As we approach the end of the school year, it’s time to reflect on the wonderful moments and achievements that have shaped our school community. From graduations to student experiences, May is a month filled with excitement and growth.

Graduation milestones

Our seniors are on the cusp of a new chapter in their lives. MATEC will host its graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, celebrating the hard work and dedication of our graduates. Additionally, the high school commencement is scheduled for Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m., where we’ll honor the achievements of our students as they step into the world beyond these halls.

Enchanted prom night

The junior and senior class recently stepped into an “Enchanted Garden” at the Marshall High School prom. It was a magical evening, filled with laughter, dancing, and memories. Our students had a great time, and we’re proud of them all!

Appreciating our teachers

From May 6-10, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our teachers who tirelessly support our students and families throughout the year. Their dedication and passion make a lasting impact on the lives of our young learners.

Assessments and goals

We’ve completed the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) for the 2024 school year. Students across various grades participated in reading, math, and science assessments. As we eagerly await the official results this fall, we commend our students for their hard work and commitment to academic excellence.

Additionally, our students are currently engaged in NWEA assessments–a valuable tool to measure proficiency levels and growth goals. These assessments provide essential data that will guide our district’s educational strategies moving forward.

Building partnerships

This year, some of our high school students had a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience. Through a partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation, Private Industry Council, and SMSU, they worked on transition and job skills. Three days a week, they contributed to the SMSU dining center, taking on roles in the dining hall, dish room, sub shop, and C-Store. This hands-on experience allowed them to develop independence, learn valuable job skills, and connect with their college “co-workers.” We’re thrilled about the new partnerships forged on behalf of our students.

Career Exploration Day

Shanda Walker, our Community Engagement Coordinator, has been instrumental in developing a Career Exploration Day for our eighth-grade students. Scheduled for May 23-24-, this event promises to be an engaging and informative experience, featuring a diverse range of professions aligned with the Career Wheel sectors. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to discover and consider various career paths within our community.

CEO program update

On May 1, we were excited to introduce the incoming 2024-2025 CEO class, along with their parents and our CEO Investors, at the CEO Kick-Off Event. The gathering provided a platform for prospective students to learn from current participants and to start gearing up for the upcoming academic year. We’re thrilled to announce that seven students from Marshall High School will join the program next year, alongside peers from RTR, Murray County Central, and Tracy, bringing our total to 20 future business leaders.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the CEO Trade Show on Wednesday, hosted at the trū Shrimp Company in Balaton from 5-7 p.m. The evening will feature a benefit auction starting at 6:30 p.m., conducted by Silver Dollar Auction Company, with our own 2023 CEO alumnus, Braxton Seifert, at the helm. Proceeds from the auction will support the CEO Pipeline, a fund dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial ventures of CEO Program graduates. This event coincides with a Chamber Business After Hours gathering, offering a chance to witness the entrepreneurial spirit of our students as they exhibit their individual business projects.

As we wrap up this school year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents, teachers, and community members. Your ongoing support makes our schools thrive, and we look forward to even more successes in the future.

Thank you for being part of our educational journey.

— Jeremy Williams is superintendent of Marshall Public Schools District