The Byron Buzz
News from BearNation: September 10, 2023
A Note from Dr. Neubeck
A few weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Education posted the MCA scores for schools around the State and, if you haven't already, you should soon receive information about your child's test score (see below). In regards to the Byron tests scores, we should be proud about our students' accomplishments in many different grade levels and subjects. To be transparent, some test scores show that we have some work to do. Please remember that these tests scores are a "moment in time" assessment and we don't build our system to teach to the test. The Byron system goes far beyond test scores as we focus and strive for students to excel in our Profile of a Graduate.
Even though academic mastery is important, developing the whole child in the area of the six C's (creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, citizenship, and character) is the focus as students go through our system PK-12. Core knowledge is at the heart of the Profile of a Graduate but this knowledge is not always shown on a one-time test. Through out the year, we will highlighting so many things that our students do that definitely demonstrates knowledge and the practical application of that learning. So, as you look at your child's scores and the scores of the district, keep in mind that Byron has much to celebrate and we are a model that many other districts look to emulate. Our students and staff work hard every day to learn and grow, and our future in Byron is bright because of it.
Go Bears!
Mike Neubeck
Superintendent
Byron Public Schools
Email: mike.neubeck@byron.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/
Location: 801 Frontage Road Northwest, Byron, MN, USA
Phone: 507-775-2383
Facebook: facebook.com/byronbears
Twitter: @neubecksupt
MCA/MTAS Individual Student Reports
This year, Individual Student Reports (ISR) from the 2022-2023 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and or Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) for your student will be mailed out via USPS this week. An Individual Student Report (ISR) is generated for every student who participated in a reading, mathematics, or science assessment during the Spring of last school year. It describes an individual student’s performance in terms of overall results, performance level, and the Minnesota Academic Standards for each subject. For students who did not participate the ISR shows why results are not included (e.g. absent or not completed). If a student participated in both MCA and MTAS for different subjects, students receive separate ISRs for each.
As you view the results, please refer to the attached Individualized Student Report Quick Guide for assistance interpreting the ISR. I have also attached links provided by the Minnesota Department of Education to answer any general question you may have about MCA and MTAS in Reading, Mathematics, and Science. As a general note, you cannot compare scale scores each year because a different set of standards are measured each year, therefore a 350 does not equate to a 450 etc…
Byron Public School District is pleased to share the following celebrations:
- Congratulations to our 2022-2023 5th Grade Students who were 5th in the entire state based on their Mathematics proficiency performance on the MCAs! Congrats students & staff.
- Reading performance as a district scored in the top 10% of the state consistently--way to go students and staff! Keep on reading. We all know the importance of literacy in all aspects of learning.
- Science scores at the high school achieved in the top 10% of high schools!
We continue to find ways to instill a love of learning, develop relationships while embedding the Profile of a Graduate competencies in all we do. The MCA and MTAS assessments are one measurement and we know that our students continue to learn and do amazing things in all of their classes, extra-curricular activities and we are #ByronBears Proud of you!
There will be a formal MCA Data Presentation at the September 18th School Board Meeting.
Also annually, the World’s Best Workforce presentation shares an even more detailed presentation--stay tuned for that date.
If you have specific questions related to the assessments, feel free to reach out to Jessica Denter, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. jessica.denter@byron.k12.mn.us
Assessment Results Resource Documents:
Statewide Assessments: What Families Need to Know about Using MCA and MTAS Results
2022-2023 MCA ISR Quick Guide
This two-page quick guide provides an overview of the content of the MCA ISR.2022-2023 MTAS ISR Quick Guide
This two-page quick guide provides an overview of the content of the MTAS ISR.Dates for Byron Public Schools Standardized Assessments for this school year can be found: https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/page/148
Byron Athletic Stadium Expectations - PLEASE READ
Dear Byron Community,
We are excited to host our first homecoming football game in the new stadium. Though there are still some punch list items to attend to, we have done our best to have it as functional as possible for Friday. The beautiful new stadium will be a huge improvement from our previous site, and along with that improvement comes some changes. Please make yourself familiar with the changes before you arrive for kick off. We look forward to hosting all of you this Friday.
Please use any designated parking spots to park on game day. DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS! The road behind the high school will be closed off to traffic as well. The majority of parking will be available in the front of the school.
Tickets are available at the gate or through Hometown Ticketing @ https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/Page/806 (Everyone must enter through the main gate.
Please feel free to sit in any of the home bleacher sections. Please do not line the fence lines or sit on the marked off hills where we are trying to grow grass.
No animals other than service animals are permitted.
No children 8th grade or under will be allowed admittance without a supervising adult. Please be aware that your children will be turned away at the gate if they do not enter with a supervising adult.
