Owatonna Public Schools

The 1920 time capsule recovered from the cornerstone of the former Owatonna High School was opened in a public ceremony before the April 22 school board meeting. The items are being preserved and curated by the OHS Museum Committee and Steele County Historical Society.

Watch the YouTube video of the opening.

The story has garnered international attention. Websites that have posted the story include Good Morning America, CBS News, ABC News, FOX TV, and People Magazine along with several international news websites.

By Ann Mikkalson, Owatonna Online K-6 director, and Mel Hoffner, Owatonna Online 7-12 school counselor

For some students, the traditional classroom is not the best place for them to learn. They often benefit from an online learning environment, where they have the chance to work at their own pace.

Owatonna Online is a fully accredited online provider through the Minnesota Department of Education for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The program uses Owatonna Public Schools teachers and curriculum aligned to Minnesota Academic Standards.

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During the April school board regular meeting, Superintendent Elstad recognized Owatonna High School students who participated in the events surrounding Governor Walz's State of the State address at Owatonna High School.

OHS Magnet Editor and Reporter Norah Sletten interviewed Governor Walz in his office at the Minnesota State Capitol a few days prior to his State of the State address. She was incredibly well prepared with a detailed list of questions on a variety of topics. The governor and his staff commended her on a great interview. Read her articles on the Magnet website,

OHS Choir members Calista Seiler, Kalleigh Malecha, Lucy Jacobs, and Lauren Packard were selected to perform the national anthem before the address. They did a beautiful job in front of the distinguished audience and many news cameras, and numerous people commented on their great performance.

Congratulations to the following Owatonna Middle School students who were named semifinalists for the Kyle DeKam Leadership Award: Chloe Eastman, Kaia Swenson, Danika Hanson, Annika Wilke, Greta Veldman, Thomas O'Donnell, Megan Skala, Kiah Clauson, Camryn Fox, Leah Leckner, Graham Wiste, Samantha Meier, Reagann Mitchell, Avery Born, Emma Hess, Owen Halverson, Mohamed Osman, Thor Dotson, Jae Herzog, Damaris Borkenhagen.

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.

Our students and staff nominated these individuals to move forward as nominees for this prestigious award. Winners will be announced at the Kyle DeKam Leadership ceremony on June 5.

Eighth grade Orchestra students represented Owatonna at the MNSOTA (Minnesota String & Orchestra Teachers Association) Middle Level Tier II Orchestra Festival. Owatonna was one of eight orchestras selected to perform from across the state of Minnesota. The students were also able to participate in master classes taught by members of the Minnesota Orchestra.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded an $80,000 Robotics Teams and STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Internships grant to the Owatonna Robotics Booster Club.

The grant will support opportunities for students in the Owatonna area to participate in robotics teams and competitions. Students will also be offered computer programming and Computer Aided Design (CAD) classes and one-on-one mentoring from STEM professionals. The project will also partner with local STEM businesses to create student internships.

Owatonna Public Schools students and families are making a difference through our great partner, Community Pathways of Steele County.

Donations include:

• Wilson Elementary - $2,500 donation from Healthy Huskies Challenge
• Washington Elementary - $5,149 donation from Healthy Huskies Challenge
• Washington Elementary - 760 pounds of food through Student Council food drive
• Owatonna Middle School - 1,068 pounds of food and $250 donation
• McKinley Elementary - $2,472 donation from Healthy Huskies Challenge
• Lincoln Elementary - $4,971 donation from Healthy Huskies Challenge

Congratulations to Owatonna Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Elstad, who was recently selected as a recipient of the Faribault High School Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes FHS graduates who have made distinctive contributions to benefit others through humanitarian activities or personal and professional accomplishments following high school. He is pictured with Jane Draheim, who nominated him for the honor.

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.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Join Superintendent Elstad for a district update and an opportunity to ask your questions at the final Coffee & Conversation of the school year on Friday, May 17, at 8:30am at the District Office, 515 West Bridge Street.

• May 2-5 - Owatonna High School Spring Play - purchase tickets
  
• May 3 - Big 9 Music Festival, Faribault
• May 6, 7pm - Owatonna Middle School band concert at OHS
• May 7, 3-7pm - Kindergarten Spring Interviews at all elementary schools
  
• May 9, 3-7pm - Kindergarten Spring Interviews at all elementary schools
  
• May 13, 7pm - Owatonna Middle School choir concert at OHS
• May 14, 7pm - Owatonna Middle School orchestra concert at OHS
• May 15 - All-City Track Meet at OHS
• May 21, 7pm - All OHS Ensembles Pops Concert
• May 22, 5:30-7pm - OHS Academic and Scholarship Awards Night
• May 27 - Memorial Day, district closed
• May 31, 8pm - OHS Graduation Concert at St. John Church
• June 5 - Last day of school
• June 7, 7pm - OHS Commencement

• Monday, May 13, 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle
• Tuesday, May 28, 5:30pm - School Board Regular Meeting - Charles S Crandall Center, Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle

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