From Our Schools to You By Rich Hanson, Le Sueur – Henderson Superintendent of Schools A Day With the Kids   This past Friday was a great day.                                                       I was able to spend a day with our kids - the best part of education.  I have joined numerous classes and attended many activities in the district, but Friday was so much better because I was able to spend nearly the entire day in our classrooms. My day began with Guest Reader Day at Hilltop Elementary where I was one of the readers along with members of the Henderson Fire Department and other community members. My first group was Rosanne Tesch’s kindergarten class.  We spent some time getting all caught up on all of the important topics going on in the lives of these five and six year olds.   Without question, the main topic was how tall I was compared to the kindergarteners. When it was time to read, “The Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss was my book of choice.  The story of the plain belly and star bellied Sneetches is a timeless story with a very important message for young and old alike. Following the story, we talked about how much we have in common with the Sneetches. Even though we may be different in some ways, we are still all very much alike and should treat each other respectfully.  This is a very good lesson for all of us to be reminded of every once in a while. Next it was time to move on and read to Stephanie Eischens’s third graders and Alexis Frishman’s fifth graders.  More time to read and spend time with kids - can it get any better? Following my time as a Guest Reader, I was off to the Middle School’s Exploratory Day. Exploratory Day is an opportunity for seventh and eighth graders to learn about subjects outside of their regular classes.  Classes in Dutch oven pizza baking, juggling, gyocatching, and cribbage are a few of the classes offered.  Skills that many of us use in our daily lives are taught and put to practical use in these classes. In addition to our teaching staff, community members teach many of the classes.  We appreciate very much those that are willing to share their time and talents with our students. As for me, I was teamed up with Mark Vrklan.  Our assignment… build bird feeders. Fortunately, Mr. Vrklan has many years of experience and was prepared and ready for our students. In our three classes, students learned how to use a power drill and screwdriver.  For many of these students, it was the first time they have used these tools. Together, we gathered the needed pieces, marked and drilled holes, screwed the pieces together, and tied a rope hanger.  Everyone successfully assembled his or her feeder.  The experience of this process was a new one for most students.  Most importantly, every student left the class with their very own completed feeder. I enjoy very much my role in our school district and community, but it is very nice to return to what education in public schools is all about - the kids. I welcome your comments or questions.  You can contact me at or call 665-4600.