Owatonna Public Schools
District Parent Newsletter
January 2019
#InspiringExcellence Spotlight
The January #InspiringExcellence spotlight is Dr. Martina Wagner. Martina is the Owatonna Public Schools' Coordinator of English Language (EL) & Migrant Education Programs. Martina joined the Teaching and Learning team last July and has since worked on multiple initiatives to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. With a background in serving English language learners that has spanned over twenty years in grades pre-K thru adult education her drive to challenge the status quo is contagious. Martina has supported our district for several years and has created a co-teaching model that meets the needs of students. She is working on improving EL programming with a focus on equity. Students and staff alike continue to be inspired to learn and grow under her leadership.
Martina states, “My job is ever changing and I don't see it as a job as much as a passion that has grown throughout my two decades in education. My passion is in coaching and training others, creating systems and looking for the best ways to provide equitable education for ALL learners.”
Thank you for all you do, Martina, to inspire excellence to every learner every day.
Recommendation for New High School Updates
December 3: School Board Work Session
During the December 3 school board work session, three local businesses, Viracon, Wenger Corporation and Federated Insurance showed their support for a new high school in a big way. They each offered generous financial support totaling over 20 million dollars. To read the full article on the gifts to the district CLICK HERE.
December 10: School Board Meeting
On Monday, December 10 the Owatonna Public School Board accepted the Community Task Force on Facilities recommendation and authorized Superintendent Jeff Elstad to prepare a resolution with ballot language as well as the Review and Comment as required by the commissioner for a May 14, 2019 school district special election.
Next Steps:
- January 28 the school board will approve ballot language.
Kindergarten Registration Now Online
For the 2019-2020 school year, all registrations to Owatonna Public Schools, including kindergarten registration, will be completed online. The registration form is translated into English, Spanish and Somali.
CLICK HERE to register your child for kindergarten by February 15, 2019.
*Please Note: Using a cell phone to complete the online registration form is not recommended. If you do not have internet or a computer, you can visit Roosevelt Community School (122 East McKinley Street) or the Owatonna Public Library.
Collaborative Practices Promote Equity for Students with Disabilities
The OPS Special Services Department promotes collaborative practices across educational
settings to provide for increased educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Student classroom adaptations and modifications, trialing co-teaching models, and professional learning communities are ways in which general education and special education staff work together to provide for the equity of students with disabilities.
Currently, the Special Services department is trialing a co-teaching model at McKinley Elementary with great success. If you are interested in learning more about the co-teaching model and how general and special educators can work collaboratively to promote equity, please attend the Special Education Advisory Council meeting that will be held Monday, February 4th at 5:30 to 6:30PM in the Owatonna High School Small Group Forum. All staff, administrators, families, and community members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Click here for additional Special Education Advisory Council Information & Meeting Agenda
Wellness Policy Feedback Requested
Owatonna Public Schools is in the process of conducting an annual review of the district’s Wellness Policy. The policy addresses school meal programs, nutrition education, physical activity, and foods available during the school day. Studies show a direct connection between a child’s health status and academic achievement. The fact is, many children in our society have poor eating habits and do not get enough exercise. By continuing to improve our health environment and practices, we will be improving our students’ health and achievement.
If you have an interest in student health, we invite you to participate in the process by providing feedback and/or recommendations for updates to the existing policy. To review the current policy, click here. To submit feedback, click here. Any ideas or suggestions received will be considered by the ISD 761 Student Wellness Committee.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to the health of our students!
Contact Us
Email: sbaumbach@isd761.org
Website: www.owatonna.k12.mn.us
Location: 515 West Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN, USA
Phone: 507-444-8600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owatonnapublicschools/
Twitter: @ISD761_Owatonna