
We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our school—a book vending machine! A huge thank you to our amazing Booster Club for their generosity in making this possible.
This innovative machine is more than just a fun way to get books; it's a tool to inspire a lifelong love of reading among our students. Each child will have the opportunity to receive tokens that can be used to "purchase" a book of their choice to keep forever!
By giving our students access to free books, we're not just encouraging reading—we're helping build literacy skills and empowering them to explore new worlds through stories.
Thank you again to the Booster Club for your donation and your unwavering dedication to our students' success.

Good luck to the cast and crew of the One-Act Play as they compete in the 4A Sub-Section Competition tomorrow! They’ll perform "Sweep Under Rug" by Lindsay Price in Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted at 12:50 PM on Saturday, January 25. The team has been working hard and is ready to shine. Break a leg, Raiders!

The Central Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education programs have so many great ways for young learners and their families to develop new skills, create lasting connections, and much more!




Here's a fun thing shared by fourth grade teacher Mr. Schrupp from today:
This year, our 4th graders are embarking on an incredible journey as they have the unique opportunity to learn sign language! Today, we kicked things off with an introduction to some basic signs, and it was truly inspiring to see the excitement and joy in their faces as they picked up this new skill. 🌟
Learning sign language is not only a fun and interactive activity but also a powerful way to foster inclusivity, empathy, and communication skills. By exploring this new form of expression, our students are gaining a deeper understanding of how to connect with others and expanding their ability to communicate in meaningful ways.
It’s been amazing to witness their enthusiasm and curiosity as they begin to understand the beauty and importance of sign language. From signing simple words to practicing with their peers, the energy in the classroom was electric!
This opportunity is just one of the many ways we strive to provide our students with unique and enriching learning experiences. We can’t wait to see how much they grow and how their newfound skills will inspire them to make meaningful connections with others.
We are so proud of our 4th graders for embracing this challenge with open minds and hearts. Be sure to ask your child about the signs they learned today – they’ll love showing off their new skills! 🙌





We like to show what it’s like to be in one of the incredible classrooms here at Central Public Schools, in fact, we love it! We also love getting to meet our future kindergarten students and their families at Kindergarten Registration night on Thursday, Feb. 6. Learn more and we’ll see you there!
https://www.isd108.org/article/1952026


It is Parents Night tonight at Central as the Boys Basketball team welcomes Minnesota Valley Lutheran to town for a Section 2AA match up. The C and JV games will tip off at 5:30 PM with Varsity scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Ticket Link: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/CXBU

Central Public Schools values and celebrates all of our staff members who play such an invaluable role in our schools.
This month, we had the bittersweet task of celebrating the retirement of an absolutely mainstay in our district, Deb Stacken. For the past 31 years she has been a part of so many of our student's lives as a paraprofessional and we are excited as she enters her next journey. Thank you for all of your years of service Deb!


Students in kindergarten were learning how to make 10 with addition and practiced by playing different games with playing cards!




Next week, students at Central Secondary School will have a special meal from Chef Chris Murray! He will be preparing one of his favorite meals, Chicken & Sausage on a Sword, Slovenian Dumplings with Sherry Foam Sauce and Slovenian Spinach Pratta.


Central Public Schools is hiring a Lunchroom Supervisor at Central Secondary School! Check out the details and apply today: https://www.applitrack.com/central/OnlineApp/JobPostings/view.asp?all=1


Kindergarten is important for a lot of reasons! Not only do students get a great foundation for being a lifelong learner, but they also learn important things like how to take turns, collaborate, and be gracious winners and losers while playing and working together.





Do you know someone looking for a great school for 6th through 12th grade? Be sure to share that Principal Larson will be hosting tours for families new to our district or looking to learn about the Central Difference on Tuesday, Jan. 28 with tours beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Check out the flyer for more information. New families should RSVP via this form: https://forms.gle/2V3dqEam2PCTxLiu7



Kindergarten at Central Elementary is the place to be! Students really enjoy getting to go to the library twice a week to pick out books and read. Our foundational reading curriculum is a proven way to get students excited about reading!









Central Public Schools is excited to invite all Central students and their families to Incubate to Innovate Parent Night, next week on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Central High School and will be a ton of fun. RSVP at the link to help us plan: https://forms.gle/dE3FwYDePxK1uqhp6



Governor Walz has proclaimed January 20-26 as Paraeducator Appreciation Week.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize and thank our paraeducators for the incredible support they provide to both our staff and students! These amazing people are such an important part of our schools. Thank you to the incredible and valuable professionals for all that they do for Central Public Schools!


Let's give a big shout out to all of our incredible student athletes who earned awards for the fall season! Get a full list of awards on the district website: https://www.isd108.org/article/1977838


Central Elementary School Families, don't miss the Camp Read-A-Lot Family Literacy Night this week on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6-7 p.m.
Students will make crafts, play BINGO, eat a snack- and each child will go home with a new book! Families should plan to start in the atrium. It's always a great time, so don't miss it!


Last week students in kindergarten paused from reading about life on the farm and experienced it in the classroom instead! They sheered sheep, collected eggs, built tools used on the farm, found pigs in the mud, and designed their barns. They are learning vocab words like grazing, tools, responsibility and produce and will get to visit a farm on a field trip in the spring!









The Central Hall of Fame committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Central Hall of Fame! Nominations are open until March 1 and should be completed via the google form linked below.
Who should you nominate?
1. Distinguished alumni: A Central graduate who has distinguished themselves in an exceptional manner that reflects positively on Central High School and/or the community of Norwood Young America and is a graduate of at least ten (10) years or more is eligible for nomination
2. Distinguished Service: Any former teacher, administrator, school board member, community member, or friend of Central Public Schools who has provided exceptionally meritorious services to the Central Public School District in a duty of great responsibility.
3. Arts & Athletics: A former Central Public School graduate who performed with excellence in a high school-level sport or activity. Must be a graduate and out of school for at least (10) years.
Questions can be sent to centralalumni@isd108.org
Nominate someone today: https://forms.gle/gw2CuxUTRGCYg7hq7


There will be no student attendance on Monday, Jan 20 as we hold a staff development day.
