Kindergarteners start school Thursday, with the rest of the students starting Wednesday. Superintendent Sean Koster said they use this tiered approach to integrate students into an unfamiliar environment.

“It’s a big transition for those grades,” he said. “It provides needed support as it moves them into the new schools without the other kids being around. Gets them the support they need.”

Koster said the teachers were hard at work before school opened. A new math curriculum is being implemented, and a crop of new teachers were trained in it. With all of this accomplished, Koster said excitement is at a high level.

“There was a lot of anticipation for the new school year,” he said. “We had a bump in enrollment and we were excited to meet new kids. The district offices were buzzing July and August getting everything together. We do a lot to make sure we are fully staffed so we can best support our students.”

New ninth grade students enter New Ulm High School.

Meeting the needs of students and families is at the top of Koster’s hopes for the new year. He is also excited to continue getting feedback from teachers and parents.

“We should have a productive year working through strategic planning,” Koster said. “We have a robust process of collecting data from teachers and parents figuring out the direction of the school.”

Koster said he has several goals he wants to achieve for the betterment of the school and himself as a superintendent.

“One of my main goals is making sure our work on strategic planning meets community needs,” Koster said. “I also want to keep learning and meeting people in the district. We have over 2,000 students and 400 staff members so I want to continue making connections. I want to support the well-being of students and staff. When that and their mental health are supported, they are better able to succeed.”

With a year under his belt, Koster said he is looking forward to another year with his students and teachers.

New middle school health and phys ed teacher Kaleigh Schuck (right) welcomes a student as they both have their first day at New Ulm Middle School.

“I know a lot more kids now and I never stop learning about the district and its processes,” he said. “We are all excited to have the kids in the building and it’s always a great time for new staff to open their rooms for the first time.”