Natalie Siderius School Board Candidate Statement (At Large)

I come from a long line of public education supporters. My mother was a public school teacher and my father was a public school teacher, coach and administrator. I attended and graduated from two public universities, and my professional career has been in the field of land use planning for both city and county governments. My son attends the Middle School, my daughter is at Madison, and my husband teaches at WSU. I have served on the 861 school board for the past four years and throughout that time I have served as the board's Clerk/Treasurer and I continue to serve as an active PTA volunteer. I believe in public education because it provides stepping stones for a better life for all of us, regardless of one's abilities or income.

I am very interested and involved in early childhood education and family issues. I am a former member and officer of the ECFE Parent Advisory Council. I currently serve on the Winona Early Childhood Initiative Leadership Team. The Winona Early Childhood Initiative is supported by a grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. I support expansion of early childhood programs (like Maxwell at Madison Preschool and Childcare) because of the demonstrated benefits these programs bring to children and families. Recent studies show that for every $1 spent on early learning and care programs there is a $17 public return on investment. For more information, please see the following sites: http://woodrow.mpls.frb.fed.us/research/studies/earlychild/abc-part2.pdf
http://www.highscope.org/NewsandInformation/PressReleases/PerryP-Age40.htm

Thanks to a hard working referendum committee, school board, administrative team and this community, Winona passed an operating levy that puts the schools on solid footing. This year, I have had the great pleasure of voting to restore all day, every day kindergarten; restore high school athletics and activities and expand them to include the 7th and 8th grades; hire new teachers and reduce class sizes; add reading specialists and expand the gifted and talented program.

Using capital dollars, the Board approved construction of a new library/media center, student store, counseling center and administrative offices at the high school while improving indoor air quality, security and safety. The district has moved ahead with partnerships that have improved athletic fields at the Middle School, added a preschool to Madison, placed HVED programs at Jefferson, expanded mentoring for teachers and expanded student teaching opportunities.

I support neighborhood schools because strong neighborhood schools are signs of strong communities, and strong communities are necessary for strong public schools. Neighborhood schools tend to be smaller and have smaller class sizes that lead to effective learning. Not only does it make educational sense to support neighborhood schools, it makes economic sense too. Schools sustain the economic vitality of our residential neighborhoods and families are increasingly looking for safe, attractive, and easily accessible schools. Since the school district must compete for area students, we have a great opportunity to meet that demand and to do very well by the students and their families.

If elected, my priorities over the next four years include curriculum improvement, staff development, building improvements and continued financial stability.

• Curriculum: We need to make a commitment to prepare a curriculum that is appropriate for our current and future students -- and one that capitalizes on the expertise of our teachers, our higher ed. institutions, and all of our community partners. I will continue to support positive initiatives like the curriculum audit that is currently underway.
• Staff Development: We all know that no matter how good the curriculum is, it takes teachers to make it happen. It's time we return to using staff development dollars for improving teaching.
• Building Improvements: We have completed in-depth facility studies of all district buildings and made upgrades in portions of all buildings. I will work to prioritize needs and address them creatively and in a financially sustainable manner.
• Finances: Statutory operating debt is not a solution. Citizens have given us the financial means to improve the district and we should use these funds wisely.

Leadership, courage and commitment will move this district forward. With your support, I intend to continue to promote positive progress.

Ted Hazelton School Board Candidate Statement (District 1)

Hello,
My name is Ted Hazelton and I am running for a seat on the School Board in election district #1 agianst incumbant, Larry Labor. I am a life long Winona area resident. I am a very active volunteer in many civic groups and organizations; both past and preasant. I am a current board member and founder of the Winona Area Youth Wrestling Club, I am also an active parent volunteer in my youngest son's Cub Scout troop, a member of the minnesota Transportation Museum -(Railroad Division), and a member of the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Railway. I am a past member of the Winona Model railroad Club, and the Winona Area Jaycee's. I also give railroad safety presentations in the area schools during National Railroad Safety Week in May of each year, and have also helped chaperone on some school field trips at W-K in the past.

I am employed full time as a truck driver for D.J.Johnson Transfer Co. of Winona, and I'm also licensed pyrotechnic operator with J & M Displays. I shoot fireworks shows at many of the surrounding community festivals.

I am a single parent of a child who was involved in the E.C.F.E. program at the Lincoln Bldg. My son now is a 1st grade student at W-K Elementry school now so I have a vested intrest in 861 schools.

