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district administrative Team Who We Are District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Wayne LePard Superintendent 320-584-4002 Email Weather-Related Closures: News outlets (TV and radio), phone, text, and email Crisis: phone, text, and email District News/Updates: Royal Review, periodic emails, Radio Interviews w/The Falls Radio KLTF Royalton’s Voice (anonymity is optional) : responds to the Voice messages as requested Royalton Public Schools welcomes families and the community to be partners with us in providing an outstanding school experience for our students. Students are our number one priority w hether it's in the classroom, clubs, sports, or enrichment activities. We strive to create a positive culture and climate to give students and staff the opportunity to reach their highest potential. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Joel Swenson Principal, Middle/High School 320-584-4200 Email School Notices/Alerts: Phone and email School News/Updates: Royal Review, email (Weekly Newsletter) Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, and appointments Special Events : Phone and email Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits Our goal is for graduates of RHS to take what they have learned during their time at school and translate those experiences into successful careers in their fields of choice. My job is to help develop those learning opportunities while also helping to guide students to become productive, problem-solving, and outstanding members of our community. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Tony Neumann Principal, Elementary School 320-584-4100 Email School Notices/Alerts: Phone and email School News/Updates: Royal Review, email (Weekly Newsletter) Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, and appointments Special Events : Phone and email Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits Elementary education is the foundation to instill a love of learning. Everyday we strive to be positive role models to provide students what they need, when they need it, while fostering individuality and creativity. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Jennifer Noble Community Education Director 320-584-4200 Email Class Cancellations/Changes: Email Class Registration, Information, and Updates: Royal Review, newsletter, Facebook, email, ARUX Portal (https://royalton.arux.app/ ) Special Events : Email, Facebook, Flyers Business/Meetings: Appointments and drop-in visits The mission of Royalton Community Education is to create and provide non-traditional educational opportunities for individuals, young and old, to engage in lifelong learning and to enrich their lives and the community in which they live, play and work. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Kaitlyn Arnzen Assistant Principal & Activities Director 320-584-4200 Email Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, Skyward notices, and appointments Activity/Athletic Notices/Alerts: Email, RSchool notification Activity/Athletic News/Updates: Royal Review, Facebook, email Special Events : Email, Facebook Business/Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits As Assistant Principal, I help students become positive community members. As the Activities Director, I encourage students to become active in Royalton's various activities. Seeing students connect with others through school and activities is one of the many highlights of my position. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods David Lemm Director of Technology 320-584-4200 Email Technology Updates/News: Royal Review, email Technology Charges/Issues: Email Technology Notices/Alerts: Email, phone My role as Director of Technology facilitates access to digital resources, enabling students to engage with interactive learning materials and collaborate effectively. By integrating technology into the curriculum, students receive enhanced learning experiences, and catering to diverse learning styles. Ultimately, my role empowers students to navigate and thrive in a technologically-driven world, preparing them for future academic and career endeavors. District Impact Statement Contact Information Tony Duevel Director of Buildings and Grounds 320-584-4200 Email As Buildings & Grounds Director my goal is to provide safe, clean, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, ball fields, and green spaces for students, staff and community to use and be proud of. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Joseph Wiser Director of Transportation 320-584-4255 Email As Transportation Director, I oversee the safest mode of transportation to and from school for our students. Our team of drivers strives to provide a safe environment while on the bus where they can interact and socialize with their peers as they prepare or unwind from their day. We impact the lives of our students everyday by making a positive first and last interaction with them each school day. Transportation Dept. Updates/News: Royal Review, District website Bus Route Issues/Alerts (emergency): Phone, text, email Bus Route Notices/Changes (non-emergency): Email

