Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Kayla Anderson, Jeremy Koenig and Ryan Riester will join the School Board on Jan. 6.

Back in November, voters in Independent School District 256 elected three new members to the Red Wing School Board. Now Kayla Anderson, Jeremy Koenig and Ryan Riester will take the oath of office at the Jan. 6, 2025, board meeting held in Red Wing High School room J110. They will succeed Nicky Buck, Anna Ostendorf and Pam Roe.

The newcomers answered four questions to help residents get to know them.

What is your background?

Anderson: I studied business and psychology at UMN-Duluth and Mesa State College. With over 20 years of experience in business management and finances, I have developed essential skills for serving on the board. Currently, I work as a director of customer experience and support dental professionals with orthodontic treatment.

Koenig: I grew up in a small town in central Minnesota, while my wife, Rachel, is a Red Wing graduate. We possess strong family values and prefer to spend most of our free time outdoors camping, hiking, biking, and snowboarding. We lived in Washington state for fives years, getting the benefit of exploring all the great natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. We moved back to Minnesota in 2011 when our first child was born to be closer to family. We both graduated with college degrees, individually financing our educations and thus, teaching us the values of hard work, sacrifice, and accountability. We instill these same values in our children.

Riester: I have been a resident of Red Wing for most of my life and a 1996 graduate of Red Wing High School. I’m currently employed as a project manager for a grocery store chain. Outside of work I enjoy a variety of hobbies including hunting/fishing, sports, volunteering, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. I have one son, who is in seventh grade.

This is a four-year commitment. Why do you want to serve on the Red Wing School Board?

Anderson: As a graduate of Red Wing Public Schools, I am committed to giving back to the community where I grew up. I have two children in the district, and one will be starting next year. I have observed some of the challenges the district is facing, and I am dedicated to helping find solutions that ensure high quality education in a safe environment for all students and faculty. A strong school system not only makes a meaningful difference for our children but also benefits our community as well.

Koenig: I want to see good things come from our school district requiring engagement and advocacy. The most effective way of influencing key decisions is to participate. Many policies already exist that can produce a high quality learning experience for our students, and I want to ensure those policies are followed.

Riester: As a proud graduate of Red Wing Public Schools I was disappointed to see some of the negative issues that seemed to be plaguing our district. I felt some new insight on the school board could help resolve some of these issues. My main goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for students and staff.

How have you prepared yourself for this elected office?

Anderson: As many of you may know, I ran for a seat on the board about two years ago but did not win. At the time, I had only been back in Red Wing for about six months after recently moving back. Since then I have educated myself by volunteering, engaging with the community, observing school board meetings, and analyzing the school district's statistics to prepare me for this role. While I may not have all of the answers, I am committed to putting in the work necessary to help ensure the district is well-run and focused on providing quality education to students.

Koenig: Gaining support from my family and friends was key. As a father of four, I have been continuously researching multiple methods to optimize parenting techniques and student learning for many years. As an engineer, I also understand policy-driven processes. I have been volunteering in the Red Wing community for nearly 10 years. This combined experience provides me the necessary tools to ensure district education decisions follow existing policies while focusing on communal student development.

Riester: I started watching the school board meetings prior to making my decision to run. I also began doing some research on policy and what our school board's primary function is. Aside from this what I found most interesting was engaging with the citizens of the community and hearing their questions and concerns.

How did your K-12 education influence your life?

Anderson: My K-12 education was by far the most influential years of my life, particularly because of the people that were involved: Teachers, parents, coaches, administrators, businesses and neighbors working together to make educational experience meaningful, valuable, and successful for everyone. I still run into former teachers that still know me by name … 25 plus years later! That’s the beauty of living in a small town; the teachers that gave me a hug when needed, or guided me when I was capable of more. Red Wing has truly a special and unique school community; let’s ensure our children have everything they need to be successful and well-rounded graduates!

