Red Wing Public Schools ISD 256

Sunnyside Elementary School Principal Jonathan Heyer reads to kindergartners. These sessions are one of the ways Mr. Heyer and students connected during the first weeks of the school year.

Leadership for Jonathan Heyer is all about building connections. Sunnyside Elementary School’s new principal started July 1 and welcomed students to the building Sept. 1.

“Whether it’s working alongside our staff, partnering with local organizations, or welcoming families into the process, I’m excited to bring an approachable, collaborative style to Red Wing as we support all students together,” he said.

Jonathan brings over two decades of experience in public education. He spent 17 years as a classroom teacher in grades 2, 4 and 5 before serving five years as a teacher coach and mentor. As Richfield's district director of extended learning, he oversaw all K-12 afterschool and summer programs, managed community partnerships, and led targeted initiatives for students needing extra academic support. Most recently, he served as the assistant principal at a STEM elementary school.

What’s special about working with young students?

They bring so much raw curiosity, wonder, and joy to school every single day. They are naturally eager to learn, excited to see their teachers and friends, and honest about what they think and need. There is nothing quite like watching their eyes light up when they discover something new. Their energy automatically makes my day better. Sunnyside students are the best!

What has stood out about your first month leading Sunnyside Elementary School?

Our incredible team and community.

First, our staff is truly amazing. Their dedication and passion make Sunnyside such a wonderful place to work, learn, and grow every day.

Beyond our school walls, the community of families, parents, staff, and students is simply second to none. I am constantly amazed by how seamlessly our entire community comes together to support and care for our precious Sunnyside kiddos. It has been a fantastic first month, and I couldn't be more proud to be part of this school family.

What excites you most about joining Red Wing Public Schools?

I am excited to join Red Wing Public Schools where I can serve such a close, helpful, and cohesive community. I believe Red Wing offers something truly special.

I love that all students in the community attend the same schools as they grow up. It is a rare and amazing gift that every child gets to share the same educational journey alongside one another, building lifelong connections from the start. Being part of a district that unites an entire town around its youth is incredibly inspiring, and I am honored to serve our students and families here.

What inspired you to be an educator/administrator?

I have always been drawn to education and love working with both students and adults. Early in my career, a close colleague and I started down the administration path together. After they unexpectedly passed away, I made a commitment to continue this work for both of us.

It is a true privilege to serve as a principal and lead such amazing people. Working with youth is especially rewarding because they are our future, and I love knowing that I play a small part in shaping it.

What do you do in your free time?

I love spending as much time outdoors as possible, especially golfing and fishing. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family. My two college-age kids and wife are big fans of the outdoors, too, so whenever we can get together, you'll usually find us outside enjoying time together.

This week’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) spotlight is on the SECURE directive. A SECURE action is called when a potential safety issue or hazard exists outside the school building, such as nearby police activity or a dangerous wild animal in the area. During a SECURE event, all staff and students move inside, exterior doors are locked, and outdoor activities like recess are brought indoors. Normal classroom instruction continues as usual inside the building.

Families should not expect communication for a brief or minor external hazard. For extended SECURE protocols, the district may send a notification via text or email. Any such announcement will be made in cooperation with local authorities.

If you have any questions regarding our safety protocols, please contact our Emergency Response coordinators:

Anne Robertson: akrobertson@rwps.org | 651-385-4552

Kelsie Kuyath: klkuyath@rwps.org | 651-385-4511

Superintendent Bob Jaszczak answers questions during the about Red Wing Public Schools' referendum request on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot.

Red Wing Public Schools thanks the community members who attended the district’s first referendum open house on Sept. 22 to learn more, ask questions, and talk with district representatives about the Nov. 3 referendum.

The district will continue providing opportunities for residents to learn about the proposal in the weeks leading up to the election, including presentations to local organizations, online resources, and a detailed community mailer arriving in district households in this month.

Final Community Open House

Community members are invited to attend the district’s second and final referendum open house:

Tuesday, Oct 6

Sunnyside Elementary

6:30-7:30 p.m.

The evening will begin with a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn more about the proposal. Please note that a quorum of school board members may be present.

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.

Ms. Ashley's class built structures using shaving cream as the "mortar" to hold the pieces together.

Our Early Childhood Family Education November activity packet has five fun art activities/projects that are pre-planned and ready to go! Please call Colvill Family Center at 651-385-8000 to sign up and pay for the November packet. Each packet costs $15.

Bring your family together in the kitchen by learning how cooking together can foster creativity, build self-esteem, and create memories together. This is a parent/child event for children ages 2-5 years old. Dates are Nov. 23 at 1:30 p.m. or Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. Sign up by calling Colvill at 651-385-8000.

COLVILL CALENDAR

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: No school.

Thursday, Oct. 22: Early childhood screening (appointments required).

Open gym, 5:30-7 p.m. (Please register.)

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

ECFE classes and programs

Orange Shirt Day stresses that every student matters. Ana Pina Marcelino, a Prairie Island education liaison, visited many classrooms Wednesday, Sept. 30, to read stories and share why every child matters. See more photos on the Sunnyside Facebook page.

SUNNYSIDE CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 12: Indigenous Peoples Day program with Native American hoop dancer.

