The Byron Buzz
News from BearNation: January 26
A Call To Action For This Spring
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our parents, students, and staff for your flexibility and understanding during the recent e-learning days caused by the extreme cold last Monday and Tuesday. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by our community ensure that learning can continue uninterrupted, even in the face of unpredictable Minnesota weather.
As we move further into the year, we look ahead to a significant event: the beginning of the Minnesota Legislative Session. This spring marks a critical funding year for the next biennium, a time when legislators will make decisions that profoundly impact school districts across the state. With education financing and policy on the agenda, we hope that all partiesβDemocrats, Republicans, and the Governorβkeep the best interests of Minnesota's children at the forefront of their discussions and decisions.
Two years ago, school districts saw a 4% and 2% funding increase for the biennium. However, this additional support came with mandates dictating how the funds could be used, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue about the challenges faced by school districts. This year, we anticipate similar discussions, and we are committed to advocating for the needs of our students and staff during this process.
In the coming months, we will keep you informed through updates in The Buzz. These updates will provide insights into the legislative discussions and, at times, include a "Call to Action." When the time comes, we may ask community members to contact legislators to ensure our district's needs are heard. Your voice is powerful, and your engagement can make a meaningful difference as decisions are made.
Additionally, some of our school board members and administrators will have opportunities to meet with legislators at the Capitol and other events to present our district's priorities. These visits are invaluable for ensuring our perspectives are considered in policymaking.
We deeply appreciate your continued support in advocating for our students and schools. Together, we can work to ensure that Byron School District remains a place where every child has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Go Bears!
Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent
Update From The Byron School Board
Byron School Board Meeting Highlights
The Byron School Board convened last Tuesday to discuss key topics and updates impacting the district. Below are the highlights from the meeting:
Presentations by Principal Abe Rodemeyer and Activities Director Brad Hak
- Principal Rodemeyer provided an overview of the specialist program for grades K-5. He explained how the program operates and highlighted the staff members who are considered specialists.
- Activities Director Hak delivered a recap of the districtβs activities and athletics programs, sharing participation numbers and celebrating the many successes of our students during this winter season.
Community Education Update
Community Education presented information about the need to increase prices for programs next year, including Project Kids, preschool, and other offerings. For more details, CLICK HERE.Committee Updates
The board voted to rename the Finance and Facilities Committee to the Facilities Committee, shifting its focus following the establishment of a Budget Committee two months ago. Both committees serve in an advisory capacity to the board.Enrollment Concerns and Projections
The board discussed the low number of kindergarten students currently enrolled for the 2025-26 school year. This projected decline in enrollment is concerning, as school funding is closely tied to student numbers.- Despite accepting 39 students through open enrollment for next year, the district is still projecting a significant decrease in overall enrollment.
The board will continue to monitor these issues and work proactively to address the challenges ahead.
New District Messaging System Coming Soon
A few months ago, the Byron School District transitioned to a new website provider after our previous provider announced they would no longer be supporting their platform. This change ensures our website remains up-to-date, user-friendly, and capable of meeting the needs of our community.
The new platform also features an integrated mass messaging system designed to streamline communication. This system will allow us to send school closure announcements and emergency broadcasts more efficiently, ensuring timely updates reach all district staff and families.
Later this week, we will conduct a test message to confirm that the system functions properly and that messages are successfully delivered. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our communication tools.
Math League Makes It Count
The Math League team took 3rd place overall this season with Devin Hainy (7th gr.) taking 7th place in overall points and Akhshar Vijayakumar (6th gr.) taking second place in overall points this season. Way to go team!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kailani Schroeder and Dominic Cunico for being selected as the Academic, Arts and Athletic Award nominees for the MSHSL AAA Award for Byron High School. Dominic Cunico has been selected as the male representative for Region 1AA. This is a multi-level process and we congratulate Dominic on being one of the States 32 finalists.
Post Prom Committee Is Hosting A Fundraiser
The "BIG" event is just around the corner, on Feb. 1! Each year, Byron Junior parent volunteers pull together to raise funds for Byron Post Prom. The Post Prom Committee invites you to the BIG event on Feb. 1st at 7:30 pm at Bearwood Event Barn. The event includes games, karaoke, DJ and dancing! It's the perfect parents-night-out. Funds raised at the event support the effort to provide a safe activity for the kids after prom. Any Junior and Senior student can attend, whether or not they went to prom. The goal is to raise enough money that students can attend free, play games, activities and win prizes. Don't hesitate to book your tickets today at https://byronpostprom.betterworld.org.
