Great things are happening at USC! 🔴🔵
The 2026 MCA results are in, and we have some great things to celebrate!
We're especially proud that USC continues to perform among the strongest school districts in our region, with results exceeding those of many of our neighboring school districts. This reflects the great work happening in our classrooms on a daily basis here at USC!
We are also now in year four of our READ Act implementation efforts here at USC. Our district was an early adopter of this work, investing in professional development and research-based reading instruction well ahead of many others. We're excited to begin seeing the impact of these efforts and look forward to the continued growth they will bring for our students in the years ahead!
State assessments are just one measure of student learning, but these results give us plenty to celebrate while also helping us identify areas where we can continue to grow and improve.
A big thank you to our students, teachers, staff, and families for everything they do to make USC a great place to learn!
Proud to be a Rebel!
Register to attend tonight's free session about the FAFSA! bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries26 Students who attend are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship drawing. Interpreters are available.
☕ Join us for our final Coffee & Conversation on Tuesday, October 27, at Pink Cup in Wells!
Stop in, grab a cup of coffee, and visit with us about the USC facilities referendum. We’re happy to answer questions, share information, and hear what’s on your mind.
We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to connect with us throughout this process. We hope to see you there!
Stop in, grab a cup of coffee, and visit with us about the USC facilities referendum. We’re happy to answer questions, share information, and hear what’s on your mind.
We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to connect with us throughout this process. We hope to see you there!
💡 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦!
The United South Central School District worked to balance students’ educational needs with responsible financial stewardship. Throughout the planning process, the district evaluated facility options and worked with financial advisors to understand the short- and long-term financial impacts of each alternative.
The goal? A recommendation that supports student success while prioritizing long-term operational efficiency and value for taxpayers. We also recognize that every property owner’s tax situation is unique, and we’re committed to providing clear, transparent information to help residents understand their individual tax impact.
🔗 Please Visit 𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨𝐦 for more information regarding the plan and to calculate your individual impact.
The United South Central School District worked to balance students’ educational needs with responsible financial stewardship. Throughout the planning process, the district evaluated facility options and worked with financial advisors to understand the short- and long-term financial impacts of each alternative.
The goal? A recommendation that supports student success while prioritizing long-term operational efficiency and value for taxpayers. We also recognize that every property owner’s tax situation is unique, and we’re committed to providing clear, transparent information to help residents understand their individual tax impact.
🔗 Please Visit 𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨𝐦 for more information regarding the plan and to calculate your individual impact.
Seniors and Parents!
ETS and MSU-Mankaro are hosting two Financial Aid webinars for local high schools. Choose a date that works for you- they will cover the same information both nights.
October 22 or December 1! Prizes will be drawn for our USC students who attend. See you there!
ETS and MSU-Mankaro are hosting two Financial Aid webinars for local high schools. Choose a date that works for you- they will cover the same information both nights.
October 22 or December 1! Prizes will be drawn for our USC students who attend. See you there!
🏫 School Board Meeting in Freeborn
The USC School Board will hold its next meeting in Freeborn on:
📅 Tuesday, October 20
📍 Freeborn City Hall
🕠 5:30 PM
Before the meeting, USC will host a Question & Answer Session about the district’s facilities process from 5:00–5:30 PM.
One of the goals of holding board meetings in our different communities is simply to connect with all of our USC communities. We want to provide opportunities for people across the district to meet board members, ask questions, share their thoughts, and stay connected to what is happening at USC.
We hope to see you in Freeborn!
The USC School Board will hold its next meeting in Freeborn on:
📅 Tuesday, October 20
📍 Freeborn City Hall
🕠 5:30 PM
Before the meeting, USC will host a Question & Answer Session about the district’s facilities process from 5:00–5:30 PM.
One of the goals of holding board meetings in our different communities is simply to connect with all of our USC communities. We want to provide opportunities for people across the district to meet board members, ask questions, share their thoughts, and stay connected to what is happening at USC.
We hope to see you in Freeborn!
