Tiger Territory Delano High School Newsletter November 2018

DHS fall play highlights Shakespeare’s work. At a glance Page 2 Fall play preview Page 3 Zoo visit Page 4 Student awards Page 5 Unity Day Announcements Snakes alive! Zoo visits DHS Page 6 The Minnesota Zoo recently visited several biology classes to share information on Parent presentation skull science. Students also viewed a live bull snake, armadillo, chinchilla and opossum. See Page 3 for more photos and the story. DHS grand opening School reward funds Page 7 ACT scores Ongoing vaping concerns Stanley Cup visit By Dr. Steven Heil In 2017, Minnesota high- School culture Principal school tobacco use spiked to Page 8 26 percent. This was the first Last spring school admin- increase in 17 years. Much Chinese visitors istrators received a letter from of this increase was due to Page 9 the Minnesota Department of e-cigarettes, with high-school E-cigarette issue Education and Minnesota De- e-cigarette use increasing by 50 partment of Health indicating percent in the last three years. an increase of tobacco-related Currently, 19 percent of high Dates to product use -- something we school students report use. already knew about here in A specific product called remember Delano. JUUL, which looks like a USB November We are experiencing this or flash drive, now dominates 2...... End of Quarter 1 increase and wanted you, as roughly half of the e-cigarette 6...... Election Day parents, to have access to re- market. These products are 9-11.....PAC/DHS grand opening sources to talk with your child easily hidden, emit limited 12..Vets Day program, 9:30 a.m. about vaping. Dr. Steven Heil odor, and the aerosol dissipates 12...... DHS PIE, 6 p.m. quickly. The JUUL pods, which 15-17...... Fall play, 7 p.m. From the state: likely already in your schools, are often flavored like candy or 18...... Fall play, 2 p.m. This letter is to alert you to and provide you with resources 19...... Financial aid night 7 p.m. emerging youth tobacco use to help you address this con- See Heil 21-23...... Thanksgiving break trends and products that are cerning public health problem. Page 9

1 ‘Shakespeare’ playing Nov. 15-18 By Paul Downer Communications Coordinator

Cramming every Shake- speare play into a single come- dic mash-up requires ruthless editing, a huge cast and a whole lot of creativity. That’s exactly what audiences will find when more than 50 Delano High School students present “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 15-17, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18. “It’s unlike any show Delano has ever seen before,” said DHS senior Kelli Carroll, who along with seven other “puppet masters” aims to herd the unruly bunch of characters and disparate stories into a some- what cohesive whole. “You see us trying to fit all of Shakespeare into 90 min- utes,” said Mary Ludwig, also a An adjusted rehearsal schedule has allowed students in other activities to participate senior puppet master. “We do in the fall play this year, and more than 50 students are involved in the production. very interesting and abstract interpretations.” is educational and informative, That’s a tidy way of saying in addition to being hilarious,” that audiences of all ages can said Lawrence. expect anything and everything Between modifications, in the Performing Arts Center’s actors do employ excerpts of first theatrical production. the original language, and they have absorbed some of the themes by necessity. “As an actor you have to know what their underlying meaning is. So we’re learning about the plays that way,” said Ludwig. The new Performing Arts Students rehearse a scene from ‘The Complete Works Center adds another level of of William Shakespeare [Abridged].’ anticipation for this year’s play. “I’m terrified and excited at “Othello” is a rapper, and “King and other locations. “The show the same time,” said Carroll. Lear” becomes a football game. is really funny and fast moving. “The new auditorium is huge.” A confused chorus group I reworked the script quite a bit Ludwig agreed. stumbles into “Hamlet,” where to fit a high school and wider “I’m so excited for the new no chorus exists, and a portion community audience, so it dressing rooms and everything of that play is performed back- works on different levels. It can else,” she said. wards. appeal to audiences young and Lawrence said the prepara- “There is a lot of improvisa- o l d .” tion has been enjoyable. tion that happens, kids making Lawrence said the pro- “[The play is] very improvi- up their own parts. It’s just duction benefits students by sational in nature, so it looks really fun,” said DHS Language exposing them to Shakespeare’s like they’re making it up as Arts teacher Joe Lawrence, who work – however truncated and they go. And to an extent, these is directing his first fall play humorously modified – and kids are,” he said. “They’re at DHS but has a lifetime of by giving them an opportunity learning on the fly about all professional acting and theater to portray and interact with a these characters and all these Shows run from Nov. 15-18 work behind him in New York wide variety of characters. plays. So it’s been fun.” in the new PAC. “I chose this show because it

