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September Newsletter
School District of New Richmond - September 29, 2023
Letter from the Superintendent
Friday, September 29, 2023
The spirit and engagement during Homecoming Week was incredible, as always! Homecoming is a time when we come together to celebrate not only our rich history but also the bright future that awaits our students. We proudly displayed our Tiger Pride and showcased the many talents, strong dedication, and relentless determination of our students, staff, and community members.
Thank you for participating in our Homecoming Week and for your endless support of the School District of New Richmond!
Respectfully,
Dr. Troy Miller
Superintendent
Powderpuff Was Full of Excitement!
The Crowd Cheers For Powderpuff!
Nice Work, Powderpuff Coaches!
Miller on the Move: PLD Days
Congratulations Paperjack Elementary School on Receiving the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools!
Congratulations to Paperjack Elementary on receiving the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools! Paperjack Elementary School is one of 353 schools in the nation and one of eight schools from Wisconsin to be recognized in 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: Exemplary High-Performing Schools (are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests) and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools (are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students).
Paperjack Elementary will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17, 2023, in Washington DC! We are proud of Paperjack Elementary for being presented with this honorable award.
Here is what some of our staff say about receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award:
“I couldn’t be more proud and thrilled that Paperjack Elementary has been awarded the Blue Ribbon Award, the most prestigious national award a school can earn! I am truly blessed to be part of an amazing school of students, families, teachers, staff, and leadership!” ~ 1st Grade Teacher Heidi Johnson Weyer
“Our Paperjack students are amazing - they are artists, musicians, athletes, learners, readers, leaders, and so much more! It felt great to know that Paperjack was selected as a Blue Ribbon School. There are so many bright and loving people that make it a great place to be.” ~ Music Teacher Dakkota Mark
“Honestly, this award is for the people of Paperjack. Whether it's the students, the staff, or the families, this award celebrates the powerful, connected, and loving feeling that breathes through this building. Everyone here makes this school the best community I have ever worked in.” ~ 4th Grade Teacher Kieran DuHoux
“Teaching at Paperjack has been unlike any other workplace I have experienced. It is a school where you can feel the positive energy when you walk through the doors. We are truly part of a team with the common goal of building relationships and taking ownership of the learning and well-being of every person who spends their days here. Being invested in the success and belonging of all makes Paperjack a great place to work and learn each and every day.” ~ 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer Riordan
“I have always been proud to be a Tiger and teach for the School District of New Richmond. I am beyond thrilled to hear the announcement that Paperjack Elementary has received the National Blue Ribbon Award. Paperjack has a very student-centered, progressive, and positive environment that makes every student and staff feel welcome. I am blessed to be a part of our awesome Paperjack family!” ~ 2nd Grade Teacher Julie Gilbertson
See Additional Information Below:
Please watch the Blue Ribbon Schools Announcement video here: https://youtu.be/KmpzyX8PVlA. New Richmond is shown at the 32:35 mark.
Please read about 2023 Awardee Paperjack Elementary here: https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/winning/23wi111pu_new_richmond_paperjack_elementary_school.html.
Please view the full list of 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools here: https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/assets/reports/2023/2023_exemplary_high_performing_schools.pdf.
Please learn more about the Blue Ribbon Awards here: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-2023-blue-ribbon-schools.
SDNR School Board Appreciation Week: October 1-7, 2023
Important Dates in October
October 5: Family Safety Night @ NRHS Auditorium
October 10: Coffee and Conversation with Superintendent Miller @ MS Media Center
October 12: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Out for Elementary Students; Full Day of School for Middle School and High School Students)
October 13: Paperjack Elementary will be recognized for receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools @ Varsity Home Football Game against Hudson
October 16: NRHS Choir Concert @ NRHS Auditorium
October 17: Hillside and Starr Picture Retake Day
October 17: NRHS Orchestra Concert @ NRHS Auditorium
October 19: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Out for Elementary Students; Full Day of School for Middle School and High School Students)
October 19: Middle School Picture Retake Day
October 20: No School
October 21: Clearwater Choral Festival @ UW-Eau Claire
October 23: No School
October 25: Starr 4th Grade Fine Arts Field Trip
October 26: High School and Paperjack Picture Retake Day
October 26: Paperjack 4th Grade Fine Arts Field Trip
October 26: WSMA Choir Concerts in Madison, WI
October 27: WSMA Jazz Band Concert in Madison, WI
October 28: WEMA Middle Level Concerts in Madison, WI
Coffee and Conversation
Please join Superintendent Miller for a cup of coffee and school-related conversation. All School District of New Richmond parents and guardians are welcome to attend our Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the Middle School Media Center. Coffee from Bizzy Bean will be provided!
School Store Hours!
Save the Date - Family Safety Night October 5, 2023
Today, ADDICTION impacts more than 40 MILLION Americans and 90% of those who STRUGGLE with addiction start BEFORE 18, while SUICIDE is the leading cause of death among teens.
