Cornell School Board - After-school is rapidly outgrowing space

Elektra Zurakowski, Cornell After-School program coordinator, spoke Feb. 24, about what is going on about with the program. There are over 60 students who attend the nightly sessions, where academics and cultural subjects are studied. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s a good problem to have – that future after-school showcases at Cornell, will need to move from the elementary library to the elementary gym. The reason? There are so many family and friends who attend, that the school has outgrown the space.

“It’s been a lot of change the last couple of years,” said program director Kat Wescott, at a school board meeting, Feb. 24.

A meal is now served after the youth present their showcase to the public, which is seeing a lot of people stay for it, with visiting going on and friends being made.

It’s a nice time where families can hang out with each other,” said Wescott.

Wescott also reported that the school has received another five-year grant, to fund programming through 2030. The money is needed, as there are 67 students who attend the nightly sessions.

There, the students learn about subjects such as other cultures, service projects and more, as well as academic lessons.

“They really get into the robotics, because it’s a lot of coding,” said Elektra Zurakowski, after-school program coordinator.

On the subject of learning, high school principal Craig Braaten commended teacher Steve Parker on taking six students to a science conference in Marshfi eld, something that is done annually. Braaten agreed to go along, as a chaperone and was surprised by what an endeavor it was.

“I was blown away by this workshop,” said Braaten. The costs to the district are minimal and the kids can choose from three interactive sessions to take part in, all thanks to Parker.

“I just want to give a shoutout to what he means to our district, and how he goes above and beyond for our kids,” said Braaten.

Braaten also is looking ahead to next year, when the WIAA insists that there be separate wrestling programs for boys and girls. That means that one coach probably can’t be in two places at once, as most times, the girls wrestle one night, while the boys wrestle another.

“What it’s turning into, it’s a two-person job,” said Braaten.

With growing numbers of the youth program, the future looks bright for wrestling in Cornell.

“Participation rates are taking off again, it’s great to see,” said Braaten.

As part of business, the board accepted the resignation of tech ed teacher Jason Jaenke and head volleyball coach Amy Lorenzen.

After careful consideration, I have come to the decision that stepping down from this role is in the best interest of my family at this time, wrote Lorenzen. I have truly enjoyed my time with the program, and it has been an honor to work with such dedicated athletes and supportive staff.

They also approved the hire of math teacher Daniel Ellair and English teacher Allison Kurth.