Innovation = Advanced Metal Sculpture Class

In the spring of 2017 Aidan Demarais, Industrial Technology Teacher and Tim James, Art Teacher came to the district administration with an innovative request. The two of them came up with the idea to combine their expertise to create a new course entitled, Advanced Metal Sculpture. They wanted to provide a class for students that allowed them to combine the elements and skills of both subjects. One of the main goals of the class was to create art for public spaces. The Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School District embraces innovation and immediately supported the idea and students are benefiting from their innovation.

Last school year the inaugural class submitted their proposed whole class sculpture, New Life, to be included in the Mankato Sculpture Walk of 2018 and were accepted! Fast forward to November 13, 2018 and the JWP Advanced Metal Sculpture class of 2018 has been selected as the People's Choice Award and will be permanently displayed in Mankato! As a bonus, the sculpture has been purchased for $6,000 which will continue to support and enhance the program. Congratulations to the students, Mr. Demarais, and Mr. James. We are so proud of you!

New Life Sculpture

Here is a sneak peek at this years class sculpture, Arc Angel.

Thank You Veterans!

Each and every year I am impressed with the respect the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton student body and staff display for our communities' veterans. Today there were several veterans from our communities that privileged us with their visit so that we might show them our respect for their service.

Personally, I would like to thank Mr. Howard VanOtterloo and our students for making this a priority and possibility. Our veteran's are so important to our historical and present success as a nation. Mikaela Wehking, a former student and current enlistee, spoke to our student body and shared the following poem:

It is the Soldier, not the minister who has given us the freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us a right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

~Author - Charles M. Province 1970

Although all may not agree with all of those words, those that have served have provided us with the great United States in which we currently reside. Thank you veterans!