by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Kennedy Community School staff and students recently dedicated memorials in remembrance of two individuals who greatly impacted students and staff at their school.
On May 25, they dedicated a Rain Garden in front of the school in memory of former Kennedy Community School teacher Pat Forte. The eighth-grade class, Forte’s family and friends and the school’s parent community were invited.
“Forte was an amazing sixth-grade teacher who positively impacted the lives of students, staff and community members,” said Jodie Kragness, Kennedy Community School differentiation specialist. “Sadly, Mr. Forte passed away on June 15, 2017, after an 11-year battle with cancer. (His) positive mindset and determination during his adversities were an inspiration to many people.”
The Rain Garden was started by Mary and Tim Radunz in conjunction with Adam Hjelm and the Sauk River Watershed District. The school partnered with Minnesota Native Landscapes and the Sauk River Watershed District on this rain garden initiative.
Rain Gardens absorb stormwater runoff and help prevent it from entering streams, lakes and rivers.
Students and staff had a chance to share memories of Forte and the Kennedy Honor Choir, composed of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders, performed at the event.
“Pat Forte’s legacy of humor, kindness and high expectations will live on at Kennedy Community School,” said school principal Laurie Putnum. “We are appreciative of the grant provided to Kennedy Community School by the Sauk River Watershed District. They have been exceptional partners to our learning community.”
On May 29, Kennedy staff and students dedicated “Grandma Darlene’s Reading Nook” in the school’s library. Shelley Fischer’s fourth-grade class, who Bechtold worked with during the past several years, and Bechtold’s family were invited for the event.
Bechtold was a local daycare provider for 28 years. When she retired, she missed working with children and discovered the Foster Grandparent Program. She worked at Kennedy for 12 years before her death Feb. 5, 2018, after suffering a traumatic stroke.
“This is such a nice honor for mom,” said Bruce Bechtold, her son. “She loved those kids and was elected by the eighth-grade class to deliver the graduation address a few years ago. Mom looked forward to her days at school and was excited for school to start in the fall. We miss her and know they do too.”
The Bechtold family donated money in memory of Grandma Darlene to purchase books for the school. Putnam said they purchased books about grandmothers and families with the funds. Other funds raised by Kennedy staff and the Parent Teacher Association were used to purchase a large rug, bookshelf and wall decorations to create a “reading nook” in Grandma Darlene’s honor.
Kristen Bauer, Kennedy Community School K-5 music specialist, said 68 books were purchased for the nook, which is to the right of the main entrance of the library. The area contains a large framed picture and two framed quotes of Bechtold.
“It provides a cozy reading space for students and the quotes and picture will be a wonderful reminder of Grandma’s positive impact on Kennedy,” Bauer said.
The two framed quotes read as follows.
Grandma has ears that truly listen,
Arms that always hold,
Love that’s never ending
And a heart that’s made of gold.
In Loving Memory
Your presence we miss.
Your memory we treasure.
Loving you always,
Forgetting you never.
Bechtold worked closely with Shelley Fischer’s fourth-grade class for several years. This year’s students from that classroom were especially impacted by her death and decided to write a song in memory of her to perform at her memorial dedication. Bauer wrote the refrain and asked the students to help write the verses.
After brainstorming numerous adjectives, quotes or small stories about Bechtold, they turned those ideas into the verses of the song.
From the experience of creating the song, Bauer said they were able to share many memories of “Grandma Darlene” and to experience the process of writing a song.
Putnam said people are welcome to stop at the school’s media center to view the tribute to an amazing educator.
“Grandma Darlene was a beloved part of our learning community,” Putnam said. “She cared so deeply about the students and staff at Kennedy Community School. We, in turn, felt the same. She will be well-loved in our memories.”
Kennedy Community School Honor Choir, directed by Kayla Jennissen, performs at the May 25 memorial dedication event for Pat Forte.
Kennedy Community School staff, students and others attend the May 25 memorial dedication of a rain garden for former teacher Pat Forte who died in June last year after an 11-year battle with cancer.
Kennedy Community School Differentiation Specialist Jodie Kragness speaks May 25 at the memorial dedication of a rain garden for former teacher Pat Forte who died in June last year after an 11-year battle with cancer.
Kennedy Community School Media Specialist Holly Nelson speaks to family and friends, Shelley Fischer’s class, and others about “Grandma Darlene” Bechtold at her reading nook memorial dedication event May 29.
Teacher, coach and courageous cancer survivor Pat Forte inspires a group of students in 2014 during one of his many pep talks about life, adversity and the true meaning of “winner.”
“Grandma Darlene’s Reading Nook” located in the Kennedy Community School library includes books with “Grandma” in the title. Bechtold, who died in February, was a long-time foster grandparent at the school.
“Grandma Darlene’s” three sons (left to right) Bruce, Brad and Brian and husband Herb (second from right) Bechtold attend the dedication event for her memorial at Kennedy Community School May 29. “Grandma Darlene’s Reading Nook” is located in the school library.
A framed photo of “Grandma Darlene” hangs in the newly dedicated Kennedy Community School reading nook, located in the school library. Bechtold was a foster grandparent at Kennedy for 12 years before her death in February after suffering a traumatic stroke.
