The Storm has arrived

Sleepy Eye School mascot changes complete

SLEEPY EYE – Sleepy Eye/Cedar Mountain Superintendent John Cselovszki told the District 84 School Board Wednesday that mascot changes inside and outside the school building are complete.

“There are some cool mascot things inside and outside the school,” he said. “A new school song without the (previous mascot) name is coming.”

Later in the meeting, Elementary Principal McKenzie Wagelie spoke on the new Storm Squad PBIS (positive behavior intervention supports) system.

“Students appear to be enjoying the friendly competition and new opportunities to earn recognition and awards,” said Wagelie.”The program holds kids accountable and is a team effort with class rewards. We went with ‘Storm Squad’ to embrace the new mascot. Every K-6 student is placed into a squad – rain, hail, sleet, snow with the colors red, yellow, blue and green. Students earn individual behavior points for being on time and ready; respectful plus attendance points earned each week. The squad with the least amount of referrals each week gets bonus points.”

She said Sleepy Eye Public School Storm (mascot) apparel provides multiple options for students, families and community members while serving as a school fundraiser.

Wagelie said the school is looking for community members and organizations interested in partnering with the school district for a hobby day, possibly hosting an event this fall or next spring. 

Wagelie said a preschool and K-6 special education paraprofessional positions are open along with an Early Childhood Special Education teaching job.

High School Principal Shane Laffen said all students are being screened for reading. The program will identify students that need reading intervention.

“On Thursday, a safe driving presentation for sophomores includes a Minnesota State Trooper coming to school to emphasis to young drivers how important it is to stay focused and be mindful of their surroundings while driving,” he said. 

Laffen said a high school counselor position in the school district is open.

On building maintenance, Cselovszki said the high school gym project is complete and the roof project is moving along as planned. He expects it to be complete by mid-October. The elementary gym floor will need to be re-sanded and redone next year.

Cselozszki said updated enrollment numbers are 271 students in grades K-6 and 230 in the high school for a total enrollment of 501 students. That compares to 279 K-6 and 229 high school students for 508 students last year. Two years ago, there were 286 K-6 and 242 high school students for 528 students.

“Our enrollment numbers are at a good place to start the school year, a bit higher than we budgeted for,” he said. 

The school board unanimously approved certifying the 2026 payable 2027 levy for the maximum amount, which will be made available by the Minnesota Department of Education at the December board meeting.

Action came on a motion by board member Brian Nelson, seconded by Adam Barka.