December 16, 2015

If you are looking for some fresh holiday music, look no further than our staff here at Shakopee Public Schools. Jana Meckler, band director at Pearson 6th Grade Center, just released an album titled Winter Song, with her band, The Jana Nyberg Group. This is Jana’s third full-length album. Jana’s interest in music started early. “I used to sing full volume on the swing set when I was very little and thought no one could hear,” said Meckler. “I have always loved to sing, and performing comes naturally. I knew since middle school that I wanted to be a band director, and have always enjoyed performing in multiple capacities.” Throughout high school and college, Jana was involved in band and played the piano, flute, and tenor sax. She attended Luther College and Bethel University. That’s where she says she learned about her love for singing. “One fateful concert, the director asked to feature me on a vocal number,” said Meckler. “I sang Duke Ellington’s Prelude to a Kiss backed by the big band.” After graduation, Jana formed a band called “The Jana Nyberg Group.” They started performing mostly in Wisconsin and the rest is history. They’ve been performing together for more than 11 years, put out three albums with a fourth in the planning stage. When Jana is not spending her time on her professional singing career, she’s spending time with our students as Director of Bands at Pearson. “I believe it is so important to keep yourself creatively fueled as a music educator,” said Meckler. “I have always performed, and my teaching and performing have always gone hand-in-hand and co-existed. I believe each fuels the other. I am a better music educator because I am a performer, and I am a better performer because I am a music educator.” You can get Jana’s albums on iTunes and cdbaby.com or get more information on her website www.jananyberg.com

Vol. 1, Issue 5

Enjoy your Winter Break

Pearson 6th Grade Center Teacher Releases Holiday Music Album

Take this time to relax and recharge with your friends and family. Looking forward to seeing you back on January 4th!

 

 

Round of applause!

Robotics Award

The Shakopee Robotics Red Saber Team won the Motivate Award at their first competition on December 12 at the Edina Robotics Regional Qualifier. The Motivate Award is awarded to the team that best embodies the enthusiasm and spirit of FIRST robotics. The team finished preliminaries ranked 8th overall and made it to the semifinals.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Shakopee High School’s SADD group participated in a “Give What You Got” campaign in November. Approximately 50 students participated in service projects such as:

• Arts & crafts with memory care residents of Emerald Crest

• Bingo with residents of Friendship Manor

• Assembling and delivering Thanksgiving Care Packages for residents of St. Gertrude’s

• Showing High School Greeter Deb Malone appreciation by decorating her desk with signs and giving her cards, breakfast, flowers, and chocolates

• Collecting and delivering hats, socks, and other warm winter clothing for Shakopee Community Assistance

 

 

Saber Wrestling Fundraiser The Shakopee wrestling team will be hosting its annual TakeDown Cancer event on January 7 when they wrestle Apple Valley. Each year the wrestling team raises money for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. In the last two years, the wrestling team and families have raised over $5,000 for a great cause.

Students from Pearson 6th Grade Center co-presented with media specialists Natalie Weatherman and Sandy Reishus at the TIES Educational Technology Conference in Minneapolis on December 14. They taught educators from around the Midwest about the Saber Tech Squad at Pearson. They highlighted their impact on instructional technology, troubleshooting common iPad issues, and described the process of filming and live streaming the morning announcements as well. They also discussed the application process for students at the 6th grade level and the upcoming Instructional Technology Solutions course that is pending School Board approval for a high school level course. The goal of the presentation was to start a conversation about how to empower students to be active members of their school community and impact instruction.

TIES Conference Native Pride Dance Shakopee High School hosted the Native Pride Performance on December 16, during first hour. Students were able to watch and participate in traditional Native dances and learn more about the culture of Native Americans. It was a great opportunity for all that attended to see culture in action. Thank you to the performers and those that participated in the day!

 

 

     

The Shakopee Public Schools CommunicationsDepartment is looking to highlight some of our club and

activities accomplishments, but we need your help!

Do you have an important event or performance comingup? A student who has achieved great things?

Submit your news to:

communications@shakopee.k12.mn.us

SUbmit Your Headlines

TO THE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT