NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DIST. 345

Inspire Every Student, Every Day

A Strong Start to the Second Half

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible students, families, and staff. We have already been so impressed by the many accomplishments our students have achieved, both in and outside of the classroom, and we are excited for all that still lies ahead.



As you take on your 2026 New Year’s resolutions, please know that you are not doing it alone. We are here to support, encourage, and cheer one another on every step of the way.



Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and succeed.

CALENDAR

MENUS

COMMUNITY ED

PALS CHILDCARE

PARENT PORTAL

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

  • Tuesday, January 20 - Boxes, One Act Play by Kendra Thomas
  • Friday, January 30 - Grade Check for Grades 7-12
  • Friday, January 30 - Kindness Retreat for Grade 4
  • Sunday, February 1 - Senior Photos Due!
  • Tuesday, February 3 - Dine Out for PreK at O'Neil's
  • Monday February 9 - School Board Meeting
  • Wednesday, February 11 - 2nd Grade Program
  • Wednesday, February 11 - Prairie Woods PTO Meeting
  • Thursday, February 12 - Muffins in the Morning for PreK
  • Friday, February 13 - No School: Teacher Workday
  • Monday, February 16 - No School: Presidents Day
  • Tuesday, February 17 - No School: Staff Development Day

Important Technology Information

Lightspeed for Parents: An Optional Tool 


NLS offering an optional resource to support students’ digital well-being at home: Lightspeed for Parents. This tool allows parents and guardians to view online activity and receive alerts related to school-issued Chromebooks only, similar to the visibility teachers have during the school day. Families can use the portal to support healthy digital habits and partner with the school in promoting safe, responsible technology use. Please note, Lightspeed for Parents does not monitor personal devices.


Participation is optional and available to families of students in grades 5–12. Parents and guardians must opt in to receive access using the Parent/Guardian Opt-In Google Form. We appreciate our continued partnership with families in supporting student digital well-being.

Optional Chromebook Protection Plan


Our Technology Department has received a few questions from parents regarding our Optional Device Protection Plan. To help clarify the details please reference the visual overview that explains what the plan includes;

  • $30/student, per school year
  • Receive 50% discount on repairs
  • Covered: Accidents, repairs and full replacements
  • Not Covered: Lost, theft, and vandalism


Interested in Signing Up?

1. Device inspection by our Tech Department

2. Pay $30 fee on Parent Portal

3. Protection starts immediately after your payment is processed



High School

Season of Joy Concert Brings Holiday Spirit to a Full House

The Performing Arts Center was packed and filled with joy and music as our community came together for the Season of Joy concert. From the first note to the final applause, the energy in the room reflected the talent, dedication, and holiday spirit of our students, making it a truly successful evening for all who attended.


Under the direction of Jason Parker, Choir Director, and Caitlin Becks, Band Director, students delivered outstanding performances that filled the PAC with festive music and showcased their hard work and commitment. Their leadership, along with the students’ passion for music, created a memorable and uplifting experience for the audience.



Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported our performers. Events like this highlight the strength of our arts programs and the joy that music brings to our school and community.

Wildcat Activities

Middle School

We wrapped up the days before winter break with some great activities, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to our teachers and staff for the time and effort they put into planning those experiences for our students. We kicked off Quarter 3 with grade-level meetings to revisit and reinforce our middle school expectations, along with a fun advisory challenge to help build community and set a positive tone for the quarter ahead.


As a reminder, students will continue to go outside for recess when the Real Feel temperature is 25 degrees or above. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared with warm clothing such as coats, hats, and mittens.


We are also excited to share that our 6th and 8th grade students will be attending a field trip to Powder Ridge on January 30. With many activities happening right now, if you are ever looking for opportunities for your student to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Middle School office.


We are proud of the growth our students have made so far this year and truly appreciate your partnership in supporting your child’s assignments, behavior, and continued success at school. If you have any concerns about your student please reach out to one of their teachers or the middle school office. 

This season, our NLS Middle School YES Club helped spread kindness and generosity through a Holiday Toy Drive that brought our school community together.


Students across all middle school grades stepped up to support local families in need, with our fifth graders leading the way by donating the most toys and earning the treat of Christmas cookies!


Every donated toy was given to The Link, reinforcing an important lesson for our students: when we come together with caring hearts, we can make a meaningful difference in our community.

