Re-examining the Role of Cellphones in Classrooms

Across the nation, schools are re-examining the role of cellphones in classrooms and hallways. Research continues to highlight the impact of excessive cellphone use on learning, attention, and mental health. Locally, this conversation has been strengthened by our School Board members who recently read The Anxious Generation, a book that raises important questions about how technology shapes childhood and adolescence. These discussions reflect growing concerns about the role phones play in distraction, anxiety, and social development.

Our district has already taken proactive steps to address this issue through clear guidelines:

PreK–8th grade: Students are not allowed to use or carry cellphones during the school day.
Grades 9–12: Students may only use their cellphones between classes and during lunch. At all other times, phones must be put away and out of sight. This is a gradual release of responsibility as they will have to balance cellphone use on their own in the future.

These policies are designed to create an environment where students can focus on their learning, build strong in-person relationships, and engage fully in school life without the constant pull of digital devices. While we know cellphones can be useful tools, especially for communication outside of school hours, we are committed to ensuring they do not interfere with the developmental and educational needs of our students during the school day.

We recognize that this is a shared effort between school and home. We ask for your continued partnership in supporting these expectations and in talking with your children about healthy habits around technology. By working together, we can help our students grow in focus, resilience, and well-being.

Thank you for your support as we navigate this important issue as a community.

Sincerely,

Jamie Boelter, New London-Spicer Schools Superintendent

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Monday, September 15 - Duck Cup Memorial Presentation (Open to the Public)
Monday, September 15 - Beginning Band Open House
Tuesday, September 16 - Dine Out for PreK Fundraiser at Alley on Ash
Friday, September 19 - Wolf Ridge Pizza Delivery
Mon., Sept. 22 - Fri., Sept. 26 - Homecoming Week
Friday, September 26 - NLS vs. Montevideo Football Game
Mon., Sept. 29 - Fri., Oct. 3 - Grade 5 Wolf Ridge Field Trip
Wednesday, October 8 - PW PTO Meeting
Saturday, October 11 - CatPAC Series: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John presented by Michael Cavanaugh
Monday, October 13 - School Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 14 - PSAT for Juniors
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 5-12 Grade Check
Friday, October 24 - Quarter 1 Ends
Saturday, October 25 - 8th Grade Honor Band Festival

Duck Cup Memorial Event – Open to the Public

We are honored to invite the community to the Duck Cup Memorial Event, taking place on Monday, September 15 at 6:30PM in the New London-Spicer Performing Arts Center. This meaningful event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend.

This year’s program features a compelling presentation by Jordan from Minding Your Mind, who will share insights and strategies to support mental wellness and resilience. Jordan will share his powerful story of fighting depression and finding recovery. The evening promises to be both inspiring and reflective, as we come together as a community.

Come and be a part of this special evening. We look forward to seeing you there!

** FREE CHILDCARE available during the event. **

Creativity is Filling the Studio

Our high school art students have been going BIG at the start of the NLS 2025–26 school year! From oversized paintings to large-scale drawings and exciting collaborations, creativity is already filling the studios. Students are exploring the visual world around them in bold, inspiring ways — and we can’t wait to see where their imagination takes them!

Building Skills for the Future: NLS Ag Structures House

Senior Mathias Jamma is pictured trimming the rim board on the New London-Spicer Agriculture Structures House—an important step in the construction process. This year’s build marks a milestone, as it is the 24th house constructed through the school’s Agriculture Structures program.

The Agriculture Structures course is a yearlong, two-hour block class designed for 12th grade students. It provides 2.0 credits and offers hands-on learning that prepares students for both careers and future training in the skilled trades.

Throughout the year, students are actively engaged in every stage of residential carpentry—from laying block and mason work to interior trim and finish carpentry. Along the way, they gain practical knowledge and essential trade skills, working side by side with local experts who serve as guest speakers and presenters.

The Ag Structures House project has become a proud tradition at NLS, showcasing what can be accomplished when education and community come together to build something lasting—both in homes and in the skills of our students.

Wildcat Activities

Our first Wildcats of the Week for 2025-2026 are Brooke Glauvitz, Girls Tennis and Mady Woelfel, Cross Country.

Auditions for the fall musical Mamma Mia went great. We had 29 students audition for parts. It was a great turn out. We are looking forward to the performances coming up in November.

SAVE THE DATES:

Homecoming Game: NLS vs. Montevideo will be Friday, September 26.
MN Fallen Heroes Game: NLS vs. HLWW will be Friday, October 3.

Additional Homecoming details are coming soon! Go Wildcats!

Middle School - Principal Leah Zimmerman

Pictured: 5th & 6th graders in the nature area Journaling, finding sphere interactions, and playing a science game together.

