Principal's Welcome

Dear Students, Families and Staff,

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! As we open this new chapter together, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible strides our school community has made. Our collective efforts are truly showing what it means to live out our Richfield Rising theme, lifting each other up to reach new heights.

Over the past several years, we have seen a steady, positive trend in our hallways and classrooms. Thanks to the sustained dedication of our students, families, and staff, we have achieved a multi-year reduction in unexpected behaviors, which is clearly evidenced by a continuous decrease in student suspensions. Year over year, we have also seen a meaningful increase in students actively attending their classes while at school. This consistent shift has allowed our young people to remain in the classroom, deeply focused on being students. In fact, in a recent survey, 62 percent of our students identified being a student as one of the most important parts of who they are. This long-term reflection of pride and identity is a testament to the supportive culture we are building together.

Our broader community has noticed this positive transformation as well. Thanks to your support and votes, our school was honored with the Star Tribune's Minnesota's Best Middle School - Bronze award. This recognition is a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community rallies around its youth.

While we celebrate these major milestones, we also recognize that this is a journey, and there is still vital work to be done. To keep our momentum going, this school year we are increasing our focus on academic rigor. We want to ensure every student is challenged, engaged, and prepared for the future. At the same time, we will continue to provide targeted, data-informed support for students who need additional assistance or enrichment. This includes tailored strategies across academics, social-emotional learning, and attendance to foster continuous growth for every single learner.

Thank you for your continued partnership, your trust, and your dedication to making this school a place where everyone can thrive. Together, we will keep rising.

Warmly,
Principal Erica Barlow