2 Field study moves indoors By Paul Downer Communications Coordinator

Recoiling from a six-foot bull snake, watching an opossum devour a tabletop snack, and crowding around to see and feel an armadillo and chinchilla, students in Carley Spiese’s high school biology classes enjoyed a unique experience when the Minnesota Zoo visited on Tuesday, Oct. 9. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about skull science as part of the field biology class’s study of mammals. ‘It fit perfectly with our curriculum. A zoo representative allowed students to pet a chinchilla during her Oct. 9 visit. I also thought it would be a fun change of pace from our everyday classroom structure.’ Carley Spiese

“We are learning all of the bones in a mammal skull. I found this program that the Minnesota Zoo offers and it fit perfectly with our curriculum,” Students presented their said Spiese, who is in her sec- findings on various skulls ond year of teaching at Delano. during the zoo presenta- “I also thought it would be a tion on skull science. fun change of pace from our The class gathered around to see an armadillo. because it was so fun and everyday classroom structure.” enriching.” Before the animals made to a tiger, and explained what “The presentation took this Spiese said she hoped her their appearances, the zoo features like eye placement, jaw content a step further by al- students took away a better un- presenter passed around or shapes and noses can tell about lowing students to examine the derstanding of why skulls are displayed skulls belonging to an animal. Students also broke live organisms that belonged to shaped the way they are, and various animals, from a bird into small groups to exam- some of the skulls.” ine skulls, then briefly Spiese said she has not how much diversity there is in presented their findings to brought a traveling zoo pro- the animal kingdom. She also the rest of the class. gram into her classes in the thanked the Minnesota Zoo for “The previous day past, and this was the first time the opportunity. students learned the she was aware of such a visit at “It is a really cool experience structure and anatomy of Delano High School. for students to see animals a carnivorous mammal “It was so much fun for and learn about how they live,” skull. This lesson from the my students have the live zoo said Spiese. “While they may zoo allowed us to explore animals in class, and actual- not have the opportunity to go the topic of skulls further ly get to watch them eat and and visit the zoo themselves, by examining skulls that touch them,” said Spiese. “I am they can get a little bit of that belonged to other mam- definitely going to make this experience through a program An opossum enjoyed a snack mals, as well as bird and presentation a part of my fall like this.” while the class looked on. reptile skulls,” said Spiese. field bio class [in the future]

3 Students of the Month Delano High School recently named its September Students of the Month in various disciplines. Those honored included, front row from left: Blake Koehler (band), Reno Bredahl (phy. ed.), Chad Kestner (CIS), Luke Frank (Tiger Way Award), Gabriela Paskach (business) and Jarred Renville (art). In the back, from left, are Ashlynn Kley (phy. ed.), Emma Kern (science), Maya Rodriguez (choir), Gracie Larson (health), Katelyn Ring (language arts), Abby Solsback (language arts), Hailey Ness (social studies), Lily Hanson (engineering), Larissa Pietila (math), Sam Slater (SWAS), Logan Felknor (music), Lucius LaFromboise (social studies) and Naomi Eskola (FACS). Not pictured are Garrett Durst (industrial tech.), Ava Gilbert (world language), Isaiah Johnson (art) and Tyler Selstad (math).

The first Tiger Way Award, given to a 7-12 student who has gone out of their way to show Teamwork, Inclusion, Grit, Excellence and Respect, was awarded to Luke Triple A Award winners for September included, from Frank by teacher Joe Lawrence. Frank was recognized left, Kelli Carroll in arts, Samson Streachek in academ- for helping a teacher in need. ics, and Brynn Heinonen in athletics.

4 Together on Unity Day Delano students and staff observed Unity Day on Wednesday, Oct. 24, with a activities and class discussion focused on promoting kindness and preventing bullying. October is National Bullying Preven- tion Month. Local students also recorded “I will” statements about how they could promote kindness, and linked those statements together in large paper chains. At the high school, students ringed the stadium track with the statements. Check out more photos on the district’s Facebook page.