There is no space for children to run wild at the new stadium. Parents, please be responsible for your child and oversee their behavior and wearabouts.
Unless directed by event staff no fans should enter the track / playing service area.
No outside food, beverage or play items such as football and basketballs are permitted inside of the gates.
Please keep your emotions in check. Cheer loudly for your team and refrain from yelling at officials, players, or other fans.
The Bears season is off to a great start! The team and school appreciate all of your support, and look forward to seeing all of you there.
Go BEARS!
Brad Hak
Activities Director
Byron Public Schools
POG C's in Action
The Profile of a Graduate is the model we use to live out the District's Strategic Plan on a daily basis. It has been 6 years since we first implemented the Profile of a Graduate and we continue to find ways to teach the six Cs: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, and Character.
Learn more about our Profile of a Graduate!
Learning to Frame and Attach Drywall in Home Repair
BHS Senior Football Players deliver gladiolas to Benedictine Living Community in Byron
BHS Gianna Designed our Homecoming T-shirts this year!
Getting To Know Your Byron School Board Members
Q & A with Duane Quam
What personal information would you like to share? I'm a graduate of Byron Public Schools. I have two children in the district, Robbie (10th Grade) and Dylan (2nd Grade).
What do you like about being a board member? The chance to serve our community.
What are you the most proud of relating to Byron Public Schools? All the work our students and staff put into making Byron Public Schools one of the best districts in the state.
What are your hopes for BPS in the future?
That Byron Public Schools will continue to be a top school district in the state while following our Mission, Vision, and Priorities.
Q & A with Jeremy Aagard
What personal information would you like to share? My wife Andrea and I have two daughters. Our oldest is in third grade and our youngest will start kindergarten next year.
What do you like about being a board member? Seeing the passion and enthusiasm from every member of the staff and watching the positive impact it has on the kids and their lives. Being able to see the 6 C's in theory in the board room to seeing my daughter transition those lessons into everyday life at home is amazing.
What are you the most proud of relating to Byron Public Schools? I'm the most proud of how prepared Byron graduates are for the real world when they leave our schools.
What are your hopes for BPS in the future? My biggest hope is to be able to maintain the majority of our staff. The school system is a huge reason we moved to Byron and the people that work in our schools on a daily basis are the foundation for that. We will always need to bring in new staff, but my hope is the new people become part of the family that I feel we have now and have the desire to stay in our wonderful district long term.
Anything else you want to add? I'd like to say thank you to my family for supporting me during my time on the school board. It's an incredible feeling to know they are behind me all the way! I'd also like to thank the community for believing in me and allowing me to serve in this role.
BMS Design Studio
This year, BMS Design Studio will be running some exciting and new fundraiser projects. Products include poster/banner printing, laser-engraved LED signs, and classics like CNC-made cornhole game boards and vinyl porch signs. If you are interested in learning more about Design Studio and the products we have, or if you would like to place an order, check out our website below. Our fall pre-orders will close on September 13th.
Design Studio Fundraiser Product Website
We want to thank you for all of your support! All funds we raise will go towards our future community transformation project.
Sports & Fine Arts News
Thanks Coach Hank for all the time you have invested in the Byron Community. Best of luck in the new journey!
Seen Around District 531
Getting the B-Town Bistro Ready!
Prepping for deliciousness!
Cajun Jambalaya Pasta & Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
School Board Listening Sessions
Activities/Athletics Ticket Sales Go Online
Activities This Week
Monday, September 11 - Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Waseca - 7:00 pm - Byron Athletic Stadium
Tuesday, September 12 - Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Cannon Falls - 4:30 pm - Cannon Falls Elementary School
Tuesday, September 12 - Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Kasson-Mantorville - 7:00 pm - Byron Athletic Stadium
Tuesday, September 12 - Varsity Volleyball vs. Owatonna - 7:15 pm - Scheels Gymnasium (Byron High School)
Thursday, September 14 - Boy & Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools - 4:00 pm - Rochester Eastwood Golf Course
Thursday, September 14 - Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Rochester Lourdes - 7:00 pm - Byron Athletic Stadium
Thursday, September 14 - Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Rochester Lourdes - 7:30 pm - Rochester Regional Sports Complex
Friday, September 15 - Varsity Football vs. Winona Senior - 7:00 pm - Byron Athletic Stadium **HOMECOMING GAME**
Upcoming Events - Byron Public Schools HVL Conference Calendar
Happy & Healthy in the Classroom! Go Mrs. Boettcher!
Homecoming Tailgate Party
Employment Opportunities at Byron Public Schools
For more information, please contact the Byron Public Schools District Office at 507-775-2383. Thank you for your consideration of these employment opportunities.