I am running for school board for many reasons. My first and foremost reason is to help restore public trust and accountability back to Dist. 861 and to open more communication between 861 and parents, students, teachers, and the tax paying general public. The current board is not representative of the wishes of the general public and there is no representation for the rural areas of the district, or the average working class citizens and familys. The current board is a "rubber stamp" for admimistration rather than for the wishes of parents, community and the tax payers. There is such a lack of direction, credability or accountability on this board that it is pathetic! Trust must be restored after many of the contraversial and hair-brained decitions that have taken place in the last 4 years such as moving the 5th graders out of the elementry schools over to the Middle School, and the way that S.O.F.A. was handled. The public is fed up with the actions of the current board majority as evidenced by the recent vote in the primary election on Sept. 12, and word of mouth around town!

Change in Winona is on the horizen! It's time to put the "public" back into our public schools!
Other issues that I am running on are: Finding a new home for the A.L.C. program in a DISTRICT OWNED BUILDING by either re-claiming the Lincoln building or more preferably moving the 5th grade back into the elementry schools (where they belong) to free up the space needed at the Middle School for the A.L.C. Improved relatoins with 861 staff & employees to help boost morale (which is currentley lacking). Improving test scores by doing a cirriculum audit to see what can be modified or improved for our students. Re-examine the 2 tierd busing system for cost effectivness and efficiency improvements. I have a hard time believing that 861 is saving the kind of money that they claim that they do to the public. Also, switching school start times between the older and younger students needs to be done as the current set up is backwards and creates a schedule nightmare for parents of elementry aged students in regards to day-care issues after school Additionally, the current set up may be in violation of federal law (daylight savings time). Daylight savings was done for 2 reasons. One; to give farmers an extra hour of light to work with, and second; to keep little kids from being out in the dark to catch the bus or walking to school! I would also address some of our screwed up attendance boundrys that are currently in place. Examples: kids living in Hidden Valley live 3/4 mile from Goodview School yet we bus them 4 miles to Jefferson School! Kids living in Minneiska are bused 14 miles to Goodview School, but they go right by highway 248 and Rollingstone on the way to Goodview! How dumb is that?!!

I also believe that the maintenance budget needs to be increased with the number of older buildings we have in use so they don't end up with same fate as the old Middle School did - what a shame!

Finally, I would bring a consrvative viewpoint to the board as for decisions that involve tax payer dollars and how they are spent. The spending practices of the current board are pathetic! Examples: Paying $120,000 for new tennis courts at the Middle School rather than re-habilitate the existing ones at the High School for $40,000 then paying for busing students from the high school to the Middle School to use them!

Paying an extra $4,000 per year on milk just to get "B.G.H. free" stickers on them! Paying $110,000 for 2 part time elementry principals then letting W.S.U. use them to teach over there and only getting $45,000 in return for this. Net loss - $65,000. Why not just hire 1 full time elementry principal at $55,000 and have that person split thier time between the 2 elementry buildings involved? Security cameras at Madison School. If W.S.U. requires them for the daycare program over there, let them pay for it instead of 861 footing the $22,000 cost! Isn't that what a partnership is all about, helping each other out for a common goal?!! These are just some examples, I could write a book on this subject if I had the time.

These are some of the issues that I will be addressing if elected to the board. Lets end this "good old boys club" that seems to be in place with our current school board with every vote being 7-0 no matter what the subject matter is. There needs to be more debate on the items in question.

This way, board members are more informed when a vote comes up. This is what the public wants. Vote Ted Hazelton for school board on November 7. Vote for change!

Thank-you,

Ted Hazelton
school board candidate

P.S. Please feel free to E-Mail or call me at my house in the evening with any questions or concerns that you have or would like to talk about. Its all about communication, which is part of being a good school board member. Phone: 454-3232 E-Mail: thazerailsinwinona@hotmail.com

Larry Laber School Board Candidate Statement (District 1)

I believe a child’s education starts at birth and continues until you pass away. I also believe it is very important that the child and parent have a strong start. This is the reason I support Ready4K. As you would know, Community Education ECFE offers excellent classes to new parents. Statistics prove over and over that children will continue to excel in their education if they are given a good well-rounded start. This is why the school board continues to support Early Childhood programs such as welcoming WSU staff into Madison Elementary providing all day childcare within the school. I think we should work at growing this program into other elementary schools as well. After passage of the referendum last year, the school board immediately voted to restart all day every day kindergarten in all the school districts elementary buildings. Again, stastistics show the return on the dollar invested in kindergarten pays back many fold in children who are more eager to learn, fewer behavior issues and successful students graduating from high school and college ready to live and work in our communities.

