H-BC Secondary Families:
Great week at HBC! Thank you to those parents and students who attended conferences on Thursday! Thank you for partnering with us.
NO SCHOOL: Remember, there is NO SCHOOL Friday, February 14, and Monday, February 17.
(Repeat) FEBRUARY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: LINK
Looking Ahead
Friday, February 14, 2025 - No School
Monday, February 17, 2025 - No School
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - “You Matter” Retreat at HBC Secondary - Please make sure your student attends today! - Details Below
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - NBRS Series - Alumni Talks - Dr. John Berdahl
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - FAFSA Senior Night at HBC - 6 PM in Room 406
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Winter Band Concert at 7 PM (Date change from 2/10/25)
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - First Day of Driver’s Education
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - Pre-ACT (Juniors)
Thursday, March 27, 2025 - NBRS Alumni Talks - Marla Meyer (Class of 88)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - ACT Juniors
Friday, April 25, 2025 - Early Release
Friday, April 25, 2025 - HBC Prom 7 PM
(New) You Matter Retreat by Humanity Launch - Please have student attend on 2/19/25
The You Matter Retreat is an incredible opportunity for students to focus on personal growth, well-being, and resilience. Taking place on Wednesday, February 19th, during school day, this retreat is designed to inspire and empower students, reminding them of their value and potential. Through engaging activities, motivational speakers, and meaningful discussions, participants will gain valuable tools to navigate challenges, build confidence, and foster positive relationships. Attending this retreat will not only enhance students' school experience but also help them develop skills that will benefit them for life. Don't miss out on this chance to connect, learn, and be reminded that YOU matter!
(New) - NEW CONCERT DATE - Winter Band Concert - Monday, February 20 at 7:00 PM - HBC Secondary (Hills)
HBC FAFSA Night for Seniors!
When: Thursday, Feb 20, 2025 at 6 PM
Where: HBC Secondary - Room 406
What: Learn about FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
HBC Financial Aid Night will involve an informational presentation from Katie Heronimus, Director of Admissions, Registration and Financial Aid at Minnesota West. Katie's presentation is designed to help seniors and families understand the financial aid process. During the session, key topics such as scholarships, grants, student loans, and how to complete the FAFSA will be covered. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the steps required to secure funding for college, with opportunities for questions. Great opportunity to be College and Career Ready.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kooima at j.kooima@isd671.net
February is I Love to Read Month
Please continue to encourage you student to be a READER at school and at home! February is I Love to Read Month! Students “Caught” reading will be winning prizes and eating donuts!
February is Black History Month
Please take a moment to learn about many of the heroes from our past! Black History Month LINK
ACT 2025 Information for Juniors
During the upcoming months, all juniors will be preparing for the ACT by completing the OntoCollege ACT Prep Course during ELA, Science & Math classes.
Here are some IMPORTANT DATES for your planning purposes. Both Pre-ACT & ACT are offered at HBC Secondary.
Pre-ACT - Thursday, February 27, 2025 (8:00 - 12:30ish)
ACT - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 (8:00 - 12:30 PM)
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Kooima - j.kooima@isd671.net
Note: The ACT is Optional! Students are NOT required to take the ACT.
Go Patriots! Good luck Juniors!
Spring Assessments Coming Soon (New)
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.
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) - Wednesday, April 23rd and Thursday April 27, 2025
MCA Math - (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th) - Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday, April 30th
MCA Science - (5th, 8th and 10th) - Tuesday, May 6th
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.
Driver’s Education Starting Tuesday, February 25th (New)
Students who are 14 or older before February 25th,
The Driver’s Education Course will be starting on Tuesday, February 25th. The class will mostly be held after school for a duration of three weeks ending mid March. The class is a total of 30 hours of coursework. The cost of the course is $380.00 and will be due before you attend the first class (payable to HBC Schools). A letter was sent home for those who are signed-up on the interest form in the school office. IMPORTANT: Students MUST be 14 years of age to start the course unless a resident of South Dakota.
Here are the dates:
DATES FOR DRIVER’S EDUCATION CLASSES:
Tuesday, February 25 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Wednesday, February 26 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Thursday, February 27 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Friday, February 28 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Monday, March 3 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 4 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 5 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Thursday, March 6 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Friday, March 7 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Monday, March 10 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 11 - 3:30-6:00 PM **** Parent Class from 6-7 PM
Wednesday, March 12 - 3:30-6:00 PM - LAST DAY OF CLASS
Thursday, March 13 - 3:30-6:00 PM - Possible Make-up Days if needed
Friday, March 14 - 3:30-6:00 PM- Possible Make-up Days if needed
HBC Elective - CEO Class Opportunity for 25-26
HBC 10th, 11th Graders & Families,
Please see the attached PDF letter about an AMAZING OPPORTUNITY for our current sophomores & juniors (next year juniors & seniors) - SWMN CEO Program - 2 credit elective class for 2025-2026 school year! Current CEO students, Facilitator Katie Baustian & I met with our 10th & 11th grade students about this opportunity yesterday. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 14, 2025.
