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Eagle Update: Excitement building for start of school

We are about to start the 2018-19 school year. Our staff is eager to begin another year. We know that students are excited to reconnect with friends and more importantly; parents are thrilled to have kids back in school!

We completed several summer construction projects to maintain our buildings and to enhance programs for our students. A joint project with New Ulm Fastpitch Softball Association to update the Jefferson Softball fields was also completed. All softball fields had work done to increase player safety and provide for proper field drainage. We extended this work to our Washington Learning Center fields as well.

A new FAB Lab has been constructed at the Middle School. This lab has many training modules for students to learn CNC machining, programming, laser engraving, 3D modeling and many other Science and Career Technical Education (CTE) concepts. Teachers have received training on the new equipment and aligned the training with newly developed curriculum.

A new CNC Plasma cutting table was purchased last spring for our high school CTE programs. This is the first step to update and increase our equipment for students who may have an interest in a CTE field. We plan to continue to update equipment throughout the school year so that we are teaching key technical concepts to our students that match what industry is using.

The focus on CTE is a school board directive. Money was allocated to update and enhance our CTE programs at both the Middle School and High School. The equipment is one part of this initiative – we will continue to build on our existing partnerships to develop job opportunities and exposure to our students of the many careers in our area.

While work occurred within our buildings and on the grounds, many staff members spent time with curriculum, reviewed classroom and student data and prepared for the upcoming school year. Our custodial teams continue to do great work to get our facilities ready for staff, students and parents. Our buildings look great!

We are ready to start our fall workshop and transition to a new school year. Open houses are scheduled for all buildings on Aug. 28 and 29 from 3:30-7:30 pm. The first day of school for students in grades 1st, 5th and 9th grade is Sept. 4. The remaining students in grades 1-12 will begin school on September 5. Kindergarten classes will begin on Sept. 6.

I wish all schools and students in New Ulm all the best for this school year. I encourage all drivers to be more aware of pedestrians, bicyclists and buses so we don’t have any mishaps. Please be vigilant and safe around all schools and bus zones.

Go Eagles!

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