GFW FAFSA Night is coming up! The event will take place in the Business Center at GFW Public Schools on Tuesday, November 17 at 5 p.m.
We will be joined by Madalynn Swanson, Financial Aid Director at Ridgewater College who will will share a presentation and be available to help assist families in completing their FAFSA and answering questions.
Parents will need to have their social security number, access to email and phone/texts, and their 2025 tax return and income information. If parents have previously created an FSA ID, they will need to bring or know their username and password. Students and parents can create the FSA ID at studentaid.gov beforehand and bring it with them that evening.
Don't miss this great opportunity for our families!
We will be joined by Madalynn Swanson, Financial Aid Director at Ridgewater College who will will share a presentation and be available to help assist families in completing their FAFSA and answering questions.
Parents will need to have their social security number, access to email and phone/texts, and their 2025 tax return and income information. If parents have previously created an FSA ID, they will need to bring or know their username and password. Students and parents can create the FSA ID at studentaid.gov beforehand and bring it with them that evening.
Don't miss this great opportunity for our families!
Students from Mr. Langemo's Criminal Justice and US Government Classes were able to attend Sibley County Government Day. They learned about different parts of government, got to participate in a mock trial, and more! A huge thank you to all of the elected officials and county employees that took time out of their busy days to make this experience so great for our students. Thank you!
📅 Remember: There is no school on Friday, Oct. 30 for staff development. Have a great long weekend!
Featured Frequently Asked Question: How is a Capital Projects Levy different from an Operating Levy?
A capital projects levy is a local property tax specifically authorized by voters for a set term. The funds generated can only be used for major capital expenses, such as Transportation, Technology, and Curriculum.
This is separate from the district’s operating budget, which covers day-to-day costs like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and utilities. By having a dedicated levy, the district can address these essential needs without redirecting funds from its general operations.
www.gfwschools.org/election
A capital projects levy is a local property tax specifically authorized by voters for a set term. The funds generated can only be used for major capital expenses, such as Transportation, Technology, and Curriculum.
This is separate from the district’s operating budget, which covers day-to-day costs like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and utilities. By having a dedicated levy, the district can address these essential needs without redirecting funds from its general operations.
www.gfwschools.org/election
Last week, students at GFW Elementary School enjoyed singing and dancing along with the Elevate Dance Crew from NYC. They also heard a powerful message about respecting yourself, doing your best, and treating others with kindness. So cool!
The cast and crew of Newsies are getting ready for this amazing show to kick off this week! Public performances take place on Oct. 29 & 30 and Nov. 1. Tickets can be purchased early from the GFW School Office with cash or at the door with cash or card.
Featured Frequently Asked Question: Can’t GFW just sell the unused buildings?
Yes. However, finding the right buyer can take time and not all buildings have an immediate market demand.
GFW also has two buildings for sale approximately eight miles apart, making it less likely to find two responsible buyers that fit our community’s needs.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of unused square footage we're responsible for — not increase it.
Yes. However, finding the right buyer can take time and not all buildings have an immediate market demand.
GFW also has two buildings for sale approximately eight miles apart, making it less likely to find two responsible buyers that fit our community’s needs.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of unused square footage we're responsible for — not increase it.
Fourth graders and older are invited to our Community Education Home Alone Class on Monday, Nov. 9!
Kirsten Dean will cover the basics of staying home alone and coming/going from home safely. Topics such as appliance safety, responsibilities, first aid and more. Students will feel confident and educated to stay home after attending this class.
The session will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at GFW Public Schools. The registration fee is $45 per student and the deadline to register is by Monday, Nov. 2: https://www.gfwschools.org/page/registration
Kirsten Dean will cover the basics of staying home alone and coming/going from home safely. Topics such as appliance safety, responsibilities, first aid and more. Students will feel confident and educated to stay home after attending this class.
The session will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at GFW Public Schools. The registration fee is $45 per student and the deadline to register is by Monday, Nov. 2: https://www.gfwschools.org/page/registration
Congratulations to our Middle School Students of the month for September!
GFW Public Schools is proud to announce that its Community Bus initiative has received the 2026 Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) Statewide Project Award, recognizing the district’s community-based approach to supporting families and strengthening our connections with the community through service.
Read the full story for more!
https://www.gfwschools.org/article/3208662
Read the full story for more!
https://www.gfwschools.org/article/3208662
Who is excited for Newsies starting next week?
Tickets can be purchased early from the GFW School Office with Cash or at the Door with Cash or Card.
Tickets can be purchased early from the GFW School Office with Cash or at the Door with Cash or Card.
Our district is committed to modern classroom technology, reliable digital resources, and secure systems that support innovative learning opportunities for every Firebird.
By the Numbers:
-Every student in grades K-12 has access to a Chromebook
-Each Chromebook, including its Google management license, costs approximately $350-$450
Technology is more than just devices - it’s about building digital citizenship and career-ready skills. These investments help ensure our students are prepared for an increasingly digital future.
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
By the Numbers:
-Every student in grades K-12 has access to a Chromebook
-Each Chromebook, including its Google management license, costs approximately $350-$450
Technology is more than just devices - it’s about building digital citizenship and career-ready skills. These investments help ensure our students are prepared for an increasingly digital future.
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
With GFW Theatre's production of Newsies coming up, our student performers have been working on their choreography and getting ready for the show!
Safe, reliable transportation starts with proactive planning.
Like any vehicle, school buses become less dependable and more expensive to maintain as they age. By replacing aging buses at the right time, we can reduce breakdowns, avoid costly emergency repairs, and keep students moving safely and consistently.
By the numbers:
-Several buses in the fleet are 20+ years old
-Replacement buses cost approximately $130,000-$155,000 each
-The average bus in our fleet has over 160,000 miles
-Moving to a private contractor would cost approximately 32% more each year
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
Like any vehicle, school buses become less dependable and more expensive to maintain as they age. By replacing aging buses at the right time, we can reduce breakdowns, avoid costly emergency repairs, and keep students moving safely and consistently.
By the numbers:
-Several buses in the fleet are 20+ years old
-Replacement buses cost approximately $130,000-$155,000 each
-The average bus in our fleet has over 160,000 miles
-Moving to a private contractor would cost approximately 32% more each year
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
Save the date: GFW FAFSA Night will take place this year on Tuesday, November 17 at 5 pm.
We will be joined by Madalynn Swanson, Financial Aid Director at Ridgewater College who will will share a presentation and be available to help assist families in completing their FAFSA and answering questions.
Parents will need to have their social security number, access to email and phone/texts, and their 2025 tax return and income information. If parents have previously created an FSA ID, they will need to bring or know their username and password. Students and parents can create the FSA ID at studentaid.gov beforehand and bring it with them that evening.
Don't miss this great opportunity for our families!
We will be joined by Madalynn Swanson, Financial Aid Director at Ridgewater College who will will share a presentation and be available to help assist families in completing their FAFSA and answering questions.
Parents will need to have their social security number, access to email and phone/texts, and their 2025 tax return and income information. If parents have previously created an FSA ID, they will need to bring or know their username and password. Students and parents can create the FSA ID at studentaid.gov beforehand and bring it with them that evening.
Don't miss this great opportunity for our families!
GFW National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive on Monday, Oct. 26 in the gym at GFW. Those who donate will get a $10 amazon gift card and earn 200 bonus points towards exclusive donor awards.
Sign up for your time slot at the link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=GFW%20High%20School
Sign up for your time slot at the link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=GFW%20High%20School
📅 Remember: There is no school on Thursday, Oct. 15 or Friday, Oct. 16 due to MEA Break.
Get a great overview of the two school district questions that will be on the ballot in the upcoming election with the GFW Referendum Informational Guide.
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3361/Gfw_Schools/195de323-9904-46ee-b437-d7a1dc5aa0ed/GFW-Referendum-Info-Brochure.pdf?disposition=inline
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3361/Gfw_Schools/195de323-9904-46ee-b437-d7a1dc5aa0ed/GFW-Referendum-Info-Brochure.pdf?disposition=inline
Check out more pictures from last Friday when GFW sophomores visited Ridgewater College and took part in the IGNITE Your Future event. The day featured interactive opportunities at more than 80 hands-on career exploration stations, offered by dozens of industry partners and community agencies.
GFW sophomores visited Ridgewater College last Friday and took part in the IGNITE Your Future event. The day featured interactive opportunities at more than 80 hands-on career exploration stations, offered by dozens of industry partners and community agencies. Come back tomorrow to check out some more photos of the Firebirds in action!