Prairie Woods

The start of a new year is a great time for everyone to think about setting goals. Setting goals is great for all people. It helps our younger students take ownership of something they wish to work on, builds focus, creates motivation, and allows them to self-check and/or self-reflect. I encourage our families to set a goal with their child to work for the year. For elementary-aged students, it is great to teach that a goal is something you work toward, not something you wish for. Start small but be specific. Remember to talk about how the goal is going. Finally, make sure to celebrate the successes.  


A huge thank you to all our students and families for making our book fair a huge SUCCESS! Also thank you to Peg Peterson, Stacy Beyer, Sara Brouwer, Lisa Sieve for leading, organizing, and carrying out a great book fair. Also, many thanks to the students and families that visited the book fair. Proceeds will be used to add more books to the library.


If you wish to contact Mr. Juhl, please reach out via his email at juhlr@isd345.org or call his phone extension at 320-354-2252 ext. 2345. Please reach out to his email address or call him by phone as he likely will not see any See Saw messages. Thank you.

Prairie Woods Elementary and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) plan to “kick-off” our annual Club Choice fundraiser Thursday, January 29. This fundraiser will go from January 29 to February 9. More information will be sent home on January 29. Also, March 4 will be the pick-up date for items sold.  

Please encourage your child(ren) to dress for the weather. We will stay inside only when the regular temperature is below 0° or windchill (feels like) temperature is below -5°. 

Congratulations to our Prairie Woods ROAR Students of the Month for December!

Our students continue to impress us, and these individuals were selected for exemplifying outstanding ROAR behavior by showing Respect, Ownership, a Good Attitude, and Responsibility in all they do.

Community Education

4th Annual Zylstra Camp

Our 4th Annual Zylstra Camp is OPEN for registration! We are including a family cap of $150 this year - so be sure to sign your whole family up. Register here


Adult Volleyball Registration - Now OPEN - Register here


Take the Stage as a CatPAC Sponsor

Becoming a CatPAC Sponsor is more than a sponsorship—it’s a chance to invest in unforgettable arts experiences while showcasing your business to a highly engaged local audience. Your support helps bring professional-level performances and enriching cultural events to our students, families, and community, all while providing your business with valuable visibility and recognition throughout the CatPAC season. It’s a powerful way to align your brand with creativity, education, and community pride. Interested in amplifying your impact and exposure?

Contact Tricia Lilleberg: 320-354-1410 to learn more!

2025–26 CatPAC Series – Tickets On Sale Now!

Another incredible season is underway 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 fourth and final shows of the season!


🎶Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Duelly Noted

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, energy, and fun! Duelly Noted brings both sass and class to the stage with a dynamic performance featuring your favorite hits from the ’60s to today. Known for their engaging style and interactive shows, this talented duo keeps audiences singing, dancing, and laughing all night long. From crowd requests to sing-alongs, Duelly Noted delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that will have everyone on their feet!


🎶Saturday, April 7, 2026 - A John Denver Tribute presented by Ted Vigil

Celebrate the timeless music of John Denver with an unforgettable tribute performance by Ted Vigil!

Experience beloved classics like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and many more, brought to life with heart and authenticity.

Ted Vigil, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and tribute artist, has been performing since the age of ten, honing his craft in concert, symphonic, and jazz bands. His moving performance captures the spirit, warmth, and sound of the legendary John Denver in a night fans won’t forget.


🕖 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

Cub Kids PreK is the area’s premier early childhood program, distinguished by licensed teachers, READ Act certification, and comprehensive safety training. All staff are trained in CPR, First Aid, and AED, providing families with both exceptional instruction and peace of mind. Registration opens on February 2, 2026.

Join us in the new year at ECFE! 

Mid-Winter Frosty Friends

Come in from the cold and join us for a mini session with some cozy, indoor winter fun! You and your child will enjoy a winter wonderland of snow filled crafts and activities.   

Thursdays 5:30 - 7:00PM January 22 - February 5

Fridays 9:30 - 11:00AM January 23 - February 6

Sign up: https://nls.arux.app/


Stop by and Play (Open Gym)

Starts Friday, January 16 from 9:00 - 11:00AM.

Sign up online: https://nls.arux.app/ (or pay at the door)


Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  
Address: 101 4th Ave SW New London, MN 56273
P: 320-354-2252
F: 320-354-9001