EAGLE NEWS
February 2024
Upcoming Dates
February: I Love to Read Month
Feb. 2:
- Groundhog Day
- National Wear Red Day
Feb. 3: Elementary Boys Basketball Tournament
Feb. 5-9: National School Counseling Week
Feb. 7:
- Winter Walk to School Day
- Early Out at 1 p.m.
Feb. 9: 100th Day of School
Feb. 13: Tu/Th Pre-K Valentine Party
Feb. 14:
Valentine's Day (elementary parties in the afternoon)
After-Prom Party Organizational Meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Mills Lanes
Feb. 16:
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Perham Gymnastic Center
- 4th Grade Wax Museum
Feb. 19-23:
School Board Recognition Week
National FFA Week
Feb. 19: No School (Presidents Day)
Feb. 22: First Day of Eagle Academy
Feb. 23: End of Elementary Trimester (lost & found is donated)
Feb. 26:
- Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
- School Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 27: Precinct Caucus Day (no activities 6-8 p.m.)
Feb. 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Feb. 29: Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
March 1: Read Across America Day
March 4:
- Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
- 9-12 Band/Choir Contest Concert (Time TBD)
March 7: Early Out and Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 8: 3rd grade downhill ski field trip
March 10: Daylight Savings Time starts
March 11: Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
March 12: Township Elections (no activities 6-8 p.m.)
March 14:
- Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
- PreK Registration Night
March 14-15: State BPA
March 15-19: Band Trip
March 17: St. Patrick's Day
March 18: Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
March 19: Parent Nest meeting at 6 p.m. at Cultural Center
March 21:
- Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
- Kindergarten Registration Night 6-7 p.m.
- World Down Syndrome Day - Show Suppurt by wearing brightly colored, mismatched or crazy socks
March 22:
- End of HS Quarter
- Donuts with Grownups in Kindergarten at 2
March 25:
- Last Night of Eagle Academy 3:15-5 p.m.
- NYM School Board Meeting at 5:30
March 28: Early Out at 1 p.m. (Start of Spring Break)
March 29: No School Spring Break
March 30: Easter Sunday
April 1: No School Spring Break
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day - Light It Up Blue in celebration of people with autism and those who love and support them. (wear blue)
April 7-14: Close Up Trip
April 27: NYM Prom
April 28: Daddy/Daughter DanceEvent Information
February: I Love to Read Month
Each year, the NY MIlls Elementary School celebrates I Love to Read Month. This year, special activities include reading with a partner, a poster contest, a book swap, guest readers, caught reading program and more. See the poster for all the details.
*Please note that some events are optional. Classroom teachers that choose to participate will message parents information.
Thursday, February 1: Registration Opens for Eagle Academy
NYM Eagle Academy is a free after school program (3:15-5 p.m.) for NY Mills students in grades 1-6. Class sizes are limited, so register now to secure your spot. Registration ends on Feb. 16, or before if the class fills up. We will send a message home with the final class list.
Classes are taught by licensed teachers. and will focus on fun hands-on activities that will enhance your child’s skills. A snack is provided. Transportation is NOT provided.
Dates:
Thursday, Feb. 22
Monday, Feb. 26
Thursday, Feb. 29
Monday, Mar. 4
Monday, Mar. 11
Thursday, Mar. 14
Monday, Mar. 18
Thursday, Mar. 21
Monday, Mar. 25
Friday, February 2: National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day is an annual event held each first Friday of February, dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease in women. It's the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. That's why it's crucial for women to take charge and be proactive in their heart health.
From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.
Wear red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives. Why? Because losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too many.
Wednesday, Feb. 7: Winter Walk to School Day
The New York Mills Elementary will participate in Winter Walk to School Day on Wednesday, February 7. Students and staff will practice safe walking skills on winter roads and sidewalks. Following the loop around town, students will warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Friday, Feb. 9: 100th Day of School
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Valentine's Day is celebrated in the Elementary School on Feb. 14 (except for Tu/Th Pre-K, who will celebrate on Feb. 13). Information will be sent home by classroom teachers.
Wednesday, Feb. 14: After-Prom Party Meeting at 5:30
ATTENTION JUNIORS: After-Prom Party Organizational Meetings are scheduled for Wednesdays, January 24th, February 14th, March 6th and April 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at Mills Lanes and Lucky Strike Grill. All junior class members and parents are encouraged to attend. If you are willing to help, but unable to attend these meetings, please call Blaine at (218) 385-4201 or Tiffany at (218) 371-1845. If you are unable to help, please consider a cash donation to the After-Prom Party. Thanks!!
