The past few weeks have been exciting in our buildings as new teachers were here Aug 20-22 for a formal introduction to Marshall Public Schools and the next week all staff attended our annual Workshop Week training and activities. Our District-Wide training this year was “One District, Many Voices” and we talked about diversity in our district with conversations around how we help support all our learners and meet them where they are at as we “educate, support, and prepare all learners for success.”

We have an ongoing need for substitutes in all areas and are offering a substitute information session on Sept. 24 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the district office. This will be an opportunity for anyone wanting to learn more about subbing in our district to meet with our human resources staff and ask questions.

We hire subs in roles including teaching, paraprofessional, and administrative assistant daily and have many opportunities for people who are interested in this work.

At Park Side, students kicked off the year with time to meet staff, tour the building, and visit their classrooms. Taking time for our younger students for this orientation helps ensure a smooth and successful school year.

For many of our Park Side students, this is their first experience in a school setting. These days help us get to know their unique academic, social, and emotional needs.

Early childhood family education classes will be starting soon. We offer classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There are a few spots still available, to register call Marshall Community Services at 507-537-6767.

At Southview, we welcomed about 540 students into the building on Sept. 4. The Southwest Minnesota State University women’s soccer team along with cheerleaders were here to greet our students as they entered the building. Our third- and fourth-grade students then created a tunnel to welcome our second- grade students into Southview.

Our area of focus at Southview this year will be the whole school implementation of the U-Time activities. These activities are designed for our teachers to get to know our students at a deeper level. Our goal is to get to a point where all students feel comfortable going to teachers with any concerns they may have

We are thrilled to report a fantastic beginning to the school year at Marshall Middle School. On Sept. 3, we welcomed over 625 students to our open house/picture day. Looking ahead, we have several notable events on the horizon, including NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) testing, bus safety training for all students, as well as our first safety drills.

Our Link Crew program continues to provide a great transition for our 9th grade students. Our junior and senior “Link Leaders” have done an outstanding job in welcoming our new students to MHS.

Recently, we were notified that three of our students have advanced to the semi-finalist round of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Senior students Ryan Botsford, Carter Gehrke, and Jack Gunn have been recognized this year. These students, along with other students around the United States are competing in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Homecoming Week will take place the week of September 23-27. We are working with the Student Council to host coronation during the school day that week with the homecoming dance occurring on Friday night.

At the ALC, our move is complete, and school is off and running. There are only minor items left from the construction punchlist. It is so great being in this building with classroom walls and doors. Students have commented on how this feels more like a school than before. Everyone is very appreciative of the new facility!

CTI classes are off and running. The CTE classes have begun the safety and introductory units. CNA is working on all their introductory and legal/rights to know units. CTE Program certification and approval is currently in progress.

Our speech coach, Donna Van Keulen, was honored by the National Speech and Debate Association for leading our program into the prestigious “100 Club,” which recognizes excellence in leadership, competition, and service activities.

This year marks the second year of free school breakfast and lunches for students. Each student may receive one free breakfast and one free lunch per day. This program is a great benefit to many of our students and families. We still encourage families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits (Free/Reduced Application). By completing this application, families may be eligible for potential discounts on school-related fees and activities and it helps ensure our data is accurate in various grant and funding applications.