We have instituted a long range planning committee to address needs at our high school over the next 10 years. We have worked with our School Nutrition director in bringing equipment and menus up to a new level while staying within a strict budget. We have upgraded a 20-year-old media center to a modern functional area more suited to the 21^st century. As this committee finishes its task, it will begin working with elementary schools addressing their current and long range needs following the facility study performed by Wold Architects.

The Middle School is our newest school building. It has extensive technology within but that is 10 years old now with minimum upgrades. We will look at upgrading equipment in this building as well before we get too far behind.

Early Childhood programs, all day kindergarten, key kids, keeping all our elementary schools open takes money and dedication. Upgrading our school buildings, our textbooks and technology requires diligent use of the tax dollars we are given. I have supported these efforts wholeheartedly though there has been argument against some of these positions. I will continue to support what is best for our school district but most importantly what is important to our kids.

Brian Neil School Board Candidate Statement (District 2)

I believe my greatest contribution to the WAPS School Board comes from the perspective of a working educator. I know what education looks like from the inside. On a daily basis, the working teacher faces stress and frustration when carefully-made plans are disrupted as well as joy and satisfaction when students realize success in spite of challenges. Every day is new and different. A successful teacher learns early to be patient but tenacious. New programs come and go. Some are valuable, and some are not. The veteran becomes adroit at recognizing nuances that have merit and applies them to the advantage of students while quickly discarding others. If I have acquired such skills in my classroom experience, I should be able to apply them effectively to situations outside the classroom. I should be able to make do with less and make it look like more. I should be able to communicate effectively including reserving unproductive criticism while motivating with praise. I should be able to reserve judgement until all pertinent information is available. I should pursue compromise that benefits a substantial majority of parties involved. In spite of obstacles to progress, I must make progress. From my perspective, these traits of a veteran educator are applicable and valuable to a School Board member. They are what I offer to the voters of ISD 861.

Creekside Playground, Rushford

This is a large wooden playground with "castles" and walkways, swings, tires, a sandbox, and various climbing equipment. The playground is partially shaded and near a picnic shelter and t0ilets. If you'd like to make a day of it, the Creamery is a good place to stop for ice cream or pizza after the playground; it's just a few minutes down Hwy 43 in Rushford (on the right, before Hwy 15, next to the bowling alley). Located near the intersection of Pine Meadows Rd. and N. Mill St., Rushford; watch for the ballfields on the left as you head into town, or view a map.

Homemade playdough

Here's a recipe for playdough you can make right at home:

2 cups water
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1 1/4 tablespoon alum
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
food coloring

Add food coloring and oil to water. Stir in dry ingredients. Knead until smooth. Stores well in a refrigerator for several months.

Events for October 16 - 22

Big Muddy River Rendezvous • Tue, Oct. 17 – Sun, Oct. 22 • Prairie Island Park, Winona.
• Re-enactors portray life at a 1700s fur-trading camp.

Autumn Adventures • Sat, Oct. 21, 9-10 am • Minnesota Marine Art Museum (800 Riverview Dr., Winona)
• This is a free storytelling event at the new Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Enjoy family-friendly autumnal tales in front of original artworks. A short seasonal art project will follow the stories. More info: 474.6626 or minnesotamarineartmuseum.org

Indoors Marching Band • Sun, Oct 22, 6 pm • St. Mary's Fieldhouse
The Cotter High School and Junior High School Marching Bands will present their annual Indoor Marching Band Concert. Features will include the colorguards and drumlines of each band, as well as highlights from the 2006 marching season. Free.

Events for October 9 - 15

Mother’s Own Milk • Wed, Oct 11 1:30–3 pm • Women’s Health Library, 3rd floor of the medical office building on the Winona Health campus
• Winona Health lactation specialists host Mother's Own Milk, a weekly support group for moms and breastfed babies looking for resources and encouragement for variety of breastfeeding issues. More info: Robyn Hinz, 453-3700

Coffee Talk with Superintendent Paul Durand • Thurs, Oct. 12 8-9 am • Blue Heron Coffeehouse
• Come have a cup of coffee with the superintendent and discuss issues of concern to you.

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry 25th Celebration • Thu, Oct 12 - Sun, Oct. 15 • Minnesota Equestrian Center (off Hwy 43, take Hwy 21 west for 1 mile)
• This national event marks the 25th anniversary of the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry and showcases Fjord horse versatility. Highlights include horse shows 8 am-6 pm Saturday, and Fjord horses dancing to choreographed music, 7 pm Saturday. Free admission. More info: (585) 872-4114 or www.nfhr.com

Pumpkin Patch • Sat, Oct. 14, 9:30 - 12 • Franklin Bronk & Sons Family Farm, Winona
• Celebrate fall harvest with hay rides, snacks, and crafts for your children. No registration necessary; $3 per person to be paid at the farm. Meet at the ECFE parking lot, 5100 W 9th St. (Goodview School) to caravan to the farm.

