

NMS Update 3.9.2025
Northfield Middle School 24 -25

MS current and future families:
With the communications about budget reduction proposals and the direct effect that it could have on the middle school school day, registration options will look much different. Even though final decisions have not been made and will not be made for several weeks, we need to move forward with our 2025-26 registration.
A significant change is that we may need to move to a 6 period day. We will have students register in a way that allows us to adjust to any changes that could happen between now and when the school board approves the final reductions. This means that students/families will rank the few options they have to choose from. To be clear, in a 6 period day students will only receive one or two of their choices.
Another significant change in 2025-26 is our Math choices. Over the past several years we have had our double accelerated students (pre-algebra in grade 6, Algebra in grade 7, and Algebra II in grade 8) and these will continue. The change that will happen is that all students not in these accelerated classes or receiving special services will be in either Math 6, Pre-Algebra 7, or Algebra 8. The district has a process that includes both data, teacher input, and attendance for giving students the option to be in an accelerated class.
I know this is lots of information and questions will come up and if we need to move to a 6 period day it will be a significant change for Northfield Middle School. Let’s all hope that our state gets public school funding figured out sooner rather than later.
Thank you for your support and specific dates for each grade are listed below.
Grade 7: Talking with students on Monday, March 10 through social studies classes.
Actual registration is Monday, March 17.
Grade 6: Talking with students on Thursday/Friday, March 13 and 14 during Launch.
Actual registration on Thursday/Friday, March 20 and 21.
Grade 5: School Visit Dates:
Prairie Creek- April 3rd
Bridgewater- April 4th
Spring Creek- April 7th
Nerstrand- April 8th
Greenvale- April 11th
Greg Gelineau
Northfield Middle School
NMS Long Term Nurse Sub, Nica Patterson
We want to share an update regarding our middle school nurse. We’ve been fortunate to have Macayla Battin and Maimouna supporting the nurse's office during Carol Reed's absence. Starting Tuesday, March 4, Nica Patterson will be our long-term substitute nurse for the remainder of the year. If you have a moment, please join us in welcoming Nica to the middle school!
Hi! My name is Nica Patterson and I'll be filling in as the long term sub nurse at the Middle School. I have been a sub nurse in the district for the past four years and have worked at each of the schools. Most recently I was the long term sub at NCEC for the past three months. I was born and raised in Northfield. I have 5 kids who attend Northfield schools and daycares; Brayden (12th), Brooke (7th), Griffin (5th), Carly (4 years) and Nash (2 years). Currently my free time is full of hockey games and dance competitions. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. My email is npatterson@northfieldschools.org. I look forward to caring for your kids!
SSIS SEL Screener
The Social Skills Improvement System Brief + Mental Health Scales (SSIS SEL screener) is a short screener that is completed by a student (grades 3-12), or their teacher (grades K-2). The screener takes between 5 and 8 minutes to complete. The focus of the scales is a student’s social emotional learning (SEL) (including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making) and emotional behavioral concern (internalizing and externalizing). The purpose of this online screener is to identify areas of strength and emotional behavioral concerns in students. This will help inform teachers and school leaders in planning Social Emotional Learning (SEL) instructional and programmatic support for students. The screener will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at the beginning of first hour.
March - O - Rama
Our annual 6th grade March-O-Rama festivities will be taking place throughout the month of March. We will enjoy various games, contests, activities and dress up days! Our dress up days are listed below in case you want to join us!
- March 14 - Hoodies Day
- March 21 - Raider Pride Day
A HUGE Thank you!
We would like to thank all of the families, students, and community members who attended the Drama performance of "The Count" and donating food towards the CAC Foodshelf. Between the two showings on February 14th and 15th, we collected 295 pounds of food! Thank you for your donation!
NMS/District Highlighted Students of the Month - February
We are excited to announce our February Students of the Week for Northfield Middle School. Students and families were notified by the nominating teachers. The District will post this on social media in the coming week. Congratulations to Jay, Esther, Austin, Sam, Violet, Rowan, Noah, Ro!
Jay Feyereisn
Don’t let Jay’s quiet demeanor fool you. He is actually very outgoing, using his artistic skills to voice his thoughts and opinions. He is meticulous - details have no chance against Jay’s laser eye accuracy! He embodies the notion of “slow and steady, wins the race.” His finished masterpieces are proof that, to make great art, it takes time. The Northfield Middle School Art Department is very proud of Jay’s contributions.
Esther Voight
Esther has been an asset to the Northfield Middle School art department for three years! She has a big personality and a top notch sense of humor. Esther works hard on her artwork each day, and also regularly helps other students in class. She has a creative eye and always looks for ways to improve and refine her work. We love having Esther as a student in the art department!
