District Newsletter
December 2015
Rocketc.
School Store Opens
On November 30, many people braved the snow to come and
support the students at the grand opening of the school store—
Rocketc.—at Rockford High School.
A plethora of items that were specifically designed for the new
space are now for sale including Under Armour, Adidas, Gildan,
and Holloway apparel items. If you are looking for a great gift
ideas, the store has custom umbrellas, stadium chairs,
wastebaskets, lip balm and cold weather gear to name just a few
of the spirit items for sale. Rocketc. is also your home for custom
and every student, parent or any other fans of the Rockford
earbud headphones and even handcrafted jewelry!
Rockets. Rocketc. is sure to be a head-turner and, partnered with
the many renovations, will bring a new, welcoming and modern
“We had quite a few parents and community members come
atmosphere to RHS.”
through and purchase items at the grand opening! It was a
learning experience for all students involved,” said Kate Ivers,
Junior Nick Grates added, “Being involved in the process of the
business teacher, “I could not be more proud of all of the hard
school store opening was very insightful and very cool for the
work that the students have put in to make Rocketc. a
fact that I got to see what it takes to run a business and watch the
success. The store is beautiful and it would not have been
process start from selecting items to the store finally opening.”
possible without the work of the students, staff and
In December and January, Rocketc. plans to be open to the public
administration. It is a great example or our ‘Rocket Pride!’ ”
during all varsity basketball games on Tuesdays and Fridays from
“The school store, cleverly named "Rocketc.", is just one of the
6 pm until the end of halftime.
many examples of the changing culture here at Rockford,” said
senior Jimmy Monssen, “Not only will this provide the
Pictured: Students from the DECA/School Store class proudly
opportunity for the students who work in the store to gain real life showcase the school store, located at the Rockford High School.
business experience but it will also give the whole student body a
way to show their pride and support for the Rockets. The wide
variety of merchandise offered in Rocketc. will appeal to each
Upcoming Events
December 17—Grade 3 Spotlight Concert, 6:30 pm
RHS
December 18—Kindergarten Winter Program, 1 pm
RHS
December 21—School Board Meeting and Truth in
Taxation Hearing, 6:30 pm RHS
December 23-January 1—No School, Winter Break
January 4—School Board Organizational Meeting,
6:30 pm, RHS
January 16—Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre,
Cinderella, 2 pm & 5 pm, RHS
January 18-No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Postal Patron
ECRWSS
Check out the school website for up-to-date
announcements and sports activities at
www.rockford.k12.mn.us.
Independent School District 883
ROCKFORD AREA SCHOOLS
6051 Ash Street
Rockford, MN 55373
PRSTD STD
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Madelia MN
Permit No. 4
Message from the Superintendent
Red, White and Blue
By Paul Durand, Superintendent
At Rockford Area Schools, Veterans Day is a
special day in our schools where our students
and staff honor our military veterans in
various ways. It is amazing to watch our
students show their respect for our veterans
during the programs.
Veterans Day is an official United States
public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors
people who served in the United States Armed Forces. It
coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and
Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the
anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World
War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the
11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into and the entire student body sang a song together to close the
effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day on program. The veterans completed the retrieval of the colors in a
November but the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
very quiet and respectful gymnasium.
At Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School, students and staff
came together to honor those who have served and are serving
our country in a Veteran’s Day program. The students all wore
red, white, and blue to show their American pride and were
joined by several local veterans from the Delano American
Legion Post 377.
Many of the elementary students made cards of thanks and
special pictures for the visiting veterans. After the program, one
of the local veterans came up to Principal Nyhus before leaving
and said, “We do many programs like this annually and it is a
special treat to come to Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet
School each year.” With tears in his eyes, he said, “Your kids
just get it. Thank you!”
The program began with the veterans bringing forth the colors
and the student body reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The
REAMS National Anthem Team followed in song with the Star
Spangled Banner. Two fourth grade student speakers, Trigg
Bryngelson and Chloe Kisch, shared their thoughts on Veteran’s
Day. They both spoke from the heart and helped our youngest
learners understand the importance of this day through the eyes
of another child. The second grade class sang two patriotic songs
At the middle school, the Delano Legion and Color Guard began
the annual Veteran’s Day tribute with the Presentation of Colors
which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and posting of
the colors. Two of our students, Rayna Bowen (8 th grade) and
Marianna Olson (7th grade) sang the National Anthem followed
by Principal Amy Denneson’s welcome message. Delano
Legion’s speaker, Mike Brandenburg, shared some thoughts on
the meaning of Veteran’s Day.
