Opinion

The school year is rapidly coming to an end. There are some key things coming up that I wanted to inform you of, as well as new things coming up next year. The next big thing is our AP (Advanced Placement) tests. During the first weeks of May, students will be completing these tests to earn college credits. We offer AP exams in 5 subjects: Physics, Statistics, Music Theory, Biology, and Precalculus. Next year we are adding English Language for students in grade 11 and English Literature for students in grade 12. This is in addition to the seven college classes we offer right on campus at RVHS. Students can earn up to 55 college credits without leaving our building!

As Steve Martin famously said, “Some people have a way with words. Others… no have way.” I fancy myself in the first camp. I’m kind of a word guy. I love the way words look. I love the way words sound. I love the way words land. I love when you put words together and the combination is like a perfect martini. It elevates, invigorates, and you shouldn’t need that many to get where you’re going.

My daughter rummages around in the toy closet a lot. She inspects. She considers. She uses a broomstick to loose toys higher up so they fall to her. She studies those. Then, for reasons unknown, she settles on one. Today, again, she chose a kite.

We just celebrated Easter Sunday but as Christians really every morning is Easter morning.

Springtime in Minnesota is often every Activities Director’s least favorite season, as Mother Nature tends to challenge us. Each year, it seems like we’ll be able to get outside and stay there sooner rather than later—and every year, without fail, we’re hit with an April snowstorm that throws our plans off track.

Sometimes I contemplate big questions. What is existence really? What does Aristotle mean by a good life? And how can I start my second drink without finishing my first? Other times I contemplate something humbler – and what’s humbler than the humble egg?

This weekend the district will host the first of two celebrations of the Reede Gray building. We will be celebrating the students and staff that have come through its doors. The celebration will include: time to walk through the building and reminisce. There will also be a place to sit and have a cookie and cup of coffee/juice. We hope this time will be a great time to reminisce and view some photos in a slide show format that will hopefully make us smile. The second event will be held on May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. The district hopes that one of these dates will work for those interested in saying farewell. As a former teacher and board member Wayne Junker said, Reede Gray “wasn’t a building, it was a life.” The Reede Gray building will be vacated by June 9. Asbestos removal will start at that time. It is expected that demolition will be completed by the end of July.

In my third edition of the Cardinal Corner, we’re turning our attention to the Community Service Fund. This fund plays a vital role in supporting important programs throughout Redwood Area Schools. While my previous editions focused on the General and Construction Funds, this time we’re diving into the services that support families, children, and lifelong learners in our community.