Momentum, Milestones, and Moving Forward | | |
We are off to a great start to the second semester at New London-Spicer Schools. Students and staff have returned with strong energy, focus, and momentum in classrooms and activities alike. As I was writing this update, I received some exciting news worth celebrating together: our dance team has qualified for the state tournament in kick — a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the dedication and pride our students bring to everything they do. We also want to wish our other winter sports teams the best of luck as they head into playoff competition. We are proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and commitment shown by all of our student-athletes.
At the same time, we want to be transparent about some financial challenges ahead. Like school districts across Minnesota, New London-Spicer is facing the need to review and reduce parts of our budget because state funding has not kept pace with inflation, particularly for capital costs.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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Monday, February 16 - No School: Presidents Day
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Tuesday, February 17 - No School: Staff Development Day
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Friday, February 20 - Grade Check for Grades 7-12
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Sat., Feb. 21 - Sat. Feb. 28 - National FFA Week
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Friday, February 27 - NHS Blood Drive
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Wednesday, March 4 - ASVAB Testing for Sophomores
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Thursday, March 5 - HS Spring Play: Ken Ludwig's Gods of Comedy - Get Tickets
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Friday, March 6 - HS Spring Play: Ken Ludwig's Gods of Comedy - Get Tickets
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Saturday, March 7 - CatPAC Series: Duelly Noted - Get Tickets
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Monday, March 9 - School Board Meeting
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Monday, March 9 - Softball and Track & Field Practice Begins
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Tuesday, March 10 - Senior Scholarships Deadline
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Wednesday, March 11 - Donuts with Dudes at Prairie Meadows
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Wednesday, March 11 - Kindergarten Program
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Wednesday, March 11 - PW PTO Meeting
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Friday, March 13 - Quarter 3 Ends
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Friday, March 13 - Grade Check for Grades 7-12
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Friday, March 13 - Grade 5 DARE Graduation
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| | Your Voice Matters! Two Opportunities to Share Your Insight | | |
Share Your Experience with Taher Food Service!
We want to hear from you about our school meals. Your feedback helps us improve the meals Taher Food Service serves our students.
Who should participate?
NLS Parents, Staff, and Students
Take the Survey
The survey will be open until February 28, 2026
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Share Your Experience with Youth Programs!
The MN Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), with Management Analysis and Development (MAD), is conducting a brief, confidential survey for parents and caregivers across Minnesota. Your feedback will help shape out-of-school time programs and policies, making them more accessible and effective for families.
Who should participate?
Parents, guardians, or caregivers of school-aged children.
Take the Survey
Takes 10 minutes | Completely confidential
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. To switch languages, click the language button in the upper-right corner of the survey page.
| | Congratulations to our high school "A" Honor Roll Students! | | Congratulations to the NLS Blackcats High Kick team on qualifying for the state dance meet! They placed third at the Section 2A competition hosted at NLS on February 7. They will compete at the State Tournament on Saturday, February 14 at the Target Center. | | | NLS YES Seed Spreading
Our 5th Graders went outside for science with the 7th and 8th grade YES team. They were spreading seeds and stomping/rolling them into the snow like buffalo do. These seeds need to be cold and wet in order to germinate and grow. We collected these seeds from our nature area with the YES team in the fall to help promote biodiversity within and continue to grow and develop our prairie in the Nature Area. | | |
NLS MathCounts Team Competes at SCSU
This winter, New London-Spicer 7th and 8th grade students put their problem-solving skills to the test at the Lake Region MathCounts competition held at St. Cloud State University. All students in our advanced math classes participate in weekly MathCounts practices from November through February, with up to 14 students selected to represent NLS at the annual competition.
Students competed against schools from across the region, including Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Becker, and Dassel-Cokato, in fast-paced individual and team events that challenged their critical thinking and teamwork. While the team did not place this year, their dedication, preparation, and enthusiasm were evident throughout the competition. We are proud of their hard work and commitment to academic excellence.
| | Save the Date! Middle School Bookfair will be March 23-27! | | Pictured: Mr. Quade and Ryan riding around the MS/HS square together a favorite of their Phy. Ed. activities together! | | |
Prairie Woods students shined on stage during their 2nd Grade Program led by Mrs. Bellman. From Pondering Penguins to Friends Forever our students' voices were loud and proud!
NO SCHOOL: Just a reminder there is no school on Feb. 16 for President’s Day, and Feb. 17 for Staff Development.
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Township meetings are fast approaching! Each year, Community Education prepares an annual report for every township in our district. In these reports, we share participation data showing the number of unduplicated youth and adults served in each township and request funding based on that information. Township contributions help offset participation costs for families and make it possible for us to continue offering a wide range of programs.
We greatly value having Community Education participants or families attend township meetings to share their experiences and speak about the impact these programs have had on them. This funding plays an important role in supporting our overall budget and sustaining programming for our youth and community.
How you can help? Please consider attending your township meeting on March 3. If you are willing to attend, contact me and I would be happy to help you prepare a few talking points to confidently advocate for Community Education and youth programming at NLS.
4th Annual Zylstra Camp - Our 4th Annual Zylstra Camp is open for registration! We are including a family cap of $150 this year - so be sure to sign your whole family up. Register here!
Adult Volleyball Registration - Now OPEN - Register here!
Cub Kids PreK Filling Fast! Registration for Cub Kids Preschool opened on Monday, February 2 and is filling fast. For the first month of registration, priority will be given to children residing within the New London-Spicer School District. Cub Kids serves children ages 3–5 and offers a high-quality, inclusion-based preschool experience designed to prepare children for Kindergarten success.
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2025–26 CatPAC Series – Tickets On Sale Now!
Another incredible season is underway at the NLS Performing Arts Center! This year’s CatPAC Series has a dynamic lineup of performances that span Broadway hits, rock ‘n’ roll classics, holiday magic, and interactive crowd favorites. Below are our fourth and final shows of the season!
🎶Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Duelly Noted
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, energy, and fun! Duelly Noted brings both sass and class to the stage with a dynamic performance featuring your favorite hits from the ’60s to today. Known for their engaging style and interactive shows, this talented duo keeps audiences singing, dancing, and laughing all night long. From crowd requests to sing-alongs, Duelly Noted delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that will have everyone on their feet!
🎶Saturday, April 7, 2026 - A John Denver Tribute presented by Ted Vigil
Celebrate the timeless music of John Denver with an unforgettable tribute performance by Ted Vigil!
Experience beloved classics like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and many more, brought to life with heart and authenticity.
Ted Vigil, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and tribute artist, has been performing since the age of ten, honing his craft in concert, symphonic, and jazz bands. His moving performance captures the spirit, warmth, and sound of the legendary John Denver in a night fans won’t forget.
🕖 All shows begin at 7:00 PM
📍 NLS Performing Arts Center
💛 Sponsored By: Dooley’s, Jennie-O, Rambow, and Willow Creek Counseling
🎟️ Tickets Available Now! www.nls.k12.mn.us/ticketsales
| | We had a wonderful night at our Dine Out for Pre-K at O'Neil's! We are so thankful to everyone who came out to support our preschoolers! The funds raised will go to our scholarship fund to help preschool families. A special thank you to the staff at O'Neil's for all of their hard work. | | | |
2026-27 Cub Kids Preschool Registration
Opened on Monday, February 2, and is filling quickly!
Cub Kids PreK is the area’s premier early childhood program, distinguished by licensed teachers, READ Act certification, and comprehensive safety training. All staff are trained in CPR, First Aid, and AED, providing families with both exceptional instruction and peace of mind.
Register online!
| | | Address: 101 4th Ave SW New London, MN 56273 | | | | | | |
