Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

I hope your family had an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful summer—whether it was vacationing, attending ball games, swimming, or simply spending time with family and friends. Summer always seems to go by too quickly, and we are excited to welcome our students back for another outstanding year at 1R!

The beginning of a new school year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and success. Whether your child is walking through our doors for the very first time or returning for another year, we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and engaging environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At 1R, we believe strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. We appreciate your support, communication, and involvement as we work together to make this another outstanding year.

Our staff has spent the summer preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, and continuing professional development to ensure we provide the very best educational experience for every student. We are excited to build on the many successes of last year while continuing to focus on academic excellence, positive relationships, and our ROW expectations—Respect, Ownership, and Working as a Team.

Please take a few moments to review the important information included in this newsletter. It contains key dates, back-to-school reminders, and helpful resources as we prepare for the first day of school.First Day of School

• Thursday, August 13 – First Day of School (Full Day)
• Lunch will be served.
• Thursday is a Music Day.
• Friday is a PE Day.

Important Dates

• Monday, August 17 – 1R PTO Open House, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, August 20 – Middle School Information Night, 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, August 27 – 1R School Picture Day

Stay Connected

The best way to stay informed throughout the school year is through our online resources.

Important Links

• 1R Google Calendar
• 2026-27 Northwest District Calendar
• 1R Website
• 2026-27 Supply list
• Northwest Public Website
• 7th-12th Bound Athletic Link
• Efunds
• PeachJar

Be sure to follow 1R on FACEBOOK for celebrations, reminders, and school news.

PowerSchool Parent Portal

Mrs. Bachle has spent the summer updating student information in PowerSchool.

Please make sure you:

• Log into the Parent Portal.
• Verify your child’s schedule, grades, and attendance.
• Contact the office if you need help updating emails, phone numbers, addresses

Mrs. Callihan has also created an excellent PowerSchool “How-to”Video to help parents get connected.

Emergency Notifications

Northwest Public Schools utilizes BrightArrow for emergency notifications, weather announcements, and important school information.

Please notify the school office whenever your phone number, email address, address, or emergency contacts change so we can reach you when needed.

Welcome to Our New Staff

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Madi Brown to the 1R family! Mrs. Brown will be teaching Middle School Spanish during our trimester rotation beginning this fall.

PTO News

Our PTO has been busy preparing for another exciting year! PTO meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in 1R Library at 6:00pm. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the Welcome Back Pool Party.

1R PTO Open House

Monday, August 17
5:30–7:00 p.m.

Highlights include:

• Walking taco meal (free-will donation)
• Water & Rice Krispie Treat
• Classroom tours
• PTO volunteer sign-up
• Family raffle prizes
• Teachers will provide raffle tickets to families visiting classrooms.

Raffle drawings begin at 7:00 p.m.

This year’s PTO Officers:

• President – Angela Rodenbaugh
• Vice President – Sami Kayl
• Secretaries – Lisa Allan & Stacia Shaneyfelt
• Treasurer – Nicole Dramse

Remember to watch for PeachJar emails on Sunday evenings for PTO flyers and upcoming events.

Lunch Accounts

Please verify your student’s lunch account before school begins.

Lunch Prices:

• K-5: $3.40
• Grades 6-12: $3.55
• Adults: $4.90
• Milk: $.65

Payments may be made through e-Funds.

Free and reduced lunch forms

Parents wishing to eat lunch with their child should notify the office by 8:30 a.m. that day.

Middle School Chromebook Fees

Students in grades 6-8 must pay the $25 Technology User Fee before taking their Chromebook home. There will be a fees night Tuesday, August 4th 5:00-6:30 in the Northwest Cafeteria. 

Important reminders:

• Covers technology use only.
• Damage fees are separate ($25 per incident).
• Devices that require replacement will be billed at replacement cost.
• Fee waivers are available for qualifying Free & Reduced families after completing the required sharing form. (Forms District Website)

Please submit payments by Friday, August 21.

Middle School Athletics

Please visit the Northwest and 1R websites or the Bound App for schedules and updates.

Practice begins:

• Football & Cross Country — Monday, August 17
• 7th Grade Volleyball — Tuesday, August 18 (1R)
• 8th Grade Volleyball — Monday, August 24 (Cedar Hollow)

Athletes must have a current physical on file before participating.

Transportation will be provided to practices.

Parents are responsible for pickup following practice.

Coaches will send home schedules and parent meeting information during the first week of school.

Middle School Informational Night

Thursday, August 20
6:30 p.m. in 1R gym

Recommended for:

• All 6th-grade families
• New middle school families
• Any family wanting additional middle school information

Topics include:

• Curriculum
• Schedules
• Grading
• Expectations
• Student supports
• Activities

School Safety Updates

Student safety continues to be our highest priority.

Visitor Check-In

Beginning this year, all visitors must present a valid driver’s license each time they enter the building.

Thank you for helping us keep 1R safe and secure.

Cell Phone & Electronic Devices

Northwest Public Schools will continue following the Board-approved policy regarding electronic communication devices.

Students may not use cell phones or other electronic communication devices during the school day except under approved circumstances outlined in Board Policy.

Please review the Student Handbook for complete details.

Dress Code Reminder

Please take time to review the updated student dress code prior to the first day of school.

Working together on expectations helps create a positive learning environment for everyone.

Morning Drop-Off & Afternoon Pick-Up

For student safety:

• Please do not drop students off before 7:45 a.m.
• School dismisses at 3:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.
• Wednesday dismissal is 2:00 p.m.
• Students should be picked up within 30 minutes after dismissal.

If picking up a student early:

• Call the office ahead of time when possible.
• Park in the east parking lot.
• Please do not park in the driveway or on the south-side grass.

Traffic Flow Map:
1R Entry & Exit Map

Third City Connect

Third City Connect continues to partner with 1R by providing after-school childcare.

For information, please contact Third City Christian Church at (308) 384-5038.

We Look Forward to an Outstanding Year!

Thank you for your continued support of 1R School. We appreciate the trust you place in us each day and look forward to partnering with your family throughout the school year.

The Northwest Public Schools mission is:

“To Connect, Grow, and Inspire Our Future Generations.”

If you have any questions, please contact the 1R office at 308-385-6352.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, August 13!

Have a wonderful remainder of your summer!

Mr. Retzlaff
Principal, 1R School