RWHS Student Newsletter
Back to School 2024
This Week at RWHS
Monday, October 13: Normal daily schedule
- Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Reminder: Activities Grade Check on FRIDAY!
Tuesday, October 14: altered daily schedule
- Indigenous Peoples' Day assembly
Wednesday, October 15:altered daily schedule
- Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
- iTimes during ELA
- Activities Grade Check
🍁Thursday-Saturday: FALL BREAK, No School for students or staff🍁
Information for this week...
The Schedule for the Week
Monday, October 13: Normal daily schedule
- Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Our RW 7th and 8th grade football teams will be playing their last game of the season, and they get to play it under the lights @ RWHS Russ Marshall Field. This will be an exciting evening for these players. 7th grade kickoff @ 4:30 and 8th grade kickoff @5:30. Come cheer them on!
Tuesday, October 14: altered daily schedule (TBD)
- In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, we will host a guest author speaking with students Tuesday, October 14.
- Red Wing Public Schools is proud to welcome Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre, a Hunkpapa Lakota author and educator from Standing Rock. Jessie’s work centers on healing, identity, and the power of storytelling.
- This presentation will take place immediately after lunch, at 1:00
Wednesday, October 15: altered daily schedule
- Hispanic Students United has organized a culminating event for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Columbia Live dancers performing and teaching traditional dance
Guest Speaker: Rosa Tock
Additional visiting artists and cultural presenters
Student-led reflections and learning opportunities
- Assembly at 10:10 AM.
- The day will end with club time before we head into MEA break.
- Athletic/Activities Grade Check
October 16 & 17: Fall Break, No School
Information for RWHS students
Contact Information
RWHS office: (651) 385 - 4600
651-385-4660 (attendance)
Email for RWHS attendance line
Our Administration is available for student and family needs:
Assistant Principal Robin Pagel, grades 9 & 11
Assistant Principal Mandy Stokes, grades 8, 10 & 12
Intérprete en Español
¡Bienvenido! Por favor contáctenos directamente para asistencia en español.
Carla Contla
651-385-4607
RWHS Daily Schedule
Student Support
Counselor Information
We are welcoming two new counselors to RWHS this year!
Ms. Frye: Students with last names starting with A-K
Mrs. Clara Ballard: L-Z Students with last names starting with L-Z
Other Student/Family Supports
Paul Hartmann, Activities Director
Nicole Bolduan, Assistant Director of Special Education
Carla Contla, Cultural Liaison and Interpreter
Mitch Skeen and Leah Ryan, Native American Liaisons
StudentVUE
Struggling with your StudentVUE password? Is your account disabled?
Email Mrs. Borgschatz and she will help you out!
Recruiter Visits to RWHS
The following colleges will be visiting students during lunches at RWHS:
- College Promise: Every Wednesday
- University of MN - Morris: Wednesday, October 15
- Hamline University: Tuesday, November 11
Student Reminders
AP Testing Registration DUE 10/31
Just a reminder that registration for AP tests is open until October 31. The AP test is optional when taking an AP course. Scores on an AP test can earn college credit or advanced placement, ths link lets you see the credit policy by college. A few AP classes are also concurrent enrollment with Southeast, as noted in the registration. The cost is $55 per test, and testing will be in May. If you qualify for Educational Benefits, that fee is waived, please reach out to me, and I will assist with registration. All AP tests are digital and will be taken on Chromebooks; a few are hybrid, with part of the test digital and part print.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Director of Teaching & Learning/District Assessment Coordinator
Check out the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community.
Did you know that a gender split persists among computer scientists? Data shows that the imbalance currently is 79% male to 21% female in the field.
One component of Flight Path 2030 is to encourage students to consider technology-related careers. The National Center for Women & Information Technology AiC opens pathways into technology careers, celebrating students’ technical aspirations and connecting them to a national network for success. All students interested in computing, engineering, or technology — and who want to support peers facing gender-based barriers — gain immediate access to resources, mentors, peers, scholarship opportunities, and awards.
The AiC Award application window is open now through Oct. 28. Check it out here,
Important Policy and Procedure Reminders
RWHS Student Handbook
Please take time to review the RWHS Student Handbook! It includes information about missing work, test retakes and more.
Student Shout-Outs!
- Congratulations to our September RWHS Students of the Month! These students were nominated by staff and then selected from all nominees by their peers in our SOAR group. Great job Wingers!
