Middle School Hosts 4th Grade Book Buddies

Three students gathered around a desk working on their snowflake project.

Hudson Middle School 6th graders from Raider Blue have begun hosting 4th graders from Hudson Prairie Elementary for monthly community building. Time together is focused on practicing character traits or themes using books/video clips, chanting quotes, and creating projects. Not only are 4th grade students able to enjoy activities with a partner from the Middle School, they are also becoming more aware of the building and teachers they will experience when they transition to 6th grade. Our 6th grade students also gain important leadership skills.

The recent group read the book, “Snowflake Bentley,” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. The story highlights how each snowflake is unique. Activities and discussions centered around ideas like:

  • “Every avalanche starts with just one snowflake.
  • “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” ~ Vesta M. Kelly

4K Registration and Kindergarten Information

District-wide 4K registration poster with books apple and blocks

The Hudson School District is holding its District-wide 4K Registration and Kindergarten Information night for the 2020-2021 school year.

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2020
  • 4:30 – 6:30 PM
  • Hudson Prairie Elementary School, 1400 Carmichael Road

What do I need to complete my child’s registration?

  • Proof of residency and a copy of current immunizations
  • District registration and partner site registration are both required for 4K.

This evening is optional for incoming Kindergarten families. There will be staff available to answer questions. If your child has not been part of a Hudson 4K program, Kindergarten registration begins online by clicking here. 

If you have questions, you may contact one of the following elementary schools or the Hudson Community 4K Program:

  • EP Rock Elementary School: 715.377.3840
  • Houlton Elementary School: 715.377.3850
  • Hudson Prairie Elementary School: 715.377.3860
  • North Hudson Elementary School: 715.377.3870
  • River Crest Elementary School: 715.377.3890
  • Willow River Elementary School: 715.377.3880
  • Hudson Community 4K Program: 715.377.3850; ext. 2321

Take Your Legislator to Work

Rep. Zimmerman poses with student and Knoke's owner.

As part of the School District’s Access and Transition Program that works to increase employment for youth with disabilities, our students invited their legislators to work last month. Senator Patty Schachtner and Representative Shannon Zimmerman joined the students at their various worksites including Knoke’s Chocolates, Croix Gear, and Christian Community Homes.

Did you know…

  • People with disabilities have a 48% higher tenure at their jobs as compared to their peers.
  • People with disabilities have 34% fewer safety accidents.
  • Absenteeism is 40% less than that of their peers.
  • 90% of people with disabilities perform equal to, or better than that of their peers.

Are you a community partner who wants to get involved with this amazing program? Contact Robin Rivard at rivardre@hudsonraiders.org.

Senator Schachtner with student at Knoke's. Senator Schachtner and student at Knoke's. Student posing with representatives from Croix Gear and Senator Schachtner. Students talking with Rep. Zimmerman. Students with Rep. Zimmerman and their teacher Robin Rivard. Student and Senator Schachtner at construction site.

Middle School Hosts Academic and Career Planning Nights

Middle School students and their parents working together at desks.

The Middle School Counseling Department is hosting Academic and Career Planning (ACP) nights for 8th grade students and their families. The evening includes a large group presentation on Hudson High School graduation requirements and elective course options. The presentation will help students and families prepare for selecting High School classes. There is also a small group session that covers extracurricular activities and time to discuss student strengths, interests, goals, and wishes for the future. Time is also spent learning about the electronic academic and career planning resources.

Upcoming Academic and Career Planning Nights are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday, December 17th from 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Monday, January 6th from 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Thursday, January 16th from 6:00-8:00 PM

Space is limited so please sign up using the ACP Night Sign-Up Form (click here). 

Students are encouraged to bring their charged Chromebooks to the presentations.

SADD Holds Tie Blanket Party for Area Children

A group of students pose with their completed blankets.

The S.A.D.D. student group at the High School recently held a “Tie a Blanket” party and asked advisories to make their own blankets.  All of the tie blankets will be delivered to Northwest Passage in Grantsburg, WI and Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis for their younger patients who won’t be home for the holidays and winter break. During the blanket party, ten (10) blankets were made with the help of our amazing HHS students!

A group of students working on their blanket. A group of students working on their blanket. A group of students working on their blanket. Two students working on their blanket. Two students working on their blanket.

Get Outside and Play!

Two boys in the snow by the edge of the school forest.

Here’s something really simple that families can do to improve their children’s chance of future health and success: make sure they spend plenty of time playing outside!  In the Hudson Elementary Schools, our students have daily recess built into their days, to provide opportunities to develop important life skills.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are several benefits found in being outdoors:

1.  Exercise. While children can be active indoors, playing outside with a ball, bike or sled encourages kids to get exercise and fresh air!

2.  Creativity and Problem Solving. The unstructured feel of playing outside encourages creativity, with children making up their own games, figuring things out, and finding things to keep themselves busy.

3.  Socialization. While structured settings, such as school or sports teams, have benefits, children need to learn how to work and play together on their own. Playing outside with friends provides plenty of opportunities for interaction.

Whether it’s sunny or snowy, there are lots of things for children to do outside.  Find time for your kids to play in the snow – make a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding.  There are many adventures waiting for you when you just get outside and play!!

A group of boys playing in the snow. A group of children in their snow gear by the swing set. Two students on swings. A group of children sliding down the hill. A group of students building snowballs. A group of students building snowballs.

Houlton Innovation Day

A group of students working together at desks.

Houlton Elementary School used the November Early Release Day to try something new – Innovation Day! Staff and students brainstormed a list of topics they wanted to teach or learn about. Students voted for their top ten choices and then signed up for two classes of their choice. The Innovation Day classes included stomp rockets, clay bead making, STEM, mystery science, fitness fun, slime, arts and crafts, origami, mindfulness, jewelry making, animals, drawing, and cooking. Staff enjoyed the change of pace and the students loved learning about something new!

Student working a geometric problem solving. A group of students working together at a table. A group of students show of the slime they made in class. Two students mixing slime. Three students working together at a table.