Owatonna Public Schools
Online learning the right fit for some students
Some families find that online learning is best for their student. Watch as two current Owatonna Online students share why they chose online learning, how it works, and what they enjoy.
Helping all learners succeed
By Maggie Goldade
Early Childhood Supervisor
“Tick tock goes the clock, two more minutes to play.” Children see a quick flicker of lights as they hear this sing-song warning. Two minutes later a timer goes off and the class sings, “Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to group we go.” Children quickly arrange their materials, push in their chairs, and head to the carpet. When they get there, some sit in a carpet square, others in a cube chair for a defined space, and some in a floor rocker so that they can move to help them focus on the teacher. One other student didn’t make it to group. He takes a moment behind the classroom cubbies to talk with the paraprofessional, reviews expectations, and joins a few moments later.
Suicide Prevention Event
Emma Benoit, whose story is featured in the My Ascension film, will be in-person at the event at OHS and will participate in the panel.
Screenagers Under the Influence
Mission Moment
During the March school board meeting, Superintendent Jeff Elstad recognized Zeinab Abdi during the Mission Moment.
Zeinab is an adult student who has engaged with many of our Adult Education programs over the years. She continuously participates in English Language Studies and GED prep courses. She has taken part in the Introduction to Healthcare classes, earning her CPR certificate, and most recently completed Introduction to Computers, passing the "Basic Computer" module through Northstar Digital Literacy.
She is a current Student Leadership Council member and is in the midst of planning an end-of-the-year celebration for the Adult Learning Center. She passed her driver's license exam last fall and passed her Citizenship test in November of 2022.
Zeinab also has a young daughter who just arrived in the U.S. and is now enrolled in Owatonna Public Schools. Zeinab is looking forward to college as soon as she completes her GED.
Congrats to state participants!
Congratulations to all our winter season teams who participated in their respective state tournaments (and in Robotics case, the national tournament coming up in April)!
Special thanks to all of the fellow students, families, and community members who supported them throughout their seasons!
Orchestra and band registration
Free school meals bill signed into law
Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals for Kids bill on Friday, March 17. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is excited to implement this program for our students in Minnesota. The Free School Meals for Kids Program will start July 1, 2023.
Discounted at-home internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month off their internet bills, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 off an eligible connected device like a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. A household is eligible to participate in the ACP if a child in the household receives free or reduced-price school meals. Households can learn more and apply for the ACP at GetInternet.gov.
New high school construction update
Upcoming Important Dates
- April 10 - Washington spring concert
- April 11 - Wilson spring concert
- April 13 - McKinley spring concert
- April 15 - Fun Run at Lincoln Elementary
- April 18 - Lincoln spring concert
- April 23 - Owatonna High School Jazz Band concert
- April 28 - Big 9 Music Festival, Mankato
- April 29 - Fun Run at McKinley Elementary
- April 29 - Owatonna High School Prom
Upcoming School Board Meetings
- April 10: School Board Work Session, 5:30pm
Location: Owatonna Public Schools District Office, Board Room, 515 West Bridge Street (Door #1) April 24: School Board Regular Meeting, 5:30pm
Location: Owatonna High School, Small Group Forum, 333 East School Street (Door #16)
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