Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256
Oct. 25, 2026
Veterans Day Community Commemoration
Josh Hanson of Red Wing deployed in 2001 as the Global War on Terror began. His military service also included Operation New Dawn years later and the final drawdown of U.S. military operations in Iraq. He will speak during the 10 a.m. Nov. 13 Veterans Day Commemoration at Red Wing High School.
Join us in saluting local veterans
RWHS grad to headline community observance
Army veteran and police officer Josh Hanson will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Community Veterans Day Commemoration on Friday, Nov. 13. The public event will begin at 10 a.m. in the Red Wing High School gymnasium.
“There are so many great personal stories of service and sacrifice within our community, and mine is just one very small piece of that larger story,” Hanson said. “The contribution of veterans in our community to the service of our country, which itself has a rich and powerful history. To be given the opportunity to speak 25 years after 9/11, as a Global War on Terrorism veteran, at Red Wing High School — where my own story began — is both humbling and exciting.”
After graduating from RWHS in 1999, Hanson entered the U.S. Army as an infantryman, serving in the Special Operations Command. He deployed with the initial ground campaigns of the Global War on Terror in 2001, beginning a career centered on military service, public safety, leadership, and community service.
HANSON'S SERVICE
His military service included both domestic and overseas operations, as well as international military training and partnership programs with allied forces, including the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX). When active duty concluded, he joined the Minnesota National Guard.
He supported security operations during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul and, in 2009, supported the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Hanson later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, participating in the final drawdown of U.S. military operations there.
After more than a decade of military service, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement.
The Veterans Day commemoration is traditionally held the Friday closest to Nov. 11, which is a Wednesday this year. There will be military and tribal color guards. Red Wing High School Concert Band, Ovation, Arthur Lockwood and the Prairie Island Singers, and musicians at Minnesota State College Southeast will provide music and song.
“This annual event reminds our students to be grateful for the sacrifices veterans and their families made for our nation,” Superintendent Bob Jaszczak said. “We encourage anyone in the community to join us in honoring the area’s veterans and active duty personnel.”
All are welcome to attend. Please enter at the District Office, Door No. 36. Veterans and guests will be escorted to seating on the gymnasium floor. There is an elevator available.
The event is sponsored by Red Wing Public Schools, Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing American Legion Post 54 and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Hiawatha Valley.
School Safety
We know to listen to our teachers
Sunnyside and Burnside Elementary schools last week held the first of five LOCKDOWN drills for the year. The initial drill was designed to be gentle, reassuring, and focused on helping students practice listening to trusted adults during an emergency, just like we do during a routine fire drill. To introduce safety concepts without causing fear or anxiety, our staff read the age-appropriate books "I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared" and "Lockdown Drill at Superhero School." Thank you, students and staff, for a job well done.
Referendum
Did you miss the open house opportunities?
Watch the video from the open house held Oct. 6 at Sunnyside Elementary School.
Visit the referendum website at bit.ly/rwps-ref26 and scroll down to watch each of these additional short videos to learn more.
Remember to vote before or on Nov. 3
Election Day is one week away. Residents are encouraged to visit the district’s dedicated referendum website at bit.ly/rwps-ref26 to learn about the referendum. The website serves as a central resource for information, including:
Details about the ballot question and proposed improvements
Frequently asked questions
Tax impact information and an online tax calculator
Voting information and important dates
On Nov. 3, voters will consider one ballot question with two funding tools: a $12.86 million building bond for improvements at Sunnyside Elementary and a 10-year capital projects levy to support ongoing investments in curriculum, facilities, technology and other capital needs. The proposal is estimated to have a tax impact of approximately $9 per month on the average value home in the district.
While many of the conversations surrounding the referendum naturally focus on today’s needs and costs, the district’s planning has also looked further ahead. The proposal is intended to strengthen learning opportunities, make thoughtful use of district facilities and resources, and consider how Red Wing Schools can best serve students and families five, ten, and fifteen years from now.
Flight Path 2030
Aspirations in Computing applications due Tuesday
One component of Flight Path 2030 is to encourage students to consider technology-related careers. Joining the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing or AiC is one way to explore opportunities and connect to state and national career networks.
All grades 9-12 students are eligible to join. Membership is free.
Right now AiC also is accepting applications to recognize students for their computing-related achievements and interests. The AiC Award application window is open through Oct. 27.
Our Schools
Colvill Family Center
Young scientists explore the power of observation
Little Wingers noted colors and textures during their nature walk as part of Miss Jessica's class.