Directory Communications from teachers & Other departments Middle/high school teachers 320-584-4200 Select Course Type Department (Course Type) Teacher Name Email Student Communications Parent/Guard Communications Agriculture Nathan Goldade nathan.goldade@isd485.org Google Classroom, Remind, WhatsApp, email Remind, email Agriculture Joelle Liddane joelle.liddane@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, Remind, WhatsApp, Daily start-up slides, Ag Program website connected to District website Skyward, email, phone, Ag Program website connected to District website Agriculture Robert Skwira robert.skwira@isd485.org Google Classroom, Remind, email Email, phone Art Cathy Tordsen cathy.tordsen@isd485.org Google Classroom, Remind, email, class website connected to District website Remind, email, class website connected to District website English Sara Schreifels sara.schreifels@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, and Blogspot Skyward, class website connected to District website English Sheri Menden sheri.menden@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, Remind, email Skyward, phone English Melanie Cimenski melanie.cimenski@isd485.org One-to-one, email Email, phone English Jon Koenig jon.koenig@isd485.org Google Classroom, Team Reach, email Team Reach, email Health/Phy Ed Ryan Marwitz ryan.marwitz.isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, email Skyward, email, phone Health/Phy Ed Kari Meek kari.meek@isd485.org Google Classroom, face-to-face, email Email Health/Phy Ed Dylan Kummet dylan.kummet@isd485.org Google Classroom, email Skyward, email Math Jeff Schoenrock jeff.schoenrock@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, in-person, email Skyward, email, phone Math Jacquelyn Borash jacquelyn.borash@isds485.org Skyward, email, in-person Skyward, email, phone Math Marissa Sowada marissa.sowada@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, email Skyward, email Math Shawn Poppen shawn.poppen@isd485.org Google Classroom, Remind, email Remind, email Science Tom Ebnet thomas.ebnet@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, whiteboards, email Skyward, email Science Jeanne Omvig jeanne.omvig@isd485.org Google Classroom, in-person, email Skyward, email Science Alyssa Gerads alyssa.gerads@isd485.org Google Class (includes a daily planner), Skyward, email Skyward, email Social Studies Jeremy Albright jeremy.albright@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, Remind, email Skyward, Remind, email Social Studies Brad Baumann brad.baumann@isd485.org Google Classroom, email Skyward, email, phone Social Studies Jeremy Schaa jeremy.schaa@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, email Skyward, email, phone Spanish Lake Mathison lake.mathison@isd485.org Google Classroom, Skyward, email Skyward, email, phone Special Education Kelly Gotfredson kelly.gotfredson@isd485.org Google Classroom, Remind Remind Special Education Mindy Klosowski mindy.klosowski@isd485.org Email Email, phone Special Education Ashley Dunlap ashley.dunlap@isd485.org Email Email, phone Special Education Leah Roske leah.roske@isd485.org http://leah.roske@isd485.org Email Email, phone Special Education Karen Maruska karen.maruska@isd485.org Email Email, phone elementary school teachers 320-584-4100 Select Grade Teacher Name Email Grade Parent/Guardian Communications Kari Rohling kari.rohling@isd485.org Title I Conferences, email, phone, paper Elizabeth Shelstad elizabeth.shelstad@isd485.org Special Education SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Joan Nichols joan.nichols@isd485.org Special Education SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Rachel Eckman rachel.eckman@isd485.org Art Conferences, email, phone, paper Samantha Thompson samantha.thompson@isd485.org Music Conferences, email, phone, paper David Kruger david.kruger@isd485.org Spanish Conferences, email, phone, paper Aaron Meier aaron.meier@isd485.org Phy Ed Conferences, email, phone, paper Karissa Escobedo karissa.escobedo@isd485.org 5th Grade Conferences, email, phone, paper Melissa Hammer melissa.hammer@isd485.org 5th Grade Conferences, email, phone, paper Chad Shelstad chad.shelstad@isd485.org 5th Grade