The start of the new school year has been a positive experience for both students and staff at New Ulm Middle School. The staff has been laser focused on addressing the varying academic and social-emotional needs of the students.

This year, New Ulm Middle School is partnering with Allina Health to provide students and staff access to Allina’s Change to Chill resources which focus on addressing teen stress. Earlier this year, a representative from Allina Health trained staff and shared lesson resources and activities that can be used in the classroom. The school also received a grant to create a “Chill Zone” in the school counseling center which will be designed by 8th grade students Zel-Mari Kamm and Brighton Muklebust, who were selected as the school’s Chill Champions. Throughout the school year, Change to Chill lessons will be incorporated into the middle school counseling and advisory programs.

The teaching staff at New Ulm Middle School continues to focus on personalizing learning for students. Staff are able to identify gaps in student knowledge and skills by reviewing student assessment data and then use specific instructional strategies to support the growth of individual students. Throughout the school year, the middle school staff will continue to participate in professional development led by Education Elements and will learn more about personalized learning for students. Another way teachers are working to meet the academic needs of students is by offering reteaching, intervention and enrichment opportunities during a daily 35 minute FLEX period. Each day students evaluate their individual needs and sign-up for the FLEX class that best supports their current academic needs. This allows students to receive help from their teachers outside of their regular class time and is another way the school is personalizing learning for students.

There are also many middle school students who are participating in extracurricular activities. In addition to fall athletics, students are participating in after school clubs offered through Community Education including Bike Safety, Pickleball, Cross Country, Art, Magic the Gathering, Anime and Sign Language. This fall there were over 65 students who ran for student council. As a result of the high level of student interest, the middle school is now offering a separate leadership club, in which all students have the opportunity to join.

The staff and students at New Ulm Middle School are well positioned to have an outstanding school year.