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

Embarking on a New Journey: My First Day as Superintendent of Willmar Public Schools

Today marks the start of my journey as your new superintendent. Having served as the assistant superintendent for the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of you and becoming deeply familiar with both the academic and operational facets of our district.

The transition plan approved by the school board over two years ago initially met with some skepticism, including my own reservations. However, this experience has demonstrated the school board's remarkable foresight. Traditional superintendent transitions involve a search and selection process where the board might not fully know how well the candidate will align with the district’s standards, nor can the candidate be sure of the fit. Our approach—a two-year, on-the-job evaluation—has proven to be an invaluable decision-making process for me, the board, and our community. I am thrilled to now lead Willmar Public Schools into its continued success.

In spring 2022, when I first applied for this position, I had hesitations as I was quite happy as the Superintendent at New London-Spicer Public Schools. Yet, the unique opportunities that Willmar offers—its programming, support, and commitment to serving all students—drew me in. Recognized by Niche as the 8th most diverse school district in Minnesota, Willmar is positioned to prepare our students for a future in an increasingly diverse United States. I am striving to leverage this diversity to enhance our students' growth and development.

As I step into this role, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Holm’s impeccable leadership over the past nine years. His dedication has significantly shaped our district, and I am grateful for his service.

I extend my appreciation to the school board, staff, students, families, and the entire community for your trust in my leadership. I am committed to advancing our educational system and creating positive relationships across all sectors of our wonderful community.

Together, let’s continue to inspire and prepare all learners for their future in our community and the world!

Behind the Scenes: What Happens in a School District Over Summer

Over the past 12 years as a superintendent, I've often been asked, "Do you work in the summer?" When I answer yes, the response is usually one of surprise. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share what takes place in a school district each summer. Happy reading!

Finance

A school district's fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Each district in Minnesota is required to have a school board-adopted budget by June 30. Consequently, the spring and all of June are spent finalizing the new fiscal year budget. Additionally, throughout the summer, our finance department works diligently in preparation for our annual audit. Needless to say, the finance department is busy during the summer months.

Technology

The Technology Department is currently inventorying new and used equipment while planning to update student iPads in grades 6-12. Additionally, they are onboarding a new phone system for our school district as the current one needs replacing. This year is more complex in the technology world as we transition from the Little Crow Telemedia Network to the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative for high-speed internet. This transition requires due diligence to ensure our network stays operational.

Buildings and Grounds

Aside from the Willmar Middle School gymnasium project, the Buildings and Grounds Department is busy with annual routine cleanings. This includes stripping and waxing floors, cleaning carpets, and other deep cleaning. There are also larger projects such as asbestos abatement, indoor air quality installation, key fob transitions, and several others taking place this summer.

Human Resources

The summer months are busy with benefits open enrollment fulfillment, payroll payoffs, hiring including orientations and New Teacher Induction, updating of the website and employee handbook, and other administrative projects in the Human Resources Department. The HR department also supports the audit process and fulfilling data requests, as about 75% of our annual budget relates to employee benefits and payroll. Additionally, the HR department operates several technology tools that require transitioning to the new year in preparation for our staff returning to the buildings. This year specifically, the department is completing retroactive payments for the teacher settlement and is beginning the negotiation process with all other groups as well.

Community Education

Our Community Education Department is busy running summer programming for our students, families, and community, while also planning activities for the fall. This department also runs our Cardinal Place School Age Childcare program, which provides summer childcare for many of our students.

Teaching and Learning

The Teaching and Learning Department is busy inventorying new curricula and developing staff development plans to ensure our staff continues to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences for our students. This department is also working to develop our standards-based learning program in our pursuit of a competency-based learning system.

Special Services

Our Special Education Department is running extended school year programming to minimize learning loss and ensure students can start the new school year strong. Our Special Education department also has state reporting requirements to the Minnesota Department of Education that are completed during the summer months. Just like all other departments, they are also working to prepare for the next school year.

