By Adam Johnson

New York Mills School Superintendent

As we wrap up our first week of school, I would like to take a few minutes to share the amazing teamwork I’ve witnessed this year. The New York Mills staff has done an outstanding job coordinating all that goes into a successful school day, while maintaining a positive outlook!  

The staff at NY Mills is second to none and the same can be said for our students. From pre-k to senior high, the students have had great attitudes this week and are working hard for this year to be the best it can be. I’m so glad to see students back in the building again! 

New York Mills enrollment has increased as compared to previous years. First day enrollment is 871 students from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade, as compared to 847 last year. Growth like this shows that students want to be in the New York Mills School District, which speaks highly of our staff, students, and community. With this growth and the growth predictions in the future, space is at a premium right now. From temporary walls in the multipurpose room to extending the lunch hour, we are doing all we can to maximize our space. 

I want to shout out congratulations to students, staff, and families for coming in well above the state average in last school year’s standardized tests. We have a lot to be proud of!

• Elementary Math: NY Mills met or exceeded at 65.6 percent, compared to the state average of 45.5 percent. 

• Elementary Reading: NY Mills met or exceeded at 59.1 percent, compared to the state average of 49.8 percent. 

• Elementary Science: NY Mills met or exceeded 63.5 percent, while the state average was 39.5 percent. 

• High School Math: NY Mills met or exceeded 55.5 percent, and the state average was 45.5 percent. 

• High School Reading: NY Mills met or exceeded 52.5 percent and the state average was 49.8 percent. 

• High School Science: NY Mills met or exceeded 45.6 percent, compared to the state average of 39.5 percent. 

The Fall sports and activities are underway. The volleyball team is currently 2-0 after beating Frazee and Henning to open the season. The football team is 1-1 after a close game against Ada-Borup and then beating Pine River-Backus last Frida. The cross country team has run three meets already, showing continuous improvement. The team ran through Sonnenberg Farms (just outside of NY Mills) during its first home meet on August 29. 

Tennis has seven matches behind them and will have plenty of events in the next few weeks in Perham. I hope to see some of you at our home games in September–volleyball has three home games coming up and football has two. 

Homecoming Week is set for September 30 through October 4, with volleyball home games that week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and a home football game on Friday. That same week, cross country has a meet on Thursday at Battle Lake and tennis is in Park Rapids for a doubles tournament. Lots of opportunities to come out and support New York Mills student athletes! Our website and facebook are regularly updated as well for more information. 

As I close, I want to thank you for trusting us with your students. At New York Mills Schools, we work hard to prepare students for life and we will continue to make ISD #553 the best it can be. 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 and Go Eagles!