VE District Newsletter

April 2025

Superintendent Hurtt's District Update

I wanted to share with you that voters have rejected the debt limit increase and $15.2 million bond referendum for our schools. Unofficial vote tallies were 180 votes in favor and 455 votes against for the debt limit increase, and 174 votes in favor and 463 votes against for the bond referendum. While this result does not impact any funding for staff, curriculum and other general operations, it means our district will not have any new resources available to address our maintenance and learning space needs. We will continue to maintain and operate three separate school buildings, and will work as hard as we can to address the cost and inefficiencies of doing so.

Going forward, our district will continue exploring alternative ways to address the needs of our facilities. I urge you to continue paying attention and to ask questions about these deliberations. We deeply value and appreciate everyone who has taken the time these last few years to learn about our district’s needs.

Thank you for making your voice heard in this referendum. As always, we remain committed to providing the highest quality education for our students. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Principal Nilson's PK-6 Grades Elementary Update

As we wrap up the month of April, we are starting on our NDSA assessments. We recently received an update from the state regarding test results. Due to the implementation of a new testing platform this year, results will be available in October instead of the usual timeline. While this delay is not what we are accustomed to, we appreciate your patience as the state finalizes its process for delivering scores. We will share more information as soon as we receive it. However, we will have our regular Fastbridge testing window the first part of May and those tests will provide real-time data on where students are at so we will be able to prepare for next year.

As the days grow warmer, we are enjoying the excitement of spring and the many activities that come with it. Please remind your child to dress appropriately for the changing temperatures and to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

We will have a lot of upcoming events going on in May! See some of the dates below and always check the VE District Calendar on our website for the most recent updates and schedule:

May 1st - Elementary Spring Concert in Crystal at 7:00 pm

May 2nd - Community Clean Up Day in our communities and Preschool Round Up

May 7th - 3rd-6th Grade Track and Field Day in Park River

May 9th - 2nd Grade Moving Up Day in Crystal

May 13th- 6th Grade Moving Up Day in Edinburg

May 14th - Student of the Month Breakfast in Hoople

May 15th - Student of the Month Breakfast in Crystal

May 19th - Hoople Field Trip to Homme Dam

May 20th- Hoople Play Day, Color Run in Crystal and 6th Grade Graduation Party

May 21st - School-Wide Softball Game in Hoople at 12:30

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s finish the school year strong!

Principal Hollingsworth's 7-12 Grades Secondary Update

Somehow, we’ve made it to the final stretch of the school year. It’s always surprising how quickly this time comes, but here we are—with just a handful of weeks left. For our seniors and their families, I know this season brings a mix of emotions: excitement, pride, maybe a little bit of stress, and certainly some disbelief that high school is almost over. For the rest of our students, the end may not carry quite the same weight, but it still matters—a lot. There’s a real opportunity in these last weeks to finish strong and make the most of the time we have left together.

We’re encouraging students not to check out early or rush through the finish line. It’s easy to wish time away when you’re tired, especially with warmer days and thoughts of summer creeping in. But some of the most meaningful moments—both academic and personal—happen right here at the end. Whether it’s a final project, a class discussion that clicks, or simply laughing with friends at lunch, these are the memories that tend to stick. Seniors, especially, are closing a chapter they won’t get back, and I hope they take the time to be present in it, rather than racing toward the next thing.

Graduation is right around the corner, and we’ll be sharing more details soon to make sure you and your students feel fully prepared. It’s one of my favorite events of the year—such a proud, emotional, and hopeful moment. Until then, let’s all keep showing up, encouraging each other, and finishing the year on a high note. We’re proud of your kids, and grateful to walk alongside them.

Ms. Hurtt's PK-6 Grades Counselor Corner

This April we have focused on self-awareness - what it looks like and how to improve. A definition of self-awareness is the ability to tune into your feelings, thoughts and actions. If you are self-aware you are able to understand that how you see yourself may be different compared to how other people see you. When people understand themselves better, it’s easier for them to build positive self-esteem. This is especially important for those who learn and think differently and who may struggle with certain skills and tasks. There are two types of self-awareness: private and public. Private self-awareness is when you are aware of something about yourself that others might not be – like being anxious about something. Public self-awareness is when you are aware of how others see you.

Self- Awareness is developed through skills like self-reflection, meaning-making, and the process of honing core values and beliefs. It is important to your child’s success. Research has shown that it is critical to academic success, positive relationships, and happiness. Most people understand that when we reflect on how we learn, we become better learners. When children are aware of how they acquire knowledge, they learn to regulate their behavior to optimize learning. They begin to see how their strengths and weaknesses affect how they perform.

Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and improved decision making, leading to stronger relationships and greater self-confidence. It allows you to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how they impact others, which is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. This understanding helps you regulate your emotions, manage your behavior, and adapt to various situations. The following helps us understand why self-awareness is so vital:

Improved decision making - It allows you to make more informed choices by understanding your values, beliefs, and biases.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation - Recognizing your emotions and their triggers helps you manage stress and respond more effectively in challenging situations.
Stronger Relationships - When you understand your impact on others, you can communicate more effectively, build trust, and maintain healthy relationships.
Personal Growth and Development - Self-Awareness allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and focus on areas where you improve.
Increased Self-Confidence - Understanding yourself and your capabilities leads to greater self-esteem and confidence.
Greater Authenticity - Self-Awareness helps you to understand your authentic self, reducing the need to project an image that doesn’t align with your true values.

Mrs. Berg's 7-12 Grade Counselor Corner

VE PTO

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us on our Friends and Family Movie Night! We had a great turnout and appreciate all the support. We had alot of Team Titan Tributes in April including Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, School Librarian Day, Dog Therapy Appreciation Day, and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Thank you to all these staff members for the jobs they do! We also restocked the snacks for Crystal/Hoople and sponsored a hotdog meal for Reader’s Night. As we wind down the school year, we want to thank each and every supporter so we can turn around and support our staff! For any questions or to find out how you can be part of VE PTO, please reach out to Brittany Nelson at Brittany.Nelson15@hotmail.com