Owatonna Public Schools

Watch as Superintendent Jeff Elstad shares the State of the District 2024.

By Bob Olson, Director of Facilities, Infrastructure & Safety, and Tanner Smith, OHS Magnet writer

The Facilities Department at Owatonna Public Schools puts in countless hours to prepare the buildings every day. They are often unrecognized despite the work they do for students and staff. Their hard work behind the scenes allows each of our schools to operate efficiently.

A total of 36 custodians, five maintenance workers and four groundskeepers are employed by Owatonna Public Schools. Special thanks go to Dale Mulder, district buildings and grounds manager, and Steve Davis, facilities coordinator, for all the work they do to keep systems running smoothly.

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Pictured above are three of the OHS custodians.

For the Mission Moment at the November School Board meeting, Superintendent Elstad recognized our dedicated elementary school safety patrols.

These outstanding fifth-grade students play an important role in ensuring the well-being of their classmates, helping to create safer crossings for students walking to and from school each day.

Before they begin, our safety patrol members go through traffic safety training. Throughout the year, they perform their duties and serve as role models for younger students. We appreciate their commitment to creating a safe and caring school community!

Superintendent Elstad also extended gratitude to the adult advisors who guide these students and provide training, support, and encouragement. Thank you to Kyle Melcher (McKinley), Julie Sturges (Lincoln), Lisa Thorson (Wilson), and Zach Waletich (Washington).

Pictured above are the safety patrol captains who attended the meeting.

OHS Huskies Give Week (November 18-22) provided a new focus on giving back to the community, led by the Owatonna High School Student Council.

Totals include:

🌟 $1500 raised for United Way of Steele County at the Dash for Cash pep fest

🌟 586 boxes of cereal for Community Pathways of Steele County

🌟 254 toys for Steele County Toys for Tots

🌟 70 coats and 125 pairs of socks for the OHS Husky Pantry

🌟 $298 + donations for Community Pathways through the pickleball tournament sponsored by the National Honor Society

In addition, students volunteered in a variety of ways from playing instruments at a care facility to creating cards to raking leaves to creating tie blankets, all in service to the Owatonna community.

The community is invited to join Superintendent Elstad for “coffee and conversation” at the Owatonna Public Schools District Office (333 East School Street) on Thursday, December 12, at 8:30am. Hear an update on what’s happening in the school district, and bring any questions you have.

Have you lost your housing? Are you at risk of losing your housing?

If you are not staying in your own home right now, talk to your child's school social worker. Schools can help keep your children in their home school or help you enroll in your new school right away. Schools can also help with transportation, food support, school supplies, extra curricular activities, and access to school and health records.

The social workers and the McKinney-Vento liaison Trina Kasper (507.444.8081 or pkasper@isd761.org) are here to support you.

Thank you to all who took part in our family survey in October.

View the results.

Join the ISD 761 Foundation for an evening of fun and prizes, playing the Price Is Right game show. You might have a chance to spin the big wheel and win!

All proceeds support the 761 Foundation mini-grants awarded to teachers and principals for programs and activities that enhance educational opportunities for all students.

Purchase Price Is Right tickets.

Before the November 12 School Board meeting, district leadership presented an overview of progress on the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan (formerly World’s Best Workforce).

Review the presentation.

Minnesotans can now find, choose and enroll in comprehensive health coverage through MNsure. Open enrollment is the annual opportunity for Minnesotans who need health insurance to shop, compare options, and sign up for a plan through MNsure without needing a qualifying life event. This year, MNsure’s open enrollment period runs November 1, 2024-January 15, 2025.

Visit MNsure – Minnesota's health insurance marketplace for more information.

Watch the November School Board business meeting on YouTube. Find agendas and other information on the district website.

Upcoming meetings:

• Monday, December 9, 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle
• Monday, December 9, 6pm - Truth in Taxation - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle
• Monday, January 6, 5:30pm - School Board Organization Meeting/Work Session - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle

Concert season began in November, with Lincoln Elementary students taking the stage in the OHS Wenger Performing Arts Center.

Kindergartners around the district, including those pictured at Washington Elementary, enjoyed Friendship Feasts before Thanksgiving.

Owatonna Middle School students created tie blankets for animals in need. These cozy creations will be donated to a local shelter to help comfort animals waiting for their forever homes.

School Board members gathered in November for a data retreat, taking a deep dive into data around demographics, academics and accountability, and student/family perceptions of their school experiences.

• OHS Carolers' community performances
• December 5 - McKinley Elementary Winter Concert
• December 9 - OMS Band Concert
• December 10 - Washington Elementary Winter Concert
• December 12 - OMS Choir Concert
• December 16 - OHS Carolers, Concert Choir, Treble Choir, and Symphony Orchestra Concert
• December 17 - OMS Orchestra Concert
• December 23-January 1 - No school, winter break

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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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Owatonna Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, or socio-economic status. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education that includes general education, special education and/or related aids and services. Direct reports/concerns to the Title IX Coordinator. More information can be found on the website.

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