About ME. . .(updated September 3, 2009)

My full name is John Douglas Olson. This is my 20th year of teaching; I taught 6th grade for five years in Big Stone City, SD, before teaching 5th grade here at James Knoll Elementary. I went to elementary and high school in Clinton, MN. After graduating (in 1985) from a high school class of twenty-five I attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in the Spring of 1990, and am very close to completing my Master's of Education through the University of MN-Duluth.

My wife, Carrie is a MN Regional Extension Educator for Big Stone, Stevens, Traverse, and Grant Counties; with her office based out of the West Central Regional Outreach Center ("The ROC") in Morris, MN. We purchased a farm site 11 miles out of Ortonville in May of 2003, and love every minute of time we spent together there; it's definitely our "HOME."

Son number one is Sawyer who will turn twelve on September 16, 2009; I can't believe he is already 12 years old! ! !  He will be in the fifth grade this year-Fall 2009, with Mrs. Radermacher. Fortunately, Sawyer has seen a dramatic decrease in seizures, in fact they have become almost none (the last one May 2008).  This is very promising and we are very thankful.  We still deal with other issues-communication being the most challenging for all of us to deal with.   Through it all we have seen & continue to see many GREAT developments and changes, and count our blessings daily.  There are so many everyday things that we take for granted, but they are really "gifts;" (walking, talking, etc.) Realizing these things we take for granted really humbles me and keeps me grounded and appreciative of the many "gifts" and talents that each of us has to offer.  Sawyer keeps us on our toes and presents many challenges for us and those around him, but through it all there are many positive events and happenings. 

On March 11, 2005, Carly Joan Olson was born, adding a new attraction, equaling the number of males & females in our home in addition to lots of entertainment to all of our lives.  But, now, Carly is no longer the little baby she was. . .she is no longer the "toddler" of the house, but she is still and will continue to be the "drama queen" of the house.  Carly LOVES school and is really looking forward to the 4-year old Little Trojans and her second year of the Just for KIX dance program with Mrs. Klepel.  She is only 4, but sometimes she says and does things that make her seem as if she is going on "13"--ha, ha. . .Carly loves to talk-when she is comfortable w/ the people around her, as she is actually kind of shy, she cares for a large number of dolls-"Barbies" & "My Little Ponies" defending/protecting them from her little brother.  She is our cat-tamer; as she has several favorites {Zoe and Elmo}, and finally the normal teasing her brothers from time to time; as this seems to be a mutual "teasing".   Carly loves to come to school, she will be in Mrs. Arndt & Mrs. Nelson's classroom this year, but she loves to visit my room and can't wait to play on the new playgrounds! ! !  

On September 27, 2007, at 7:50 a.m. a new little baby boy came into the world and Olson household.  Kirby Emmet Olson weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 1/2 oz. and a length of 19 1/2 inches.  Kirby is no longer a baby--drum-roll please. . .he's in the pre-terrible 2's and a full of energy with two short legs that really go FAST and everywhere.  His mood is generally very sweet & cheery-awesome; but it can very quickly change to a dramatically opposite-awful.  He loves to explore his world and everyone else's.  Kirby definitely observes and loves to do what his big brother and sister are doing.  He's is quite the "little" man and "dare-devil" of the Olson household.  Kirby has a number of interesting phrases and words that he uses, it is so fun to hear his language as it develops. Kirby has also become the "scapegoat" for Carly as he usually gets blamed for many things by Carly--oh the days of siblings and memories of childhood!  Oh - What FUN! ! !  There is always something new and fun (interesting) happening at the Olson home. 

We still have Hunter; the 12.5 year-old black lab, Goldi; Carrie's horse, Zoe, Milo, and Elmo, also 3 kittens, as well as quite a herd of other barn cats. We have a wide variety of interests and hobbies. I enjoy gardening, taking care of the lawn, collecting NASCAR, JD toy tractors, sports of all kinds, and hunting. So autumn really brings out the hunter in myself: pheasant, duck & goose, and deer hunting. (Our address is John & Carrie Olson / 34330 670th Avenue / Ortonville, MN 56278 / Phone & Fax is 320-273-2417.)

As I type this I have been reflecting about time and changes.  I can't believe that I'm in my 20th year of teaching; Sawyer is almost 12 and Carly is already 4 1/2 plus, and Kirby is almost 2.  TIME progression is like changes. . .either one can be stopped or slowed down.  We have to really remember that it is so important to live each and every day.  As I type this I look up and see one of my favorite poems on my bulletin board called "Slow Dance"; the last line is so powerful. . .

                "Today is a gift that's why they call it the PRESENT."

WELCOME BACK to School! ! ! LET's have a SUPER year in 2009-'10.

This year's KEYWORD is "Unity."