We are excited to once again be partnering with the city of Norwood Young America for our sixth annual NYA Manufacturing Day. Students, staff, and community members will have the chance to join the NYA Economic Development Commission in partnership with the Central Trades & Advisory Group on Thursday, October 22 in recognizing and appreciating the manufacturers of Norwood Young America.
Learn more: https://www.isd108.org/article/3176251
Learn more: https://www.isd108.org/article/3176251
HOMECOMING WEEK 2026 IS HERE!
Announcing our 2026 Homecoming King & Queen!
We are thrilled to formally announce Luke Allison and Ava Becker as this year’s Homecoming King and Queen!
Both students represent the absolute best of Central through their leadership, school spirit, and dedication to our community. Please join us in extending a huge congratulations to Luke, Ava, and the entire 2026 Homecoming Court!
Grab your outfits, mark your calendars, and come support our Raiders all week long!
Theme: Fight the Knights
DRESS-UP DAYS
• Mon 10/5: PJ Day
• Tue 10/6: USA Day
• Wed 10/7: Color Day
• Thu 10/8: Camo/Cowboy Day
• Fri 10/9: Raider Pride Day
MAIN EVENTS
• Monday 10/5: Powderpuff Football @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Monday 10/5: Coronation @ 7:00 PM (Gym)
• Wednesday 10/7: Olympics @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Thursday 10/8: Powdertuff Volleyball @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Friday 10/9: Senior Sunrise Breakfast (6:45–7:45 AM)
• Friday 10/9: Parade @ 1:45 PM | Pep Fest @ 2:30 PM
• Friday 10/9: Hoco Football Game vs. K-W @ 7:00 PM (introduction to royalty @ halftime)
• Saturday 10/10: Homecoming Dance: Night in Rio (7:00–10:00 PM)
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
• Mon: JV Football vs. Cannon Falls (4:30 PM)
• Tue: Volleyball @ Watertown Mayer | Soccer vs. Westonka (Senior Night!)
• Tue: Cross County @ HLWW
• Thu: Volleyball & Soccer vs. Litchfield (Senior Night!)
• Fri: Varsity Football vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo (7:00 PM)
Announcing our 2026 Homecoming King & Queen!
We are thrilled to formally announce Luke Allison and Ava Becker as this year’s Homecoming King and Queen!
Both students represent the absolute best of Central through their leadership, school spirit, and dedication to our community. Please join us in extending a huge congratulations to Luke, Ava, and the entire 2026 Homecoming Court!
Grab your outfits, mark your calendars, and come support our Raiders all week long!
Theme: Fight the Knights
DRESS-UP DAYS
• Mon 10/5: PJ Day
• Tue 10/6: USA Day
• Wed 10/7: Color Day
• Thu 10/8: Camo/Cowboy Day
• Fri 10/9: Raider Pride Day
MAIN EVENTS
• Monday 10/5: Powderpuff Football @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Monday 10/5: Coronation @ 7:00 PM (Gym)
• Wednesday 10/7: Olympics @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Thursday 10/8: Powdertuff Volleyball @ Raider Time (9:46 AM)
• Friday 10/9: Senior Sunrise Breakfast (6:45–7:45 AM)
• Friday 10/9: Parade @ 1:45 PM | Pep Fest @ 2:30 PM
• Friday 10/9: Hoco Football Game vs. K-W @ 7:00 PM (introduction to royalty @ halftime)
• Saturday 10/10: Homecoming Dance: Night in Rio (7:00–10:00 PM)
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
• Mon: JV Football vs. Cannon Falls (4:30 PM)
• Tue: Volleyball @ Watertown Mayer | Soccer vs. Westonka (Senior Night!)
• Tue: Cross County @ HLWW
• Thu: Volleyball & Soccer vs. Litchfield (Senior Night!)
