South school briefs: Free admission offered to Shakopee events

This year, Shakopee students will be admitted to all home athletic and activity events for free. This includes volleyball, swimming/diving, soccer, basketball, hockey, wrestling and any other home sporting event.

Students can also get into activities like the fall musical, band and choir concerts and the spring play for no cost.

Students in grades 9-12 must show their student ID to be admitted, while K-8 students will get in free when escorted by an adult.

All students will receive an ID this year after school pictures are taken. Before then, students should let staff know which school they attend to get in free.

Upgrades to the district's ticketing system now allow tickets to be purchased online.

Go to www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/activities to buy a ticket, print it out, and have it scanned at the entrance. More information can be found online or by calling 952-496-5171.

Beginning this year, Shakopee students in grades 6-12 who stay after school for academics, activities and sports will have access to transportation home.

Another pickup will happen at West Junior High and the High School at 6 p.m. Students will be dropped off near their bus stop within about 45 minutes.

For questions, contact your student's school or the activities department at 952-496-5171.

For the second consecutive year, Shakopee Public Schools along with the Shakopee Educational Endowment Foundation will recognize outstanding alumni by inducting them into the Shakopee High School Hall of Fame.

This year, four people who have achieved distinction in their careers, personal lives or communities will be honored:

• Barbara Weckman Brekke, class of 1989;

• Joe Theis, class of 1953; and

• Joan Peck Lynch, Friend of Shakopee Public Schools.

They will be inducted after the homecoming pep fest on Friday, Sept. 26, with their names announced at the football game that night.

The Lakeville district's chemical health advisory committee and the district mental health council are looking for members as they restructure.

Since chemical issues and mental health concerns are often closely related, the groups recognize that it is most effective to work in collaboration.

The coalition will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Crystal Lake Education Center, 16250 Ipava Av., on the following Mondays: Nov. 3, Dec. 15, Jan. 26, March 9 and April 20.

Contact Judy Johnson at 952-232-3681 or at judy.johnson@isd194.org.

Superintendent Joe Gothard spoke with many parents, teachers and students during his first year in the district. Using that information, Vision One91 was developed.

The still-developing plan will likely involve adding to the high school and making the high school 9-12. Other elements include technology upgrades, increased security and consolidating administrative offices.

Now, Gothard and the district want to share details and seek feedback on the plan.

For more information and to provide feedback, go to www.isd191.org.

Vista View and Sioux Trail Elementary Schools are celebrating their 50-year anniversaries.

The schools were opened in 1964 in a rapidly growing Burnsville.

Students, families and staff from the two schools marched in Burnsville's Fire Muster parade on Sept. 6.

Last week, Vista View celebrated with a "spirit week," a schoolwide celebration and a dance.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, there will be a community fun run at Sioux Trail at 10 a.m. and tree planting at noon.

For more information, go to www.isd191.org.

Brian Ackland, a physical education teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary School, has been selected the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for 2014-15 by the Minnesota Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The state association recognizes a physical education teacher at each level annually, as well as teachers of adapted physical education, dance and health, for their teaching abilities.

Ackland has taught physical education at Oak Ridge for 19 years. He will receive the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award at the group's fall conference in early November.