Koenig: I was blessed with excellent teachers as a child. The most memorable and influential teachers constructively held me to a higher standard. I believe that these standards were there because my teachers recognized that all students have unlimited potential. I participated in many school programs including band, theater, and sports. I had many great friendships and some challenging ones as well. Together, my early educational experiences taught me important life skills and behaviors I continue to apply today.

Riester: I had a great experience during my time as a RWPS student. I felt that I was prepared to take the next step after graduation. Whether it was college, technical school, or the workforce I felt I had been given the tools and the confidence to move forward.

LeEtta McDowell (standing behind the piano) and Eddie McDowell (seated at right) spoke with students during Career Speaker Day last week.

The sibling duo of LeEtta and Eddie McDowell returned to their alma mater for Career Speaker Day. They were among 20-plus professionals who addressed students in small groups and answered questions during Enrichment Time on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

LeEtta recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in mechanical engineering. She and Eddie, who graduated from RWHS last year, along with their family have started McDowell Coatings, a custom powder coating business in Red Wing.

Students could choose one session to learn more about things ranging from plant science to the Peace Corps and the paths to get there, including going straight into the workforce or pursuing postsecondary education.

Brian May -- Fernbrook

Craig Morris -- Retired mayor of Lakeland, Minn.

Emily Foos -- Red Wing Arts

Emmy Hartman -- Black Dog Animal Hospital

Gary Iocco -- National Association of Dental Laboratories

Jennie Wendland -- Disability Support International

Jennifer Olson -- St. James Hotel

Jim Larson -- Red Wing Grain

Kastina Morrison -- Kastina & Co.

Larry Warrington -- Red Wing Software

Megan Ramaker -- Knobelsdorff

Michael Babb and Andy Speltz - Red Wing Fire Department

Mike Albers -- Falk Autobody

Natalie Hoff -- Elysian Senior Homes

Natasha Yates -- Peace Corps

Tommy Koppelman -- Mayo Clinic

Tre Moore -- Winning Matters Construction LLC

Wayne Thomforde -- Ag Partners

Yanelis Jinete -- Farmers Insurance

LeEtta and Eddie McDowell -- McDowell Coatings

Their visits were part of the Winger Flight Pathway program, the district's initiative to help students be well prepared and make informed choices for after graduation.

On Friday, Dec. 13, several Red Wing High School Key Club members filled 15 boxes with food for the holidays. The boxes will go to families who otherwise would have struggled to put a holiday dinner on the table. Pictured are (from left) Tristan Wilczynska, Lily Storing, Eliana Summers, Matthew Morgenroth, Bradley Abney and Cadence Moffett. The volunteer project was organized through Student Nutrition Services, Student Health Services and the RWHS Food Shelf.

RED WING HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 16: Pajama Day.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Winter Wonderland (White Out).

Wednesday, Dec. 18: Pep fest during enrichment/advisory.

Color Wars (8-purple, 9-black, 10-green, 11-blue, 12-red, staff-white).

Thursday, Dec. 19: Tropical vs Tundra.

Friday, Dec. 20: Ugly/festive sweater.

Volleyball tournament, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

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: Dec. 16-20.

Activities: gowingers.com

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Tower View students spent an educational day at the Minnesota Zoo focusing on state wildlife and habitats. Students participated in a live animal class working with a bull snake and skunk, learned how to design and build animal exhibits, and took a guided tour of the Minnesota Trail. Students finished their day by exploring the zoo's other exhibits. The trip was made possible through gifts from the Albrecht-Poss Foundation and Jones Family Foundation.

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

154 Tower View Drive

Office: 651-388-8963

Webpage: Tower View

American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Chair Jasmine Fiddler (far right on stage) explained for Twin Bluff students the significance of tipis in historic Dakota life and why tipis remain a vital part of culture today. Students then placed their handprints -- in yellow, red and black on the white tipi, which will be part of the Twin Bluff curriculum for years to come. The colors symbolize our unity.

