. 6

Threinen, Broc Gr. 7 Science

Torkelson, Marie Gr. 7/8 Art

Tri, Becky Gr. 5

M.S. Open House & Orientations

Wednesday, August 29

We hope you make every effort to attend the Open House and Orientations. Parent involvement is key to student success in education. It is an opportunity to start positive communication between home and school.

Grade 5 Web Orientation 1:00-5:00 p.m.

An introduction to the Middle School with team building activities, tours and a time for questions and answers. 

MS Gym

Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 Open House 4:00-6:30 p.m.

Individual Classrooms

Grade 5 Students & Parents 5:30-6:00 p.m.

MS Gym

ALL GRADE 7 STUDENTS . . .

Must show proof of:

• Hepatitis B Series
• 2nd MMR
• Td Booster Shot
• Record of either having chicken pox or

having received 2^nd varicella shot before orientation in September

STATE REQUIREMENT - MUST HAVE PHYSICIAN’S SIGNATURE on varicella

Grades 4, 5, 6 - Maturation Lectures

Winter/Spring 2012-2013

MIDDLE SCHOOL HOURS

8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.

ATTENTION

7TH & 8TH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Wednesday, August 29

is the first

Gr. 7/8 Grade Dance

7:00-10:00 p.m.

($5.00 Admission)

Chaperones Needed – If interested, call the MS Office 634-4030

Kasson-Mantorville

Middle School

1400 5^th Ave NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-4030

www.komets.k12.mn.us

GRADE 6

#2 Pencils & Pens (Blue or Black & Red)

4 Highlighters & 1 Black Sharpie

2 Boxes of Tissues (Homeroom & Advisory)

Scientific Calculator

7 Spiral Notebooks (7 Different Colors)

7 Folders (Matching Notebook Colors)

2” 3-Ring Binder w/4 Tab Dividers

Markers & Colored Pencils

Ruler & Pointed Scissors

2 Glue Sticks & 1 Glue Bottle

3 Stretchy Book Covers (large)

2 Packs Index Cards

Pencil Box

USB Flash Drive

Phy Ed

T-Shirt & Shorts or Sweatpants

Tennis Shoes (non-marking w/ties)

Stick Deodorant (NO SPRAY)

Spanish

Notebook & Folder

Index Cards

3-Ring Binder w/Tab Dividers

Art

Paint Shirt

8 ½ x 11 Sketch Book (Spiral Bound)

#2 Pencils (4) & Black Pens (2)

Pencil Sharpener & Eraser

Glue Bottle

Please Note:

Remember to put your student’s name on all supplies.

All backpacks must fit in lockers. NO WHEELS!

If you need assistance attaining school supplies, please contact the Dodge County Family Services Collaborative at 634-4334.

GRADE 5

#2 Pencils (Box of 12)

Eraser

Pencil Sharpener

Blue or Black Pens (No Gel Pens)

100 ruled index cards (3x5)

5 Notebooks (5 Different Colors)

5 Folders (Matching Notebook Colors)

3-Subject Notebook

Box of Tissues

Markers & Colored Pencils

2 Highlighters

Blue or Black Dry Erase Marker

Ruler & Scissors

Glue Stick & Glue Bottle

4 Stretchy Book Covers (large)

Calculator w/√-square root sign

Pencil Box

USB Flash Drive

Composition Book (Team 5A ONLY)

Scholastic Magazine (Team 5A ONLY/ $5 @ Orientation)

Team 5A: D. Johnson, P. Mann, A. Schneider, C. Soderberg

Phy Ed

T-Shirt & Shorts or Sweatpants

Tennis Shoes (non-marking w/ties)

Stick Deodorant (NO SPRAY)

Spanish

Notebook & Folder

Index Cards

3-Ring Binder w/Tab Dividers

Art

Paint Shirt

8 ½ x 11 Sketch Book (Spiral Bound)

#2 Pencils (4) & Black Pens (2)

Pencil Sharpener & Eraser

Glue Bottle

GRADE 7 & 8

#2 Pencils

Eraser

Blue or Black Pens

Red Pens

Notebooks (7)

Folders (7)

3-ring Binder w/Tab Dividers

Filler Paper

Calculator: TI-34 II or Mutli-View

Highlighter

Colored Pencils

Box of Tissues P. 2 Class

4 Packs of 3x5 Index Cards

USB Flash Drive

Phy Ed

T-Shirt & Shorts or Sweatpants

Tennis Shoes (non-marking w/ties)

Art

9x12 Spiral Bound Sketchbook

FACS

3-ring Binder w/Tab Dividers

Spanish

3-Ring Binder w/Tab Dividers

Choir

Dress Clothes Required for Performances

Boys: Dress Pants w/Shirt/Tie or Polo

Girls: Dress or Skirt/Blouse

The first day of school students will need a pen or pencil & a notebook & folder for each class.

The remainder of the supplies can be purchased & brought to school as needed.

Please Note:

Remember to put your student’s name on all supplies.

All backpacks must fit in lockers. NO WHEELS!

If you need assistance attaining school supplies, please contact the Dodge County Family Services Collaborative at 634-4334.

K-M HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Principal Jerry Reker

Arneson, Jason History

Bernards, Jeff Math

Bielen, Shelly Guidance Counselor

Boldt, Tony Band

Bolstad, Alyssa K-12 Music

Buehler, Bernie Language Arts

Colucy, Debra Math

Davis, Aaron Industrial Technology

Enders, Connie Language Arts

Ellerbusch, Diane Speech & Language

Faller, Andrew Choir

Fernholz, Chris Business Education

Fosland, Christi Lang Arts/Rdg/Sp Ed

Fox, Stacy Special Education

Frarck, Cheryl Language Arts

Fredrickson, Marilyn Art Education

Gierok, Tony Phy Ed /DAPE

Gross, Bruce Industrial Technology

Hegerle, Larry Social Studies

Hoff, Julie Spanish

Huppler, Lynette Spanish

Jensch, Thomas Social Studies

Johnson, Clark Choir

Kujath, Jeff Science

Kujath, Nicole Special Education

Lannin, Chris Media Specialist

Lindquist, Michele FACS

Matejcek, Nicholas Social Studies

Mitchell, Joshua Physical Ed/Health

Olson, Amory Science

Otterness, Chris Industrial Technology

Pagel, Lori Agriculture

Pittman, Jared Science

Prescher, Joni Special Education

Richard, Tammy School Nurse

Ronnenberg, Cori Physical Ed/Health

Rood, Althea Math

TBD Science

Smith, Susan FACS

Snyder, Kerri Social Worker/Guidance

Sommer, Allison Math

Swanson, Joel Math

Swanson, Tomi Business

Thornburg, Sherrill Special Education

Torkelson, Marie Art Education

Walsh, Heather Language Arts

Wiitanen, Nancy Science

Wilke, Aaron 7-12 Activity Director   

Winkels, Sara English as 2^nd Lang (ESL)

K-M HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF

Bennett, Rachael Assistant

Bernard, Maureen Activities Secretary

Denny, Libby Custodial

Gransee, Bryce Custodial

Handevidt, Amy Assistant

Hjerleid, Kristin Media Assistant

Kitzrow, Scott Custodial

Kreidermacher, John Custodial

MacCartney, Tom Media Technician

McAdams, Judy Assistant

Mienert, Linda Assistant

Overton, Jared Assistant

Rath, Terry Custodial

Ruud, Tammy Attendance Secretary

Wetzstein, Karen Guidance Secretary

White, Tim Assistant

Wilke, Nicky Office Secretary

August 29 - Grade 9 Orientation

We hope you make every effort to attend Orientation with your 9^th grader. Parent involvement is key to student success in education. It is an opportunity to start positive communication between home and school.

