Enhancing Fluency Through Reader's Theater

The New London-Spicer Educational Foundation awarded $700.00 to Suzanne Hayden, Grade 4 Teacher, for her classroom grant titled Reader's Theater Masks and Props.

The goal of this project is to enhance students’ reading fluency, expression, and confidence through the use of Reader’s Theater—a literacy strategy that allows students of all reading levels to practice fluency in a fun and engaging way. Reader’s Theater provides a safe environment for students to explore voice, prosody, and dramatics while working collaboratively with peers.

“When I group my students to read a script, I see teamwork in deciding who gets what part, and often leaders emerge from the least likely students,” said Hayden. “Some of the quietest, most reserved students shine when performing! Watching them read with the voice of the assigned character is always inspiring.”

Students frequently perform their plays for classmates and often create their own props to help bring the story to life. Adding simple items—such as hats, masks, aprons, glasses, or capes—gives students pride and accountability for their role in the production. The grant will provide a collection of small props and costume accessories to enhance these performances and further engage students in the reading process.

Reader’s Theater aligns with the Science of Reading, emphasizing fluency as a key indicator of literacy success. Many of the scripts also connect with the school’s social studies and science curriculum, allowing students to make interdisciplinary connections. As a result of these performances and repeated readings, students improve oral expression, word recognition, and reading accuracy while developing creativity and teamwork skills.

“Building on students’ unique strengths is the highlight of Reader’s Theater,” Hayden continued. “It’s inclusive for all reading abilities and directly connected to the arts. Watching students grow in confidence while having fun is the best part.”

Through this grant, Suzanne Hayden hopes to continue inspiring students to find joy in reading, express themselves creatively, and develop the fluency skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Wednesday, October 29 - Quarter Two Begins
Monday, November 10 - School Board Meeting
Monday, November 10 - Boys Hockey, Girls Basketball and Gymnastics Starts
Tuesday, November 11 - FFA Breakfast Veterans & Their Spouses
Tuesday, November 11 - PW Veterans Day Program
Friday, November 14 - Grade Check for 7-12
Friday, November 14 - Blood Drive hosted by NLS NHS
Friday, November 14 - CatPAC Series: Barricade Boys West End Party
Monday, November 17 - Boys Basketball and Wrestling Start
Thursday, November 20 - ASVAB Testing for 10th Graders
Thurs., Nov. 20 - Sun, Nov. 23 - High School Musical: Mamma Mia! (Get Tickets)
Tuesday, November 25 - Prairie Meadows Family Craft Day
Wednesday, November 26 - No School: Teacher Workday
Thurs., Nov. 27 & Fri., Nov. 28 - No School: Thanksgiving Break
Satuday, December 6 - CatPAC Series: Anthony Shore Presents and Elvis Christmas

**Please note: Prairie Meadows will have school on Tuesday, November 4. This date was originally listed as a non-school day due to Green Lake Township elections. Since there will not be any voting this year, classes and Lil' PALS before/after school childcare will follow their regular schedule. Please sign up for Lil' PALS by 5pm on Thursday, Oct. 30 via Arux.

NLS Jazz Ensemble Kicks Off a New Season

The New London-Spicer Jazz Ensemble has officially started their season, bringing together talented student musicians in grades 7–12 for early morning rehearsals filled with rhythm and energy. The group held its first rehearsal last week with strong attendance, and the students impressed with their sound right from the start.

Under the direction of Caitlin Becks, the Jazz Ensemble is focusing on jazz technique and preparing selections for the upcoming December concerts. The dedication of these young musicians is already shining through.

This year’s ensemble includes: Flute: Claire Duchene, Lydia Mae Ekstrom | Alto Sax: Axel Eichhorst, Cullen Monson, Zack Stueve, Kyle Van Back | Tenor Sax: Cayson Plowman, Oden Nelson | Bari Sax: Ethan Wenke | Trumpet: Charlotte Dimler, Jill Skretvet, Tanner Olson, Anna Sukalski, Beck Freeland, Evangelyne Thomson Meissner, Tadyn Willert | Trombone: Abby Hjelle, Cam Monson | Percussion: Maya Huda, Bekah Westby

We forward to hearing the group perform live during the winter concert!

High School - Principal Bonnie Spohn

LOOKING FOR THE BEST FRUIT?

New London-Spicer FFA students are doing their annual fruit sale fundraiser - get pears, apples, citrus fruits, snacks and more!

Contact a FFA student or place an order directly online.

Last day to order - November 17, 2025.
Estimated delivery - Approximately December 15, 2025.

To order online, visit: https://shop.myfruitsale.com/collections/lyfb and enter code: LYFB-7015.