Friday, Feb. 16: Fourth Grade Wax Museum
NY Mills Fourth Graders invite all to walk through the Wax Museum on Friday, Feb. 16 in the Activity Center. Visit the museum between 9:30-11:00 and again from 1:00-3:00.
When you enter the Biography Museum, each student will be dressed as their character in their own little staging area, they will have a backdrop, and some props to display for their character. Press the “Magic Pretend Button” to hear a 1-minute speech about their character!
The Fourth Graders have been working hard on their biographies to prepare for the Wax Museum. Hope to see you there!
Friday, Feb. 23: End of Elementary Tri
Monday, Feb. 26: School Board Meeting
The NY Mills Monthly School Board Meeting will be held at 5:30 on Monday, February 26 in the HS Media Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Things to Know
NYM to Hire New Superintendent
Superintendent Blaine Novak to retire June 30, 2024
After 35 years serving the NY Mills School District, Superintendent Blaine Novak will retire on June 30, 2024. The NY Mills School Board accepted his intent to retire during the January school board meeting.
“I have long believed that you never retire from something; that you always retire to something,” said Mr. Novak, in an interview after the meeting. “If I am to live my life according to my priorities, I am going to put my faith and family first. With that said, I plan to take some time to work on that priority; being present for my wife, supporting my children and grandchildren, and working on occasion within my son's construction business. I am also open to possibilities that may present themselves in serving other needs in education that are not necessarily tied specifically to leading a school district.”
A look at his career
Mr. Novak started his career in NY Mills in 1989 as the elementary science teacher. From there he served in various positions including the activities director, high school principal, and, finally, superintendent.
“The funny thing is that I feel like every job I had in the district was the best job I ever had,” said Mr. Novak. “I loved being an elementary science teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as activities director. When I was principal, I didn't think there was a better job. Now as superintendent, I'm secure in thinking that this was the best career choice made along the way.”
“My career in education is not, and never has been about me,” said Mr. Novak “It is about New York Mills Public School and the students we serve. I hope when people look back, they will know that I was committed to New York Mills Public School. I hope they know my greatest pleasure was being a servant leader to our school, and that above all else I placed value on healthy relationships throughout the district.”
That being said, serving as the superintendent has not been without challenges.
“The obvious challenge was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading in such a time of fear and uncertainty, in itself, was a challenge each day,” said Mr. Novak.
But perhaps a less obvious challenge was managing the 10-million dollar budget: “We fought a constrained budget after many years of underfunding. All the while finding funding for much needed construction projects including rebuilding the parking lot, roofing the entire building, and completing an entire K-12 HVAC upgrade.”
Besides building projects, our district has seen huge changes in the demographics in our population, along with changing needs of students.
“How we educate students today is significantly different than we did 20 or 30 years ago and it shows in how we staff the building, structure the instructional day, and provide services to our students and families,” said Mr. Novak.
“I have been so extremely blessed by my career in New York Mills,” said Mr. Novak. “I am so thankful to not only the school, but the entire community of New York Mills. I have had countless opportunities to serve the students, the school, and the community. I have held every certified position with the district, including teacher, activities director, community education, principal, and superintendent. That is a rare opportunity in school districts for which I am very appreciative.”
Looking ahead
Moving forward, the school board approved the hiring of a search consultant to work through the process of hiring the next superintendent.
“The process will be relatively short, but thorough,” said Mr. Novak, “with the new superintendent assuming duties on the 1st of July.”
Although Mr. Novak will not be officially part of the process, he will work closely with the district to assure a smooth transition. If given the opportunity to offer some advice to the next superintendent, Mr. Novak would say:
“Make sure that every decision you make has the best interest of students (first), and then the district (second) in mind. I would also encourage the next superintendent to make decisions today, that will still be the correct decision 5 years from now. Finally, I would encourage the next superintendent to place a priority on relationships, knowing full well that the programming you have in place can only be successful if they are supported with healthy relationships throughout the organization.”
Note from the Elementary Principal:
Notice to NYM Elementary Parents:
NY Mills Elementary students can not have Smartphones or Smart Watches in the school or on the playground. Students must keep all these devices in their lockers, which runs the risk of theft. The best practice is to keep these devices at home. Please call the Elementary Office if you need to send a message to your child.
Also, with the weather turning cooler, I would like to remind you of the elementary cold weather apparel policy: Students are expected to dress appropriately for cold weather and MUST continue to wear their winter gear throughout the entire recess period. Winter wear must include:
- Boots that are waterproof and appropriate for cold weather
- Students in grades JK-3: must wear jackets, hats, gloves, boots and snow pants in the winter. Students without these must remain on the sidewalk during recess..
