The Byron Buzz

Celebrating Differences and We Are All Special

As we close out the first quarter, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone for a fantastic start to the school year as we end first quarter. The hard work and the positive relationships built have been key to our students' success. Enjoy the long weekend—students will be off on Monday and Tuesday as staff transitions into the second quarter. I hope everyone returns energized and ready to tackle the new challenges ahead!

This week, I had the privilege of attending a wonderful kindergarten lesson for the Day of Differences, alongside parents and grandparents. The students participated in a book reading, singing, and a puppet show, all designed to help them understand that we are all unique and special. It was heartwarming to see the students share what makes them unique and to hear some audience members join in as well. This lesson is a powerful reminder of the values we strive to instill in all our students, from our youngest learners to our seniors.

I encourage everyone to continue the conversation at home about what makes us different and how we can treat each other with kindness and respect. Let’s celebrate our individuality and support one another in our learning journeys. It is these diverse perspectives and the dedication of our talented staff that truly make Byron Public Schools a wonderful place for kids and families.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

Email: mike.neubeck@byron.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/
Location: 801 Frontage Road NW, Byron, MN, USA
Phone: 507-775-2383
Facebook: facebook.com/byronbears
Twitter: @neubecksupt

Congratulations to our Girls' Soccer team on a great season. They were the 1AA Section Champions and played the #1 seed Academy of Holy Angels in the first round of the State Tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Bears lost 5-0 but the team should very proud of their terrific season. This team only graduates two seniors so they are already looking forward to next year. Great Job!

• Residents are being asked to approve a 10-year levy, with inflationary increases, to help cover operational costs. This levy is structured to raise $1.9 million annually, based on a contribution of $800 per student.

Over the past few weeks, we've shared information regarding the Operating Referendum on this November's election ballot. We had anticipated having more confirmed details about the 2023-24 school year by now, but unfortunately, that information is still pending. Our audit is scheduled for this Monday and Tuesday, and we hope to gain clarity from that process.

In the meantime, there has been a lot of information circulating, and we encourage you to review the Byron Referendum Fact Sheet by CLICKING HERE. If you haven’t yet watched the Town Hall Meeting, please use the QR code provided to do so.

This referendum is crucial for addressing the financial challenges we face as we continue to serve our community and uphold our exceptional educational programs. Our goal is to help develop well-rounded students committed to making the world a better place.

With just one week to go, we urge everyone to stay informed. If you have any questions, please reach out through the referendum website. And remember to make your voice heard by voting on November 5! Thank you for your continued support.

To view information about our referendum please visit our website!

The High School Drama Department is preparing for their fall production It's a Wonderful Life on November 1, 2, and 3. Please mark your calendar as this will be a great opportunity to support our student actors in the High School Auditorium.

• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Wrestling
• Gymnastics
• Dance

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.

Section Tournament Information:

Passes do not work for Section Tournaments. Adults are $10 and Senior/Students are $6

Tickets will be available on GoFan and cash at the gate.

Section 1AAA Volleyball Quarterfinals

Wednesday, October 30th - 7pm

Byron Scheels Gymnasium

Byron vs. Kasson-Mantorville

Section 1AAAA Football Semifinals

Friday, November 1 - 7pm

Rochester Mayo High School

Byron vs. Kasson-Mantorville

• Join Byron Community Education for Discovery Day on November 2nd between 8 am to 11 am at the Community Education Center! This exciting event offers a variety of hands-on, engaging activities for all ages. Complete the event passport to earn your chance at winning door prizes! Drum your way into fitness with our energetic Pound class or try your hand at pickleball for some friendly competition. Get creative with cookie decorating and unleash your artistic side with a clay activity in the Makerspace. Robotics will be in building and tinkering if you want to explore some engineering opportunities. Check out the Food Pantry and test a few toys in the new Early Learning Library from 9-11 am.
  

No registration is needed for this FREE community event. Learn more here!

Don't miss out! Registration is closing soon for these classes:

• Elementary Sign Language starting 11/5
• Medicare Basics on 11/6 - only 2 spots left
• Learn to Play Pickleball for Active Adults starting 11/7
• Pickleball Camp for Intermediate School Students - only 2 spots left
• ECFE's Preschool Pals starting 11/7
• Knitting 102: Creating a scarf or a hat - on 11/8
• Pottery Open Studio starting 11/9

Kids in the Kitchen: Chicken Hotdish & Biscuits - November 12 at 3-4:30 pm

Join Julie Krings for Kids in the Kitchen: Chicken Hotdish & Biscuits, where you'll learn to make a delicious, hearty meal from scratch!You'll master kitchen skills like chopping, mixing, and baking while having a blast with your friends. By the end, you'll have a comforting dish to take home and share with your family! Sign up

Open Gym for Byron High School Students - Begins November 12 at 7:30-9 pm

Are you ready to showcase your basketball skills, have fun, and be part of an exciting opportunity? We invite you to join us for friendly competition, camaraderie and personal growth on the basketball court. Whether you have played basketball before or are new to the game, this is your opportunity to shine. Open Gym is designed to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where players of all skill levels can come together, learn and enjoy the sport they love. Grab your spot!