Honoring Courage: Minnesota Fallen Heroes Football Game

On the warm evening of October 3, the New London-Spicer community came together for one of the most meaningful events of the year—the Minnesota Fallen Heroes Football Game, created to honor and remember Minnesota military service members and emergency responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Founded in 2022 by Gold Star parents Rick and Tracy Clark, the event honors their son, Army Specialist Ryane G. Clark, a 2007 NLS graduate killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010. With support from the New London-Spicer Educational Foundation, their vision grew into a powerful tribute connecting high school athletes, Gold Star families, and the community.

Each year, two high school football teams select ten players who symbolically give up their own names to play in honor of a local fallen hero. During the pregame ceremony, each player is paired with a Gold Star family or veteran, and together they take the field as the names of the fallen are read aloud—each one a story of sacrifice and service.

This year’s ceremony featured a motorcycle escort by the Clearwater Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Legion of St. Michael, followed by a grill-out with Gold Star families and community members. The evening program included a flyover, honor guard procession, and a moving 21-gun salute performed by the New London and Spicer American Legions, accompanied by “Taps” performed by NLS band members.

The stands were filled with hundreds of community members showing support. Choir students performed the National Anthem, while veterans and scouts participated in the ceremonial details. NLS players and HLWW players proudly represented fallen heroes such as Army Specialist Ryane G. Clark and Fire Chief Daryl Todd (Taddy) Drusch and others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names will remain a part of our communities history as the team played in their honor.

This year’s event was made possible through the generosity of more than 40 community sponsors, the dedication of NLS Educational Foundation, NLS staff and coaches, and the support of local fire departments, veterans’ organizations, volunteers and this year's away team, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted.

More than 150 people attended the pregame grillout served by the New London Lions and hundreds more filled the stands—proof that the spirit of remembrance and gratitude runs deep in New London-Spicer. The night concluded with the Wildcats and Lakers taking the field, carrying not just a football but the stories and sacrifices of Minnesota’s Fallen Heroes.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Thurs., Oct. 16 & Fri., Oct. 17 - No School: Fall Break
Monday, October 20 - Dance Team Practice Starts
Monday, October 20 - High School Band and Choir Concert
Tuesday, October 21- HS/MS Picture Retakes
Wednesday, October 22 - PreK & Elementary Picture Retakes
Thursday, October 23 - Prairie Meadows Fall Festival
Friday, October 24 - Grades 7-12 Grade Check
Friday, October 24 - Quarter 1 Ends
Saturday, October 25 - 8th Grade Honor Band Festival
Monday, October 27 - No School: Teacher Workday
Monday, October 27 - Girls Hockey Starts
Tuesday, October 28 - No School: Staff Development Day
Wednesday, October 29 - Quarter Two Begins
Tuesday, November 4 - No School For PreK Only: Election Day
Monday, November 10 - School Board Meeting
Monday, November 10 - Boys Hockey, Girls Basketball and Gymnastics Starts
Tuesday, November 11 - PW Veterans Day Program
Tuesday, November 11 - FFA Veterans & Alumni Breakfast
Friday, November 14 - CatPAC Series: Barricade Boys West End Party

High School - Principal Bonnie Spohn

Wildcat Activities

Fall sports are heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Girls tennis has begun section play and will compete in team and individual tournaments over the next two weeks. Section tournament play for girls tennis is held at the Rogers Tennis Center in Rogers, MN.

Our girls cross country team is currently ranked #1 in Class A. Congratulations to the team on a great season so far!

Congratulations to Emma Quisberg (Cheerleading) and Landon Eliason (Cross Country) our Wildcats of the Week!

Middle School - Principal Leah Zimmerman

Another year at Wolf Ridge in the books!

Our 5th graders had a fantastic week learning and exploring at Wolf Ridge! A big thank you to our 5th grade team for all their hard work in planning this memorable experience for our students. We'd also like to thank all of our chaperones!

As we move through October, please remember to check Infinite Campus Parent Portal for updates on grades and assignments. The end of Quarter 1 is October 24, so it’s a great time to talk with your student about their academics and progress.

Students are really finding their rhythm, diving into new topics, and showing amazing Wildcat pride! We even held our own Middle School Pepfest during Homecoming week—what a fun way to build spirit and celebrate our school community.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we’re helping our students grow into confident, capable learners.

6th Graders Model Earth’s Systems in Science Class

Taryn Manska’s 6th grade science students recently completed their Earth Systems unit, exploring how Earth’s four spheres — the Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Atmosphere — interact with one another.

For their final assessment, students were challenged to create a model demonstrating how each of these systems is represented in nature and how they connect. The results were outstanding!

“The models far exceeded expectations,” shared Mrs. Manska. “They were all so unique, and the students were super proud of their work — I was super proud of them, too!”

Now in its fourth year, this project continues to be a class favorite. The creativity, effort, and enthusiasm students bring each year make it a highlight of the 6th grade science curriculum. Photos show the amazing models our students created!

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

Congratulations to our September R.O.A.R Students of the Month -- These students have gone above and beyond with their behavior and attitude. Way to go!

Bullying Prevention Month - This month reminds us of the important work we all share in creating a safe, respectful, kind, and caring school environment. At Prairie Woods Elementary, we want every child to feel valued and supported each day. Throughout October, our school will focus on lessons and activities that promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of treating others with kindness. If your child is being bullied, we ask that they tell an adult at school or at home. We will listen and work to stop the bullying. Also, parents/students can fill out a Bullying Report Form on the NLS District website (www.nls.k12.mn.us) then Type in “Bully Report Form” in the search bar at the top and click on the link (or save this quick link).

A big THANK YOU to the New London and Spicer Fire Departments for providing fire safety to our students on Thursday, October 9. Please take time to create a home safety plan in case a fire happens at home. Also, don’t forget to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Lifetouch will be taking picture retakes on Wednesday, October 22. Please call the Prairie Woods office to request an order envelope if you would like your child to have their picture retaken.

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

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

Cub Kids Preschoolers are learning about fire safety and got a visit from the New London and Spicer Fire Departments! They loved learning all about the fire trucks, what firefighters do, and what to do in case of a fire. Everyone even got to sit in the fire truck! Thank you to the New London and Spicer Firefighters for a fun morning!

Do your kids need to burn off some energy? Join us for Stop By and Play! The gym at Prairie Meadows will be open from 9 –11AM on Fridays when school is in session. The cost is $3 for one child or $5 for a family. Pay when you get here or register online here.

Dress up your littles ones in their costumes and come trick or treating at Prairie Meadows Fall Festival on Thursday October 23 from 5:30 - 7PM. There is a free will donation at the door ($5 per child recommended) and all funds go to early childhood scholarships to help support our families. We hope to see you there!