RISE TOGETHER, and SAFE Project are non-profits on a mission to decrease youth substance and increase positive mental wellness by educating, engaging, and empowering youth to use their voices for change, breaking the silence around addiction and mental health. These organizations aim to provide communities with HIGH-QUALITY educational programs, workshops, and training that help build strong youth advocates and leaders.
New Richmond High School students and teachers will participate in the RISE TOGETHER Prevention Program, which will take place on October 5, 2023. An educational seminar will also be open to the public for parents on October 5th at the New Richmond High School in the Auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation will start at 6 p.m.
The educational seminars for our students, staff, and parents aim to educate our community about the overwhelming number of young people suffering from significant trauma, large amounts of stress, substance use disorder, self-harm, suicidal tendencies, and other social & emotional health conditions.
The goal is to inspire through storytelling, creating hope and igniting motivation for change. Ultimately breaking the silence and getting a life-saving conversation started; conversations that can prevent the onset of substance use and support overall personal health and wellness.
To learn more, watch the RISE TOGETHER video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfMRej7DDg.
6th Annual Mattress Fundraiser for NRMS Choir and NRHS Choir and Band Tomorrow!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 30th, because something truly exciting is happening at the High School! It's the 6th annual Mattress Fundraiser brought to you by the New Richmond Middle School Choir Program and the High School Choir and Band Programs!
Discover a world of comfort as you explore an extensive range of mattresses in all sizes and for any budget, adjustable bed frames, luxury pillows, and oversized bean bag chairs – all waiting for you to try out!
But that's not all! Every single purchase is made to order and will be delivered right to your doorstep, making it super convenient for you. Plus, the best part – all proceeds go directly towards supporting our talented NR Tiger musicians!
This legendary fundraiser has already raised thousands of dollars, and we're gearing up to make this year even more spectacular!
Remember, our fundraiser's success depends on YOU spreading the word about this ONE DAY sale! Share this link with everyone you know, and let's make a difference together!
Do you have any questions or need more info? Reach out to Stephen Dahle, our Middle School Choir Director, at sdahle@newrichmond.k12.wi.us. You are also welcome to contact our High School Choral Director, Jodi Mealey at jmealey@newrichmond.k12.wi.us, or High School Band Director, Matthew Mealey at mmealey@newrichmond.k12.wi.us with any questions.
Let's make this fundraiser the most melodious success yet!
Please view our Event Page on Facebook HERE: https://fb.me/e/6Vasw00cQ
Bridging Brighter Smiles Information
Congratulations on Your Retirement!
Classroom Highlights!
NRHS Spanish Department
NRMS Art Department
Hillside Kindergarten Classes
Paperjack 2nd Grade Classes
Starr 5th Grade Classes
Achievements in the Agriculture Department
Gillis Earns American FFA Degree
Sauvola to Perform in National FFA Chorus
Taylor Places 5th at State FFA Convention
Sauvola Named Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor of the Year
The School District of New Richmond is honored to announce the recent accomplishments of our Agriscience Instructor, Rachel Sauvola. In June of 2023, Sauvola was named the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor of the Year! Sauvola was selected by agriculture teacher peers to receive this esteemed recognition. Sauvola enjoys impacting teachers across the state and country in all stages of their educational journeys and looks forward to continuing her growth as well.
Sauvola also had the opportunity to teach agriculture teachers from around Wisconsin at the Ag Inquiry Institute in Oshkosh, WI. She was able to do this through her role as a Mentor Facilitator for the National Association of Agricultural Educators.
Sauvola was also nominated and chosen to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor bestowed upon the organization for non-student members. This honor recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education, and FFA. Individuals selected have served their community and have supported the agriculture industry. Four people from Wisconsin were selected this year to receive their degree at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in early November.
“All of our recent successes are an incredible start to year 25 and nothing I would have ever imagined happening,” says Sauvola. “It's proof that when students and teachers like me begin their agricultural journey in the 6th grade, starting to set goals for themselves, anything is possible. I am blessed to be in New Richmond, a community that supports agricultural education!”
Congratulations, Rachel Sauvola, on your many accomplishments, and we are excited to see what you will achieve next!
Congratulations New Richmond FFA!
Congratulations to the New Richmond FFA Program on receiving a $5,000 donation from ACLIVIA and their business partner, BNA Realty in Hudson! Bill Wanner of BNA Realty in Hudson, and Rodney Balvitsch, Alcivia COO, stopped by to donate $5,000 to the New Richmond FFA Program! We are so grateful for their support of our FFA chapter! Thank you Alcivia and BNA Realty!
The core causes that ALCIVIA supports are the members, communities, and organizations that seek to promote a positive image of the agricultural industry, youth leadership development, and agricultural education, including the FFA.
Our Agriscience Instructor, Rachel Sauvola, was able to give Mr. Wanner and Mr. Balvitsch a tour of all the inspiring projects happening in our agriculture department as well as our SOAR Farm!