Austin Stime
Austin was chosen for participation in the Minnesota Band Director's Association Grade 6-8 all state honor band. He is an excellent percussionist in concert band, and is an integral member of the jazz band as well. Austin is an eager student and loves to learn new things! Congratulations Austin!
Sam Marroquin
Sam is an active musician in the NMS Music Department. He comes to each orchestra class and lesson with a positive attitude and commitment to musical excellence. He is committed to his musical endeavors, actively participating in both 8th Grade Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra at NMS. He has also challenged himself by participating in the NMS Solo & Ensemble Festival. In addition to his work in orchestra, he also plays the saxophone in Jazz Band and the bassoon in 8th Grade Band. Sam is a hard worker, wants to learn and is an asset to the MS Orchestra program. Congratulations Sam!
Violet Froehle
Violet has been selected for this distinguished honor for her exceptional work in choir. Violet comes to every class and voice lesson with a positive attitude. She is reliable and hard-working. Vocally she has grown immensely over her time in choir and is a leader in the alto section. Violet challenges herself by taking advantage of every opportunity, including Solo & Ensemble, Division Street Singers and ACDA-MN State Honor Choir.
Way to go, Violet! Keep up the great work.
Noah Grawe
Noah is exceptionally talented and a huge asset in class. Noah is so kind that he always says "thank you" at the end of the period.
Ro Opatrny
Ro is so talented and always willing to participate. Ro is always one of the nicest students that I've ever had in class.
Rowan Slaney
Rowan is incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions in class. Rowan is a true leader.
This Week's Events @ NMS
Sunday, March 9, 2025: Daylight Savings Time (Spring ahead an hour)
Monday, March 10, 2025: Gold - Day 2
Music Lesson Day 6
- Registration for NMS spring activities opens
- Fitness Center, 3:00 pm
- MSYC, 3:00 pm - Leadership Club, Homework Help, Cultural Cooking Club, Sports Club (kickball), Black Student Union, Video Contest
- Chidren's Theater, NMS auditorium, 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Maroon - Day 1
Music Lesson Day 7
- SSIS Survey #2, beginning of 1st hour
- Fitness Center, 3:00 pm
- MSYC, 3:00 pm - Homework Help, ESports, Padrinos, Sports Club (basketball), Cultural Cooking Club, Crafts w/Katie
- Division Street Singers, 3:00 pm
- Chidren's Theater, NMS auditorium, 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 12, 2025: Gold - Day 2
Music Lesson Day 8
- One hour late start, 8:57 am
- Grade 8 Orchestra Festival Field Trip, 9:00 am - 2:45 pm
- Fitness Center, 3:00 pm
- MSYC, 3:00 pm - Homework Help, Young Chefs, Sports Club (soccer), LGBTQIA+, Knit & Crochet Club
- Chidren's Theater, NMS auditorium, 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, March 13, 2025: Maroon - Day 1
Music Make-up Lessons
- Fitness Center, 3:00 pm
- Storybook Theater, NMS auditorium, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- MSYC, 3:00 pm - Leadership Club, Homework Help, MESA (slime), ESports, Sports Club (gym games)
Friday, March 14, 2025: Gold - Day 2
Music Make-up Lessons
- Chamber Orchestra
- Jazz Band Festival Field Trip, 8:10 am - 2:00 pm
Upcoming Middle School Events
March 10 - Registration opens for NMS Spring Activities
March 10 - 15 - Children's Theatre, MS Auditorium, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
March 11 - SSIS Survey, beginning of 1st hour
March 12 - Grade 8 Orchestra Festival, 9:00 am - 2:45 pm
March 14 - MS Jazz Band Field Trip, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
March 17 - All District Band Concert, 7:00 pm, NHS
March 18 - MS Spring Conferences, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
March 19 - WEB Spring Break Movie, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm
March 20 - Student Council Meeting, 7:15 am
March 20 - All District Orchestra Concert, 7:00 pm @ NHS
March 21 - End of Quarter 3
March 24 - 28 - Spring Break, No School
March 31 & April 1 - No School, Teacher Prep Days
April 2 - Quarter 4 Begins
April 2 - MS Spring Activities begin, 3:00 pm (Boys Tennis, Boys/Girls Golf, Boys/Girls Track & Field)
April 3 - Public Hearing for Budget Reduction Process, NMS Auditorium, 6:00 pm
April 7 - WEB applications go out on Schoology
April 10 - Student Council Meeting, 7:15 am
April 11 - Films for Foodshelf Movie, NMS Auditorium, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
April 16 - MS Music Solo & Ensemble Festival, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, NMS Auditorium
April 16 - WEB applications due
April 17 - 5th Grade Parent Night, 5:30 pm, NMS Auditorium
April 19 & 20 - Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's, Northfield location
NMS Spring Activities
Our MS spring activities will begin when we return from spring break on Wednesday, April 2nd. Registration opens on March 10th for spring activities. Students are not required to have a sports physical for a middle school activity.
