H-BC Secondary Families: 

THANK YOU to all that voted on Tuesday for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District Bond Referendum. The unofficial results showed that both questions were approved. The Board will canvass the election at the regular meeting on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Missed the APRIL DISTRICT NEWSLETTERRead the H-BC April newsletter here

MCA MATH TESTING NEXT WEEK - It’s important to remember that when we return next week, we will begin our MCA Math Testing for Grades 6/7/8/10.  Students who are testing will be provided with a granola bar and juice, however it is still important to eat a healthy breakfast.  It would also be important to get a good night’s sleep.  We encourage all to do their best!  More details below.  

MCA Testing a HBC Secondary

  • Tuesday, April 18 & Wednesday, April 19 - MCA Math (Grades 6/7/8/11)

  • Tuesday, April 25 or Wednesday, April 26 - MCA Science (Grades 8/11)

Community Blood Bank at HBC Secondary - Friday, April 21, 2023 - Details Below

The H-BC Secondary Student Council is hosting a Community Blood Drive on Friday, April 21 at HBC Secondary - Hills. Last year there were 31 donations, which helped 93 patients. Please call 507-962-3240 to sign up.  Note: Must be signed up to give blood. All donors get a $5 Casey's gift card. Fact - 550 units of blood are needed every week to meet the needs of local hospitals.

Highway 6 between Beaver Creek and Hills Closure (New)

HIGHWAY 6 CLOSED:  Beginning Monday, April 10, County Road 6 will be closed between 41st and 61st Streets.  We will need to have buses and vehicles take alternate routes.  This may cause some delay in bus pickup and drop times.  PLAN AHEAD to drive on alternate routes!

Spring Sports & HBC Patriots App/Website (Repeat)

****Please NOTE there have been a few cancellations due to the prolonged winter weather.  Please click on links below for latest information on cancellations.

Spring Sports (Track & Golf) are right around the corner, please make sure to look at the HBC Website or download the HBC App.  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!

Stay Updated (Repeat)

Please follow us on Facebook - @hbcpatriots1 or Twitter - @hbcpatriots

This is a great way to see all the amazing happenings at HBC Public Schools!

Here are some important reminders.  

LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Tuesday, April 18 & Wednesday, April 19 - MCA Math (Grades 6/7/8/11)

  • Thursday, April 20 - Statewide Tornado Drill at both sites - 1:45 PM

  • Friday, April 21 - Blood Drive at HBC Secondary (details below)

  • Friday, April 21 - Senior Trip

  • Saturday, April 22 - SW MN Regional Spelling Bee at Luverne Performance Center (top 6 HBC Spellers)

  • Tuesday, April 25 or Wednesday, April 26 - MCA Science (Grades 8/11)

  • Thursday, April 27 - Q4 Midterm 

  • Friday, April 28 - Seniors Adopt a Highway

  • Friday, April 28 Early Dismissal- Staff Development

  • Friday, April 28 - HBC Prom - 6 PM Grand March (student meal to follow)

  • Wednesday, May 10 Early Dismissal - Staff Development

  • Thursday, May 11 - 6-12 Choir Concert & Art Exhibit 7 PM

  • Monday, May 15 - Grade 5-12 Band Concert 7 PM

  • Friday, May 19 - FFA Banquet - Steen Reformed Church - 7 PM 

  • Friday, May 26th - HBC Graduation Class of 2023 Commencement - 7 PM 

Information for Families Regarding MCA III Assessments: (Repeat)

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 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.

HBC Junior Senior Prom - The Roaring 20’s - Friday, April 28 (Repeat)

23-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR:  Please use this Board approved 3/27/23 Calendar. There was one change to the dates in November for the Elementary P/T Conferences.  Longer days and 168 instead of 174 student days. Here is the link to the 23-24 School calendar.   https://5il.co/1rfim

Look at Student(s)’ Grades, Progress, Attendance, Lunch Bill, ETC on JMC App - Smart Phone (Repeat)

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 4th Quarter start April 18, 2023- (New)

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 4 DL on Tuesday, April 18, 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.  

Please reach out to me if you have any needs.  Phone- 507-962-3240 or email a.kellenberger@isd671.net

Mr. Kellenberger