The Byron Buzz

This past week, there have been reports of threats to schools across the country, many of which have turned out to be hoaxes. Such events can create significant anxiety for students, staff, and families. Parents send their children to school with the expectation of their safety, and even false threats can be deeply troubling.

Moreover, repeated hoaxes can lead to desensitization, where people become less vigilant over time. Therefore, we urge all students and families to immediately report any potential threats to school safety to their administrator.

Recently, Byron Middle School experienced a similar situation. A student reported seeing a TikTok post listing Byron Middle School, which turned out to be a reference to a school in Georgia. We commend the student for their proactive approach, which allowed us to investigate and ensure that our school remains secure.

Student and staff safety is our top priority, and we rely on our community's vigilance to maintain this. Please remind your children to report any concerns to you or a staff member. All reports will be thoroughly investigated. Additionally, it’s an opportune time to discuss with students the gravity of sharing such information on social media.

We are proud of our students and staff and their commitment to learning and safety. We will continue to prioritize their well-being and strive to keep Byron Public Schools a safe and a great place to learn.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

Email: mike.neubeck@byron.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/
Location: 801 Frontage Road NW, Byron, MN, USA
Phone: 507-775-2383
Facebook: facebook.com/byronbears
Twitter: @neubecksupt

In last week’s edition of The Buzz, we celebrated the outstanding test results from our high school. We’re proud to share that this success story extends across all grade levels, as our district continues to perform at an exceptional level. After overcoming the challenges brought on by COVID, our schools are making a strong comeback, demonstrating resilience and excellence.

The table below highlights the percentile scores in Reading and Math for grades 3 through HS. These results demonstrate that we are not only performing above the state average, but we are among the top-performing schools in the state. This is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the support of our community.

While these results are impressive, they represent just one part of our overall vision. Our district is committed to providing students with a strong foundation of knowledge, coupled with the authentic and meaningful learning experiences highlighted in our Profile of a Graduate. This approach ensures our students are equipped not only with academic excellence but also with the skills they need to thrive in the future.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of our students. We are proud of these results and excited about the continued growth and achievements ahead. Way To Go Bears!

Throughout the year, District policies are reviewed and changed. Annual Notifications can be found on website. These notifications consist of various topics that are covered by our district policies.

During each Buzz, we will be giving short, informational paragraphs regarding the Operating Referendum on this November's ballot. Residents are being asked to approve a 10-year levy, with inflationary increases, to support the operational costs to the district. The amount is based on $800 per student which would bring in $1.9 million per year to our district. Byron is one of 92 districts out of 331 districts in the State who do not have an operating levy. The average per student amount for the districts who have these levies is $1080. We know that this would mean a significant financial commitment from our residents for many years, but it is needed to address the future financial challenges we will face.

At this Friday's home football game, the people who will be inducted into the Byron Sports Hall of Fame will be recognized. Congratulations to the following Bears:

• Allen Gilman - Coach (1988-1999)
• Eric Yngsdal - Athlete (2008)
• Jill (Storlie) Monson - Athlete (2008)
• Laura (Huntoon) Threinen - Athlete (1996)
• Mike Hodgson - Athlete (1968)
• The 1990 Football Team

Beginning this fall, you are able to skip the ticket lines and purchase your tickets for any varsity activity/athletic competition online. We encourage people to use this online ticketing so we can serve you faster and more efficiently. Before attending a game, go to this link: Byron Athletic Homepage where you can pay for the tickets and download them to your phone. Skip the lines and get a better seat for the big game.

Monday, September 16 - Girls' Soccer - 7:00 Waseca (Home)

Tuesday, September 17 - Boys/Girls Cross Country - 5:00 at Pine Island

Tuesday, September 17 - Boys' Soccer - 7:00 South St. Paul (Home)

Tuesday, September 17 - Volleyball - 7:15 at Lourdes

Thursday, September 19 - Boys' Soccer - 7:00 Winona (Home)

Thursday, September 19 - Girls' Soccer - 7:00 at Winona

Thursday, September 19 - Volleyball - 7:15 St. Peter (Home)

Friday, September 20 - Football Game - 7:00 Austin (Home)

• Hall of Fame Game

Saturday, September 21 - Girls Soccer - 12:00 St. Anthony Village (Home)

Saturday, September 21 - Hall of Fame Recognition - 5:30 the High School (Public Welcome)

GET PAID FOR HAVING FUN AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN'S LIVES!

Our school age child care program is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic, and caring individuals to work with awesome kids in grades Preschool through 5th! Hang out, play games, and lead fun activities! Enjoy a part-time schedule during the school year, with hours available before and after school, as well as during non-school days. Work up to 40 hours per week in the summer. No nights or weekends! Must be 18 years of age or older and have a H.S. Diploma or GED. We have students on the waiting list for Project Kids and more assistants would allow us to serve more students.

Learn more about this opportunity and start your application today! CLICK HERE (Job ID 327)

Interested or have questions? Please contact Jeff Wytaske at 507-208-9501 (no texts) or jeff.wytaske@byron.k12.mn.us.

Check out upcoming classes for students in Grades PreK-5:

• {YEL!} Video Game Creation - Dragons and Unicorns - WAITLIST ONLY - Tuesdays starting 9/24
• Little Kickers Cheer Clinic - WAITLIST ONLY - Begins 9/29
• Strategy Games Workshop for Grades 3-5 on Mondays starting 9/30
• Adventures in Imagination: Learning Dungeons & Dragons for Grades 3-5 on Tuesdays starting 10/1
• Karate on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays starting 10/1, 10/3 or 10/7

New Class Highlight: Kids in the Kitchen: Pizza Party Pros
Become a master pizza maker! In this exciting class, you'll learn how to make delicious homemade pizzas from scratch, including patting out dough, spreading sauce, and adding your favorite toppings. Get ready to unleash your creativity and enjoy a tasty adventure with your friends. By the end, you'll have your very own pizza masterpiece to share and enjoy! Tuesday 10/15 at 3-4:30 pm

Location: CEC - Culinary Arts Classroom

Instructor: Julie Krings

Fee: $29

REGISTER

This evening class is meant to be an introduction to a classroom setting with a focus on socializing with other children in a structured environment. Your child will have a chance to meet other children, begin to learn the concepts of sharing toys, taking turns, personal care skills, and participating in story time. An approved curriculum is used to teach age-appropriate, developmental standards. While the focus is on social experiences for children, they will learn academic content through play and exploration.
Dates: Thursdays, October 3-December 12 at 5:30-7 pm

Location: Community Education Center

Ages: 3-5

Fee: $48

REGISTER