Prairie Winds Newsletter

Let's work together!

The MCA tests are coming up fast!

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are important for students, staff, and families at Prairie Winds. MCAs measure how well students are meeting Minnesota’s academic standards in ELA, math, and science. Results help highlight student strengths, identify areas for growth, and provide teachers with valuable information to reflect on curriculum and instruction.

Please take some time between now and the start of MCAs to talk with your student about doing their best on these tests. As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, it is essential that student test results accurately reflect what they know and are able to do.

Please do your best to prioritize your student's attendance on the dates listed below:

ELA MCAs- March 30th-April 2nd

Math MCAs- April 13th-April 17th

Science MCAs (8th grade only)- April 27th-May 1st

Mr. Grovom has been actively visiting secondary schools in and around the area, working closely with teachers and fellow principals to reimagine what secondary education can look like. Through these visits and collaborative conversations, he is helping to shape a new vision for secondary schools—one that increases student engagement, expands options and pathways for students, and better supports their individual needs.

A key focus of this work is creating structures that give teachers more time to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen instructional approaches. This collaborative model allows for improved individual attention for students and a more responsive learning environment.

At the heart of this vision is a school culture centered on students—preparing them not only for academic success, but for their futures beyond graduation. By focusing on engagement, flexibility, and collaboration, this approach aims to build secondary schools that truly support student growth, readiness, and long-term success.

6th grade- February 27th from 5:30-7:30pm

7th & 8th grade- March 6th from 5:30-7:30pm

If you'd like to volunteer at either one of the dances (Always needed!) please sign up here.

A few reminders about attending dances:

The entrance fee is $5 per student. Concession are available and all items are only $1.
There will not be supervision between the end of the school day and the dance, so please remind your student they must come home after school and not return until 5:30.
Plan to pick your student/s up promptly at 7:30pm.
All behavior expectations during the school day apply during dances.

(This message was sent by Infinite Campus messenger to all 8th grade families on 1/26)

Please plan to attend the incoming 9th grade Parents and Caregivers Meeting at Mankato East on Thursday, February 5th from 5:30-6:15pm.

All questions related to this event should be sent to ehs@isd77.org

Prairie Winds Junior High Math League students wrapped up their season by securing FIRST PLACE in the division! Leading scorers were David Edorh who is also 5th in the state), Jaydin Kittleson, Madelyn Breit, and Owen Wacker.

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held February 26th and March 2nd from 4-8pm each night.

Links to sign up for conference times will be emailed to families on Monday, February 9th. Please keep an eye on your email!

The PTO will be sponsoring teacher meals both evenings. If you're interested in signing up to bring a dessert, beverage, fruit, or veggies please use the sign up link here!

Meet Mr. Dolter, taking over for Mr. Quame who retired in January after 35 years in MAPS!

Meet Ms. Carrie, our new Life Skills teacher!

The Prairie Winds 10001C team took 2nd place this weekend and qualified for the state robotics tournament! It's possible that our second team will qualify as well, but we will not know until the next regional tournament wraps up in about 3 weeks!

Winter Panorama Survey is February 16th!

Students will be taking the winter Panorama survey the week of February 16th in advisory. To read more about the survey, please see the letter linked here.

Our Prairie Winds PBIS Team (led by both staff and students) is hosting a fundraiser at Noodles and Company on February 10th from 4-8pm. 25% of all proceeds will be donated back to the school. Please see the flyer linked here for more information!

Our PBIS team is solely responsible for maintaining our school store, hosting our assemblies and celebrations, and promoting positive behavior here at PWMS!