Tutoring, late bus to be offered

By Barbie Porter

Editor 

The Frazee-Vergas School Board asked the school to put into motion a change that will allow juniors and seniors an open lunch period.

Currently, the entire school requires students to remain on school grounds during the lunch period. 

During its monthly meeting on Monday, March 14, Principal Anna Potvin said a survey presented to teachers suggested the majority preferred closed lunches. However, if the lunch period were  to become open-campus, the survey results showed most teachers supported seniors having the privilege.

Potvin also said she met with a selection of student council members that included seniors and underclassmen, which agreed seniors deserve the privilege.

Potvin said, based on the information collected, the recommendation was to open the campus for lunches.

Several school board members discussed allowing grades 11 and 12 to have the option of leaving campus for lunch. 

School board member Nathan Matejka noted while he was in high school he enjoyed stretching his legs and taking a walk downtown.

School board member  Tammie Nunn said she thought the district needs to trust the students.

School board member Tyler Trieglaff said the change happened when the school closed for COVID-19 restrictions. He noted he did not believe the school would’ve had a closed campus if not for the pandemic. 

Trieglaff added issues seen prior to the closed campus included some students shoplifting or smoking during lunch hour. If such a problem arises, he said those issues will be addressed accordingly.

Potvin added teachers expressed concern with students bringing food to class and being late for class as concerns.

School board member Daneele Shipman noted if the campus was closed during COVID-19, those restrictions had been lifted and therefore it would make sense to go back to what was offered before.  

Tutoring, late bus options now available 

The school board was informed the district has started its tutoring services with COVID-19 funding, known as ESSER. The opportunity has been utilized by 42 individuals, reported Potvin. While some students get assistance, Potvin said others utilize the space to do their homework. Late bus transportation is also offered. Buses leave at 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and have drop off points in Vergas, Wolf Lake and Snellman.

The Vergas drop-off points include: Ware’s Corner at 5:20 p.m.; Lake Seven Road at 5:26 p.m.; Methodist Church in Vergas at 5:32 p.m. and “U.S. Highway 10 and 60 at Pappenfuss.”

The Wolf Lake drop-off points include: Evergreen church at 5:29 p.m., Evergreen garage at 5:32 p.m., County Highway 45 and 87 at 5:37 p.m. and Wolf Lake Co-op at 5:41 p.m.

The Snellman drop-off points include: Burlington Townhall at 5:20 p.m., Four-Corners at 5:26 p.m., Cowboy Church at 5:33 p.m., Northern Inn at 5:38 p.m. and Gethsemane Church of Snellman at 5:42 p.m.

The district is also offering transportation to the Alternative Learning Center, where students are able to make-up credits to ensure they are able to graduate on time. Potvin said six students are taking advantage of the ALC option.