Welcome to Ashby Public Schools!

Superintendent Alan Niemann
ANiemann@ashby.k12.mn.us

Notes from the Superintendent

        Welcome to the 2020-21 school year!  During this era of COVID-19, know that Ashby Public School's top priority is the health & welfare of our students and staff.  We have developed and extensive process to ensure this priority.   Locally we have an 'Incident Command Team' consisting of administration, teachers, and school board members to determine local policies, COVID mitigation strategies,  and learning models based on information from multiple sources.  Those sources include at the regional level a 'Regional Support Team (RST)' and our five county Horizon Public Health experts.   The RST includes two state epidemiologists and a COVID testing coordinator while Horizon Public Health provides valuable insights on the extent COVID is affecting our geographic area in particular.  At the state level, valuable guidance is received from the Minnesota Department of Education(MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
        Ashby continues to be the school of choice by many families.  Our enrollment to start the year is up 18 from the end of last school year.    Enrollment is up by 13 students due to a small graduation class and a larger Kindergarten class while APS has 5 additional open enrolled students.  Despite the larger enrollment,  Ashby Public School is committed to small class sizes in those key formative years of grades K - 3.  As such, two new teachers have been hired to reduce class size in grades 2 and 3.   Mr. Cole Ellison and Ms. Tracy Westrom  have joined us at the second and third grade levels, respectively.  With this "two section" commitment in grades K-3 , our average class size in these grades is now just under 14 students per class.
        Finally, snow days will be a thing of the past for Ashby Schools.  Beginning this year, during in-climate weather APS will have 'eLearning Days' where students will continue their learning with the support of distance teaching from our instructional staff.

Every Child Counts
The staff of Ashby Public Schools is completely dedicated to the success of every child in our school.  We are committed to being “the best little school in Minnesota” where small class size equals outstanding educational achievement for all students.  We strive for a 100% graduation rate along with encouraging all of our graduates to pursue a post-secondary education program.

Outstanding Technology
Classrooms throughout Ashby Public Schools utilize technology to enhance student learning.   We are a 'one-to-one' school where all of our students possess an electronic deice; either an iPad or a chromebook.

Open Enrollment
​Families living outside of our district are invited to consider open enrollment.  All are welcome at Ashby Public Schools.  To enroll your student visit our Open Enrollment webpage ( www.ashby.k12.mn.us/enroll) or call our District Office at 218-747-2257. Year around staff will be happy to take your call and answer any questions you may have.

Thank You Parents & Community!!
Thank you for allowing us the privilege of teaching your students.  We are proud of them and thankful for your ongoing support of our schools!  We truly are a “Community” school.  Let’s make this our best school year so far!