Conferences, email, phone, paper Hannah Thoma hannah.thoma@isd485.org 4th Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, PAWS Slips, email, phone, paper Merrin Polzine-Lust merrin.lust@isd485.org 4th Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, PAWS Slips, email, phone, paper Ted Hanson theodore.hanson@isd485.org 4th Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, PAWS Slips, email, phone, paper Rebecca Scott rebecca.scott@isd485.org 3rd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Janessa Gangl janessa.gangl@isd485.org 3rd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Jennifer Beaman jennifer.beaman@isd485.org 3rd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Amy Skeate-Carlson amy.carlson@isd485.org 2nd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Kathy Brenny kathy.brenny@isd485.org 2nd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Michael Marschel michael.marschel@isd485.org 2nd Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, email, phone, paper Alyssa Hamers alyssa.hamers@isd485.org 1st Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, daily planner, email, phone, paper Kari Wiersgalla kari.wiersgalla@isd485.org 1st Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, daily planner, email, phone, paper Katie Hemminger katie.hemminger@isd485.org 1st Grade SeeSaw, Conferences, daily planner, email, phone, paper Emma Melby emma.melby@isd485.org Kindergarten SeeSaw, Conferences, home folders, phone call Tami Shaughnessy tami.shaughnessy@isd485.org Kindergarten SeeSaw, Conferences, home folders, phone call Nikki Seguin nikki.seguin@isd485.org Kindergarten SeeSaw, Conferences, home folders, phone call Activities/ Athletics Coaches & Advisors 320-584-4000 Select Activity/Sport Activity/Sport Division Level Season Coach(es) Name Communications App (Parents & Students) BPA Year-Round TBD Remind Baseball Junior Varsity Spring Ben Gilbertson Baseball Junior Varsity Spring Andrew Hagman Baseball Varsity Spring Adam Snyder Boys Basketball 7th Grade Winter Nolan Frank Boys Basketball 8th Grade Winter Ted Hanson Boys Basketball C Squad Winter Ryan Weiner Team Reach Boys Basketball Junior Varsity Winter Andy Hagman Team Reach Boys Basketball Varsity Winter Jeremy Albright Team Reach Boys Golf Junior Varsity Spring Jeremy Schaa Team Reach Boys Golf Varsity Spring Jeremy Albright Team Reach Cross Country Fall Michael Marschel Remind Cross Country Fall Melissa Poser FFA Year-Round Nathan Goldade & Joelle Liddane Fall Play Fall Melanie Cimenski Football Junior Varsity Fall Jeremy Albright & Dylan Kummet Team Reach Football Varsity Fall Jamie Morford Hudl Girls Basketball Junior Varsity Winter Mindy Klosowski Team Reach Girls Basketball Varsity Winter Brad Baumann Team Reach Girls Golf Junior Varsity Spring Nolan Frank Girls Golf Varsity Spring Knowledge Bowl Winter Mindy Klosowski Musical Spring Melanie Cimenski One Act Play Winter Melanie Cimenski Prom Spring Jeremy Schaa Robotics Winter Troy Roering & Shari Bishop Team Reach Softball 7th Grade Spring Abigail Weidenbach Remind Softball 8th Grade Spring Remind Softball Junior Varsity Spring Remind Softball Varsity Spring Marissa Sowada Remind Spanish Club Year-Round Lake Mathison Remind Speech Winter Tami Shaughnessy Remind Student Council Year-Round Jon Koenig Remind Track Spring Kaitlyn Arnzen Team Reach Track Spring Melissa Poser Team Reach Trap Shooting Spring Sam Crowder Volleyball Freshman Fall Randy Borash Team Reach Volleyball Junior Varsity Fall Hannah Thoma Team Reach Volleyball Varsity Fall Morgan Schluttner Team Reach Wrestling Winter Spencer Elwell Remind YES Club Year-Round Robert Skwira Other Departments 320-584-4000 Select Department Department Type of Communication & Method Nurses' Office Student travel/field trips: Phone, email, letter Nurses' Office Case management (collecting physician orders, creating IHP's, field trip planning): email, phone, in-person, Google forms Nurses' Office Immunizations: Royal Review, letters, phone Nurses' Office Health Office visits (illness/injury): phone, email, text/photo from health office cell phone Nurses's Office Medication: Royal Review, letter, phone, Skyward notifications Nutrition Services Menus: District website, radio (The Falls- KTFL), newspaper (The Morrison County Record) Nutrition Services Special Diets: Email Nutrition Services Account balances: Phone, text, email Community Education 320-584-4002 Select Area/Service Area/Service Communications & Methods Preschool Screening Scheduling (Dates & Billing): Royal Review, Arux, Community Education Facebook page, District website ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) Program Offerings/Rates: Royal Review, Arux, Community Education Facebook page, District website MAP Program Offerings: Royal Review, Arux, Community Education Facebook page, District website MAP Student Behavior: Phone MAP General billing/Handbook: Arux MAP Billing notices: Email Enrichment/Youth Sports Class Offerings: Royal Review, Arux, Community Education Facebook page, District website Preschool Teachers Day-to-day Updates: SeeSaw Preschool Teachers Student Behavior: Phone

