Schools in brief

Ribbon cutting 

Submitted photo

In May, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, International Falls, held a groundbreaking event for what will be their new preschool room, opening in the fall of 2023. 

Pilot visit 

Student Max Laube works with Lt. Col. Mann, a pilot, at St. Francis of the Lakes School in Brainerd. (Submitted photo)

Lt. Col. Mann spent several hours this spring teaching fifth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students at St. Francis of the Lakes School, Brainerd, about flight, educational and career choices, futures briefing, and math and science lessons related to aviation and a technological future. 

The fifth-grade students conducted mini experiments using the scientific process and created flight schedule plans. They learned about the four forces of flight, time zone variances, and national airport and city codes. Seventh- and eighth-graders took a more in-depth look at Einstein’s theories, Mars exploration, and decision making that can impact their futures. 

Lt. Col. Mann has experience as both a commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines and as an Air Force pilot. The school thanked him for his dedication and for the hours he spent teaching and sharing his experiences with appreciative students.