Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Community Education Coordinator Naomi McCord enjoys putting creativity into her work and play. These lighted holiday houses were among the decorations for the Aim to Achieve dance in late December. Aim to Achieve promotes lifelong learning and community involvement for adults with developmental, sensory, cognitive and physical disabilities.

Naomi McCord’s job title shifted to Community Education coordinator mid-year, but long before accepting this comprehensive position she had filled several key components over the last 13 years. “I love what I do,” she says.

And she does a lot: developing programs and classes for youth, families and adults, collaborating with community partners – from the public library to the senior center, from the county to the state – from January through December. In short, she focuses on lifelong learning.

You’ve held several jobs in Community Education & Recreation. Please briefly describe your path to your current position.

I started out working with the Aim To Achieve program back in the fall of 2011 and quickly it became one of my favorite things! It was that next summer (2012) that I began working at Kids Junction – and a few years ago that became my full-time world until this last July the opportunity to be in this role was available.

What about the job brings you joy?

I love planning and seeing how all of the details come together and working with great community partners.

The department will release its winter/spring course catalog this week. If you could take one class today, what would it be and why?

Julie Fjetland’s Bob Ross “Wet-on-Wet” painting class. I am very excited to paint the northern lights painting she’s offering in March.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love to travel and visit new places. I am on a mission to visit all 30 MLB ballparks – 10 down, 20 to go! I enjoy finding local coffee shops and bakeries in my travels as well. So far the best croissant I have had was in Toronto.

Jess Peña, RWPS Nutrition Services director, will share tips to get kids eating well during a live guest appearance Tuesday on KMSP's "Good Day." The program will air at 9 a.m. on FOX 9.

"There is a strong link between eating nutritious meals and academic success," Peña says. "This is why the Minnesota School Nutrition Association advocates that our students take advantage of breakfast and lunch each school day."

With the start of a new year, healthy eating is a common resolution for families. Some of the options served at school easily translate to home use:

• Dip it or dunk it – Offer low-fat dressings, yogurts, or hummus to make it fun to eat raw fruits and veggies.
• Create a food kaleidoscope – Children commonly eat with their eyes, if it looks colorful and bright, they are more likely to give it a try.
• Include kids in menu planning and prep – Let them help make decisions at the grocery store and get involved in the kitchen.
• Feed their inner adventurer – Provide opportunities for children to sample small portions of new foods.
• Let their taste buds travel – Provide a variety of foods from different cultures and cuisines to try.

"When you give students choice they are more likely to try new things," she says.

RED WING HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR

Wednesday, Jan. 8: Wednesday enrichment.

Friday, Jan. 10: Activities grade check.

Jan. 13-17: Finals week.

Tuesday, Jan. 14: Club/enrichment day.

Friday, Jan. 17: First semester ends.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school for students.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Second semester starts.

Wednesday, Jan. 22: Wednesday enrichment.

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: Jan. 6-10.

Activities: gowingers.com

Ready Set FAFSA! is a series of free financial aid events available to Minnesota students and families via Zoom. The series Tuesday evenings in January, is intended for current high school students and will cover general information about the college application and financial aid process; details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students; and other ways to pay for college. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Attendees can ask questions in the chat and have them answered during the event by financial aid experts. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 scholarship (one entry per session attended).

Dates and topics

Jan. 7 -- Apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA

Jan. 14 -- Apply for MN Dream Act

Note: Students are either eligible for the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, not both. Choose either the Jan. 7 or 14 session based on your eligibility. FAFSA is for 12th grade students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Jan. 21: Search for Scholarships.

Jan. 28: Understand Your Aid Offer.

All sessions start at 7 p.m. and are offered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC The College Place and Minnesota Goes to College. For session registration, visit the Ready Set FAFSA! landing page. For promotional materials for schools in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish, visit the Minnesota Goes to College website.

Anderson Center staff invited Tower View students and staff to kick off winter break with a holiday luncheon. The event has become a traditional component of the Anderson Center and RWPS' longstanding collaboration.

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Friday, Jan. 17: First semester ends.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Second semester begins.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

154 Tower View Drive

Office: 651-388-8963

Webpage: Tower View

Every month Heather Finholm and Brent Wyatt's grade 7 math students head to Sunnyside Elementary where they work with kindergartners. The December and November activities each had a holiday theme.

TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR

Monday, Jan. 13: Grades 6 & 7 choir concert, 6 p.m., Red Wing High School Hovda Hall.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Twin Bluff newsletter: January.

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

Phone: 651-385-4530

Webpage: Twin Bluff

Burnside students had opportunities the week before winter break to place handprints on the school's new tipi, which will go up this spring. The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee purchased tipis for each school and is coordinating the handprint project.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Wednesday, Jan. 8: Red Wing Royal Ambassador readings.

Friday, Jan. 17: Second quarter ends.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school; teacher workday.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Third quarter begins.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Burnside Bulletin newsletter: January.

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

Phone: 651-385-4700

Kids Junction: 651-385-4709

Webpage: Burnside Elementary School

Sunnyside students have their fingers crossed for more snow -- and a little warmer weather -- so they can get back to their favorite recess activity. See more photos on the Sunnyside Facebook page.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Wednesday, Jan. 8: Grade 1 field trip to Children's Museum (Swanson, Pearson, Tschendorf).

Thursday, Jan. 9: Missoula Children's Theater Assembly.

Wednesday, Jan. 15: Knobelsdorff volunteers read to kindergarten classes.

Friday, Jan. 17: Second quarter ends.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Third quarter begins.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Sunnyside Newsletter: January.

