By Lori EhdeLuverne Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders get to take an overnight field trip to the Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul next month — all expenses paid.Tim Christensen, fourth-grade teacher, presented information to Luverne School Board members during their Thursday, Feb. 12, meeting and asked for board approval.On Jan. 15, he submitted an application for Luverne Elementary School to participate in at-school assemblies and overnight camp-in at the Science Museum.The grant is offered through Flint Hills Resources and the Science Museum to give out-state schools more opportunities to participate in the Science Museum activities.Christensen was notified late in January that Luverne was selected to participate.In-school assemblies on dinosaur fossils and rock formations were presented to grades 1-5 on Feb. 5.On March 4 and 5, fourth- and fifth-graders will camp overnight at the Science Museum under a "prehistoric" theme.Chartered buses for students, chaperones and teachers, in addition to all activities, will be provided free to the district for all participants.They’ll enjoy a 3-D cinema welcome show, paleontology themed workshops, museum exploration, a dig and an omni theater presentation."It should be a great time and a wonderful learning experience for the kids," Christensen said."This could be a once-in-a-lifetime activity for some of the kids."Information that will need parent signatures will go home with students in this week’s Friday Folder.In other business Thursday, the board:oApproved a request by advisor Angie Swenson for a trip to Germany.oSet March 9, at 1 p.m., as the date for bid opening for two school buses and one suburban.oDecided to continue in the collections process to claim $55,000 in special education bills due to the Luverne District from the Hills-Beaver Creek District for services rendered.oHired Sue Pearson as a paraprofessionaloAproved a leave request by paraprofessional Rosemary Moerke.oChanged the Feb. 26 board meeting to Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
