Tech Tips for Families: Pre-Teens (11–13 Years)
This week’s snapshot focuses on safety strategies for pre-teens—those important years when kids start exploring more independence online. The Internet Matters: Online Safety Guide for 11–13-Year-Olds provides practical tips for parents:
Talk Openly & Often – Encourage your child to share what they do online and show you their favorite apps or websites. Building trust is key.
Set Boundaries – Create a family agreement around when, where, and how long devices can be used.
Parental Controls & Privacy – Use settings on devices, apps, and games, and walk through them together with your child.
Know the Risks – Common concerns at this age include screen time overload, in-game purchases, and exposure to inappropriate content.
💡 Each family is different, but these strategies can help guide healthy habits and conversations.
👉 Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-safety-guide-11-13-year-olds/
This week’s snapshot focuses on safety strategies for pre-teens—those important years when kids start exploring more independence online. The Internet Matters: Online Safety Guide for 11–13-Year-Olds provides practical tips for parents:
Talk Openly & Often – Encourage your child to share what they do online and show you their favorite apps or websites. Building trust is key.
Set Boundaries – Create a family agreement around when, where, and how long devices can be used.
Parental Controls & Privacy – Use settings on devices, apps, and games, and walk through them together with your child.
Know the Risks – Common concerns at this age include screen time overload, in-game purchases, and exposure to inappropriate content.
💡 Each family is different, but these strategies can help guide healthy habits and conversations.
👉 Click this link for more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-safety-guide-11-13-year-olds/
Helping Kids Navigate Technology Together
Technology plays a huge role in our children’s lives—both in and out of school. While it brings incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it also comes with challenges and risks that can impact our kids’ well-being.
This year, North Crawford will be running a Technology Awareness Campaign for parents and our community. Throughout the school year, we’ll share regular posts featuring snapshots, posters, and resources designed to help families guide children in safe and healthy technology use.
Each post will highlight a different age group, with practical information that matches what kids are experiencing at that stage of life. From early learners to teens, the goal is simple: to work together as a school and community to help kids thrive in a digital world.
Be on the lookout for upcoming posts, and please take a moment to read and share them—we’re in this together!
Please click the link: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-safety-guide-6-10-year-olds/
Technology plays a huge role in our children’s lives—both in and out of school. While it brings incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it also comes with challenges and risks that can impact our kids’ well-being.
This year, North Crawford will be running a Technology Awareness Campaign for parents and our community. Throughout the school year, we’ll share regular posts featuring snapshots, posters, and resources designed to help families guide children in safe and healthy technology use.
Each post will highlight a different age group, with practical information that matches what kids are experiencing at that stage of life. From early learners to teens, the goal is simple: to work together as a school and community to help kids thrive in a digital world.
Be on the lookout for upcoming posts, and please take a moment to read and share them—we’re in this together!
Please click the link: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-safety-guide-6-10-year-olds/
Extracurriculars & Youth Mental Health
Students who take part in sports, music, clubs, or community service are more likely to have stronger mental health, feel a sense of belonging, and develop lifelong skills. Even one hour a week makes a difference—helping reduce anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors.
At North Crawford, we’re proud to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to connect, grow, and thrive.
👉 See the full Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health pamphlet below for more details.
Students who take part in sports, music, clubs, or community service are more likely to have stronger mental health, feel a sense of belonging, and develop lifelong skills. Even one hour a week makes a difference—helping reduce anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors.
At North Crawford, we’re proud to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to connect, grow, and thrive.
👉 See the full Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health pamphlet below for more details.
September Menus Are Here!
Check out what’s cooking in our cafeteria, delicious, nutritious meals to keep our students fueled for learning.
https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1170/district/1168
Check us out on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes, and fun food highlights!
https://www.instagram.com/nc_nutritionservices/#
Check out what’s cooking in our cafeteria, delicious, nutritious meals to keep our students fueled for learning.
https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1170/district/1168
Check us out on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes, and fun food highlights!
https://www.instagram.com/nc_nutritionservices/#
A Great Start to the School Year & a Reminder About Second Harvest
As we kick off another exciting school year at North Crawford, we are reminded of the importance of community and taking care of one another. One of the many ways we see this in action is through the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry.
The next distribution will be Wednesday, August 28th in beautiful downtown Gays Mills. Please plan to arrive at 212 Main Street no earlier than 1:30 PM and have plenty of room in your trunk.
Here’s how it works:
Look for Harry, who will direct you to the correct lane.
Report the number of households (no more than 4 per car, please) and the number in each household.
When you receive the menu, you may decline any item you do not want.
Finally, pull forward, and volunteers will place your food directly in your trunk.
This program is a wonderful resource for our community, and we encourage families who could benefit to take part.
If you have questions, please call JoAnn Gonos at (608) 872-2583.
Together, let’s start this school year with the same spirit of support and connection that makes North Crawford—and our greater community—so special!
