By Rich Larson, News Director
Nancy Antoine, the principal of Bridgewater Elementary School, has been named Minnesota’s Distinguished Principal of 2021.
The award, presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals means that she is also a finalist for the National Distinguished Principal of 2021 award.
In a statement, Northfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann said that Antoine has been a vital member of the of the Northfield School District, by “engaging the Northfield community about systemic racism.”
“Mrs. Antoine has shared her personal story of growing up in Minnesota and persisting despite the racist experiences that she has endured,” he said. “She has inspired others to commit to anti-racism in tangible ways. She can simultaneously hold space for uncomfortable conversations about race while also supporting others in the process.”
Antoine said she is honored to have been nominated as National Distinguished Principal, much less becoming a finalist. She thanked Dr. Hillmann along with her fellow members of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, and her colleagues at the school she leads.
“I am very thankful for my Bridgewater Elementary family who have allowed me to lead while pushing them to become leaders as well. This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor, and I am extremely grateful for this award.”
Antoine has been Principal at Bridgewater since 2008. Before that she was principal at Prairie Elementary School in Worthington from 2002 –2007. Armstrong has held the role of assistant principal and elementary instructional assistant. She began her career in education as a math teacher in Texas in 1987.
Mask mandate remains in certain circumstances
Last week when Governor Walz rescinded the state indoor mask mandate, it created some grey areas for both businesses and individuals. Walz and other state officials have said that the state will no longer require people to wear a mask in indoor public settings, but the people who are not vaccinated should wear masks. Masks are still required in school and health care settings, and individual businesses are still allowed to require them as well.
Northfield Chief of Police Mark Elliott said the Northfield police department is answering a lot of questions about what is required and what is still allowed. He said private business owners are within their rights to run their businesses however they choose. If they want to require masks, that business is a private area, and they are allowed to do so.
They are also allowed to ask if a person has been vaccinated and if they can see that person’s vaccination card. However, no one is required to show proof of vaccination, just as nobody is required to be vaccinated. Businesses are allowed to deny service to anyone, so long as the denial is not based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, but there may be civil recourse taken by the individual to whom that service is denied.
Chief Elliott said there is a balance to be found in all of this, and it lies in personal responsibility, trust and a sense of community.
“As far as checking, that’s up to businesses. The guidance from MDH and CDC is that if you know you’re fully vaccinated and the people you’re with are vaccinated, then you don’t need to mask. So, it’s a little bit just relying on people to take care of their neighbors. And, I’ve mentioned before, I’m very thankful that we have that here in Northfield. People here really do care about their neighbors.”
The Chief said open communication and patience is important right now. He said the decision for vaccinated people to not wear a mask is an appropriate one, as is being asked to wear one in specific situations.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Northfield Police Chief mark Elliott can be heard here.
Volunteer options still available for Love Our City Day
And tomorrow is Love Our City Day in Northfield. The day provides an opportunity for the public to volunteer in several capacities on projects to both clean and beautify the city’s streets and parks.
Volunteers will register at Riverside Park at 8:30am, where a welcome rally will be held at 9:00. After their designated projects are finished, they will then return to Riverside Park at noon for a volunteer lunch.
In her monthly note published to the Northfield city website, Mayor Rhonda Pownell encouraged people to get involved, saying volunteerism is part of the core of Northfield’s personality.
“The amount of time dedicated to volunteerism and making a difference on behalf of others [in Northfield] is remarkable,” she said. “The relationships that are built through these many experiences make the fabric of our community healthy and vibrant.”
Designated projects still looking for volunteers include weeding and mulching along 2nd Street, 7th Street and the Riverwalk. To register for one of these projects visit the Love Our City Serve Day on Facebook or click here.
Volunteers should expect Covid-19 protocols to be in place for all the service projects.
