The Byron Buzz

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

It’s a unique time of year when we find ourselves welcoming students and staff back to school while also celebrating the successful completion of the first semester. As we embark on the second semester, the challenges of the winter season can begin to affect both motivation and morale. The shorter days, lack of sunlight, and fewer opportunities for outdoor activity can take a toll on students’ energy and focus, both in the classroom and at home. The increasing academic demands and limited breaks can further compound these feelings.

As parents, I encourage you to help your students stay on track during this time. Simple steps like maintaining a regular schedule, prioritizing exercise, limiting screen time, eating nutritious meals, and getting adequate sleep can make a significant difference.

Staff and parents alike serve as important role models for our students. By adopting these habits ourselves, we can demonstrate resilience and productivity, even during the “winter blahs.” Together, we can help our students navigate this season with positivity and energy.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our students’ success. Let’s make the second semester a great one!

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

Byron High School science teacher Josh Burton has been nominated for the 2024-2025 Outstanding STEM Educator of the Year Award by STEM Forward! This prestigious honor recognizes educators who inspire innovation, excellence, and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Congratulations, Mr. Burton, for your dedication and leadership in shaping the future of our students and community!

Our efforts to address this year's budget and prepare for the 2025-26 fiscal year are ongoing. We encourage you to take a few moments to watch this 9-minute video, which provides an overview of our current financial situation and outlines the timeline for upcoming budget adjustments.

Click here to access the slideshow featured in the video.

We are committed to keeping our staff and community informed throughout this process. Please visit our website regularly for updates and future communications.

Due to Dr. Neubeck's resignation as Superintendent effective on June 30th, the school board will soon conduct a planning meeting, in conjunction with the hired firm, to determine the process for selecting the next superintendent to continue the Byron Public Schools’ mission to learn, share, innovate and inspire our community of learners every day.

As the school district’s chief executive officer, the superintendent is responsible for

providing district-wide leadership, implementing the school board’s policies and

ensuring the school board’s priorities are met. Ultimately, hiring the right superintendent

— someone who possesses the skills and attributes needed to help achieve your school

district’s vision and strategic priorities — requires time, thoughtful planning, and sound

recruitment and employment processes and procedures.

Firm-led searches are based on one clear premise: every search is conducted through

the lens of school board leadership. The firm’s search team will professionally handle all

details of the search and guide the school board through the entire process. The firm

search team will also customize the search to meet the needs of the school district and

community, allowing the school board to concentrate on the most important aspects of

the search — interviewing the most qualified candidates and selecting the next

superintendent to lead their district.

Updates will be communicated to the community as the board proceeds through the

process.

The Byron School Board held meetings last Monday. Here are the key topics that were addressed:

Board Retreat
School board members recently participated in a 2.5-hour retreat to begin developing a new School Board Handbook. This handbook, based on a template provided by the Minnesota School Board Association, will outline the procedures the Byron School Board will follow in conducting their work.

Organizational Meeting
At the annual organizational meeting, the board welcomed and officially swore in newly elected members Lisa Jessen, Kelli Crary, Alisha Eiken, and Nadia Poluhina. The board also selected officers for the year:

• Jeremy Aagard – Board Chair
• Lisa Jessen – Vice Chair
• Carrie Delaney – Clerk
• David Wernimont – Treasurer
• 
  

Regular Board Meeting
During the regular meeting, the board approved borrowing $3 million to manage cash flow, as the district is required to pay $4.9 million for debt service at the end of January. Interim Finance Director Dan Pyan provided an update on the 2024-25 budget, confirming that expenditures remain on track to align with the fiscal year 2025 budget.

Additionally, the board discussed facility-related topics, including the gymnastics building and the district office.

CLICK HERE for the agenda with the links to the presentations

Click below to watch the video recording of the January 6th board meeting

This past week, Byron Middle School students held their first Showcase event of the year, providing an opportunity to highlight their learning and achievements.

As part of the Showcase, the 7th-grade Wellness group created a compelling documentary during their Learner Pathways exploration with Mrs. Morris. This project exemplifies how students can engage in deeper learning experiences that reflect their passions and hard work. HERE is a news report from KIMT who visited the showcase on Wednesday Night.

Events like this align with our strategic teaching goals outlined in The Profile of a Graduate, demonstrating the importance of hands-on, meaningful learning opportunities.

Congratulations to all students and staff for making the first Showcase Night of the year a resounding success!

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, January 13 - Dance Conference Event at Goodhue - 7:00PM - Away

Tuesday, January 14 - Boys Wrestling at P.E.M. - 5:00PM - Away

Tuesday, January 14 - Gymnastics at Two Rivers HS - 6:00PM - Away

Tuesday, January 14 - Girls Hockey vs Eastview - 7:00PM - Home

Tuesday, January 14 - Girls Wrestling at P.E.M. - 7:30PM - Away

Thursday, January 16 - Gymnastics vs Stewartville - 6:00PM - Home

Thursday, January 16 - Boys Hockey at Hutchinson - 7:00PM - Away

Thursday, January 16 - Girls Wrestling at Stewartville - 7:00PM - Away

Thursday, January 16 - Boys Wrestling at Stewartville - 7:00PM - Away

Friday, January 17 - Girls Hockey vs. Hill-Murray - 7:00PM - Home

Friday, January 17 - Girls Basketball at Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 7:15PM - Away

Friday, January 17 - Boys Basketball vs Zumbrota-Mazeppa - 7:15PM - Home

Saturday, January 18 - Girls Wrestling at Pine Island - 8:00AM - Away

Saturday, January 18 - Girls Basketball at Kasson-Mantorville - 11:30AM - Away

Discover Byron Preschool: Informational Night - February 18 at 6-7 pm

Curious about what Byron Preschool has to offer? Join us for a fun and informative evening where you’ll get a closer look at our exceptional programs for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Explore our inviting spaces, meet some of our dedicated and friendly staff, and learn all about the exciting opportunities awaiting your little one.

Toy Library Open House - January 23 at 8-9 am
Enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts while exploring our collection of educational toys and resources. Conveniently stop by before or after preschool drop-off. Special Offer: Get a FREE 1-month membership just for stopping by!
Have a little one? Stick around for free ECFE Open Play in Room 103 from 9-10 am.

Ready to think on your feet and bring the laughs? Join us for an 4-week improv workshop where you'll dive into the world of quick wit, spontaneous humor, and unforgettable scenes! Inspired by iconic shows like Saturday Night Live and Whose Line is It Anyway?, this class will teach you how to play crowd-pleasing improv games, break boundaries with creativity, and master the essential "yes, and" technique that keeps the fun rolling.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is perfect for high school students who love to think on their feet, enjoy comedy, or want to build confidence in social situations. Whether you're a budding performer or just want to have fun and sharpen your creative skills, this class will help you develop your quick-thinking abilities and sense of humor.

Dates: Mondays, January 20, 27, February 3 & 10

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Location: Byron HS
Fee: $45.00

REGISTER

Don't miss registration for these upcoming classes:

• Pottery Open Studio for Adults - starts January 14
• Off the Cuff: Improv Workshop - begins January 20
• {YEL!} Bricktopia Heroic Engineers - starts January 20
• {YEL!} Robotics: Nature 'Bots - starts January 20
• Karate - starts January 21 & 23
• Round Robin Pickleball Play on January 25