Grade 9 6:30 p.m. HS North Gym

August 30 - Grade 9 LINK CREW ASSEMBLY

This welcome assembly and orientation is for 9^th-grade students only! Have fun with your classmates, and junior/senior leaders, participating in small & large group activities to get ready for High School!

Grade 9 8:00 a.m. HS South Gym

GRADE 9 SUPPLY LIST

Notebooks/Folders per class

Pencils/Pens/Highlighters

Flash Drive

Book Covers

English 9

500-pack Notecards

Two notebooks

Phy Ed

T-Shirt & Shorts (no cut-offs)

Tennis Shoes (non-marking w/ties)

One Heart-Monitor Strap (can borrow from other students or purchase for $6)

One Padlock for Locker Room (can purchase at school)

Math

Calculator (TI-83 or TI-82 Silver)

Science

Ruler with Metric Measurements

Spanish

Notecards

9-12 STUDENT PLANNERS

Student planners will be required for all students and will be used as their hall pass during class time. Students will receive planners the first day of school in Advisory.

K-M DRIVER EDUCATION

Kasson-Mantorville School District continues to offer four driver education classes each year - fall, spring, and two in the summer. Classes fill up very quickly. Students must be 14 years old before they can register for one of our classes. To register, stop in and see Tammy in the high school attendance office (634-1174) during the school year or Karlyn in the District Office (634-1100) during the summer. Students must be 15 years old by the time they take the permit test. Age requirements for each class are listed on the Driver Education website. A $50 deposit is required at the time you register for the course. The current cost of the class is $305, which includes 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Information on any of our future classes can be found on the KoMet website: www.komets.k12.mn.us ~ Just click on High School or Middle School - then scroll down to the Driver Education link which is located under the activities menu. If you have further questions about these classes, contact:

Driver Education Coordinator

Bryan Johnson at

634-4788 (H) or 634-1571 (W)

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENT DATES

CORONATION: Monday, October 1 @ 8:00 p.m.

North Gym

HOMECOMING vs. Byron – Friday, October 5

9-12 DANCE following game until midnight North Gym

HIGH SCHOOL HOURS

8:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.

NEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Please contact the Guidance Office at

634-2981 after

August 8, 2012, to make an appointment for class registration

Kasson-Mantorville

High School

101 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-2961

www.komets.k12.mn.us

LIFE LONG LEARNING THROUGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION!

• Early Childhood Family Education
• Preschool & School Readiness classes for 3, 4 & 5 year olds
• Early Childhood Screening
• Project Kids School Age Care
• Kindergarten Plus Enrichment Program
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Adult Enrichment Classes and Opportunities
• After School & Summer Youth Enrichment Classes
• Open Gyms (volleyball, basketball, physically disabled)
• Trips
• Safe Driving Classes
• Adult Basic Education/ GED/English Language Learners

Kasson-Mantorville

Community Education

606 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-4464

www.komets.k12.mn.us

COMMUNITY EDUCATION STAFF

Director Janelle Kirsch

Crable, Misty Project Kids Coord & K Plus Teacher

Hansen, Emily            SR Coordinator/SR Teacher

Hauber, Barb ECFE Parent Educator

Horning, Brandice K Plus/Project Kids Teacher

Kase, Quinita              ECFE Coordinator/SR Teacher

Michaels, Sam ECFE Parent Educator

Moret, Robin KPlus/ECFE Teacher

Peters, Sara                KoMet Kids Teacher

Shay, Michelle            SR/ECFE Teacher

Tjaden, Sandy             ECSE Teacher

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF

Cassem, Cindy            Secretary

Fix, Lee                        Custodial

Glowa, Lisa                 Assistant

Hauschild, Kristi         Assistant

Jensen, Andria Assistant

Kraus, Stephanie        Assistant

Kroulik, Mary Jane     Assistant

McKay, Tom Assistant

Ramer, Amanda         Assistant

Rieck, Carrie Assistant

Schacht, Mary             Assistant

Smith, Katie                Assistant

Sullivan, Carol Assistant

Welch, Sue                  Assistant

Wohlfiel, Betty           Office Assistant

Wunrow, Mary           Assistant

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Kasson-Mantorville District 204 is committed to life-long learning for all residents.  Community Education serves residents of the

K-M School District from birth through the retirement years. 

The Community Education Department is housed in the K-M Community Education Building, which is attached to the east end of the K-M Elementary School.

Community Education Course Brochures are delivered to the homes of all Kasson and Mantorville residents three times a year.  You can also find a full listing of classes, activities and events by going online to www.kmcommed.org. Community members interested in serving on the Community Education Advisory Council or teaching classes may contact us at 634-4464. This is your Community Education!

COMMUNITY EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN PLUS

September 4 & 5 - Open House

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Community Ed Rooms CE1 & CE2

(Watch for specifics via email and/or US mail)

Parents can attend Kindergarten Plus Open House the same day they attend Kindergarten Orientation, which is also September 4 & 5.

Kindergarten Plus is a parent-funded enrichment program designed to provide K-M’s half-day Kindergarten students with a full-day experience. The program works closely with the K-M Kindergarten staff and focuses on phonetic awareness, sight word recognition, fundamentals of mathematics, science and social studies. Students also participate in Spanish, Art, Music and Physical Education with our staff of certified Kindergarten/Elementary teachers.

First day of Kindergarten Plus is September 6^th

COMMUNITY EDUCATION KOMET CONNECTIONS

August 30 - Parent Meeting

7:00-8:00 p.m. Community Education Multipurpose Room

September 5 & 6 - Meet the Teacher Evening

(Watch for specifics via email and/or US mail)

KoMet Connections is a School Readiness preschool for children who plan to attend Kindergarten in the fall of 2013. This program prepares children for Kindergarten, using a balanced curriculum that includes discovery centers, dramatic play, art, music, group projects, circle time, and literature. The certified PreK teachers work closely with the Kindergarten staff to assure a smooth transition from Preschool to Kindergarten.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION KOMET KIDS

September 5 & 6 - Meet the Teacher Evening

(Watch for specifics via email and/or US mail)

Community Ed Room CE5

KoMet Kids is a two-and-one-half hour preschool class for children who have turned 3 years old by September 1, 2012. This playgroup-based program is an introduction to a classroom setting where children are encouraged to explore their creativity, learn social and self-help skills, and are involved in many different activities.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING

So much learning is accomplished through the senses of hearing and vision. For this reason, screenings are essential to help identify any barriers that would impair a student’s ability to learn. We will screen according to the state recommendations. Screening will take place during the first quarter of the school year.

A student is always welcome to receive a screening at any point in the school year. Parents and teachers should call your school's building nurse with any concerns that you may have.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING

• October 15, 2012
• November 19, 2012
• June 10, 11, 2013

Minnesota State Law requires all children to be screened before entering Kindergarten and recommends Early Childhood Screening between the ages of 3 and 4 ½ years. This process identifies normal aspects of health development and potential problems for further evaluation. Early Childhood Screening includes developmental screening and a vision, hearing, weight and immunization review. Please call 634-4464 to schedule an appointment for your child.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Failing to abide by state law will result

in your child not being able to attend school

A parent’s/guardian’s signature will no longer be accepted to document history of a child’s varicella disease in either kindergarten or seventh grade. Only the following will be legally acceptable:

• The signature of a provider along with the date of the child’s varicella illness or

• The signature of a provider along with a statement that the parent’s or legal guardian’s description of the child’s varicella disease history is indicative of past varicella infection or

• The signature of a provider or a representative of a public clinic along with laboratory evidence of the child’s varicella immunity.

Medication forms are available to you online on our school’s website at www.komets.k12.mn.us. Click on departments, then School Nurse, and go to medication forms. You must complete physician and parent authorization forms if your child will be taking any medications during the school day. All medications must be brought in and left in the nurse’s office (this includes Tylenol and Ibuprofen). School will not supply OTC medication and cough drops. Please contact the school nurse for further questions.