Historical Cemetery Walk • Sat, Oct 14 & Sun, Oct 15, 12 pm - 3 pm • Woodlawn Cemetery
• Actors dressed in period costumes play the roles of important deceased citizens and talk about their “lives” in Winona’s past. Guides take small groups around the cemetery to meet and listen to these historic figures. This year, the following stories will be highlighted: 1. Edward Drew, who made the trip to Winona from Wabash, Indiana, in a covered wagon featuring a 5 yoke team of oxen; 2. Frank Owens Brown, whose father was a prominent Upper Mississippi River pilot and flour mill owner; 3. Henry Slocumb, who was himself a river pilot who grew up in the Reed’s Landing area; 4. Samuel and Maude Prentiss who moved from the Green Mountain, Vermont, area to Winona because of the excellent schools; 5. Elizabeth Kunze, who was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland; 6. Gustav Anger, who was born in Annabery Saxony, Germany, and immigrated to California before coming to Winona; 7. Ann Butler, who was born in England and sailed from Liverpool to New York; and 8. Roy Frank Vose, who was taught to fly by Max Conrad. $6 for adults, $4 for students 13 and over, $3 for students 12 and under.

October Events

Oktoberfest • Fri, Sept. 29 – Sat, Oct 7 • Oktoberfest Grounds, La Crosse
• Music, food, entertainment, carnival, plus three parades: Opening Day Parade (Fri, Sept. 29, 10:15 am, from 2nd & Market to 2nd & La Crosse streets); Maple Leaf Parade (Sat, Sept. 30, 10 am, Clinton & Copeland to 2nd & King); Torchlight Parade (Thu, Oct 5, 7 pm, Kane & Gillette south on Caledonia to St. James). Buttons are $5 for adults, kids 12 and under, free. No button required on Mon, Tue, Wed. More info: (608) 784-3378 or www.oktoberfestusa.com

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Stories • Fri, Oct. 6, 7-8 pm • Page Theater, Saint Mary's University
• Seven stories come to life in this fast-paced musical revue, including “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman, “Borreguita and the Coyote” by Verna Aardema, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Joffe Numeroff, “Imogene’s Antlers” by David Small, “Martha Speaks” by Susan Meddaugh, “Math Curse” by Jon Scieszka, and “Owen” by Kevin Henkes.More info: www.pagetheatre.org

Galesville Apple Affair • Sat, Oct. 7 • Galesville, Wis
• Food (including a 10-ft apple pie), arts and crafts, music, horseshoe games, and bike tours of area apple orchards. Buses leave from the downtown venue regularly to tour historic Eastside Farm. More info: www.galerep.com/apple.html

WSU Homecoming Parade • Sat., Oct. 7, 10 am • Huff St. (beginning at Broadway St. and ending at Mark St.)
• More info on WSU Homecoming activities: www.winona.edu/alumnirelations/3871.htm

Milwaukee Road 261 (steam locomotive) Fall Color Excursions • Sat., Oct. 7 & Sun., Oct 8 • Amtrak Station
• The Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive makes its annual visit to Winona. Come see the train from 11:45-12 and 2:15-2:30 each day (times are approximate). Or ride the train to La Crescent and back to Winona; roundtrip tickets are $29 for children 3-14, and $39 for adults for a coach ticket. For more info: 651-765-9812 or www.261.com (click on “order tickets,” then on “fall color excursions,” in the left-hand navigation bar)

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry 25th Celebration • Thu, Oct 12 - Sun, Oct. 15 • Minnesota Equestrian Center (off Hwy 43, take Hwy 21 west for 1 mile)
• This national event marks the 25th anniversary of the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry and showcases Fjord horse versatility. Highlights include horse shows 8 am-6 pm Saturday, and Fjord horses dancing to choreographed music, 7 pm Saturday. Free admission. More info: (585) 872-4114 or www.nfhr.com

Pumpkin Patch • Sat, Oct. 14, 9:30 - 12 • Franklin Bronk & Sons Family Farm, Winona
• Celebrate fall harvest with hay rides, snacks, and crafts for your children. No registration necessary; $3 per person to be paid at the farm. Meet at the ECFE parking lot, 5100 W 9th St. (Goodview School) to caravan to the farm.

