ENG 2023-24 Family Update No. 4
Sept. 15, 2023
Dear Northfield School District Families:
The beginning of the school year is filled with optimism and hope as we start a new journey together. The first few weeks are about setting routines and getting into the rhythm of the new school year. I hope your family’s adjustment into that new rhythm has been smooth.
Thank you for trusting the Northfield School District with your child’s education. We take that trust seriously and are grateful to serve your family!
As always, please contact me directly if you have feedback about the district!
Sincerely,
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
mhillmann@northfieldschools.org | 507.663.0629
In 2023, 534 Advanced Placement (AP) tests were taken by 320 district students. 76% of students earned scores of three or higher on those exams, which generally qualifies students for credit at colleges that accept AP results.
Ninety-nine students earned designation as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Distinction, or AP Scholars with Honors! We are proud of the commitment to academic excellence demonstrated by these students.
Northfield Rotary, Northfield Public Library, and Rice County Area United Way are sponsoring a screening of the documentary The Right to Read at the Northfield Public Library, Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Superintendent Hillmann and Director of Instructional Services Hope Langston will attend and discuss the local context of the film.
“The Right to Read shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.”
More information about the Sept. 20 screening can be found here.
You can also read about the district’s approach to teaching reading in this recent Sahan Journal article and review the district’s latest achievement scores that I shared in 2023-24 Family Update No. 3.
Seniors Sonia Brunelle and Jackson Hessian have been selected as 2024 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists! The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced approximately 16,000 national semifinalists, representing less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States. Sonia, Jackson, and the other semifinalists across the country will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.
Congratulations, Sonia and Jackson!
Black and Brown Futures is a space created by families with Black and Brown children (infant through high school) from the Cannon Falls, Northfield, Randolph, and surrounding areas to connect, discuss, learn together, and celebrate with our young people the beauty of Black and Brown identities.
The first event will be held at Cherry Park in Northfield on Sept. 19 at 6 pm. Sloppy joes, paper products, and bottled water will be provided. If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share. You can learn more by emailing Erica Bryson (ericabryson.rn@gmail.com) or Amy Andrist (amy.andrist30@gmail.com).
Note: this group is not officially affiliated with Northfield Public Schools.
