October Newsletter
School District of New Richmond - October 27, 2023
Letter from the Superintendent
Friday, October 27, 2023
Dear New Richmond Students and Families,
It is with great pride that we announce that at the October 23 School Board Meeting, our new Strategic Plan was approved. Thank you all for your participation and collaboration in creating our district's new Strategic Plan. Without the help of our community, we would not have been able to form a plan that fits our overall needs as a district.
During the Listening Phase which began in March of 2023, we collected 649 online survey responses from our community. We also held 18 Community Conversations with various groups, 2 Community Feedback Sessions with roughly 40 and 50 participants, interviewed multiple school leadership members, and gathered input from the majority of our teachers and staff at all 5 schools.
After all of our data was collected, we formed a Design Team, made up of 3 parents/community members, 3 teachers, 1 school board member, and 1 district leader, to sort through the data and take a deeper look. Areas of focus such as facilities and growth, stood out to us right away, so a Facility Core Planning Team has been formed and is working with Wold Architects to explore these areas.
Our Design Team then took the data, synthesized it, and came back with aspirations to move the School District of New Richmond into the future in greater health and performance.
Once these aspirations were identified, an Administrative Team made up of 3 school principals, Superintendent Miller, and our district leaders, took the Strategic Plan design, affirmed the areas of focus, and completed it with appropriate strategies to reach our desired goals.
Growth For ALL, our ultimate goal, is identified as academic, social, and emotional growth for every student, every day. Growth also encompasses our staff who are continuously learning in fearless pursuit of excellence. In order to achieve this we must form a sense of engagement, belonging, and investment.
- Engage - elevating active involvement within our learning organization to increase productivity and collaboration.
- Belong - cultivating relationships of respect, empathy, and acceptance.
- Invest - building a healthy and sustained positive LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
We are thrilled to unveil our tiger identity and slogan of "Fearless Pursuit." This new image was created with the help of our community members who filled out the online Tiger Survey collected by one of our partners, Josten's SchoolMark. We believe that New Richmond Tigers are fearless in their pursuit of excellence, and we encourage everyone to be in fearless pursuit of their goals every day.
Thank you, once again, for your contributions to our new Strategic Plan.
Respectfully,
Dr. Troy Miller
Superintendent
Strategic Plan Video
Miller on the Move: Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation with Superintendent Miller occurs on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. in the Middle School Media Center. We invite our SDNR Parents and Guardians to attend! Learn about our Coffee and Conversation events by watching this video.
View Miller on the Move on our Website HERE.
View Miller on the Move on YouTube HERE.
Coffee and Conversation
Please join Superintendent Miller for a cup of coffee and school-related conversation. All School District of New Richmond parents and guardians are welcome to attend our Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Middle School Media Center. Coffee from Bizzy Bean will be provided!
Survey
Important Dates in November
November 1: Campus Preview Day: Minnesota North College for Interested NRHS Students
November 1-3: Paperjack Swimming Unit
November 2: Middle School Honors Band @ Shell Lake Art Center
November 2: End of 1st Quarter for MS and HS
November 2: Campus Preview Day: Minnesota North College for Interested NRHS Students
November 3: Starr 3rd Grade Field Trip
November 6-17: Starr Swimming Unit Grades 1-5
November 6: Indoor Marching Band Concert @ NRHS Gymnasium
November 7: National Guard Representative Visit @ NRHS
November 8: U.S. Marine Corps Representative Visit @NRHS
November 9: UW-Superior Representative Visit @ NRHS
November 10: Kindergarten Wear Brown Day @ Starr
November 10: Veterans Day Ceremony @ NRMS
November 10: NRHS Musical "Chicago: Teen Edition" @ Auditorium
November 11: NRHS Musical "Chicago: Teen Edition" @ Auditorium
November 11: Singing in Wisconsin
November 12: NRHS Musical "Chicago: Teen Edition" @ Auditorium
November 14: Coffee and Conversation with Superintendent Miller @NRMS Media Center
November 15: Minnesota North College Representative Visit @ NRHS
November 17: Hillside 3rd Grade Field Trip @ MN History Center
November 17: Blood Drive @NRHS
November 20: School Board Meeting
November 21: End of Trimester 1 for Elementary Schools
November 22-27: No School
November 29: Hillside 4th Grade Fine Arts Field Trip
Inclement Weather Days and Distance Learning Plan
On behalf of the School District of New Richmond, we would like to remind everyone of our protocols with school closures and other District emergency procedures. Please know that everyone who is enrolled in our Emergency Communication System will receive communication in the form of an email, phone call, and/or text message. If you need to update your contact information, please contact your respective school.
