Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Behind all that Red Wing High School principal secretary Bethany Borgschatz does every day is students' ultimate success. Graduation is part of that!

Before becoming the high school principal’s secretary, Bethany Borgschatz wore \other hats – or caps – at Red Wing Public Schools. Now having been “on the job” supporting Principal Joshua Fuchs for three months (10 months if you include time as interim secretary) she’s found her sweet spot.

Just what does being assistant to the principal involve?

It may be easier to ask: What don’t they do? I kid, I kid. I assist in managing and greeting the daily substitute teachers (which is fun since I used to be one). I monitor our high school budget and make purchases. I organize open houses and conferences. I run the local scholarship program and plan and organize all things graduation. Countless other things, too, but my main goal is to help where and when I can – be it a quick question or a problem to solve.

What is your favorite thing about the job?

I absolutely love working with high school students. We get them as eighth graders and watch them grow into young adults. It’s fun to chat with them and find out their goals in life and the things they’re passionate about. It’s so great to watch them mature and become these cool humans who are going to go out into the world and do great things. They inspire me.

You served on the Red Wing School Board for 4 years, helping to set policy. What made you decide to get in the trenches, so to speak?

I do love to be in the room where decisions are being made, but about halfway through my service I felt like it was time to get a “boots on the ground” experience. I wanted to see what it was like in classrooms and use the degree in education I was still paying for. I subbed in every grade and in every building. It was a unique time to serve on the board while watching firsthand how our decisions affected the students and staff.

After subbing for a couple of years, I needed a home base. I knew I didn’t want to teach full time, so when the attendance secretary position became available I snatched it up (holding that job for 5 years). I found working in the office gives me a great balance of tasks to complete but also provides opportunities for student interactions.

What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?

I do love to cook and try out new recipes for my family. I have a ton of favorites, but since it’s soup season I’ll go with my Greek Avgolemono soup. In true food blog fashion, I have to share a bit before I get to the recipe ;). I discovered this dish during COVID when we were stuck at home and our family decided to travel with “Around the World Dinners.” We would cook famous dishes from different countries, play traditional music, and learn about the country we were “in” that night.

Describe something people might not know about Red Wing High School today.

Building relationships with students is our Great Joy here. Everyone that works in this building wants every one of our students to feel welcomed, safe, and at home here. It can be hard, especially when rules have to be enforced and reactions are heightened, but even then I get to witness countless more interactions between staff and students that are positive and encouraging.

How do you spend your free time outside of school?

I’m an avid reader. Right now, I’m reading a fantasy novel and listening to an audiobook about the Oregon Trail. It’s such a good way to knock out my TBR (to be read) list … if only I could stop adding books to it. Oops.

Mostly, I’m a homebody. I like to be home with my husband, Dana, and our youngest daughter, Evie, cooking family dinners, watching movies, taking our dog for a walk, and having Facetime calls with our oldest daughter, Elaina. Taking joy in the simple life the way a Hobbit would.

From frogs to princes and Cinderummpelstiltskin to a truly ugly duckling, Red Wing High School students promise to fracture fairytales when they bring the children's play "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales" to life Oct. 11 and 12. Photo by Demi Brunkhorst

Imagine if the princess’s troublesome pea had been a bowling ball. What if the wolf had encountered Little Red Running Shorts instead of that girl in a hood?

Everything from Chicken Little to the Gingerbread Man gets a makeover when Red Wing High School students stage “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.” The children’s play by John Glore is based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.

Show times are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, and 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Little Theatre. Adult tickets are $5; students enter free.

“This show is unlike any I have done before. There is so much packed into a single hour – silly songs, chattering chickens and even a tantalizing tortoise,” said senior and stage manager Haylie McTaggert. “Never would I have imagined that theater would become such a huge part of life or that I would help with a production called ‘The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.’ This show is interesting to say the least and will most definitely leave you wondering what will happen next!”

Prior to staging the play for the general public, students will open their final dress rehearsal to first grade classes at 9:15 a.m. Oct. 10.

“Please come and support our students, especially the seniors. All the cast members have worked very hard to bring the play to life,” director and RWHS Performing Arts adviser Demi Brunkhorst said.

Red Wing High School 2023-2024 yearbooks arrived this past week. Current students who paid for one in advance are able to collect their copy during lunch periods.

Now we are ready for Class of 2024 graduates to pick up their yearbook. Anyone who left RWHS after the 2024 school year is welcome to swing by the high school office between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays or make arrangements with Bethany Borgschatz at baborgschatz@rwps.org or 651-385-4603.

A few facts

• Aine Hanson created the cover art.
• The book is 144 pages.
• A few copies area available for purchase. Email rwhsyearbook@rwps.org for details.

RED WING HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR

Wednesday, Oct. 9: Enrichment advisory schedule.

Senior cap and gown meeting 1:15-1:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11: "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," 6:30 p.m., Little Theatre.

Saturday, Oct. 12: "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Little Theatre.

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

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. 7-12

Activities: gowingers.com

Tower View's wildlife class is conducting a research project with trail cameras on the Anderson Center property. Students were out checking cameras and downloading photos on Thursday. Their project is documenting the variety of species on the property and attempting to look for patterns in wildlife movement based on time, date, and temperature.

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

154 Tower View Drive

Office: 651-388-8963

Webpage: Tower View

A guest chef worked with Family and Consumer Science students to make dishes from different cultures. Jose Lemke made Chilean Merienda, a hearty snack, with the seventh grade class.

TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR

Wednesday, Oct 9: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting).

Friday, Oct. 11: All School Dance.

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting).

Picture day.

Grade 5 Earth Orbit Expo.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

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

Third grade teacher Paul Frantti's STEM bin rollout was a big success Thursday. Students explored science, technology, engineering and math concepts through hands-on learning. See more photos on the Burnside Facebook page.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Oct. 7-11: Fire Prevention Week.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Grade 3 (half) field trip to apple orchard.

Wednesday, Oct. 9: "Walk and Roll Back" on Walk to School Day.

Thursday, Oct. 10: Grade 3 (half) field trip to apple orchard.

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: Bus Stop and Walk (weather permitting).

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

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

Many Sunnyside students on Sept. 30 marked Orange Shirt Day, a time of reflection and learning that reminds people that “Every Child Matters,” honoring Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. Find more photos on the Sunnyside Facebook page.

Oct. 6-12 is National Fire Prevention Week. Students will be learning about fire safety, including how to respond if there is a fire at home, during the month.

Red Wing Fire Department representatives will visit Sunnyside the week of Oct. 21 share fire safety information with students.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Kindergarten field trip to Carpenter Nature Center (Kelly, Plonsky, Marklevits).

Wednesday, Oct. 9: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting)

Kindergarten field trip to Carpenter Nature Center (Prigge, Richardson, Alton).

Thursday, Oct. 10: Kindergarten field trip to Carpenter Nature Center (Johnson, McDonnell).

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Tuesday, Oct. 15: Picture Day.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: Bus Stop & Walk (weather permitting)

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

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

Students in Little Wingers 4-year-old preschool incorporated autumn into their learning and play by counting acorns and making acorn "soup."

COLVILL CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 7: Picture Day.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Picture Day.

Thursday, Oct. 10: Early childhood screening by appointment.

Open gym, 5:30-7 p.m., please register.

Monday, Oct. 14: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Colvill webpage

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

Phone: 651-385-8000

Many classes await you this fall. To view the catalog, click the front cover photo, a make choice and then register.

YOUTH CLASSES

Thursday, Oct. 17: Creative Clay Wheel Adventure for Tweens, ages 9-13.

Kids Clay for MEA.

Friday, Oct. 18: Kids Clay for MEA.

Saturday, Oct 19: Wooden Pumpkin, grades K-2 with adult, grades 3-7.

ADULT CLASSES

Monday, Oct 14: Autumn Watercolors with Bethany.

Tuesday, Oct 15: Practical ChatGPT Training for Everyone.

Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 15-16: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy: An In Depth Analysis.

Wednesday, Oct 16: Bob Ross “Wet-on-Wet” Painting Class, ages 12+.

Thursday Oct 17: How to Start Any Home Business + 250 Home Business Ideas!

Make Money with a Virtual Assistant/Word Processing Business (Participants must also attend “How to Start Any Home Business + 250 Home Business Ideas!” for a clear understanding of this endeavor.)

Saturday, Oct 19: Wooden Pumpkin.

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

Phone: 651-385-4565

The District Advisory Council is looking for parents of current students to join for the 2024-2025 school year. DAC's are designed to provide feedback and input on instruction, assessment, programming, and the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness report.

If interested please contact Director of Teaching & Learning Emily Seefeldt at easeefeldt@rwps.org.

DAC meeting details

Time: 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Nov.14: Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (formerly Worlds Best Workforce)

Jan. 9: K-12 math -- upcoming curriculum adoptions and new standards

March 13: District Assessments

May 8: Read Act and K-6 Literacy

Minnesota is experiencing a measles outbreak. Measles is a serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through coughing, breathing, and sneezing. Measles can spread easily, especially in schools, so it’s important to know how to prevent it and what to do if someone in your home gets sick.

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect against measles.

• If your child has obtained an exemption for the MMR vaccine, and had not received the MMR vaccine, they could be asked to remain home from school for 21 days or longer if they are exposed to measles.
• If a family member gets measles, or your unvaccinated child is exposed, the school will guide you on how to stay home and out of school and access educational support like homebound instruction to keep everyone safe.

More information about the risks of measles disease and the safety and importance of MMR immunization can be found on MDH’s Measles Basics website.

Barb Dorn, who guided Red Wing School Board through the superintendent hiring process last spring, will conduct a post-hiring workshop at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, in high school room J108. The Minnesota School Boards Association director of leadership development and executive search, will discuss two key topics with Superintendent Bob Jaszczak and the board:

• Use of goals and standards in evaluating a superintendent.
• Steps necessary for Mr. Jaszczak's performance evaluation over the coming year.

The workshop is open to the public but the district will not record or stream it. The agenda also will include a brief summary of the items on that evening's regular board meeting.

Business meeting

The board will convene its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in RWHS J110. On that agenda:

• Financial audit update.
• Annual review of student discipline, public data requests and crisis management policies.
• Return of the Student Showcase.

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 7: School Board, 4 p.m., workshop, Red Wing High School room J108: 6 p.m. meeting, RWHS room J110.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Agenda/Personnel Committee, 9:30 a.m., District Office.

School, city, county and state candidate meet-and-greet, 5-7 p.m., Red Wing Public Library Foot Room.

Tuesday, Oct. 15: Goodhue County Board/Minnesota House 20A candidate forum, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Red Wing High School.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 17-18: No school.

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