Owatonna Public Schools

Congratulations to the five students from Owatonna High School who were named Wallin Scholars! This competitive scholarship provides up to $16,000 over four years in support of higher education pursuits.

Watch the video where these students were surprised with the news: Maurice Dut, Faisal Farah, Ruby Garza, Jayden Omangi, and Jose Rosas.

By Superintendent Jeff Elstad

Tests are over, desks and lockers are cleared out, and graduates are ready to cross the stage to receive their diplomas. We have so much to be grateful for as we end this school year! A special congratulations to the Class of 2024 as they embark on the next leg of their life journey.

As we end this school year, I am once again grateful for the community’s generous support for our new high school. I believe our new building has been a positive influence for our community as we became “TikTok famous” and even hosted the Governor’s State of the State address. While these moments are amazing, I am even more filled with pride to see our students having opportunities that were once not even possible. The best part is I feel like we are just getting started.

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During the May school board regular meeting, Superintendent Elstad recognized staff members Katie Coudron and Hollie Jeska on their recent honors.

Katie Coudron, 8th grade English teacher at OMS and Intro to Education teacher at OHS, was named Owatonna's Teacher of the Year for 2024 by the Owatonna Education Association! Coudron serves on the District Staff Development Team, OHS Equity Team, and the Minnesota Educator Partnership "Grow Your Own" grant team. Her passion for her students and her strong encouragement for them to explore the teaching profession is inspiring.

Hollie Jeska was named the SE Minnesota Assistant Secondary School Principal’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Hollie has been instrumental in the implementation of tiered supports for students and the MN Model grant that Owatonna High School received. This grant allows the OHS staff to create interventions and supports for students who have behavioral concerns as well as chemical use. These are two of the strategies that Ms. Jeska has been working on; however, her greatest successes are the relationships she builds with students and staff.

The school district is forming a Transportation Safety Advisory Committee. The general purpose of the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee is to serve as an advisory committee that ensures that student transportation service is safe.

The committee will consist of the superintendent, a school board member, a representative from Owatonna Bus Company, staff members, and parents representing elementary and secondary school sites.

Please apply by June 10 by filling out this application form. Members must be able to attend all meetings. The committee will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• June 20, 2024

• July 29, 2024

• November 12, 2024

• April 8, 2025

The School Board thanked Jace Forcelle, graduating senior at Owatonna High School, for the time he served as a student representative to the board. Throughout his two years, Jace shared the student perspective with the board.

In addition, Jace was an editor of the OHS Magnet, captain of the Owatonna Speech Team and involved with National Honor Society. He plans to attend the University of St. Thomas in the fall.

Congratulations to all of the students nominated this year for the Kyle DeKam Leadership Award! This year's recipients are Emma Hess, Mohamed Osman, and Greta Veldman. This award recognizes students who are passionate learners, leaders and citizens. The honor symbolizes doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Kyle DeKam 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.

Nutrition Services invites all kids and teens ages 1-18 to enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer at McKinley Elementary, Owatonna Education Center (new location), and Owatonna Middle School.

Breakfast is served from 8-8:30am, and lunch is served from 12:15-12:45pm.

New! Summer EBT is available for families this year. Learn more on the website.

• June 5 - Last day of school
  
• June 7, 7pm - OHS Commencement (rain date - June 9)
• June 26-July 9 - District Office building closed - staff available via phone or email
• July 10 - District Office open at 333 E School Street

• June 10, 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle
• June 24, 5:30pm - School Board Regular Meeting - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle

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