By Adam Johnson

NYM Superintendent

It’s November already and, like it or not, winter weather will be here before we know it.

Sometimes the weather forces us to cancel school, release early, or start late. Nw York Mills School communicates all weather changes through six different sources including Facebook, ISD553 website, Instant Alert phone call/email, weather bulletin board, local radio stations (105.9 FM, 104.1 FM, 94.7 FM, 99.5 FM, 1250 AM, and 920 AM), and tv stations (WCCO, WDAY, KVLY, and KSTP). The current calendar gives us five e-learning days, which means the first five canceled school days will turn to e-learning days. Our e-learning plan can be found on our website and teachers will communicate their individual plans. Any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Congratulations to the cross country, tennis, volleyball, and football teams on a great fall season. Football finished the season at 4-6, winning a playoff game versus Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, before falling to West Central Area. Volleyball finished 20-11, winning their first round playoff match versus Park Christian, before losing to Breckenridge.

Tennis finished the season 23-1, winning their first playoff game against Wadena/Deer Creek, before falling to Staples-Motley. Cross country finished up their season at Bagley in the Section 8A meet. Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a great fall. 

Winter season is starting soon: varsity girls basketball started on November 11, with junior high already under way and varsity boys basketball and wrestling start on November 18. Best of luck to all the student-athletes in their upcoming season.

Besides games, New York Mills Schools has many events coming up including parent teacher conferences, holiday breaks, deer hunting season, and concerts. A full schedule of events can be found on our website, but there are several events I would like to highlight: Veteran’s Day is November 11. I would like to say thank you to all current military personnel and Veterans that protect us everyday. Without each Veteran, we would not be able to do all of the things we take for granted. Thank you for your service.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be November 14 from 1-7:45 p.m. November 14 is an early out and there will be no school on November 15. A reminder the trimester ends on November 22. If you have questions about conferences, please call the elementary or high school offices.

During American Education Week, which runs from November 18-22, we will be celebrating New York Mills School Staff. The New York Mills staff includes principals, secretaries, bus drivers, teachers, paraprofessionals, cooks, cleaners, and many, many other positions that make New York Mills School what it is. Thank you to the entire staff of New York Mills Schools.

I’m looking forward to attending my first Community Carnival on Friday, Nov. 22 from 4-7 p.m. This event is put on by the Parent Nest PTO and wouldn’t be possible without the dozens of volunteers. Thank you!

At the end of this month, we celebrate Thanksgiving, where we give thanks for all the great things we have in our lives. I have found New York Mills School and community to be a truly special place and I want to take a moment to thank everyone for that. This has been a great year for me and I look forward to the years ahead.

On December 4, there is an Early Out at 1 p.m. On December 5, the K-4 Elementary winter concert takes place. On December 9, the 5-8 winter concert takes place. And finally, on December 12, the 9-12 winter concert takes place. The last day of school before Christmas break starts is December 20 and then school resumes for students on January 6. For any schedule changes and to see a full schedule, please check the website (www.nymills.k12.mn.us) and follow the school on Facebook (New York Mills Public School ISD 553).

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to myself, the high school office, elementary office, or the district office and any of us here will be happy to help out. Thank you for reading!