

Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256
Oct. 27, 2024

Spotlight
This is Paul Frantii's third year teaching third grade. "I truly love helping them build a strong foundation for future success in school and life. Witnessing their growth and progress, both in the classroom and as individuals, is incredibly fulfilling," the Burnside Elementary teacher said.
'Teaching is the best job in the world'
GET TO KNOW PAUL FRANTTI
Teaching demands a lot, but the rewards are incredible, Burnside Elementary teacher Paul Frantti says.
“Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge – it's about fostering connections, empowering students, and cultivating a love of learning,” he said. “I'm grateful to be part of this community of educators, and I am proud of the work we do as Red Wing teachers.”
Why grade 3?
I have found this age to be an ideal fit. At this stage, students are eager to learn, curious about the world around them, and open to new challenges. Their energy and enthusiasm make each day in the classroom a blast!
When did you realize that you wanted to teach?
All of my friends thought I was pranking them when I said I was going to become a teacher. Simply put, I was not always the most engaged student when attending Calumet High School in Calumet, Michigan. I was far more interested in exploring the outdoors, playing sports, or enjoying the other aspects of life in the Upper Peninsula.
While attending Michigan Tech University (mostly to play football) I was introduced to a professor that changed my perspective on education. This professor was extremely engaging and dynamic, and during a session of mandatory office hours, she convinced me that “I must become a teacher.” The only issue was that MTU did not have an education program. So, in an act of spontaneity, and to the chagrin of my parents, I gave up my football scholarship and moved to Minnesota to pursue a degree in elementary education.
My professor was right, I needed to become a teacher. I am so fortunate and thankful for this advice!
What would you tell someone thinking about becoming a teacher?
It’s no secret that we need more teachers. However, I still think that teaching is the best job in the world! You get to feel like a kid every single day and you still get SUMMER VACATION! I can also guarantee that a teacher will never be bored.
Teaching requires us to think on our feet, problem-solve, and find new and innovative ways to engage our students. And at the end of the day, the satisfaction of knowing that we've made a positive difference in the lives of our students is priceless.
How do you spend your free time outside of school?
Most of my free time is spent with my wife, Emma, raising our three children, Henry (4), Adeline (2) and Samuel (8 months). Emma is also a third grade teacher at Burnside Elementary, but is on leave to be home with the kids.
Our normal weeks are spent hiking the many trails in Red Wing, visiting the public library, and doing absolutely anything to keep the children entertained. Additionally, we love to vacation along Lake Superior, where we can recharge our batteries while hiking, reading, and exploring one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Our schools
Red Wing High School
Wingers spent a day speaking German on the University of Minnesota campus.
Ein Tag des Lernens ... a day of learning
Twenty-two Red Wing High School German language students attended the University of Minnesota's College in the Schools field day on Oct. 24.
First, they used their German by speaking to exchange students and teachers. In addition, they learned about careers, college life, and opportunities to study and travel abroad. There were over 150 students there from around the state.
Photo: Nisha Catarino Santiago (right) stands with University of Minnesota College in the Schools representative Ruth Steinhagen.
RWHS 11th grader Nisha Catarino Santiago presented about her year studying in Germany during the 2023-2024 school year. She spoke in German for over 10 minutes about her experience.
"We were all so proud of her, and she did an amazing job speaking in German," teacher Nikki Roschen said.
The blazer she is wearing has pins from the countries of people she met during her year abroad. The blazer represents the lasting friendships and connections she has around the world because of her experience.
A window into training for careers in health care
Several Red Wing High School students interested in medical careers attended Minnesota State College Southeast's first Health Care Fair on Oct. 22. The event showcased the newly opened Nursing and Health Sciences Center in Red Wing. The students visited with potential employers as well as interacted with robotic "patients." See more photos on the Red Wing High School Facebook page.
RED WING HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR
Monday, Oct. 28-Nov. 4: Día de los Muertos celebration.
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Enrichment advisory schedule.
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Costume contest.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Final day to register for AP exams (see link below).
Monday, Nov. 4: Open house-style conferences, noon to 7 p.m.; no school for students.
Deadline for immunization records and physician authorization to issue medication.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: Enrichment advisory schedule.
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: Oct. 28-Nov. 1.
Activities: gowingers.com
Tower View Alternative High School
TOWER VIEW CALENDAR
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: No school for students.
Deadline for immunization records and physician authorization to issue medication.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
154 Tower View Drive
Office: 651-388-8963
Webpage: Tower View
Twin Bluff Middle School
Math matters in real life
Buyer/planner Matthew Kolstad with Blaine Brothers Parts, Service & Towing presented to seventh grade math students during WINN: Math In Real Life. Students explored how to use Excel spreadsheets and write discount formulas for inventory. See more photos on the Twin Bluff Middle School Facebook page.
TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting).
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: Parent-teacher conferences; no school for students.
Deadline for immunization records and physician authorization to issue medication.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
Student hours: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Twin Bluff newsletter: October
Attendance: 651-385-4550 or tbmsattendance@rwps.org
Phone: 651-385-4530
Webpage: Twin Bluff
Twin Bluff and Sunnyside
Relationships add up to math success
Students in two of Mr. Wyatt's and Mrs. Finholm's grade 7 math classes traveled to Sunnyside to participate in the continued pilot program of Math Buddies. They helped kindergarten students in Mrs. McDonnell's and Mrs. Prigge's classes with pumpkin math, which included making hypotheses and practicing their estimation skills, as well as practicing measuring units and counting by grouping.