VOLUNTEERS are needed and appreciated for the Vision & Hearing Screening days.

If interested, please call Tammy at 634-1108. Thank You!

District-Wide Nurse

Jodi Melius

634-1567

District-Wide Nurse

Diane Rumpza

634-1608

District-Wide

Licensed School Nurse

Tammy Richard

634-1108

Kasson-Mantorville

High School

101 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-2961

www.komets.k12.mn.us

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL

Medication forms are available to you online on our school’s website at www.komets.k12.mn.us. Click on departments, then school nurse, and go to medication forms. You must complete physician and parent authorization forms if your child will be taking medications during the school day. All medications must be brought in and left in the nurse’s office (this includes Tylenol and Ibuprofen). The school will not supply over-the-counter medication and cough drops. Please contact the school nurse for further questions.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ASTHMA, FOOD ALLERGIES, DIABETES, DEPRESSION . . .

Please share this information with the School Health Office so we can care for your child at school. Please complete a health form update yearly and whenever your child’s health status changes. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS are needed and appreciated for the Vision & Hearing Screening days.

If interested, please call Tammy at 634-1108. Thank You!

District-Wide Nurse

Jodi Melius

634-1567

District-Wide Nurse

Diane Rumpza

634-1608

District-Wide

Licensed School Nurse

Tammy Richard

634-1108

Kasson-Mantorville

High School

101 16^th St NE
Kasson, MN 55944

634-2961

www.komets.k12.mn.us

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Supervisor Larry Meeker

Bus Drivers/Assistants

Anderson, Kami Packer, Kathy

Beckstrom, Carl Pederson, Terry

Brambrink, Mark Permann, Shirley

Currier, Ike Pfeiffer, David

Heusinkveld, Ell Poff, Jim

Koss, Rose Sandeno, Curt

Kroll, Vicky Scholer, Phil

Lindahl, Valerie Seabright, Sandy

McAdams, Judy Thompson, Rob

Myers, Marvin Werner, Robbie

Ness, Dale Werner, Ron

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Transportation policy for walking distance

to and from school is as follows:

• Grades K-4 am/pm no limitations
• Grades 5-8 am/pm 1.25 miles
• Grades 9-12 am/pm 1.5 miles

All parents will need to fill out a Transportation Registration Form indicating their student’s two pick-up and two drop-off sites.

If you have any questions concerning your student’s transportation for the coming

school year, please contact:

Larry Meeker

Transportation Supervisor

634-1177

REQUIRED BUS SAFETY

TRAINING FOR STUDENTS

A State mandate requires that all students receive bus safety training and must pass a test in order to continue riding any regular, sport, or field trip bus. The State of Minnesota has reaffirmed that bus riding is not a right, but rather a privilege.

The State requires that students must show competency in riding a bus by the third week of school. The specific competencies include:

• Understanding that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.
• Knowledge and understanding of district conduct and safety policies.
• Demonstrate appropriate conduct on the bus.
• Be able to explain the school bus danger zones.
• Understanding safe loading and unloading procedure.
• Demonstrating safe crossing procedures.
• Proficiency in bus evacuation and emergency drills.

The above will be taught in the classroom and on the buses the first week of school. Students failing the competencies will be assigned to special classes by the school Transportation Director. If students cannot demonstrate proficiency by the third week of school, they will be dropped from all regular, extra-curricular and field trips and an evening class with parents and student together will be scheduled for those who wish to access the bus riding privilege.

Remember…

• Students should be at bus stops five minutes before the bus comes.
• On the first day of school, the bus drivers ask that students please come to their bus stops 10 minutes early.
• All students who need to cross the road at their bus stop please wait for the bus driver to signal you across.
• Students must act responsibly and show respect for property at all bus stops.

GRADES K-4 - TO ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL ONLY (Continued)

AM Bus #17 – Ike Currier – Kasson

10^th St & 9^th St NW 7:36

8^th St & 12^th Ave NW 7:40

7^th St & 12^th Ave NW 7:43

5^th St & 12^th Ave NW 7:46

5^th St & 15^th Ave NW 7:48

8^th St & 14^th Ave NW 7:51

9^th Ave & Main St 7:52

8^th Ave & 2^nd St NW 7:54

8^th Ave & 5^th St NW 7:56

6^th St & 1^st Ave NW 7:49

AM Bus #20 – Curt Sandeno – Kasson

3^rd St & 1^st Ave NE 7:35

3^rd St & 5^th Ave NE 7:36

4^th St & 8^th Ave NE 7:37

3^rd St & 10^th Ave NE 7:39

309 10^th Ave NE 7:40

5^th St & 10^th Ave NE 7:41

7^th St & 8^th Ave NE 7:43

4^th St & 6^th Ave NE 7:45

501 5^th Ave NE 7:46

7^th St & 5^th Ave NE 7:49

606 4^th Ave NE 7:51

505 4^th Ave NE 7:52

608 2^nd Ave NE 7:53

7^th St & 1^st Ave NE 7:54

1106 1^st Ave NE 7:56

1204 1^st Ave NE 7:59

GRADES K-4 - TO ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL ONLY

Arriving at Elementary School 8:00

AM Bus #1 – Rob Thompson – Mantorville &

Kasson

Ruport Daycare 7:23

7^th St & Washington 7:24

7^th St & Chestnut 7:25

7^th St & Walnut 7:26

9^th & Walnut 7:27

9^th St & West 7:28

7^th St & West 7:29

12^th St & 5^th Ave NW 7:35

8^th St & K-M Nursery NW 7:37

1^st Ave Circle & 16^th St NE 7:39

9^th Ave & 20^th St NE 7:45

8^th Ave & 22^nd St NE 7:48

AM Bus #15 – Shirley Permann – Kasson

5^th St & 2^nd Ave NW 7:28

5^th St & 5^th Ave NW 7:29

5^th St & 10^th Ave Circle NW 7:32

12^th Ave & 3^rd Place NW 7:35

235^th Ave & 2^nd St. NW 7:36

1404 4^th St NW 7:37

13^th Ave & 3^rd St NW 7:38

7^th Ave & Main St 7:40

5^th Ave & Main St 7:41

3^rd Ave & Main St 7:42

3^rd Ave & 2^nd St SW 7:43

503 2^nd St SW 7:44

2^nd St & 8^th Ave SW 7:45

South Ridge Town Homes 7:48

W Mem Hwy & 2^nd Ave SW 7:49

2^nd Ave & 4^th St SW 7:50

403 3^rd Ave SW 7:51

3^rd Ave & 6^th St SW 7:52

102 6^th St SW 7:53

18 4^th St SW 7:54

GRADES K-12 GOING TO HS, MS, & ELEMENTARY (Continued)

