Willow Creek Middle School

This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that… • Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob. • Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite! • Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!

Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead. Sincerely, Kent Pekel Superintendent

This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that… • Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob. • Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite! • Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!

Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

The Willow Creek Dance Team performances and Mall Ball tournaments are back once again! Each homeroom will have tournaments every Thursday and Friday's. The Willow Creek Dance team will performs dance routines along with chants and cheers. The students and staff participate in the fun! Here are some photos we would like to share. Enjoy!

Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

Check out this weeks Theme Thursday here at Willow. Workout Day!

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET/1:20 p.m. Central today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023. If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once. View more information at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023

Winter Coat Giveaway! We will have available various coats, gloves, hats, snowpants or boots to choose from. Must be present to receive items. Tuesday, October 10th 9a-12p- for Adults 2pm-6:30pm- Families Location: 20 1st Ave. NE, Rochester, MN For more information: 507-288-3663 or Email: Rebecca.Snapp@usc.salvationarmy.org www.rochestersa.org

We have two incredible 8th grade students Lupita and Christina along with the help of Mrs. Bork, who designed this lovely and amazing art work for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Turn your Hy-Vee receipts into cash for Rochester schools! August 28, 2023 - May 24, 2024 Collect Hy-Vee receipts and turn in to your local school. Receipts must be from a Rochester Hy-Vee store. Hy-Vee will donate $1 for every $250 in receipts collected. May 24, 2024 Last day to turn in receipts to your school. May 25-31, 2024 Schools turn in receipts to a Rochester Hy-Vee store. Top three schools will receive additional award. Check presentation for school representatives later in the year.

It is back by popular demand. Themed Thursdays here at Willow Creek. Every Thursday now until the end of the school year staff and students have a theme day on Thursday's. This is a day to be creative and just have fun. The kids work together as pairs or as individuals. This week is Animal Print Day. Here are some photos from today! Enjoy

Mayo High School Student Equity Club is sponsoring their second annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration! Food Ice cream Candy from the Spanish speaking world Games Arts and crafts Music Dance Performances Located at the Stadium entrance 4:30-7pm

Check out this weeks Willow Weekly from Principal Fogarty:https://www.smore.com/2cfkz

Check out this weeks Willow Weekly from Principal Fogarty:https://www.smore.com/02era

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Check out this weeks Willow Weekly from Principal Fogarty: https://www.smore.com/vsxuag

As we wrap up this long weekend, we wanted to remind students of the importance of safety, especially as you walk or ride your bike or scooter to school. We made a video with the Rochester Police Department with a few reminders: https://youtu.be/x1kYWW081ng?si=K7MJQdDL3Jz_ybxv

Check out this weeks Willow Weekly from Principal Fogarty: https://www.smore.com/6vet8