district administrative Team Who We Are Wayne LePard Superintendent 320-584-4200 Email Royalton Public Schools welcomes families and the community to be partners with us in providing an outstanding school experience for our students. Students are our number one priority w hether it's in the classroom, clubs, sports, or enrichment activities. We strive to create a positive culture and climate to give students and staff the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Joel Swenson Middle/High School Principal Our goal is for graduates of RHS to take what they have learned during their time at school and translate those experiences into successful careers in their fields of choice. My job is to help develop those learning opportunities while also helping to guide students to become productive, problem-solving, and outstanding members of our community. 320-584-4200 Email Tony Neumann Elementary Principal Elementary education is the foundation to instill a love of learning. Everyday we strive to be positive role models to provide students what they need, when they need it, while fostering individuality and creativity. 320-584-4100 Email Jennifer Noble community education director The mission of Royalton Community Education is to create and provide non-traditional educational opportunities for individuals, young and old, to engage in lifelong learning and to enrich their lives and the community in which they live, play and work. Now is the perfect time to embrace new learning opportunities, connect with others, and explore activities that refresh both mind and body. Royalton Community Education is excited to offer a diverse range of community education programs designed to help you grow, discover new passions, and stay engaged with the world around you. 320-584-4200 Email Kaitlyn Arnzen Assistant Principal/ Activities director As Assistant Principal, I help students become positive community members. As the Activities Director, I encourage students to become active in Royalton's various activities. Seeing students connect with others through school and activities is one of the many highlights of my position. 320-584-4200 Email David Lemm Director of TEchnology My role as Director of Technology facilitates access to digital resources, enabling students to engage with interactive learning materials and collaborate effectively. By integrating technology into the curriculum, students receive enhanced learning experiences, and catering to diverse learning styles. Ultimately, my role empowers students to navigate and thrive in a technologically-driven world, preparing them for future academic and career endeavors. 320-584-4200 Email Tony Duevel Director of Buildings and Grounds As Buildings & Grounds Director my goal is to provide safe, clean, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, ball fields, and green spaces for students, staff and community to use and be proud of. 320-584-4200 Email Joseph Wiser Director of Transportation As Transportation Director, I oversee the safest mode of transportation to and from school for our students. Our team of drivers strives to provide a safe environment while on the bus where they can interact and socialize with their peers as they prepare or unwind from their day. We impact the lives of our students everyday by making a positive first and last interaction with them each school day. 320-584-4255 Email District Office 120 South Hawthorn Street Royalton, MN 56373 (320) 584-4000 Front Office | (320) 584-4002 Business Office | (320) 584-4247 Fax: (320) 584-4101 Community Education 120 South Hawthorn Street Royalton, MN 56373 (320) 584-4002 Front Office | (320) 584-4002 Attendance | (320) 584-4002 Nurse | (320) 584-4243 Fax: (320) 584-4101 ECFE, PreK, Adult Education Elementary School 119 North Driftwood Street Royalton, MN 56373 (320) 584-4100 Front Office | (320) 584-4160 Attendance | (320) 584-4161 Nurse | (320) 584-4162 Fax: (320) 584-4101 Kindergarten - 5th Grade Middle/High School 6th Grade - 12th Grade 120 South Hawthorn Street Royalton, MN 56373 Fax: (320) 584-4101 (320) 584-4200 Front Office | (320) 584-4240 Attendance | (320) 584-4241 Nurse | (320) 584-4243 Nondiscrimination Statement Copyright © 2024 Royalton Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.