Sunnyside Elementary School
Learning to be fire aware
Sunnyside students participated in fire safety lessons last week and got a VIP tour of a fire engine. See more photos on the Sunnyside Elementary Facebook page.
Kindergarten, grade 1 conferences are Nov. 4
Sunnyside Elementary parent-teacher conferences will be Monday, Nov. 4. There will be no school for students on that day. The school will again use online signup through PTCFast.com, which will help parents/guardians to better choose a time that meets their needs.
To sign up, click on the link below and follow the prompts to register and choose a conference time.
Per district procedure, we have one 15-minute conference time available per student. It is imperative that parents/caregivers who are connected to the student are receiving the same information and planning together, as a team, how to best support the student.
Please contact the Sunnyside office at 651-385- 4570, if you have any difficulty signing up for a time.
SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting).
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: Parent-teacher conferences; no school for students.
Deadline for immunization records and physician authorization to issue medication.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: Bus Stop and Walk (weather permitting).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
Student hours: 7:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Sunnyside Bulletin newsletter: October
Attendance: 651-385-4580 or SESattendance@rwps.org
Phone: 651-385-4570
Kids Junction: 651-385-4587
Webpage: Sunnyside webpage
Sunnyside and Burnside
The mystery for October is solved
Members of the Red Wing Police Department were the mystery servers in the Sunnyside (above) and Burnside (below) cafeterias this month. Thank you!
Burnside Elementary School
Water Street Dance, a modern dance troupe from Milwaukee, held two assemblies at Burnside Elementary School-- one Oct. 21 for the entire school and a second Oct. 22 for small groups. In addition to learning about some dance styles such as ballet, modern and hip hop, students had opportunities to dance. The Sheldon Theatre coordinated the assemblies through a grant.
Grades 2-4 conferences are Monday, Nov. 4
Burnside Elementary parent-teacher conferences will be Monday, Nov. 4. There will be no school for students on that day. The school will again use online signup through PTCFast.com to help parents/guardians better choose a time that meets their needs.
To sign up, click on the link below and follow the prompts.
Per district procedure, we have one 15-minute conference time available per student. It is imperative that parents/caregivers who are connected to the student are receiving the same information and planning together, as a team, how to best support the student.
Please contact the Burnside office at 651-385- 4700 with any questions.
BURNSIDE CALENDAR
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Bus Stop and Walk (weather permitting).
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: Parent-teacher conferences; no school for students.
Deadline for immunization records and physician authorization to issue medication.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: Bus Stop and Walk (weather permitting).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
Student hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burnside Bulletin newsletter: October.
Attendance: 651-385-4715 or: BESattendance@rwps.org
Phone: 651-385-4700
Kids Junction: 651-385-4709
Webpage: Burnside Elementary School
Colvill Family Center
Playing in the leaves
The Little Wingers 4-year-old class spent time outdoors. Sometimes the best lesson is how to be a kid.
COLVILL CALENDAR
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: No school for students.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 651-385-8000
Community Education & Recreation
Many classes await you this fall. To view the catalog, click the front cover photo, make your selections and then register.
YOUTH CLASSES
Saturday, Nov. 2: Open Swim & Gym.
Mondays/Wednesdays, Nov. 4-Dec. 18: Youth Beginner Boxing, ages 6-17.
Tuesdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 17: Tween Art Adventures, ages 9-13.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Kids Clay Ornaments, grades 2-4.
Tuesdays/Thursdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 19: Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ages 4-13.
Saturday, Nov. 9: Young Engineers, ages 6-11.
ADULT CLASSES
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Sound Bath Experience.
Saturdays, Nov. 2-16: Picture Shelf Ledges.
Sunday, Nov. 3: Introduction to the Forge.
Nov. 6-Feb. 8: Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League.
Wednesdays, Nov 6.-Dec. 11: Therapeutic Chair Yoga.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: Instant Pot 101.
Women, Weight, & Hormones - online.
Saturday, Nov. 9: MN Permit to Carry Certification.
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 651-385-4565
District News
RWPS needs substitute teachers
Red Wing Public Schools partners with Teachers On Call to recruit substitutes for our schools, and we have a high demand for substitute paraprofessionals. We need your help!
Enjoy the benefits of creating your own schedule while earning extra income. If you have a high school diploma or GED and are passionate about supporting our students, we would love to have you on board. No experience required.
Start your application today: teachersoncall.com/talent/apply-now/. Have questions? Reach out to Sydney Arens at sydney.arens@teachersoncall.com or call 800-713-4439.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
Thursday, Oct. 31: Quarter 1 ends.
Friday, Nov. 1: No school for students.
Monday, Nov. 4: School conferences; no classes.
Red Wing School Board, 5 p.m., workshop in Red Wing High School room J108; regular meeting, 6 p.m., RWHS room J110.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day.
Friday, Nov. 8: Community Veterans Day Commemoration, Red Wing High School gymnasium.
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
About our district
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