***en Español***

Dear Northfield School District Families,

Thanks, once again, for your continued support of our school district during this challenging time. We value your trust in serving your students.

We have completed the first quarter of the school year. We are pleased with hosting “regular” events like the orchestra, choir, and the all-district band concerts. Our high school is presenting its fall musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, again this weekend. We had a successful fall athletic season and are looking forward to winter sports and activities beginning soon.

Strategic Plan Draft Presented to the School Board

I presented a draft of the district’s new strategic plan to the Board of Education this past Monday night. The draft strategic plan maintains our existing vision, identifies five strategic commitments, and includes 13 benchmarks. Ten of those benchmarks are taken directly from the work of Northfield Promise, a collaboration of 20 community organizations that have dedicated time and resources to ensuring “… all Northfield youth reach their full potential.”

» You can view the draft strategic plan here

The board will review the strategic plan in greater depth at a work session on Nov. 18, discuss it again at its Nov. 22 regular meeting, and be asked to adopt a final version at its Dec. 13 regular meeting.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Veterans Day Celebration

Our nation celebrated Veterans Day on Thursday. We are grateful for the contributions that our veterans have made to our democracy. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Northfield will host a celebration for local veterans at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 3 pm–5 pm. The celebration will include a presentation by Believet Canine Service Partners, recognition of local veterans, and a light meal.

Thank you to all veterans for their service to our nation!

Northfield Racial & Ethnic Equity Collaborative Community Survey

The Northfield Racial & Ethnic Equity Collaborative (NREEC) began in February 2021 as a community-led effort around racial equity and inclusion. It strives to help build our shared cultural competence, understand our biases, and carry out the work of systems changes in our community. Northfield Public Schools is a founding member of the collaborative.

In partnership with a St. Olaf college statistics course, the NREEC “building awareness” workgroup seeks feedback through a community survey. The survey is open through Nov. 30.

» Take the NREEC community survey

The NREEC membership includes the following institutions and organizations: City of Northfield, Northfield Public Schools, Healthy Community Initiative, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, Northfield Hospital + Clinics, Rice County, FiftyNorth, Northfield Area Family YMCA, Community Action Center, Adult Basic Education, Northfield Area Interfaith Association, Northfield Shares, Rice County Neighbors United, Northfield Union of Youth, Three Rivers Community Action, Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Rice County Area United Way, Allina Health, and the Minnesota Humanities Center.

COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities

COVID-19 vaccination is now available for those ages five and older. All 240 appointments at the Nov. 18 vaccination clinic held at the Northfield Community Education Center are taken. Rice County is hosting several other clinics. You can learn more here. Parents can register for appointments at Northfield Hospital+Clinics and Allina Clinic in Northfield. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains this database of vaccine providers.

Vaccination is a family choice. We encourage you to contact your pediatrician if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains this website and the Mayo Clinic maintains this website with resources for families to understand more about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children.
Reminder: Winter Weather Decision Making and e-Learning Days

Please review the information shared in 2021-22 District Family Update No. 5 about winter weather decision-making and e-Learning Days.

Thank You

Once again, thank you for your collaboration and support as we continue working together for our students and their future. We value your trust and partnership.

Sincerely,

Matt


Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools