The Free Press, Mankato, MN - New Country Charter school recognized as one of best in nation

Wed, Nov 25 2009

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New Country Charter School student Chris Hamilton of Chaska works on his junior project that, among other things, charts the origin of visitors from around the world who have visited the innovative school.
John Cross / The Free Press

Mike Peterson of Gibbon works on his senior project — converting a 1981 GMC Jimmy into a street-legal dune buggy.
John Cross / The Free Press

Marcy Boblitt, who teaches physical education and health at the New Country Charter School in Henderson, meets with seventh graders to plan a trip next month to a health conference that will be held at Minnesota State University.
John Cross / The Free Press

New Country Charter school recognized as one of best in nation

By Nick Hanson
The Free Press

Besides teaching, Thomas is in charge of some of the administrative tasks at New Country.

She helps plan a total of about 15 days equivalent of professional development each year through weekly meetings, day-long events and retreats.

The group of fewer than 20 teachers and paraprofessionals have become tightly knit, and they aren’t afraid to critique and bounce ideas off of each other, Thomas said.

As a former public school administrator, Thomas said the charter school is a good option for parents looking for something different.

“The bureaucracy (at a public school) doesn’t allow the flexibility we have here,” she said.

The project based environment isn’t for every student either, and parents and kids have to buy into the concept in order to succeed, Thomas said.

But kids such as 15-year-old Alexi Floren are right at home.

“You don’t get pushed and shoved to learn something you have no interest in whatsoever,” she said. “It’s more give-and-take, as opposed to the teacher telling you what to do.”

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