If your middle school student chooses to participate in a HS activity, they must have a current sports physical on file with the HS before you can begin the registration process. Sports physicals can be emailed to Sheryl Docken sdocken@northfieldschools.org or be turned in to Kari Hartwig khartwig@northfieldschools.org at the middle school office.
The following middle school activities are offered for students in grades 6 - 8: Fitness Center, Boys' Tennis, Boys/Girls Track & Field, and Boys/Girls Golf. These activities will run Monday through Friday, 3:00 pm - 4:30/4:45 pm. Stay tuned for more information and schedules in the coming months.
Clay Target Information
If you are interested in joining Clay Target this Spring. Please come to the informational meeting on March 10th at 6:00pm in the upper cafe at the High School.
Northfield Hiliners Dance Team
The Northfield Hiliners Dance Team is for anyone interested, from 7th-12th grade. Fill out this commitment form if you are interested in joining the fun! Come try a day of dance with us and get more information at the end!
Community Education Crafting class for 6 & 7th graders
Get Creative and Craft Your Own Unique Gifts!
Join our hands-on class where you'll design cool, meaningful projects like woven heart baskets, cozy warm fuzzies, dreamy dream catchers, and trendy friendship bracelets. It's the perfect chance to chill, unleash your creativity, and make something special-for your friends and yourself!
Student Illness Guidelines
Due to the number of illnesses we are currently seeing, we ask for your help in ensuring your student receives the care they need. Please review the following important information:
- Illness Protocol: If a student is feeling unwell, they are required to check in with the school nurse before contacting parents to arrange for leaving school.
- Sign-Out Process: Parents should sign their student out at the attendance office before leaving, unless other arrangements have been made with staff.
- Student Communication: All students are permitted to call home from the nurse's office at any time if they are ill.
- Reporting Symptoms: When reporting an illness, please communicate the student’s symptoms.
- Extended Absences: If your student will be absent for an extended period due to health reasons, please contact their counselor to arrange for any necessary accommodations.
NMS Raider Closet
We are excited to share a resource we have at the Northfield Middle School- The Raider Closet. It is a place that ALL students are welcome to use. The Raider Closet has coats, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, pants, shirts, shoes, and more! If you have a middle school student that could use any of these supplies have them come to the student support office during their study hall or before/after school and we can help them pick out what they need! Questions feel free to reach out to Heather Stanton Ims, School Social Worker at 507-663-0685.
Middle School Youth Center (MSYC)
Tutoring Hotline
Tutoring Hotline is a volunteer program that matches Carleton volunteers with Rice County students of all ages in need of free, one-on-one academic assistance in any subject. Our program supports students who already have a set curriculum; our tutors are not equipped to assign new content. Approved tutors sign up for specific tutoring requests depending on their academic interests and availability and will meet with students for about one hour, once a week in a public location or via Zoom. Tutoring sessions are individualized to the student’s needs and may include review of concepts learned in school, preparation for upcoming tests, help with homework, etc.
Helpful Numbers & Links
Activities Hotline
507-645-3559
Attendance Line
507-663-0655
Benjamin Bus
507-645-5720
NMS Main Office
507-663-0650
NMS Office Hours
7:15 am - 3:45 pm
Nurse
507-663-0656
School Fax #
507-663-0660
Student Support Office
507-663-0664
Student Support Team
Our School Counselors are available to assist families with class schedules and questions you may have:
Jenny Streefland - student last name A-H
Natalie Amy - student last name I-P
Cori Yamry - student last name Q-Z
The Northfield School District does not discriminate on the bases of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. You can learn more at https://northfieldschools.org/about/departments/human-resources/ under the Title IX tab."
NMS Administrators
Connect with Greg Gelineau
Email: ggelineau@northfieldschools.org
Location: Northfield Middle School, Division Street South, Northfield, MN, USA
Phone: 507-663-0650
Connect with Michael O'Keefe
Email: mokeefe@northfieldschools.org
Location: Northfield Middle School, Division Street South, Northfield, MN, USA
Phone: 507-663-0650