Willow Students Grow Salsa

Two students sit at their desks trying salsa and chips.

Our Willow students voted on what they would like to grow in the classroom hydroponic garden. They started the year by growing basil for pesto. Next they planted a salsa kit which included heirloom cherry tomatoes and jalapenos peppers. The students spent three-four months noticing how the tomato plants grew more quickly than the peppers. Students were responsible for watering and adding nutrients to the garden. They were excited to see each flower turn into a tomato or pepper. After testing the ripeness of the tomatoes, students made salsa.

Given the choice to start new plants, students chose to try more tomatoes so they can put together tomatoes, basil and mozzarella for Italian crostini.

A student sits at his desk trying salsa and chips. Two students sit at their desks trying salsa and chips. A student seated at her desk trying salsa and chips.

Luther Automotive Community Partner in Education

Students and their Tech Ed teacher are having a look under the hood of the new jeep.

Representatives from Luther Automotive Group donated a 2015 Jeep Liberty to Hudson High School’s Technology Education department so students in automotive classes have a newer model vehicle to use for instruction.

Students listen to a speaker from Luther Automotive.

Matthew Carlson, Service Specialist with Luther, spoke to students in Mr. Hovland’s class about Luther’s Tech Trac Student Sponsorship Program. Tech Trac is dedicated to supporting Technical College students with the passion and ambition to become an automotive technician. Students who qualify are provided financial support to complete a 2-year certificate or degree and paid, part-time work at a Luther dealership with a fast-track transition to full-time employment once the student has completed certification. Qualifying students are also eligible for a tool grant of up to $2,000. Learn more about Luther’s Tech Trac program at: https://www.lutherauto.com/techtrac.htm

Also present were Superintendent Nick Ouellette who spoke briefly about his tech ed background and the opportunities afforded students who are interested in the trades. Luther Chevrolet Hudson’s Service Manager, Steve Boyd (a Hudson High School alumni), spoke about the need for automotive technicians and if students wished to pursue a career in transportation, there will always be work.

Much thanks to Luther Automotive Group for their support as a community partner in education!

Love and Logic Parenting Class

Two adults walking with a child in between them.

“Parenting the Love and Logic Way” provides parents with practical, easy to use techniques and tools to help children become responsible adults. When parents us “Love and Logic” techniques with children, they are better able to hand the challenges of today’s real world.

Class is being offered at Hudson Prairie Elementary School on Tuesdays, March 10 – April 14 (there is no class the week of spring break). The classes are scheduled from 5:45 – 7:45 PM

The class is facilitated by Aria Krieser, school counselor at Hudson Prairie Elementary School, and Chris Strop, school counselor at North Hudson Elementary School.

The Joy of Dance!

A group of elementary and High School students gathered in the gym.

The Hudson High School Rhinestone Raiders recently visited North Hudson Elementary School and performed for Mrs. Anfinsons and Mr. Schiltgen’s special education students, as well as fifth graders in Mrs. Brackemyers class. Following their performance, the group of high schoolers taught our junior Raiders some dance moves. It was fun to have some former North Hudson Elementary students return and share some time with the young learners.

The Rhinestone Raiders are a Hudson High School club that provides peer-to-peer support for students with disabilities through the shared enjoyment of cheerleading and dance. The group focuses on building confidence, teamwork, perseverance, friendship, inclusion and school spirit. 

Playing with the parachute. Playing with the parachute.

Playing with the parachute.

Rhinestone Raiders dance for elementary students.

Rhinestone Raiders dance for elementary students. HS Rhinestone Raiders pose in a cheerleading pyramid.

Rhinestone Raiders dance for elementary students.

Rhinestone Raiders pose in the gym.

Artist Visits North Hudson

Artist Katie Mattis demonstrates attaching a clay handle to a pot.

Local ceramic artist Katie Mattis recently visited North Hudson Elementary School. Katie showed the students some of her ceramic pieces that she made when she was their age, alongside many pieces that she is currently creating. She taught the students about potters wheels, different types of clay, a kiln’s mechanics, how to attach handles, and many other ceramic techniques. She provided each student with a chunk of clay and worked with them step-by-step to create a mini ceramic version that replicates the types of ceramic dishes that she is currently creating in her studio space. She discussed what it means to be an artist and all her future goals as a professional ceramicist.

Thank you Katie Mattis for teaching our North Hudson students that we are all great artists!