As we move a couple of weeks into the school year, our students and staff are finding their rhythm and settling into daily routines. Scheduling adjustments have been smoothed out, and classrooms are running with great energy and focus.

We’d like to remind families that our middle school is currently in a transition with grading practices. Our first grade checks will take place on September 12, you may see a combination of Standards-Based Reporting (1–4) and traditional letter grades (A–F). More detailed information regarding Standards Based Grading can be found here.

Safety remains a top priority at NLS Middle School. Students recently participated in a fire drill and completed bus safety training, demonstrating responsibility and cooperation throughout both activities.

Looking ahead, we invite families and community members to attend the Duck Cup Presentation on September 15. This important evening event focuses on mental health awareness and provides valuable resources and discussion for students, families, and the wider community. We are proud of the positive start to the year and grateful for the teamwork of students, families, and staff as we continue working together to make NLS Middle School a great place for all learners.

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

MORNING DROP-OFF/AFTERNOON PICK-UP: I would like to remind our families dropping off their child(ren) in the morning to please circle the perimeter of the parking lot, stay in line, and have your child ready to exit when you get to the designated drop-off location. If you are picking up your child(ren) at the end of the day, please park, come up to the main doors, and wait for your child to come out. I truly appreciate everyone’s help.

FIRE SAFETY WEEK (October 5-11): The New London and Spicer Fire Departments will be visiting Prairie Woods on Thursday, October 9, to talk with our students about fire safety. I want to thank all the fire personnel for taking the time to visit Prairie Woods. I encourage all families to create a home safety plan in case of a fire. Also, don’t forget to check your smoke alarms.

TESTING: Every fall, we begin the year by screening each student in the areas of math and reading. The screening tests are brief, but provide us with a valuable starting point for supporting your child. Results will be sent home with families during the last week of September. Please watch for them to come home on Thursday, September 25. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

ROAR-ing into a Great Year at NLS

At Prairie Woods Elementary, we are committed to helping students grow not only academically, but also as respectful, responsible, and kind members of our school community. This year, our ROAR program (Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility) will continue to provide clear expectations and positive recognition for students.

Monthly ROAR Challenges & Rewards

Each month, our school will celebrate our positive ROAR behavior in a special reward activity. These activities differ from month to month and are meant to inspire and motivate students to continue showing ROAR behavior. On reward days, we encourage students to show their school spirit by wearing Wildcat or black and yellow attire.

OUR SPIRIT WEAR ORDER CLOSES ON SEPTEMBER 16!

Visit: www.rambow.com to browse the selection!

Enter Store Code: NLSSPIRIT

The order deadline is September 16.

2025–26 CatPAC Series – Tickets On Sale Now!

The stage is set for a spectacular season at the NLS Performing Arts Center! This year’s CatPAC Series features five unforgettable performances—from Broadway to rock ‘n’ roll legends, holiday celebrations, and interactive crowd favorites.

The Lineup - Five Incredible Nights of world-class entertainment close to home

Saturday, October 11, 2025 – The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh

🎹 Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh, handpicked by Billy Joel, performs the greatest hits of two piano legends, including Piano Man, Rocket Man, Movin’ Out, and more.

Friday, November 14, 2025 – The Barricade Boys West End 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 – An Elvis Christmas featuring Anthony Shore & His All-Star Band

🎄 Celebrate the holidays with a full horn and string section backing Anthony’s award-winning tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Duelly Noted

🎶 A one-of-a-kind, high-energy show filled with audience participation, sing-a-longs, and hits from the 60’s through today—an interactive concert experience you’ll never forget!

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – A John Denver Tribute presented by Ted Vigil

🌄 Relive the warmth of John Denver’s timeless classics—Take Me Home, Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, and more—in this heartfelt tribute performance.

🕖 All shows begin at 7:00 PM

📍 NLS Performing Arts Center

💛 Sponsored By: Jennie-O, Dooley’s, Rambow, and Willow Creek Counseling

🎟️ Tickets Available Now! www.nls.k12.mn.us/ticketsales Save money, secure the best seats, and enjoy a year of world-class entertainment right here in our community with season tickets!

Prairie Meadows - Coordinator Jennifer Hellickson

We have had a great start to the year at Cub Kids! The theme in all classrooms this month is "All About Me". Our students are having fun sharing about themselves while getting to know all about their new teachers and classmates. The beautiful fall weather has allowed a lot of time for outside play on our regular and natural playgrounds!

Please join us for the Dine Out at Alley on Ash this Tuesday, September 16 from 4:30 - 7:00PM! A portion of proceeds will benefit our Early Childhood Scholarship program! Dine in or take out both help support our learners!