Big Muddy River Rendezvous • Tue, Oct. 17 – Sun, Oct. 22 • Prairie Island Park, Winona.
• Re-enactors portray life at a 1700s fur-trading camp.

Autumn Adventures • Sat, Oct. 21, 9-10 am • Minnesota Marine Art Museum (800 Riverview Dr., Winona)
• This is a free storytelling event at the new Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Enjoy family-friendly autumnal tales in front of original artworks. A short seasonal art project will follow the stories. More info: 474.6626 or minnesotamarineartmuseum.org

Haunted Library Party • Tue, Oct. 24, 6-7 pm • Children's Department, Winona Public Library
• Halloween storytime, craft, activity, snack & trick-or-treat tour! Wear your Halloween finery! Sign up at 452-4592.

BOO-seum • Fri, Oct. 27, 5:30-8 pm • La Crosse Children’s Museum (207 5th Ave S, La Crosse)
• Halloween party for ages 2-6 with adult. Sing-along with Hans Mayer (shows at 6:30 7); games; inflatables; treats; crafts. Costumes optional. Admission with Hans Meyer concert: $5 per child for members, $7 per child for non-members; 1 free adult per child; extra adults pay child fee. Admission without Hans Meyer concert: $3 per child for members, $5 per child for non-members. More info: 608-784-2652 or www.childmuseumlax.org.

SMU Halloween Party • Monday, Oct. 30, 6-8 pm • Toner Center, Saint Mary's University
• Annual Halloween party hosted by SMU Residence Life: trick-or-treating in the freshman dorms, games, crafts, snacks. Bring a costume!

Did we miss your event? Add it to the comments section below for events that fall in the month of October; e-mail WinonaECFEPTA@gmail.com with events for future editions of the Winona Area Family Events Calendar.

College students available for babysitting (fall 2006)

Following is a list of college students who submitted their names to the Winona ECFE PTA babysitting availability list. Names appear in the order they were received. Read the important disclaimer at the end of this post...in a nutshell, this list is provided "as is"; the people on this list have not been interviewed or screened by ECFE PTA, which makes no claim regarding their competence as babysitters. To add your name to this list, e-mail WinonaECFEPTA@gmail.com with your name, qualifications, availability, and contact information; put "Babysitting" in the subject line.

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Hello, my name is Lindsay Johnson and I am a junior at St.Mary's University. I am a political science major and a history minor. I have previously worked as a full time nanny in the summer for three summers and I have lot's of experience working with children of all ages. I am in Little Pals a mentoring school age children organization, women's choir, a music fraternity, St.Theresa's Women's Leadership and Service institute, and a member of a political club on campus. I am interested in music as well as sports. I played hockey for eleven years and also played college tennis.

My contact information is Lajohn04@smumn.edu or my cell phone: (763) The hours that would work best for me are monday, wed., Fri., any time after 1:00pm.

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Name: Sarah Jo Schroeder (Sarah or Sarah Jo)
Contact Information: e-mail: sjschr04@smumn.edu
Dorm number: 507 457 7042

Availability: Monday's after 4:30 PM
Tuesday's after 1 PM
Wednesday's after 4:30 PM
Thursday's after 4 PM
Friday's after 9 am
Sat. and Sun. all day every other weekend

Qualifications:
I worked as an assistant daycare provider through my mother's home. I have enthusiastically done a lot of babysitting for the daycare parents and a lot of the teachers from my home high school.
I have experience with a wide variety of ages and personalities from working at daycare, babysitting, and from working at a summer camp for three summers.
Here at college, I babysit for two different families, when requested, one of which has a special needs daughter.
I am employed right now at A.B.L.E. (A Brighter Living Experience) in La Crescent, MN where I work every other weekend. A.B.L.E. Inc. is an organization of people dedicated to providing residential services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
I would be happy to share my experiences and abilities upon request.

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Lauren Davidson
651-564-0138
can work weekends, and many weeknights (call and ask).
i've been first aid and cpr trained. but my certification has expired. i'm a certified nursing assistant. i've babysat for any age group.

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Name: Sarah Kay
Location: SMU
Available: weekdays vary, weekend usually work
Phone: 507-457-7113 (Sept '06-April '06)
Qualifications: certified in 1996, been babysitting for families of all sizes since 1995.

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My name is Lisa Tlougan
Contact information: lmtlou04@smumn.edu
(507)421-2201 (cell phone)

I am very experienced in taking care of children of all ages (new born and older). I was a nanny for 2 summers with preteens, have babysat for many families in my hometown Rochester for years, and the past two summers I worked as a day camp counselor at the Rochester YMCA (children ages 6-12).