𝐔𝐒𝐂 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠.
The current school was designed for approximately 625 students and is now serving about 745, with continued growth projected.
Growth is exciting, but it also brings challenges. As enrollment has increased, spaces throughout the school are being used in ways they were not originally designed for.
Learn more about USC’s enrollment, current facility needs, and the proposed plan at 𝐔𝐒𝐂𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨𝐦.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gkgeUi2rmdF13ZuRkQxGu1WyCpY8SJFA/view?usp=sharing
The current school was designed for approximately 625 students and is now serving about 745, with continued growth projected.
Growth is exciting, but it also brings challenges. As enrollment has increased, spaces throughout the school are being used in ways they were not originally designed for.
Learn more about USC’s enrollment, current facility needs, and the proposed plan at 𝐔𝐒𝐂𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨𝐦.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gkgeUi2rmdF13ZuRkQxGu1WyCpY8SJFA/view?usp=sharing
Rebel Football Fans:
We were made aware of the issue with the Livestream shortly after the game started and have been working with Tech Support to try and remedy the situation. Sorry for any inconvenience.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the best ways to access financial aid for college. Register to attend this free webinar, where financial aid professionals will walk you through all of the important steps. bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries26
Register to attend tonight's free session about financial aid! bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries26 Students who attend are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship drawing. Interpreters are available.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the community meeting on Thursday last week!
We appreciate you taking time to tour the school, learn more about the proposed facility plan, and ask questions about the upcoming November 3 bond referendum.
As Election Day approaches, USC remains committed to providing clear, factual information to help residents make an informed decision. If you have additional questions about the proposed plan or referendum, please reach out to Superintendent Taylor Topinka.
For more information, visit USCgrowingstrong.com.
We appreciate you taking time to tour the school, learn more about the proposed facility plan, and ask questions about the upcoming November 3 bond referendum.
As Election Day approaches, USC remains committed to providing clear, factual information to help residents make an informed decision. If you have additional questions about the proposed plan or referendum, please reach out to Superintendent Taylor Topinka.
For more information, visit USCgrowingstrong.com.
📚 MEA Break & Professional Development Day
Just a reminder that there will be no school at United South Central on Thursday, October 15, Friday, October 16, and Monday, October 19.
October 15 & 16 are part of the MEA break, and October 19 is a professional development day for our staff.
Enjoy the long weekend! We’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, October 20.
Just a reminder that there will be no school at United South Central on Thursday, October 15, Friday, October 16, and Monday, October 19.
October 15 & 16 are part of the MEA break, and October 19 is a professional development day for our staff.
Enjoy the long weekend! We’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, October 20.
🌱 Did You Know? The Greenhouse Will Be Addressed
We want to share a little more context about the greenhouse included in the November 3 referendum proposal. Our school board has been discussing options for replacing the existing greenhouse for the past two years, before referendum planning began.
Regardless of the outcome on November 3, the board remains committed to addressing the greenhouse’s condition and finding a path forward. Agriculture is an important part of USC and our community, and we value the opportunities this space provides for our students.
Please take a moment to read the clarification below for more information.
We want to share a little more context about the greenhouse included in the November 3 referendum proposal. Our school board has been discussing options for replacing the existing greenhouse for the past two years, before referendum planning began.
Regardless of the outcome on November 3, the board remains committed to addressing the greenhouse’s condition and finding a path forward. Agriculture is an important part of USC and our community, and we value the opportunities this space provides for our students.
Please take a moment to read the clarification below for more information.
📍 Location Change: Beverages with the Board
Just a reminder that this week’s Beverages with the Board will be held at the 26 Pit Stop in Walters on Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m.
We encourage you to stop by, visit with board members, and ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!
Just a reminder that this week’s Beverages with the Board will be held at the 26 Pit Stop in Walters on Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m.
We encourage you to stop by, visit with board members, and ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there!
🏫 What is included in the proposed project?
The proposed project is designed to address USC’s current space needs while preparing for continued enrollment growth.
