RWHS Student Newsletter
Back to School 2024
Veterans Day Commemoration: Friday, November 7
Col. Steve Babcock will give the keynote address for the 2025 Community Veterans Day Commemoration on Friday, Nov. 7. The public event will begin at 10 a.m. in the Red Wing High School gymnasium.
Colonel Babcock enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2000, gaining his commission as a signal officer through ROTC at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2004. He has been on three deployments, four state emergency activations, and two overseas training events demonstrating a steadfast commitment to both state and national service.
“This annual event reminds our students to be grateful for the sacrifices made on their behalf,” Superintendent Bob Jaszczak said. “We encourage anyone in the community to join us in honoring the area’s veterans and active duty personnel.”
“This invitation is both humbling and meaningful,” Colonel Babcock said. “I look forward to sharing lessons from my years of service and helping our students see that leadership and sacrifice are timeless values. Connecting our youth with the veterans in our community ensures that legacy continues.”
He currently serves as the Army G6 for Minnesota Joint Forces HQ where he provides strategic leadership for the state military's IT, communication, and cyber capabilities. In his civilian capacity, he holds the position of director of network engineering at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, where he focuses on the integration of acquired organizations.
Residents of Red Wing since 2007, he and Erkia, his wife of 20 years, have three children. He enjoys volunteering with Scouting America and attending his children’s sporting events. In addition, he serves on the American Legion Post 54 Executive Board in town, and he has several hobbies he tries to fit in when time allows.
The Veterans Day Commemoration is held the Friday before Veterans Day, which is always Nov. 11 – a Tuesday this year. There will be a military color guard. Red Wing High School Concert Band, Ovation, and Tinta Wita Singers will provide music and song.
All are welcome to attend. Please enter at the District Office, Door No. 36. Veterans and guests will be escorted to seating on the gymnasium floor. There is an elevator available.
The event is sponsored by Red Wing Public Schools, Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing American Legion Post 54 and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Hiawatha Valley.
Recruiter Visits to RWHS
The following colleges will be visiting students during lunches at RWHS:
- College Promise: Every Wednesday
- MN National Guard: Monday, November 3
- University of MN - Morris: Wednesday, October 15
- Hamline University: Tuesday, November 11
- United States Marines: Wednesday, November 19
Join the RWHS Speech Team!
Join Speech, Find Your… ...team ...friends ...confidence ...VOICE!
7th-12th Grade TBMS/RWHS, Tower View, St. John’s, 5RO, & RW Home School students are eligible to join the Speech Team!
RWHS Speech Team Information Meetings (you only need to attend one)
Interested 7th Graders should take the activities bus from TBMS to RWHS after school.
Mon, Nov. 10th: Returners’ Meeting RWHS H203, 4p-5p
Wed, Nov. 12th: Returners’ Meeting RWHS H203, 4p-5p
Thur, Nov. 13th: New Members Info Meeting RWHS H203, 4p-5p
Tues, Nov. 18th: New Members Info Meeting RWHS H203, 4p-5p
Thurs, Nov. 20th: New Members Info Meeting RWHS H203, 4p-5p
13 Categories, Student-Driven Speech Choices, & Endless Possibilities!!!!
Season: December - April
Time Commitment: 30 Minute Scheduled Practice Each Week, 1 Hour of Independent Work (research, writing, memorizing, etc…) at Home, Various Team Workshops/Events, & 10 Competitive Tournaments in Feb, Mar & April (Most Occur on Saturdays from 6:45a - 5p)
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
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.
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
Native American Heritage Month SPIRIT WEEK!
We encourage RWPS students AND our Red Wing community members to dress for each day to share in pride and connection.
Monday, November 10: MMIR Day
Tuesday, November 11: Ribbon Skirt/Shirt Day
Wednesday, November 12: Beaded Jewelry/Moccasin Day
Thursday, November 13: Four Directions Day
Friday, November 14: Orange Shirt Day
