Letter from the Principal

Greetings from the Middle School!
Our big news this winter is the grand opening of our new entrance, commons area, and administrative offices in mid-February.  We have been under construction for over a year now, so there is genuine excitement to move into our new spaces.  Later this spring our new chapel will be complete and another set of classrooms will be remodeled this summer.  It is truly an exciting time to be working and studying in the Middle School.

There are many activities happening this winter in the Middle School.  Our 7th grade is gearing up for their annual winter retreat February 13-15.  The entire 7th grade heads to Covenant Pines Camp in McGregor, MN where they enjoy the winter snow and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities.  The theme of the retreat is friendship….what is a good friend and how do you be a good friend.  The 8th grade goes on a one day Courage Retreat run by Youth Frontiers.  The retreat mixes high energy, fun group activities, and a theme of standing up for what you believe.  The 8th grade also spent a morning at the Upper School in January learning about what their life will be like as 9th graders.   Sixth graders look forward to their winter ski day on February 15th and seem to be settling in to their Middle School life. Combine these special events with our winter sports opportunities, a student council sponsored food drive, math team events, student/faculty basketball game, and auditions for the annual spring play, and one can see why our students are active and engaged.  But obviously, the first priority is academics, and the students are working and studying hard to meet the high expectations set before them by the Middle School faculty.

We are beginning to accept applications for the 2008-09 school year. As I talk to perspective families and answer questions about Middle School, I realize what a unique place Minnehaha really is.  These are very important formative years for students, and for young adolescents to be able to spend them in an environment that is safe, supportive, academically challenging and faith based is truly a unique experience. Minnehaha’s Middle School is a great place.