The plan includes:
• 11 additional classrooms
• A multi-purpose learning space
• Expanded student support and office areas
• Flexible learning spaces
• Safety and traffic flow improvements
• Building maintenance projects
• District-wide storage
Together, these improvements would provide additional space, support educational programming, improve safety and help USC prepare for future growth.
The proposed project is designed to address USC’s current space needs while preparing for continued enrollment growth.
The plan includes:
• 11 additional classrooms
• A multi-purpose learning space
• Expanded student support and office areas
• Flexible learning spaces
• Safety and traffic flow improvements
• Building maintenance projects
• District-wide storage
Together, these improvements would provide additional space, support educational programming, improve safety and help USC prepare for future growth.
Do you know a senior or retiree who may want to learn more about the upcoming USC referendum?
We’re hosting an informational gathering on Monday, October 26 at 3:00 PM at the Wells VFW. It will be an opportunity to hear what is being proposed, ask questions, and talk with district administration.
Please share this with any seniors or retirees you know who may not be on social media or online.
We hope to see you there!
We’re hosting an informational gathering on Monday, October 26 at 3:00 PM at the Wells VFW. It will be an opportunity to hear what is being proposed, ask questions, and talk with district administration.
Please share this with any seniors or retirees you know who may not be on social media or online.
We hope to see you there!
Our USC 11th and 12th grade students had the opportunity to visit the Highway 109 and Highway 22 road construction project in Wells to see firsthand what it takes to build and improve our roads!
Employees from MnDOT, Bolton & Menk, and Ulland Brothers did a wonderful job explaining why road construction projects are needed, how roads are built, and all the planning, teamwork, and coordination that go into completing a project. Students were able to see different stages of construction and learn about the many moving pieces involved.
Students also heard about the professionals' education, work experience, and career paths. They shared what they enjoy about their jobs, the challenges they face, and what a typical career in their field can look like.
Experiences like this give students a chance to connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers. They also help students explore opportunities in construction, engineering, transportation, and other skilled professions they may not have considered before.
Employees from MnDOT, Bolton & Menk, and Ulland Brothers did a wonderful job explaining why road construction projects are needed, how roads are built, and all the planning, teamwork, and coordination that go into completing a project. Students were able to see different stages of construction and learn about the many moving pieces involved.
Students also heard about the professionals' education, work experience, and career paths. They shared what they enjoy about their jobs, the challenges they face, and what a typical career in their field can look like.
Experiences like this give students a chance to connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers. They also help students explore opportunities in construction, engineering, transportation, and other skilled professions they may not have considered before.
Big Ideas Trailer Visits USC!
Our 7th and 8th grade students had an exciting opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades when the Big Ideas Trailer visited USC!
Students got hands-on experience with a variety of career simulations and equipment, including:
🔹 VR headset career simulations
🔹 Mobile elevated work platform
🔹 CAT® Lite excavator simulator
🔹 Miller augmented reality welding simulators
Students also had the opportunity to talk with professionals in the trades, ask questions, and learn about their career paths, experiences, and the opportunities available in these industries.
Experiences like this help students connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world careers and discover possibilities they may not have considered before!
Our 7th and 8th grade students had an exciting opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades when the Big Ideas Trailer visited USC!
Students got hands-on experience with a variety of career simulations and equipment, including:
🔹 VR headset career simulations
🔹 Mobile elevated work platform
🔹 CAT® Lite excavator simulator
🔹 Miller augmented reality welding simulators
Students also had the opportunity to talk with professionals in the trades, ask questions, and learn about their career paths, experiences, and the opportunities available in these industries.
Experiences like this help students connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world careers and discover possibilities they may not have considered before!
A reminder that our Middle School/High School Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Monday, October 12, from 3:30–7:30 p.m.
We look forward to connecting with our families and talking about how things are going for our students!
We look forward to connecting with our families and talking about how things are going for our students!
Financial aid can seem complicated, but we have experts ready to help you get set up for success! Register to attend this free webinar about college financial aid. bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries26
