ENG 2023-24 Family Update No. 15
Feb. 16, 2024
Dear Northfield School District Families:
As we strive to prepare every student for lifelong success, transitions are a vital time for our students and families. This past week, we held two special events to support those transitions.
Thanks to 8th Grade families who attended the 9th grade orientation event and the staff who organized it. I heard that it was affirming for many families — giving them confidence that NHS will welcome their 9th grade students, help them acclimate to high school life, and prepare them for success.
Meanwhile, Bridgewater, Greenvale Park, and Spring Creek staff members hosted Kindergarten Information Night for the Class of 2037 (yes, the class of 2037!). I understand there was positive energy and, again, an effort to ensure families know we will care for their children, helping them grow as learners and as people.
Northfield Middle School will welcome incoming 6th grade students’ families later this year.
These events are vital because it reinforces our strategic commitment to people and the beginning of new relationships between our school and your family. Our community is a special place and we are best when we are working together to help students achieve their hopes and dreams.
Sincerely,
Matt
--
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
mhillmann@northfieldschools.org | 507-663-0629
The Northfield Hiliners jazz dance team qualified for the state tournament for the first time in 17 years! They competed today at Target Center.
The Raider girls’ hockey team advanced to the state tournament with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Lakeville South in the section championship game. The winning goal was scored with under one minute remaining.
The school board continues its thoughtful, deliberate discussion about the potential solutions for addressing the NHS facility problems — you can read in more detail about the last several months of community engagement in previous updates.
At their last meeting, the board received preliminary tax impact data for six potential referendum questions. These tax impact tables are examples and for discussion only, helping the board discern what, if anything, to place on the November 2024 ballot. You can read more about this below as part of the board update.
Here is what is coming up:
Feb. 26: The board receives the results from the 400 voter randomized, stratified sample survey conducted by Morris Leatherman during their regular meeting.
March 5: The board holds a work session (4 pm) to reflect on all of the information they have received about the high school facility. They will also discuss what, if anything, should be placed on the November 2024 ballot to address the high school facility problems. No decision will be made at this meeting.
March 11: The board is scheduled to decide at their regular meeting what, if anything, should be placed on the November 2024 ballot to address the high school facility problems.
Board vice chair Corey Butler has earned the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Leadership Development certificate. The certificate is awarded to elected school board members who complete all four phases of MSBA’s “Learning to Lead” workshop series. We are grateful for Corey's dedication to our district and community.
Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit, with no limit on the number of children claimed. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return in order to claim the credit. Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage.
The tax credit of up to $1750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by up to one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households including 513,000 children are estimated to qualify for the credit.
