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When an school assembly wascalled,AvonMiddleSchool teacher Becky Haenfler never guessed it would end with her being named Region 3 Teacher of the Year. Announced in front of students with the help of seniors and Principal Lyndsey Fathke, the surprise left her stunned. “I was very surprised,” she said. Professionally, she says the award is an honor, especially as someone representing a smaller school. “I work with great teachers every day who make me better,” she said. “It’s neat to see a teacher from a small schoolgetrecognizedlikethis.” Personally,therecognitionhas givenheramomenttoreflecton her career. Through the application process and announcement she was able to look back andseehowfarshehascomeas an educator. “I’ve been able to have some conversations with other educators, students and parents lately and seeing how many relationships that have beencreatedthroughmyteaching career is meaningful,” commented Haenfler. “One of the most special parts was when my daughter told me she was proud of me,” she added, “usually, those conversations are the other way around, so it’s pretty special to hear.”
Read moreTHIRD AND FOURTH GRADERS EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP
Read moreApplications are currently being accepted for preschool enrollment at Avon School District for the 2025-2026 school year. Due to planning purposes in the upcoming year, it is essential that all applications be returned by June 1, 2025. The cost for the the program is $130 per month. The program will run Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Four year olds only. Your child must be four years of age by August 31. Please note that a certified copy of birth from the County Register of Deeds, and other forms must be completed and returned with the application. Immunizations, required by SDCL 13-28-7.1, must be current for enrollment in the fall.
Read moreFourteen Avon Senior Music Students recently embarked on a jam-packed two-day trip to Omaha, Nebraska, onMay14thand15th, accompaniedbymusicteachers AutumnSchultzandJoseph Sexe. From Broadway lights to axe throwing and coffee flights to zoo adventures, the group made the most of every moment together shortly after celebrating their graduation.
Read moreOur second year of providing the elective course, Service Learning, provided three seniors opportunities to connect to their community. First, students researched needs within the community. From that research, they identified a topic with which they were most interested, partnered with a community member and created a plan to help their community. Each student created a project unique to their talents and interests. Each community partner was someone able to support the student’s project idea because of the community partner’s interests and expertise. As the classroom facilitator, I’d like to thank every person and/or business that showed interest in supporting our students as community partners. The students put in a lot of work, and I enjoyed watching their ideas bloom with their community partner’s guidance.
Read moreORANGE CITY, Iowa—Alaina Bechen of Wagner was among 270 graduates to receive bachelor’s degrees at Northwestern College during commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 10. Twenty-six students received Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, while the rest of the graduating seniors were granted Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Read moreMrs. B came into the emergency room one night, years ago, with some stress related issue. After taking her history, I began to suspect there was something else bothering her. As I was beginning her physical exam she blurted out, “I know there is a breast mass but you’re not going to send me to any breast cancer doctor!” She had already decided to avoid standard treatment and her next comment explained why, “My aunt suffered because of awful unnecessary surgery and chemotherapy,” she said. I sensed there was no changing her mind and that meant trouble for my patient.
Read moreNational Hospital Week was celebrated May 11th-17th. In recognition of this week, approximately 61 Wagner Community School first graders toured the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera on May 12th. The students toured different departments, including Physical Therapy; Clinic; Laboratory; Radiology and the Emergency Room. Students were able to see how these departments can help patients and were able communicate with staff in Sioux Falls through E-Emergency services. At the completion of the tour, students were given a treat bag. The tour was conducted by Connie Kaufman with the assistance of hospital staff.
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