Twin Bluff Middle School will present "Finding Nemo Jr." March 14 and 15 in the auditorium. But first we must assemble a cast!

Tryouts will be Monday-Thursday, Dec. 16-19, before school from 8-8:30 a.m. or after school from 3:50-4:15 p.m. Students in grades 6 and 7 who would like to audition for a solo singing or speaking part must sign up in the office. If a student has a scheduling conflict, they should contact Julie Martin at jgmartin@rwps.org for an alternative time.

Anyone who wants to participate, including grade 5 students, will be included on stage or behind the scenes. They must fill out the participation form available in the office.

TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR

Friday, Dec. 20: Winter Fun Day.

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Twin Bluff newsletter: December.

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

Phone: 651-385-4530

Webpage: Twin Bluff

Third graders worked on their reading skills with some educational board games. See more photos on the Burnside Facebook page.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 16: Merry Monday -- Wear festive socks and hats.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Twinkle Tuesday -- Wear sparkle & bling.

Wednesday, Dec. 18: White-Out Wednesday -- Wear white clothing.

Thursday, Dec. 19: Theatrical Thursday -- Dress as your favorite holiday or winter character.

Friday, Dec. 20: Winter celebrations.

Fun, Fuzzy Friday -- Wear pajamas or other comfy, cozy clothes.

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Burnside Bulletin newsletter: December

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

Phone: 651-385-4700

Kids Junction: 651-385-4709

Webpage: Burnside Elementary School

Students created candy houses with special guests as part of their holiday activities this month. The kindergartners' sweet architectural skills are featured in the display case near the library.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

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

Sunnyside Newsletter: December.

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

Phone: 651-385-4570

Kids Junction: 651-385-4587

Webpage: Sunnyside webpage

The 4’s Preschool students study science just like the big kids do. For example, they recently conducted a “Dancing Popcorn” science experiment. They watched how the seeds float up and fall back down.

The years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early childhood screening is required for entrance in Minnesota’s public schools and must take place between age 3 and kindergarten. Please call 651-385-8000 to schedule a screening for your child.

Screening is offered monthly at Colvill Family Center throughout the school year. Remaining dates for this school year are Jan. 9 and 23; Feb. 6 and 20; March13 and 27; April 10 and 24; and May 14 and 15.

Screening is a quick, no-cost check of a child's vision and hearing, height and weight, immunization record and a review of health care coverage. Screeners look for risk factors that may impact learning, such as use of large and small muscles, thinking, language and speaking skills. The screening includes a parent/guardian report and a summary meeting.

Early childhood screening provides the best opportunity for any health or developmental concerns to be found early.

COLVILL CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 16: Gingerbread classes (registration required)

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter break.

Thursday, Jan. 2: School resumes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Colvill webpage

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

Phone: 651-385-8000

The department will have limited hours Dec. 23, 26, 27 & 30 and on these days we ask that people call 651-385-4565 to schedule an appointment.

Look for the winter/spring brochure arriving in your mailbox the first week of January.

YOUTH CLASSES

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Acrylic Painting Class grades 5-7.

Swim School by Red Wing Swim Club, ages 4+.

Wednesday, Dec. 18: Sparkling Ornament Decorating, grades 2-4.

Thursday, Jan. 2: Basketball Open Gym, grades 3-7.

Saturday, Jan. 4: Open Swim & Gym.

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, but limited during winter break. Staff are available by phone and by appointment on December 23, 26, 27 & 30. Please call the office.

Phone: 651-385-4565

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 16: Red Wing School Board, 5 p.m., workshop in Red Wing High School room J108; regular meeting, 6 p.m., RWHS room J110.

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Agenda/Personnel Committee, 2 p.m., District Office.

Tuesday, Dec. 24: Offices closed.

Wednesday, Dec. 25: Offices closed.

Tuesday, Dec. 31: Offices closed.

Wednesday, Jan. 1: Offices closed.

Thursday, Jan. 2: Classes resume.

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