Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Twin Bluff Assistant Principal Bobbi Seleski embraces the ups and downs of middle school. "Plus, where else can you get daily fashion advice and critiques from 12-year-olds who think Crocs and pajama pants are peak style?" she says.

Middle school is a beautiful chaos, as Twin Bluff Middle School Assistant Principal Bobbi Seleski puts it. Students are stuck between childhood and young adulthood, navigating a whirlwind of emotions, awkward growth spurts, and an evolving sense of identity.

“I love being part of that journey — guiding them through the highs and lows, helping them develop resilience, and watching them grow into who they’re meant to be,” she said.

What brought you to Red Wing Public Schools in 2020?

My former seventh grade student, and current TBMS counselor Abbie Waage reached out to inform me that Twin Bluff Middle School was seeking a new assistant principal. I had just completed a year as dean of students in Hastings and realized that I loved administration. Nervous to leave my hometown school after 15 years, I took a leap of faith and applied.

Two weeks after accepting the position, the school board announced a transition to neighborhood schools in response to the challenges posed by COVID. Thus, my administrative career began as an elementary assistant principal.

Two years later, we transitioned back to a middle school setting, and I found myself again in my element — working with the pre-adolescent, often sassy (and occasionally smelly) teenagers I love. The past three years have been among the most rewarding of my career. Every day, I am grateful for the students and team I work with, making me one of the fortunate few people in this world who can truly say they love their job!

What do you enjoy most about the middle school scene?

Well, where else can you witness a student walk into a locker because they were too busy talking, break up a heated debate over whether a hot dog is a sandwich (with shockingly valid arguments on both sides), or catch a student clearly sprinting down the hallway at full Olympic speed, only to slow to a casual stroll the second they see you and say, “Bruh, I was walking the whole time, that’s crazy”— all within the same hour?

Every day is different, every challenge is unique, and every victory — whether it's a student mastering self-control, overcoming a fear, or simply remembering their Chromebook for once — feels meaningful.

The Southeast Division of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School recently honored you. How does it feel?

I’m not really one for the spotlight — I prefer to be the person working behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly while someone else gives the speech. My goal has always been to get the job done, support students and staff, and keep things moving in the right direction — without a big production.

This award is a reflection of the incredible students who keep me on my toes, the amazing staff who make the wildest days manageable, and my office team who trusts me despite the fact that I sometimes leave my walkie-talkie in random places. So, to my supportive head Principal Patrick Beierman, who nominated me, and to whoever decided I deserve this at MASSP, thank you. I’m honored, humbled, and only slightly concerned that this means I now have to give a speech.

If you had to spend the winter in a secluded cabin, what books or movies would you bring along?

I’m going to cheat a little here and skip the movies. Instead, I’d download a few TV series like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking” — the ultimate comfort food for my brain and heart. For books, I’d go with anything by Kristin Hannah or Brené Brown.

Hannah’s historical fiction takes you into the past, shedding light on how people survived and thrived in some of the most challenging moments in history. I love learning about those experiences and seeing how they resonate with us today.

And Brené Brown? I like to think of her as my personal life coach, but without the awkward Zoom meetings. I’ve read everything from her but I would, and probably should, do it again. Basically, she’s like a good friend – with a PhD in making me feel like I’ve got this — even when I’m pretty sure I don’t.

What makes you tick?

I am fueled by growth and learning. I’m always trying to better understand myself and the world around me. Finding balance is key, too. As a mom of three girls (two of whom are teenagers — yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds) and a wife, I’m constantly reminded that life doesn’t slow down. Navigating the whirlwind of teenagers at school and at home keeps me humble and up to date on TikTok trends and the strange words students are using.

What really makes me tick, though, is the connections I share with others — whether it’s having a good laugh, engaging in meaningful conversation, or just spending quality time together. Those moments are what I truly value in life.

High school senior Kylie Roth is out in all kinds of weather helping Visit Red Wing promote the community.

By Maria Olson

Flight Paths Intern

Kylie Roth was interested in business and marketing and now she gets to make TikToks for her Winger Flight Paths internship. Originally Kylie thought she would go into political science but realized that wasn’t for her.

She expressed interest in doing an internship to learn more about marketing and now she helps run the social media for Visit Red Wing, a destination marketing organization located at East Avenue and Main Street.