Food and Nutrition

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Department is actively concluding the previous school year while preparing for the upcoming one and managing the summer food service programs. This summer, FNS has adapted to provide meals in non-congregate settings, enabling children to take meals home. To maximize community outreach, the team has initiated a "mobile route" delivering meals directly to children at three apartment complex clusters within the community. Expanding from the usual five sites, there are now 17 locations this summer, ensuring that as many children as possible have access to free breakfast and lunch meals, available to all children 18 years and under. For more information on locations and meal times, visit our FNS website at https://bit.ly/wpsfoodservice.

Superintendent

As for the superintendent, I'm busy reviewing the last legislative session to ensure our policies and handbooks align with current state statutes. I'm also supporting all our department heads. We have school board meetings throughout the summer, and creating the agendas for these meetings is essential to ensure smooth school operations. My main responsibility throughout the summer is to ensure our operations are running smoothly and that we are prepared to start the new school year successfully, providing our students with what they need to succeed.

Contrary to popular belief, the summer months in a school system are extremely busy and full of activity. All of this work is crucial to ensuring we have an aligned system functioning at a high level to achieve our mission of inspiring and preparing all learners for their future in our community and the world.

Year in Review at Willmar Public Schools

As we close out the year at Willmar Public Schools and I transition from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent on July 1, 2024, I am filled with pride for our students and staff. It is with deep gratitude that I share this reflection.

Operating Levy and Bond Referendum

On November 7, 2023, our community made a powerful statement about the value of education. We were delighted to announce that both Question 1, the operating levy generating $3,000,000 annually, and Question 2, the $6.1 million bond referendum for new physical education space at the middle school, were approved. This marked a crucial step forward for Willmar Public Schools.

Standards-Based Learning Work

At Willmar Public Schools, we were and will continue to be dedicated to balancing various teaching methodologies to enhance student learning. Our focus included mastery-based learning, trauma-informed instruction, and “all means all” teaching.

Mastery-Based Learning: This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring a deep understanding of each topic before moving forward. It supports an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Trauma-Informed Instruction: Recognizing that students have diverse backgrounds and experiences, our educators create safe, supportive, and understanding classrooms, helping students feel safe and ready to learn.

“All Means All” Teaching: This method acknowledges and values each student's background by incorporating differentiated materials and perspectives into the curriculum, fostering engagement and appreciation of diversity.

Building Proficiency Scales and Standards-Based Learning: We developed clear expectations for student learning, providing a roadmap that guided teaching and assessment. This project was supported by ten dedicated memoranda of understanding days over the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Our teaching staff and principals made remarkable progress in these areas.

By integrating these approaches, we aim to create a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment that meets the needs of every student at Willmar Public Schools.

Embracing Diversity: Lessons from A Children’s Book

Like all years, I dove back into elementary classrooms to read which was a highlight for me. This year, I Want to be Spaghetti by Kiera Wright-Ruiz caught my eye. The story’s message about the beauty of being oneself won me over, proving the age-old lesson: never judge a book by its cover. The theme of acceptance resonated deeply with our students. Each year I offer the teachers this opportunity, and I was welcomed by 40 classrooms this year. It’s always a blast!

Honoring Our Retiring Superintendent

Finally, I want to recognize our retiring superintendent, Dr. Jeff Holm. During my time as superintendent at New London-Spicer, I got to know Dr. Holm well. We often communicated about the weather, and through these conversations, I became familiar with his sense of humor. Over the past two years, I’ve learned how important ethics and character are to Dr. Holm. He led with integrity and a commitment to doing what was right. Willmar Public Schools has been in good hands under his leadership. It is now my job to carry that forward, and I take this responsibility very seriously. I wish Dr. Holm the best in all his future endeavors and look forward to leading this great district.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to an exciting future for Willmar Public Schools.

Exploring Calendar Options: Willmar Public School District's Upcoming Survey

The Willmar Public School District is planning to conduct a survey regarding our school calendar among staff, eligible students, and the community. To ensure maximum participation, we've decided to postpone the survey until next fall. This delay will help us gather thorough feedback from the entire community.

Minnesota offers several alternatives to the traditional school calendar for districts to consider:

45/15 Calendar
This year-round schedule has students attend school for 45 days followed by a 15-day break, repeating throughout the year. While maintaining the same number of school days as a traditional calendar, this model distributes breaks more frequently, potentially reducing summer learning loss and providing regular rest periods for students.