AM Bus #9 – Mark Brambrink – Mantorville

Jefferson St & Stagecoach Rd 7:27

Hickory Lane & 7^th St 7:30

AM BUS #10 – Dave Pfeifer – Kasson

201 7^th Ave NE 7:27

1603 13^th Ave NE 7:30

2002 13^th Ave NE 7:32

2007 & 11^th Ave NE 7:33

1603 11^th Ave NE 7:35

AM Bus #13 – Jim Poff – Kasson

7^th Ave & South Fork Place SE 7:23

7^th Ave & South Fork Dr SE 7:24

4^th Ave & south Fork Dr SE 7:25

3 South Fork Dr SE 7:27

AM Bus #14 – Dale Ness – Kasson

3^rd St & 10^th Ave SE 7:23

2^nd St & 10^th Ave SE 7:25

GRADES K-12 GOING TO HS, MS, & ELEMENTARY

AM Bus #2 – TBD – Kasson

Sunset Ave & Windsor St 7:27

321 & Country View St 7:28

Windsor St & Meadowlark Ave 7:29

Old Elem 2^nd St. & 3^rd Ave NW 7:32

2^nd St. & 1^st Ave. NW` 7:33

AM Bus #3 – Ron Werner – Mantorville

3^rd St & West St 7:30

5^th St & Walnut St 7:32

5^th St & Clay St 7:34

AM Bus #4 – Robbie Werner – Mantorville

Blanch St & 8^th St East 7:30

AM Bus #6 – Carl Beckstrom – Mantorville

Eagle Court & 615 St 6:48

248 Ave & 616 St 6:50

248 Ave & 617 St 6:52

619 St & 618 St 6:54

Par 4 Drive & Golfview Court Intersection 6:56

615 Golfview Court 6:58

61828 & 251 Ave 7:00

615 St & 252 Ave 7:01

615 St & 257 Ave 7:03

61471 265 Ave 7:05

61333 265 Ave 7:07

61192 265 Ave 7:08

61103 265 Ave 7:10

16 St & 16 Ave 7:36

Continue on to country route

AM #7 – Kami Anderson - Mantorville

Starts route on County 18 6:45

26448 & 607 St 7:15

262 Ave & 607 St 7:16

254 Ave & 608 St 7:18

252 Ave & 608 St (Hickory Hill) 7:19

254 Ave & 607 St 7:20

252 Ave & 253 Ave 7:21

252 Ave & 254 Ave 7:22

252 Ave & 611 St 7:24

61243 & 252 Ave 7:25

61469 & 252 Ave 7:27

Bergmann Dr & 5^th St East 7:35

AFTERNOON BUS DESTINATIONS

(Continued)

Bus #2

Windsor St & Meadowlark Ave

321 Country View St

Sunset Ave & Windsor St

Bus #3 – Country route and

235^th Ave & 2^nd St NW Kasson

3^rd St & West

5^th St & Walnut

5^th St & Clay

Bus #7 – Mantorville

Starts route on County 18

26448 & 607 St

262 Ave & 607 St

254 Ave & 608 St

252 Ave & 608 St (Hickory Hill)

252 Ave & 253 Ave

252 Ave & 254 Ave

252 Ave & 611 St

61243 & 252 Ave

61469 & 252 Ave

Bergmann Dr & 5^th St East

Mantor Dr & 5^th St East

Bus #4 – Stop east side of Hwy 57

Durst Farm Area

Ruport's Daycare

Blanch St & 8^th St East

AM Bus #6 – Mantorville

Eagle Court & 615 St

248 Ave & 616 St

248 Ave & 617 St

619 St & 618 St

Par 4 Drive & Golfview Court Intersection

615 Golfview Court

61828 & 251 Ave

615 St & 252 Ave

615 St & 257 Ave

61471 265 Ave

61333 265 Ave

61192 265 Ave

61103 265 Ave

16 St & 16 Ave

Continue on to country route

GRADES 5–12 GOING TO

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

AM Bus #1 – Rob Thompson – Kasson

8^th Ave & 2^nd St NW 7:05

10^th St & 12^th Ave NW 7:08

8^th St & 12^th Ave NW 7:10

8^th St & 14^th Ave NW 7:12

5^th St & 15^th Ave NW 7:14

AM Bus #15 – Shirley Permann – Kasson

2^nd St & 3^rd Ave SW 7:08

503 2^nd St SW 7:10

South Ridge Town Homes 7:11

W Mem Hwy & 2^nd Ave SW 7:12

2^nd Ave & 4^th St SW 7:13

6^th St & 3^rd Ave SW 7:15

102 6^th St SW 7:16

AM Bus #17 – Ike Currier – Kasson

7^th Ave & Main St NW 7:10

9^th Ave & Main St NW 7:12

12^th Ave & Main St NW 7:14

13^th Ave & 3^rd St NW 7:16

13^th Ave & 5^th St NW 7:18

5^th St & 10^th Ave Circle NW 7:22

AM Bus #20 – Curt Sandeno – Mantorville

5^th & West St 7:10

5^th & Chestnut St 7:11

7^th & Washington St 7:13

7^th & Chestnut St 7:15

7^th & Walnut St 7:16

7^th & West St 7:17

9^th & West St 7:19

AFTERNOON BUS DESTINATIONS

PLEASE NOTE: AFTERNOON BUS ROUTES MAY CHANGE IF NEEDED

Bus #1 - NE & NW Kasson & Mantorville

9^th Ave & 20^th St NE

8^th Ave & 22^nd St NE

16^th St & 1^st Ave NE

7^th St & Washington

7^th St & Walnut

9^th St & Walnut

9^th St & West

7^th St & West

12^th St & 5^th Ave NW

8^th St & K-M Nursery NW

AFTERNOON BUS DESTINATIONS

(Continued)

Bus #9

Hickory Lane

Jefferson St

Hickory & 7^th St

AM BUS #10 – Kasson

201 7^th Ave NE

1603 13^th Ave NE

2002 13^th Ave NE

2007 & 11^th Ave NE

1603 11^th Ave NE

Bus #11

1^st Ave & 6^th St NW

2^nd Ave & 5^th St NW

5^th St & 5^th Ave NW

9^th St & 10^th St NW

13^th Ave & 3^rd St NW

1404 4^th St NW

8^th Ave & 2^nd St NW

2^nd St & 3^rd Ave NW

2^nd St & 1^st Ave NW

Bus # 13

3 South Fork Dr SE

4^h Ave & South Fork Dr SE

7^th Ave & South Fork Dr SE

7^th Ave & South Fork Place SE

Bus # 14

County 34 East

3^rd St & 10^th Ave SE

2^nd St & 10^th Ave SE

AFTERNOON BUS DESTINATIONS

(Continued)

