Eagle Eye - March 2024
Middle/High School Community Update
"Windom Eagle Express: Soaring Through News and Notes!"
🦅 In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion 🦅
As we step into the vibrant month of March, let's welcome its arrival with open arms and cheerful hearts! Just like the old adage says, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, symbolizing the transition from winter's energetic end to the gentle, open arm arrival of spring. It's with deep hope from me we continue the in like a lamb weather we are having.
Let's approach this month with the same spirit of optimism and resilience. As we begin, let's be as gentle and calm as the lamb, fostering kindness, patience, and understanding in all our interactions. As we progress, let's harness the strength and determination of the lion, tackling challenges with courage, determination, and a roar of confidence.
March offers us the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive together as a community. Let's make the most of every moment, supporting one another, celebrating achievements, and embracing the journey ahead.
Here's to a magnificent March filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities!
Warm regards, and it's definitely been warm!
Dane Nielsen
Windom Middle School Principal
Parent/Teacher Conferences
PTDear Middle School Families,
We are excited to invite you to join us for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 14th, from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This invaluable opportunity allows us to come together as a community to discuss your child's progress, achievements, and goals.
Even if you're unable to schedule a formal conference, we encourage you to at least drop by during this time to have your child show you their locker and the location of their classes. This simple act can greatly enhance your understanding of your child's day-to-day school experience and provide valuable insights into their academic journey.
Your involvement and support are crucial to your child's success, and we believe that open communication between home and school is key. Whether it's discussing academic performance, extracurricular activities, or any concerns you may have, our dedicated teachers are here to collaborate with you in supporting your child's growth and development.
We look forward to seeing you on March 14th and working together to ensure the success of every student in our middle school family!
Mr. Dane Nielsen
Windom Middle School Principal
Important Message from the Middle School Principal: Prioritizing Well-being
Dear Windom Middle School Community,
As we continue to prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students, I want to address a topic that has become increasingly prevalent in today's society: the use of cell phones among children.
It's important to recognize that there is zero research that definitively states the benefits of children having cell phones. While technology undoubtedly has its advantages, especially when used responsibly and under appropriate supervision, it's essential to weigh the potential risks and drawbacks.
As educators and parents, our primary concern is the holistic development of our students. We must consider the impact of excessive screen time, potential distractions, and social pressures associated with owning a cell phone at a young age.
Encouraging face-to-face interactions, promoting active engagement in learning activities, and fostering healthy relationships with peers are fundamental aspects of our educational philosophy. We believe in creating a supportive environment that encourages students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Therefore, I urge parents and guardians to carefully consider the necessity and timing of introducing cell phones to their children. Let's work together to ensure that our students develop healthy habits, maintain focus in the classroom, and cultivate meaningful connections within our school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for all our students.
Positively,
Mr. Dane Nielsen
Windom Middle School Principal
Upcoming Events
Principal's Message
March is upon us and it truly is a transitional month in the school calendar. We start the month winding up our winter activities and end the month with a Disney Trip, Spring Break and the start of the spring sport's season. 3rd quarter also ends in March and we bring in the start of the end of what has been a fantastic school year. I have just a couple item's to expand on:
1) Student, Parent, Teacher conferences are Thursday, March 14 - please plan to touch base with your student's teachers and make plans to see success as 3rd quarter closes and we enter 4th quarter.
2) The last Disney Trip happened in March of 2020 - we all know the unfortunate end of that trip. This year our 11/12 grade band & choir return to Disney and we are pumped for them! I have heard some of the selections they will be performing and they are outstanding! Our students will represent us well on the Global Stage!
3) Our annual college & career fair is Friday, March 8. All students in grades 8-12 have the opportunity to learn about the amazing careers available in our region.
4) We administered a Culture, Climate & Belongingness survey to our students and staff in the winter of 2022-2023, and we re-issued the same survey this January. The results are available by clicking on the image. Our staff & HS student senate have reviewed the data. All stakeholders agree that we have seen gains in many areas and an overall improvement in our positive culture, climate and overall sense of belongingness - as the data shows. This is entirely due to the efforts of our amazing staff who work daily to support the needs of students. Enjoy perusing the data! I do plan to speak to it at the school board meeting on March 11.
Have an awesome March!
Bryan Joyce
High School Principal
ACT Tutoring
Windom juniors have the opportunity to take the ACT test on the statewide testing date April 9, 2024. The test is offered free of charge to any student who wishes to take it on that day. To help students prepare for success on the ACT test, we have offered ACT tutoring every week since the beginning of December. We utilize a program called On To College that is created by a gentleman named John Baylor. Along with learning testing tips and strategies, our students also have access to many of our high school teachers during ACT tutoring who help students review content in the areas of Reading, English, Math & Science. In addition to tutoring sessions, ACT refreshers are provided during out Thursday WIN time for each student signed up for the ACT test.
Why the ACT? The old days of the ACT being required as an access point to postsecondary education are no more. Many colleges and universities do not require the ACT for admission anymore. That being said, there are strong benefits to taking the ACT, namely it places students in positions for some pretty outstanding monetary support through grants and scholarships that wouldn't otherwise be available. Students who perform well on their ACT may also reduce the need for some general or remedial courses in college. Finally, the ACT helps students understand areas of strength, and also areas of growth, as they finish up high school and start to think very seriously about that next step in life - college and career preparedness.
Attendance
Reminder - if your student will be absent, please let our office know by calling 507-831-6910 or by emailing attendancemshs@isd177.com. We now have an office cell phone that you can text/call - the number for the office cell is 507-221-3511. You can also let us know using Skyward. All absences require a notice within 48 hours, at that point the absence becomes unexcused. Here is a link to our Daily Announcements - this link is updated daily so copy it into a browser and refresh every day for up to date news/announcements at the MSHS!
Contact Us
Email: bjoyce@isd177.com, dnielsen@isd177.com
Website: https://windomasdmn.sites.thrillshare.com/
Location: 1400 17th St. PO Box 177 Windom, MN 56101
Phone: (507) 831-6910, (507) 221-3511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindomAreaSchoolDistrict/
X: @Windom_Eagles