The Byron Buzz

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 20, 2025

This week, we honor a pivotal figure in American history whose contributions and unwavering persistence continue to shape and inspire countless lives. Tragically, he did not live long enough to witness the full impact of his efforts or the enduring legacy of his ideas, which resonate daily in our society.

One of his many profound quotes holds particular significance for the Byron School District: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” This question serves as a guiding principle in our hallways, reflected in the actions of our staff and students.

This week, as we celebrate Paraprofessional Appreciation Week in Minnesota, it is fitting to acknowledge the incredible work of these essential individuals in our district. Paraprofessionals contribute immensely to the success of our students and programs. They are the unsung heroes who quietly make a profound difference, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive.

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring quote may not physically hang in our hallways, it is embodied daily by the adults and students in our schools. We work diligently to instill a spirit of service in our students, so the act of "doing for others" becomes second nature. Nothing brings greater pride to educators, parents, and community members than seeing our students carry this commitment forward—not only while they are in school but also as they go on to make meaningful contributions to the world.

When this happens, we, as educators, are reassured that our hard work and the district’s vision—“A community of learners committed to making the world a better place”—is being fulfilled. I want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for inspiring our vision, and to our staff and students for embodying his message of service. On Behalf of the Byron School Board, I wish to thank our paraprofessionals for their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting our students, especially those who need it most. We are truly fortunate to have you as part of the Byron family. Thank you for making a difference.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

We are closely monitoring the weather conditions through Tuesday and will notify families as soon as possible regarding any updates or changes to the school schedule.

If school remains in session, please ensure that students are dressed appropriately for the weather to stay safe and comfortable throughout the day. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

The Byron Impact Grant is an ongoing partnership between the Byron School District and First Security Bank in Byron that has been in place for 8 years. Thousands of dollars of equipment have been purchased through this fund over the years to support teachers in furthering their efforts by implementing the Profile of a Graduate district wide. The purpose is to provide funding for school-related projects to enhance student learning that otherwise may go unfunded. Criteria for funding project requests along with additional information on this partnership can be found HERE.

Typically requests are reviewed twice a year from both First Security Bank and Byron School District Staff. Down below are the recipients from this Fall.

A BIG Byron THANK YOU to First Security Bank for their generosity and support!

• Pre-School: Play equipment to enhance and expand their outdoor space with more hands on learning and movement opportunities.

• Primary School: Funds to purchase new bass xylophones for the music classroom so more students have an opportunity to participate.

• High School: Funds to purchase an xTool laser engraver, air filter, materials, and safety equipment used to operate/use the laser. Items will be used to expand student experiences and opportunities in the Fab Lab at the High School.

• High School: Funds to cover software and licensing updates for VR equipment as an added tool to help identify structures and dissect within my Human Anatomy and Physiology class.

The Project Lead The Way class is just one of many in our high school where students can earn college credits for their hard work.

This week, Byron Middle School hosted its annual Spelling Bee competition for our qualifying students. This event is always a highlight, as students enjoy the challenge and excitement it brings. The competition not only showcases their spelling skills but also highlights their hard work and dedication.

A special thank-you goes out to the staff for their efforts in organizing this wonderful event, and congratulations to all the participants who qualified and to the winners for their outstanding achievement.

The "BIG" event is just around the corner, on Feb. 1! Each year, Byron Junior parent volunteers pull together to raise funds for Byron Post Prom. The Post Prom Committee invites you to the BIG event on Feb. 1st at 7:30 pm at Bearwood Event Barn. The event includes games, karaoke, DJ and dancing! It's the perfect parents-night-out. Funds raised at the event support the effort to provide a safe activity for the kids after prom. Any Junior and Senior student can attend, whether or not they went to prom. The goal is to raise enough money that students can attend free, play games, activities and win prizes. Don't hesitate to book your tickets today at https://byronpostprom.betterworld.org.

Beginning this fall, you are able to skip the ticket lines and purchase your tickets for any varsity activity/athletic competition online. We encourage people to use this online ticketing so we can serve you faster and more efficiently. Before attending a game, go to this link: Byron Athletic Homepage where you can pay for the tickets and download them to your phone. Skip the lines and get a better seat for the big game.

Monday, January 20:

• 🏀 7:00pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Red Wing @ BHS Scheels Gym

Tuesday, January 21:

• 🏀 4:30pm - Basketball: Girls C Game @ Cannon Falls High School
• 🏀 4:30pm - Basketball: Boys JV Game @ Cannon Falls High School
• 🏒 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game vs.Eagan @ Eagan Civic Arena
• 🏒 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs.Waseca @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏀 5:45pm - Basketball: Boys C Game @ Cannon Falls High Schoo
• 🏀 6:00pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity Game @ Cannon Falls High School
• 🤸 6:30pm - Gymnastics: Girls Varsity Meet vs Austin @ Austin YMCA
• 🏒 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs.Waseca @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏒 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs.Eagan @ Eagan Civic Arena
• 🏀 7:15pm - Basketball: Boys Varsity Game @ Cannon Falls High School

Wednesday, January 22: ~ No events ~

Thursday, January 23:

• 🏀 4:30pm - Basketball: Girls C Game vs. Pine Island @ BHS Scheels Gym
• 🏀 4:30pm - Basketball: Boys C Game @ Pine Island High School Gold Gym
• 🏒 5:15pm - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game vs.Hastings @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏀 5:45pm - Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Pine Island @ BHS Scheels Gym
• 🏀 5:45pm - Basketball: Boys JV Game @ Pine Island High School Gold Gym
• 🏒 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs.Hastings @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏀 7:15pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Pine Island @ BHS Scheels Gym
• 🏀 7:15pm - Basketball: Boys Varsity Game @ Pine Island High School Gold Gym

Friday, January 24:

• 🏒 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs.Northern Lakes @ Breezy Point Arena
• 🏒 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs.Northern Lakes @ Breezy Point Arena
• 💃 7:15pm - Dance Team: JV Conference Championship @ Zumbrota-Mazeppa HS

Saturday, January 25:

• 🤼 9:00am - Wrestling: Girls Varsity Invitational @ Saint Michael-Albertville HS
• 🤼 9:00am - Wrestling: Boys Varsity Duals @ Kasson-Mantorville High School
• 🏒 10:15am - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game vs. Winona Senior @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏀 10:15am - Basketball: Girls C Game @ Northfield High School
• 🏀 11:30am - Basketball: Girls JV Game @ Northfield High School
• 🏒 12:15am - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs. Eastview @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena
• 🏀 1:00pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity Game @ Northfield High School
• 🏒 1:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs. Little Falls @ Little Falls-Exchange Arena
• 🏒 3:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs. Little Falls @ Little Falls-Exchange Arena

Looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Make a Clay-Date for your Valentine! and join us for an fun 45-minute Wheel-Throwing sampler class designed just for couples! LEARN MORE HERE!

Unleash your imagination in this hands-on class designed for young builders in grades K-2! Using blocks, motors, and basic programming tools, kids will explore the exciting world of creation and innovation. Through guided projects and open-ended challenges, participants will develop problem-solving skills, cooperation, and curiosity as they build, design, and bring their creations to life. Whether it’s constructing towering structures or crafting simple moving machines, this class offers endless opportunities for fun and discovery!

SIGN UP TODAY!

CPR and First Aid Training on January 29

Middle School Cooking Workshop: Cozy Comforts on January 29

From Our Kitchen to Yours: Hearty Beef Stew on January 30

Discover What Owls Eat for Grades 3-5 on January 31