Activities/Athletics Ticket Sales Go Online
Upcoming Activities
Monday, January 27: ~ No events ~ Tuesday, January 28: π 4:30pm - Basketball: Girls C Game @ Kasson-Mantorville Elem. East Gym π 4:30pm - Basketball: Boys C Game @ Kasson-Mantorville HS-South Gym π 4:30pm - Basketball: Girls JV Game @ Kasson-Mantorville HS-North Gym π 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs. Gentry Academy @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena π 5:30pm - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game @ Northfield Ice Arena π 5:45pm - Basketball: Girls Varsity Game @ Kasson-Mantorville HS-North Gym π 5:45pm - Basketball: Boys JV Game @ Kasson-Mantorville HS-South Gym π 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs. Gentry Academy @ Dodge Co. Ice Arena π 7:15pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game @ Northfield Ice Arena π 7:30pm - Basketball: Boys Varsity Game @ Kasson-Mantorville HS-North Gym Wednesday, January 29: π€Ό 5:00pm - Wrestling: Girls Varsity Meet vs. South St. Paul @ SSP-High School π€Ό 5:00pm - Wrestling: Boys Varsity Triangular @ South St. Paul -High School Thursday, January 30: π 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs. Osseo @ Osseo-Dick Vraa Arena π€Έ 6:00pm - Gymnastics: Girls JV Triangular @ Byron Gymnastics Center π€Ό 6:00pm - Wrestling: Boys JV HVL Match vs. Lake City @ BHS Scheels Gym π€Ό 7:00pm - Wrestling: Girls Varsity Match vs. Lake City @ BHS Scheels Gym π€Ό 7:00pm - Wrestling: Boys Varsity HVL Match vs. Lake City @ BHS Scheels Gym π 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs. Osseo @ Osseo-Dick Vraa Arena Friday, January 31: π 5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game vs. Lakeville South @ Lakeville Hasse Arena π€Έ 6:00pm - Gymnastics: Girls Varsity Triangular @ Kasson-Mantorville Elementary π 7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs. Lakeville South @ Lakeville Hasse Arena Saturday, February 1: π 10:00am - Basketball: Boys JV Invitational @ Kasson-Mantorville High School π 11:15am - Basketball: Boys Varsity Invitational @ Kasson-Mantorville High School π 12:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls JV Game vs. Osseo @ Dodge County Ice Arena π 12:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs. Irondale @ NSC Super Rink π 2:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs. Osseo @ Dodge County Ice Arena π 2:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs. Irondale @ NSC Super Rink
Class date and time: Thursday, January 30 at 6-8 pm
Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a hands-on cooking class where weβll create a delicious, hearty beef and vegetable stew from scratch!
Come ready to chop, stir, and savor the flavors of winter!
Ages: 12-Adult
Fee: $35
NEW! Kids in the Kitchen Classes for Grades 3-5 with Ms. Krings!
Feb 20: Homemade Pizza & Slushies
Come hungry for this class! Students will be working in small groups to make their own pizza - homemade crust and toppings of your choice! While our pizzas are in the oven we will make a tasty SLUSH drink! This is one of my favorite recipes. Hope to see you there! Fee: $29
If you like a good breakfast, this is the class for you! Students will get to choose between a homemade apple or blueberry pannenkoeken! You will be amazed at your puffy creation! Come hungry--we will have sausage on the side to complete our delicious breakfast! Fee: $29
Here are a few photos from January
Art Clubs for Grades 1-2 and 3-5. Art Clubs meet after school at the CEC Makerspace for 4-weeks and explore a variety of art making techniques. Students can take the activity bus to the CEC after school. Spring Art Clubs! There are still a few spots left for
Sign up for this introductory class where kids explore dribbling, shooting and passing all while having a ball! We are excited to offer Bear Cub Basketball to our youngest Bears ages 4-5 and grades K-1! Register your child today!
Bear Cub Basketball - Preschool