Announcements

with the exception of gently used coats. Donations will be accept- Veterans Day program Nov. 12 ed in all district buildings. All area residents are invited to the annual Veterans Day pro- “Our district has been very generous and supportive in the gram at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in the Tiger Activity Center. past,” said Ginny Schuelke, who organizes the effort with Karla The program will include music, a guest speaker, recognition of Otterness. “Over the past two years, we have donated approxi- the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest winners and the high school mately $10,000 worth of clothing.” scholarship essay winners, and more. The donated items will be given to the St. Cloud Veterans Af- To facilitate parking at the high school, a shuttle bus will depart fairs Hospital to assist with veterans’ needs. These veterans, many from the Delano Legion to the high school at 8:55 a.m. of whom are homeless at admission, typically are hospitalized for 60 to 90 days. When they are well enough for discharge, the Financial aid night Nov. 19 hospital staff works to ensure that their basic needs are met. Seniors and their parents are invited to a Financial Aid Presen- This year’s drive will also support the Community Resource tation at 7 p.m. in the old DHS auditorium on Monday, Nov. 19. and Referral Center of Minneapolis, which serves homeless veter- The college financial aid process can be a challenge. A financial ans who live on the streets of Minneapolis. aid officer will provide information on completing the required Please consider donating some of the following items: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Any student who hopes Clothing: Socks, boxers, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans (waist 32- to receive federal/state aid or student loans must complete the 38, length 32-34), hats and gloves, winter coats, shower shoes (size FAFSA. L to XXL) and tennis shoes. For more information, contact counselor Susan Farbo at Personal hygiene items: One-gallon plastic zip lock bags, [email protected] or 763.972.3365, ext. 1717. toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, small packages of personal cleaning wipes, Q-tips, razors and shaving Clothing drive for veterans cream, and hand lotion. Delano Public Schools is conducting its third annual clothing Monetary donations may be made by writing a check to Delano drive for veterans in need. The drive begins Monday, Oct. 22, and Public Schools and writing “VA Clothing Drive” in the memo ends Thursday, Nov. 15. All clothing must be newly purchased, line. Donated funds will be used to purchase winter coats.

5 Walsh presents ‘Say Yes to No’ Nov. 5 workshop aims to help parents set healthy limits All area parents and guard- identify practical strategies for • Explore the three myths of ians are invited to a special setting boundaries in ways that self-esteem and strategies for workshop focused on setting help kids manage big feelings, nurturing the “real deal.” healthy limits for children at build self control, and under- • Contrast effective praise 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. stand their impact upon others. with ineffective praise. 5, in the Delano Elementary Using stories, warmth and • Explain parenting strate- cafeteria. humor, Walsh will facilitate a gies that foster self-discipline Thanks to a United Way session where parents can add and respect in children. grant, the event is free. to their toolkit. Participants We hope you can join us for Erin Walsh, M.A., is a dy- will: this educational and informa- namic, knowledgeable speaker • Be able to explain the basic tive night. on topics related to brain devel- pillars of a child’s brain development and digital media. In opment. Walsh was instrumental to Delano, Walsh will present “Say • Recognize that trends the development of the Yes to No: Parenting Kids for in society and culture have a MediaWise movement and Success in the 21st Century.” Erin Walsh critical impact on children’s enjoyed working with her father development. for 10 years at the National In- About the presentation This workshop will explore • Understand why self-dis- stitute on Media and the Family It isn’t always easy to de- why limits are critical to their cipline is so important for chil- before creating Mind Positive termine limits for children. healthy development and dren’s success and happiness. Parenting in 2010. DHS grand opening The grand opening of Del- Fabulous Armadillos, will ano High School’s Performing present “Stadium Rock: AC/ Arts Center and renovated DC to Zeppelin and everything spaces is approaching, and a in between,” at 7:30 p.m. on full weekend of entertainment Saturday, Nov. 10. Due to the has been planned. band’s large regional following, On Friday, Nov. 9, the Del- Delano Public Schools urges ano Legion will conduct a flag area residents to seek tickets raising at 6 p.m., and a brief early through the school dis- ribbon-cutting program for the trict’s website. entire renovated high school On Sunday afternoon, will be held at 6:15 p.m. Faculty Nov. 11, the facility will host Follies begins at 7 p.m., and a school and community arts visitors can take self-guided showcase and open house. building tours until 9 p.m. High school ensembles will Rewards pay off One of Central Minneso- perform, along with the Delano ta’s most popular bands, The Community Band. Delano High School received $1,327 through the MORE School Rewards program put on by Coborn’s, Inc. Coborn’s Store Director Joe Tipka, left, presented the check to Principal Steve Heil on Thursday, Sept. 27. In addition, Delano Middle School received $1,150 and Delano Elementary received $1,397, giving Delano Public Schools a total reward of $3,874. To participate in the program in 2018-19 there are three simple steps: 1. Designate your preferred school (DHS, DIS or DES) by logging into moreRewards.com or the MORE Rewards mobile app. Click the Rewards tab at the top of the page, then the School Rewards tab. 2. Shop Coborn’s for the store brands (Food Club, Full Circle, Top Care, Paws, Tippy Toes and more) to earn points. 3. The points your school earns will increase its share of a total available pot of $150,000 that is distributed among par- ticipating schools. The more points a school earns, the larger its piece of the pie will be. The 650-seat Performing Arts Center is nearly complete.