Key Information
Paul Durand, Superintendent
Sandra Strozyk, Business Manager
Matthew Scheidler, High School Principal
Amy Denneson, Middle School Principal
Brenda Nyhus, Elementary School Principal
Dan Pratt, Activities Director
Shanna Lecy, Special Education Coordinator
Peter Grimm, Director of Teaching and Learning
John Engel, Director of Technology
Maureen Mullen, Director of Buildings & Grounds
Tiffany Reinhard, Early Childhood Director
Galaxy Kids, School Age Child Care
Deb Graunke, Taher Food Service
Barb Myers, 4.0 Transportation Manager
The Patriot’s Pen presentation was given by Mark Brandt from
the VFW. Patriot’s Pen is a yearly essay competition sponsored
locally by the Wright County VFW. More information on the
contest is on Page 3. We were honored to have four finalists
chosen from our school: Cameron’s reading of her winning essay
moved all of us. The program ended with the Retiring of the
Colors.
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www.rockford.k12.mn.us
The Rocket Report is a monthly newsletter
published by Rockford Area Schools
for communities in Wright and Hennepin Counties.
Continued on next page...
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Honoring Veterans with the Patriot’s Pen Contest
What does freedom mean to you?
Nationally, sixth, seventh and eight grade
students were invited to answer this
question in the Patriot’s Pen essay
contest, sponsored by the VFW.
The Patriot’s Pen contest encourages
young minds to examine America’s
history along with their own experiences
in modern American society, by drafting
a 300 to 400 word essay, expressing their
views based on a patriotic them chosen by
the VFW Commander in Chief. Each
year more than 125,000 students
participate nationwide.
Congratulations to our top four Patriots
Pen writers for their inspirational
essays—first place-eighth grader
Cameron Vlach, second place-eighth
grader Madalyn Kehne, third placeseventh grader Nicole Johnson and fourth
place-seventh grader Tim Le.
What Freedom Means to Me
By Cameron Vlach, Eighth Grade
For some people, freedom means to grow up and move out of
their parent’s homes. For others, freedom simply means to be
able to pick your own outfit for school every day. But freedom
isn’t always that simple. Around the world, people from different
nations and backgrounds all desire one thing – their freedom. It
is something that everyone wants. But is it something that
everyone gets? Not always.
That is why we have soldiers. Brave men and women who fight for our rights, and will
risk their lives every day for the sake of protecting others. Without them, where would
we be? As you sleep soundly in the dark hours of the night, remember that someone is
out there, guarding your country and keeping you safe.
So how does a young man or woman decide to become a soldier? Where does it all
begin? Some say it’s a calling. A passion deep inside your heart, guiding you down a
path that most would be afraid to follow. Depending on your age, you are either
looking forward to your high school graduation, or you have fond memories of that
time in your life.
As most students are applying to colleges or getting ready for what comes next,
soldiers are mentally and physically preparing themselves for boot camp. The way I
see it, boot camp is everyone’s worst nightmare, but a necessary experience to enter
into battle. We should be as proud of our military as their families are of them.
A soldier’s lack of freedom continues after boot camp, when our military are stationed
in different places around the world, without the ability to see their loved ones very
often. No matter where they are, or what they are doing, our soldiers are proud and
dedicated to their calling.
The next time you have the freedom to choose what to eat for dinner, where you want
to live, or what car you want to buy, think of the sacrifices these men and women are
making for us. Say thank you by writing them letters, shaking their hands in gratitude,
or joining one of the many organizations in America that support our armed services.
Remember, they started out as fearful young men and women, and emerged as brave
warriors.
Continued from previous page...
At the high school, some students created their own tribute to veterans by
decorating their vehicles with flags. This display showed our gratitude toward
out veterans but also demonstrated the character and compassion of our students.
Also at the high school thanks to the Greniger family who donated their son’s
Marine uniform and purple heart, we have a permanent display to honor our
fallen alumni, Robert Greniger. This display can be seen in the Heritage Room.