Bus #15 - SW Kasson

West Main & 7^th Ave SW

West Main & 5^th Ave SW

3^rd Ave & Main SW

503 2^nd St SW

2^nd St & 8^th Ave SW

South Ridge Town Homes

2^nd Ave & West Memorial Hwy SW

2^nd Ave & 4^th St

403 3^rd Ave SW

3^rd Ave & 6^th St. SW

102 6^th St SW

18 4^th St. SW

Bus #17 – Northwest Kasson

5^th St & 8^th Ave NW

West Main & 9^th Ave NW

12^th Ave & 3^rd PL NW

5^th St & 12^th Ave NW

5^th St & 15^th Ave NW

8^th St & 14^th Ave NW

8^th St & 12^th Ave NW

7^th St & 12^th Ave NW

Bus #20 - Northeast Kasson

1204 1^st Ave NE

1106 1^st Ave NE

3^rd St & 1^st Ave NE

3^rd St & 5^th Ave NE

4^th St & 8^th Ave NE

3^rd St &10^th Ave NE

309 10^th Ave NE

5^th St & 10^th Ave NE

7^th St & 8^th Ave NE

4^th St & 6^th Ave NE

501 5^th Ave NE

7^th St & 5^th Ave NE

606 4^th Ave NE

505 4^th Ave NE

608 2^nd Ave NE

7^th St & 1^st Ave NE

AFTERNOON HIGH SCHOOL

PLEASE NOTE: AFTERNOON BUS ROUTES MAY CHANGE IF NEEDED

Bus #10 – Mantorville

Hwy 57 & Golf Course Rd

Hwy 57 & Co Rd 12

5^th St & Clay

5^th St & Chestnut

7^th St & Chestnut

9^th St & Chestnut

9^th St & West

Bus #14

Main St & 9^th Ave

Main St & 12^th Ave

13^th Ave & 3^rd St NW

Bus #15 – SW Kasson

South Ridge Town Homes

2^nd Ave & West Mem Hwy

2^nd Ave & 4^th St SW

6^th St & 3^rd Ave SW

Bus #17 – NW Kasson

9^th St & 10^th St NW

12^th Ave & 8^th St NW

14^th Ave & 8^th St NW

15^th Ave & 5^th St NW

AFTERNOON MIDDLE SCHOOL

PLEASE NOTE: AFTERNOON BUS ROUTES MAY CHANGE IF NEEDED

Bus #2

Kasson Trailer Park

10^th Ave & 2^nd St

Bus #3

5^th St & 8^th Ave NW

5^th St & 14^th Ave NW

8^th St & 12^th Ave NW

9^th St & 10 St NW

Bus # 4

Bergman Dr & 5^th St East Mantorville

252 Ave & 254 Ave Mantorville

Bus # 6 – Golf Course Rd

615 St & Eagle Court

248 Ave & 617 St

248 Ave & 619 St

Bus #7

2^nd St & 3^rd Ave SW

503 2^nd St SW

Main St & 8^th Ave

Main St & 5^th Ave

Bus #9

13^th Ave & 5^th St NW

13^th Ave & 3^rd St NW

Main St & 12^th Ave NW

Main ST & 9^th Ave NW

Bus # 13 – SW Kasson

South Ridge town Homes

2^nd Ave & 4^th St SW

6^th St & 3^rd Ave SW

4^th St & 1^st Ave SW

Bus # 20 – Mantorville

5^th & West St

5^th & Chestnut St

7^th & Chestnut St

7^th & Walnut St

7^th & West St

9^th & West St

MILITARY RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENT DATA

An amendment to the Data Practices Act, M.S. 13.32, Subd. 5a provides the following: A secondary institution shall release to military recruiting officers the names, addresses, and home telephone numbers of students in grades 11 and 12 within 60 days after the date of the request, except as otherwise provided by this subdivision. A secondary institution shall give parents and students notice of the right to refuse release of this data to military recruiting officers. Notice may be given by any means reasonably likely to inform the parents and students of the right. Data released to military recruiting officers, under this subdivision: (1) may be used only for the purpose of providing information to students about military service, state and federal veterans’ education benefits, and other career and educational opportunities provided by the military; and (2) shall not be further disseminated to any other person except personnel of the recruiting services of the armed forces.

Pursuant to the requirements of ISD #204 regarding “military recruiter access to student data” (M.S. 13.32, Subd. 5a) the above constitutes the School District’s annual notification to parents and students regarding military recruitment.

This notification must be given to the building principal within thirty (30) days of the publication notice.

____ No, I do not give permission to release my child/children(‘s) data to military recruiting officers.

_________________________________________________________

Student Name(s) Grade

_________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Please complete and return to the K-M HS Guidance Office, 101 16^th Street NE, Kasson, MN 55944.

PHOTOGRAPH AND AUDIO/VIDEO TAPE PERMISSION

Each year the Kasson-Mantorville School District and the Zumbro Education District provide information to the newspaper and other media when possible to share school activities with the community. We send names and photos to the newspaper to add interest and to honor the students. Students may also be audio/video taped during their concerts and various other programs or photographed or audio/video taped for instructional, educational, or publicity purposes.

If you DO NOT want such information made available to newspapers, etc., please sign the form below, and return it to school.

Note: If this form is not returned to school, the School District will assume you give permission to the Kasson-Mantorville School District/Zumbro Education District to include your student in publicity activities.

Thank you for your cooperation!

____ No, I do not give permission to include my child/children in publicity activities, photos, or

audio/video taping.

____________________________________________________

Student Name(s) Grade

____________________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Please complete and return to the District Office, 101 16^th Street NE, Kasson, MN 55944.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

The Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools are committed to providing equal education and employment opportunities to all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, with regard to public assistance, disability or any other group or class against which discrimination is prohibited by Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363, and other applicable state or federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance should be referred to School District Human Rights Officer Kerri Snyder or Superintendent Mark D. Matuska.

DIRECTORY & YEARBOOK INFORMATION

Notice is hereby given: That ISD 204, pursuant to the U.S. General Education Provision Act and Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, declares the following as "directory information" as provided in said Act, and that information relating to students may be made public if said information is in any of the following categories:

• Student name
• Address
• Photograph
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Enrollment status
• Participation in officially recognized activities & sports
• Weight & height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors and awards received
• Most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Name of the student’s parent(s)

Any parent or any student in the district may notify the District by contacting the building Principal in which said students attend of their desire that some or none of the above information is not to be released without their consent. This notification must be given to the building Principal within thirty (30) days of the publication notice.

Independent School District 204

Kasson, MN 55944

2012-2013

SPECIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE

THROUGH SCHOOLS

Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools provide support to students through a full range of special service programs.  Students with special needs may be provided services in the regular classroom, through individualized instruction in a resource room, in special classes, in special day schools, or in residential schools, homes or hospitals.

A team of special and regular education personnel work with parents to plan an educational program which meets the learner’s individual needs.  An Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is developed cooperatively between parents and school staff.

The special services provided by Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools include the following:

• Audiology
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Developmental Adapted Phy Ed (DAPE)
• Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD)
• Developmental Delay (Early Childhood)
• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
• Extended School Year (ESY)
• Hearing Impaired (HI)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Other Health Disability (OHD)
• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Physically Impaired (PI)
• School Psychological Services
• School Health Services
• School Social Worker Services
• Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
• Speech/Language Therapy (SL)
• Visually Impaired (VI)

State of Minnesota and federal funds are used to help support special education programs.  Parents and community members may review applications, reports and evaluations of District activities supported by these funds.

For general information or if you suspect that your child (age birth through twenty-one) may be in need of special services, contact:

            Darcel Reker, Special Education Coordinator

            Kasson-Mantorville Schools

            101 16^th St NE

            Kasson, MN   55944

SECTION 504 of the

REHABILITATION ACT of 1973

Section 504 is an Act which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1. has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);
2. has a record of such impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill obligations under Section 504, the K-M School District has the responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability should knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices of the district.

The student’s school district has responsibilities under Section 504, which include the obligation to identify, evaluate, and if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also specifies rights related to educational records. This Act gives the parent or guardian the right to 1) inspect and review his/her child’s educational records; 2) make copies of these records; 3) receive a list of all individuals having access to those records; 4) ask for an explanation of any item in the records; 5) ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the child’s rights; and 6) a hearing on the issue if the district refuses to make the amendment. If there are questions, please feel free to contact one of the following 504 coordinators:

Lindsey Campbell ES 634-1564

Lindsey Campbell MS 634-1664

Kerri Snyder HS 634-2981

SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH ZUMBRO EDUCATION DISTRICT (ZED)

ZED provides many required services for special education, as well as many additional services for regular education. Since districts have so few students in many of these areas, it is more efficient to provide these through ZED. Services provided to the ZED member districts (Blooming Prairie, Byron, Hayfield, Kasson-Mantorville, Pine Island, Stewartville, and Triton) include:

Required

• Special Education Director (must have Director’s License)
• School Psychologist
• Autism Specialist
• Connections (Autism Setting 4 program for students with ASD)
• EBD Continuum of Services Setting 4 program for severe EBD (Futures/CHOICE/Circle)
• Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
• Birth to Three Services (Homebound)
• Birth to Three Speech/Language Services
• Teacher for Visually Impaired
• Orientation and Mobility Services
• Teacher for Deaf-Hard of Hearing
• Educational Audiology Services
• Provision and Maintenance of FM Equipment
• Physical Therapy Services
• Occupational Therapy Services
• Physical Health Disabilities Licensed Teacher
• Transition 2 Success program for students with special needs age 18-21
• CTIC (Community Transition Interagency Committee)
• IEIC (Interagency Early Intervention Committee)
• CIMP Leadership Team (Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process)
• Parent Advisory Council
• Special Education Advisory Council
• Extended School Year
• Child Find Activities/Federal Child Count
• Staff Development for Paraprofessionals
• Specialized Staff Development to Meet Identified Training Needs