As we kick off another exciting school year at North Crawford, we are reminded of the importance of community and taking care of one another. One of the many ways we see this in action is through the Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry.
The next distribution will be Wednesday, August 28th in beautiful downtown Gays Mills. Please plan to arrive at 212 Main Street no earlier than 1:30 PM and have plenty of room in your trunk.
Here’s how it works:
Look for Harry, who will direct you to the correct lane.
Report the number of households (no more than 4 per car, please) and the number in each household.
When you receive the menu, you may decline any item you do not want.
Finally, pull forward, and volunteers will place your food directly in your trunk.
This program is a wonderful resource for our community, and we encourage families who could benefit to take part.
If you have questions, please call JoAnn Gonos at (608) 872-2583.
Together, let’s start this school year with the same spirit of support and connection that makes North Crawford—and our greater community—so special!
🌟 New Family Orientation 🌟
We are excited to welcome our new 4K families and any families new to North Crawford Elementary! 💛 Join us on Thursday, August 21st, from 6:00–6:30 PM in the Elementary Cafeteria for a short informational session.
✨ If you can’t make it, don’t worry—the meeting will be recorded and shared.
✨ Our 4K teachers will also host a fun playtime for children (indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather).
We can’t wait to meet you and start this school year together! 🏫🍎
#TrojanPride #NewBeginnings
We are excited to welcome our new 4K families and any families new to North Crawford Elementary! 💛 Join us on Thursday, August 21st, from 6:00–6:30 PM in the Elementary Cafeteria for a short informational session.
✨ If you can’t make it, don’t worry—the meeting will be recorded and shared.
✨ Our 4K teachers will also host a fun playtime for children (indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather).
We can’t wait to meet you and start this school year together! 🏫🍎
#TrojanPride #NewBeginnings
🏐The North Crawford Volleyball season kicks off TODAY!🏐
Help support our student-athletes as they take the court for an exciting season ahead. Here is the link for our team store to grab your Trojan Volleyball gear!
Go Trojans!
Store Link: https://tinyurl.com/yvesk24d
Opportunity for Families – Driver Education Grant
We want to share an important opportunity for families who were not able to take Driver’s Ed this summer.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will launch Round Two of the Driver Education Grant Program on August 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
This is not a school district program — it is a state grant that helps income-eligible teens cover the cost of Class D (regular) driver education. Students approved for the grant can enroll in any authorized driver education provider (public school, CESA program, tribal/private school, or DMV-licensed driving school).
Families who are already enrolled in the grant program do not need to take any further action. If you are not enrolled or are unsure of your status, you can learn more or apply directly through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Education Grant Program website.
Questions? Contact: dotdegrantprogram@dot.wi.gov
We’re simply passing this along in case it may help families access driver education opportunities.
We want to share an important opportunity for families who were not able to take Driver’s Ed this summer.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will launch Round Two of the Driver Education Grant Program on August 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
This is not a school district program — it is a state grant that helps income-eligible teens cover the cost of Class D (regular) driver education. Students approved for the grant can enroll in any authorized driver education provider (public school, CESA program, tribal/private school, or DMV-licensed driving school).
Families who are already enrolled in the grant program do not need to take any further action. If you are not enrolled or are unsure of your status, you can learn more or apply directly through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Education Grant Program website.
Questions? Contact: dotdegrantprogram@dot.wi.gov
We’re simply passing this along in case it may help families access driver education opportunities.
🏃♂️ Cross Country Season is Here! 🏃♀️
High School: First practice kicks off Monday, the 18th at 6:45 AM.
📍 Meet in front of the school on the elementary side. (If it’s raining, head to The Shed.)
Middle School: Your season begins Monday, August 25th at 6:45 AM.
Whether you’re a returning runner or brand new, come join the team and be part of the fun, challenge, and growth this season! 💪
#Trojans
Hunter Education Class Success – 25 Graduates
This week, 25 students at North Crawford took an important step toward becoming safe, ethical, and responsible hunters by completing the Wisconsin Hunter Education course. Before stepping into the classroom, each student completed 4–6 hours of online pre-course training, ensuring they were ready for three days of in-person instruction and hands-on learning.
Over the course, participants gained essential skills in firearm safety, hunting laws, conservation, and outdoor ethics—training that not only keeps people safe but also preserves the hunting tradition for future generations.
A special thank you to Tim Lawhern and Brian Swiggum for sharing their time, expertise, and passion for the outdoors. Your leadership and mentorship made this course possible and impactful.
We are proud of each graduate and wish them safe and successful hunting seasons ahead.
This week, 25 students at North Crawford took an important step toward becoming safe, ethical, and responsible hunters by completing the Wisconsin Hunter Education course. Before stepping into the classroom, each student completed 4–6 hours of online pre-course training, ensuring they were ready for three days of in-person instruction and hands-on learning.