4-Day School Week 

Under this model, students attend school for four extended days per week, which can help districts save on operational costs. This schedule is particularly favorable in rural areas where students face long commutes.

Pre-Labor Day Start

Starting school before Labor Day requires a waiver from the state, as Minnesota law generally prohibits such early starts. Districts may seek this exception to align more closely with post-secondary schedules or to better prepare students for standardized testing periods.

The survey aims to understand community preferences regarding these calendar options. The results will guide the school board's decision-making process. If there is a preference for alternative calendars, the district must hold three community hearings for further feedback before any changes can be implemented.

As the survey period approaches next fall, we will provide detailed information on how stakeholders can participate. Our goal is to ensure a transparent process that considers all voices in our community.

Embracing Diversity: Lessons from A Children’s Book

Recently, diving back into elementary classrooms to read has been a highlight for me. As a former elementary teacher, nothing compares to the joy of sharing a new compelling story with enthusiastic students. This year, "I Want to be Spaghetti" by Kiera Wright-Ruiz caught my eye. Despite my initial hesitation, the story's message about the beauty of being oneself won me over, proving the age-old lesson: never judge a book by its cover.

The narrative follows a ramen noodle packet's wish to be spaghetti, leading to discoveries about the value of individuality and the importance of accepting others. This theme of acceptance struck a chord, not only with me but also with our students, who could nearly unanimously pinpoint it as the story's theme.

This reflection on acceptance brings me to the beautiful diversity within Willmar Public Schools. Our student demographics are as follows: American Indian (1.0%), Asian (3.9%), Black or African American (15.0%), Hispanic or Latino (43.6%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.1%), White (34.3%), and Two or More Races (2.0%). Our students also include English Learners (24.5%), those in Special Education (19.9%), recipients of Free/Reduced-Price Meals (69.4%), and the homeless (0.5%).

These numbers paint a picture of a vibrant, diverse community, exemplified by a plasma-cut metal display of the world in Willmar Senior High School. This display, decorated with pins marking our students' origins, highlights the global reach of our school community. Acceptance is not just a principle here; it's a practiced reality, fostering countless friendships and enriching our educational environment.

The story of our boys' soccer team, as featured by Michael Lyne, alongside the commendation of educators like Mesay Doyamo, spotlighted in the University of Minnesota's article "A Quest for Equity in Ag," emphasizes our efforts to reflect our student body's diversity among our staff. These are examples of how we are working to create a staff that is reflective of our student body.

Additionally, we're excited about the future development of a teacher apprenticeship program. This initiative is designed to encourage our students to consider teaching careers, offering a pathway that includes dual credit classes, apprenticeship experiences, and the possibility of becoming licensed teachers who reflect the diversity of our student body.

Our diversity is one of our many strengths which fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding. Willmar Public Schools is a place where every individual is valued, and our collective diversity is celebrated. We are proud of our community, where acceptance and collaboration pave the way for a brighter future for all. #WillmarProud

Empowering Futures: Strengthening Literacy at Willmar Public Schools

In the spirit of February being I Love to Read Month, I felt compelled to share the significant impact that literacy has on the development of our students’ learning journeys. Literacy is often described as the gateway to education and the key to unlocking a world of knowledge and opportunity. At Willmar Public Schools, we recognize the importance of literacy in the development of our students’ learning journeys. It is the foundation upon which all other areas of instruction are built, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping their future success.

In our pursuit of continuous improvement, we have commenced the journey to strengthen literacy within our learning organization. Last school year our Elementary English Language Arts Curriculum Review Committee began reviewing a new reading curriculum, however, the 2023 legislative session prompted a change of course due to the passage of the READ Act. As per the guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), beginning on July 1, 2024, every district was mandated to furnish teachers and instructional support staff entrusted with the responsibility of teaching reading with comprehensive training in evidence-based instruction. In addition, the MDE selected approved curricula, screeners, and interventions for literacy instruction.