Additional

• ZED Area Learning Center (Grades 9-12)
• RESULTS (grades 6-8)
• Response to Intervention (RTI) Consultant
• Principals RTI Leadership Team
• On-going training in AIMSweb and Problem Solving Model
• Monthly meetings with special education coordinators; these address legislative updates, best practices in special education, ZED-wide initiatives, monitoring and compliance issues, etc.
• Carl Perkins Grants (not specifically for special education)
• Academic Triathlon
• Creative Writing Contest
• Science Fair
• Choral Festival
• Traveling Art Show
• Gifted and Talented Resources
• ZED Advisory Council
• Professional Staff Development
• ZED Activity Day
• ZED Summer Academy for Kids
• Bill Medical Assistance activities for schools
• Superintendent Advisory Council
• Administrators’ Retreat
• Common In-service Day
• Parent Resource Night for Transition
• Dodge County Family Services Collaborative mandatory partner
• Birth-to-Six Family Activities
• Region 10 Projects Fiscal Host

For more information about ZED programs and services, visit their website at www.zumbroed.org

LEAD TESTING

The Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988 requires that all water coolers in public and private elementary and secondary school buildings which are not lead free must be repaired, replaced, permanently removed or rendered inoperable unless the water coolers are tested and found not to contribute lead to drinking water (test results above 20 parts per billion where a significant portion of the lead is contributed by the cooler.) Although testing for lead is not required under the Act, it is encouraged.

The most recent testing results in 2010 and a record of remedial action taken may be found at the Maintenance Office and may be viewed during normal business hours. Copies are available.

AHERA ANNUAL ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

Kasson-Mantorville Schools has contracted with Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA) to provide environmental consulting services for FY12.  Any questions concerning this notice or an explanation of our Asbestos Management Plan can be directed to Buildings and Operations - JJ Williams at 507-634-1172.

MINNESOTA EDUCATION

TAX CREDIT OR SUBTRACTION

For complete information regarding the MN Education Tax Credit or Subtraction, please visit the MN Department of Revenue Web Site.

http://taxes.state.mn.us/individ/pages/credits_subtractions_additions_education_credits_subtractions_educ_credit_sub.aspx

Minnesota has two programs for families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade: the K-12 Education Subtraction, and the K-12 Education Credit. Both programs help to lower taxes, but if you meet the eligibility requirements for the credit, you may qualify for a larger refund.

Eligibility requirements
In order to qualify you must:

• have a qualifying child attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or a qualified home school. (A qualified home school is a program that meets the approval of the school district.)
• have paid qualified education expenses during the year to help your qualifying child’s K-12 education.
• meet the household income limitations for the credit. (The limits do not apply to the subtraction.)

Limits

If your household income is $33,500 or less, your maximum family credit is limited to $1,000 times the number of your qualifying children in kindergarten through grade 12. If your household income is more than $33,500, your credit may be reduced. Your maximum credit limit will be determined when you complete your tax return. Use the Line 17 worksheet to determine credit eligibility.

applicators are required by state and federal law to comply with all requirements of the pesticide label, including building sites, application rates, re-entry intervals, posting, use of personal protective equipment, use restrictions, and disposal on the product label.

To be notified about pesticide applications, please contact:

Mark D. Matuska, Superintendent

Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools

101 16^th Street NE

Kasson, MN  55944

507-634-1100

HEALTH AND SAFETY

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Kasson-Mantorville Public Schools has developed an indoor air quality management plan for the District that is in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Health and MN Department of Education.  The management plan addresses policies and procedures that will be used in the schools to address indoor air quality issues.  The indoor air quality committee had the Health and Safety Committee review the management plan and the Board of Education approved the plan as this standard is a part of Attachment 99 (guidelines for Health & Safety).

If you have any questions concerning indoor air quality, or would like to use the EPA Tools for Schools checklists, please contact the District Indoor Air Quality Coordinator, JJ Williams at 507-634-1172.

KASSON-MANTORVILLE

PESTICIDE NOTICE

All Minnesota schools are required to inform parents/guardians and school employees that they may request to be notified prior to pesticide application on school property.  Pesticides include chemicals which are used to control insects, weeds, rodents or other pests as defined by the law (M.S. 123B.575, Subd. 9).

In order to provide the required information, schools must maintain a list of parents/guardians and school employees who request notification.  Schools must also provide information about individual pesticide applications upon request, including the name of the pesticide product and the time and location of the planned application.  An estimated schedule of pesticide applications is available for review or copying at the District office. 

Pesticides and non-chemical treatments may be used in combination in and around schools for a variety of reasons, including the control of pests which have the potential to bite, sting, spread disease, cause asthma, and/or trigger an allergic reaction.  Pesticides may also be used to prevent or control damage to materials within the school building or to the school building itself, or to control pests or weeds that are seen as a nuisance. 

The long-term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong may not be fully understood.  Children may be more susceptible to pesticides than adults due to their smaller size and rapid growth and development.  Also their playful behavior may expose them to more pesticide residue. 

To limit the potential pesticide exposure, this District follows safety regulations to ensure pesticides are applied properly.  All pesticide products, which are used in and around school buildings, are required to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  In addition, school employees and certified and licensed

School Meals are Changing - New School Meal Requirements

We’ll face some challenges to meet the new requirements on a tight budget, but our school nutrition program will work hard to make these healthy changes for our students and make each meal something our students will enjoy!

How can you help?

The school nutrition program needs the support of parents to succeed! Parents can support this effort by encouraging your child to give the healthier meals a try, joining your child for lunch and talking about the healthy options, or simply introducing your child to these healthy changes at home.

You are your child’s primary role model, when they see you choose healthy foods they are more likely to choose them as well.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help!

Your Food Service Team
at Kasson-Mantorville School District

For menus, nutrition analysis, lunch account balance, meal charge policy, free- and reduced-meal applications, and much more…

Go to www.komets.k12.mn.us

Click on Food Service

Please join us for breakfast or lunch in the fall. We look forward to serving you!

We plan to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables daily to give students more options, in the hopes that choosing fruits and vegetables will be easy for students.

Schools now are limited on how much meat/meat alternate and grains that can be offered. This means that some of the main dishes may not be as large as they have been in the past. Remember though, there will be more fruits and vegetables available to fill out the meal and ensure students have plenty to eat!

In Kasson-Mantorville Schools, we have already made progress toward meeting the new requirements.

What we are doing…

Taher’s Food4Life menu offerings incorporate the following:

• Chef-developed, made-from-scratch items, including trans fat free and whole grains.
• A Fruit and Vegetable Bar as part of the daily menu offerings with a selection of fresh vegetables and fresh or canned fruit; rainbow-focused menu choices, including dark green and orange vegetables, and legumes.
• Harvest of the Month program that features a specific fruit, vegetable, and grain or legume each month, along with educational flyers.
• Taste-testing of new food items, allowing students to become familiar with them before they are on the menu.

Kathy Hamlin, RD, FSD  507)634-4462  k.hamlin@komets.12.mn.us

You may have heard that there will be new requirements for school meals. The new requirements are great news for our students! The new requirements will help Kasson-Mantorville School District build on the work we are already doing to provide more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthier entrees in our school cafeterias.

Some of the NEW USDA-directed Requirements include:

• Daily: Larger servings of fruits and vegetables (students must take one serving)

• Weekly: 3/4 cup orange
  or red vegetable, and
• At least 1/2 cup of each: dark green vegetable, starchy vegetable
  (green peas, corn,
  white potatoes),
  dried beans/legumes

• More whole grains (at least half of grains)
• Limit total amounts of meat/meat alternatives and grain portions
• Milk offerings: Limited to 1%
  or fat free
• Minimum and maximum calorie levels based upon age
• Other Standards: trans fat free, low in saturated fat and less sodium over the next 10 years

Students now will be required to have 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable on their tray for it to count as a full meal. Anything less than a full meal will be charged as individual items.

