How We Decide: Winter Weather and School Closures at Willmar Public Schools

Well, winter weather has suddenly arrived! As this is my first year at Willmar Public Schools making the decision on whether school will be in session or not, I thought it would be helpful to share some background on how these decisions are made. Here’s an outline of the process:

Cold Weather Related

Occasionally, schools are closed due to excessively cold weather. While I hope we won't experience extreme temperatures this year, I want to remind everyone of the guiding principals we follow when making decisions about school closures due to cold weather.

Our school buses are housed indoors and are in excellent condition. In the unlikely event of mechanical failure during cold weather, we have backup buses ready to assist quickly.

When deciding, I consider wind chill, actual temperatures, and frostbite time frames. I rely on the National Weather Service (NWS) Wind Chill Chart as a guide. If frostbite times are in the 30-minute range, and other factors such as snowfall, visibility, and road conditions are acceptable, my recommendation will be to hold school as scheduled.

By operating within these wind chill parameters, we prioritize student safety while also ensuring opportunities to continue learning on regularly scheduled days.

I encourage parents to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for winter, especially during extreme cold. Whether in kindergarten or 12th grade, all students should wear proper winter clothing, including mittens and hats, before heading out.

Ultimately, if school remains open on days with negative wind chills, the decision to send a child to school rests with the parents. Families face different circumstances, and a single decision made by the superintendent may not address every situation. If parents choose to keep their children home due to inclement weather, and schools in the area are closing due to inclement weather, the absence will be considered excused.

Please make certain that your alert system information (Infinite Campus) is up to date as we rely on this system to communicate messages regarding school closures.

Precipitation Related

When extreme precipitation events are forecasted or underway, the Superintendent works closely with the transportation company, county road officials, and area school districts to determine the best course of action to ensure student safety. While input is gathered from neighboring districts, each district ultimately makes its own decision based on local road conditions and visibility.

When possible, decisions regarding school closures or delays will be made the evening prior, ideally by 10:00 PM. However, this is not always feasible due to changing conditions. If a decision cannot be made the night before, we will strive to communicate it by 6:00 AM.
Weather announcements will be delivered through the following channels, either in order or, in some cases, simultaneously:

1. Infinite Campus Messenger System – Please ensure your contact information is up to date.
2. Social Media – Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
3. District Website – Updates will be posted promptly.
4. Television News Stations
5. Radio Stations

These general guidelines help determine school closures during extreme cold or inclement weather. Ultimately, the decision to send a child to school on such days rests with parents. Given the diverse circumstances across our district, a single decision by the Superintendent may not accommodate every family’s unique situation. If parents decide to keep their children home due to weather conditions while schools remain open, the absence will be excused if schools in the area are closing due to inclement weather.

I hope this information provides clarity and helps you plan accordingly. Stay safe and enjoy the upcoming winter weather!

A Commitment to Instructional Excellence and Growth

At our recent Teaching and Learning Cabinet meeting on October 8, 2024, I was again reminded of our administrators and instructional coaches' exceptional dedication to improving student learning. The focus of this meeting was clear: aligning our district's instructional practices with standards-based learning and leveraging proficiency scales to ensure every student is progressing.

A special part of this meeting was the inclusion of our instructional coaches. By involving them in these conversations from the outset, we’re fostering stronger collaboration and ensuring that everyone—coaches, teachers, and leaders—are aligned in their approach. We are all reading Planning and Teaching in the Standards-Based Classroom, with Carrie Thomas, our Director of Teaching and Learning, leading the discussion. This book provides a foundation for our work in standards-based learning and guides our curriculum planning efforts.

Carrie Thomas has been an incredible leader in this space, guiding our Teaching and Learning Department with a clear vision and purpose. Her commitment to fostering instructional alignment across our schools is evident. Additionally, Karen Douglass, our Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, has been instrumental in her leadership over critical areas such as our Title Programs, the Minnesota Student Survey, and cultural liaisons. Their leadership, combined with the dedication of our coaches and administrators, is driving meaningful instructional improvement across the district.

Our administrators and teachers continue to balance numerous demands—daily lesson planning, instructional delivery, and training requirements for the READ Act, among others. Despite these challenges, they remain focused and committed to high standards for all students. This dedication is truly remarkable and a testament to their professionalism and passion for teaching.