Should inclement weather or other emergency situation(s) require the District to close school, the following procedures will be followed:
The first school closure day of the 2023-2024 school year due to inclement weather will result in no school for students.
The second and all following school closure days of the 2023-2024 school year due to inclement weather will be Distance Learning Days.
When School is Closed:
Automated calls will be placed to parent/guardian contact information as soon as possible using the District’s Emergency Notification System if conditions warrant the closing of schools.
Listen to radio station WCCO (AM 830) and/or watch WCCO-Channel 4, KSTP - Channel 5, FOX - Channel 9, or KARE - Channel 11 for announcements. Announcements will also be posted on the district website and social media pages. Normally decisions are called in BY 5:30 a.m., but there can be delays in getting through or having the announcement read.
Determination and communication on all after-school activities will be decided by approximately NOON. This includes practices, rehearsals, open gym, games, concerts, Community Education, etc.
Tiger Pack at Hillside Elementary School will remain open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for students with the additional school closure contract. Guardians can sign up online through Eleyo (https://newrichmond.ce.eleyo.com/) for the separate school closure contract for $15.
NR4K is canceled.
When School is Delayed (Late Start) or Dismissed Early:
Automated calls will be placed to parent/guardian contact information as soon as possible using the District’s Emergency Notification System if conditions warrant a delay or early dismissal of schools.
Listen to radio station WCCO (AM 830) and/or watch WCCO-Channel 4, KSTP - Channel 5, FOX - Channel 9, or KARE - Channel 11 for announcements. Announcements will also be posted on the district website and social media pages. Normally decisions are called in BY 5:30 a.m., but there can be delays in getting through or having the announcement read.
For an early dismissal, all after-school activities are assumed to be canceled with an early dismissal unless there is an announcement, or information specifying otherwise. This includes practices, rehearsals, open gym, games, concerts, Community Education, etc.
If there is a 1 hour late start, Tiger Pack will open at 7:00 a.m.
If there is a 2 hour late start, Tiger Pack will open at 8:00 a.m.
If there is a 1 hour early dismissal, Tiger Pack will close at 5:00 p.m.
If there is a 2 hour early dismissal, Tiger Pack will close at 4:00 p.m.
If there is an early dismissal, the afternoon NR4K classes will be canceled.
These are guidelines and may be adjusted in accordance with the circumstances and weather conditions. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Winter Clothing Drive
Do you have winter clothes that you would like to donate, or are you looking for winter clothes? If so, please visit www.basicsforlocalkids.org to learn more, register, or donate.
Thank you in advance, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Saturday, October 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the New Richmond Middle School Gym!
School Store Hours!
Bridging Brighter Smiles Information
Classroom Highlights!
NRHS Multicultural Club Continues To Grow
This is only the second year of the Multicultural Club at NRHS, and it already has over 40 regular members. Its nickname is D.I.C.E. (which stands for Diversity, Inclusion, Celebration, and Equity).
As part of its equity goal, the planning committee does one project per year. Last year focused on language awareness, teaching high school students words/phrases in the 6 different languages spoken at our school. This year we have a unique and important opportunity. The state requires schools to look at their policies every 5 years to ensure that they are equitable to all student groups. This sort of self-reflection is very important, as we live up to our goal of “Every student. Every day”.
Twenty students from the club volunteered to work with district and building administrators in three areas: 1) looking at language and enforcement of specific district policies, 2) reviewing high school guidelines, enforcement of policies, and climate/culture, and 3) reviewing data of student involvement in activities and making suggestions to close any gaps that might exist. The club is extremely appreciative to be a part of something this important and proud to add diverse student voices to the process.
NRMS Band, Choir, and Orchestra Prepare for Veterans Day Program
Mr. Dahle, the Middle School Choir Director, emphasized the early preparation, stating, "We start working on music for Veterans Day from the very first day of school." He confessed to initially startling the 8th Grade Choir by informing them they had two months to learn and memorize seven songs. What the students didn't know at that point was that the repertoire included "America The Beautiful," songs representing each of the five branches of the military, and a piece of Mr. Dahle's choice.
In the adjacent band room, Ms. Byom, the Band instructor, expressed pride in commencing the ceremony with "The Star-Spangled Banner." She explained that the Band was also working on the same pieces as the Choir, in addition to preparing for a Homecoming show, which included new music from the summer marching band program. She further highlighted the collaboration with High School band director Mr. Mealey, who coached select 8th-grade trumpet players for the performance of "Taps," a poignant bugle call symbolizing tribute and remembrance for veterans.
Meanwhile, across the hall in the orchestra room, Mr. Barker, the Orchestra director, excitedly shared his plans for the ceremony. "This year, we are thrilled to perform a new piece by Erica Donahoe, titled 'Air Warriors,' which holds a special significance as she is a USAF Veteran," Barker explained.
The Middle School Veterans Day ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 10th at 8:00 a.m. in the NRMS gymnasium, is open to the public. The event will feature guest speakers, winners of the student essay competition, members of the American Legion Post 80, VFW Post 10818, and performances by the 8th-grade Band, Choir, and Orchestra.
Hillside 1st Grade Classes Explore Ferguson's Apple Orchard
Paperjack 4th Grade Classes Celebrate Public Power Week
Public Power utilities across the U.S. celebrate Public Power Week each year to help highlight the value of having a local, non-profit utility. The 4th graders at Paperjack Elementary partnered with New Richmond Utilities to complete a poster celebrating Public Power Week and hung it up in the school building. They enjoyed being creative and using teamwork to complete this project. They also learned that squirrels are among the top causes of power outages in the United States! What a fun activity!
Starr Kindergarten Classes Learn About the Color Red
Blue Day for Paperjack Kindergarten Classes!
Build My Future event for NRHS Students!
Past SDNR Graduates to Current Staff!
NRHS Welding Program is Featured in Teaching Today WI!
Crafting Careers: New Richmond High School Welding Program's Impact on Student Learning
The NRHS Welding Academy is featured in Teaching Today WI and Manufacturing Today WI! Please view the article here:
https://www.teachingtodaywi.com/TTWIFall2023.pdf **page 24 (also seen on page 34)**
https://www.teachingtodaywi.com/currentandpastissues.htm **Fall Issue 2023**
http://www.manufacturingtodaywi.com/ **Fall Issue 2023**
NRHS Mad City Money Experience
NRMS Wins Stuff The Bus Competition For 5th Straight Year!
The New Richmond Middle School has always embraced the Stuff the Bus Competition. Students and staff alike take part in this competition by donating non-perishable food items and cash to help support our Five Loaves Food Shelf. Mr. Hatch, the Middle School Principal, adds a little incentive to encourage giving by offering a dilly bar party to the top winning Homeroom in each grade level. This year the Middle School collected 1783 non-perishable food items and $1916.00 in cash donations.
Ms. Burk’s 8th grade Homeroom was the top winner for the building and was presented with $50.00 cash and a trophy from Jean Needham on behalf of Five Loaves Food Shelf. Ms. Burk’s Homeroom is planning to use the money to purchase fleece so they can make a blanket to donate to the Western Wisconsin Cancer Center.
