Last week, the Marshall Public School District celebrated the opening of a new location for the Area Learning Center (ALC) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) with a ribbon cutting and open house event. The new ALC facility, developed in collaboration with Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) and Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), was well-received by staff and students alike, representing a significant upgrade in amenities.

October also marked Principal’s Month, and we want to share our gratitude for the leadership and dedication of Principals Brian Jones, Hayden McKittrick, Dan Hoffman, Mary Kay Thomas, Peggy Reynolds, Bennett Appel, Peter Thor, Amanda Pederson, Darci Love, and Tiffany Teske. We are truly fortunate to have such an exceptional team of principals guiding our schools and supporting our staff and students.

The district continued its focus on literacy development, building upon the progress made last year through alignment with the Science of Reading. This year, the emphasis will be on enhancing teachers’ knowledge and instructional practices to further strengthen reading skills across grade levels.

At Southview Elementary, the school’s BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) Coach completed the first of three site visits, observing Small Block meetings, U-Time activities, and the Community Connect meeting. The school also welcomed student-athletes from the SMSU soccer and football teams to greet students as they arrived, fostering a sense of community.

Fifth-grade students had the opportunity to attend the Environmental Fair, returning to school excited to share their newfound knowledge. Homecoming week was another highlight, filled with engaging dress-up days and activities that brought joy to the entire school community.

Marshall High School recently implemented the Securlypass electronic hall pass system, streamlining the hall pass process and improving the management of students out of class during school hours. Additionally, Secretary of State Steve Simon visited the school, speaking to Advanced Placement Government and Current Issues classes about the importance of voting and the democratic process.

The district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are also thriving, with new program approvals underway and strong enrollment, including 13 students in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. Discussions have begun on expanding current offerings and potentially introducing a construction Trades program.

In extracurricular activities, the boys’ soccer team made history by competing in the section championship and securing their first-ever Big South Conference title. The girls’ soccer team also had a successful season, reaching the quarterfinals. The volleyball team continues to make strides, and the marching band placed 3rd in the state in Class AAA at the Youth and Music Festival in Minneapolis.

We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments and progress our schools have made. From new facilities to student achievements and a continued focus on literacy, it has been an eventful and rewarding start to the school year. We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to building upon these successes.

— Jeremy Williams is superintendent of Marshall Public Schools