Parents & Guardians,

Happy New Year! We had a great year in 2025 and look forward to another wonderful year in 2026. I hope you enjoyed a relaxing holiday break with family and friends.

Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 6, with regular dismissal at 3:15 p.m.

Upcoming Dates & Events

• Monday, January 5 | 6:00 p.m. – PTO Meeting (Library)

• Saturday, January 10 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. – PTO Family Bowling Event (Westside Bowling Alley)

• Tuesday, January 20 | 3:00–7:00 p.m. – Pretzel Maker Fundraiser

• Friday, January 9 – K–8 Second Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

• Monday, January 19 – No School (Staff In-Service)

House Celebration

Congratulations to the Altruismo House, our 2nd Quarter House Champions, for consistently meeting ROW expectations:

• Be Respectful

• Take Ownership

• Work as a Team

Assessments

Students completed winter NSCAS, DIBELS, and MAPS assessments before break. Results will be shared at Parent-Teacher Conferences in February and used to guide instruction and set spring goals.

8th Grade Information

8th graders interested in Northwest High School are invited to New Student Orientation on Thursday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Moser, Freshman Academy Principal, will visit January 12 to help prepare students for the transition. Exciting times for the Class of 2030!

Middle School Athletics

• 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball begins Thursday, January 8

  • 7th Grade: 1R School

  • 8th Grade: Cedar Hollow
    Transportation is provided after school; parents pick up after practice.

  • Coach Jake Ritzdorf (7th): jritzdorf@ginorthwest.org

  • Coach Anthony LaRosa (8th): alarosa@ginorthwest.org

• Middle School Girls Wrestling begins Thursday, January 8
  Pick-up around 5:20 p.m. at Northwest High School

  • Coach Joe Taylor: jtaylor3685@gmail.com

  • Cassie Taylor: taylor3516@gmail.com

Lunch Accounts

Please help keep your child’s lunch account positive. Payments can be made through the office or online via E-Funds. Weekly balance notifications are sent by email.

Winter Weather Reminder

Please send students with appropriate winter clothing daily (coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants). Items should be labeled. Students without snow gear will remain on the concrete play area.
School closings will be shared via social media and local news and radio stations.

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General Reminders

• Electronic Devices: Prohibited from 7:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. unless for educational use

• Gum/Candy: Not allowed unless approved

• Pop/Fast Food: Not permitted during lunch; parents eating with students must notify the office and pay adult lunch price

• Toys/Non-School Items: Not allowed unless approved; fidgets are provided by the school

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Thank you for your continued support. If you have questions, please contact the office at 385-6352. Have a safe and happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Mr. Retzlaff
Principal