Tuesday,  Feb. 25, 2014 • Vol. 16--No. 224 • 3 of 35

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are 45 students in the fourth grade. The Smarter Balance tests is something new they are using this year. They are also looking for Common Core Standards to use in the classroom. Fjeldheim said one concern is the lack of time, especially for science. She said they only have about 20 minutes and it is difficult to do experience. With RTI, that cuts into the classrooms. Guthmiller said when he first started, they had 45 minutes for science.

• Deb Jensen talked about the various things going on in music. She said on Monday, the fifth graders will be picking out their musical instruments. There are five middle school students in All-State Middle School Band. "That is fantastic for a school our size," Jensen said.
• Reid Johnson talked about high school band and he said there are 39 students in band. Scheduling and retention are areas of concern for Johnson. He said he is grateful for the one-hour band. Many students are making tough choices when it comes to electives. He said the band went from a record high of 63 members just a few years ago to 39 members now. He said there are only three seniors so he hopes to see an increase in numbers next year. There are three students selected for All-State Band.
• Malerie Yeaton and Lea Kooiman talked about the vocal department. They would like to get more "other" instruments like Orff instruments, African drums and hand drums. Yeaton said students have taken an interest in music with these types of instruments. Four students have gotten into honors choir. Yeaton said there are 59 students in high school choir, 12 students in Chamber Choir, and 24 performers, six tech crew and four pit crew in Show Choir.

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