I would like to take a moment to thank all of our veterans for serving our country
and the Delano American Legion Post 377 for participating in our school’s
programs each year. If you have an idea, question or concern, feel free to stop
in, call (office: 763-477-9165 x4002) or send me an email
([email protected]) anytime.
Pictured: (opposite page, top right) Members of the Delano American Legion
color Guard pose with fourth grade student speakers Chloe Kisch and Trigg
Bryngelson. (opposite page, bottom), Rockford High School students place
American flags on their vehicles in honor of Veterans Day. (Left) Members of the
REAMS National Anthem Team sing at the Veterans Day program. (Right) The
memorial for a RHS alumni and veteran is displayed.
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MREA Awards RMS-CES with Profile of Excellence
Minnesota Rural Education Association honored Rockford Area
Schools with Profile of Excellence Exemplary Program Award
on November 16 at an awards banquet at Cragun’s on the Lake in
Brainerd in conjunction with the MREA Annual Conference.
The Profile of Excellence Award recognizes innovative programs
and efforts that serve as an example of educational opportunities
for rural students. MREA also awarded honorable mentions to
Southwest-West Central Service Cooperative and Perham-Dent
Public Schools.
About the MREA 2015 Exemplary Program
Exploratory Class at Rockford Middle School Center for
Environmental Studies
From answering how to enhance a message with music and video
to pondering, “Would you like fries with that?” Exploratory Class
at Rockford Middle School-Center for Environmental Studies has
become a highlight of their students’ week.
RMS completed its second year of Exploratory classes last school
year. Students are not pulled out of Exploratory for other classes
or services, reducing divisions between grade levels, general and
special education, and other characteristics that may detract from
a unified school community. Attendance records demonstrated
that student attendance was generally the highest on Wednesdays,
when Exploratory class was offered, because no one wanted to
miss out.
As a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) magnet
school serving students in grades 5-8, RMS- CES established
relationships with community groups to ensure students received
authentic, relevant learning experiences in its new Exploratory
Class program. Partners include the sheriff’s office, a dairy farm,
airport, and food shelf.
For more information about MREA and the Profiles of
Excellence Awards, go to the MREA website at www.mnrea.org.
Each Exploratory class incorporates one or more STEM standard.
From fries to fish populations, Exploratory classes are guided by
a driving question. Each class meets for 65 minutes every
Wednesday, and students rotate every quarter to a new class.
Students who attend RMS-CES for four years will be exposed to
16 Exploratory classes over their middle school experience.
Pictured: At the award banquet (left to right) are MREA
President-Elect Jeremy Kovash, RMS-CES Principal Amy
Denneson, Superintendent Paul Durand and MREA President
Chris Mills.
RHS Rockin’ in the Gym
Two large music events take place in the Rockford High School
gymnasium every fall—the District Choral Festival and the Fall
Marching Band Concert.
This year, the District Choral Festival took place on October 22. Over
400 students in grades 6-12 participated in musically themed Gonna
Rise Up Singin’ concert featuring three middle school choirs and
three high school choirs. Many students and parents stated they enjoy
this concert yearly because it gives a snapshot of how kids develop
vocally from the beginning of the middle school years until the end of
high school.
On November 5, the Rockford High School band concert conducted its annual Fall Marching
Band Concert. This year’s them was Remember This? Music from Television and Cinema.
The concert included the Varsity Band and the Rockford High School Marching Band,
featuring the flag team and drumline as well. Prior to the concert, Music Partners sponsored
their fifth annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser with all proceeds going to the music booster
program.
Mark your calendars for the next RHS Choir Concert on February 29 and the next RHS Band
concert on March 15, 2016, both at 7:30 pm. The concerts are free and open to the public.
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RMS-CES Recognized for Innovation & Creativity by Univ. of MN
Rockford Middle School Center for Environmental Studies was
recognized as one of the top five schools in the State of
Minnesota for its program- Growing Young Stewards: A School
and Community Partnership.
during the summer months when school is not in session. These
outdoor spaces would not be possible without the partnerships
that have been built and maintained with the City of Rockford,
Wright County agencies, Three Rivers Parks, the Department of
Natural Resources, the Raptor Center, the Boys and Girl Scouts,
our local food shelf, a local viticulturist, and the Rockford area
community. RMS-CES is proud to students with innovative and
authentic learning experiences!