Over the course, participants gained essential skills in firearm safety, hunting laws, conservation, and outdoor ethics—training that not only keeps people safe but also preserves the hunting tradition for future generations.
A special thank you to Tim Lawhern and Brian Swiggum for sharing their time, expertise, and passion for the outdoors. Your leadership and mentorship made this course possible and impactful.
We are proud of each graduate and wish them safe and successful hunting seasons ahead.
Online Registration is Now Open
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for the 2025–26 school year. Families can now complete online registration to get ready for a great year ahead.
Mark Your Calendar:
Open House – Wednesday, August 27
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Come meet your teachers, explore classrooms, and get ready for another amazing year at North Crawford.
Complete your registration today so you’re all set for the first day of school.
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for the 2025–26 school year. Families can now complete online registration to get ready for a great year ahead.
Mark Your Calendar:
Open House – Wednesday, August 27
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Come meet your teachers, explore classrooms, and get ready for another amazing year at North Crawford.
Complete your registration today so you’re all set for the first day of school.
Run with Us! 🏃♂️🍎
Join the Cross Country Team at the Gays Mills Applefest Run on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 AM!
Registration is now open — sign up today at www.ApplefestRun.com.
Join the Cross Country Team at the Gays Mills Applefest Run on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 AM!
Registration is now open — sign up today at www.ApplefestRun.com.
📣 We’re hiring! North Crawford Elementary is looking for a Special Education Assistant to join our team. If you’re passionate about helping students succeed, email your resume to akilleen@ncrawford.k12.wi.us by August 18th.
📣 We’re hiring! North Crawford Elementary is looking for a Special Education Assistant to join our team. If you’re passionate about helping students succeed, email your resume to akilleen@ncrawford.k12.wi.us by August 18th.
Check out the following update from the Elementary Office with back to school dates and information. #TrojanPride
https://rb.gy/eyenso
https://rb.gy/eyenso
REMINDER: Any student planning on participating in any athletic activity this year must have a physical or alternate year card on file with the athletic director, and have the online athletic paperwork filled out by their parents/guardians prior to their first practice. Please see the following link on information for both of these items.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tmsHR2vUtUUtfjkE_6i7H7CMIik5mWKJ_UBexHZlvnk/edit?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, please email Jeff Murphy - Athletic Director - jmurphy@ncrawford.k12.wi.us
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tmsHR2vUtUUtfjkE_6i7H7CMIik5mWKJ_UBexHZlvnk/edit?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, please email Jeff Murphy - Athletic Director - jmurphy@ncrawford.k12.wi.us
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
North Crawford Career Readiness Team Recognized Statewide
We are proud to share that MacKenzie Knutson and Stephanie Colsch were featured as part of the keynote panel at the Career Readiness Summit held at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Their selection highlights North Crawford’s leadership in career readiness, particularly among small rural schools working to connect today’s classrooms with tomorrow’s careers. As education continues to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society, North Crawford remains on the leading edge—and that progress is possible because of the work of a dedicated team.
We also want to recognize Heidi Olson-Stovey and Aaron Keenlance, whose efforts in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs play a critical role in expanding opportunities for students and building real-world connections. This work is a true team effort, built on vision, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success.
We are extremely proud of this team and the impact they are making—not only in our district but across the state.
Great job, MacKenzie, Stephanie, Heidi, and Aaron. More to come.
🎉 FIRST CHANCE to snag your new NC Elementary T-shirt! 🎉
Mrs. Killeen will be at Second Sunday at the Mercantile on Sunday, August 10th from 11:00–3:00 with our brand new North Crawford Elementary shirts for just $10 each!
👕 Sizes available while they last — beat the Open House crowds and grab your perfect fit early!
🌟 Featuring our fun new elementary logo design!
🛍️ While you’re there, enjoy shopping from local vendors and artisans at the Mercantile Center in Uptown Gays Mills. Hungry ?Enjoy a walking taco fundraiser for the NC Early Learning Center.
🆕 New in town? Mrs. Killeen will also have enrollment paperwork for any incoming Trojans!
Let’s show our school spirit — see you Sunday!
The North Crawford Cross Country 2025 online store has been launched. The direct link for the store is: http://sportsworld.chipply.com/nccrosscountry25/
The Store will be open until Monday night, August 25th.
*Please be aware that on the graphic-designed shirts, there is a design on both the front and back of the shirt.
Questions can be directed to Coach Finnell at cfinnell@ncrawford.k12.wi.us
This week, the North Crawford FFA Officer Team kicked off the year with a little planning and a lot of team bonding! 💙💛
We spent the week mapping out our goals, organizing our Program of Activities, and preparing for an exciting year ahead. Of course, no summer retreat is complete without some lake time and laughter to bring the team closer together!
We’re feeling energized and ready to make this FFA year one to remember!
