Owatonna Public Schools

Special Services Celebrates Student Success

by Danielle Theis, Director of Special Services

Special Services oversees all special education and mental health supports within Owatonna Public Schools. Approximately 900 students are eligible to receive special education services, representing 18% of our population.

Thank you to our Special Services staff who dedicate their time, passion, and professionalism to create opportunities for our students to succeed. Our staff have great achievements worth communicating and celebrating! As Megan Schultz shared, “During my birth-age 3 home visits with parents and caregivers, I am proud to see their growth in knowledge and confidence!” Jennifer Radel stated, “It is a joy to watch 3-5 year olds progress in learning how to 'do school' and become more successful for their transition into kindergarten.”

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Mission Moment

Daniela Ortiz was recognized for her great job serving as the student representative on the school board, during the Mission Moment at the May 23 School Board meeting. She was also selected to receive the MN School Boards Association Robert E. Meeks Student School Board Member Scholarship, an honor given to only two students in the state.

Daniela has been very involved at Owatonna High School. Throughout her high school career, she has served as president of National Honor Society, an officer on Students Helping Others Choose (SHOC), a commissioner of Link Crew, and a member of Student Council. She has been a mentor through Big Brother Big Sister and involved with Diversity and Inclusion Group (DIG). She played volleyball and was involved with DECA, orchestra, Toys for Tots, Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk, Community Pathways, and the Owatonna Community Task Force on Facilities.

Daniela plans to attend the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Teacher of the Year 2022

Congratulations to Andrew Malo, Owatonna Middle School Spanish/World Languages Teacher, on being named Owatonna Teacher of the Year 2022!

Additional candidates, pictured above with Andrew: Kristi Rohman, Lauren Gendron, Heather Bae, Abby Olson, Emily Leckner.

Summer Meals

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Nutrition Services is excited to offer free meals this summer, June 6-August 4. All kids and teens, 1-18 years of age, are welcome to stop at one of our three serving sites for a meal. No registration required.

Kids and teens MUST be present to receive a meal, and meals MUST be eaten on site.

Please check out our Nutrition Services webpage on ISD761.org for menus.

OMS Kyle DeKam Leadership Award Nominees

The winner(s) will be announced at the Kyle DeKam Leadership ceremony on June 2. Kyle 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. This is the highest honor given to the seventh and eighth grade Owatonna Middle School students.

Safe & Caring Community

Thanks to the bond referendum that our community passed in 2015, each of our school district facilities has secure, controlled-access entrances and security cameras to assist with monitoring people entering and exiting. We also have two school resource officers and work with the Owatonna Police Department to provide trained security at the middle school and high school entrances. In addition, we have in place a crisis management protocol for how to respond to dangers in our school settings.

Upcoming Dates

June 1 - Area Learning Center Commencement
June 2 - Kyle DeKam Leadership Ceremony
June 2 - Last day of school
June 3 - Owatonna High School Commencement
View sports schedules

June School Board Meetings

Work Session: Monday, June 13 at 5:30 pm

Regular Meeting: Monday, June 20 at 5:30 pm (note date change)

Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)

Contact Information

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Stay Connected!

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Celebrate our students, our staff and our schools by following us on social media. If you like what you see, be sure to share it with others. Together, we are #OwatonnaProud!

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@Owatonna761