Mr. Bruns’s Highlander Highlights

Google Science Fair

This is something I came across this weekend.  The Google Science Fair winners.  The girls in the video are middle school and high school aged.  I know why they won: their ideas are mind-blowing.  Young talented creative thinkers you'll see here.

Michael Kronaizl: Ultimate Competitor

This is an excellent story about Scotland's Michael Kronaizl. I enjoyed the gift of working with Michael as he finished the last of his senior year as I began working as the high school principal here. Needless to say he carries himself in a humble manner and he's as pleasant a young man you will find anywhere. Michael's story is inspirational.

Middle School Boys Basketball

This middle school contest with Andes Central came down to the end. The coaching advice comes from our girls basketball team who were preparing for their own contest. Good job boys!

Coacervates in the Classroom

Mr. Kevin Janish's Chemistry class hard at work learning about coacervates.  

Ryker Ryan Bruns

To my anxious reader: Ryker Ryan Bruns has arrived! He was born at 6:31 p.m. today. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. (which dad guessed correctly right on the nose among the crew in the room--mom, doctor, nurses, etc.) Dad was just lucky though, dad was born at 7:11 so he threw the number out there. He was 19 inches long and his head was 13 1/4 inch. We had a very interesting day. It started with Alicia and I planning to leave the house at 5 a.m. so she could be induced. Luckily there has been a baby surge in Mitchell so the nurses let us know last night we would have to wait and so we had one more night to spend as a family of four people and 1 dog. I cooked spaghetti and garlic toast (house favorite) for the occasion. We got up this morning and I delivered the children to daycare, and came home. It didn't sound good when the nurse told Alicia that we would probably pushed back yet again, but as we prepared to leave anyways (probably for the waiting game) Alicia let me in on the fact that a baby sent the message he was ready to come out. Now it was time to go...so we took care of the small details to realize very quickly that one big detail was out of order. Alicia let our 6 yr old black lab out for one final potty break before we left. I went and called for her. NO DOG RETURNED. This isn't really unusual she'll come back eventually. But WE HAVE A BABY COMING. When we finally decided to forget the dog and head out Alicia noticed her out in a field across the highway. She came back, we hit the road. As always our kids are really interested in leaving mom too soon. So we kept this labor to about 10 hours. A record for quickness (previous 40 hours, and 26 hours). Ryker has come into all of our lives now. And I'm looking forward to every moment!!!

In a Holding Pattern

Well here we are we almost half done with December and we have all kinds of surprises.  The first is that we don't have any snow on the ground!  Now, I'm not going to lie and say I really wish it was white out because I'm enjoying this weather.  My son however is dreaming of snow, everytime we've had a few flakes he's asking for the sled and to build a snowman.  We did have a nice dusting last two weeks ago and Rennan peppered City Hall with a few four year old made snow balls after we finished helping clean up after the appreciation dinner.  It's been awhile since I've posted some actual writing to my blog, and that's the usual sad story--I've just been too preoccupied with the rest of everything going on to write for you my dear reader.  Winter sports are in full swing now and I've had the opportunity to watch some salty basketball being played and I'm looking forward to seeing the grapplers in action as well.  This is the final week of regular classes and then we have semester tests next week.  I enjoy visiting with the students in the morning and watching them prepare for a quiz or a test because there's an intensity about them as they prepare.  Our teachers will hold the standards high next week and our students will have a solid semester of learning under their belts and will have the chance to showcase their knowledge.  So I started writing about surprises.  The second surprise is.....well there's no surprise yet.  ???  I am not a new father yet...and every day people are surprised by that.  I know that students and staff and community members are more concerned about my wife and baby then me when asking, but I would surely like to announce that yes we are indeed parents again of baby boy...or girl...and the name is....but that just hasn't happened yet, to our surprise as well.  This baby hangs in there like a champ, and as our children go this one has hung on the longest.  As both of our kids had been born by now at this stage of the pregnancy.  Hence...we are in a holding pattern.  Anyways, it's Monday...my favorite day of the work week and I better do just that...get back to work.  Until next time.   

Thanksgiving Video Bloopers

As promised, the bloopers from our interviews for the Thanksgiving video. Thanks for watching......

Thanksgiving

We've created some videos for you to enjoy.  I hope you enjoy eveyrone who took the time to share some of what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving season.  Me?  I'm blessed.  I have a wonderful wife and family and we are looking forward to our new addition!  Thanks to everyone in the Scotland School District for contributing who you are to our excellent school.  Everyone together makes our school a special place.  This is what is broadcasting on Channel 19 for the Scotland community.  The blooper reel to follow is only for those of you who come to the highlights.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving break and enjoy your loved ones.................

 

Veteran's Day Program

Don't miss the Veteran's Day Program this Thursday at the Scotland High School Gym.

Coat Drive

IT TAKES A WHOLE COMMUNITY TO RAISE A CHILD

There are many needy children right now in our community and area communities that are in need of winter coats and other winter apparel, such as hats, mittens, scarves, and boots for all ages; from birth to their senior year.    

The Bon Homme Child Protection Team is currently sponsoring a coat drive during the month of November.   The drop off point in Scotland will be at the Scotland High School.

They can be used items, but we ask that they be in good condition.

If anyone would like to donate money to the Child Protection Team, you can send the money to Diana Mach, Scotland High School, 711 4^th Street, Scotland, SD   57059  

The Bon Homme Child Protection’s mission is to look out for a child’s well-being and to provide resources for parents and the community.

Members may include a variety of professionals:  States Attorney, Social Services,  Mental Health Counselors, School Counselors, Superintendents, Principals, Birth-3, Public Health Nurse, Law Enforcement, Pastors, School Psychologist Special Ed teachers, etc.

Thank you in advance for your kind generosity.