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Administrator’s Corner by Chris Dibble

Although Mother Nature seems confused about what time of year it is, I can report that staff and students of Albert Lea High School are well aware of the month we are in. Everyone is counting down to winter break and the finish of our first semester of learning. The energy level heading into the new year is unique, and it is here.

December is also a month that we take time as a school to build relationships with the community as a whole. One example is the Red Cross Blood Drive that was sponsored by the National Honor Society last Friday. Just under 50 students, staff and members of the community arrived in the Orrie Jirele Gymnasium to help rebuild the blood supply in and around Albert Lea and the nation.

The largest community service project completed at the high school each December is the annual food drive sponsored by Student Council. This food drive was the kickoff to a month of celebrating the month of December and a great first semester. This year, between food and cash donations, students were able to collect 13,584 pounds of food. The Flex Advisory groups held friendly competitions to see who could bring in the most contributions. Over 50 of the Flexes participated and also earned a special week of spirit and collaboration that will run Dec. 11 to 15 kicked off with a pep fest on Friday. The pep fest featured updates from all winter activity captains and the much anticipated Parade of Staff to show examples of the dress-up days for the following week.

This year, the dress-up days will include PJ Day on Monday, White Out on Tuesday, I Have Summer vs. I Hate Winter on Wednesday, Jersey Day on Thursday and Ugly Sweater Day on Friday. The week ends with a Field Day on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 15. There will be a dodgeball tournament as well as an assortment of activities sponsored by ALHS staff members.

This is a fantastic setup to lead our students into the final week of classes prior finals on Dec. 21-22.

One new addition to this year’s food drive is the retainment of some of the contributions to help out students in the building who may be food insecure over the extended winter break.

Bags of food will be available for students to take home following the festivities on Friday afternoon. If you know of any students who would benefit from this addition, please contact me via email at chris.dibble@alschools.org.

The staff and students of Albert Lea High School wish you a very happy December and look forward to a great second semester. Hey seniors and senior families — graduation is only 160 days away!

Chris Dibble is the principal of Albert Lea High School.