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First of all, I want to thank everyone who voted in the school district's November election. Within a year from now we will have a new addition to replace the aging portables at our school. This addition will allow us to provide a safer and more secure environment for our students and staff. We are very excited for the future of Taylors Falls Elementary and its role in the Chisago Lakes School District.

All of the schools in the Chisago Lakes School District are involved in a new program called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (P.B.I.S.) The main idea behind this program is to use positive discipline, not punishment as a way to achieve a better school climate. If children feel safe and understand what is expected of them, then they will do better academically and socially.

Every school has set up a program to fit its specific needs and students. All of this is done under the guidelines of the P.B.I.S. and the Minnesota Department of Education. Every school has a team of staff members and parents who are working together to bring about this positive change. The change may take a while and every school is at a different place within that change. Please visit your school and see how this positive approach is developing. Our goal is to help every student reach their potential both academically and socially.

The dictionary defines a school as an institution where instruction is given. Our schools in the Chisago Lakes School District are so much more than that narrow definition. Our schools abound with many activities for both young and old. Schools need to be a focal point for each community that they serve.

At Taylors Falls Elementary, we hope to foster an atmosphere that welcomes all to our hallowed halls. We are very lucky that our elementary was once a K through 12 building. This allows us to draw on that rich heritage and keep a strong connection to our alumni. This has helped us to develop several programs here at Taylors Falls Elementary.

We have hosted National Night Out every summer in early August. This is a community gathering where neighbors get to know each other. We have food, many demonstrations, entertainment, and most of all we have fun.

The Taylors Falls High School Alumni hold a reunion every year where over three hundred alumni attend. Out of this event two scholarships have been established that are awarded to Chisago Lakes High School graduates every year. A group of these alumni are also currently working on starting a foundation to help the Taylors Falls Elementary School. As one alumni said, "I want to give back to the school where it all started for me."

The newest venture is our community ice rink. Last summer a couple of parents were talking to me about their idea of an ice rink for the area. With that idea and a lot of planning and fund raising, the Taylors Falls Ice Rink is now open. It is located on our school grounds just south of the school.

Along with the rink, several volunteers refurbished an old shed into a warming house. Every evening I see families taking advantage of this great recreational area. All of these events help bring people together. This promotes good communication and understanding.

I guess a new definition of schools should be an institution where instruction is given and communities can come together.

Thank you for allowing me to serve the children of the Chisago Lakes School District.

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