Owatonna Public Schools
September: Partnership with Home and School
Encouraging Connection Through Learning and Activities
By Michelle Krell, Assistant Superintendent
Relationships matter! Dr. James Comer says, “No significant learning happens without significant relationships.”
As we begin a new and exciting school year, we know the importance of building strong connections and relationships with students. Our goal is for all students to feel valued, accepted, and motivated to learn. We do this by creating connections through learning and activities.
We have created systems to ensure students have opportunities to adjust to their new learning environment. We build relationships and connections with students so they can feel a sense of belonging and motivation to learn and grow.
Your Resource: School Social Workers
School social workers aim to help students grow socially and academically. Depending on the student, they may do this by helping students resolve issues like bullying, school absences, and other conflicts. They may also help students cope with disabilities, behavior management, and mental health issues. Other duties for a school social worker may include:
- Counseling students
- Creating individualized plans to help students improve
- Managing case records
- Educating parents on available resources to help their child
- Providing some teacher training (i.e. in behavior management)
- Attending educational planning meetings
- Advocating for students, families, and resources
Please reach out to your school's social worker whenever the need arises.
Application for Educational Benefits
Families are encouraged to fill out an Application for Educational Benefits. Only students with an approved 2022-2023 application on file or students who qualify through Direct Certification will receive free or reduced-price meal benefits this year.
Visit isd761.org/district-services/nutrition-services for details.
Join the Team!
We still have opportunities for you to join the team at Owatonna Public Schools! View all openings at isd761.org/careers.
If you need a flexible work schedule and want to make a difference, consider being a substitute!
Substitute Teacher Training - Wednesday, September 7, 9am-2:30pm. Register here.
Substitute Para/Educational Assistant Training - September 9, 9am-12pm. Register here.
761 Foundation Fundraiser
Join the ISD 761 Foundation for an evening of fun and prizes, playing the Price Is Right gameshow. You might have a chance to spin the big wheel and win! All proceeds benefit students throughout Steele County.
Each year, the 761 Foundation offers over $110,000 in mini-grants to OPS staff. They also administer $62,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors.
Purchase Price Is Right tickets. Open to those 18 years or older.
2022-23 Online Ticketing
Game tickets and activity passes will again be pre-sold through Hometown Ticketing.
Online ticketing will be used for all events that require tickets for admission. Tickets can be scanned from your phone or printed and scanned.
Game tickets are available for spectators 1-2 weeks prior to events.
Ticket box office is available at owatonnaactivities.com - click on the blue box “Hometown Ticketing.”
Activity passes are available as an online option and scanned at the gates. Activity passes are also available in the Activities Office - 444-8988 or nbenson@isd761.org.
No cash will be accepted at events in 2022-23.
High School Construction Update
High school staff had the opportunity to visit the new high school construction site during fall workshop week.
Upcoming Dates
- September 2 and 5 - No school
- September 30 - Homecoming, 2-hour early release
September School Board Meetings
Work Session: Monday, September 12 at 5:30 pm
Regular Meeting: Monday, September 26 at 5:30 pm
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)
Contact Information
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