Maybe it’s somewhere tropical, with white sandy beaches and blue-green waves that lap the shores. Or maybe it’s a much colder location, with icy wind whipping across the ski trails and a welcoming fire popping in the hearth. Wherever the destination may be, many people spend the next week off from school traveling and exploring every corner of the Earth. However, if you’re staying around here, don’t worry; there are plenty of fun, local activities to check out without the stress of packing or buying a plane ticket.
Minnetonka Social Studies teacher Heather Eyrich has been teaching Social Studies at Minnetonka for 18 years. After growing up in Fargo, North Dakota, her family moved to Minnesota once she had graduated from high school. She attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities where she majored in international relations, specializing in economics and political science.
The most recent international studies students’ stay was short but oh-so-sweet. From riding on sleds pulled behind cars to their very first - and life-changing - time eating at Chipotle, the Hamburg (as in Hamburg, Germany. Not Hamburg, Minnesota) students made good use of their time here at Minnetonka High School.
After a freezing start to second semester, it’s a relief to many that Punxsutawney Phil (the face of Groundhog Day) says spring is coming early. Over 120 annual predictions, an early spring has only been predicted 17 times, which makes it a pretty rare event. At Minnetonka High School, Groundhog Day is a holiday most people have heard about, but don’t tend to celebrate.
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China. It is a time for the entire family to gather to celebrate new beginnings, honoring the household as well as appreciating heavenly deities and their ancestors. The Chinese New Year has no set date, but rather follows the Lunar calendar. It also incorporates the twelve animal zodiac signs. For instance, this year is the Year of the Pig. Chinese New Year incorporates many different traditions such as the giving of red envelopes for good fortune and lucky money as well as making and eating various kinds dumplings.
During the last two weeks of the school year, seniors have a unique opportunity. Capstone is a two-week long project to finish off their high school career. The project allows students the choice of exploring a career field, service work, or a project of interest. Eligible seniors work with a mentor off-campus to immerse themselves in a real-life learning environment.
