I want to take a moment to share an important update regarding school funding and the current legislative session.


At this time, the state has not committed to addressing key funding concerns that will impact our school district, including the lack of a “hold harmless” provision for compensatory aid. Compensatory aid is funding specifically intended to support students who face additional academic and economic challenges, and based on current state projections, our district is expected to lose approximately $200,000 in compensatory funding.


One of the primary reasons for this shift is tied to changes in how student eligibility is identified under Minnesota’s universal free school meals program. With the move toward greater reliance on automatic certification, fewer families are completing the traditional application forms that were previously used to determine eligibility. As a result, not all students in need are being fully captured in the current system, which can make it appear as though fewer students qualify for compensatory aid—even though the level of need in our community has not changed. To read the full letter, click here.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools.

Jamie Boelter, NLS Superintendent

Executive Order 25-12: Safe Storage

At New London-Spicer School District, we work hard to create safe and secure learning environments in our classrooms. Student safety and well-being is foundational to our work as educators. Firearm-related injuries are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Safe storage practices significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings, suicide and any unauthorized access of a firearm by a child. There are simple, proven practices that you can do to help keep children safe at home. The Department of Public Safety has produced a one-page resource for families on safe storage, in accordance with Executive Order 25-12.

The Executive Order also requires that we share clear, practical information with parents and caregivers. This is not in response to a specific incident in our school community. We know families may have questions. Guidance on frequently asked questions and additional resources are available at SafeandSecureMN.org. Small steps can make a big difference when it comes to firearm safety. By working together, we prevent harm and protect Minnesota’s students.

Thank you for all you do for our children.

High School

We are proud to share that four NLS Speech Team members, Autumn Tortorella, Jason Warner, Addie Buboltz, and Autumn Foshaug, competed in the 2026 Class A Speech State Tournament on April 25 at Park Center High School!

A special congratulations and shoutout to Autumn Foshaug on advancing to finals and earning 2nd place at the Class A State Speech Tournament in Poetry —an outstanding accomplishment! Congratulations Autumn!

Wildcat Summer Athletic Training Program

Build strength, speed, confidence, and teamwork this summer with training led by Jacob Beranek and Luke Peterson. Sessions include strength training, speed/agility work, competition, and leadership development for students entering grades 5-12.

For registration information and to read the full informational letter, click here.

Two Free Summer Camps for 5th, 6th or 7th Graders

GAMMA (Math Camp): July 20–24, 8:45 AM–1:45 PM at Willmar High School, featuring hands-on, discovery-based learning and a field trip to Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. GAMMA Online Registration



Robotics/STEM Camp: July 27–August 7 (M–F), 8:45AM–12:45PM at Willmar High School. Includes one week of robotics and one week of science/engineering. Robotics/STEM Online Registration

Both camps are FREE through West Central Achievement and Integration Collaborative and include:

• Free breakfast & lunch
• Free transportation
• Free materials & supplies

Space is limited—register for one or both camps today!

Questions? Contact Mr. Jason Schorn: schornj@isd345.org

Our middle schoolers have completed their MCAs. We have decided to celebrate this accomplishment and the fact that summer is near with a Middle School dress up week!


• Monday = Adam Sandler Day
• Tuesday = Sports Day
• Wednesday = Wacky Wednesday
• Thursday = Twin day or Rhyme without a Reason
• Friday = Freaky Friday

Prairie Woods

Our First grade is celebrating the last 26 days of school with our annual ABC Countdown. Thursday, April 30 was J for Junie B. Jones Day. Junie B. Jones is a beloved, storybook character in first grade. 

All five teachers read the entire collection of Junie B. books throughout the school year. So in celebration students participated in various Junie B. Jones-themed activities. Furthermore, each student was able to take home a brand new Junie B. Jones book, courtesy of the Prairie Woods PTO! We want to thank the PTO for sponsoring this memorable day each year for our first graders!

2026-27 CatPAC Series Lineup!

Join us for another incredible season of entertainment at the NLS Performing Arts Center — all shows begin at 7:00 PM!

✨ Upcoming Season’s Performances✨

• October 3, 2026 – Key of G, LIVE! Tribute to Garth Brooks

• November 7, 2026 – Top Duets – Phil Thompson

• December 18, 2026 – Rock & Roll Christmas Special

• March 6, 2027 – Funny Mind Reader Kristoffer Olson

• April 3, 2027 – Chicago Transit – A Tribute to Chicago

🎟️ Season Tickets on sale: June 4, 2026 & Individual Tickets on sale: August 15, 2026

Purchase tickets at: www.nls.k12.mn.us/ticketsales

We can’t wait to see you for an unforgettable season!