Our past winning Homerooms were Mr. Wilson’s 7th grade Homeroom in 2018, Ms. Geissler’s 8th grade Homeroom in 2019, there was no competition in 2020 due to COVID, Mrs. Reschke’s 8th Grade Homeroom in 2021 and Mr. Kanewischer’s 8th grade Homeroom in 2022.
Good Luck at State Marah Benedict!
The NRHS Varsity Cross Country team traveled to Menomonie for the WIAA Sectionals this past weekend. Both boys' and girls' teams raced very well! Girls placed 5th overall and boys 7th.
Junior, Marah Benedict, took second place in the girls' race qualifying her to compete at the State Tournament this Saturday! To qualify for state, you need to be one of the top two teams or one of the top 5 individual runners. Congratulations, Marah, and good luck at State!
Congratulations Brinkman and Baillargeon!
Once at State, Brinkman and Baillargeon defeated Annalise Cooper and Alisa Krylova from Verona on Thursday, October 12 in the first round, 6-4 and 6-0. Brinkman and Baillargeon then fell to Cedarburg's Tess Kornetzke and Katina Zimmerschied on Friday, October 13.
Great season Tigers!
Congratulations Paperjack Elementary School on Receiving the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools!
Congratulations to Paperjack Elementary on receiving the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools! Paperjack Elementary School is one of 353 schools in the nation and one of eight schools from Wisconsin to be recognized in 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: Exemplary High-Performing Schools (are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests) and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools (are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students).
Paperjack Elementary will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17, 2023, in Washington DC! We are proud of Paperjack Elementary for being presented with this honorable award.
Here is what some of our staff say about receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award:
“I couldn’t be more proud and thrilled that Paperjack Elementary has been awarded the Blue Ribbon Award, the most prestigious national award a school can earn! I am truly blessed to be part of an amazing school of students, families, teachers, staff, and leadership!” ~ 1st Grade Teacher Heidi Johnson Weyer
“Our Paperjack students are amazing - they are artists, musicians, athletes, learners, readers, leaders, and so much more! It felt great to know that Paperjack was selected as a Blue Ribbon School. There are so many bright and loving people that make it a great place to be.” ~ Music Teacher Dakkota Mark
“Honestly, this award is for the people of Paperjack. Whether it's the students, the staff, or the families, this award celebrates the powerful, connected, and loving feeling that breathes through this building. Everyone here makes this school the best community I have ever worked in.” ~ 4th Grade Teacher Kieran DuHoux
“Teaching at Paperjack has been unlike any other workplace I have experienced. It is a school where you can feel the positive energy when you walk through the doors. We are truly part of a team with the common goal of building relationships and taking ownership of the learning and well-being of every person who spends their days here. Being invested in the success and belonging of all makes Paperjack a great place to work and learn each and every day.” ~ 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer Riordan
“I have always been proud to be a Tiger and teach for the School District of New Richmond. I am beyond thrilled to hear the announcement that Paperjack Elementary has received the National Blue Ribbon Award. Paperjack has a very student-centered, progressive, and positive environment that makes every student and staff feel welcome. I am blessed to be a part of our awesome Paperjack family!” ~ 2nd Grade Teacher Julie Gilbertson
See Additional Information Below:
Please watch the Blue Ribbon Schools Announcement video here: https://youtu.be/KmpzyX8PVlA. New Richmond is shown at the 32:35 mark.
Please read about 2023 Awardee Paperjack Elementary here: https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/winning/23wi111pu_new_richmond_paperjack_elementary_school.html.
Please view the full list of 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools here: https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/assets/reports/2023/2023_exemplary_high_performing_schools.pdf.
Please learn more about the Blue Ribbon Awards here: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-2023-blue-ribbon-schools.