COLVILL CALENDAR
Friday, Nov. 6: No school; teacher workday.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
Thursday, Nov. 12: Conferences; no school.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
269 E. Fifth St.
Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 651-385-8000
Webpage: Colvill Family Center
Sunnyside School -- Kindergarten-Grade 1
Pumpkin painting time
Anna Jean Johnson’s kindergarten class embraced art and the fall season by painting pumpkins.
SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR
Thursday, Nov. 5: End of Quarter 1
Friday, Nov. 6: Teacher workday; no school.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
1669 Southwood Ave.
Office hours: 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
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
Burnside School -- grades 2-4
Spreading kindness
Kindness grows more kindness, and at Burnside School our Kindness Club is growing, too! More than 70 third-graders attended last Wednesday's meeting held during recess.
BURNSIDE CALENDAR
Friday, Oct. 30: Dental clinic (registration required).
Monday, Nov. 2: Student flu clinic (registration required).
Thursday, Nov. 5: End of Quarter 1
Friday, Nov. 6: Teacher workday; no school.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
5001 Learning Lane
Burnside Blast Newsletter: October
Office hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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
TBMS and RWHS
Winter activities registration is underway
Registration is now open for Winter activities. Some activities are for grades 7-12 while others are for grades 8-12.
Twin Bluff School -- grades 5-7
TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR
Wednesday, Oct. 28: Grade 5 vision screening.
Thursday, Oct. 29: Grade 7 vision screening.
Friday, Oct. 30: All Caught Up Club.
Friday, Nov. 6: Teacher workday; no school.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS
2120 Twin Bluff Road
Twin Bluff Newsletter: October
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student hours: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Phone: 651-385-4530
Red Wing High School
RWHS CALENDAR
Monday, Oct. 26: Sister Cities student exchange meeting, 5 p.m., high school.
Thursday, Oct. 29: National Honor Society Induction, 7 p.m., auditorium.
Friday: Oct. 30: AP exam registration closes -- Link.
Monday, Nov. 2: Dental clinic (appointment required).
Thursday, Nov. 5: End of Quarter 1.
Friday, Nov. 6: Teacher workday; no school.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
Friday, Nov. 13: Community Veterans Day Commemoration, 10 a.m., gymnasium.
IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION
2451 Eagle Ridge Drive
RWHS: Vision, Voice, Community
Student Newsletter: Oct. 26-30
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student hours: 8:40 a.m. to 3:27 p.m.
Phone: 651-385-4700
Webpages: Red Wing High School and Class of 2027
Tower View Alternative High School
Root, stem, leaf ... new home
Students transplant various types of bushes on the Anderson Center grounds during Josh Nelson's wildlife class.
TOWER VIEW CALENDAR
Monday, Oct. 26: Sister Cities student exchange meeting, 5 p.m., high school.
Thursday, Nov. 5: End of Quarter 1
Friday, Nov. 6: No school; teacher workday.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no classes.
Friday, Nov. 13: Community Veterans Day Commemoration, 10 a.m., RWHS gymnasium.
IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION
154 Tower View Drive
Tower View Office hours: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 651-388-8963
Webpages: Tower View and Class of 2027
RWHS and Tower View
College Planning offers '101' webinars
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education's College Planning Series has two sessions remaining. The series of virtual webinars is created specifically for students and families to walk through components and steps of applying for college and financial aid.
Both sessions will start at 7 p.m.:
Oct. 27 – Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application 101.
Nov. 10 – Scholarships 101.
School Board
Tuesday's meeting to highlight new leadership
American Indian Education Program Director Amanda Provost, Red Wing High School Assistant Principal Alison Terrell and Computing Education Specialist Jonathan Trevathan will make their first appearances before the School Board on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in RWHS J110. Their presentations will be part of the Showcase. All joined the district this academic year. The agenda also will include updates on:
Flight Path 2030.
Transportation.
Referendum.
Jefferson building sale.
The meeting will be streamed on the RWPS YouTube channel. Find the full agenda on the BoardBook.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
Tuesday, Oct. 27: School Board meeting, 5 p.m., Red Wing High School J110.
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day.
Thursday, Nov. 5: End of Quarter 1
Friday, Nov. 6: Teacher workday; no school.
Monday, Nov. 9: Conferences; no school.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: School Board workshop, 5 p.m., Red Wing High School J110.
Friday, Nov. 13: Community Veterans Day Commemoration, 10 a.m., gymnasium.
IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION:
District Office
2451 Eagle Ridge Drive
Red Wing, MN 55066
Summer office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon Friday .
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Phone: 651-385-4500
Website: www.rwps.org
Departments & Resources
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