New Prague Area Schools
District 721 Family Newsletter
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Dear NPAS Families,
Greetings on behalf of the New Prague Area Schools. I hope our monthly communication finds you all well. Spring has arrived, and though I am finding it hard to believe, the end of the 2023-24 school year is right around the corner.
Later this month, approximately 330 students will receive their diploma. Please join me in congratulating both these students and their families for this significant achievement, as well as wishing them the best of luck with all future endeavors.
As you know, the New Prague Area Schools are filled with talented educators who work tirelessly to promote the academic and social development of all of our students. We will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10, and I encourage you to reinforce The New Prague Way and take a few minutes to send a note of appreciation and thanks to an educator who has made a significant impact in your student(s) educational journey. These small gestures go a long way, as together, we celebrate the end to another productive school year.
Thank you for your continued and enthusiastic support of the New Prague Area Schools! Please feel free to reach out to me or another member of the NPAS’ team with any comments or questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Andrew J. Vollmuth
NPHS Receives Youth Skills Training Grant
New Prague High School has been selected to receive a Youth Skills Training grant from the MN Department of Labor and Industry.
Funds received through this grant will be used to create paid work experiences for NPHS students, support the development of new career and technical education opportunities, create new partnerships between our region's employers and NPAS and provide industry-related student certifications.
The press release from the Minnesota Department of Labor may be accessed by clicking the button below.
Elementary Schools Recognize Wellness & Screen Free Week
Boys Volleyball Launched in New Prague!
Following the much-anticipated approval from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to establish Boys Volleyball as an emerging sport in December 2022, New Prague Area Community Education sponsored a boys volleyball program for the spring of 2024. The community education program is a participant fee-based program that operates under the direction of the Minnesota Boys Volleyball Association for the 2023-2024 season.
Greg Sayuk, who is also the New Prague Area High School girls’ volleyball coach, is leading the team in its inaugural season. Greg shared, “I have been really encouraged by the number of boys (30) that have joined volleyball this year, as well as their commitment to the program. They are all showing a drive to get better and they are improving every time they step in the gym. I am excited for the future of the program and building off of the success of this first year!” Under Coach Sayuk’s leadership, the program is building a strong foundation for success in the years to come.
Boys Volleyball will become a sanctioned MSHSL interscholastic sport starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
Congratulations to the team on being part of this history-making addition in Minnesota. We wish all involved the best of luck and continued success as this first season comes to an end and they head into the Minnesota Boys Volleyball Association playoffs and state tournament in June!
New Prague Area Education Foundation - GiveNPDay
The New Prague Area Education Foundation’s goal is "To build a legacy that promotes a community of innovative, lifelong learners." To help achieve this goal for 2024, the foundation held its 1st ever “Give NP Day” campaign to raise money for High School Senior Scholarships and PreK-12th grade Classroom Grants. Give NP Day was designed to raise as much money as possible in one day from alumni, parents, community members and even students.
A social media campaign run by the foundation raised approximately $17,500 on Wednesday, April 24th! The goal for the first year was $20,000, however, another goal was to educate, teach and reach as many people about the foundation and what it stands for. We believe we were able to achieve this goal with over 100 people from the community pledging dollars to the campaign.
There were two $3,000 anonymous donors who helped get the campaign started along with student donations totaling over $2,400. This was a community event that will go a long way towards promoting a community of innovative, lifelong learners.
On Wednesday, May 8th, over $10,000 of that $17,500 raised will be given out to High School Seniors at the Honors Night in the form of scholarships. Each and every dollar raised goes directly back to the kids of our Public and Private schools within New Prague.
If you are interested in donating to the Foundation, please visit the New Prague Area Education Foundation website at anytime at by clicking the donate button below.
3rd Annual Summer Social - Brightening the Future!
Nutrition Services Department: FAQ's
What does my child get as their ‘free meal’?
Free breakfast includes the main entrée (varies from cereal, roll or donut, breakfast bread) and must include a fruit or a fruit juice. Milk is included, but is optional. Students may have both fruit and fruit juice for breakfast if they choose. Free lunch includes the main entree, unlimited fruits and vegetables (at least a ½ cup serving), and an optional milk.
What costs extra for my child?
An extra entree, extra potatoes/rice or extra milk beyond the first serving are charged to the student. Students may also purchase items from our ala carte area (at secondary schools) that include beverages, cookies, chips and frozen yogurt. All items sold through Nutrition Services meet Federal guidelines and are Smart Snack approved.
What is the status of the Free Meal program for the 24-25 school year?
On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the MN Free School Meals bill into law. The MN Free School Meals Program is a permanent program that provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
How was my child able to buy something without money in their account?
Nutrition Services staff will not take food off of a student's tray. If a student comes through the line and requests doubles, the servers give it to them without knowing if they have the funds or not. This will incur a charge to the student. The only items we will refuse a student who has no funds in their account are the ala carte items. If families struggle with paying for these items, please call Nutrition Services at 952.758.1774 to discuss options that may be available.
My child is spending too much money on ala carte! Can you help?
Yes! Reach out to Nancy Lam at 952-758-1774. There are some limits we can put in our system to flag when students enter their lunch pin.