• Fri: Varsity Football vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo (7:00 PM)
GIRLS 7th and 8th grade Basketball registration is NOW OPEN in Bound!! Follow this link for information on creating your family in Bound and registering for basketball. All athletes must have a sports physical prior to participating in practices or games.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASVb3E04Nn0JEA-kLsMdvv-QhnHhMzZDfHpgDGctyNM/edit?usp=sharing
In lieu of a parent/athlete meeting, here is a slideshow link with important information for the season. Please review!!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/122J9dCI2u7v3dJjRVA7spLeovCuLhmIJ/view?usp=sharing
Contact the Activities office with any questions! 952-467-7112
The team from Taher Inc. do such a wonderful job bringing nutritious and delicious meals to our students. Last month they really showcased the harvests of the month with dill and tomatoes, and of course amazing apples! The Hot Honey Harissa Chicken Sandwich was also a huge hit.
Thank you to our food service team!
Thank you to our food service team!
Families and students are invited to take a Taher survey to share insights on school lunch service. Be sure to complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 30.
Your voice matters!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRCGGZR
Your voice matters!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRCGGZR
Our preschoolers welcomed Firefighter Kevin for a fun and educational visit! The students learned how firefighters are always there to help keep us safe, along with important fire safety tips. The excitement continued as they explored the ladder fire truck up close and checked out some of the tools and equipment firefighters use every day. Many thanks to Firefighter Kevin for taking the time to visit and teach our little learners about fire safety!
The Raider Rally was an awesome celebration! Congratulations to the 2026 inductees to the Central Hall of Fame!
A huge thank you goes out to our brave firefighters who took the time to come in and teach our elementary students about the importance of fire safety. Their expertise and enthusiasm made the learning experience both informative and fun! We'd also like to thank our high school student volunteers who demonstrated how to dress in all the protective gear required by firefighters.
A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to organize this year's Raider Rally! It was a wonderful celebration of the impact of our school district and we are so grateful to you. Thank you!
It is National Principals Month! We’re especially grateful for our building leaders and their dedication to our students, staff and families. They work each day to ensure that our students continue on the path of reaching new heights together.
Many thanks to our elementary principal Ron Erpenbach and secondary principal Rich Larson!
Many thanks to our elementary principal Ron Erpenbach and secondary principal Rich Larson!
MIddle School Student Recognition Spotlight!
We are so proud of our hardworking students! Help us celebrate our outstanding award recipients who go above and beyond every single day in our school community:
Academic Achievement Award - Awarded to students who consistently hand in work on time, show great effort, and display high academic standing or impressive growth.
Citizens Bank Citizenship Award - Awarded to students who treat others and property with respect, maintain a positive attitude, take responsibility, and are always ready to lend a helping hand.
Raider Pride Award - Awarded to students who show excellent character, make our school a better place, and embody what it means to be Proactive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged!
Join us in congratulating these stellar students that were recognized for September!
We are so proud of our hardworking students! Help us celebrate our outstanding award recipients who go above and beyond every single day in our school community:
Academic Achievement Award - Awarded to students who consistently hand in work on time, show great effort, and display high academic standing or impressive growth.
Citizens Bank Citizenship Award - Awarded to students who treat others and property with respect, maintain a positive attitude, take responsibility, and are always ready to lend a helping hand.
Raider Pride Award - Awarded to students who show excellent character, make our school a better place, and embody what it means to be Proactive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged!
Join us in congratulating these stellar students that were recognized for September!
Our eighth grade students are hard at work in art class on their grid drawings, using careful observation, focus and attention to detail to bring their reference images to life. Check out some of their works in progress!
In advance of soccer season, our Central girls soccer team received new soccer parkas. These jackets will keep the players warm on the sidelines when the weather starts turning colder this fall.
The purchase was made possible with funds from the Central Booster Club and their annual Raider Rally. We appreciate their support!
The purchase was made possible with funds from the Central Booster Club and their annual Raider Rally. We appreciate their support!