Wildcat Activities

Congratulations to the Wildcat Girls Cross Country team and to Landon Eliason of our Boys Cross Country Team for qualifying for the State Cross Country Tournament. The meet will be held on November 1 at Les Bolstad Golf Course on the University of Minnesota campus. The boys race is at 10:00AM and the girls race is at 10:45AM.

The links below provide all event information:

Girls Cross Country Tournament Information

Boys Cross Country Tournament Information

Congratulations to Averie Turner and Heidi Taunton (Tennis) and Griffin Thompson, Matthew Gehrke, Holton Hanson, Griffin Mayhew and Eli Bazaldua (Football) our Wildcats of the Week!

Middle School - Principal Leah Zimmerman

As we wrap up Quarter 1 at the middle school, it’s exciting to see how much our students have grown—academically and personally. We’re proud of their effort and grateful for the continued support from families. When home and school work together, our Wildcats succeed! Thank you for staying connected and helping build strong habits for a successful Quarter 2.

Check out these adorable hand-sewn stuffies made by Mrs. F-G’s 8th grade FACS students! From Minions to monkeys to Monsters Inc. characters, students put their creativity and sewing skills to work designing and stitching their own plush creations. Great job, 8th graders!

Hands-On Learning: Owl Pellet Dissection Brings Science to Life

Students recently wrapped up a science unit on the characteristics of organisms, producers and consumers, and predator-prey relationships with a fascinating, hands-on case study about owls.

To conclude the unit, students took part in an owl pellet dissection lab, using forceps and dowels to carefully separate fur from bones. With the help of bone charts, they reconstructed the small animals that the owls had eaten — bringing real-world application to their study of food chains and ecosystems.

The activity not only reinforced lessons on consumer types and ecological relationships, but also challenged students’ fine motor skills and attention to detail.

📸 Photos show students exploring the owl pellets, identifying bones, and comparing their findings — a fun and memorable way to learn about the balance of nature!

Fun fact: owls aren’t the only birds that produce pellets — hawks do too!

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

Please know that conferences are as requested. Parents can certainly reach out and request a conference with their child’s teacher(s) any time during the school year. Also, teachers may reach out to request a conference for any of the students as well.

During the month of November, Prairie Woods will partner with the Willmar Warhawks to promote literacy. A letter and tracking form will be sent home on Thursday, Oct. 30 with more information. Students that read during the month, can earn a free child ticket (with purchase of an adult ticket) to any Warhawk home game. There is also a special prize when you earn the ticket.

Please take time to talk with your child about the importance of dressing for the weather. Starting November 10 or if winter weather arrives earlier, we ask all families to please send winter hat, gloves, boots, and a warm coat with your child to school. We want to be ready for winter weather. We will plan to go outside for recess daily unless the temperature is below 0º or wind chills are below -5º. Also, with the updates to our HVAC system this summer the building may feel cooler at times until all finishing adjustments are completed. It would be good if your child has a sweatshirt at school in case they get cold.

Just a reminder to turn your clocks back Sunday, November 2, 2025, to wrap up Daylight Saving Time for this year.

Prairie Woods Elementary will host their annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11 at 1:15PM in the gymnasium. All guests should enter through the flag pole doors.

Community Education - Director Tricia Lilleberg

2025–26 CatPAC Series – Tickets On Sale Now!

We're set for another incredible season at the NLS Performing Arts Center! This year’s CatPAC Series brings a dynamic lineup of performances that span Broadway hits, rock ‘n’ roll classics, holiday magic, and interactive crowd favorites. Below are our second and third shows of the season!

Friday, November 14, 2025 – The Barricade Boys Broadway Party

🌟 Direct from London, four dazzling West End stars deliver powerhouse vocals, hilarious stories, and a musical mashup of Broadway favorites, pop, rock, swing, and Motown hits.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 – Anthony Shore presents an Elvis Christmas

🌟Anthony’s lifelong love of Elvis grew into an award-winning career that has taken him from sold-out shows across Europe to stages throughout the U.S. He now performs high-energy, crowd-pleasing concerts with his All-Star Band featuring a full horn and string section.

🕖 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

Prairie Meadows - Coordinator Jennifer Hellickson

On October 6 and 7, Minding your Mind came to the preschool for a presentation! We learned about our feelings and how to identify them. We practiced different ways to breathe when we need to calm our bodies down. We learned kindness skills like listening, empathizing and asking for help and most importantly we had fun! Thanks to the Duck Cup Memorial Fund and Ann Dobmeier for bringing this important presentation to Cub Kids!

218 littles ones came dressed in their costumes for trick or treating at Prairie Meadows Fall Festival on Thursday, October 23. It was a free will donation at the door and all funds went to early childhood scholarships to help support our families. We had 17 local businesses support the fun. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the season with us — check out some of the great photos from last night!