Another school year has been welcomed by the students and staff at Cannon Falls High School. Not only have they opened their doors to a safer learning environment, and the challenges that come along with it, but they have also welcomed a handful of new students and staff members. One of the new teachers that have joined the Cannon Falls school community is Sarajane Millerbernd, more commonly known as SJ around the building. As a high school math teacher, she is excited to teach her students some new equations, as well as get accustomed to her new way of life in the small town of Cannon Falls. 

Prior to finding a job at CFHS, SJ had gained four years of teaching experience under her belt. “The school I taught at last year, Faribault High School, had about 225 students per graduating class,” SJ stated. She also added that before teaching in Faribault, she had taught at a school containing a mere total of 50 students, so coming to Cannon Falls was a perfect medium for her. When asked what her first impressions of this small town school were, SJ compared it to her hometown, South St. Paul High School. She stated that, although she wasn’t sure why, CFHS reminded her quite a bit of the big city school she grew up in. However, Cannon Falls still varies in many ways from the cities she was used to working in. “I was not prepared for how much smaller Cannon Falls is than where I lived at the time (Apple Valley).” Luckily, after getting to know the town itself, once the school year rolled around, SJ was able to get to know the staff and students who call Cannon Falls their home.

Although sometimes it may be rather hard for a new member of a community to be accepted, SJ stated she was very welcomed by everyone in the school. “Getting used to the new school system hasn’t been too hard as the other staff and students have helped to make it easier. The most difficult part has been getting accustomed to the block schedule.” Luckily, SJ isn’t the only member of the school trying to become familiar with this new, confusing setup. Due to the enforcement of new safety procedures this year, everyone is attempting to follow this new schedule. Having two Cohorts coming in on different weeks is also quite a change for the members of Cannon Falls, however, SJ has some advice to offer for these stressful times. “It is going to be difficult, but just do the best you can. Second, try to work with your teachers. As a whole, the technology is new for us as well so we are just trying to make the best we can out of it.”

With a positive attitude and an optimistic mindset, SJ has found herself at the center of a welcoming school community. With the help of her fellow teachers and students, SJ was able to feel right at home in no time. Not only was the town a pleasant surprise and a fresh change of scenery from the bustling city of Apple Valley, but it is also a new opportunity for SJ to offer her guidance and teach the students of yet another lucky school.