Welcome Students, I am Here to Serve You

Hello, my name is Nick Klug and this is my space on the UAS website. It is my hope to keep you updated about student-related events, school happenings, student achievements, and most importantly, to act as a liaison between you and your future educational endeavors. Along with being Upsala Area Schools' Principal I also carry the titles of Title IX Officer / Section 504 Coordinator / ADA Coordinator / EEOC Coordinator for our extra curricular organizations.

Background Credentials

• (Graduate) Educational Specialist – Educational Leadership –– Concordia University; St. Paul – Currently enrolled.

• (Graduate) Master of Arts – Educational Leadership –– Concordia University; St. Paul

• (Undergraduate) Bachelor of Science – Social Studies/5-12 Education –– St. Cloud State University; St. Cloud

From the Principal's Desk

Greetings!

I hope everyone is doing well! The 24-25 school year is moving along quickly. Hard to believe it’s December already! Here are a few updates on what has been happening at UAS!

One area that we have been having issues is with students and their use of social media. I have dealt with many inappropriate postings to some social media platforms. Parents, please visit with your child(ren) on the dangers of using social media inappropriately. Each year, we as a school district are limiting cell phone use in the building, but many of these issues are occurring after school hours. I am hoping we can work together to eliminate this issue. 

Our fall sports teams have concluded their seasons. Volleyball, football, cross country, tennis, and swimming have all come to an end. We had a couple state tournament appearances this fall I want to take a moment to recognize. The USA Patriot football team made it to the State Quarterfinals after an undefeated season. Congrats to them on a great season! Sophomore Quinn Guthrie made it to the Class A State Cross Country Meet at the U of M Golf Course. He finished 33 out of about 170 runners. Congrats Quinn!  Congratulations to all our student-athletes at all levels on their accomplishments this fall season! The dedication these student athletes exhibit is truly amazing! Thank you athletes and coaches for representing the community of Upsala with pride! 

As the season changes from fall to winter, please make sure your child(ren) is/are wearing proper attire to school. Elementary students (K-4) will be going outside for recess unless it is below zero (air temp or wind chill). Phy Ed students (5-12) may be going outside as well if the weather permits and should have proper attire as well. Students who ride the bus to and from school and to sporting events should be prepared as well in case the bus breaks down. If this happens, it could be a while before another bus arrives to rescue them. It is better to be safe than sorry if these situations happen to arise. 

Please make sure to update your information on JMC for weather alerts. Weather announcements for school cancellations can also be heard on local radio stations and local TV stations. Winter will be here before we know it!

With the arrival of winter comes an increase in illnesses at school. This impacts students as well as staff. If your child is sick please keep them home. 

Some staff and students have received from awards over the past few weeks:

Congratulations to Gina Gross and Jennifer Schneider who both received the Resource Training & Solutions Support Staff of Excellence Award! They were honored at a banquet in St Cloud on November 20th.  

Every year the Minnesota State High School League awards 2 seniors with the Triple A Award. Triple A stands for academics, arts, and athletics. This year our two recipients for the Triple A Award are Evelyn Aleckson and Beau Ripplinger. Both Evelyn and Beau excel in these three areas and will be great representatives for our school! Congratulations to both of them!

The MSHSL League also awards two juniors with the ExCEL Award. This award goes to juniors who maintain high levels of academics, who participate in MSHSL activities, and are also leaders in their class. This year's recipients are Isaiah Sobiech and Isabelle Klug. Congrats Isaiah and Isabelle!

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas please call me 320-573-2175, contact me by email: nklug@upsala.k12.mn.us, or stop in the office. 

Take Care,
Nick Klug
K-12 Principal 
Upsala Area Schools

Electronic Devices (Cell Phones) Policy

1. K-8 Students are prohibited from using cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the school day. 9-12 Students are prohibited from using cell phones and other electronic communication devices during instructional times. All Students may use cell phones before and after school, 9-12 grade students may use cell phones during passing times, and during lunch. Students also are prohibited from using a cell phone or other electronic communication device to engage in conduct prohibited by school district policies including, but not limited to, cheating, bullying, harassment, and malicious and sadistic conduct.

2. If the school district has a reasonable suspicion that a student has violated a school policy, rule, or law by use of a cell phone or other electronic communication device, the school district may search the device.  The search of the device will be reasonably related in scope to the circumstances justifying the search. 

3. Students who use an electronic communication device during the school day and/or in violation of school district policies may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s discipline policy.  In addition, a student’s cell phone or electronic communication device may be confiscated by the school district and, if applicable, provided to law enforcement.  Cell phones or other electronic communication devices that are confiscated and retained by the school district will be returned in accordance with school building procedures.

If misuse occurs:

-1st offense-item confiscated by the classroom teacher and given back to the student at the end of the class period.
-2nd offense-item confiscated and given to the office. Items will be returned at the end of the school day.
-3rd offense-item confiscated and given to the office. Items will be returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the school day and two hours detention will be assigned.
-Any offense thereafter may result in the cell phone not being allowed in school.
-Failure to give phone to staff when requested will result in a day of ISS and the phone will be confiscated by Administration. Parents/Guardians will be required to pick up the device. Loss of device privileges may occur.

If an electronic device is confiscated or collected during class, UAS is not responsible if it is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Any devices with picture-taking capability are prohibited from being used in locker rooms and restrooms. Students must be given permission by the individual prior to taking videos/pictures of other students or staff. Students may not post a photo or video to social media without the consent of the students and staff involved. 

In the event that a student becomes ill during the school day, the school nurse will call the parent/guardian. Students are not to call parents to get themselves out of school. Students will be required to see the health office staff and the office staff will notify parents/guardians.