A highlight of our work is the emphasis on year-long curriculum maps. These maps ensure consistent pacing and depth of learning across all grade levels, and we’re continuously refining and sharing evidence of our progress. We began with thoughtful reflection on the introduction of the READ Act, followed by productive discussions on our year-long curriculum maps and identifying next steps for our instructional teams. This collaborative approach, spearheaded by Carrie Thomas, demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

Moreover, the work of our instructional and special education coaches—guided by the principles in Yes, We Can!—reinforces our belief that all students can achieve at high levels. These coaches are not only learning and applying best practices but also developing recommendations that will shape the future of our instructional strategies.

As we continue to move forward, I’m confident that the work we’re doing will have a lasting, positive impact on our students. Our teams are focused, collaborative, and deeply committed to providing the best educational experiences for all learners.

Kudos to Carrie Thomas and Karen Douglass for their leadership, and to all our administrators, educators, support staff, and instructional coaches for their unwavering commitment to standards-based learning and continuous instructional improvement. Together, we are making tremendous strides in meeting our vision of inspiring and preparing all learners for their future in our community and world. 

Willmar Public Schools Launches New Podcast: Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom

 

Willmar Public Schools is excited to announce the launch of its new podcast, Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams. This monthly podcast will feature a variety of guests from the district, offering listeners a deeper look into the stories, challenges, and successes that shape Willmar Public Schools.

Each episode will explore relevant topics for staff, students, families, and community members. From inspiring student journeys to insightful conversations with staff, Willmar Wisdom provides a platform to share the heart of Willmar Public Schools with the community.

When to Listen:
The first episode of Willmar Wisdom: Beyond the Classroom is available now! New episodes are released monthly. You can listen on Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.

Who Should Tune In?
This podcast is for everyone! Staff, students, families, and community members can tune in to stay up-to-date on Willmar Public Schools news and culture.

Episode 1: Now Live!
Episode one, “High School Hidsight,” features recent Willmar graduates Richie Becker, Rebecca Dawson, and Tyler Evans, who share their experiences at Willmar Public Schools and offer advice for current students. Don’t miss this insightful discussion from our newest alumni!

Listen and Subscribe:
Visit www.willmar.k12.mn.us/podcast to listen and subscribe today!

Willmar Public Schools Celebrates Minnesota School Board Recognition Month

 

The Willmar Public Schools will join school districts throughout the state in saluting their local school board members during Minnesota School Board Recognition Month in September.

This commemorative month is designed to recognize the invaluable contributions made by Minnesota’s school board members, including the Willmar Public Schools Board, who are entrusted with the governance of public education under state law.

Minnesota school board members are elected or appointed by their communities to lead local schools, with responsibilities that include oversight of district finances, policy-making, and ensuring that the district adheres to state and federal education laws. Their decisions directly impact the quality of education for more than 870,000 students across the state, including our 4,000+ students in Willmar, as well as the working conditions of over 57,000 teachers and thousands of administrators and support staff.

These dedicated volunteer leaders spend countless hours in board training programs and personal study to enhance their understanding of the complexities of school finance, budgeting, and the ever-evolving landscape of education. Their commitment ensures that our schools are well-governed and that our students have the best possible opportunities for success.

We extend our deepest respect and appreciation to the members of the Willmar Public Schools Board for their unwavering dedication to serving our students, staff, and the broader community. Their leadership and commitment to effective governance play a crucial role in the success of our district.

Please join us in saying thank you to our school board members during Minnesota School Board Recognition Month: Justin Bos, Board Chairperson; Mike Reynolds, Vice Chairperson; Tammy Barnes, Treasurer; Dr. Mary Amon, Clerk; and Directors Randy Frederickson, Jay Lawton, and Scott Thaden. Your service and dedication to our schools and community are deeply appreciated.

Kennedy Elementary School Earns Level 1 Certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools™

Kennedy Elementary School proudly announces its achievement of Level 1 certification in the Marzano High Reliability Schools™ (HRS) program. This prestigious certification signifies that Kennedy Elementary has established a "Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture," a critical foundation for all subsequent levels of the HRS framework. Ensuring such a culture is essential for optimizing student achievement and the daily operations of the school.

The HRS program, developed by Marzano Resources, is designed to transform schools into proactive organizations dedicated to student success. The program employs a five-level hierarchy, backed by over 50 years of educational research, to help schools assess, monitor, and confirm their effectiveness. By achieving Level 1 certification, Kennedy Elementary has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and acquire the skills necessary for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Mrs. Shelly Boelter, Principal of Kennedy Elementary School, expressed her pride in this accomplishment, stating, "I am incredibly proud of our staff, students, families, and the entire Kennedy Elementary community for their dedication to creating a safe and collaborative learning environment. This certification is a testament to their hard work and commitment to student success."

