ENG 2026-27 Family Update No. 3

Dear Northfield Public Schools Families:

As summer comes to a close, I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying these last warm days together. However your family spends this season, we wish you a wonderful and restful end of summer.

Because right around the corner, our halls are going to be full again. Buses are being serviced, classrooms are being set up, and our staff are returning to buildings this week to get ready. I can genuinely say that all of us across the district are counting down the days until we get to welcome our students back through the doors on Tuesday, September 8. Families with students new to Northfield, or returning after a summer of growing up fast, know that feeling of anticipation, and we share it, too.

As I shared in my last update, Connections is our theme for the 2026–27 school year. It is more than just a motto. It represents the trust built between students and an educator who understands how they learn best. It reflects the partnership between our schools and families working together toward shared goals. Above all, it means creating a welcoming environment where every student feels a true sense of belonging from the moment they step through our doors.

Building strong connections starts before the first day of school. That is why our back-to-school family conferences and welcome events will take place on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3. Please look out for details from your child’s school and plan to join us. These early, in-person conversations help set a positive tone for the entire school year.

Thank you for the trust you place in us every day. I hope your family enjoys every last minute of summer, and I can't wait to see our students back in our schools very soon.

Sincerely,

Tim

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Tim Anderson, Ed.D.

Superintendent

tanderson@northfieldschools.org| 507-663-0629

Photo: Superintendent Anderson (far right) had the opportunity to participate in a farm tour at Far Gaze Farms as part of an Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) district and community meeting earlier this week.

As the Northfield High School Reimagine project progresses, regular construction updates will be posted on the district’s website.

Cameras have been installed to view construction progress. View the Reimagine Northfield High School Construction Camera Timelapse.

A drone was also flown over the site on August 6, 2026 and shows aerial views of the underground utility work being completed. View the August 6, 2026 drone flight.

Dirt work is still the primary work being completed, which will prepare the site for building construction. The northeast parking lot was backfilled and compacted with gravel. It is now ready for asphalt and striping. The underground storm structure backfill and pavement sub-base preparation is ongoing, and sanitary and storm sewer concrete structures and piping are being set in place as they are delivered to the site. Geothermal and lateral piping work with mobilization and excavation is in process in the existing building and working its way out to the geothermal field, and demolition activities, such as mechanical and electrical removals in the auxiliary gym and PE01, continue.

Raider Drive was temporarily closed August 24-26 for water main work, and traffic was temporarily rerouted to the high school’s Division Street entrance. The district will continue to provide up-to-date information about the project on the Reimagine NHS webpage and in district newsletters.

Photo: An image from the Reimagine Northfield High School Construction Camera of the site preparation that has been ongoing this summer.

Starting this school year, bussing information will be provided to families via the My Ride Parent App. Benjamin Bus will not be sending out bus cards this year, so this will be the sole way for families to obtain bussing information aside from calling Benjamin Bus. Information is not yet live on the app, but is anticipated to be released soon.

If you have any questions, notice incorrect information listed in your students’ profile or have trouble finding a student, please reach out to Benjamin Bus at 507-645-5720 for assistance.

My Ride K-12 Parent User Guide

My Ride K-12 Parent User Guide Spanish

Bus Registration forms were due on Monday, August 10. If your form was not received, you will need to wait until after the first week of school to receive transportation. The online sign up option will be available after September 15.

A bus form is required for everyone looking for transportation. If Benjamin Bus does not receive a form, you will not be added to a bus, regardless if you rode a bus last school year. If you are not certain that you turned in a bus form, contact Benjamin Bus at 507-645-5720.