Science teacher takes on added leadership role
February 23, 2018
Filed under Profiles, School clubs and activities, Staff Profiles
Science teacher and new Gifted and Talented advocate Alan Wachutka said becoming the Gifted and Talented adviser brought needed change for him to continue enjoying teaching. “I felt the change would keep me teaching longer and get out of a rut. It has been a number of years since I have done anyt...
Ellen George, cancer survivor
February 21, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
Book club adviser and library media specialist Ellen George said she vividly recalls her initial surprise after being diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer in 2005. “It was a surprise because I was only 50 years old and that just wasn't in my family history or anything. You just can't believe i...
eSports adviser prepares players for future
February 20, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
According to coach Jacob Utities, Park’s eSports team will play online in Nationals in June after an undefeated season. However, Utities said he still struggles with managing and expanding team. “I can’t really devote much time to each team because there are nine teams, and I am one person,...
New science instructor adds to equation
February 2, 2018
Filed under Profiles, Staff Profiles
The science department recently hired a new member to their staff, chemistry teacher Patrick Puskala. Puskala said arriving at Park was a jarring yet unique experience. “(Coming to Park) is kind of a shock, but I think it’s a nice place, (and) I like my students. I can’t say anything bad,”...
IB Coordinator strives to make a change
December 1, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Staff Profiles
As Jenny Magdal looks ahead to her third year as the International Baccalaureate Coordinator, said she hopes to continue inspiring students. According to Magdal, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program works to aid students in creating positive changes globally. “IB is a whole program t...
Spanish teacher feels excited to work with father
November 7, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Staff Profiles
When Spanish teacher Lydia Brubaker found out Park had an opening for a language teacher, she felt her dream was being fulfilled. “I always thought St. Louis Park would be the type of school I would want to teach at because when I was here I felt that I got a really good education,” Lydia Brubaker...
Volunteer gives time to orchestra
May 20, 2017
Filed under School clubs and activities, Staff Profiles, Uncategorized
According to orchestra director Miriam Edgar, Kou Lee is a volunteer helping orchestra out because he is working on his teaching license. “Kou is a friend of mine from college and Kou is volunteering his time to get orchestra experience in our classroom and we’re also observing his knowled...
Media Specialist Ellen George discusses her role at Park
Nicole Sanford and Caroline Green
March 2, 2017
Filed under Staff Profiles
What’s your name? What is your role at Park? I’m Ellen George, and I’ve been the library media specialist at Park since 2003. How did you become a librarian? “In my mid-forties, I decided that I was going to go back to work full time and that I was going back to this dream I had of ...
Meet the staffer
January 11, 2017
Filed under Profiles, Staff Profiles
Brittani Schroeder recently started as an administrative assistant in the athletic department at Park. According to Schroeder, she mostly works in the registration aspect of the department. “Right now I’m just working on sports registration,” Schroeder said. “That’s all they’ve really...
Q & A with a social worker: Marlee Nirenstein
Ndunzi Kunsunga and Jacob Stillman
January 5, 2017
Filed under Profiles, Staff Profiles
Q: What does your job as a social worker entail? A: It is really very much a direct service role, meaning that pretty much all we do is see kids. It is a combination of meeting with students one on one, looking at what’s getting in the way of students being successful in school. Trying to a...
Long-term substitute acclimates to new environment
December 11, 2016
Filed under Staff Profiles
When long-term substitute teacher Rebecca Wilson reflects on her temporary position at Park, it is not only a new class she is teaching, but also a new field to be working in. Wilson said she did not get a degree in teaching until last spring. “Teaching is actually my second career. I have an un...
Art teacher shares passion
December 11, 2016
Filed under Staff Profiles
After hearing great things about Park, new art teacher Erin Foley took the opportunity to teach at the school alongside her husband, Christoph Nordmark. Foley said practical reasons fostered her switch to Park. “My husband is (English teacher) Mr. Nordmark, and I knew there was going to be a...
According to freshman Roots and Shoots member Zoe Frank, the Climate Action Plan has been in the works for three to four years. She said she feels happy to see their hard work come to fruition. “We...
With two seconds remaining in the championship round, senior and member of team Softball Sam Garcia felt beyond thrilled when she caught the ball, winning that round for her team as well as being n...
[one-third-first] Bekele focuses on inspiring listeners Sophomore Nebyu Bekele said he wakes up every morning thinking about winning a Grammy someday. “(Rapping) is my passion. I mean (winning a...
Abby Intveld, Dani Orloff, and Emma Yarger
Having not stated the Pledge of Allegiance since elementary school, senior Sam Wooden said he was inspired by the opportunity to honor the United States and its flag at school. “We haven’t don...