We develop lifelong learners ready for an ever changing world. Learn more about Royalton Public Schools today. New Enrollment We are pleased you are interested in enrolling your child in Royalton Public Schools! Give us a call at (320) 584-4000 or use the link below. Strategic Plan Royalton's strategic plan guides the work of staff, students, and community in achieving its goals. It helps align resources, set priorities and enhance overall student outcomes. Communication Plan Royalton's communication plan is to ensure all stakeholders receive timely and effective communication, so they have the best possible experience at Royalton Public Schools. Our Mission Create a welcoming and safe environment where all students and staff are empowered and challenged to achieve their personal best. Royalton's Voice Royalton's Voice is a forum for YOU to share your questions, concerns, compliments, and more. Each post is anonymous and will be reviewed by school personnel. If you'd like a response, include your email address. We hope this will be an avenue to have greater communication with you long-term. School Board Meetings Monday, March 9, 2026 Regular Board Meeting, 6:00PM IN-PERSON & YouTube Live Stream ***Live stream will start approximately 5 minutes prior to the board meeting on Royalton Public Schools YouTube channel click link above 120 SOUTH HAWTHORN, ROYALTON MS/HS Media Center, Door #7 Good things are happening. #RoyaltonRoyals Morrison County Record Skyward Family Access District Calendar Menus & Nutrition Community Education Employment Opportunities Athletics Livestream Volunteer Application STaff QUICK LINKS Employee Resource Center Proliftic Employee Email Frontline Skyward SMART eR Help Desk Webstore superintendent wayne lepard Royalton Public Schools welcomes families and the community to be partners with us in providing an outstanding school experience for our students. Students are our number one priority whether it's in the classroom, clubs, sports, or enrichment activities. We strive to create a positive culture and climate to give students and staff the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL Student of the Month 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9 December 2025 Student of the Month Cody Bieniek Read More October 2025 Student of the Month Abigail Roering Read More September 2025 Student of the Month Kimberlie Randt Read More May 2025 Student of the Month Nolan Gerads Read More April 2025 Student of the Month Sascha Duevel Read More March 2025 Student of the Month Marisa Solland Read More February 2025 Student of the Month Kayden Vannurden Read More January 2025 Student of the Month Wyatt Gerads Read More December 2024 Student of the Month Abby Kalis Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL artist of the month September 2019 Artist of the Month Matthew Kasella Read More October 2019 Artist of the Month Kelsie Norberg Read More November 2019 Artist of the Month Jordan Pesta Read More December 2019 Artist of the Month Autumn Larson Read More January 2020 Artist of the Month Logan Sullivan Read More February 2020 Artist of the Month Isaac Kasella Read More March 2020 Artist of the Month Madison Gutzkow Read More April 2020 Artist of the Month Jenna Anderson Read More September 2018 Artist of the Month Brooke Richards Read More October 2018 Artist of the Month Isaac Kasella Read More November 2018 Artist of the Month Jordan Pesta Read More December 2018 Artist of the Month Kylee Berg Read More January 2019 Artist of the Month Kendra Duevel Read More February 2019 Artist of the Month Alexandra Storkamp Read More March 2019 Artist of the Month Grace Gall Read More April 2019 Artist of the Month Gavin Sowada Read More September 2017 Artist of the Month Cole Scofield Read More October 2017 Artist of the Month Emily Ferguson Read More November 2017 Artist of the Month Jason Kasella Read More December 2017 Artist of the Month Adam Beam Read More

< Guidance Office Career Assessments Assessments and career exploration are a great way to help students and jobseekers make the best possible choices. What things do you like to do? What’s your personality style? What skills and abilities do you have? There are a variety of free career assessments available online that can help. CareerOneStop: https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/self-assessments.aspx O*NET OnLine: http://www.onetonline.org DEED: https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/job-guide/ Career Resources from Minnesota Department of Employement & Economic Development

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment January 2018 Student of the Month Kendra Kull Kendra Kull is the daughter of Lyn and Lynn Kull and she was named the January Student of the Month by the faculty of Royalton High School (RHS). Kendra has a younger sister, Jenna, who is a freshman at RHS. Every year since 9th grade, her favorite class has always been Spanish, and this year it would be her Spanish 4 class. Although there are many teachers here that she loves, her favorite would have to be her Spanish teacher, Mrs. Lindsey Gruber. She is passionate about her job, and while she is considering becoming a Spanish teacher herself Mrs. Gruber has been a role model for her. Sra. Lindsey Gruber states “I have had the privilege of having Kendra in five Spanish classes throughout her high school career, along with a class trip to Ecuador. Kendra