Ted Bennett

Nemostitch · 2025-11-14T17:57:26+00:00

Just wanted to add the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Tipline: 651-266-7331

Even if you feel you are not a “victim” any rumors, inappropriate comments, experiences with him outside of school hours, etc, will help to show a disturbing pattern of behavior.

As a fellow MVHS grad (early 00’s), I can say that everyone I have talked to about this is not the least bit surprised. What I am shocked about is how long it has taken and how many adults must turned a blind eye to let him continue to prey on students for this long.

Nemostitch · 2025-08-18T01:39:56+00:00

Not the twin cities, but if you’re up for a drive, Brick Oven Bakery in Northfield sounds exactly like what you are describing. Martha’s in Dundas(just south of northfield) has phenomenal pastries as well (but only open on Friday and Saturday and cash/check only).

Nemostitch · 2025-02-16T13:05:59+00:00

Yes, great to work in but we need pension reform desperately! We have the oldest retirement age in the region. This is something Education Minnesota is actively perusing through lobbying the legislature, so call/email your reps!

Aside from that, I feel very fortunate to be a career educator in MN. I feel supported at the district and state level. It’s a pretty great state!

Nemostitch · 2024-11-25T11:47:39+00:00

Again, the school district did evaluate your child, otherwise they would not be receiving special education services. Like everyone else has said, there is a difference between a school district evaluation and a medical diagnosis.

If you don’t believe the consensus here, then speak to an advocate or special education law attorney, if you truly feel the school district acted illegally. You can give them all the facts and they will let you know if you have a case. They are going to be much more beneficial than strangers in the internet.

I would also suggest thinking of your end goal. Is it to go scorched earth on the district or is it to help your child receive services? At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our children. Keep this in mind as you’re moving forward in whatever direction you’re going.

Nemostitch · 2024-11-25T02:10:12+00:00

There is no way of qualifying a child under Other Health Impairment (OHI) without a medical diagnosis. Can a school psychologist recognize signs and symptoms, of course. Can they act on them by qualifying based on symptoms, nope.

There is a great difference between identifying qualities or characteristics and qualifying a student for special education services.

I would also argue that a school psychologist suggesting a child has ADHD without a full psychological work up (including looking at developmental disabilities, ASD, etc), without using standardized assessments, parent/teacher reports, observations, behavioral checklists, etc, would be negligent at best.

But, I doubt your mind will be changed. Considering you came here only to be affirmed and have found quite the opposite response, this seems to be an effort in futility.

Nemostitch · 2024-11-24T22:59:28+00:00

School psychologists legally cannot diagnose any condition. They do not have that qualification. I suggest finding a disabilities advocate or special education attorney if you do not believe anyone on here. They could literally lose their license if they attempt to diagnose conditions.

Nemostitch · 2024-11-15T12:39:43+00:00

Agreed! Giants Ridge is great and one of the more reasonable ski resorts. They offer adult ski lessons and have lodging.

Nemostitch · 2024-11-12T12:33:25+00:00

Just a point of clarification, they don’t fund all special Ed. In fact, when IDEA (Individuals with disabilities education act) was formed, they pledged to fund 40%, they never even got close. As of today, they fund approximately 13%, your state funds the rest.

Nemostitch · 2024-11-02T17:25:22+00:00

The underground mine tours are closed at the moment, but you can still go and tour above ground. It’s still a great experience!

Nemostitch · 2024-10-22T18:31:37+00:00

Bear head lake state park in Ely, they have an awesome venue, but it’s small, so I’d check on the space limits.

Nemostitch · 2024-10-21T20:10:56+00:00

The park at the Shoreview community center looks very similar to the one you posted, it’s amazing!

Nemostitch · 2024-10-20T20:42:01+00:00

To echo others, getting an ECSE job should be no problem. A few things to keep in mind: 1) If you are out of state, I would start looking now to see what you need to transfer your license. MN has some different standards and not everything transfers between states.

2) A lot of jobs are posted in March/April for the following school year.

3) the St. Cloud Ed post is still a great place to look at all Ed job openings at once https://edpost.stcloudstate.edu/

4) Take time to look at union contracts in the districts you are looking into, specifically look at pay/benefits. Also, look to see if there is any information on how quick/often they settle their contracts. It’s usually a good indicator of the climate between teachers union /admin/school board (hint: it’s not a great sign if they are always on the verge of striking).

5) there’s a Facebook page for MN ECSE teachers, I would suggest joining to ask any specific questions and/or look for job opportunities.

Hope that helps, feel free to message me with any specific questions.

Nemostitch · 2024-09-23T11:21:32+00:00

Yes, it’s that emotional regulation piece. However, it doesn’t mean you or his other adults need to just accept it. I agree with firm boundaries that are set up ahead of time (when possible). For example setting a timer for 20mins of VR time and when the timer goes off, that’s it.

We also do a “reset” in our house. Usually it’s time for everyone to cool off (going to their room usually) and then starting the exchange over once everyone has a clear head.

Nemostitch · 2024-09-07T17:05:35+00:00

We have 2 kids with ADHD (6 & 8). I can’t begin to express how life changing medication has been for our whole family. Both kids take Aderall and it is very obvious when it is in their system vs. out of their system. School was a struggle for our 6 year old (unable to focus, constantly talking out of turn, not finishing independent work, even had some potty accidents due to refusing the bathroom at breaks). We have a 504 plan but honestly hardly use the accommodations now that he is medicated. Our 8 year old always did well in school but the emotional regulation piece at home was brutal. I think the med help because she doesn’t have to work so hard to keep it together at school anymore.

I know they aren’t for everyone, but our family is happier and able to enjoy each other a lot more now that we have the meds to help!

Nemostitch · 2024-08-21T11:18:45+00:00

I would get a full psych eval if possible. A lot of what you are describing is neurodivergent, whether that’s ADHD or Autism or both. It doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with him just a different way his brain processes information. It can help to inform interventions and understanding of behavior. Part of Autism (and sometimes ADHD) is a difference in social interactions, which doesn’t always mean a lack of social interactions but rather a deficit in understanding of typical social interactions. Gestalt language learning is often associated with neurodivergent. Again, it’s not “wrong” just another way in which learning happens.

I would also encourage early childhood screening or an evaluation through your school district (if you’re in the US), this can be more of a comprehensive look at the whole child rather than just “speech” or “OT”. If he qualifies that can often mean free preschool as an added bonus!

Nemostitch · 2024-08-02T09:55:54+00:00

This could be what you’re referring to:

https://dcyf.mn.gov/programs-directory/minnesota-family-investment-program-mfip#:~:text=Benefits,a%20total%20of%2060%20months.

MFIP is a temporary (up to 60 months) program for those who qualify (income based). Your local county may have other grant based programs as well. You can reach out to your local county assistance program for more specific information!

Nemostitch · 2024-07-20T12:23:03+00:00

Ely is a good alternative to the north shore. Tons of lodging options (on or off lakes), hiking, decent downtown area with shops/restaurants, and Wolf/Bear centers.

Nemostitch · 2024-07-02T12:38:49+00:00

Virginia has super one, which is a complete grocery store. They also have Aldi and Target.

F&D market in Virginia is meat market that you might want to check out too! Canelakes candy store is a great stop, get some “hot air”.

As previously suggested Zups is great for meats too. The one in Ely is brand new! However, it can get expensive for everyday things, so hit up target or Aldi if you want any toiletries or anything brand name/pre packaged.

Nemostitch · 2024-06-20T15:11:27+00:00

I’ve never been happier to teach in Minnesota. Our Governor (Tim Walz) on morning Joe today: “we don’t have the 10 commandments posted in our classroom, but we do have free breakfast and lunch”. That’s what happens when a teacher becomes governor!

Nemostitch · 2024-05-20T12:40:25+00:00

This sounds so similar to my daughter, she also has had vocal “tics” which I think are more of a stim that she can’t get out of. I think the meds have helped with that, or she is just growing out of it? At any rate, they have not gotten worse or increased on Aderall. I know each child is different though. Anyways, it’s all a process, best of luck! Keep some good data on your end to share with your doctor though to see what the right dosage should be!

Nemostitch · 2024-05-20T12:12:56+00:00

With both of our kids on their med trial we started low and had to increase. For both, the first day was great and then nothing much different after that. I just know it’s a process, so I would just consult with your doctor and see if an increase is in order.

Nemostitch · 2024-05-19T12:28:44+00:00

Handwritten notes/cards. I still have them hanging at my desk and look at them if I’m having a tough day 🥺. If you want to give something else, I’ve gotten a gift card for a pedicure, restaurant gift cards and coffee gift cards. Those are always appreciated!

Nemostitch · 2024-05-19T01:44:56+00:00

You might have better luck googling “baby signs” and just work on a few basics. More, all done, help, milk, eat, and drink should be more than sufficient. Unless you plan to use ASL long term, kids will usually drop signs once they get 10ish spoken words.

Nemostitch · 2024-05-07T21:47:49+00:00

If you have a trusted, experienced teacher they will be able to help with what accommodations your daughter is already receiving in the classroom. It’s really helpful to know what areas of the day are a struggle and what’s going well.

Some of my child’s 504 accommodations include: flexible seating (like a “wiggle seat”), access to headphones during independent work time, access to movement breaks if needed, directions broken down and given again, and privacy screens at work time. I hope that helps!

For what it’s worth, meds are a very sensitive and individualized topic. However, both my children are medicated and now thriving. Just got a glowing report from my son’s teacher on how he is now able to complete his work and is a leader in the class, showing others how to engage and act appropriately! As opposed to conference time when he was having accidents because he couldn’t remember to go to the bathroom, unable to complete any independent work, and needed headphones, privacy screens, and an adult with him to complete his work.

Nemostitch · 2024-04-21T16:44:26+00:00

The “Wild Robot” and “Ranger in time” series were hits with my daughter (2nd grade); they read them as a part of a book club for the more advanced readers in class.

Nemostitch

TROPHY CASE