From turning a bike and trailer into a mobile library to building
geothermal ice rinks and creating think tanks or community
collaborative projects, Minnesota governments are becoming
increasingly creative in redesigning how they do business. The
Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of
Minnesota named 24 such projects as recipients of its ninth
annual Local Government Innovation Awards on November 25,
2015. The awards recognize projects in four different categories,
and name one overall award winner in each: cities, counties,
schools, and townships.
“Every year, we see more and more creative ways that
governments are figuring out how to save money but still deliver
the same high quality of services,” says Jay Kiedrowski, senior
fellow at the Humphrey School’s Public and Nonprofit
Leadership Center. “I think that these awards are helping to raise
the bar for delivering excellent government services, and that’s
very exciting.”
Rockford Middle School - Center for Environmental Studies
received this award as the result of the extensive outdoor learning
areas that have been developed on campus where students can
engage in hands-on learning experiences that are steeped in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Outdoor
learning spaces include a school forest, two rain gardens, two
outdoor classrooms, a grape grove, raised garden beds, a natural
playscape and a straw bale garden.
A panel of judges considered nearly 80 submissions for their
creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. The overall winners
of the four categories will receive a $5,000 grant from the Bush
Foundation to continue their work and a professionally produced
video to use for marketing and awareness. All 24 awardees were
formally recognized at an awards ceremony and reception on
December 10.
“The outdoor learning spaces have been intentionally built
The other School category winners of the 2015 Local
around the idea of extending learning beyond classrooms to
Government Innovation Awards include:
provide a collaborative and service oriented learning experience
Minnesota partnership for Collaborative Curriculum—
for students in innovative spaces that were designed to be very
Plymouth (overall category winner)
sustainable.” said RMS-CES Principal Amy Denneson, “Plans
Kandiyohi County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial
and materials for the spaces were selected to minimize future
Opportunities)—Grove City Area School District
costs. For example, the newest addition of 14 raised garden beds
Courses that Count: Partnering to Reduce Remedial
will be watered using a gravity-fed drip irrigation system, which
Coursework—White Bear Lake Area Schools
does not require electric or water hook-ups.”
Closing the Achievement Gap—Crookston Public Schools
During the school year, the maintenance of outdoor spaces is
Collaborative Cross-Site Mobile Maker Spaces—Wayzata
integrated into the middle school curriculum. Volunteerism and
School District
partnerships with community groups provide care of gardens
To learn more about the awards program, visit lgia.umn.edu.
Three RHS Students Receive Athletic Offers
Rockford High School seniors, Erik Olson, Bria Majeski and Hannah
Carlson (pictures left to right), signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI)
at a special ceremony on November 12 at the high school.
Erik Olson received his offer in track and field at Drake University; Bria
Majeski received her offer in softball at Minnesota State UniversityMankato and Hannah Carlson also received an offer in softball at
Concordia University-St. Paul.
The National Letter of Intent is a document used to indicate a student
athlete's commitment to participating National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) colleges and universities in the United States.
Families and students attended the signing and supported their fellow
classmates and applaud them for their years of hard work.
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REAMS Annual Year-Long Cultural Study
Includes Mexico and Central America
During the 2015-2016 school year, Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School students
are studying the cultures of Mexico and the Central American Countries including
Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama.
For the past several years, REAMS students and staff have taken time to study the
many aspects of a specific culture during the school year. When students learn about
other cultures, they learn about other people -- how they see life, how they live, and
what they think is important. Students can gain insight and compare cultural
differences in language, food, cultural practices, clothing, the arts, climate, and
education.
Along with the annual cultural study in the classroom, students are exposed to a
visiting artist experience, which gives students the cultural exposure through the arts
firsthand. In each study, the visiting artists have shared a performance and then
worked with classes or grade levels on an individual basis. This gives the students the
opportunity to learn right along with the artists as well as ask questions in a more
intimate setting.
Research shows that global awareness and international collaboration during the
formative years results in more well-rounded individuals. It encourages students to see
things from different perspectives and helps them to make informed decisions,
acquiring transferable skills that will be useful to them and will remain with them for
life. In addition, fostering global awareness and international collaboration, are needed
to best prepare our students for life in the 21st century.
“A study like this one is truly a building-wide approach that lasts all year,” commented
Principal Nyhus, “Everyone gets involved with sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Students, teachers, parents and community members alike share artifacts and
experiences to expand the knowledge of this study.”