Choosing the Right Path

The first step in our journey towards improved literacy and compliance with the READ Act involved selecting the most effective training program for our educators. A PreK-12 Literacy Committee of 31 educators has narrowed the choices to the Online Language and Literacy Academy (OL&LA) and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). In February, our local cabinet, which includes superintendents, directors, and principals, reviewed these options and concluded that the Online Language & Literacy Academy (OL&LA) would be well-suited for our district. This program offers comprehensive training to equip our teachers with the knowledge and tools they need in their consistent pursuit of improving literacy instruction.

Minnesota’s READ Act has also created mandatory screeners for school districts throughout our state. As a result, the MDE selected the DIBELS 8th Edition and FastBridge which are both educational assessment tools used to measure students’ progress and proficiency in various aspects of reading and literacy. These tools are primarily utilized in elementary and middle school settings to help teachers identify students who may need additional support in reading, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and instruction over time.

A final requirement of the READ is selecting an approved curriculum if districts plan to use READ Act funds to pay for it. Currently, the MDE has approved the following curriculum.

Comprehensive Curricula

• EL Education, Open Up Resource, 2017

Foundational Curricula

• Magnetic Reading K-2, Curriculum Associates, copyright 2023

• UFLI Foundation K-2, copyright 2022

• University of MN Functional Phonics+Morphoology K-5, copyright August 2023

Knowledge Building Curricula

• Wit & Wisdom-Great Minds, copyright 2023

Our Team

Carrie Thomas, the Director of Teaching and Learning at Willmar Public Schools, invited staff members to join the PreK-12 Literacy Committee. This new committee was tasked with reviewing the MDE’s approved professional development options and mandatory literacy screening tools. Thirty-one members of our school district responded to this call to action, demonstrating the high value our staff places on literacy. We are proud of this response and extend our gratitude to the educators who became part of our guiding coalition.

The Minnesota Legislature mandated each district to appoint a Literacy Lead, a role we proudly filled this year with Katelyn Skudlarek. Katelyn brings a deep passion for literacy and a strong foundation in the science of reading. Throughout the year, she has conducted highly effective professional development sessions for our staff, laying the groundwork for the required upcoming training.

Focus and the Future

As we celebrate I Love to Read Month, Willmar Public Schools' dedication to advancing literacy highlights our commitment to empowering students with the skills necessary for lifelong success. Our journey, enriched by the expertise of passionate educators, underscores the collective effort to elevate literacy education. By selecting approved curricula and professional development programs, we are not only complying with the READ Act but are also laying a robust foundation for our students. As we move forward, our focus remains on nurturing a culture of reading that opens doors to endless possibilities for our students.

Celebrating Excellence in Education: National Recognition for Minnesota Leaders

The Midwest is known for its exceptional PreK-12 education systems, supported by well-aligned organizations, highly qualified teachers, and universities that do well in preparing future educators. Our local school districts are dedicated to the continuous development of their staff, supporting an environment where teachers, administrators, and support staff are all committed to enhancing student outcomes. This collective effort ensures that our educational systems lead to academic excellence.

This commitment to excellence was recently showcased at the American Association of School Administrator's (AASA) National Conference on Education, where Minnesota's educational leadership received positive recognition. Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent of the St. Paul Public School District, was honored as the AASA National Superintendent of the Year. Known for his courageous leadership and dedication to equitable education, Dr. Gothard's recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to ensuring inclusive educational opportunities for all students.

Additionally, Minnetonka's Superintendent, David Law, was named one of three finalists for the 2025 AASA President. This role is pivotal in guiding the organization's policy and representing the collective voice of the education community across the United States. Superintendent Law's candidacy highlights his and Minnesota's influential role in shaping national educational policies and practices. 

Both Dr. Gothard and Superintendent Law exemplify the spirit of collaborative leadership, valuing the contributions and successes of all school districts, regardless of size. Their recognitions not only underscore the exceptional quality of Midwest education but also celebrate the genuine leadership that drives our schools toward continuous improvement.

Minnesotans have every reason to take pride in our public education system. These national recognitions reinforce the belief that Minnesota's public school districts rank among the finest in the country, thanks to the dedication and excellence of our teachers, support staff, educational leaders, school board members, and communities.