Availability:

October: Weekday evenings after 7pm, I do have a few soccer games because I play here at Saint Mary's but those dates can be worked out at a later date.

November-December: Anytime after 3pm. Not available over Thanksgiving break (22-27). Available on weekends.

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Name: Christina Leicht
Phone# (630) 550-3430 (cell)
Email: cmleic05@smumn.edu
Availability:Tuesdays after 1pm
Wed. after 4pm
Fri. after 4pm
Any time on the weekend (just let me know!)
Qualifications: Major - Elementary Education - St. Mary's University. I
have been babysitting since I was 15 and I love playing/working with
children of all ages. My experience with children includes teaching swim
lessons, teachers assistant, and summer camp counselor plus crafts and
helping with homework are my specialty! CPR Certified. References
available.

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My name is Ashley Wendlandt. I am willing to babysit for Winona families, however I am currently in volleyball so my availability is limited at the time. Our last game is October 25 so anytime after that I should be able to sit. My classes are done at 3. My phone number at school is (507) 457 - 1970.

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Availability:
Mondays:6:00pm until whenever
Tuesdays:6:00pm until whenever
Wednesdays:not available
Thursdays: 6:00 until whenever
Fridays: 3:00pm until whenever
Saturdays: any times
Sundays: anytime
I have worked for New Horizon day care in my home town for two summers, have babysat kids anywhere from 4 months to 9 years old. i am involved in tiny tots(daycare help), and i am currently an elementary education major.
Jenny Gelschus
Cell Phone: 952-200-3319
house:507-457-1948
JXGELS04@smumn.edu

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My name is Amber Ernst and I am a freshman at SMU. I have been babysitting since I was about 12. I babysat for children of all ages. I will say that kids love me and I love them.

I would have references.

I am availible any night except Saturday before 8:00. My last class on MWF is at noon and on TTH my last class ends at 3:00. I am not sure of my work schedule at this time because I maybe switching jobs


Amber Ernst
Cell: 605-941-4740 Dorm Room:457-7168

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Hi. My name is Meghan Parranto, and i am interested in babysitting. I worked at a day care for 1 year, and i also grew up in a large family-5 kids. I have also babysat for other families in my neighborhood, and families from the day care. I am available monday, friday nights and on the weekends. My phone number is
651-331-1029, and my e-mail is mmparr06@smumn.edu
Thanks!
Meghan Parranto

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Hi! My name is Allissa Voracek, I am a freshman Elementary Education major at St Mary's University, and I am interested in being on the ECFE babysitting list! I can be contacted via email at arvora06@smumn.edu or by phone at 507 421 4274. I am available most days, here is a tantative "schedule":

Monday: class from 7:45 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 2:20. Meetings at 9:00 pm, but I can miss those occcasionally!
Tuesday: class from 9:15 to 10:30 and, beginning October 18, from 1:45 to 2:35.
Wednesday: class from 7:45 to 8:35 and 1:30 to 2:20. Tiny Tots from 3:00 to 5:00. Tiny Tots is a program where a group of students from St Marys goes to a daycare and help with the kids.
Thursday: class from 9:15 to 10:30 and, beginning October 18, from 1:45 to 2:35.
Friday: class from 7:45 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 2:20.

As far as qualifications go, I have babysat for family and friends for many years. I have helped coach a youth hockey team for two years, and I am CPR certified by the Red Cross.

Please let me know if there is anything else you need or would like to know! Thanks!

Allissa Voracek

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Hi my name is Nina Cohn and i am interested in babysitting, you can e-mail me at nrcohn05@smumn.edu or call me at 507-457-7058. Also my schedual right know is a bit full considering I have soccer but after october i will be available a lot after 3:00. THank you: Nina Cohn

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Hello,
I'm responding to the possible babysitting opportunities. I've babysat for numerous different families in the community, and I have worked at the YMCA with kids for about 4 years. I volunteered at Camp Wenonah, the Y's summer camp, and then I became paid staff throughout the year. I coach kids' soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. My favorite babysitting job has been for the 2 children of Dr. Jenny Shanahan, a well-respected professor at St. Mary's. I've been babysitting for her two boys for about 4 or 5 years now. I love children, especially babies, and I am extremely responsible and intrinsically maternal.
I hope you will put my name on the babysitting list.
Thank you,
Mindy Blank

