seventh and eighth grade are even allowed to take home iPads equipped with Bluetooth keyboards.

Deacon Medley said the iPads contain all the textbooks needed for class and are restricted so there are no games or social networking sites. However, access to the Internet is still allowed and Apps for things like YouTube are available so students can use the technology for a variety of things. Basically, it’s an all-in-one package and has been more successful than they originally thought.

“They use them in many interesting ways. For example, one student was sick so they used the back camera so the student could watch the instructions through the iPad. Another time they recorded the lesson to help a sick student,” said Deacon Medley.

Seventh and eighth graders have also had the opportunity to experience presentations from experts in various areas, who will guide students through handling real-life tasks.

Enrollment for next year is expected to be about 38 students spread throughout the three grades with 20 sixth graders and 18 seventh through eighth graders.

Along with the new middle school, other transformations have occurred in the St. Timothy’s community such as Father Michael Izen’s reassignment. Father Izen succeeded Father Mark Huberty in July 2007. Four and a half years later, he received a call from

Archbishop John Nienstedt asking to accept the appointment as the next pastor of the Church of St. Raphael in Crystal, effective Feb. 1.

Normally, pastors serve in terms of six years at their parishes. However, due to special circumstances at St. Raphael’s, Father Izen left Maple Lake a year and a half short of that term. His experience with the St. Timothy’s Church and School is what made Father Izen such a great fit for St. Raphael’s, which has a school of 190 students kindergarten through eighth grade and about 210 when including the preschool program.

“Father Izen is young and loves children. He aided with the children about two times a week and he knew all the children, not only their names but their personalities as well. He was like a father figure,” said Deacon Medley. “He is a devote Catholic man and his personality fit the school and parish well.”

Father John Meyer was chosen to take the place of Father Izen. Father Meyer first served as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Vincent De Paul in St. Paul. He will continue to serve at these parishes until he assumes his new duties in Maple Lake, which is expected to be Feb. 22.

Deacon Medley said Father Meyer likes kids and sports, much like Father Izen, which is good because he and the older kids can play basketball and football together.

“It sounds like it’s going to be a good fit. It will take a while to get to know him, as it would with anyone, but we have been assured that he is a great, young priest and will do well,” said Deacon Medley.