The Pathways Principle

I read a book recently that has been resonating with me. The author described what he referred to as the ‘Pathways Principle’. The Pathways Principle states that there are infinite pathways for a person to achieve a desired objective and that the best pathway for an individual is dependent on their characteristics and circumstances. Many of the examples were life's "big milestones" and the age we think they should be achieved.

This principle also applies to child development and milestones, such as learning to crawl. Baby A may learn to crawl sooner or in a different way than Baby B, but both babies achieved the goal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in teaching. All students learn differently and at different paces. There isn’t one right way to learn.

Every day, I see educators throughout Annandale Public Schools adjusting their teaching style to meet the unique and individual needs of the student(s) they are working with. Students may take individualized pathways to master concepts, but with the amazing educators we have in our district, our students are all learning, developing, and achieving successes. Our staff are flexible in their approach and support students in reaching their goals. The individualized approach our educators provide every day is remarkable!

Lindsey Pellaton, Special Education Supervisor

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, January 13 - School Board Work Session
Friday, January 17 - Last Day of 2nd Quarter
Monday, January 20 - No School-Teacher Workshop Day
Thursday, January 23 - AES All Pro Dads
Friday, January 24 - Early Childhood Screening
Monday, January 27 - AES Parent/Staff Advisory Meeting
Monday, January 27 - AMS Parent Advisory Council
Monday, January 27 - School Board Meeting
Monday, February 3 - AMS Conferences
Monday, February 3 - AHS Band Concert
Wednesday, February 5 - AES Unity Day
Thursday, February 6 - Kindergarten Round-Up

Introducing School Board Member, Jenna Witherbee Jenna Witherbee grew up in Annandale, MN, and was a 2005 AHS graduate. She obtained a finance degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She has spent her entire career as a financial advisor specializing in managing 401(k) and 403(b) plans for corporations and non-profit organizations.

When asked what sparked her interest in serving on the Annandale School Board, Jenna shared, "I love this community. A large part of my mission is to maintain and build upon the strength of our entire community because I firmly believe that thriving schools are the foundation for small towns. My passion for educational standards, particularly those that shape Annandale, drives me to advocate for excellence both inside and beyond the classroom—standards that support students not only during their school years but throughout their lives."

Jenna and her husband, Matt Witherbee, have three children Aubrey (10), Wyatt (8) and Blake (5) who attend Annandale Elementary School.

Please help us welcome, Jenna!

You can contact Jenna by email at: jwitherbee@isd876.org

School Board information can be found online at: h ttps://www.isd876.org/schoolboard

Other Board Updates

During the first meeting of January 2025, our school board reviewed and approved the 2025-26 academic calendar. It is available for families and the public to view/print on our website.

View Calendar

On January 20, 2025, our school district's website will be getting an updated look. Our previous website platform provider, Blackboard, was recently purchased by Finalsite. As part of that transition all of their current customers received a FREE template update.

Our website's domain will remain: www.isd876.org

Thank you to our technology department for all their work on content migration.

Annandale Community Ed (ACE)

Check out our Winter/Spring catalog! This publication is available electronically only. We are excited for the upcoming new year and the offerings we have for you through Community Education.

View Catalog

Get ready for spring training! Be sure to check out the softball camps we have to offer with Britt Stroup. Register Here.

Come learn the basics of creating your own sourdough starter and baking a loaf of sourdough bread! Each participant will bring home a jar of sourdough starter that Sandy’s mom began in 1972! Register Here.

Annandale Preschool

Early Childhood Screening helps identify children who may benefit from district and community resources to assist in their personal development. Early Childhood Screening is required by MN law before a child can enter into Kindergarten and is preferred at ages 3 and 4, however it can be administered between the ages of 3 - 5. Early Childhood Screening may link you to learning opportunities, such as pre-kindergarten programming, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), learning scholarships, Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and other needed health opportunities. We suggest that children have their screening done in the district that they reside in. Files can then be sent to Annandale Elementary School if they are going to be attending Kindergarten here. Please contact Dana Pearson at danapearson@isd876.org or call at 320.274.3058 ext. 4191 to get scheduled.

Annandale Elementary (AES)

Congratulations to our Elementary C.A.R.E.S. Students of the Month for December!

Mr. Kovall's and Mr. Westman's 5th grade classes performed their play, We Need A Little XMAS Vacation, for elementary students and their parents prior to winter break.

The reviews are in and critics everywhere agreed, We Need A Little XMAS Vacation, was a hit and full of laughs!

Essential Five for Frosty Days

For optimal snow fun, please send the Essential 5 (hat, boots, coat, gloves, snow pants) with your child each day. The Essential 5 not only keep students warm but also keep their clothes dry and clean. Students without the Essential 5 will still be allowed outside on the paved areas. We ask that parents help reduce the lost and found inventory by labeling Essential 5 items with the student's initials, homeroom teacher, and school year.

Annandale Middle School (AMS)

We kindly remind all parents to review the important information regarding snow days and eLearning protocols at AMS. This information will help ensure you are prepared for an eLearning day in the event of school closures due to weather.

Pictured: Mrs. Nicka's 6th grade Physical Education students embarking on an exciting journey through the art of dance for their Dance and Rhythms Unit! Students choreographed their own performances and learned iconic dances like the Electric Slide and YMCA!

The AMS Parent Advisory Council (PAC) aims to support student success by ensuring students have the resources and opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It enhances communication between the school administration, teachers, and parents, while providing a forum for parents to voice concerns, offer suggestions, and discuss school-related issues. Additionally, the PAC supports school programs by helping organize events, fundraisers, and extracurricular activities that enrich the student experience. Parents are welcome to attend the meetings, which are held at 5:30 PM in the AMS Media Center. The next meeting dates are January 27, April 28, and May 19.

Important Dates:

January 17 - End of quarter 2
January 20 - No School for Students

Annandale High School (AHS)

Night School starts Monday, January 27. If you need to retake a course or get more credits to graduate on time then this is an option for you! Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30–6:30 PM, with mandatory attendance both nights. This opportunity is available for juniors and seniors. Space is limited—pick up an application and calendar from your school counselor today. Don’t miss out— apply before classes fill up!

Annandale Activities

Annandale High School is excited to announce our 2025 Triple “A” Award winners, Salvador Wirth and Macie Groth! The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple ‘A’ Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.

Sal is the son of Heather and Justin Wirth. Sal has had an outstanding high school career as a track and distance runner for the Cardinals with numerous conference, section, and state accolades. Outside of running, he has also participated in band and speech. His future plans are to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in Kinesiology. He will also be running cross country and track for the Gophers.

Macie is the daughter of Wendy and Allan Groth. Macie has been involved in band, one act play, speech, visual arts, cross country, and track during her high school career. She was also named one of the captains for the cross country team this past season. After high school, Macie plans on attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth and studying digital art and photography.

Sal and Macie will be recognized at the Sub-Region Triple "A" Banquet on January 15 at the Maple Lake Legion.