6 ACT scores lower, but still strong Although the average ACT score for Delano students dropped by nearly a full point this year, according to results released in October, Delano still remains comfortably ahead of the state and national averages in the nation-wide test. Delano students graduat- ing in 2018 posted an overall composite score of 22.6. The state average was 21.3, and the national average was 20.8. Both the state and national averages A visit from the Cup declined by 0.2 points in 2018. Delano high school hockey players shown here, and every other student in the dis- While local results were trict, had the opportunity to see the Stanley Cup on Monday, Oct. 22. A.J. Toews, below the five-year Delano the parent of Delano students and a scout with the National Hockey League’s average of 23.4, area stu- Washington Capitals, was enjoying his turn with the championship trophy. Class- dents continued to outpace es took turns visiting the cup at DES and DIS, and the historic icon was wheeled their peers around the state. through the high school while students lined the halls. That difference is significant, because Minnesota once again led the nation in ACT scores among the 19 states where 90 Building school culture percent or more students took the college entrance exam. By Shane Baughman Inclusion: safe and support- The ACT encompasses four Assistant Principal ive environment for everyone. subjects: English, mathematics, Grit: never give up or ac- reading and science. Delano It has been an amazing start cept less than your best. students scored highest in to the school year. The first Excellence: in the individu- math, with an average score of quarter of our newly aligned al and education. 23.2 compared to 21.4 for the 7-12 high school is coming to Respect: be honest, kind, state. an end. and polite to each other and In science Delano had a col- First and foremost, I would our environment. lective 22.8 score compared to like to thank students, staff, These five traits are empha- 21.4 for the state. The district’s parents and our community sized all areas of our building reading and English scores of for all of the support as we in order to increase student 22.6 and 21.1, respectively, also opened the school year with achievement. Furthermore, exceeded the state’s scores of a variety of activities meant the Tiger Way supports our 21.7 and 20.2. to enhance our school culture commitment to our vision that and foster positive relation- DHS will provide a safe, sup- College readiness ships. Shane Baughman portive, collaborative learning The ACT also measures At DHS we truly believe environment that meets the tinuous process is highlighted college readiness, defining it activities such as Homecom- needs of diverse learners in as the number of students who ing Week, Kindness in Chalk, by our culture committee, academics, arts, athletics and student leadership groups, and score high enough to indicate a hosting Chinese students activities, which foster lifelong 50-percent likelihood of earn- and staff, Unity Day, and our site base team, amongst others. learners to make positive con- One of the pillars of our cul- ing at least a B in a correspond- advisory program promote tributions to our ever-changing college course, or a 75-per- the development of the whole ture is our new Tiger Way. The ing society. Tiger Way encompasses values cent chance of earning a C. learner. We want Delano High Overall, 41 percent of Delano We will continue to main- that we believe in as a build- School to be a great place for ing. It unites all stakeholders students met the benchmark in tain and develop activities and all of our kids. If there is ever all four ACT test areas, com- programming that strive to and stands for: a time I can be of assistance, Teamwork: together every- pared to 30 percent statewide build on our school culture. please do not hesitate to con- and 27 percent nationally. The importance of this con- one achieves more. tact me. Go TIGERS!