- Students in grades 4-6 must wear jackets, hats, gloves and boots. Students without these must remain on the sidewalk during recess.
If your family needs assistance in purchasing winter gear, please contact Judith Brockway or Kristin Draeger at the school.
Note from Activites Director:
Winter sports are coming down to the last regular season events and post season playoffs soon in mid February. As always the Park Region Conference website is updated daily if needed. Some other activities that are ready to take off are Trap Shooting and Speech. Speech had their first competition and hit their main schedule in the upcoming weeks. Spring sports will start around mid-March for our teams this year. We are always looking for volunteers, helpers paid at events, and officials. If you are interested in any of these positions please contact me at school. Go Eagles!
Notice on NYM Weather Announcements:
The New York Mills Public School utilizes five sources to quickly inform parents about school calendar changes due to the weather. The three calls we utilize include the emergency early out, the weather-related late start, or the weather-related school day cancellation. Morning weather calls are typically made by 6 a.m.
Our first resource is the instant alert system called School Messanger. Parents will receive an automated phone call and/or an email through the system. More information about the School Messenger can be found on our website under the Parent Resources tab. Link: https://www.nymills.k12.mn.us/parentnotificationsystem Parents can update their contact information through the Parentvue system, or by calling the elementary or high school office.
Announcements will also be posted on the NY Mills Facebook page (Search New York Mills Public School ISD 553)
Announcements will be posted on the pop-up box on our website www.nymills.k12.mn.us
The message is sent to local radio stations to be announced
The message is sent to WDAY, KARE11, KSTP, and CBS/WCCO.
Notice to Elementary Parents:
If your child needs a change in their afterschool plan, a parent or guardian must call the office no later than 2:50 p.m. Changes that come in after 2:50 p.m. will not be guaranteed.
Also, we have received several calls concerning the transportation of students to other locations or on other buses. In response to these questions, we wanted to communicate the NYM Elementary Transportation Practice:
Elementary students have one pickup and one drop-off.
The NYM Busses can NOT be used for sleepovers, birthday parties, and other events. Other transportation arrangements need to be made.
Exceptions:
Blended families, with joint custody
With a note, students are allowed to get off at a different established bus stop within the same bus route. This is an exception because that student is already counted on the bus, and thus will not cause overcrowding.
Emergencies
Reasons behind this practice:
This practice is the safest way the school can ensure all students are dropped off at the correct location.
This practice allows us to limit bus overcrowding.
This practice limits the number of bus changes a day. Excessive numbers of bus changes have caused problems in the past.
This practice cuts down on confusion for bus drivers.
This practice has decreased behaviors and bullying on buses.
From the District Office:
This year school breakfast and lunches are free, however, there are fees for extra items. If students take a reimbursable meal (based on Federal requirements), there is no charge. If students only need milk to go with their lunch from home, there is a $0.40 charge per carton. If students purchase anything extra besides their meal, they will be charged (Powerade, seconds on food, extra drinks or ala carte items-uncrustable, breakfast bar, etc.). Students need to have money in their accounts to cover these costs.
Weekly emails will be sent to those parents that have students with a negative balance. Payments can be made online at https://www.payschoolscentral.com/ or cash or check can be sent to the District Office to be applied to student accounts.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the District Office at 218-385-4201.
Note from the Health Office
Illnesses - when your child can return to school:
- Must be fever-free (without fever-reducing medications) for 24 hours.
- If your child throws up, they must stay home until they have not had an emesis for 24 hours.
- Strep throat: needs to be on antibiotics for 12 hours before returning.
NOTICE: If your child needs any prescription medication administered at school, including eye drops, you must present a doctor's order requesting the medication be given at school. The order must be turned in before any medication will be administered. Office visit notes will not be accepted as a doctor's order.
All medications must be in the original container - no baggies or misc. bottles.
Parents must bring in prescription medications, please do not send with students.
School Links
Administration Team
Blaine Novak, Superintendent
Email: bnovak@nymills.k12.mn.us
Website: https://nymills.k12.mn.us
Location: 209 North Hayes Avenue, New York Mills, MN, USA
Phone: 218-385-4201
Michelle Young, High School Principal
Email: myoung@nymills.k12.mn.us
Website: https://nymills.k12.mn.us
Location: 209 North Hayes Avenue, New York Mills, MN, USA
Phone: 218-385-4211
Judith Brockway, Elementary Principal
Email: jbrockway@nymills.k12.mn.us
Website: https://nymills.k12.mn.us
Location: 209 North Hayes Avenue, New York Mills, MN, USA
Phone: 218-385-4207