The Pine River-Backus School Board spent the majority of its Monday, May 20, meeting discussing recent high points and honors ranging from teacher accolades to training certificates to other accomplishments.
Teacher Melanie Lindquist gave a presentation on the Festival of the Nations, an annual trip to St. Paul for many PR-B students each year that introduces them to cultures from around the world through language, food and a bazaar.
Superintendent Dave Endicott awarded his monthly Tiger Pride award to Business Manager Jolene Bengtson, whom he said impressed him with her ability to manage many different and complex duties this time of year, among them the budget.
Elementary Principal Rick Aulie highlighted Kay Sawyer and Cheri Lemberg, who were both recognized as Teachers of Excellence across Region 5 by Sourcewell.
Aulie also gave congratulations to Tiffany Bergem, Holly Rowell, Sarah Rugroden, Carol Christensen, Savanna Doran, Ellie Malecha, Alexis Hansen and Shianna Hicks for completing the ENVoY (Educational Non-Verbal Yardsticks) Program certification in various capacities. ENVoY is a training program which, Bergem and Rugroden explained, helps teachers to reduce distraction and excess energy levels inside the classroom through the teachers' own behaviors, volume and energy levels. The school district is working to get many of its teachers certified.
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In other business Monday, the board hired Steven Sandeen as technology teacher, Derek Bebeau as vocal music teacher, Kevin Furst as technology coordinator and Conner Guetter as mid-level math teacher.
The board also approved the termination and nonrenewal of probationary teacher Jennifer Crimmins' teaching contract.