Please help us welcome Central High School’s new Spanish teacher Patricia Wolff! Learn more about her exciting path to education and what she is looking forward to this school year:
Why did you choose to work at Central Public Schools?
“I chose to work at this wonderful school first and foremost because I found a high degree of kindness, special treatment, and appreciation for those of us who work here—both on a personal level and as professionals. I was also drawn by the school’s genuine commitment to the well-being and learning processes of its students.”
What led you to a career in education?
"After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering, and a few years later—after traveling abroad several times and studying English at various language schools—I discovered that my true passion was, and continues to be, teaching these wonderful languages—Spanish and English. I decided to return to the classroom, to college, and to train professionally so that I could help my future students in their learning processes and also contribute through my native language, Spanish. By obtaining this professional training and degree, I was able to contribute to the field of education and to my students through my bilingualism and teaching experience, first at various bilingual schools in Colombia and now in this wonderful country!”
What was your favorite subject when you were a K-12 student?
"My favorite subjects during my high school years were chemistry and English. That’s where I discovered my passion for studying chemistry and English at the university level, so that I could expand my knowledge, put it into practice, share it, and contribute to both the professional world, and the field of education.”
What do you like to do for fun?
“I love reading psychology books, especially those that deal with human behavior and emotions. When I have free time, I love watching movies and TV shows. And I love going out to have some fun playing bingo.”
Why did you choose to work at Central Public Schools?
“I chose to work at this wonderful school first and foremost because I found a high degree of kindness, special treatment, and appreciation for those of us who work here—both on a personal level and as professionals. I was also drawn by the school’s genuine commitment to the well-being and learning processes of its students.”
What led you to a career in education?
"After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering, and a few years later—after traveling abroad several times and studying English at various language schools—I discovered that my true passion was, and continues to be, teaching these wonderful languages—Spanish and English. I decided to return to the classroom, to college, and to train professionally so that I could help my future students in their learning processes and also contribute through my native language, Spanish. By obtaining this professional training and degree, I was able to contribute to the field of education and to my students through my bilingualism and teaching experience, first at various bilingual schools in Colombia and now in this wonderful country!”
What was your favorite subject when you were a K-12 student?
"My favorite subjects during my high school years were chemistry and English. That’s where I discovered my passion for studying chemistry and English at the university level, so that I could expand my knowledge, put it into practice, share it, and contribute to both the professional world, and the field of education.”
What do you like to do for fun?
“I love reading psychology books, especially those that deal with human behavior and emotions. When I have free time, I love watching movies and TV shows. And I love going out to have some fun playing bingo.”
Play ball! The proceeds from the Raider Rally recently went toward purchasing three new electronic scoreboards at the elementary baseball fields. This was in partnership with other local organizations.
Thanks to the Central Booster Club and their support of our baseball program!
Thanks to the Central Booster Club and their support of our baseball program!
Batter up! Our Central softball team received a new Hack Attack Junior pitching machine for batting practice. All thanks to the Central Booster Club and the funds raised at their biggest event, the Raider Rally!
Our final 2026 Hall of Fame honoree exceeds every requirement to be considered for the Central Hall of Fame. Orland “Olie” Feltmann, Class of 1957, represents the values of athletic excellence, leadership, dedication, and lifelong commitment to his community.
Beginning in eighth grade, Olie played baseball, football and basketball. Olie was a catcher and played on the American Legion Jr. baseball team. It was there that he was voted unanimously by umpires as “an outstanding young athlete” for his “outstanding sportsmanship.”
Olie was recognized as a key contributor in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school career. During the 1956 football season, he led the team to a 45–27 victory over Chaska, scoring four touchdowns in one game. Also, he started on the varsity basketball team as a freshman which was an uncommon achievement. Olie demonstrated leadership as Football Co-Captain, "C" Club officer, and was elected Homecoming King.
