Owatonna Public Schools
District Newsletter - June 2021
Finishing #OwatonnaStrong
The following is part of an article by Superintendent Jeff Elstad that was published in the Owatonna People's Press and Steele County Times in May - click here to read the full article
We are nearing the end of a school year like no other. To say our teachers, students and families have been through a lot would be an understatement. I liken the end of a school year to running a race - and in this case, it’s been a marathon. As a former track and field coach, the best advice I could give my athletes was to start every race strong, maintain your pace during the middle, and finish strong. And that is exactly what our staff and students are doing! In partnership with our families, we have remained #OwatonnaStrong, and for that, we should all be #OwatonnaProud.
As educators, we have the privilege and the joy of working with our future leaders when they are still young. We see amazing growth and resilience every day - even under these strange circumstances. Thank you for the honor of being your Owatonna Public Schools superintendent. On even the most difficult of days, I am so proud and humbled to lead this great school district - thanks to this great community, our talented staff, our supportive families, and our amazing students!
Read the full article here
Mission Moment Spotlight
At the May 24 school board meeting, Superintendent Elstad recognized some Owatonna High School student award winners for inspiring excellence:
Owatonna High School had four students advance to the state speech competition: Julia Christenson, Megan Copeland, Fardouza Farah, and Jackson Hemann
Music Awards: Elise Egbert and Samuel Buegler (John Philip Sousa Award), Audrey Franklin (National School Orchestra Award), Zach Liebl (Choir Director’s Award)
Congratulations to these inspiring students! We are #OwatonnaProud!
Each month at the regular meeting, the School Board of Owatonna Public Schools recognizes individual students and/or staff members who exemplify the district’s mission of inspiring excellence - every learner, every day.
Watch the video from the May 24 school board meeting.
Kids Eat Free this Summer
All children, ages 1-18, are able to eat free this summer through meals provided by Owatonna Public Schools. Meal bundles are available for pick up on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 7-August 13. Pick up locations:
Owatonna Middle School
500 15th Street NE, Door #13
12:00-1:00
Wilson Elementary
325 Meadow Lane, Door #1
12:00-1:00
Owatonna Public Library
105 N Elm, Parking Lot
12:00-12:30
Lincoln Elementary
747 Havana Road, Door #1
12:30-1:00
Monday bundles include breakfast and lunch meals for two days. Wednesday meal bundles include breakfast and lunch meals for three days.
Visit the school district website for more information, including menus. Contact the Owatonna Public Schools Nutrition Services Department with any questions: 507-444-8616 or nutritionservices@isd761.org.
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. 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 ISD761 Student Wellness Committee.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to the health of our students!
New High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
Owatonna Public Schools hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new high school on Thursday, May 6. The event included remarks by Superintendent Jeff Elstad, School Board Chair Mark Sebring, High School Principal Kory Kath, and Owatonna Education Association President and teacher Todd Andrix. Many community partners, staff, students and planning committee members were present to participate in a shovel ceremony.
Staff and students of Owatonna Public Schools continue to be grateful for the community’s partnership and support for the school district and the new high school facility, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023.
Learn more about the new high school project here.
Thank you, Owatonna!
Summer Opportunities for Students
Register in person, online, or via phone.
Community Education Office
122 E. McKinley Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507)444-7900
Now is a good time to get started on back-to-school vaccinations!
Providers will likely have a larger than usual amount of vaccinations to do before sending kids back to school this fall. It’s important to keep up with routine vaccinations during the pandemic to prevent a future outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. School vaccination requirements are still in place to help ensure kids are safe and healthy in school. Consider calling the clinic earlier this year to avoid a rush later this summer.
Minnesota Department of Health - COVID-19 Resources
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE - EVERY LEARNER, EVERY DAY
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Contact Us
Email: shoffman@isd761.org
Website: www.isd761.org
Location: 515 West Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN, USA
Phone: 507-444-8600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Owatonna761/
Twitter: @Owatonna761