We continue to implement Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) at Southview, the Middle School, and at the High School. I’m impressed at the simple, but effective, strategies BARR brings to the table to help us look at some new protocols to use data we have. This helps us to have a better understanding of our students’ individual needs and talk about how we can address those needs.

Each site is currently at a different stage of implementation, but each is doing great work. One of the first things I have seen implemented at each site is the I Time or U Time social/emotional lessons. These lessons are research-based ways to talk to kids about getting to know both themselves and their classmates better.

Staff and students alike are enjoying these lessons. Data teams are also having conversations about student data, looking at attendance, academic, and social emotional strengths, and weaknesses as they discuss how to meet student needs.

The calendar committee recently met and discussed options for the school calendar for next year. We worked through start dates, Professional Development opportunities, and scheduled breaks as we planned for the 175 student and 185 staff days. We feel this schedule best balances student, family, and staff needs and meets the required parameters laid out by MDE and our contracts.

May is American Indian month in the state of Minnesota. The American Indian Spring Event for MPS American Indian families and students is tentatively set for May 8 at the MHS cafeteria.

Last spring, new legislation was passed around requirements for reading instruction in all schools in Minnesota. We continue to follow these new READ Act Updates to ensure we are meeting the requirements. The Department of Education, MDE, has approved a small number of curriculums, so we are waiting for the results from the reconsideration list as that will help to determine next steps and really focus in on possible resources to begin piloting next year.

Our District Wide Staff Professional Development Morning was a huge success last month. We had over 55 breakout sessions that morning that staff could attend, and many of the sessions covered re-licensure areas for teachers.

To conclude “I Love to READ” month, on March 1, the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and 2 visited classrooms for a special photo opportunity with our Park Side classes.

Our Preschool and Kindergarten Open House was held on March 7 from 4-6 pm and it was a success. Families had the opportunity to meet our staff, ask questions, receive informational folders, and get assistance with registering for the upcoming school year.

Early Childhood will be offering free summer classes focusing on preparing for kindergarten and engaging in Art/Science activities at the park.

We have had many people from our community come into our Southview classrooms to volunteer and take part in the Junior Achievement program. It’s been fun to hear students talk about some of the lessons they’ve learned and the different activities that they took part in. JA lessons tend to focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship and allow for our students to be exposed to community members who come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Our ELA teachers continue to work through our curriculum review cycle as we work to meet the mandates from the state with respect to the READ Act. A few members of our ELA staff along with our Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal will visit an elementary school in St. James to see how they navigate their ELA curriculum.

Sixth grade language arts students at the Middle School are ready for March Madness. Starting on March 1st, students in Ms. Morris’ language arts class started looking at two different books, read the first chapter and then voted which one would win. They will continue until one book remains.

At the High School, Student registration is now complete for the 2024-2025 school year and administration is now moving to the next phase of determining the number of sections needed. This is the early process of building the master schedule to determine where each class should fit the school year, and during which block it should occur.

Senior Students submitted their scholarship applications on Monday, March 11. The scholarship committee will be meeting on April 17 to select the scholarship recipients of the Pride in the Tiger Foundation Scholarships. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 15, 7:00pm, at Marshall High School.

On March 8, Travis Frazee attended the Criminal Justice Initiative (CJI) Meeting at Lyon County Courthouse with 35-40 local professionals. Discussions mainly focused on truancy issues affecting the community, as well as Marshall High School’s efforts in collaboration with Lyon County. Strategies were developed to address attendance issues, including interventions and court involvement if necessary.

CNA students from MCTI recently had the opportunity to do a couple of site visits. On Wednesday, February 21st students toured Heritage Point and learned about the assisted living site and programs. They also got to learn about and tour the memory care unit. On Wednesday, March 6th, they had the opportunity to tour and talk about the Avera SIM lab.

Our activities department continues to be a busy place as we wrap up the winter seasons and are starting spring activities! A few highlights include:

In Boys Hockey, the boys’ miracle run came to an end vs. New Ulm in the section championship. Head Coach Michael Weiss received dual honors as Section 3A and Class A Coach of the Year, while Dan Schipper was recognized as Section 3A’s Assistant Coach of the Year.

Despite their efforts, the Tiger Girl’s Basketball team fell short in the section championship game against St. Peter, concluding their 2023-24 season with a commendable 21-9 record.

At the state competition, eight individual wrestlers represented the Tigers, with Dylan Louwagie and Lincoln Christenson clinching silver medals. Additionally, four others earned podium finishes. David Wingert’s dedication and contributions were recognized with the Section 3A Assistant Coach of the Year award.

In a shift from previous practice, Access Health has opted to promote local providers as alternatives for spring physicals, aiming to enhance the thoroughness of the examinations provided to the community and will be providing spring physicals at their site this year.

In speech, three talented Tigers showcased their oratory skills at the National Qualifier, with Mary Lanoue achieving 5th place in the Humor category. The Tigers will have 2 more meets before the section tournament at the end of March.

A total of 52 MHS BPA participants demonstrated their skills at the state conference in Minneapolis; this is a significant event as students exhibit their talents in various activities.

Marshall Public Schools has a lot going on that we are proud of. Our students, families, and staff work hard every day to improve learning and community here in Marshall. Thank you for your support!