Breathe Easy*
Well I’m heading back to school, cause I’m nobody’s fool,
I’ve got education on my mind.
One thing Mama told me, to be nice and friendly, making new friends is fine.
I know it’s cheesy, but just breathe easy,
don’t let the mask upon your face drive you crazy.
Be kind, that’s what it’s all about,
and when you spend your time here at South,
make sure to cover up your mouth, and breathe easy!
*Sung to the tune of the Eagles’ Take it Easy
Behavior support specialist Aksel Krafnick loves to work with kids. His role at South Junior High School is a special one that has encouraged him to further his education career. However, the best thing about his current job is his ability to incorporate his other passion–music–into education.
Last year, then assistant principal, Joel Heitkamp approached Krafnick about creating a positive musical outlet for kids. When the district transitioned to a distance learning model due to COVID-19, however, the idea was put on the back burner. This year, Krafnick picked up the charge again. Every Monday and Tuesday, he finds a popular song, writes a parody of it and plays it for students later in the week.
“The words are very school-appropriate … like wearing your mask,” explains Krafnick. “It is about showing up to class, showing your teachers you’re smart. We touch on a lot of topics.”
Recently, Krafnick received praise after one of his songs was played at a school board meeting. And his popularity doesn’t end there.
Several years ago, Krafnick welcomed then Senator Al Franken to the district. And this fall, he played for Governor Tim Walz during his visit to South.
Krafnick is in his ninth year with St. Cloud Area School District 742, and has primarily worked in special education.
“I really enjoy working with students,” says Krafnick. “[But] I really enjoy working in the special education department. The first few years in the district, I was a special education paraprofessional. That gave me opportunities to work at ARISE (a program to provide support to children with disabilities) and community education.”
Two years ago, he completed his two-year degree at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and obtained his current position as behavior support specialist.
“I got into the district because I just love to work with kids, and my dad was a special education teacher for years in the district,” says Krafnick. “I’ve had a few other jobs in the world, and I just didn’t want to work for a big corporation.”
Krafnick’s exposure to music performance began with the St. John’s Boys’ Choir at the age of nine. His love of singing led to band and orchestra in high school, and he eventually sang with the Minnesota Center Chorale for some time. He started guitar lessons and now plays in bands and has been performing around the St. Cloud area for several years.
“More than likely, I’ve been on stage in front of you,” he says. “I’ve been in many bands, spent years playing downtown and recently at South Junior High School.”
“Music is just a big part of my life,” shares Krafnick. “These days I’m just trying to create a positive outlet for students and staff members at South.”
South is again in the distance learning model, but that isn’t slowing Krafnick down. He still creates a new song each week and Principal Heitkamp posts it on Schoology for students and staff to watch.
Normally, Krafnick has four to five performances in the community on weekends. Instead, he’s recently been working with the education department at St. Cloud State University to pursue his teaching license in special education.
“I really want to pursue my teaching degree,” smiles Krafnick. “I would like to teach at 742.”
While he chases his degree, he will continue to guide his current students, making music that is relevant, relatable and fun.
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