is one of the most balanced students I have had in class. She is very disciplined, always interested in how she can better learn and succeed, and is also down-to-earth and genuine with her peers. She is a wonderful role model for underclassmen and I’m sure, will continue to achieve her goals as she starts her post-secondary career. Throughout High School Kendra has been involved in many activities. This year they include: National Honor Society, Spanish club, FFA, knowledge bowl, 4-H, We club, pep band, jazz band, marching band, and Faith Lutheran Church youth group. Her favorite high school memory is going to Ecuador on a Spanish trip in June of 2016. We immersed ourselves in the indigenous culture and used the language in the real world while exploring the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest. Kendra plans on attending a 4-year university starting next fall, and is deciding between Winona State University, North Dakota State University, and University of Minnesota Duluth. She is currently undecided in my major as well, but I am thinking about becoming a Spanish teacher. In ten years, she sees herself happily married with a steady job, and thinking about starting a family. The advice Kendra would give to freshmen is “Don’t be afraid to try new things and take chances. Be yourself and make the best of every moment because high school will come to an end before you know it”.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2023 Student of the Month James Vannurden James is the son of Phil and Jill. James says his family has been a huge part of his life, “My family has been really influential in my life, they have pushed me very hard in everything. My parents have always made sure to push me to getting good grades and being active in sports and activities.” Whether it is in school or outside of school, James is involved in a variety of activities, “I am in Youth Group for my church. We do a lot of activities. I do enjoy being involved with my church; it feels very rewarding to do things to help my community. I’m in Football, Track, and YES Club. I have always loved football since I was very little, I would play it every day. Football has help me through life because of all of the memories and friends I’ve gained. I first joined track when I was in 7th grade. I joined track because I thought I was very fast in 7th grade; The first meet was very humbling for me. I moved around a lot in track, until I found out i was good at jumping. Track has been fun over the years because of the friendships I made. Im also in YES Club. I have done a ton of activities in YES club like building a retaining wall for the school, and doing fun activities with our group like snow tubing at Power Ridge. Overall YES Club has been a good experience for me.” When it comes to his classes James says his favorite class was welding and his favorite teacher is Mr. Robert Skwira. “My favorite class I have taken in high school is Welding. What I liked about Welding so much is that I got taught a whole new skill, Welding was one of the only classes that I couldn't wait to go to. It stood out because at first, I was a little bit scared of trying it but once I got comfortable, it was awesome. I would suggest it to other students because it’s a good skill to have with you, and not many know how to do it. My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Skwira because of all the knowledge about the trades that I have learned. Skwira is a teacher that has always been very nice to me and really expected a lot out of me. I like how he teaches because he let me try to figure it out on my own, and if I was struggling, he would jump in.” James' favorite memory from school took place this fall, “My favorite high school memory is homecoming. Homecoming is such a fun time because of all the activities we did including the Olympics and dress up days. What made it the best memory was at the end of the day I played football with all of my buddies versus the Paynesville bulldogs. It was a brutal game, but it all made it worth it when we pulled ahead and won the game. After that everyone was pumped up and it was a good time.” James then said the best event he was part of was during his junior football season, “The best game I was involved in is my junior year of football, where in the second round of the playoffs. We played against the Paynesville Bulldogs, and we were going back and forth at each other. The nerves were hitting because there was a full crowd and we had to stay in the game, but when the clock struck zero, we managed to pull out the win. At the end it was so rewarding because even though my body felt like garbage, I was so excited we won.” After graduating and where he sees himself in the future James had this to say, “Next year I will be jumping right into working doing construction, I chose construction because I like to work with my hands and I like to moving around all of the time. The best thing that I like about construction is going through building and looking at the progress made on the building. In the next 10 years I plan to work hard and make some money, I hope to buy my own house and start to develop a family. It is important to me because I would like to have something to push me to work hard.” James’ advice to high school freshmen is, “One thing I would advise is to get your required classes done earlier so you can have fun classes that you will like when you’re an upperclassman and make sure to have fun.