Owatonna Public Schools
October: Building Community
Watch as Michelle Krell, assistant superintendent, shares the importance of building relationships in Owatonna Public Schools.
She also discusses the family survey which will be sent via email on Monday, October 24, for families to provide feedback on our progress with the Desired Daily Experiences.
New High School Still on Schedule and Still on Budget
By Bob Olson, Director of Facilities, Infrastructure, and Security
Three years ago, our generous Owatonna community supported building a new Owatonna High School, through both positive votes on a building bond question and donations from local businesses. Since then, the school district has been hard at work designing and building the new school, set to open fall 2023. We look forward to all of the ways the new building will create connections for both our students and the community as a whole. The great news: our community’s new high school is still on budget and on schedule.
It is hard to believe we have been under construction for over a year now. It seems like just yesterday we were having a groundbreaking ceremony. Since that time, the construction of the new school has been progressing very well with over 150 construction workers on site daily.
Mission Moment
Through a partnership between Owatonna Community Ed, United Way of Steele County, Workforce Development Center, and Owatonna Public Schools, adults with English as a second language are receiving assistance in preparing for their driver’s license test.
Thanks to the initiative of Lydia Yahnke, adult and family enrichment program supervisor, and the expertise of Kent Buryska and Matt Cole, driving instructors for OPS, students attend a six-week course where they prepare for the written permit test and get comfortable behind the wheel for the driving test. District success coaches assist with interpretation needs. It is incredibly beneficial for the students and helps solve transportation issues for local employers.
Thanks to Lydia, Kent, and Matt for inspiring excellence for every learner, every day!
Election Information
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Four members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four years each. Visit our election page.
2022 School Board Candidates
Lloyd Brandt
Nikki Gieseke
Jan Guse
Elizabeth Hedlund
Michael Herman
Josh Indahl
Jolayne Mohs
April St. Martin
Mark Sebring
Lori Weisenburger
Colin Whalen
Election information
Register to Vote
Polling Place Finder
What's On My Ballot?
Screenagers Documentary
Owatonna Public Schools and Exchange Club Center for Family Unity invite you to a free screening of "Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age," the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and offer parents and families proven solutions that work.
Tuesday, November 1
6:00-7:30 pm
Owatonna Middle School, 500 15th Street NE
Register here
Work at Owatonna Public Schools
Great opportunities are available for you at Owatonna Public Schools, with Teaching & Learning Secretary, paraprofessional, food service, custodial, and substitute positions open.
Visit isd761.org/careers to learn more.
Red Ribbon Week
All families are invited to the Red Ribbon Week kick-off event on Tuesday, October 25, from 5:00-6:30pm at Owatonna Middle School.
- Free food
- Fun activities
- Halloween treats and prizes
- 4th grade “Celebrate Life, Live Drug Free!” poster contest winners
The Safe and Drug Free Coalition and Public Health will share literature for parents on how to keep kids healthy and drug/vape free. Sponsored by OHS SHOC (Students Helping Others Choose).
Flu Shot Clinic
Saturday, November 5
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
McKinley Elementary School
Insurance will be accepted, and uninsured adults may pay cash. Please print and complete the consent form below, and bring it with you to the clinic.
High School Construction Update
Upcoming Dates
- October 17 - Owatonna High School Conferences, 3:30-7:00 pm
- October 20 and 21 - No school
- November 3 - Owatonna Middle School Conferences, 3:30-7:00 pm
- November 4 - No school
October School Board Meetings
Work Session: Monday, October 10 at 5:30 pm
Regular Meeting: Monday, October 24 at 5:30 pm
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)
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