H-BC Secondary Families:
Thank you for your patience as we navigate the weather. This past week was Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Thank you to all of our HBC Bus Drivers who transport our students safely to school and activities.
Reminder - EARLY DISMISSAL: Wednesday, March 1st, will be a 1:00 dismissal at H-BC Elementary.
NATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Join us as we celebrate Public Schools Week February 27- March 3. We have much to be thankful for in our corner of southwest Minnesota. Our team of teachers, specialists, parents and school board members make our public school one to be proud of.
BOND REFERENDUM VOTE:
Please read this brochure regarding the upcoming Bond Referendum Vote scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Bond Referendum Brochure
Informational meetings scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary School in Beaver Creek and 7 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Hugo Goehle Gymnasium in Hills. Information can be found on the District's Website www.hbcpatriots.com
Please reach out to Todd Holthaus, Superintendent with questions. email: t.holthaus@isd671.net or phone 507-962-3240 x1102
HBC Patriots App & Website (New)
We’ve had A LOT of postponed basketball games this season already. Please make sure to look at the HBC Website or download the HBC App for the rescheduled games. You can also visit the RedRockConference website for the most accurate information for games/times/locations.
Please make sure to download the HBC Patriots App (details below) to get your student-athletes’ schedules. Thank you for supporting HBC Athletics!
Here are some important reminders.
LOOKING AHEAD:
February 23 - Quarter 3 Mid Quarter
March 1-16 - Drivers Education Classes Begin
March 1 - Early Release at Secondary 12:46 PM
March 1 - Pre-ACT for Juniors 8:00 - 12:00 PM
March 2 - FFA Breakfast for Students & Staff 7:30 - 8:05 AM
March 21 - Breaking Traditions Career Pathway (10th/11th Graders) - details below
March 23 - Breaking Traditions Career Pathway (10th/11th Graders) - details below
Thursday, March 23 - Bond Referendum Informational Meeting 7pm - H-BC Elementary
Friday, March 24 - No School - Staff Inservice
Tuesday, March 28 - Bond Referendum Informational Meeting 7pm - Hugo Goehle-Hills
Information for Families Regarding MCA III Assessments: (New)
MCA Statewide Assessments Dear Families,
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires that statewide assessments are annually administered in reading, mathematics, and science. They are designed to provide the state, districts, and schools with a snapshot of student learning of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards.
When will HBC Students take the MCA Tests? What Grades will take the MCA Tests?
MCA Reading - (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th) - Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th
MCA Math - (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th) - Tuesday, April 18th and Wednesday, April 19th
MCA Science - (5th, 8th and 10th) - Tuesday, April 25th or Wednesday, April 26th
What are the MCA Tests? The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are reading, mathematics, and science standards-based assessments that measure student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. These assessments are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet the MTAS eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead.
Why do we give these assessments? MCA results provide valuable information for the school, district and MDE about how well students have learned concepts and skills from the academic standards. Educators and schools can use the results to plan instruction and evaluate their curriculum. Families can also use the results as one way to measure how students are doing on the content that is part of their daily instruction. School- and district-level test results are used in federal and state accountability measurements.
How are the MCA administered? The MCAs must be taken in person, even if your student is enrolled in an online program. For students temporarily learning online, they will take statewide assessments when they return to school. Your school can provide more specific information about the health and safety measures they are taking to ensure students and staff stay safe and healthy during test administration. Most students take the MCA online, but some eligible students take the assessment in a paper test book instead. For the MTAS, teachers work with each student individually using paper test materials.
How can I get more information?Contact your school for more information on how these test results are used to support your student’s learning. The MCA and MTAS Parent Fact Sheets are available on the MDE website (under Students and Families > Programs and Initiatives > Statewide Testing) in several languages.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Kellenberger, District Assessment Coordinator - a.kellenberger@isd671.net
Spring Assessments Coming Soon (Repeat)
Spring Testing is an important time to check progress for our students. As we get closer to April, we will enter the Spring Assessment season. Please click this LINK to see our HBC Assessment Calendar. This will give you an idea when each assessment is scheduled for ACTs, MCAs and NWEAs.