7 Visitors enjoy ‘warm hospitality’ By Paul Downer Communications Coordinator

Delano’s friends from Tianjin, China, visited during the final week of September, stopping in during Homecom- ing festivities. The guests, two teachers and five students, toured the new facilities, attended pep fests and other events, and made classroom visits. “We see much new equip- ment, the swimming pool and diving area,” said Cai Yihua, an English teacher at ZiYun (Purple Cloud) High School, which has had a sister-school relationship with DHS since 2005. “I think the school is well Students answered questions during a classroom visit on Sept. 27. organized and the students are very happy every day, especial- ly the younger students. They are so cute.” ‘We learn from each other, and all of us develop better.’ Cai Yihua While music ensembles and Li Li, left, and Cai Yihua led other classes were familiar to the Chinese delegation. the visitors, there were some had mostly been limited to extra features at Delano like Delano and the school at the shop class and art. Chinese visitors took part in a project with DIS students. time of the interview, the Chi- “Some classes we don’t have, nese teachers were not able to the high school science rooms us feel like we were students in like (the art class) where they share much about their general and interactions with Delano’s school, feel younger.” make the clay,” said Yihua. “I impressions of the Twin Cities younger students. Because of the longstanding think it’s right for the students’ region. They were, however, “I enjoyed in the chemistry relationship between Delano careers, their future.” complimentary about their class how the bubbles made a and Purple Cloud, the visitors Other differences between immediate surroundings. fire on the hand. I thought that said there were few surprises the schools were immediately “I think the city is very tidy was so cool,” said Yihua. “In even though it was personally apparent to the guests. and beautiful,” said Yihua. our school students do some their first visit to Delano and “In our school the students While the future of Delano’s more simple experiments.” the United States. dress in uniforms,” said Yihua. relationship with Purple Cloud She added that one of the “Because we have been in “Here they dress in what they is uncertain due to longtime highlights of the visit for the touch for many years, and be- l i ke .” Delano organizer Lanette Faul’s Chinese students was time cause your students have come The second teacher on the impending retirement next playing games with their to China and we know many visit, Li Li, is the director of the spring, Yihua wished to main- younger Delano counterparts. Chinese staff that have come physical education department tain the connection. “I think they are having a here, they teach us something at ZiYun, and took particular “We want to keep our good time,” said Yihua, “espe- about Delano High School. So interest in the new athletic fa- friendship and let our students cially when they were playing we know about it,” said Yihua. cilities, including the stadium. know more about each other,” games. They were very happy.” “But when we come to Delano “I think it’s very cool,” he she said. “We want our school That experience was a favor- in person, I feel like the teach- said through translation by to have better development. ite for the Chinese teachers too. ers are very friendly. They have Yihua. We learn from each other, and “Learning with our students warm hospitality. We appreci- Favorite moments from the all of us develop better in the in the classroom was our fa- ate it very much.” visit included time spent in future.” vorite part too,” she said. “It let Because their experience

