Many have read the headlines stating that the Minnesota State Legislature passed a record $2.2 billion toward education this past session.  I am extremely grateful to work in a state that supports education.  However, understanding how that money is allocated is more complex than those “record setting” headlines may reveal. Minnesota has the most complicated education funding systems in the country.  With this influx of money, schools are not allowed to spend this money as they see fit.  Only about one third of the money is allocated toward school operational costs. Operational costs are what we as school districts have flexibility with.

The remaining two thirds of the funding is in the form of mandates. Each mandate comes with a variety of requirements for a school to be deemed in compliance. Here is a “Cliff Notes” version of the recent mandates it does not include all compliance markers... to continue reading, click here.

New London-Spicer High School Drama Department proudly presents,

The Sound of Music

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstenin II

Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an aspiring postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

Showtimes: November 16, 17, & 18 at 7PM

New London-Spicer Performing Arts Center

$10/ticket

This year's fall musical is directed by Paula Prill and comprised of a cast of nineteen, a crew of fourteen, a four member pit band and nine community volunteers. Other directors include; Jason Parker (vocal), Caitlin Becks (band), Parker Stone (tech), Dave Holmquist and Ben Mooberry (scenery), and Becca Gaasterland (backstage).

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com

We have awarded our first R.O.A.R Award of the 2023-24 school year to Chelsea Gardner. Chelsea was nominated for having an amazing attitude by Ms. Ludwig. Ms. Ludwig said, "Chelsea shows an awesome desire to do her best, works hard, contributes positively to the classroom, and is kind with peers!

Our Middle School will have After School Tutoring for any subject from 3:10-4:00PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Ms. Ludwig's Room. This is a free service. Parents are responsible for their child(ren)'s transportation. If your child will be attending tutoring please send notification using this form.

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

This week, Prairie Woods will be hosting a Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 8 at 1:30PM in the Prairie Woods Gym. Local Veterans and our PW families are welcome to attend!

Next week, Prairie Woods will be participating in their Annual Food Drive from Monday, November 13 through Monday, November 20. Our goal is to collect 1,500 pounds of food. If this goal is met, we could provide 1,250 meals for citizens in our community!

Monday (13th): Breakfast Foods

Tuesday (14th): Lunch/Dinner Foods

Wednesday (15th): Beverages

Thursday (16th): Snack Foods

Friday (17th): $1 Donation for the Wildcat Backpack Program

Monday (20th): Food of your choice or paper product

(Pictured Below) Kindergarteners' art work. At Prairie Woods, our Kindergarteners spent time learning about shapes, colors and texture with their bright and vibrant colorful sunflower art!