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Why MCA?

Students worked very hard the last two weeks on the state standardized tests (Minnesota Comprehension Assessments). While results will not be available until September, I am very proud of the effort students put into these tests! While the data itself does not give the entire picture of a child's ability, it is a puzzle piece.

On Friday, we went to Morris and visited the USDA Soil and Conservation Lab. They do such amazing research and experiments there! Currently, they are working on an "organic" method of reducing weeds. Students got to "shoot" a balloon with a compressed air gun that was loaded with grit or sand. They also gained a stronger understanding of why it is important to stay on trails at parks, so that plant life can grow. We saw the effects of erosion and saw raindrops falling in slow motion (or so it looked with the strobe light on). Students got to check out critters and crustaceans that were swimming in a local water sample. The powerful microscopes allowed students to check out great details and identify the swimmers.

Next, we ate lunch at the U of M-Morris college campus and traveled across campus to the Fine Arts building to take in the production of "Seussical, The Musical". In the midst of the wonderful performance, we received a phone call from school requesting that we return immediately back to Benson due to the weather. While we were bummed not to see the rest of the performance, we were very impressed by the vocals and musical talent.

Our wonderful bus drivers got us home safely in time for our early dismissal. Now it'll be back to snow pants and boots for at least another week!