Owatonna Public Schools
Educator Appreciation Week
May 8-12 is Educator Appreciation Week. Watch as students from the Introduction to Education class at Owatonna High School share why they have decided to pursue a career in education.
Be sure to thank the educators who are positively influencing your students!
Existing and New High School Updates
By Bob Olson
Director of Facilities, Infrastructure and Safety
This summer we will vacate the old Owatonna High School and move into the new Owatonna High School. While the new high school construction continues to be on time and on budget, the district has been busy deciding what to do with the current school. Based on the recommendations of the Existing OHS Citizens’ Task Force, the school board voted to move the district office into the C Plaza, gymnastics into the current gymnasium, the facilities department into the agriculture building, and to demolish the rest of the building. The track and stadium field will remain as will the tennis courts.
Free Summer Meals
Monday-Thursday, June 5-August 4
Nutrition Services invites all kids and teens ages 1-18 to enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer at McKinley Elementary and Owatonna Middle School (both serve breakfast and lunch) and Owatonna Public Library (lunch only).
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Knowledge Bowl Team - State Champs!
Congratulations to the OHS Knowledge Bowl Team as they earned the State Championship! Their score of 157.5 is one of the highest score totals in the state meet's 40-year history.
Team members and coaches (left to right): Dean Smith, David Smith, Aiden Engel, Henry Bon, Gavin Caron, Lileigh Nguyen, and Dan Saehler.
Family Festival
Family Festival 2023
Thursday, May 18
5:30-7:30pm
McKinley Elementary School, 1050 22nd Street NE
Congrats to State Speech Participants!
The following twelve OHS students competed at the State Speech Meet: Erin Baker, Reuel Borkenhagen, Kinzie Carlson, Emma Green, Makenna Hovey, Nora Johnson, Hailey Kjersten, Ava Kleeberger, Elijah Leon, Lileigh Nguyen, Tatum Rau, and Emery Vick.
Two advanced to the final round! Kinzie Carlson is the state champion in Discussion, and Elijah Leon placed 5th in Discussion.
Congratulations to all, and thanks to speech coaches Marcia Andeson, Mark Anderson, and Halley Ritscher!
Coffee and Conversation
Join Superintendent Elstad for the final Coffee & Conversation for the 2022/23 school year.
Thursday, May 18
9:00-10:00 am
District Office, 515 West Bridge Street - enter door 1
Wallin Scholar Surprise
Wallin Education Partners surprised students from Owatonna High School with the news that they had been awarded a Wallin Scholarship! Congratulations to:Aidan Charles, Lily Highfield, Jasmin Mata, Miana Risser, and Savannah Shermo.
Each scholar will receive up to $16,000 over four years, along with advising and access to support. Learn more at www.wallinscholars.org.
To find scholarship opportunities, visit https://ohs.isd761.org/students/scholarships.
Kyle DeKam Leadership Award
Congratulations to the following Owatonna Middle School students who were named semifinalists for the Kyle DeKam Leadership Award: Ava Cox, Ramala Dahir, Thor Dotson, Sophia Fair, Mariah Fox, Reeve Franko, Owen Halverson, Kilee Hovey, Raegann Mitchell, Justice Moots, Cooper Mottl, Jaelyn Otte, Patricia Procopio, Kelsey Skala, Aedan Tackmann, Greta Veldman
Not pictured: Amaya Fernandez
Kyle DeKam was a long-time community member and public school employee. His last tenure was as principal of the then Owatonna Junior High School. Kyle lost his battle with cancer in 2012, but his legacy lives on. Our students and staff nominated these individuals to move forward as nominees for this prestigious award. This is the highest honor given to the seventh and eighth grade Owatonna Middle School students.
Mission Moment
Superintendent Elstad recognized the Teaching and Learning department for their exceptional work in many areas throughout the school district during the April 24 School Board meeting. We are grateful for all the leadership and direction they provide.
Existing high school plans
Wold Architects shared the presentation linked below at the School Board Work Session this week, detailing process and plans for the existing high school site.
New high school construction update
Visit the new high school construction website to view more photos and updates of the progress.
Upcoming Important Dates
- May 15: OMS Spring Orchestra Concert
- May 16: OHS Pops Concert
- May 17: All City Track Meet
- May 18: ALC Downtown Cleanup Day
- May 24: OHS Scholarship/Awards Ceremony
- May 24: OHS Concert Band, Concert Choir & Symphony Orchestra
- May 26: OHS Graduation Concert
- May 29: No school, district closed
- June 1: Grades 9-12 last day of school
- June 2: Grades K-8 last day of school
- June 2: OMS Kyle Dekam Leadership Award ceremony
- June 2: OHS Graduation
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- May 22: School Board Regular Meeting, 5:30pm
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16) June 12: School Board Work Session, 5:30pm
Location: Owatonna Public Schools District Office, Board Room, 515 West Bridge Street (Door #1)
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