Dear Parents and Guardians,

It’s hard to believe we are just a few short weeks away from wrapping up the third quarter! March is a busy month, and we have many important events and activities ahead.

Important Dates & Reminders

• No School: Friday, March 13
• End of 3rd Quarter: Wednesday, March 18
• No School for Students: Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20
• Spring Break: Enjoy the long weekend!

PTO Events & Fundraisers

Our PTO has a busy and exciting month planned!

• Happy Brush Event: Sunday, March 1 | 1:00–3:00 PM | 1R Gym
• Breakfast Buddies: Thursday, March 5 | 7:15–8:00 AM | Gym
• Dining Out Night at IHOP: Tuesday, March 24 | 4:00–10:00 PM
• Flower Fundraiser Opens: March 23 (watch for information coming home—perfect for Mother’s Day!)

PTO is also seeking officers for the 2026–2027 school year. Our 1R PTO does so many wonderful things for our students, staff, and building. Please consider serving in a leadership role. If interested, contact PTO President Angela Rodenbaugh. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Boosterathon Fundraiser

Our school fundraiser, Boosterathon, kicks off Monday, March 2!

This 1R PTO Popcorn and Cookie Fundraiser will begin Monday, March 2 and close Friday, March 6. It is a one-week fundraiser, and every purchase directly supports our students and teachers.

Students will bring home fundraising lanyards with QR codes and additional information. Be sure to register at givingmarket.com/registration to get started. Thank you for supporting our school!

NSCAS State Testing (Grades 3–8)

The NSCAS testing window opens March 23 and runs through May 1. Teachers will begin scheduling testing sessions during the school day.

If your child will be absent during this time, please notify the school so we can schedule make-up testing. To help your child do their very best:

• Ensure they get a good night’s sleep
• Provide a healthy breakfast
• Encourage goal-setting and a positive mindset

We will once again set a school-wide goal and celebrate students’ hard work and growth with a fun reward!

‍ Parent-Teacher Conferences & Report Cards

We had an 84% turnout for K–8 Parent-Teacher Conferences. Thank you to everyone who attended, especially given the weather challenges. Teachers are always available via email or phone if you were unable to attend.

Middle school parents may log into PowerSchool to monitor grades. By clicking on the percentage grade, you can view detailed information including missing assignments, late work, and teacher comments.

Third Quarter Report Cards will be sent home on Friday, March 27.

Fine Arts Highlights

Mr. Meyer and Mr. Pfanstiel hosted a Middle School Honor Band Day and delivered an outstanding performance last week.

The middle school show choir will close out its season on Wednesday, March 4 with a district tour. Thank you to Mrs. Houdek and Ms. Hamilton for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students. It has been a fantastic season!

Student Activities & Athletics

Congratulations to Oakley Baker, Jade Crick, Violet Placke, and Hailyn Evans for participating in the Hall County Spelling Bee!

• 7th & 8th grade boys basketball wrapped up strong seasons.
• Girls wrestling completed a successful second season.

Great job to all of our athletes and coaches!

⚽ Middle School Spring Sports

Middle School Soccer
We will again partner with GICC for 7th & 8th grade teams.

• Practices begin Monday, March 23
• Practices held at GICC
• Wednesday practices at Northwest High School
• Transportation provided to GICC
• Parent pick-up at GICC at 5:15 PM

Contact:

• Coach Purdy (Boys) – dpurdy@ginorthwest.org
• Coach Yost (Girls) – lyost@ginorthwest.org

Middle School Track

• Begins Monday, March 23
• Parent meeting at 5:15 PM following practice
• Meeting held in the Northwest High School gym

Contact Coach Mills at mmills@ginorthwest.org with questions.

Middle school parents are reminded to check the Northwest website for Summer Athletic Camps and Summer Weights programs. Registration is now open.

2025–2026 Registration Information

• Returning 1st–7th Grade Registration: April 1–14 (online)
• Kindergarten & New Student Registration Opens: April 15

If you have an incoming kindergartener (must be 5 years old on or before July 31), please contact the office at 308-385-6352.

1R Introduction to Kindergarten Night:
Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 PM

On behalf of our staff, thank you for your continued support of our students and school community. Please follow our 1R Google Calendar for the most up-to-date events and visit our 1R Facebook page for highlights and reminders.

If you have questions regarding your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 308-385-6352.

Sincerely,
Mr. Retzlaff
Principal