Dear Northfield School District Families:
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying your summer. This update includes reminders about family conferences, the start of the school year, great news about expanding our successful community school model, employment opportunities, and a school board meeting update.
As the calendar turns to mid-July, some people are thinking about the beginning of the school year. Here are some key dates for you to remember:
- Aug. 31 and Sept. 1: family conferences (you will receive additional information later this month from your student’s school about this event)
- Sept. 6: the first day of the 2022-23 school year
- You can view the 2022-23 school year calendar here.
Community School model expands to Bridgewater Elementary and Spring Creek Elementary
Following the success of the Community School at Greenvale Park Elementary, plans are underway to replicate a full-service community school model at Bridgewater and Spring Creek Elementary Schools. Using American Rescue Plan Funds designated for out-of-school time programming, this expansion is federally funded for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. A community school is both a school and a community resource, with an integrated focus on academics, health, social services, youth development, and community engagement. Family engagement and support are critical components of the community school model. We are thrilled to expand this successful program to Bridgewater and Spring Creek using federal funds.
Employment opportunities (including substitutes)
Would you like to make a difference in our community? The district has several positions available for the 2022-23 school year, including a need for substitute teachers and educational assistants.
To become a substitute teacher, you need a four-year degree. You can learn more about how to obtain a State of Minnesota short-call substitute teaching license here.
A high school diploma is needed to serve as an educational assistant (commonly referred to as a paraprofessional). There are both regular educational assistant and substitute educational assistant positions available.
You can view our job openings and complete an application by visiting the district website.
School Board Meeting Update
The school board held a regular board meeting on July 11. The board packet & table file are located on our website. The board approved the consent agenda, the Coaches, ECFE, Hand in Hand, High School, KidVentures, and Portage Secondary handbooks for the school year 2022-23, a request to hire an additional non-licensed special education staff, the resolution regarding conducting school business on the federal Christopher Columbus holiday, and the resolution designation of the identified official with authority for the MDE external user access recertification system.
The board continued to discuss developing a facilities plan for Northfield High School. They agreed to hold a special meeting on Aug. 1 at 6 pm to determine the next steps in the process.
A video of the regular board meeting is available on our website and you can listen to my recap of the meeting on KYMN radio.
Thank you
Our entire society has persevered through incredible challenges over the past two years. I sincerely value the open and honest relationships we have with our families. I am looking forward to moving ahead together in pursuit of our district’s vision to prepare every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with feedback about the school district.
Sincerely,
Matt
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Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools