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Luverne staff 'making a difference' for 2017-18 school year

Lead Summary
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By
Mavis Fodness

Laughter was included in Monday’s message to almost 200 Luverne Public School staff as they kicked off the first of four in-service days to prepare for the 2017-18 school year.
Luverne Superintendent Craig Oftedahl built on previous in-service messages by sharing a video of motivational speaker, comedian and author Steve Gilliland.
“He will make you laugh, he will make you cry — but most of all, he will back me up when I say, ‘You do make a difference,’” Oftedahl said.
In the one-hour video and message titled “Purpose, Passion, Pride – Making a Difference” Gilliland illustrated his message through a series of funny experiences from dispassionate fast food workers to a construction worker who lost his appreciation for his spouse.
At the heart of the stories was one central message.
“The key is to never lose your focus,” Gilliland said in the video.
Oftedahl borrowed Gilliland’s message and encouraged the Luverne staff to make a difference during this school year.
 “You make a difference by being passionate about what you do and showing pride in what you do,” he said.
Oftedahl joined the Luverne district three years ago. His motivational speeches have previously challenged staff to “Be Great” and “Charge Forward.”
Oftedahl handed out T-shirts with this year’s message written on the back: “Purpose, Passion, Pride – ­ Making a Difference.” The front contained the Cardinal logo with the district’s motto, “Learn – Live – Lead.”
Staff wore the shirts during the parent/student open houses for elementary and middle/high school students on Wednesday.
Classes begin Sept. 5

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