2012-2013 LUNCH PRICES

Elementary Students (Grades K–4): 1.90

Middle School Students (Grades 5-8):

Classic Café: 1.95

Pizza Parlor: 2.95

Salad Bar: 2.95

High School Students (Grades 9–12)

Classic Café 2.00

Pizza Parlor   3.00

Pure Health: 3.00

Feature Presentation   3.25

Reduced Price (All Grades)    .40

Adult Lunch        3.25

Premium Adult Price              3.50

Second Entrée                       1.75

½ Pint Milk                               .50

2012-2013 BREAKFAST PRICES

Elementary Students (Grades K–6) 1.25

Secondary Students (Grades 7–12) 1.25

Adult Breakfast 1.90

Reduced Price (All Grades) FREE

Our Mission:

Recognizing that good nutrition has a positive effect on learning and good health, our mission and commitment is to provide high quality, fresh wholesome foods and nutritionally-balanced and appealing menu selections to every student and staff at K-M Schools. We will strive to offer foods which are minimally processed, minimizing trans fats and the reducing saturated fat, added sugars and artificial ingredients. We incorporate fresh, regionally-grown produce whenever feasible. Our menus are analyzed for nutrient balance and each of our recipes meets our stringent standards promoting the well-being of our customers.

Additionally, we commit to assist in educating our customers to adopt a more nutritious lifestyle with classroom education by our Foodservice Director, a

Registered Dietitian, and with our Food 4 Life flyers available in each of the cafeterias. Our Food 4 Life flyers, published quarterly by Taher’s Nutrition & Wellness Department, will feature articles of interest geared toward all of our customers. Every issue will incorporate tips on healthy lifestyles, nutrition and seasonal promotions.

Student Meals/A la Carte Purchases: All students have several meal choices at lunch.  A student lunch consists of the five food groups and an occasional dessert or treat.  Included in each meal is one entrée, fruit choice, vegetable choice, bread and milk. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Meal Benefits are allowed 1 meal at breakfast and 1 meal at lunch at no cost (or $.40 for a Reduced Lunch). Any additional items must be purchased at full price.  Breakfast is offered daily at all schools before the start of school.  Menus and their nutritional analysis are posted monthly on the KoMet website under Foodservice Department. There is no charge for breakfast for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Meal Benefits. The lunch program utilizes a computerized lunch ticket system with picture ID’s.

Elementary students have a choice of a hot lunch, salad meal, or sandwich meal along with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The Elementary School was a pilot for Taher's Food 4 Life Program which started in April 2007.  The Food 4 Life Program offers many healthy lunch choices, salads, fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis at all 3 schools.  

The Healthy Snack Cart is a snack program where students receive a healthy snack each day eliminating the need to bring a snack from home. The cost for this program is $55 per school year. Students can sign up with their teacher at the open houses. 

Middle School students and staff have the choice of regular hot lunch, deli sandwiches, Grab & Go salads and a wide variety of fresh choices on our salad bar.  We offer homemade Taher pizza on our Pizza Parlor line on specific week days. This meal includes a slice of pizza, choice of fruit, vegetable and milk.

A la carte items also available for purchase are yogurt, string cheese, fresh fruit, bottled water, bottled 100% juice, granola bars, baked chips, and cookies. Students must have a positive lunch account balance to purchase A la carte items.

Lactose intolerant students.  Parents of lactose-intolerant students can make a written request to have the school provide lactose-reduced milk for their students.

The written request should be directed to the Food Service Office and we will arrange for the individual school site to order lactose-reduced milk from our vendor for those students involved. We can no longer offer juice as a substitute for milk.

Peanut and Other Food Allergies. Please contact the Food Service Office if your child has special diet needs. In order to provide a special diet, we will need a note from your child’s physician. We will make every attempt at providing a substitution within reason. We do not serve items with peanuts or peanut butter at the Elementary and Middle Schools. If an item at the High School contains peanuts or peanut butter, it will be appropriately labeled.

Free and Reduced applications (renewals) are due by September 30.   If your family qualified for Free or Reduced meals for the 2011-2012 school year, you must submit a new application for the 2012-2013 school year by September 30. If the District Office does not receive a new application by this date, your family status reverts to Paid.  You are responsible for all meal charges until your application is approved for Free or Reduced Meals.  Applications for Free/Reduced meals are, however, accepted at any time during the school year and are available on the Foodservice website. If you have a new application, please submit it to the District Office prior to school starting if you would like to receive benefits beginning on the first day of school. Please keep in mind that applications may take a few days to process.

Please pay any negative lunch balances that carried over from the previous school year before school starts. Parents and students can view their lunch transactions and lunch balance at any time on the Parent Portal.

2012-2013 LUNCH PRICES

(continued)

High School students have the choice of several lunch options from the Classic Café, Pizza Parlor, Diner Station and Grab-n-Go Lines. There is a variety of a la carte items including sandwiches, wraps, salads, fresh fruit, pizza, soups, yogurt and fruit parfaits, baked chips, granola bars, homemade cookies, bottled juices and water, and bottled milk. All snacks sold at school (Middle and High School) must meet the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Guidelines. If you would like more information about these guidelines, go

to www.healthiergeneration.org.

If you do not want your student to purchase extra breakfast or lunch meals, or ala carte items, please call the Foodservice office (634-4462) or send an email to lunch@komets.k12.mn.us to place your request. Students will then not be able to purchase extras on their lunch accounts. Blocks will carry over year to year unless we receive notice from a parent/guardian.

If a lunch account is negative, our policy is to offer a cheese sandwich and milk at no charge for 3 days. If no payment is received, then the lunch account is inactivated. Students would have to bring a sack lunch or use cash to pay for their meal.

Lunch account and Low balance notification:  All students receive an individual lunch account. Students are assigned a lunch number that carries over year to year. If you do not use your account, please call our office to have it inactivated. All active lunch accounts will receive low lunch balance notification when their account reaches $6 remaining.

Payments are accepted at all three schools and online payments are available on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you are sending a check, please send to: Taher, Inc. (located at the Middle School) 1400 5th St. NE, Kasson, MN  55944. In the memo section on your check, please note your student name that the funds should go to. If no name is in the memo, the amount will be automatically split between all students in your family. Please request a cash receipt when paying with cash. The Foodservice Department is not responsible for cash payments without a receipt.  Our staff will be set up at the various schools during Open Houses to accept lunch payments and answer questions about our program.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our school provides healthy meals each day. Breakfast costs $1.25; lunch costs $1.90 for elementary,

$1.95 middle school and $2.00 high school. Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced price is 40 cents for lunch. “Reduced-price” breakfasts are served at no charge. To apply for free or reduced-price school meals, complete the enclosed Application for Educational Benefits

following the enclosed instructions. A new application must be submitted each year. Your application also helps our school qualify for additional education funds and discounts.

Return your completed Application for Educational Benefits to:

Karlyn Brewington

Superintendent’s Secretary

Kasson-Mantorville Schools

101 16^th Street NE

Kasson, MN 55944

Students qualifying for Free & Reduced Meals also receive ‘FREE’ breakfast.

PLEASE NOTE: Approved free/reduced applications from the 2011-2012 school year CARRY OVER INTO THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR FOR 30 DAYS.

You will need to REAPPLY FOR 2012-2013 BENEFITS

by September 30, 2012.

Who can get free or reduced-price meals? Children in households participating in Food Support (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and foster children can get free school meals without reporting household income. Also, children can get free or reduced-price meals if their household income is within the maximum income shown for the household size. An application must be submitted each school year.

Can foster children get free meals? Yes, foster children who are the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals regardless of household income.