- Thank you to the group of RWHS football players who have given up their Saturday mornings after game days all fall to help with youth football! It is so fun to see you out there being coaches and refs and I know the young Winger athletes appreciate and admire you (as do the parents)! -Bray
- Jordana Hofstad: You are a very focused and committed student in my classroom on a daily basis. -Mrs. Bock
- Shout out to the homecoming pep rally and everyone involved! This one was for the history books as it was every bit memorable as it was an engaging rally in a long time! Not even a speaker malfunction could halt the good vibes and positivity that ensued. Top shout out marks to the 2026 Seniors, Royalty, and everyone involved! -Mr. Hovelson
- Shout-out to the "RWHS Super Fans" who have worked hard to attend and be a small but mighty student section at home and away soccer games this fall! Thanks Jared, Jaden, Kevin and Cale! -Bray
- Women's Varsity/Junior Varsity Swim Team: Shout out to Women's Varsity/Junior Varsity Swim team! The house was rockin at Twin Bluff vs Rochester Mayo! From the fans in the stands to the swimmers and coaches it was an awesome experience root’n for the home team! The swim team culture is something to see, and I highly recommend viewing this team dice up the water when you can! -Mr. Hovelson
- Ethan Scott: Thanks for taking the initiative to paint my windows and add some Winger Pride to our building! -Bray
- Byron Patterson: I appreciate your daily greeting and you asking me how my day is going. -Mrs. Bock
- DeWitt 8th Grade P.E. Students: Subbing in P.E. this September I had the privilege of working with the new 8th grade class. For the majority of September these students stepped up were happy to be in class and worked well with a sub. Having a sub for a longer duration can be a difficult process. So, I’m stoked that so many of these students went with the flow, were patient, and made each day go by great! It’s early, but from what I can tell this 8th grade will go the distance just like their upper classmates! -Mr. Hovelson
- Bradey Harstad: Thank you for helping my move tables in my classroom with a smile on your face. : ) -Mrs. Bock
- Fall Athletes: Thanks for representing our school and community with persistence, hard work and Winger Pride! Congrats to those who have ended their season and good luck to those in post-season competition! -Bray
- Mrs. Nelson 4th hour Government Class: Shout out to Nelson’s Government 4th hour! It’s been great reconnecting with all the seniors this year! I started working at the RWHS when they began their high school careers! It’s been a longer high school journey for this group of graduates and full of fond memories! Definitely been getting those reminiscing moments thinking back on everything and I couldn’t be prouder of the 2026 seniors! Have a most triumphant year seniors! -Mr. Hovelson
- Rory Christianson: Thanks for painting the boring old cement eagle at Russ Marshal Field! It looks amazing! -Bray
CONGRATULATIONS to the cast and crew of "The Rainbow Fish" on a fantastic production!
Activities Office
Share your photos with the Yearbook Team!
Use the QR Code below to upload pictures from RWHS events with our Yearbook Team! Tag the photos!
Season Activity Passes/Game Tickets
There are no more free family/student/staff passes. We recommend you consider purchasing an annual activity pass, that will give you access to all home events. Download the GoFan app!
Adults - $75
District Staff - $30
K-12 Student - $25
60+ and Red Wing resident - Free
Single Game Tickets - Adults $10; Students $6
Order your 2025-2026 Yearbook Now!
Yearbooks from last school year will be in later this fall, so stay tuned to pick those up.
Order your 2025-2026 Yearbook! The price goes up as the year goes on, so order early!
Want to be on the Yearbook team to create the 2025-2026 Yearbook? Contact Mrs. Hanson!
Student Health
Want to QUIT VAPING?
My Life, My Quit™ is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or click to chat with a Coach. We are here for you every step of the way. It's YOUR LIFE and we're here to help you live it YOUR WAY. If you’re a teen between 13–17 and you want help quitting vaping, smoking or using other commercial tobacco products, this completely free and confidential program is for you. Talk or text with coaches and get other resources to help you when you are ready to quit nicotine. From practicing how to say “no” to tips for managing stress and peer pressure, we can help. Worried about weight gain or additional anxiety? Our coaches can get you through the rough spots. Do you have a friend struggling with smoking or vaping? Let them know we’re here to help.
Quit Partner is Minnesota’s free way to quit nicotine, including smoking, vaping and chewing. We can support your quit with one-on-one coaching and other helpful tools. Whenever you need us, we’re here to help 24/7.
Transportation Services
For questions regarding route changes, address changes and waivers:
Red Wing Transportation Department
651-385-4795
transportation@rwps.org
For questions regarding a bus or bus driver or FirstView App:
First Student Transit
714 Bench Street
Red Wing, MN 55066
651-388-8244
RWHS Class of 2026
SENIORS! It's your year! Please continue to check the webpage for the RWHS Class of 2026 for important announcements, meetings and deadlines throughout your Senior Year.
October 23: Cap and Gown orders DUE!
Online College-Prep Webinars for Families
This fall, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are offering webinars for Minnesota students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. The first is Tuesday, Sept. 30.
If you or someone you know is looking for more information on the college and financial aid process, we are here to help! Join us between the weeks of October and November for a series of college and financial aid webinars created specifically for students and families to walk through components and steps of applying for college and financial aid.
Session date/times:
09/30/2025 @ 7pm – Explore College Options
10/07/2025 @ 7pm – Apply to College
10/14/2025 @ 7pm – Understand Financial Aid
10/21/2025 @ 7pm – FAFSA 101
10/28/2025 @ 7pm – Dream Act 101*
11/18/2025 @ 7pm – Scholarships 101
*This webinar session provides financial aid information for students in Minnesota who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA. Students and families should choose either "FAFSA
Register are https://mngoestocollege.mn.gov/mngoestocollege/students/attend-virtual-event
Attending college? Complete the FAFSA!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid portal is now open and is due no later than June 30, 2026. Completion is required to receive tuition assistance at post-secondary institutions.