The REAMS staff is proud to provide these cultural opportunities for students. For
more information about the study, contact the REAMS office at 763-477-5837.
Pictured are artifacts from the NWSISD Multicultural Center that was shared with the
elementary school-(top) an Aztec Stone Calendar, a typical artifact once used by the
Aztec people of Mexico, (middle) the Oaxacan Turtle Carving from Mexico and
(bottom) a sombrero, used at special festivals throughout Mexico and Central America.
Teaching Arts Infusion at REAMS
On a daily basis, the students at Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School are involved
in arts integration in their classes. This means instruction is combined from the arts areas
of dance, drama, music and visual arts with other core curricular subjects.
Here are a few examples—
Kindergarten—After learning about sunflowers and Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork,
kindergarten students painted their own version of a sunflower using Impressionism
techniques. Some of the techniques include color being applied side-by-side, and the use
short, thick paint strokes to capture the essence of the subject, rather than the details.
First Grade—Students learned about the discovery of Lascaux Cave in France, which is
now being preserved as it has been for about 20,000 years. Cave art is one of the earliest
forms of art and many stories are told using pictures. Students created their own
petroglyph story based on things they would see today or from the past.
Second Grade—Second grade students looked at reptiles from around the world and
learned that they have many different observable characteristics. Students applied their
skills of observation to create a series of reptile drawings. Then they used their drawings
to create a sculpture of a reptile in their habitat using clay techniques. Last the students
used their color mixing skills to make tints, shades, and tones to achieve a realistic look.
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Pictured is kindergartener Maiya Roelofs
showing her sunflower paintings.
Send in Your Nominations Now for
2016 Distinguished Alumni,
Honorary Diploma and Activities Hall
of Fame Recipients
Every year since 2011, Rockford Area Schools has recognized the achievements of outstanding alumni with a
Distinguished Alumni award, as well as district residents with an Honorary Diploma through a selection process by the
Tradition of Excellence committee. The recipients of both these awards are honored during the superintendent’s dinner
followed by the commencement exercises in June.
An Honorary Diploma is conferred to an individual annually who demonstrates Past Honorary Diploma Recipients
2015– Marlys and Gordy Thomas
high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements as
2014- Marilyn Nelson
a way of honoring the distinguished citizen's contribution to the district.
2013- William Halverstadt
Notable contributions can include, but are not limited to, financial support that
2012- Erica Cates
impacted students, volunteer time supporting academic achievement or
2011- Margaret Gates
academic support for initiating programs.
Laura Francis
Past Distinguished Alumni
Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumni r ecipients ar e selected annually based on
outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as achievement in
2015 - Arlene Mutterer, Class of 1958
2014 - Sandra Lupino, Class of 1961
national, regional, or statewide prominence either in their professional fields
2013 - Dr. Perry Buffie, Class of 1982
or through their involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities.
2012 - Helen Scharber, PhD. Class of 1999
2011 - Bernard Lieder, Class of 1940
Ruth Orrick, Class of 1976
Past Activities Hall of Fame Recipients
Bi-annually, the Rockford Area Schools also recognizes alumni who
have participated in RHS extracurricular activities as well as prior
coaches or advisors with an Activities Hall of Fame award. The
purpose of the Activities Hall of Fame to give special recognition
to people who have made contributions in promoting activities at
Rockford High School and to preserve the heritage and tradition of
Rocket Activities. Recognition of these individual are done at an
evening event in the fall of even years.
2014 - Mark Anderson, Athlete
Karlee (Simonson) Anderson, Athlete
Joanna Jahn, Fine-Arts-Drama/Choir
Rosemary Tabbut, Chor al Dir ector
Gordon Schmidt, Wr estling Coach
2012 - Kari (Bakker) Esslinger, Athlete
Miles Johnson, Football Coach
John Klinger, Music/Band Dir ector
Joel Miller, Fine Ar ts-Drama/Music
Nominations can be sent to the Tradition of Excellence Committee, Rockford Area Schools District Office, 6051 Ash
Street, Rockford, MN 55373, or emailed to Kathy Ehlers at [email protected]. Nominations are requested to
be received by January 31, 2016 to be considered in the 2016 award selections.
Information needed for nominations can be found on our website at www.rockford.k12.mn.us, click on Community
Links and then Tradition of Excellence.
