NMS Weekly Update 10.25.26

Highlighted Students @ NMS
Yosleiny (Isabel) Belen Ortiz, Grade 8
Yosleiny (Isabel) exemplifies diligence and hard work in all of her classes. She is organized, prepared, and ready to take on whatever tasks come her way. Isabel has grown in leaps and bounds from when she first joined NMS in 6th grade. Her bilingual language abilities continue to strengthen as she uses all of her resources to get her work done. We are so proud of you Isabel!
Whitney Hagberg, Grade 8
Brody Nelson, Grade 8
Daniel Stoltenberg, Grade 8
Danny has worked hard to become more engaged in his classes this year by increasing his participation and taking a more active role in his learning. It has been wonderful to see how excited he is about his classes and how much he enjoys being a part of the classroom community. Danny continues to grow in his confidence and willingness to participate, and he approaches each day with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. I am so proud of the effort he puts forth and the progress he has made.
Jinnie Feyereisn, Grade 8
Jinnie is extremely motivated, helpful to both her teachers and peers. She is an active participant in class, completes homework on time, and sets a high standard for her other 8th grade peers.
Talia Momberg, Grade 8
Exploratory AFNR pathway for 7th and 8th grade students
7th and 8th grade students can now become active FFA members through an Exploratory AFNR (Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources) pathway.
THE EXPLORATORY AFNR OPTION REQUIREMENTS!
Students will explore the world of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources through participation in a minimum of five monthly meetings and attendance at the Northfield Banquet on May 19. Each student will receive an "Official FFA Student Workbook" to develop skills and complete activities independently. Students are expected to bring their workbooks to meetings to share their progress with Mr. Austin. Students will also be required to establish their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and record all related activities, hours, and other required information in TheAET (Agricultural Experience Tracker) platform.
How it works
- The class meets in conjunction with the Northfield FFA chapter meetings for 2026-2027.
- Students will be required to complete monthly assignments and to attend and participate in FFA meetings.
Meeting details
- When: Hot dogs and fun at 6 p.m., meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Northfield High School media center (except October, see below)
- Dues: $25 for the year, paid to Mr. Austin at the October meeting or before
2026-2027 Meeting dates
- Monday, October 19 (at the Rice County Gas & Steam Grounds)
- Monday, November 16
- Monday, December 21
- Monday, January 25
- Monday, February 22
- Monday, March 15
- Monday, April 26
- Wednesday, May 19, 6-9 p.m.: Chapter banquet in the high school upper cafeteria
How to join
Register for Northfield FFA here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFRlyiF8GlVgXlJRRxUV5LCfkJL2haplmlZG5fZrtlrvLHeA/viewform
Films for Foodshelf
Looking for a fun way to hang out on Friday, October 30th while supporting a great cause? Student Council is hosting a Films for Food Shelf Event from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM! We’ll be showing The Mighty Ducks, and admission is just $2 or a non-perishable food item. Plus, stick around for chances to win prizes! Make sure to arrange a ride home for 5:00 PM. See you there!
Winter Activities @ NMS
The middle school offers the Fitness Center and boys/girls Wrestling during second quarter. Registration is now open for both activities.
Fitness Center is Monday through Thursday, 3:00 - 4:30 pm and begins on Monday, November 9th. Students have the flexibility to attend all four days or go on days that work for their schedule.
Wrestling practices are in the small gym and go Monday through Friday, 3:10 - 5:00 pm. Practices will begin on Monday, November 23rd.
Have you ordered a yearbook yet?
Have you ordered a yearbook yet? Order today to get your yearbook for $38! Click this link to order: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A04113510
NMS Raider Closet
Welcome to the Raider Closet! Located at Northfield Middle School, this space is open to all students. We have coats, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, pants, shirts, shoes, and more. If your student needs any supplies, they are welcome to stop by the Student Support Office or Main Office, where we'll help them find what they need.
Questions? Feel free to contact Heather Stanton Ims, School Social Worker, at 507-663-0685.
We are looking for the following donations:
Adult M, L, XL shorts, elastic-waisted pants, and water bottles ( new or lightly used- we can sanitize them).
This week's events at NMS:
Monday, October 26, 2026: Maroon - Day 1
Band & Orchestra Lessons - Week 2
- MSYC, 3:00 pm
- Math League Meet, 3:00 pm
- School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, DO conference room
Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Gold - Day 2
Band & Orchestra Lessons - Week 2
- MSYC, 3:00 pm
- Knowledge Bowl, 3:00 pm
- Division Street Singers, 3:00 pm
Wednesday, October 28, 2026: Maroon - Day 1
Make-up Band & Orchestra Lessons
- MSYC, 3:00 pm
- Yearbook, 3:00 pm
Thursday, October 29, 2026: Gold - Day 2
Band & Orchestra Lessons - Week 2
- MSYC, 3:00 pm
- Knowledge Bowl, 3:00 pm
- Jazz Band, 3:00 pm
Friday, October 30, 2026: Maroon - Day 1
Band & Orchestra Lessons - Week 2
- Chamber Orchestra, 3:00 pm
- Films for Foodshelf, 3:00 pm, auditorium
Reporting an absence
If your student is going to be absent, arriving late to school, or leaving early, please be sure to contact the attendance line from one of the following options:
1. Call our 24 hour attendance line (507-663-0655).
2. Email our attendance office at msattendance@northfieldschools.org.
3. Email Lauren Zwolenski at lzwolenski@northfieldschools.org.
Upcoming Events
October 30 - Films for Foodshelf, 3:00 pm, NMS auditorium
November 2 - School Board Meeting, 5:15 pm
November 5 - End of Quarter 1
November 6 - No School, Teacher Prep Day
November 9 - Quarter 2 begins
November 9 - Fitness Center starts, 3:00 pm
November 9 - School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, DO conference room
November 10 - Veterans Day Program, 2:10 pm
November 12 - Fall Conferences, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
November 13 - MS Dance, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ($5.00 gate fee)
November 16 - MS Band Concert, 7:00 pm, NMS Auditorium
November 17 - Evacuation Drill
November 17 - MS Spelling Bee, 6:30 pm, NMS auditorium
November 19 - Fall Conferences, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
November 23 - Wrestling starts, 3:00 pm
November 23 - School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, DO conference room
November 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break, no school
MS Office Hours
The middle school office hours are 7:15 am - 3:45 pm. Our main office phone number is 507-663-0650.
If you have any questions, please call the main office or email Jen Henriksen at jhenriksen@northfieldschools.org.
NMS Student Support Team
Our School Counselors are available to assist families with class schedules and questions you may have:
Jenny Streefland - student last name A-L
Natalie Amy - student last name M-Z
Heather Stanton Ims - Social Worker
Marcy Korynta - School Psychologist
Helpful phone numbers, emails, & links
24 Hour Attendance Line
507-663-0655
Benjamin Bus
507-645-5720
NMS Main Office
507-663-0650
MS Nurses
Maimouna Toure-Keita (District & MS Nurse)
mtourekeita@northfieldschools.org
Sam Shimota (MS Nurse on Mondays)
sshimota@northfieldschools.org
507-663-0656
School Fax #
507-663-0660
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Northfield School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. You can learn more at: https://northfieldschools.org/about/departments/human-resources/ under the Title IX tab.