8 E-cigarettes remain a problem By Paul Downer Jacob Anson of Wright Communications Coordinator County Public Health said to- Youth TobaccoUse Rises bacco companies are targeting Representatives from Wright for First Time in 17 Years young people, often through County Public Health spoke Over 26 percent of high-school students surveyed social media, in order to secure to students in Delano High reported using tobacco products in past 30 days lifelong customers. School health classes about “They advertise toward teen- e-cigarettes and “vaping” on agers. They know you’re more Oct. 9. What’s Driving This Trend? Aggressive Marketing % likely to be on your devices and Anna Bohanan said the Explosion of E-Cigarette Use • Most students (88 percent)88 they know what apps you use, have seen ads for e-cigarettes – • Nearly one in five high-school of those who are heavily exposed statewide rate of high school students used e-cigarettes so that’s their way of targeting on social media, nearly in past 30 days students using tobacco prod- 40 percent use e-cigarettes you,” he told students. “If they ucts over the last 30 days is Changing Landscape can get you to start before 21, about 19 percent, and Delano • One in three high-school e-cigarette users you’re more likely to use nico- • Nearly a 50 percent increase reported they had used an e-cigarette to is just a notch higher at 20 since 2014 vape marijuana or THC oil/wax tine forever.” percent. • E-cigarettes have disrupted a 17-year After their presentation, “Teen e-cigarette use is high- downward trend in youth tobacco use The Good News: health instructor Jamie SINCE 2000 er than it’s ever been, and teen Why the Rise? Less Youth Smoking Longstreet told his group of • Fewer than 10 percent of high-school tobacco use in general is at its Flavors Appeal to Kids students now report smoking cigarettes seventh-graders that it was • Over 60 percent of students – a 70 percent decrease since 2000. Due highest in 18 years,” Bohanan who use tobacco reported to high cigarette prices and decades of important they know the facts said. “We haven’t seen use this using menthol or other tobacco prevention efforts, youth cigarette early. flavored products smoking is at an all-time low – but that progress is high since 2000. So we’ve done threatened by the changing tobacco industry. “If you guys waited to hear all this work to lower it, and Easy Access Proven Strategies to Decrease Tobacco Use: this information until ninth now it’s going back up again.” • Nearly a third • Increase the price of tobacco products grade, I almost feel like that of high school • Increase prevention and E-cigarettes have become e-cigarette users report cessation funding might be too late. This aware- they got their e-cigarettes popular with young people • Restrict the sale of flavored ness is good,” he said. “You from retail outlets, about one and menthol tobacco products because there is a perception in five got them from know where to go to help. You vape shops • Raise the minimum legal sale age for that they are harmless. That’s tobacco products to 21 know who to talk to. Those are far from the truth, however. the important things. You guys Bohanan said there can be all know the dangers. These adverse effects to a user’s brain, are a gateway to a lot of other heart and lungs. things. Now it’s your job to 2017 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey • www.health.mn.gov/tobacco “Starting with nicotine at a make the right choice.” young age primes your brain chemicals used in e-cigarettes developmental issues,” said for more addictive habits in the that are harmful, including Bohanan. Resources long run,” said Bohanan, add- the same compounds found in Other problems that can re- Find additional resources, ing that a progression to con- antifreeze and paint lacquers. sult include chronic bronchitis including talking points with ventional smoking, marijuana Metals for the heating element and asthma, as well as emphy- adolescents, reports on health and other drugs is not un- also tend to include lead. sema. Social pressure around impacts, and a Surgeon Gen- common. “Getting addicted to “Lead can have a huge e-cigarette usage can also cause eral report on health risks at nicotine can really set you on a impact on your brain develop- anxiety and depression. www.health.state.mn.us/ bumpy road for the future.” ment – in your concentration, “There are physical effects to ecigarettes and https://e-ciga- Aside from nicotine, Bohan- performance in school and those things too, so it is kind of rettes.surgeongeneral.gov/. an said there are a variety of at your job, and create other a vicious circle,” said Bohanan.

of Health (MDH) issued a “health advisory formation, resources, and free curricula, Heil on nicotine risks for children, teens, and which is available at www.health.mn.gov/ from Page 1 pregnant women.” In particular, nicotine ecigarettes and provides free tools to can negatively impact learning, memory download. fruit, contain the same amount of nicotine and attention span. Nicotine exposure as a pack of cigarettes. through e-cigarettes also increases the The excerpts of this letter from the state All tobacco use, including e-cigarette likelihood of future combustible cigarette were jointly written by MDH Commission- use and vaping, are prohibited by state law use, and a lifetime of addiction to tobacco er Jan Malcolm and MDE Commissioner in public schools. and other substances. Brenda Casselius. In addition, the Minnesota Department MDH has assembled a toolkit of in-

This e-newsletter is published by District Communications Coordinator Paul Downer. Contact Paul at 763.972.3365, x1911, or [email protected]. Delano High School is located at 700 Elm Avenue E. in Delano. For more information, see www.delano.k12.mn.us, or find Delano Public Schools on Facebook and Twitter.