SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye Public School Board learned Wednesday how the school year will continue this spring and conclude with a June 5 drive-in style graduation beginning at 6:30 p.m.

School-year ending events begin at noon, Thursday, May 14 with a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) celebration beginning at noon that will be streamed online.

A farewell parade with staff begins at 6 p.m. Thursday in the high school parking lot and will continue throughout town.

Board member Joleen Dittbenner commented on school staff efforts this spring early in the meeting.

“I think the entire school staff has done a really great job working with kids and appreciated them,” Dittbenner said.

High School Principal Shane Laffen commended senior class advisors Mrs. Nachreiner, Mrs. Reinarts and Mr. Haala for their efforts during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. Efforts included a large billboard of all senior class members at the corner of Highways 4 & 14.

Laffen said an anonymous donor bought Dairy Queen cakes for the entire Senior Class.

He said the spring prom has not yet been cancelled as May 8 approaches. Prom status will be determined by what Gov. Tim Walz allows, Laffen said.

The 2020 Senior Class trip has been cancelled. Students will receive refunds for everything but airplane tickets. Sun County Airlines will give students travel vouchers for the amount of the air fare.

Action items approved on a motion by Jeremy Domeier, seconded by Bryan Sellner, included a letter of agreement for additional compensation for certain essential employees who worked daily with food service and daycare.

Supt. John Cselovszki said the summer food program will continue with seven in-town meal pickup spots. Rural delivery remains an option.

Tasha Martinez and Kaden Strong presented May 24-27, 2021 Senior Class trip details. So far, 20 of 35 students are registered. Costs are estimated at $1,000 to $1,250 per student.