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Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Dec. 7, 2025

Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256 Dec. 7, 2025
Red Wing PublicSchools ISD 256Dec. 7, 2025
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Spotlight Spotlight

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Twin Bluff Middle School sudents and staff say that smiles are always on the menu with Natasha Holzer.

Putting forth a welcoming spirit Putting forth a welcoming spirit

GET TO KNOW NATASHA HOLZER

Natasha Holzer joined Student Nutrition Services three years ago. The job -- especially engagement with students and the staff -- continues to bring her joy.


“We have an incredible kitchen team here in Red Wing. Everyone helps each other out and truly keeps the kids’ well-being and appetites at the heart of what we do,” she said. “Whenever we’re short-staffed or an unexpected need pops up, people from all over the building pitch in without hesitation to make sure every child is fed and cared for. That kind of teamwork and support makes coming to work every day feel really special.”


What prompted you to take a job with the Student Nutrition Services team?
We first moved to Red Wing 11 years ago from the Twin Cities. That same year, my oldest daughter, Ari, started school at Burnside. I can still remember the principal at the time, Shelia Beckner, standing outside every morning at drop-off, greeting every student by name with a warm “good morning” and a smile. I was amazed that she took the time to do this each day, starting the children’s morning with kindness and a positive energy.


When I decided to take this job, I wanted to honor that same welcoming spirit. Every morning, as the students arrive, I greet them with a smile and a friendly hello. I hope it helps set a positive tone for the students and the rest of their school day.


What do you love most about your job and why?

I love talking with the students and trying to be a bright spot in their day. School days sometimes can feel long and exhausting for them, so if a quick joke, a kind word, or just noticing their new haircut can make things even a little easier or happier, I’ll always do my best to make their day brighter.


What is your favorite school meal and why?
The kids absolutely love our popcorn chicken bowl — it’s hands-down one of the most popular items on the menu. It’s also one of the toughest meals for us to prepare and serve in the kitchen, but seeing how excited and happy the students get on popcorn chicken bowl day makes every minute of the extra work worth it.


What suggestions do you have for parents to get their children to try new foods?

When a student is hesitant to try something new, I offer them a small sample — no pressure, just a little taste. I always make sure to check back with them later and ask what they thought of it. This simple approach has worked wonderfully; I’ve successfully convinced many students to switch from the processed items to our fresher, more homemade options.


What do you do for fun?

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family. I am married with two kids, and two dogs. In the summer, we’re usually out fishing or enjoying the boat together. Most afternoons after school, you’ll find me walking or playing with my dogs, Winona and Milo. They’re Catahoula Leopard Dogs and absolutely adorable (and full of energy)!

Flight Path 2030 Flight Path 2030

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Flight Path 2030 webpage

Opening doors for future-ready students Opening doors for future-ready students

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Red Wing Public Schools is now accepting applications for summer STEM opportunities through the Milwaukee School of Engineering.


Through the generosity of Dwight and Dian Diercks, our students in grades 9-10-11 have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to attend summer programs at MSOE -- free of charge, including Amtrak fare to and from Milwaukee's Intermodal Station. These scholarships are part of Flight Path 2030, our long-term commitment to ensuring every student is prepared for success in computing, data, and artificial intelligence.


Scholarships make it possible for students — regardless of background or circumstance — to explore advanced topics, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence in college-level settings. Applications are due Jan. 16, 2026. Click the link button below to learn more and apply.

Summer Program Scholarships at MSOE
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Our schools Our schools

December school menus

Red Wing High School Red Wing High School

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A drummer, a drum set and a dream

Mike Arturi, founder of the Universal Music Center in Red Wing and drummer with the Lovin' Spoonful, delivered a message on resilience to Red Wing High School students Wednesday, Dec. 3. He explained how instinct -- in his case a lifelong need to play the drums -- combined with experience -- including going back to school where he mastered numerous percussion instruments -- helped him make informed decisions that led to a rich and varied career. "Only you truly and completely know you," he told students. "Your experiences are yours only."

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CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 8: Senior portraits due to yearbook.

Winter Extravaganza concerts, 6 p.m. Grade 8 and Symphonic bands, Mixed Choir and Bella Voce; 7:45 p.m. Concert Band, Concert Choir and Ovation, RWHS.

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., Hovda Hall.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Club Day.

10 Days of Giving concludes.


Wednesday, Dec. 17: Club Day.

Thursday, Dec. 18: Grade 8 choir & Ovation concert, 7:30 p.m., Hovda Hall.

Friday, Dec. 19: Final day before winter break.


IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION

RWHS Student Newsletter Dec. 8-12

RWHS Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays

Phone: 651-385-4700

Webpages: Red Wing High School and and Class of 2026

Tower View Alternative High School Tower View Alternative High School

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Putting together the finishing touches

Josh Nelson's Wildlife and Outdoor Rec class created center-pieces from materials they gathered for the school's annual holiday dinner, happening this week. This dinner is a gift from the Anderson Center to Tower View, and it's a time for students and staff from both entities to gather together and share our gratitude for one another. See more photos on the Tower View Facebook page.

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School Hovda Hall.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Holiday dinner.

10 Days of Giving concludes.


Friday, Dec. 19: Final day before winter break.


IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION

Webpages: Tower View and Class of 2026

Tower View Office hours: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Phone: 651-388-8963

Twin Bluff Middle School Twin Bluff Middle School

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Reindeer games

Twin Bluff Middle School Dance Club members gave Friday's PBIS assembly a holiday twist.

TWIN BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School Hovda Hall.

Friday, Dec. 12: School dance, 6-8 p.m.


Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 15-17: IGO outdoor activities for grade 5.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Grades 6 & 7 band concert, 7 p.m., RWHS Hovda Hall.

Thursday, Dec. 18: Grades 6 & 7 choir concert, 6 p.m., RWHS Hovda Hall.

Friday, Dec. 19: Winter Fun Day.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Twin Bluff Newsletter: December

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone: 651-385-4530

Twin Bluff webpage

Burnside Elementary School Burnside Elementary School

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Being kind leaves a good taste in your mouth!

Snacks are coming in. The drive coordinated by the Kindness Club goes until Dec. 17.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School Hovda Hall.


Monday, Dec. 15: Merry Monday.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Twinkle Tuesday.

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Whiteout Wednesday.

Kindness Club snack drive concludes.

Thursday, Dec. 18: Theatrical Thursday.

Friday, Dec. 19: Fuzzy Friday.

Last day before winter break.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Burnside Newsletter: December

Student hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4715 or: BESattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4700

Kids Junction: 651-385-4709

Webpage: Burnside Elementary School

Elementary dress-up days Elementary dress-up days

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Sunnyside Elementary School Sunnyside Elementary School

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Snow-much fun

Sunnyside students are embracing the season during recess. See more photos on the Sunnyside Facebook page.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School Hovda Hall.


Monday, Dec. 15: Merry Monday.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Twinkle Tuesday.

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Whiteout Wednesday.

Thursday, Dec. 18: Theatrical Thursday.

Friday, Dec. 19: Fuzzy Friday.

Last day before winter break.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Sunnyside Newsletter: December.

Student hours: 7:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Attendance: 651-385-4580 or SESattendance@rwps.org

Phone: 651-385-4570

Kids Junction: 651-385-4587

Webpage: Sunnyside webpage

Colvill Family Center Colvill Family Center

Visit the toy library to invigorate play Visit the toy library to invigorate play

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Getting a little stir crazy? Is playtime feeling a little stale at home? Colvill Family Center offers a toy library. This operates like a book library where families, grandparents and child care providers are able to check out toys, play with them at home, then return to check out more.


  • There is no cost to use the service, which is sponsored by Red Wing Dawnbreakers Kiwanis.
  • Volunteers sanitize all toys before they are checked out again.

The new Early Childhood Family Education catalog is available online.

ECFE classes for winter/spring 2026
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COLVILL CALENDAR

Friday, Dec. 12: Nurturing Nest, 10:30 a.m. to noon.


Tuesday, Dec. 16: Self-care On the Go: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Kid.

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Understanding Challenging Behaviors in Young Children.

Friday, Dec. 19: Final day before winter break.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone: 651-385-8000

Webpage: Colvill Family Center

District News District News

School Board gets ready for 2025 wrapup School Board gets ready for 2025 wrapup

Red Wing School Board members will spend Monday night’s workshop preparing for the year-end business they must complete a week later. Most of the agenda will deal with finances, the Truth-in-Taxation process and finalizing the tax levy.


The Dec. 8 workshop will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Red Wing High School J110. This workshop will be recorded but not livestreamed. The Dec. 15 business meeting also will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the same location; that meeting will be streamed.


Find the Dec. 8 workshop agenda on the BoardBook.

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DISTRICT CALENDAR

Monday, Dec. 8: School Board workshop, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School room J110.

Tuesday, Dec. 9: Flight Path 2030 Community Forum, 5:30 p.m., RWHS Hovda Hall; a quorum of School Board members may be present.

Monday, Dec. 15: School Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., Red Wing High School room J110.

Thursday, Dec. 18: Dakota speakers, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Twin Bluff Middle School.

Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Winter break.


IMPORTANT LINKS & INFORMATION:

District Office

2451 Eagle Ridge Drive

Red Wing, MN 55066

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Phone: 651-385-4500

Website: www.rwps.org

Community Education & Recreation Community Education & Recreation

Catch the remaining fall catalog classes Catch the remaining fall catalog classes

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Registration for Driver's Education classes in 2026 will open Dec. 15. Visit www.rwps.org and click on Community Education & Recreation, then Driver's Education.


UPCOMING YOUTH CLASS

Friday, Dec 12: Transportation to Welch, ages 10+.


IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION
Community Education webpage

Red Wing Community Education Facebook

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Phone: 651-385-4565

School Board meeting recordings
District policies (On the School Board webpage)
Employment opportunities
Handbooks
Newsletters for 2025-2026
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About our district

Red Wing Public Schools strives to provide an innovating and meaningful educational experience that fosters curiosity; pursues and applies best practices; embraces diversity by respectfully engaging all students, families, and staff; and connects and partners with our community. We serve pre-K through grade 12.

Website: www.rwps.org
Location: 2451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Red Wing, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 385-4500

Red Wing Public Schools
newsletter@rwps.org
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