Need an official transcript?
ATTENTION 2026 SENIORS: As your graduation date approaches, remember you must place your order on Parchment to get your final transcript sent to your colleges, jobs, internships, etc. In addition, you must click HOLD FOR GRADES when choosing the timing for it to go out, otherwise it won’t contain your Semester 2 grades or your updated GPA. These transcripts are free to you until July 1, 2026.
Letters of Recommendation
Seniors! If you are intending to ask a staff member for a Letter of Recommendation it would be kind of you to ask in person. It would then be helpful to follow up with an email that thanks the recommender for helping you, and gives them information about yourself that they could include in their letter. Include your activities, jobs, honors or recognitions and future goals. Make sure you give your recommenders plenty of time to complete this before deadlines. Follow up with a thank you note!
Apply for FREE at MN Colleges and Universities
Explore Your Future with a visit to one or more of your state colleges and universities during Minnesota State Month.
October is College Knowledge Month in Minnesota and to celebrate, the colleges and universities of Minnesota State are waiving their undergraduate application fees for the entire month AND there are no essays required for applications.
That's what we call Minnesota State Month!
Minnesota State Month is a great time to explore the 33 colleges and universities that make up Minnesota State. Special campus visit events are planned at many of the Minnesota State campuses during the MEA break October 16-17, but you can also visit any other time during the month too. Just contact the colleges or universities you want to visit from the list below.
Minnesota State Month makes the application process stress-free for you. Apply for FREE (undergraduates only) to one or more of the 26 colleges and seven state universities at any time during the month and remember, we don't require an application essay—it’s a great way to save a few bucks and save on the stress!
Get started on your journey to your dream career during Minnesota State Month!
All Minnesota State colleges and universities are waiving their undergraduate application fee for the entire month of October.
- Check out our campuses and programs.
- Learn about Minnesota's new FREE college program, the North Star Promise Scholarship.
- Read about the Minnesota State Promise—our commitment to you!
Commitment to Graduate
If you are an RWHS or Towerview Senior and have NOT yet signed the Commitment to Graduate canvas, stop into the office, ask Holly for a marker, and ADD YOUR NAME!
December 8: Senior photos DUE for Yearbook
When you're ready, send the Yearbook Team your Senior Photo for the 2025-2026 Yearbook! Use the QR code to submit.
Upcoming Dates at RWHS
Monday, October 13: Indigenous Peoples' Day assembly
Wednesday, October 15: Hispanic Heritage Assembly
Wednesday, October 15: Athletic/Activities Grade Check
October 16 & 17: Fall Break, No School
Tuesday, October 21: PSAT exam for registered Juniors
Thursday, October 23: Senior Graduation Order DEADLINE!
October 27 & 28: No School for Students
October 28: Fall Conferences at RWHS, 12-7:00pm
Friday, October 31: End of Quarter 1
Friday, October 31: Schoolwide Learning & Community Day
Friday, October 31: Athletic/Activities Grade Check
Friday, October 31: AP test registration DUE
Monday, November 10: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony and Banquet
October 28: Fall conferences
All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend Fall Conferences to meet with teachers, review student progress, and explore student work completed so far this school year.
This is an excellent opportunity to:
Discuss your student’s academic growth and classroom performance
Address any questions or concerns with teachers directly
Learn more about ways to support your student at home
In addition Principal Fuchs will host two brief Question & Answer sessions focused on our AI Flight Path 2030 initiative — Red Wing High School’s five-year plan for integrating artificial intelligence to enhance learning, creativity, and equity. There will be a more in depth event around our Flight Path 2030 work with the community on December 9th.
- 3:00 pm
- 6:00 pm
Throughout the evening, families can also connect with:
School counselors for academic and post-secondary planning
Community providers and partners offering student and family supports
Additional resource tables highlighting programs and opportunities available through Red Wing Public Schools
We look forward to seeing all of our families for this important evening of collaboration and connection.
October 31: Schoolwide Learning & Community Day
We have a very special day planned for Friday, October 31, focused on building community and establishing a shared foundation for future learning across all grade levels.
8th Grade: Restorative Practices & Community Building
The Minnesota Department of Education Restorative Practices Team will be joining us to lead our 8th grade students and their teachers through Restorative Practices and Community Building in a half day experience.
This experience will focus on:
Building stronger connections and relationships among peers and staff
Developing positive ways to handle conflict and communication challenges
Strengthening classroom community and belonging
These lessons connect directly to the 8th Grade Success Class standards and align with our commitment to helping students thrive both socially and academically.
During the second session, 8th graders will participate in foundational sessions introducing our AI Flight Path 2030 framework.
Community Offerings
Red Wing Sister Cities Ikata, Japan trip!
The past three years the Red Wing Sister Cities Commission has sent students and chaperones to our Sister City in Ikata, Japan for FREE! We are now seeking applications for students to travel for the Summer 2026 trip! Applications are due December 5 at 11 a.m., with interviews to be scheduled between December 8-13 and selections to be finalized on December 17.