February 28, 2025
Dear Families:
It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy this great weather we have been experiencing. This weather is greatly assisting with the new elementary school build. We are at a point where the roof is almost 100% complete, windows are being installed and the building is almost fully enclosed. Many of the walls are being built as well. Prior to the end of the school year, we are looking to take students over and have a look at the progress. I will keep you posted!
MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER: The Hills-Beaver Creek March newsletter has been posted online. Check out what has been happening in the district during the past month and see what is planned for March. Click here to read the newsletter
OLD SECONDARY SCHOOL DEMOLITION: The demolition of the old Secondary School Site in Hills is a big event! PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Currently the windows are being removed by an abatement company and the demolition will follow. Do not enter the construction zone! Surveillance cameras are in place recording all of the activity. Also, the fence that surrounds the building is for your safety.
The Hugo Goehle Gym is not available for any use beginning on March 3. This is due to the demolition of the old secondary school and the renovations that are scheduled to be completed.
I LOVE TO READ MONTH: Mrs. Moore has again created a fun challenge for I Love to Read Month. Students in grades K-1-2 need to turn in their I Love to Read Month slips on Monday. The final results will be announced on Wednesday and only slips that have been turned in will count.
National AmeriCorps Week: March 9-15 is National AmeriCorps Week. Does your child see a AmeriCorps Tutor during their day at H-BC Elementary? We are fortunate to have 2 full time AmeriCorps Tutors. Ms. Kindt and Ms. Diane are part of the Minnesota Americorps program that provides reading support for students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. They are trained tutors that implement evidence based literacy instruction and assessment protocols. We are sincerely thankful to have them on our team!
25-26 LPA REGISTRATION: NOW is the time to complete the registration for next year's preschool class. See all the information here: 25-26 Little Patriot Academy Registration
LUNCHROOM GUESTS: Yes, you are welcome to come eat with your child! We request that you simply call the office before 9:00 am to get on the meal count. The Adult Guest fee is $5.25.
SWIMMING LESSONS: Swimming Lessons begin Tuesday. Students in grades 2-5 will be participating in swimming lessons at the Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness Center March 4-14 as part of PE Curriculum. Please make sure your child comes with a swimsuit, towel and plastic bag.
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP: On March 28, we invite 2025-2026 kindergarten students to a full day of learning and fun. See the flyer at the bottom of this document for details. Current Kindergarten students do not have school on March 28.
SUNDAY OPEN GYM: Sunday, February 2, is the final Open Gym at the Hugo Goehle gym in Hills and Sunday, March 9, is the final day in Beaver Creek.
LOOKING AHEAD:
March 4-14 Swimming Lessons for Grades 2-5
March 20- End of 3rd Quarter
March 21- No School for Students/Staff Development Day
March 24- Begin 4th Quarter
March 28- Kindergarten Roundup
March 28- No School for current Kindergarten students
E-LEARNING: If we have an E-Learning Day, Here is the information- E-LEARNING LINK
Spring Assessments
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.
