We are excited to welcome John Powell to the North Crawford Middle School teaching staff!
Although this is John’s first year in the classroom, he is no stranger to our district. He previously served as the North Crawford school nurse for two years and brings with him a strong background from his 15-year career in nursing.
John and his wife, Emily—who teaches in special education here at NC—are both proud North Crawford alumni. Together, they are raising five children, continuing their deep connection to our school and community.
This year, John will be teaching 8th Grade English Language Arts and Science. Beyond the classroom, he is also actively involved in our school community: coaching middle school football and basketball, supporting youth sports, playing the tuba in the pep band, and working on his family’s farm.
When he finds some free time, John enjoys watching sports, hunting, riding ATVs, playing euchre, and reading—especially historical nonfiction about U.S. presidents.
We are thrilled to have John join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our students, staff, and community. Please join us in giving him a warm North Crawford welcome!
We are excited to introduce Mr. Burkholder, who is joining our high school staff this year as a Social Studies teacher. This will be his fifth year teaching, and his first year at North Crawford.
Mr. Burkholder shared that he is “excited as can be to be a part of this community,” and we are just as excited to welcome him. He brings a passion for history, civic engagement, and helping students make connections between the past and the world we live in today.
Please join us in giving Mr. Burkholder a warm Trojan welcome as he begins his journey with us!
North Crawford Students Attend Youth Leadership Conference
This July, several of our North Crawford students had the opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) at UW-Stout, sponsored by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative.
Over three days, students from across Wisconsin came together for team-building, motivational speakers, leadership activities, and even student-led campaigns promoting the seven cooperative principles. Highlights included keynote speakers, a formal etiquette dinner, TikTok challenges, and connecting with students from other districts.
We are proud of our North Crawford participants:
Abigail Jorgensen, Abby Heisz, Carson Eckert, Julia O’Dell, Dalton Ewing and Lena Schmidt.
These students represented our school well and gained valuable leadership experience they will bring back to our community.
📸 Learn more about the program and see additional photos in the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News here: Read the full article https://www.sre.coop/sites/default/files/srecseptember2025_lr.pdf
Next Wednesday, September 24 th , the welcome truck from Second Harvest will be rolling into
Gays Mills. It will be bringing food to restock your pantries and provide meals for the coming
cooler weather. Please come to the old Community Building at 212 Main Street to receive a
generous box for your family. We’ll begin distribution at 2:00 and go until 3:00. Pull your
vehicle in line and look for Harry to direct you. You’ll be given a menu for the day by the
greeter, then tell him the number of households you’re picking up for, and the number of
people in each of those households. Also, if there is any item on the selection list you do NOT
want, let him know Please try to have plenty of room in an empty trunk to stash the goods.
In August, we gave out food to 300 households. Thank you, Second Harvest!
With questions, please call JoAnn Gonos (608)-872-2583.
As children move into the pre-teen years, their digital lives grow more complex with smartphones, social media, and new online friendships. The Internet Matters Digital Resilience Toolkit for 11–13-Year-Olds offers practical tips to help parents guide them wisely:
Have open conversations – Ask what apps they’re using, how they interact online, and show interest without judgment.
Discuss digital footprint – Remind them that what they post can last forever. Use the “t-shirt test”: if they wouldn’t wear it on a shirt, don’t post it.
Talk about identity and content – Help them evaluate what they see online and make safe, smart choices.
Teach “Stop, Speak, Support” – A simple way to respond to cyberbullying or upsetting situations.
Respond thoughtfully – If something goes wrong, listen calmly, validate their feelings, and work together on a solution.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/digital-resilience-toolkit/digital-resilience-toolkit-11-13-year-olds/
🗓 Date: Monday, September 15th
Don't forget to bring your best smile!
Our high school students—the future leaders of tomorrow—are eager to roll up their sleeves and get involved! Whether it’s lending a hand at an event, supporting a cause, or making a difference in the community, they’re ready to help.
📩 Have a volunteer opportunity? Send the details to rsailer@ncrawford.k12.wi.us
We’ll do our best to connect students with your volunteer needs and help fill those opportunities. Together, we can connect students with meaningful experiences that build skills, leadership, and community spirit!
Tomorrow’s lunch will be extra special as we celebrate all of our September birthdays! Every student will get to celebrate with a Confetti Cupcake alongside their meal.
On the menu:
• K–8: 🍕 Cheesy Stuffed Crust Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza served with corn and fresh apple slices
• High School: Build-your-own Boneless Wing Bar with all the sauces, plus a baked potato
We’re excited to serve up a great lunch and make September birthdays a little sweeter.
Don't forgot to check us out on Instagram @NC_trojanskitchen
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, completing this form is very important for our school community.
Applications are available online in your Skyward Family Portal. Hard copies are available in both offices or can be printed off the district website. We’re also happy to send one home with your child—or even mail one to you.
Taking a few minutes to fill out the form helps your child—and helps our whole district!
The Food4Kids program provides a free bag of food each week to North Crawford students who may need extra support at home. Bags are sent home discreetly with students before the weekend. This program is open to any student in the North Crawford School District and is completely confidential.
Please complete the convenient form below to enroll your child(ren).
https://forms.gle/gDrEzTF6eTery2HeA
**Only one form is needed per family**
Again, this form is kept confidential. Physical forms will also be sent home later this week.
Questions can be emailed to cfinnell@ncrawford.k12.wi.us or by calling 608-735-4311 ext. 183
*Monetary and Food donations are accepted throughout the year for this program*
Understanding your parenting style can help you shape how your child adapts to the online world. The “Digital Resilience Toolkit: What Type of Parent Are You?” from Internet Matters offers insights into four common styles—Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful—and suggests practical ways to boost digital resilience:
Authoritative: A balance of boundaries and independence—ideal for guiding kids to safely explore online.
Authoritarian (“my way or the highway”): Can limit resilience—try listening more and letting your child make safe choices.
Permissive (“best friend” style): Without limits, kids may struggle with boundaries—practice setting rules and explaining why they matter.
Neglectful: Leaving kids to fend for themselves online increases risk—make time to connect, ask about their online world, and offer guidance.
Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/digital-resilience-toolkit/digital-resilience-toolkit-what-type-of-parent-are-you/