Some days Kylie is around town taking photos and videos while other days she is in the office putting the footage together. She makes short videos to show what there is to do in town, hoping to draw in more visitors. Her videos show a variety of things to do in Red Wing such as going to historic museums, shopping, dining and more.

You can find some of Kylie's work on the Visit Red Wing TikTok and Instagram pages.

So far, Kylie has been enjoying the internship and learning how to market a whole town. She has gained experience in business and marketing in a fun way. This fall she will be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

The Red Wing High School speech team will continue its preparations for the Section 1AA State Qualifying Tournament, which will take place on Thursday, April 10, in Northfield, by hosting the annual Showcase & Senior Night Event.

Free and open to the public, the Showcase will be held Saturday, March 29, at Red Wing High School. The tentative schedule is:

• 5 p.m. welcome.
• 5:15 p.m. Round 1 performances begin.
• 6:30 p.m. senior recognition.
• 7:15 p.m. Round 2 performances begin.

The event should conclude by 8:30 p.m.

Testing season kicks into high gear, starting Wednesday this week. Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, Advanced Placement, Bilingual Seals and FastBridge are on the calendar. The schedule is:

March 26 & 27: MCA Reading, grade 10.

April 1 & 2: MCA High School Science during biology classes.

April 3 & 4: MCA Reading, grade 8.

April 8 & 9: MCA Math, grade 8.

April 10: MCA Math, grade 11.

April 22-24: Bilingual Seals, grades 10-12 (only if they registered).

April 29 & 30: MCA Science, grade 8.

May 1 & 2: MCA make-ups.

May 5: AP Biology.

May 6: AP Chemistry.

AP Human Geography.

FastTrack Reading, grades 8-10.

May 7: AP English Lit and Comp.

May 9: AP United States History.

May 12: AP Calculus.

May 13: FastTrack math, grades 8-10.

May 14: AP English Lang and Comp.

May 16: AP Physics.

May 19-23: FastBridge make-ups

AP test make-ups.

RED WING HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Tuesday, March 25: Student Art Show reception, 4:30-5:30 p.m., grades 5-8.

Wednesday, March 26: Enrichment/Advisory day.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

Class of 2025 scholarship applications due.

Wednesday, April 2: Enrichment/Advisory day.

Thomas X, noon, Sheldon Theater, for registered students.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Student hours: 8:40 a.m. to 3:24 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4660 or rwhsattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4700

Webpage: Red Wing High School

Student newsletter: through March 28.

Activities: gowingers.com

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

154 Tower View Drive

Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Office: 651-388-8963

Webpage: Tower View

Students are experiencing archery training from Sydney Vrieze in P.E. She recently completed her certification to teach archery and said she looks forward to sharing her love of the sport with our students.

TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Tuesday, March 25: Student Art Show reception, 4:30-5:30 p.m., grades 5-8.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Twin Bluff Newsletter: March

Student hours: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4550 or tbmsattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4530

Webpage: Twin Bluff

Red Wing Food Shelf manager Amy Schaffer poses with items Burnside Elementary School donated during March, which is Minnesota FoodShare Month.

Generosity adds up. All told, Burnside students, families and staff donated 900 items weighing out at 742 pounds, plus an additional $300. Classrooms leading the way included Mr. Harding = 176, Mrs. Albers = 134, and Mr. Lahammer = 106. Thank you to everyone!

The CARE Clinic will again provide services at Red Wing Public Schools this spring. Burnside is up first on April 11.

Future locations and dates are:

• Sunnyside Elementary School -- May 2, 2025
• Twin Bluff Middle School - May 9, 2025
• Colvill Family Center - May 16, 2025
• Red Wing High School - May 23, 2025

CARE Clinic provides free dental screenings and preventive care at school during regular school

hours to qualifying students (uninsured or state-insured and whose families meet certain income

guidelines). If you would like your child to receive dental care, please print and fill out the form below and return it to school.

If you are a student who is 18 years or older, you may complete the form by yourself.

Please note: Annual permission is required. Please fill out this form every school year to ensure the

student is seen for care. CARE Clinic may need to call with questions prior to treatment; please be sure to provide a number to reach you during the school day. CARE Clinic Phone Number: 651-388-1022.

Burnside families may call the school nurse's office at 651-385-4704 for more information.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

Wednesday, April 2: First Bus Stop & Walk of the spring season.

Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4: Fourth grade to Mill City.

Friday, April 4: Deadline to purchase a 2024-2025 yearbook.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Burnside Newsletter: March.

Student hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4715 or: BESattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4700

Kids Junction: 651-385-4709

Webpage: Burnside Elementary School

Heading into spring break, first graders on Friday, March 14, celebrated being 120 days smarter. See more photos on the Sunnyside Facebook page.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

Wednesday, April 2: First Bus Stop & Walk of the spring season.

Friday, April 4: Deadline to purchase a 2024-2025 yearbook.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Sunnyside Scoop Newsletter: March

Student hours: 7:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4580 or SESattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4570

Kids Junction: 651-385-4587

Webpage: Sunnyside webpage

The 4s preschool class recently learned about keeping teeth healthy. Students observed and documented what happens when an egg sits in soda pop all week.

Little Wingers Preschool is still accepting registration for a few select classes in the 2025-2026 school year.

Located at Colvill Family Center, the program offers classes for children ages 3-5. The school year will have half-day and all-day options that meet every day for 4-to-5-year-olds. Options for 3-to-4-year-old children include half-day options two or three times a week in the morning, plus an afternoon option Monday-Thursday.

Call 651-385-8000 to learn about openings.

COLVILL CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

Thursday, March 27: Early childhood screening (call for an appointment).

Thursday, April 10: Early childhood screening (call for an appointment).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Colvill webpage

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone: 651-385-8000

YOUTH CLASSES

Tuesday, March 25: Paper Mosaic Collage, grades 2-4.

After School Lacrosse, Gr. 2-4.

Wednesday, March 26: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop Dance Class, ages 3-7+.

Thursday, March 27: Paper Mosaic Collage, grades K-1.

Swim School by Red Wing Swim Club, ages 4+.

Monday, March 31: Youth Beginner Boxing, ages 6-17.

Tuesday, April 1: Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ages 4-13.

Acrylic Painting Class, grades 5-7.

ADULT CLASSES

Tuesday, March 25: Yoga for Grief Support - Online.

Wednesday, March 26: Coping with Mental Health Conditions, ages 18+.

Friday, March 28: Art History Club - Women's History Month.

Saturday, March 29: Saturday Introduction to Wheel Series (5 weeks).

Saturday, April 5: Bob Ross "Wet-on-Wet" Painting Class, ages 12+.

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Phone: 651-385-4565

The district will present its response Monday, March 24, to the American Indian Parent Council’s resolution of non-concurrence. The board meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in Red Wing High School room J110.

Minnesota Statute 124D.78 outlines expectations for parent and community participation in the education program for American Indian students. At the Feb. 24 meeting, AIPC representatives cited four deficiencies they want the district to address:

• Add dedicated staff, including a Native American education liaison and tutors to support the academic success of all Native American students.

• Implement curriculum and language as required by the Indigenous Education For All law, including Dakota language learning from early childhood through high school.

• Enhance bus safety.

• Provide student educational assessment data disaggregated by ethnicity annually.

The meeting agenda also will include:

• Finance update.

• Amending the 2024-2025 school calendar and adopting a calendar for 2025-2026.

• Further discussion on hiring a Black Student Union advisor.

The meeting will be recorded and live streamed on the RWPS YouTube channel.

Find the full workshop agenda on the BoardBook.

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Monday, March 24: No school for students; teacher workday.

School Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School room J110.

Wednesday, March 26: Agenda/Personnel Committee, 3:30 p.m., District Office.

Friday, March 28: Third quarter ends.

Monday, March 31: Fourth quarter begins.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

District Office

2451 Eagle Ridge Drive

Red Wing, MN 55066

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone: 651-385-4500

Website: www.rwps.org

Goodhue County Health & Human Services is hosting a community book club on “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathon Haidt. The book discusses the link between social media use and the negative impacts on youth mental health.

The book club will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 16 at the Red Wing Public Library. This is a Red Wing Public Schools endorsed event.

Questions? Contact Racheal Miller @ racheal.miller@goodhuecountymn.gov.

Red Wing Public Schools strives to provide an innovating and meaningful educational experience that fosters curiosity; pursues and applies best practices; embraces diversity by respectfully engaging all students, families, and staff; and connects and partners with our community. We serve pre-K through grade 12.

Website: www.rwps.org
Location: 2451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Red Wing, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 385-4500