Reminder to check JMC for Academic Progress (Repeat)
On February 23, 2023 it was midterm for Quarter 3. This is the halfway point of the quarter.
Please continue to encourage your student(s) to always do their best, seek teacher support if they need help (before or after school) and complete all assignments. Students may also have an option to retake tests if they check with the teacher.
You can see up-to-date grades on JMC. (See below)
Look at Student(s)’ Grades, Progress, Attendance, Lunch Bill, ETC on JMC App - Smart Phone (Repeat)
Driver’s Education Starting Wednesday, March 1 (Repeat)
Students who have a 2008 birthdate or before,
The Driver’s Education Course will be starting on Wednesday, March 1. The class will mostly be held after school for a duration of three weeks ending on March 16th. The class is a total of 30 hours of coursework. The cost of the course is $365.00 and will be due before you attend the first class (payable to HBC Schools). A letter was sent home on, Friday, January 27th for those who have birthdays in 2008 or before.
Here are the dates:
DATES FOR DRIVER’S EDUCATION CLASSES:
Wednesday, March 1 - 12:45-4:45 PM (Early Dismissal at 12:30 PM)
Thursday, March 2 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Friday, March 3 - 3:30-5:30 PM
Monday, March 6 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 7 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 8 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Thursday, March 9 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Friday, March 10 - 3:30-5:30 PM
Monday, March 13 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 14 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 15 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Thursday, March 16 - 3:30-5:30 PM **** Parent Class at 6PM
Female Student Leadership Opportunity - Girls on the Run Junior Coach
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Female Students & Families,
Here is an opportunity for a female student leader - Girls on the Run Junior Coach!
Description:
Great leadership opportunity for 16-18 year old high school girls. This also looks great on a resume too! Junior coaches have the same responsibilities and expectations as adult coaches. They will need to attend New Coach Training to learn more about the program and coaching best practices. An adult coach, Ms. Tollefson, will always be present a practice to lead the practices. Student Junior Coach will assist Ms. Tollefson. Please see attached flyer.
The first practice will be March 6. We meet on Mondays and Wednesdays after school until 4:45. The last practice will be May 17. No practice on "No School" days.
If you would like to apply or have any questions, please email Ms. Tollefson - h.tollefson@isd671.net
Open Gym Sundays - Hugo Goehle Gym - Hills (Repeat)
Career Explorations Trips for Sophomores & Juniors Coming Up (Repeat)
Calling Sophomores & Juniors - Career Exploration Trips on March 21 & 23 (New)
All sophomores and juniors are able to choose a Career Exploration Field Trip on March 21 and 23rd. Students can sign up on Mr. Ellingson’s door.
March 21st - At Pipestone from 9:00 - 1:00 PM at MN West Community & Technical College. Students interested in the following careers should attend - Plumbing, HVAC, Carpentry, Cosmetology or Nursing.
March 23rd - At Luverne from 8:30 - 2:00 PM at MN West Community & Technical College / Sanford Health Luverne Medical Center. Students interested in the following careers should attend - Medical Lab Tech & Radiology Tech.
Spring Sports Updates
For the most updated information about spring sporting events, please download the HBC App or the HBC School Website
.
AM BUS CHANGES--For morning bus changes please call or text the bus line--make sure to identify your student and the bus number they are riding: 507-962-3240 Ext. 4.
Deficiency Lists for 3rd Quarter start February 14, 2023- (Repeat)
As we emphasize the importance of academics and being well-rounded students, athletes and participants of co-curricular activities, please be reminded that we begin Quarter 3 DL on February 14, 2023.
The Deficiency List / Academic Eligibility is located in Section 9 of the Secondary Student Handbook (LINK).
This slide explains the different levels of deficiencies. Parents and students will receive an emailed letter notifying them if their student is on the deficiency list. Please continue to support your student who may be struggling with completing school work.
The picture below shows the different levels of the Deficiency List.
Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council (Repeat)
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: With winter months coming, Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council, Inc. wants to ensure all households eligible for energy or water bill assistance have access to help. H-BC Offices do have the Application Forms for anyone interested. Here is the link for more information: https://tinyurl.com/r2evtx4h
Please reach out to me if you have any needs. Phone- 507-962-3240 or email a.kellenberger@isd671.net
Mr. Kellenberger