Once he graduated high school, he signed with the Dodgers for one year and played for the Columbus Foxes Minor League team. He played as a catcher and outfielder and remembers playing games throughout Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. He was paid $250 per month while on the road all expenses paid. His professional statistics include 124 games played, .250 batting average, 3 home runs, 57 RBIs, and he batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
Following his baseball career, he married his sweetheart Shirley Herrmann. They moved onto the Herrmann Noll Century (1866) farm south of Norwood Young America in 1962 where they raised their two daughters Kris and Kathy. Olie and Shirley have dedicated their life to preserving his family's Century Farm and contributing to the local community.
Both Olie and Shirley enjoy attending the sporting events of their daughters, grandchildren, and now their great grandchildren in volleyball, basketball, wrestling and baseball. They continue attending many of the sports events through Central Public Schools.
The third Annual Raider Rally and Hall of Fame Induction will be on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Hamburg Community Hall. Help us celebrate our Hall of Fame honorees - purchase your tickets to the Raider Rally now: https://108raiderrally.com/
Beginning in eighth grade, Olie played baseball, football and basketball. Olie was a catcher and played on the American Legion Jr. baseball team. It was there that he was voted unanimously by umpires as “an outstanding young athlete” for his “outstanding sportsmanship.”
Olie was recognized as a key contributor in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school career. During the 1956 football season, he led the team to a 45–27 victory over Chaska, scoring four touchdowns in one game. Also, he started on the varsity basketball team as a freshman which was an uncommon achievement. Olie demonstrated leadership as Football Co-Captain, "C" Club officer, and was elected Homecoming King.
Once he graduated high school, he signed with the Dodgers for one year and played for the Columbus Foxes Minor League team. He played as a catcher and outfielder and remembers playing games throughout Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. He was paid $250 per month while on the road all expenses paid. His professional statistics include 124 games played, .250 batting average, 3 home runs, 57 RBIs, and he batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
Following his baseball career, he married his sweetheart Shirley Herrmann. They moved onto the Herrmann Noll Century (1866) farm south of Norwood Young America in 1962 where they raised their two daughters Kris and Kathy. Olie and Shirley have dedicated their life to preserving his family's Century Farm and contributing to the local community.
Both Olie and Shirley enjoy attending the sporting events of their daughters, grandchildren, and now their great grandchildren in volleyball, basketball, wrestling and baseball. They continue attending many of the sports events through Central Public Schools.
The third Annual Raider Rally and Hall of Fame Induction will be on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Hamburg Community Hall. Help us celebrate our Hall of Fame honorees - purchase your tickets to the Raider Rally now: https://108raiderrally.com/
We’re excited to welcome Grant Hartmann to the Central team! He is our new special education teacher at the high school.
He shared that the reason he decided to work at Central was because of the community. Grant decided on an education career because of his love of learning, teaching and coaching. His favorite subject in school was History. In Grant’s free time, he enjoys fixing things, reading and being a dad.
He shared that the reason he decided to work at Central was because of the community. Grant decided on an education career because of his love of learning, teaching and coaching. His favorite subject in school was History. In Grant’s free time, he enjoys fixing things, reading and being a dad.
Each year, we love to see the creativity blossom in the theater and watch our students shine on stage. There are many behind the scenes efforts that go into each production.
We’re so grateful for the support of the Central Booster Club for purchasing materials and supplies for our Central Drama Department which benefited the Fall Play, One Act Play and Senior Directed Play last year. All activities and grade levels are able to benefit from funds raised at events like the Raider Rally!
We’re so grateful for the support of the Central Booster Club for purchasing materials and supplies for our Central Drama Department which benefited the Fall Play, One Act Play and Senior Directed Play last year. All activities and grade levels are able to benefit from funds raised at events like the Raider Rally!
For the past two years, our Central Wrestling teams have enjoyed their new mat! We’re grateful for the support of the Central Booster Club to benefit our student athletes. Proceeds from the Raider Rally allow the organization to dedicate funds appropriately to athletics, activities and classrooms. Don’t forget to get your tickets to be a part of this amazing event!