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FFA—Growing Strong
RMS-CES FFA Receives National Award
The Rockford Middle FFA was recognized as Two-Star National Chapter Award
winner at the annual National FFA Awards banquet at the end of October.
Our chapter received this award based on an excellent Program of Activities (POA)
completed last school year which included a series of activities designed to encourage
its members to grow as individuals, to work as part of a team and to serve others. RMSCES FFA POA included The Great Rockford Middle Milk Drive, New Member Game
Night and a member workshop on MyPlate guidelines. The National Chapter Award
Program is sponsored by John Deere as a special project of the National FFA
Foundation.
“Amplify” was the theme of this year’s FFA National Convention and Expo. Five Rockford Middle FFA members joined seven
Rockford High School FFA and over 60,000 FFA members from across the nation at the convention held in Louisville, KY. RHS
and RMS-CES FFA members attended general sessions, the career expo and visited local attractions. A significant portion of time at
the convention was spent in the career expo with more than 450 corporations, organizations and colleges related to agriculture set up
booths for students to learn more about career opportunities in the agriculture industry. Members also attended a unique and
fascinating workshop about food packaging science and how packaging can help reduce food waste.
Pictured: Attending the National FFA Convention are (back row, left to right) Tia Hagen-Johnson, Jack Bryngelson, Jake Wagner,
Noah Held, Maddy Bremel, Maria Schirado, (front row) Ryan Fleischhacker, Jaiden Sundeen, Everett Brun, Kacey Gruber, Kaitlyn
Strub and Hailey Sundeen.
Three FFA Teams Place at Regions
Rockford High School FFA and Middle School FFA members
(pictured right) traveled to the University of Minnesota – St. Paul
Campus on October 8 to compete at the Region IV Event in
Horse, Livestock, Poultry, Dairy Cattle and Soil Judging Career
Development Events.
Career Development Events (CDEs) focus on student success.
The key to achievement lies in the ability to think critically,
communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive
world. Students can explore several areas from among the
estimated 300 agriculture-related career opportunities.
In Minnesota there are over 30 different CDEs that students can
choose to compete in. The various CDEs that members have
Minnesota FFA currently does not allow seventh grade
participated in so far this year are Horse Judging, Soil Judging,
students to participate in State competition at this time.
Livestock Judging, Dairy Cattle Judging, Dairy Foods, Poultry
Small Engines—The team of Noah Held, Cole Held, Brandt
Judging and Small Engines. In the October 8 competition, the
Patnode, and Alex Platz were the first ever Rockford FFA
high school chapter placed first in two different region events and
team to compete in the Small Engines CDE and placed 8 th.
the middle school placed first in an event. Here are the results:
Livestock Judging—The team of Hunter Petron, PJ Schulte, and
Horse Judging—The High School team finished 1st and the
Rachel Selly placed 63rd out of over 80 teams.
Middle School team finished 51st out of over 70 teams from Dairy Cattle Judging—The team of Brock Desens, Andrew
Minnesota and Wisconsin. Individually, Rebecca Moon was
Laurent, Baylie Gruber, and Noah Held finished 46 th out of
4th, MaKayla Desens – 11th, Sydney Ehrlich - 23rd, and
over 60 teams. This was Rockford FFA’s first ever Dairy
Maddy Bremel – 72nd out of over 260 individuals.
Judging Team.
st
Dairy Foods—The High School team took 1 place and the
The Soils Team of Haily Sundeen, Abbey Scribner, and Andrea
th
Middle School team was 10 out of 15 teams competing .
Dibble placed 21st out of 38 teams.
Individually, Kacey Gruber took 1st place, Nick Selly – 12th,
The Horse Judging, Soils, and Dairy Foods teams will continue
Madi Schmidt – 13th, and Bryn London – 14th. On the
Middle School team, Julia Swanson – 22nd, Ben Clark – 29th. to work in preparation for the Minnesota State FFA Convention
held in April. Congratulations to all of these teams for all of their
Poultry Judging—The Middle School teams finished 1st and 6th
hard work! If you have questions about any CDEs or FFA
out of 15 teams. Individually, Gage Held – 1st, Libby
Johnson – 2nd, Rayna Bowmen – 3rd, and Soleil Lucca – 11th. opportunities, contact advisors Clint Smith or Keri Sidle.
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