I get WIC. Can my children get free meals? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Please fill out an application.

May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens for your children to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later? Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your income goes down, household size goes up, or if you start getting Food Support (SNAP), MFIP, or FDPIR benefits.

Who should I include as members of my household? Include yourself and all other people living in the household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives or friends). Include a household member who is temporarily away, such as a college student. Do not include a person who is economically independent and pays their full pro-rated share of all expenses.

What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally get. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes.

Are military housing and supplemental allowances counted as income? Do not include any housing allowance from the Military Housing Privatization Initiative or a Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance. Include the portion of a deployed service member’s income that is made available to the household, except do not include combat pay or Deployment Extension Incentive Pay.

How will the information I provide be kept? Information you provide on the form, and your child’s approval for school meal benefits, will be protected as private data. See the back page of the Application for Educational Benefits for more information.

Will the information I give be checked? Yes and we may also ask you to send written proof.

What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing.

Do I need to notify school officials if my income increases or my household size decreases after I have qualified for free or reduced-price meals? No. Approval for free or reduced-price meals is good for the school year unless the household has received a temporary approval for school meal benefits.

If you have other questions or need help, call 507-634-1100.

Instructions for Completing the Application for Educational Benefits

Complete the Application for Educational Benefits for school year 2012-13 if any of the following apply:

− Any member of the household currently participates in Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or

− One or more children in the household are foster children (a welfare agency or court has legal responsibility for the child), or

− Total household income (gross earnings, not take-home pay) is within these guidelines:

Maximum Income

Household Size

$ Per Year

$ Per Month

$ Twice Per Month

$ Per 2 Weeks

$ Per Week

1

20,665

1,723

862

795

398

2

27,991

2,333

1,167

1,077

539

3

35,317

2,944

1,472

1,359

680

4

42,643

3,554

1,777

1,641

821

5

49,969

4,165

2,083

1,922

961

6

57,295

4,775

2,388

2,204

1,102

7

64,621

5,386

2,693

2,486

1,243

8

71,947

5,996

2,998

2,768

1,384

Additional

7,326

611

306

282

141

Children and Foster Status List all children in the household in Section 2.

- Indicate foster care status for a child by checking the box.

- Include any regular income, for example SSI, to children other than foster children (do not list occasional earnings like babysitting).

Assistance Number Complete Section 3 if any household member currently participates in one of the programs listed in that section. If Section 3 is completed, skip Section 4 (adult names and incomes).

Adults / Household Incomes List all adult household members, whether related or not, in Section 4. Include any adults temporarily away, such as a student away at college.

List each adult household member’s gross incomes, not take-home pay, and how often each income is received. For example “W” for Weekly.

- List gross incomes before deductions.

- If an income varies, list the amount usually received.

- For farm/self-employment income only, list net income after subtracting business expenses.

- Examples of “other income” to include in the last column are farm/self-employment, Veterans benefits and disability benefits.

- Check the “No Income” column after a person’s name if they have no income.

Do not include as income: foster care payments, federal education benefits, MFIP payments, combat pay, or value of assistance received from SNAP, WIC, FDPIR, or Military Privatized Housing Initiative.

Signature The form must be signed by an adult household member.

Social Security Number The person signing the application must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number unless:

- A qualifying assistance number was provided in Section 3, or

- All children in the household who need school meal benefits are foster children, or

- The person signing the application does not have a Social Security number and has indicated this in Section 6.

1.  Check here if this is the first application at this school district or nonpublic school for any child listed below.

2. Names of all Children in Household including Foster Children

Attach additional page if necessary

Last Name First Name

Date of Birth

Month/Day/Year

G

r

a

d

e

School

 If

Foster Child *

Any Regular

Income to Child

Example: SSI

3. Benefits (if applicable)

If any household member receives benefits from a program listed below: write in name of person and case number, check the appropriate box, and skip section 4.

__________________ ________________

Name Case Number

 Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP)

 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

• Medical Assistance and WIC do not qualify -

___/___/___



$____ per____

___/___/___



$____ per____

___/___/___



$____ per____

___/___/___



$____ per____

___/___/___



$____ per____

* Child is the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court. If all children applied for are foster children, skip Sections 3 and 4.

4. Names of all Adults in Household

(all household members not listed in Section 2)

Include all adults living in your household, related or not. Attach additional page if necessary.

Last Name First Name

Check

if NO

Income

 

Household Incomes: Write in each gross income and how often it is received: weekly (W), bi-weekly (every other week) (BW), twice per month (TM), monthly (M). Do not write in hourly pay. If income fluctuates, write in the amount normally received. Attach additional page if necessary.

Gross Wages and Salaries - all jobs

- before deductions -

Pension, SSI, Retirement,

Social Security

Public Assistance, Child Support, Alimony

Unemployment, Worker’s Comp,

Strike Benefits

Any Other Income, including net Farm/

Self-Employment

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

$_____ per ____

5. If your children are approved for school meal benefits, this information may be shared with Minnesota Health Care Food Programs to identify children who are eligible for Minnesota health insurance programs. Leave the box blank to allow sharing of information. See back page for more information.

 Do not share information with Minnesota Health Care Programs.

6. I certify (promise) that all information on this application is true and that all income is reported. I understand that the school will get federal and state funds based on the information I give. I understand that if I purposely give false information, my children may lose meal benefits and I may be prosecuted.

Signature of Adult Household Member (required) ____________________________ Print Name: ___________________________ Date: ________

Social Security number – last 4 digits (required if Section 4 is completed): ___ ___ ___ ___ OR  I don’t have a Social Security number

Total Household Size: _____ Total Incomes: $ __________ per ________

Approved (check all that apply): Case Number - Free Foster - Free

Income – Free Income – Reduced Price

Denied: Incomplete Income Too High Other:

Signature - Determining Official: _______________________________ Date: _______

Change Status To: ________ Reason: __________________ Withdrawn: _______

Signature – Confirming Official: ________________ ______ Date: ___________

Date Verification Sent: ________ Response Due: ________ 2^nd Notice: ______

Result: No Change Free to Reduced-Price Free to Paid

Reduced-Price to Free Reduced-Price to Paid

Reason for Change: Income Case number not verified Foster not verified Refused Cooperation Other:

Signature – Verifying Official: ____________________ ____ Date: ____________

Address: ____________________________________ City _______________________ Zip_________ Home Phone: _____________ Work Phone: ___________

Privacy Act Statement / How Information Is Used

The National School Lunch Act requires that the household member signing the application must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number unless the application is for a foster child, or they do not have a Social Security number, or they provide an active assistance number from the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Provision of a Social Security number is not mandatory, but if a Social Security number is required for a complete application and the number is not provided, the application cannot be approved.

We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We may share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

At public school districts, each student's eligibility status is also recorded on a statewide computer system used to report student data to the Minnesota Department of Education as required by state law. The Minnesota Department of Education uses this information to: (1) administer state and federal programs, (2) calculate compensatory revenue for public schools, and (3) judge the quality of the state's educational program.

Children who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals may be eligible for Minnesota Health Care Programs. Your child’s eligibility status for school meals (qualified for free or reduced-price meals) may be shared with Minnesota Health Care Programs unless you tell us not to share your information by checking the box in section 5 of the application. You are not required to share information for this purpose and your decision will not affect approval for school meal benefits.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Children’s Ethnic and Racial Identities (Optional)

Please provide the following information, which is used to determine the school’s compliance with civil rights laws. If the information is left blank, a representative of the school is required to identify the ethnic and racial identities of participants for civil rights reporting.

1. Choose one ethnicity:

 Hispanic/Latino

 Not Hispanic/Latino

2. Choose one or more races (regardless of ethnicity)

 Asian

 American Indian or Alaskan Native

 Black or African American

 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

 White

This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly: In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

May 2012

HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

GO KOMETS