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2020 Student of the Month Samuel Zimmerman Royalton High School is proud to announce that Samuel Zimmerman was selected as Student of the Month for November. Samuel is the son of Doug and Karen and comes from a large family, but says even though its large, it is very close knit, “Having nine siblings creates plenty of opportunities to learn lessons I never thought I would learn. For example, when we would have to cut down trees for firewood, I would always despise going out to do the work, but my brothers taught me that complaining only prolonged the work, and if you just get the work done, you can go home faster. I still apply this lesson in school and life in order to just get things done, or as I like to say “procrastinate procrastination”. My brothers and sisters have always encouraged my passion for music, drama, and art. They were always in the audience for my many concerts, shows, and programs.” At Royalton High School, Sam is involved in many activities. He has been involved in Drama, Speech, Knowledge Bowl, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, One Act Play, FFA, Cross Country, Track & Field, Student Council, Choir, Minnesota Honor Society and directing the Junior High Drama . Sam says all of these activities has helped him learn so much about himself. “Sam is a phenomenal musician, both vocally and instrumentally! He is extremely dedicated to whatever he puts his mind to, whether it's music, theatre, school work or anything else!” – Cheri Ploof Royalton Choir Director. “Not only is Sam an excellent student but he is known in school for his fun-loving attitude and willingness to help whenever needed.”- Social Studies teacher Brad Baumann. When it comes to his classes Sam says his favorite class was Human Biology. “This class was the perfect mix between notes, projects, and experiments. This class sparked interest in a completely different field of study that I had never considered before. Ms. Gerads did a fantastic job of explaining what she was teaching and kept it fun! I enjoyed doing all of the projects and labs and this class made me want to learn. I highly recommend this class to anyone who has any interest in biology, or just wants to take a fun class.” As for a favorite teacher in high school Sam says it’s impossible to pick just one, “I have built a fantastic relationship with each one of my teachers so it is not possible to pick a favorite. I have had positive experiences with every teacher whether or not I was enrolled in their class. Positive motivation and encouragement from all the school staff have pushed me to do my best in whatever I'm doing, whether it be the arts, academics, or athletics.” Sam’s favorites memory in high school was being involved with the student conducted concert, “During the spring of 2020, the band was holding a student conducted concert and I chose to conduct the song Arabian Dances. The song was relatively difficult and I was definitely ready for the challenge. My favorite memory was the first day I stood on the podium and we ran the piece. It was intoxicating. I felt the music in a way I had never experienced before. I was handed this ability to control the song, to change the different instrumental sections to form this beautiful and electrifying piece and I never wanted to stop. This is my favorite memory because it clarified what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: I want to conduct; I want to teach music.” Next year Sam plans to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and is going to pursue a degree in Music Education in order to be a high school music teacher. In ten years, Sam hopes to be teaching high school students in music and would love to spread his joy and love for music to his students. Eventually he says he may want to teach at the college level. Sam’s advice to high school freshmen is, “My biggest piece of advice is to build a positive relationship with your teachers. Teachers are people too and like the other people in your life, friends or family, a positive relationship will give you the best experience possible. Believe it or not, teachers want you to succeed, to learn, to do your best, and having a positive personal relationship will only make school quite a bit better. I don't know where I would be if I wouldn’t have become friends with the majority of my teachers.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment May 2020 Student of the Month Mackenzie Beam Royalton Faculty and Staff would like to announce that Mackenzie Beam has been named the Student of the Month for May. Mackenzie notes that her family has helped her get to where she is today in more ways than she can think of. They have shaped her into the person she is by always being there for her when she needs them most, and push her to always do her best. She states that she is grateful for her five siblings because they have helped her find her way through life and allowed her to follow in their footsteps. Her family has taught her to always go after her dreams and if it doesn’t work out, she will always have their support and her faith to get her through it. Mackenzie’s favorite classes this past year were STATS and English. These were her favorite because the class atmosphere was always high and energetic. Ms. Menden and Mr. Silbernick made their classes