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My name is Bridget Frauenshuh and I am interested in being on the Babysitting list. I am a sophmore at St. Mary's University, and I should be available to babysit on Thursday and Friday evenings and weekends. I am the oldest of four younger brothers and have participated in Big and Little Pals here on campus. This year I am also involved in the Maplewood after school program at the Winona Community Center. I love kids and hope to someday become an elementary teacher. My e-mail address is brfrau05@smumn.edu and my number on campus is (507) 457-7546. My cell phone # is (218) 341-1447. I am busy and may miss a call in the room. Thank you so much and I am looking forward to this experience.
Sincerely,
Bridget Frauenshuh

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I am Madeline Pieper. I am a junior at Saint Mary's University. The only experience with little children I have is babysitting in the past, babysitting my soccer coach's son, and being a soccer coach for 3rd and 4th graders. I have soccer practice from 4 to 7 every night, but Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I am done at 11:00AM. My e-mail is mapiep04@smumn.edu and my phone number is 507-457-1960. Thank you!

Madeline Pieper

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Angie Kryzer
Ahkryz06@smumn.edu
651-249-9844

I have been baby sitting for 6 to 7 years, kids from various ages. I love to have fun with children, play games, makes crafts and just do fun things. I am able to make sure children are safe at all times and I can resolve conflicts between and with children.

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I am Nicole Dalitto and I am interested in being on the babysitters list. I am a twenty year old junior at SMU. I'm certified in child CPR, first aid and the heimlich maneuver. I have been babysitting for 5 years and am a Day Camp Director in the summer.

I can be contacted through e-mail, nldali04@smumn.edu or by cell phone #708-670-4985.

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My name is Lauren LaMarche. I am 22 years old and am a 2nd semester junior Education major at St. Mary's. I am free Mondays after 3:00, Tues and Thurs after 11:00 and Wed and Fri after 12:30. I have plenty of experience with younger children. I have three younger brothers (6,11,and 13) I also have worked in daycare centers and at summer camps. I love keeping children occupied with lots of activities and fun stuff!

I can be reached by phone which is 507-457-7036

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name: Anne O'Day
email: aroday02@smumn.edu
phone: 507 457 7488
Availability: Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.
Qualifications: I have been a camp counselor for 8 years with 4-6 year olds and 9-11 year olds. I have also had experience babysitting.

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Brittney Stefonowicz
(507)457-7527 or cell (952) 240-6435
bmstef05@smumn.edu

available evenings and weekends

I am an elementary education major who loves kids and has had lots of experience including working as a summer nanny for 2 years, swimming instructor, Sunday school teacher, and tutor. References available.

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Kami Ward
SMU Grad Student
507-457-1431 (leave a message if I am not available)

Because I am a grad student/graduate assistant, my schedule is very flexible.

I have been babysitting for several families in the last year. I grew up with 2 younger siblings and have a love for kids!

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Lucas Kaplan
19 years old
Saint Mary's Univarsity, freshman
1-507-456-3961
lpkapl06@smumn.edu

I am currently in cross country so my open time would start at 7 p.m.
There are various activities that I am involved in, but vary with dates and time.

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DISCLAIMER: The Winona ECFE PTA provides this list of babysitters as convenience for parents and as a community service. The information on the list is provided directly from students. This information is provided on an "as is" basis and the ECFE PTA makes no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information. The Winona ECFE PTA does not interview, screen, or perform background checks on the individuals listed. Inclusion on the babysitter list does not constitute an endorsement or support of any particular individual. All parties assume the risks associated with this service, and Winona ECFE PTA cannot be held liable for any injuries associated with these activities.

Why do kids have more energy than adults?

"Why has evolution given children so much energy and their parents so little?" asks NPR reporter John Hamilton. According to the scientists he interviewed, it's all about brain development. But kids' sluggish parents have a role to play, too. Read the whole story at NPR.

Overscheduled kids a myth?

From Newsweek magazine (Oct 2 issue):

For parents who fear they're "overscheduling" their children, a new study carries a soothing message. The paper, published last week by the Society for Research in Child Development, is the first to take a data-driven look at the issue—and whether being so busy is really a bad thing. The study suggests the phenomenon is more isolated than media reports suggest: in fact, 40 percent of children (ages 5 to 18) are engaged in no activities, typical kids spend just five hours a week in structured activities, and very few children—3 to 6 percent—spend 20 hours a week. On average, most kids spend far more time watching TV and playing games. And for kids who are extremely busy, there's also good news: the more activities they do, the better kids stack up on measures of educational achievement and psychological adjustment.

Read the full article here; leave comments on this story below.

