GIBBON — The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board will recognize student school board representative Baleigh Peterson at its Jan. 11 meeting in the Gibbon Elementary gym.

Other agenda items including superintendent and principal reports.

“Junior high students are working hard all over our building,” reported GFW Junior/Senior High Principal Brittany Galetka. “They are ready and excited to move back into the classroom and original learning pods. Senior high students are working hard online. Their teachers are excited for students to return (to school) next week and to get them ready for the end of the semester.”

Galetka reported GFW staff is “unmatched with their dedication to their students and our schools. To say they have gone above and beyond is an understatement.”

“I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful community of students, teachers, and community members to do this work with,” Galetka reported. “I am excited to get the second semester rolling!”

GFW Elementary Principal Jennifer Thompson reported coaches are working with staff on classroom libraries and assisting in modifying teaching practices for distance learning. She said each classroom was given a stack of brand new books prior to leaving for winter break.

“Virtual assemblies are working well as an alternative to in-person meetings. We honored our December T-Bird Way winners at our last virtual assembly,’ Thompson reported. “Students are enjoying using their T-Bird tickets to purchase items from the T-Bird store.”

Thompson reported all staff is preparing to transition back to the in-person learning model on Monday, Jan. 11.

“Students will be back in their classrooms rather than in learning pods. We are able to switch back to the hybrid model if the need arises,” Thompson added.

“We’re grateful to Sharon Fossum for bringing the Spirit of the Season program to our district for the holidays,” Thompson reported. “The program provided assistance to 29 families, 109 children and 10 Southview Living Center residents. Thanks to our GFW staff who contributed to the program at various events throughout the year.”

Sheila Jungwirth of Abdo, Eick & Myers, LLP, will present the 2019-2020 audit report.

Board action items include the 2021-22 school calendar.

Gail Gilman, Minnesota School Board Association Director of Strategic Planning & Board Leadership Director, will provide a strategic planning presentation.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed live online.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.