Good Day, Kimball Cubs and community members. The spring activity season is in full gear. Our students are busy as ever this spring. Now that April is knocking at our door, farmers and gardeners are chomping at the bit to get their hands dirty and start another growing season. It looks to be a great spring, so I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy.
Next month will be National Teacher week May 1-5. I want to thank the teachers for the work and time they spend with our students. The value of our teachers has never been more evident than now when we struggle to find good quality teachers going into the profession. The impact on our students is priceless. I reflect often and think about how my teachers influenced me in my decisions in the type of career I was going to have. We are fortunate to have the quality and level of teachers we have in Kimball. I am fortunate to see the daily progress they help students achieve in the classroom, as well as the activities arena. If you get a chance to thank a teacher, please do. It will mean a lot to them.
Our spring activities are seeing great numbers this year. Our track team has more than 130 students out competing for a spot. The golf team for both girls and boys are also seeing an increase in participation this year. We also have higher numbers in softball and baseball. The students are challenging themselves mentally and physically to better themselves in life after school. It is awesome to see the numbers growing.
We are in the process of starting a new youth apprenticeship program at the high school for the first time. This program will give our students the opportunity to get the training needed to be career ready before they leave high school as well as have an opportunity to work at the actual job site that chooses them. This will help businesses find trained workers right out of high school to aid in the shortage of skilled labor.
Our robotics team has done a fantastic job raising money needed to participate in the world?Äôs robotics competition in Kentucky. I would like to thank all of the businesses, parents, family and friends who have made the generous donations to the team. Every donation is greatly appreciated. They will be competing later in April.
We will have a ribbon cutting event for our new track Monday, April 10, to start the new track season for the first time in many years here in Kimball. I also want to remind parents and community members that the Minnesota Department of Education did approve the school district early start before Labor Day this fall. The school year will start Monday, Aug. 28, with four school days before the Labor Day weekend. The calendar is posted on the school district website. The school district advisory committee, and the meet and confer committee approved moving forward with the early start based on the online community survey results.
Now that spring is here, it is hard to believe that there is just more than two months left of school. It will be a mad dash to the end with all the activities and events occurring. Just a quick reminder of the Kimball Business Expo this weekend. It is Saturday, April 1, at the high school and is co-sponsored by the Kimball Chamber of Commerce and the Kimball School District. Come out and see what the businesses have new this year. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. That is all I have for now. Have a great day. GO CUBS!