Eagle Eye - October 2025

The 2025–2026 school year is off to a great start at Windom Area Middle School! Our 5th–8th grade students are settling in, working hard, and showing that they are ready to take on the challenges of a new year. Classrooms are full of energy, focus, and excitement as students build new routines and begin setting goals for both academics and character.

I really want our students to reach new heights. We know our students are capable of incredible things, and we are holding high expectations for everyone, students, staff, and families alike. I don’t want excuses, I want effort, perseverance, and a commitment to learning. Mistakes are part of the process, and when they happen, we will learn from them, grow stronger, and move forward together.

I believe that greatness comes not only from achievement in the classroom, but also from the way our students treat one another and represent themselves as leaders. By working hard, showing respect, and living out strong character values, our students are preparing themselves for success now and in the future.

Great things are coming out of Windom Area Middle School.

Dane Nielsen

Middle School Principal

This month, our students in grades 5–8 will be taking the STAR Reading and Math Assessments. These important tests give us valuable information about what students know and where they may need additional support or enrichment. The results help guide our instruction, allowing teachers to tailor lessons and interventions so each student can continue to grow.

I want to emphasize that STAR testing is not a “tell all” of who a student is or what they can accomplish. It’s simply one of the many tools we use to better understand learning. However, it is important that students give their very best effort. By trying their hardest, the results will more accurately reflect what they know, which in turn helps us provide the right support.

The STAR assessments are short, typically only 20–30 minutes, and are adaptive, meaning the questions adjust to each student’s level. This helps us get an accurate picture without taking away large amounts of instructional time. If a student finishes in 4 minutes, we have a problem and they need to do it again.

Parents, you can help by helping your child to:

• Get a good night’s sleep before testing days AND EVERYDAY.

• Eat breakfast in the morning to fuel their brain.

• Bring a positive attitude and be ready to focus.

We believe every student is capable of growth. These tests help us measure progress along the way and celebrate the learning that is happening. Thank you for supporting your child in doing their best, it makes a real difference.

Dane Nielsen
Middle School Principal

We believe in the power of learning, growth, and academic achievement. Test scores, like those from our STAR and MCA assessments are important tools that help us measure progress. But as important as academics are, there is something even more valuable that defines who we are as a school: Positive Student Character.

Character is about how we treat others, how we respond when things get difficult, and how we choose to represent ourselves every single day. Traits like respect, kindness, honesty, and perseverance will take our students further in life than any single test score ever could. Employers, colleges, technical colleges and communities all look for people who demonstrate strong character, because those qualities last long after a test is finished.

Don’t get me wrong, the above article was about STAR Testing, we expect our students to give their best effort in every classroom. But more importantly, we expect them to grow into young people who care about others, who show responsibility, and who are willing to work hard even when it’s not easy. Test scores may open doors, but character keeps those doors open.

Let’s make choices each day that reflect the kind of people we want to become.

Dane Nielsen
Middle School Principal

The High School Experience

We have tied up the first month of the school year and head into October just concluding a very Eagle Pride filled Homecoming week. I have been thinking a lot lately about what high school really is. Our students attend 8 classes each day and we offer a diverse array of general education as well as elective course offerings, ranging from choir & band to automotive and baking. We also offer much in the way of extra curricular activities for our students to gain rich experiences in teamwork and lifelong habits of healthy living. In addition to diverse experiences, students have the opportunity to work with and learn from a multitude of students and staff members from different walks of life.

The American experiment in public education created the concept of high school in the early 1900's. The experience our students have today has many differences from earlier times, but much remains the same. We are trying to mold young folks into our community leaders of tomorrow. There is, of course, a level of academic rigor and depth that we work every day to provide. In addition to this, modern high schools have evolved into centers of community involvement, enrichment through activities and athletic competition.

Considering all high schools are asked to be, and all our students have, I just want to end with a moment of positive thought. Our students are so rich. Not in the sense of monetary wealth, but in the sense of experience. Are we perfect in all we do? Absolutely not. Are we trying to grow everyday? Absolutely. Our community ought to be proud of the rich experiences our students are accustomed to everyday at Windom Schools. As we partner with families in the pursuit of molding our future community leaders, take a moment to reflect on your student's educational experience. Being a Windom Eagle means something, something pretty special.

Thanks for a great start to the 25-26 school year Windom Eagles, let's finish quarter 1 strong in October!

With Pride,

Bryan Joyce

High School Principal

We don't always get things right the first time, and often times we have to ask for help. Our students have the opportunity for help outside of school hours everyday at Windom Schools. Every one of our teachers makes time to meet with students before/after school and we offer Eagle Elevation hour M, Tu, Th & F 3:30-4:15 as well as Study Table every W. Please encourage your student to reach out for help when needed and if not currently getting the results they hope for, speak to a teacher or any other staff member about looking at the current approach. Let's celebrate process over product and the efforts to grow that will lead to future success for students.

Reminder - if your student will be absent, please let our office know by calling 507-831-6910 or by emailing attendancemshs@isd177.com. We now have an office cell phone that you can text/call - the number for the office cell is 507-221-3511. All absences require a notice within 48 hours, at that point the absence becomes unexcused.

Email: bjoyce@isd177.com, dnielsen@isd177.com

Website: https://windomasdmn.sites.thrillshare.com/
Location: 1400 17th St. PO Box 177 Windom, MN 56101
Phone: (507) 831-6910, (507) 221-3511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindomAreaSchoolDistrict/
X: @Windom_Eagles