Links to Local Events

If you're looking for events in the Winona area, here are some websites to check out (roughly in order of their usefulness):

Community Calendars

Winona Radio Community Calendar
It's easy to add events to this calendar from Winona Radio, which means that it lists a lot of events that would otherwise fall under the radar.

Visit Winona - Calendar of Events
From the Winona Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Explore Minnesota - Events
This will list all the events in the southern Minnesota Mississippi River Valley and Historic Bluff Country, from the Minnesota Department of Tourism website.

Mississippi Valley Partnership - Calendar
This link will take you to the home page of Mississippi Valley Partners, a tourism cooperative extending along the river from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Winona, Minnesota, and from Bay City, Wisconsin, to Alma, Wisconsin. At the top right of the home page, click on the Calendar link to see the current month's event calendar.

La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
To navigate to the events calendar for the current month, click on "New & Events" in the navigation bar at the top of the home page, and then choose "Events Calendar" from the drop down menu.

Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau - Upcoming Events
Events for the next three months in Rochester, Minnesota.

Events at Specific Destinations/Organizations

Winona Public Library Children's Department - News and Events
Note that this page is not always kept up to date.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum Events
The museum frequently offers events geared toward children.

La Crosse Children's Museum Events
Another page that may or may not be current.

La Crosse Center Calendar
Calendar of upcoming events at the La Crosse Center.

Minnesota Equestrian Center Show Calendar
Lists upcoming horse shows at the Minnesota Equestrian Center, just outside Winona. Very little information is provided beyond a title and a date, but a contact phone number is usually listed for more information.

Winona Mall Events
The mall frequently sponsors family-friendly events; its events calendar usually lists a title and a date, but no additional information, so call the mall for details.

Whitewater State Park events
Scroll down the page for a list of upcoming events at Whitewater State Park; some appropriate for children.

Winona National Bank - Community Involvement
Provides information on the bank's Easter egg event and summer concerts.

A note to those using this list to update/create the Winona Area Family Events Calendar:

• Generally. we only include events that would be appropriate for families with at least one child aged five and under;
• Generally, we only include events within an hour's drive of Winona, tops; even then, the event would have to be pretty good to justify driving more than 30 minutes;
• When submitting an event, please include as much information as parents need to make a decision about the event -- day(s), time, cost, address and/or directions, short description, and contact information (phone number and/or website, if available) for finding more info.
• Events can be submitted to WinonaECFEPTA [ at ] gmail . com

Winona Area Events for Sept 4 - 10

Kellogg Watermelon Festival • Fri, Sept. 8 – Sun, Sept. 10 • Downtown Kellogg
Burn-out races, live bands, street dance, carnival rides. Kiddie parade 1 pm Saturday; Grand Parade Sunday at 2 pm, with free watermelon afterward. More info: Wabasha-Kellogg CVB (800) 565-4158 or www.wabashamn.org

Celebration of Minnesota Children's Authors and Illustrators • Sat, Sept. 9, 12:30 - 5 • Andersen Center, 163 Tower View Drive, Red Wing
Meet Minnesota's finest authors and illustrators. Book sales and signings, readings, face painting, ice cream, book making, puppeteers, marble shooting, music. Free. More info: 651-338-2009 or www.andersoncenter.org

Pickwick Mill Day • Sat., Sept. 9 • Pickwick, 12 miles south of Winona on County Road 7
Food, bluegrass music, Civil War artillery, blacksmith, kids’ games, live demonstrations at the historic mill. More info: www.pickwickmill.org

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days • Sat, Sept. 9 – Sun, Sept. 10 • Pepin, Wis.
Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking, hand-spinning and quilting; art & craft market; food sales; pioneer games for children; tours of Laura's birth site. Old time fiddle contest 3:30 – 6 pm Saturday, with bonfire and live music following; Grande Parade Sunday afternoon. More info: Pepin Visitor Center at (800) 442-3011 or www.pepinwisconsin.com

Did we miss an event? Mention it in the comments. Be sure to include what we need to know to go.

Lake Park Playground

One of the largest playgrounds in Winona, the Lake Park playground features swings (including two baby/toddler swings), lots of climbing equipment and slides (including a playset for older toddlers), a sandbox, two seesaw-type rides, and several tunnels. It's located next to the bandshell, which makes it a popular destination on Wednesday nights during the summer when the municipal band is practicing for its concert. Amenities include a water fountain (operates only during summer months), portable toilets, and picnic tables. Most of the playground is not shaded. Located at Lake Park Drive and Park Drive (near W Lake St and Main St).