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: No school.

Monday, Oct. 19: Picture day.

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 students marked Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30. In addition to Dakota language lessons at the school tipi, they learned about the annual observance that honors the Indigenous children who were forced into the residential and boarding school systems and remembers those who never returned home.

BURNSIDE CALENDAR

Thursday, Oct. 8: Flu & COVID vaccination clinic, noon to 1:45 p.m. Registration required.

Monday, Oct. 12: Indigenous Peoples Day program with Native American hoop dancer.

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: No school.

Tuesday, Oct. 20: Vision & hearing screening for grade 3.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND LINKS

5001 Learning Lane

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

STEAM students from Faith Forstad's grade 5 class rolled compost tumblers, harvested tomatoes and Brussels sprouts, raked and added more screened compost to school planters during Wednesday's gardening lesson. The garden is planted and harvested by Twin Bluff STEAM students and teacher Nick Richmond.

TWIN BLUFF CALENDAR

Thursday, Oct. 8: Flu and COVID vaccination clinic, 9:15-11:15 a.m. Registration required.

Monday, Oct. 12: Indigenous Peoples Day program with Native American hoop dancer, 2 p.m.

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: 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

Twin Bluff webpage

Theater class students work on the set for "Winnie the Pooh," which will be staged at 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week. There also will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee.

Red Wing High School students will bring A.A. Milne's classic characters to the Little Theater stage this week. Expect an intricate set and fun costumes as "Winnie the Pooh" reminds us that we are never alone when we care for one another.

Students are working under the direction of teachers Demi Brunkhorst and Christopher Burawa. Stage managers are Becca Gerdes and Harper Harris.

Producing a children's play is a tradition, and people of all ages are encouraged to attend. Infant through grade 12 tickets are free. Adults pay $7.

RWHS CALENDAR

Wednesday, Oct. 7: Enrichment schedule.

Flu and COVID, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration required.

Thursday, Oct. 8: Hispanic Students United assembly featuring Columbia LIVE.

"Winnie the Pooh," 6 p.m., Little Theater.

Friday, Oct. 9: "Winnie the Pooh," 6 p.m., Little Theater.

Saturday, Oct. 10: "Winnie the Pooh," 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., Little Theater.

Monday, Oct. 12: Indigenous Peoples Day

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: No school.

IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION

2451 Eagle Ridge Drive

RWHS: Vision, Voice, Community

Student Newsletter: Oct. 5-9

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 students made a platform for their mascot turtle. The students built a form, mixed the cement and finished the cast. The 28-year-old snapping turtle, which students helped to relocate from its summer habitat to its winter one last week, should be a happy once the platform is installed.

TOWER VIEW CALENDAR

Thursday & Friday, Oct. 15-16: No school.

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

If you or someone you know is looking for more information on the college and financial aid process, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is offering the College Planning Series again this year. The virtual webinars are created specifically to walk families and student through the steps of applying for college and financial aid.

Each session is hosted virtually on Zoom, and is interpreted into Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Presenters also offer a live Q&A, so come prepared to get all your important college-going questions answered. All sessions are at 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Apply to College.
Oct. 13 – Understand Financial Aid.
Oct. 20 – FAFSA 101.
Oct. 27 – Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application 101.
Nov. 10 – Scholarships 101.

The District Advisory Council is looking for members for the 2026-27 school year. DAC's are designed to provide feedback and input on instruction, assessment, programming, and on the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness report.

The District Advisory Council will meet four times during the school year: Oct. 29, Jan. 28, March 25, and April 29 from 4:15-5:15 p.m.

If interested, please fill out this form.

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Tuesday, Oct. 6: Referendum open house, 6:30 p.m., Sunnyside Elementary School; a quorum of board members may be present.

Thursday, Oct. 8: School Board candidate forum, 6:30 p.m., Twin Bluff auditorium.

Tuesday, Oct. 13: School Board workshop, 5 p.m., Red Wing High School J110.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 15-16: MEA; no school.

Tuesday, Oct. 27: School Board meeting, 5 p.m., Red Wing High School J110.

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 (starting Aug. 17): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Phone: 651-385-4500

Website: www.rwps.org

Register for Community Education & Recreation classes. Checkout the offerings by clicking on the catalog cover.

YOUTH CLASSES INCLUDE

Oct. 10: Home Alone!, grades 2+.

Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) Program, grades 4+.

Oct. 13: 'Quiche' Me, I'm Cute!, ages 3-6 with adult.

Oct. 17: Rustic Pumpkin.

Adult & Me Woodworking.

Oct. 18: Learn to Skate, ages 3+.

ADULT CLASSES INCLUDE

Oct. 8: Red Wing Community Men's Chorus, ages 14+.

Cooking for One.

How to Publish Your Book without Going Broke.

Community Maker Lab: Open Shop.

Oct. 10: Fused Glass Open Studio - Pick Your Project!

Minnesota Permit to Carry Certification.

Bob Ross "Wet-on-Wet" Painting, ages 12+.

Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour.

Oct. 15: The Women's Network.

Oct. 17: Back Alley Walking Tour.

Adult & Me Woodworking.

IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION
Community Education webpage

Red Wing Community Education Facebook

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Phone: 651-385-4565

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