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

Phone: 651-385-4570

Kids Junction: 651-385-4587

Webpage: Sunnyside webpage

Registration for Early Childhood Family Education winter/spring classes is now open. There are a variety of classes for infants and toddlers with their parents/guardians, plus numerous one-time activities from which to choose. Please note that registration is ongoing until classes fill.

Interested families may register by:

• Mail – Print the form and mail it with payment to Colvill Family Center, 269 E. Fifth St., Red Wing, MN 55066. Make checks payable to ECFE.
• Phone – Call 651-385-8000 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Families will be notified only if a class is full or canceled. Access the ECFE brochure online and learn more by visiting www.rwps.org, clicking on Our Schools and then Colvill Family Center.

Get ready to register your child for Little Wingers Preschool 2025-2026. Registration night will be 3:45-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Colvill Family Center. Staff will give building tours and families can meet some of the Little Wingers Preschool teachers. Please call 651-385-8000 to schedule your tour. You may complete the registration form in English or Spanish.

Located at Colvill Family Center, the program offers a variety of 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.

After Jan. 14, forms and registration fees may be dropped off at or mailed to Colvill Family Center, 269 E. Fifth St., Red Wing, MN 55066.

COLVILL CALENDAR

Thursday, Jan. 9: Early childhood screening (appointment required).

Tuesday, Jan. 14: Little Wingers Preschool registration, 3:45-6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school.

Thursday, Jan. 23: Early childhood screening (appointment required).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Colvill webpage

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

Phone: 651-385-8000

Look for the winter/spring brochure arriving in your mailbox this week!

YOUTH CLASSES

Sunday, Jan. 12: Winter Soccer grades K-6.

Monday, Jan. 20: Girl's Fast Pitch Softball Clinic, ages 7-12.

Wednesday, Jan. 22: Teens Only! Intro to Horses at Lost Creek Ranch, ages 13-17.

Thursday, Jan. 23: Intro to Horses at Lost Creek Ranch, ages 7-16.

ADULT CLASSES

Registration opens JAN. 2!

Link to Community Ed & Rec Registration and Class Offerings

Tuesday, Jan. 7: Morning Swim.

Wednesday, Jan. 8: Sound Bath Experience.

Saturday, Jan 11: MN Permit to Carry Certification.

Monday, Jan. 13: Pretty in Pink Snowflake Cake Decorating.

Wednesday, Jan. 15: Coping with Mental Health Conditions, ages 18+.

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

Phone: 651-385-4565

RSV, influenza A & B, noroviruses, COVID and, of course, the common cold have arrived. Red Wing Public Schools reminds staff and students to stay home when ill. This is especially important if you have a:

• Fever over 100 degrees.

• Disruptive cough.

• Runny nose and congestion.

• Sore throat.

• Headache and body aches.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

Be mindful of the following preventative measures:

• Wash hands often.

• Spray down surfaces to disinfect commonly touched areas.

• Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.

• Stay home until your symptoms have significantly improved.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Eat healthy.

• Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.

The bottom line is you need to stay home if you are sick. This will help to stop the spread of any illness.

The School Board will focus on basic governance as the new year begins with three new board members. The board will hold its statutory organizational meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, in Red Wing High School room J110.

The agenda, available on the BoardBook, will include:

• Oath of office.
• Election of officers.
• 2025 meeting schedule.
• Designations of depositories, legal counsel, financial advisor, official newspaper and more.
• Photo of new school board.

The exception to organizational business will be introduction of the Red Wing Royal Ambassadors, who will be returning to college and unavailable to attend a future meeting.

Please note that there will be no public comment, administrative reports, committee updates or consent agenda. There will not be a 5 p.m. workshop.

The meeting will be recorded and streamed on the RWPS YouTube channel. The next regular business meeting as well as a workshop will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, which follows the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Minnesota Statute 123B outlines school district power and responsibilities.

The School Board accepted the following grants and donations in December:

• American Legion Post 54, $250, Red Wing High School Food Shelf.
• Minnesota Educational Facility Management Professionals, $500, MEFMP 2024 Expo grant drawing.
• Alumni, $120, girls swim & dive team.
• Drive 4UR School Program, $1,080, fundraiser at Twin Bluff Middle School; proceeds will go towards new seating for the IMC.
• Aliveo Learning Center, $3,000, girls hockey team.
• Neufeldt Industrial Services, $1,000, Red Wing High School Robotics Team.
• Falk Auto Body & Glass, $500, RWHS Robotics Team.
• Dee Swinarski, $1,000, TBMS Stem Lab.
• The Jones Family Foundation, $4,700, Tower View field trip to the Minnesota Zoo.
• American Legion Post 54, $250, RWHS Food Shelf.
• American Legion Post 54, $250, TBMS Food Pantry.
• American Legion Post 54, $250, TBMS family holiday assistance.

At the Dec. 16 School Board meeting, the Student and School Showcase featured the Twin Bluff Middle School Band Jam. Led by Mike Amend, the students treated the board to a holiday performance. The band played "Carol of the Bells" and "Sleigh Ride," with a little help from a board member on the sleigh bells and a parent on the whip crack.

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Monday, Jan. 6: Red Wing School Board, 6 p.m., Red Wing High School room J110. There is no workshop.

Friday, Jan. 17: Second quarter ends.

Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school for students.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: Third quarter begins. (Note that Twin Bluff Middle School is on trimesters, not quarters, so their grading schedule doesn't change.)

Red Wing School Board, 5 p.m. workshop, RWHS room J108; meeting 6 p.m., RWHS room J110.

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

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