Mrs. Boelter also acknowledged the instrumental work of retired elementary principal Kristin Dresler, who initiated and led the process. "We owe a great deal of gratitude to Kristin Dresler for laying the groundwork for this achievement. Her leadership was pivotal in guiding us to this point, and we are building on the strong foundation she established."

In addition, Mrs. Boelter extended a special thank you to the committee members who worked alongside her and Mrs. Dresler in this process: Rachel Dunlavy, Michelle Hardebeck, Angie Michelson, Michaele Stoeberl, Tiffany Tollers, and Paula Ulicsni. Their dedication and collaboration were essential in achieving this milestone.

Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams also praised the efforts of the Kennedy team, stating, "I am immensely proud of the work done by Principal Dresler, Principal Boelter, and the entire Kennedy Elementary team in prioritizing a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture. Their dedication to this foundational aspect of education is truly appreciated. Achieving Level 1 certification in the Marzano High Reliability Schools program is a testament to their unwavering commitment to student success and the diligent effort they put into the certification process. This accomplishment reflects the high standards we uphold across our district, and I am grateful for their leadership and hard work."

The HRS framework allows schools like Kennedy Elementary to make significant, lasting improvements in student achievement by integrating multiple initiatives into a cohesive system. Certification at each level is determined by Marzano Resources analysts, in collaboration with school data teams, ensuring that schools like Kennedy Elementary continue to meet high standards of excellence.

Willmar Public Schools Announces Filing Period for School Board Seats Has Closed

Willmar Public Schools is pleased to announce that the filing period to run for a seat on the school board has ended. Four seats were available in this election cycle, and four incumbents with expiring terms have filed for re-election. The incumbents who have stepped forward for consideration on the ballot include:

• Tammy Barnes, Current Treasurer
• Justin Bos, Current Chair
• Mike Reynolds, Current Vice-Chair
• Scott Thaden, Current Director

Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams expressed his gratitude for their commitment, stating, "We are grateful that people choose to serve our students, staff, families, and community through civic involvement. As a district, we couldn't be more proud of our incumbents for choosing to be considered for an additional four years."

Having only the four incumbents file for the available seats demonstrates the strong support and confidence our community has in their leadership and dedication. Their ongoing service ensures continuity and stability as Willmar Public Schools continues to strive for excellence in education. To learn more about the Board of Education, please visit the Willmar Public School website.

Empowering Independence: The FOCUS House Transition Program

Willmar Public Schools is proud of our FOCUS Transition Program which is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to live semi-independently or independently within their communities. Through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings, students can autonomously apply these skills in their daily lives.

Participants engage in diverse work experience rotations tailored to their specific interests within the community. In a supportive environment, with guidance from job coaches and program instructors, students develop job readiness and job-specific skills necessary for meaningful employment. Additionally, they learn vital social skills for workplace success, such as communicating with employers about scheduling, managing illness, and resolving job-related issues.

At the FOCUS facility, students acquire essential life skills for independent or semi-independent living. They participate in activities like budgeting for food, planning weekly menus, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Through practical experience, they learn about healthy eating, nutrition, safe food handling, kitchen tools, and maintaining a clean kitchen. Students also gain basic home management skills, including regular cleaning, laundry, and home maintenance.

The program emphasizes community involvement and resource utilization, integrating recreational activities and access to local health organizations like fitness centers. This holistic approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded experience, preparing them for a successful transition to adult life.

A testament to the program's success is highlighted in the Focus House 23-24 Ambassadors 4 Respect (A4R) Report. The report showcases the incredible work done by our students and staff through the A4R program. This initiative strengthens self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and amplifies bullying prevention efforts in elementary schools. Students at the FOCUS Transition Program learned about bullying prevention and developed training sessions for fourth graders in the district. These Ambassadors were even paid stipends for their peacemaking efforts within the school community.

Focus House Team Outcomes for Students Trained by Focus House:

• 97% of 4th graders could list three ways to include others.

• 96% could list three ways to advocate for themselves and others.

• 93% indicated they learned how to use Person First Language.

A teacher's thoughts from the report echo the program's impact: "This will help many kids with bullying. Awesome opportunity for students to learn about inclusion and first-person language. It's an educational, scaffolded, engaging, and developmentally appropriate presentation. Bravo!!"

We are incredibly proud of the positive work our staff and students are doing. Their dedication and hard work are truly making a difference in our school community.

Source:

Willmar Public Schools. (2024, July, 30). Focus House. Willmar Public Schools Website. https://www.willmar.k12.mn.us/departments/special-education/focus-house