enjoyable to be in, which made the hour go by fast. She notes that her favorite teacher is Ms. Menden. Although she has only had her for one year of English 12, she has made a big effort to really connect and get to know all of the students in Mackenzie’s class. One of her favorite things is that Ms. Menden was always smiling in class and made everyday fun, exciting and full of energy. At RHS, Mackenzie has been involved in Y.E.S. Club, Spanish Club, Minnesota Honor Society, and Student Council. She explains that she joined all of these organizations to try and get out of her comfort zone and be more involved. Her favorite High School activity was Student Council, especially in setting up for Homecoming. It was one of her favorites because seeing all of the other students having fun, smiling, and laughing was a great reward for all the hard work they all had put into that week. Mackenzie believes that she gained some leadership skills and more confidence by being involved in these various activities. Chris Coppicus, Royalton High School Band Director, would like to highlight that, “Mackenzie is a quiet leader in the band. She comes to class with a smile on her face everyday and puts in the work. Now that we are distance learning I am finding that Mackenzie is a stronger clarinet player than I first thought and she will be greatly missed next year.” Outside of school, she is involved in 4-H through Benton County. In the Spring, she gets pigs and raises them until August when they are taken to the Benton County Fair to show. She has a lot of fun making memories with her cousins at the fair, as well. Mackenzie’s favorite High School memory was when the power went out this past Fall and all the Seniors gathered in the Lion's Den in a circle sang songs and made memories. Next year she will be attending the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, majoring in Elementary Education. She is planning to teach either first or second grade. Tammy Shaughnessy, Kindergarten teacher at Royalton Elementary School states, “Mackenzie has been a student intern in my kindergarten class since the beginning of the school year. She has always been very reliable, showing up every day prepared and ready to jump into action with the students. She spent a lot of time reading with the kindergartners, playing learning games, assisting with small-group activities, helping with writing, and countless other activities. The students loved having Miss Mackenzie come into our classroom and they always hoped they were the next ones who got to read with her. She has an extremely kind heart and is so respectful of all students and their unique needs. Even in our unprecedented situation, where students may be feeling bombarded with distance learning, Mackenzie reached out to me and asked if she could join the Google Hangout with the kindergartners. The kids were very happy to see that Miss Mackenzie was able to join us.” Her advice for High School Freshman is, “soak it all in because the time really does go by fast!”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back January 2018 Artist of the Month Samantha Post Samantha Post, daughter of Molly and Brian Post was named January artist of the month at Royalton High School. Post’s favorite hobby is painting and drawing. She has spent a large part of high school in the art room taking art classes. "I decided to paint this painting because it’s a movie that I like, and I thought the cover art of it was interesting." stated Post. "I wanted to paint something that I could take my time on and learn new techniques. I can say I definitely learned quite a bit, like how the lighting on neon signs would be painted, for example. I’ve also never spent this much time on a painting before, which tested my patience, but I think the time was well worth it and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Art is my biggest hobby. I spend a lot of my free time doing something that has to do with art including drawing, painting, embroidery, photoshop, etc. When I graduate, I will definitely miss all the time I’ve spent in the art room the most, working on projects. I plan on maintaining working on my art works because they are something that makes me feel complete." "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up," said visual arts instructor Carl Halverson. "That's a quote from Picasso that I pretty much live by when dealing with talented students like Samantha Post. It's the process of learning that she refers to as making her feel "complete". And once you stop learning, whether you are eighteen or eighty, you grow old at an accelerated pace. For students like Samantha, art classes are a way to express themselves in their own way. Without these means of expression, some of these students feel that have no voice or opinion worth listening to. Her tile painting is not just technically superior to most work, it's a movie clip of a place that she may feel she needs to be part of, far away from where she lives right now. In the RHS art room, these students learn valuable lessons about everything from discipline to compassion; from accepting people for who they are, while be accepted for just being themselves. And through it all, these differences are all worthy and help the young person become who they want to be, rather than what someone else wants them to be. Be Yourself Sam, 'cause you are the best you that this world will ever see."