LP School District Newsletter
March 27, 2026
Dear District Staff and Families,
Recently, I had the honor of representing the Lester Prairie School District at the MN State Capitol with a group of regional Superintendents to advocate for our students and for public education. We met with several State Senators and Representatives to tell our district stories on how some proposed legislation could impact our local students, staff, districts, and communities. The lawmakers that met with us included Representative Marj Fogelman, Representative Cheryl Youakim, Senator Gary Dahms, Senator Bill Weber, Senator Jason Rarick, Representative Joe Schomacker, and Representative Scott Van Binsbergen. The topics included compensatory funding, health insurance, the funding formula for our public schools, PSEO, and more. I was impressed that these busy lawmakers took the time to listen and dialogue with us.
If there are issues that speak to you during this legislative session, I encourage you to reach out to lawmakers to tell your story. Here is a link to find those folks that represent you:
https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
As always, thank you for your continued support of Lester Prairie Schools. Together, we make a positive difference for the students we serve.
Sincerely,
Supt. Melissa Radeke
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS:
PRINCIPAL LEE:
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the final stretch of the school year. The fourth quarter began this week, marking an important time for students to stay focused, continue building positive habits, and finish the year strong.
In the coming weeks, students will participate in statewide standardized assessments. It is important that all students do their very best. These tests provide valuable insight into student learning and help guide our instruction and support. More importantly, they give students an opportunity to demonstrate the growth they have made throughout the year.
Families can support their children by helping them get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time, ready to learn. Encouragement and a positive mindset at home go a long way in helping students feel confident and prepared.
Spring also brings many activities, events, and celebrations. While there is much to look forward to, it is essential that students maintain strong attendance and consistent effort in the classroom. Every day of learning matters.
Thank you for your continued support of our school and community.
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR:
Spring has finally sprung! During a break from my conference, I slipped outside to enjoy this 70 degree weather. From an elevated position, watching and listening to the Mississippi River flow by, it's always a great reminder of why we live where we do when we see the revitalization of our landscape coming out of a long winter season. This year is also a great reminder for me of why I do what I do. Since accepting the AD position at Lester Prairie, I’ve had the opportunity to annually attend the MNIAAA AD conference in late March. Along with some fantastic networking and professional learning opportunities, the same theme always is present at this conference and that is “we do this for the kids”. Raising and educating children can be a daunting task at times. Many times we lose our perspective that we do this “for the kids”. If we can keep this quote in mind when we are struggling with “our kids”, the outcomes for both parties involved will be better for it.
Go Bulldogs!!
Ross Scheevel
AD/DoS/CE
LP Schools
TEACHING AND LEARNING:
Greetings everyone,
We are coming up on Spring Testing and our educating staff has worked at looking at the data to make great decisions for what needs to be taught in the classroom. We are also working on intervention instruction for students and evidence-based instructional practices. Next, our AVID program is attending a college and career readiness field trip at Minnesota State University, Mankato (A public college), and Gustavus Adolphus College (private college) on Friday, March 27th. Students in the 9th grade have been working on writing an expository essay in class comparing and contrasting the different options of higher education - post secondary schooling. Finally, within our MnMTSS process, we have continued our work on tier 1 (Core instruction) evidence-based practices in the classroom and will continue to work on the design and delivery of our instruction. As we transition to the Spring Testing time, students are working hard in class to stay focused and they are getting ready to show what they know! We appreciate all of your academic support at home and we cannot wait to update you all, next time.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ryan Sinda
Student Success Coach/MnMTSS Coordinator
COUNSELOR CORNER:
MCA Testing Begins in April
Testing season is approaching, and our students will soon begin the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in April. These assessments provide important information about student learning and help guide instruction and support at school.
Families can view the full testing schedule here:
District Testing Calendar
We encourage families to help students feel confident and prepared by supporting healthy habits during testing season:
Ensure students get a good night’s sleep before testing days
Encourage a healthy breakfast each morning
Help students arrive at school on time and ready to go
Remind students to take their time and do their best
Maintain a calm, positive mindset about testing
Your support at home plays an important role in helping students feel prepared and confident. Thank you for partnering with us as we work to support student success during MCA testing!
Does the School District have your most current contact information?
Community members can sign up to receive our inclement weather and emergency messages using a form on our website under the Community tab or click here.
Dates to Know:
April 3-6: Spring Break – no school
April 16: Title/EL Family Engagement night 4pm-5:30pm
April 17: K-6 Early Dismissal 11:30 (Read Act)
April 20: Regular School Board mtg 5:45pm
May 6: NHS Induction Ceremony 7pm
May 11: 6-12 Band Concert 7:30pm
May 13: Elementary Track and Field Day
May 15: Graduation
May 18: PTO Inflatable Day for Elementary
May 22: Last day for Students
Next Regular School Board Meeting: Monday, April 20 at 5:45pm in the Media Center
Do you have any comments or feedback to share?
Lester Prairie Schools
Email: radeke@lp.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.lp.k12.mn.us
Location: 131 Hickory Street North, Lester Prairie, MN, USA
Phone: 320-395-2521
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lp424
Twitter: @LPBulldogs424