Please let Katie or me know if you have any questions.
NEXT NBRS Alumni Talks - Community Welcome - National Blue Ribbon Series - Alumni Talks 2025 - Guest Speaker - Dr. John Berdahl
Did you know that HBC Secondary was awarded the 2024 National Blue Ribbon School Award? As a celebration of our school, we are going to be inviting past HBC Alumni to talk to our HBC Secondary student body & community. Join us as Dr. John Berdahl goes down memory lane and discusses the impact HBC, the HBC community and HBC teachers have had on his life journey. Please mark your calendars - Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11 AM. March Alumni Talks - Marla Meyer from Class of ‘88.
MARCH NBRS Alumni Talks - Community Welcome - National Blue Ribbon Series - Alumni Talks 2025 - Guest Speaker - Marla Meyer - Class of 1988
Homework Club Started
Starting the week of January 6, 2025, students who need more support with having a quiet space to complete homework may be assigned to Homework Club. Homework Club is after school on Wednesday and Thursday from 3:20 - 3:45 and is supervised by a teacher. This quiet space will allow students who may need support to complete an assignment. Ms. Kooima, school counselor, will communicate with student/families about staying after school on Wednesday and/or Thursday. HW Club is for students who...
Need extra time to complete work
Have a tendency not to do work at home
Continue to stay on the DL because they have not made a plan/followed through with a plan to get off the DL
Weather/School Postponement/Early Dismissal/Cancellation Items: As we begin our winter weather season, the district will once again be utilizing the JMC student information system to notify individuals of school related weather postponements, early dismissals, e-learning days and school cancellations. Individuals that want/need to be notified will be communicated with one or more of the following methods: phone call, email or text message from the district informing them of any school related announcement.
If you miss a call from the school, we ask that you not call the school directly. First check your voicemail, because a message will most likely have been left sharing the information you missed. Please make sure all contact information is up to date in the JMC database. Individuals are able to login via the hbcpatriots.com website to make sure contact information is up to date, send an email or call either school’s office to assist.
E-LEARNING: The Hills-Beaver Creek School District may conduct up to five (5) E-learning days when school can not be in session for reasons such as inclement weather. Please see the following E-learning Procedure link for more information: LINK to 24-25 E-Learning Day
E-Learning Reminder - Students NEED to complete E-Learning Assignments. Students who do NOT participate or complete these assignments will be marked UNEXCUSED absence.
World Classroom 2026 NYC - Current 9th and 10th Graders
Dear Parents and Students,
If you missed last night's informational meeting for the New York City school trip for the Summer of 2026, it's not too late!
We have a great group of 26 students and parents already enrolled!
The $500 Early-Bird Scholarship pricing has been re-opened for a limited time.
Enroll today: Here is LINK for late registration. https://portal.worldclassrooms.com/signup/HillsMNNYC26
Don't miss out!
Mr. Andrew Kellenberger and Mrs. Heather Erickson
SUNDAY OPEN GYMS: Families may enjoy open gym time during the winter months at the following times:
H-BC Elementary Gym in Beaver Creek will be open 1:00-2:30 pm starting December 1.
(excluding holiday weekends) K-6 Grade Students, accompanied by a parent, are welcome.
Hugo Goehle Gym in Hills will be open 1:00-3:00 pm. All ages are welcome.
We Need Your Help
If you haven’t done so already, please take a few minutes to fill out the educational benefits--free and reduced price lunch application! Although breakfast and lunch are free for all of our students, the district receives funding for all those that qualify for these benefits. The application process and all the information is confidential to the utmost degree! So, please take a couple of minutes and fill out the application! So very much appreciated! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Plimpton or Ms. Scholten for assistance! This helps make H-BC stronger!
WE NEED YOUR HELP: Within our JMC Student Registration Process there is the Application for Educational Benefits section. Even though meals in the State of Minnesota are free, having parents complete this application can provide other benefits for our district and your child.
If you have not completed this application, please take a moment and do so at this time. https://hbc.onlinejmc.com/, click on the family icon, login, Register for 24-25 on the left, and at the very bottom Application for Educational Benefits.
Deficiency List for Quarter 3 has Started
As we emphasize the importance of academics and being well-rounded students, athletes and participants of co-curricular activities, please be reminded that we began our deficiency lists for Quarter 3.
The Deficiency List / Academic Eligibility is located in Section 9 of the Secondary Student Handbook.
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.
Look at Student(s)’ Grades, Progress, Attendance, Lunch Bill, ETC on JMC App - Smart Phone
Jr. High & Varsity Basketball Schedules on HBC App & Website
For the most updated information about 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.
SECOND ENTREE PURCHASE: Students in grades K-5 may purchase a second entree with their meal. The entree is $2.75. If choosing a second entree, students may pay cash or the family lunch account will be charged. Students MUST write name on the Cafeteria Sheet if they want a second entree.
Please reach out to me if you have any needs. Phone- 507-962-3240 or email a.kellenberger@isd671.net