Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256
Dec. 7, 2025
Spotlight
Twin Bluff Middle School sudents and staff say that smiles are always on the menu with Natasha Holzer.
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
Opening doors for future-ready students
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.
Our schools
Red Wing High School
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."
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
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
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
Burnside Elementary School
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
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
Sunnyside Elementary School
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
Visit the toy library to invigorate play
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.
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
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.
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
Catch the remaining fall catalog classes
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
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