.  If they want teachers to know social, emotional, behavioral, physical, academic, or learn-ing environments that work best for their child, they can describe it on the request form.  Then, every effort is made to make the best match for each student.
Educators also must consider boy/girl ratios, special education circumstances, English language learners, and various other school related placement issues.
Most parents have planned a birthday party.  It takes quite a lot of time, energy, and money to put together a two-hour gathering.  Teachers have to plan for 6 and ½ hours of student learning each and every day.  In just two years, Victoria Elementary has put together many won-derful opportunities for their 500 students.
Activities like Welcome Week, Spirit Week, Student Coalition, Read-Ins, Hoe-down, Jump Rope for Heart, musical pro-grams, Invention Fair, Academic Challen-ges, raising money for Hurricane Katrina, and additional community service projects all require time, energy, parent volunteers, and support.  I appreciate all the efforts that make my children's learning experi-ence a positive one.
Do they need to improve?  Yes.  Im-provement benefits our kids.  Victoria Elementary takes a huge risk by conduct-ing a survey to gain input for future goal setting.  Not many places, that I'm aware of, ask for public opinion to improve. 
It is easy to critique, but I suggest that solutions to issues are just as crucial.  Let's contribute ideas to help solve prob-lems and consider becoming involved in the process. 
VES parents, please think about what is going well for your children as well as addressing improvements that can be made.
Becky Janes
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
In Orsen's Oasis on the front page of your March Gazette, I see a white squirrel on a big tree trunk in your front yard.  I am happy with this article.  It teaches me the surroundings of your home.
I remember March 1^st, 1947, the snow so high in Belgium.  I haven't seen it that way anymore.  It was the day of my ordin-ation.  A classmate and I went a day before from Diest to Louvain, from fear not to be in time in Louvain for our ordination.  But my parents had to come from Dilsen on train and they were also on time, with my sister Mariette and my brother Louis.  My sister Benny was not with them because she was in school in Glons and our mother had phoned not to come because of the bad weather.  She was very sorrowful.  Now 60 years later, Benny remembers it two weeks ago. 
Now I will see your pictures in Sue's Album at www.VictoriaGazette.com.  Love and prayer,
Fr. Ferdinand Jennen, Hasselt, Belgium

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  Just want you to know how much I enjoy and appreciate the Gazette and all the hard work you put into it.  I believe you enjoy what you do.  This is why you do such a wonderful job.  Take care and thank you.
Arla Rae Owens, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Here is my $15 for the Victoria Gazette.  Please send my April paper back to my Aitkin address.  Really enjoyed the article you did on the Lake Auburn Home for the Aged.  I grew up not far from the home.
Carol (Holtmeier) Trick, Aitkin, Minnesota

To the Editor:
You have been blessed with an out-standing talent for writing, and we thank you for sharing that talent with so many of us.  Orsen's Oasis was such a joy.  Thank you and God bless you.
Gerald and Betty Trende, Cologne, Minnesota

To the Editor:
It is my pleasure to inform you that Mr. James F. Hamburge has accepted the position of President of Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria effective July 1^st, 2007.
Mr. Hamburge brings an enthusiasm for Catholic education that includes a five-year term as Principal of Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a 14-year term as President of Benilde-St. Margaret's School in St. Louis Park.
Professionally, Mr. Hamburge is a highly esteemed and recognizable Catho-lic education leader within the Arch-diocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis.  He has received numerous awards from our educational and religious communities.
He was a member of the University of St. Thomas' first Doctoral Cohort Pro-gram in Education Administration.  He also earned a Master's Degree in English and Education and Bachelor's Degree in English and Education, both from the University of St. Thomas.
He is a native Minnesotan and is pleased to be returning to the Twin Cities area.  Mr. Hamburge has been married to his wife Sue for 37 years.  Sue was also a Catholic school teacher.  They have four daughters.  Holy Family is blessed to have gained the leadership of Jim Hamburge.  We are confident you will find him an exceptional leader for our school.
Patrick Peyton, Board of Directors Chair, HFCHS
Victoria, Minnesota

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