Around 656

Our McKinley Early Childhood Center Multicultural Festival was a huge success! We invited all of our early childhood students and their families to explore cultures from around the world. We kicked things off with a story read in English, Spanish and Somali, followed by information booths, face painting, coloring, sensory tables, bracelet-making, and so much more! It was a wonderful opportunity to bring together families from diverse cultures for a fun and meaningful celebration!

For the past two years, a team of Jefferson staff members have been attending PBIS Cohort 19 training. During their time there, they have been creating behavior practices, involving community and students in the PBIS committee, creating ways to celebrate student and staff accomplishments, and building upon the great things already happening at Jefferson.

This month the Jefferson Elementary PBIS team graduated from Cohort 19 and we are proud of the progress they have made as a team for our district!

In February, 45 FMS students traveled to Welch Village for a 'Learn to Ski' day. After completing their lessons, they were free to explore the slopes and enjoy one of Minnesota's favorite winter activities. We're grateful to provide this experience for our students!

Faribault High School and Faribault Area Learning Center students had the opportunity to explore health care, law enforcement, business, and manufacturing careers. It was an engaging, informational, interactive, and fun day. We are appreciative of the many businesses and community members who took the time to share career information with our youth. A special thank you to Workforce Development Inc., South Central College, Rice County Law Enforcement Center with police and prison staff, Mayo Clinic, and Allina Hospital, for organizing the day and opening their doors to our students to provide hands-on experiences and information. We also had the opportunity to stop at The Depot for a culinary presentation and lunch. We are grateful to chef and owner, Jeff LeBeau, for donating lunch to everyone! It was fun learning more about the history and journey of his career and many decades of ownership of this successful restaurant!

Ms. Williams-Peters' fourth graders truly impressed us with their procedural reports! Families were invited to come and watch their students present, and we were blown away by their presentations. Our students presented the procedures for making pancakes, hot cocoa, ham and cheese sandwiches, Rice Krispie bars, handwritten cards, bracelets, bubbles, paper squishies, folding a t-shirt, and more. We are incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm our 4th graders put into their presentations. A huge thank you to all the families who joined us to celebrate and support their students—it made the experience even more special!

You and your child are invited to our Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration event on May 7 at Roosevelt. During the event, you’ll be able to learn about our dual-immersion program, register your child for preschool or kindergarten, meet school staff, ask questions, and learn more about our schools.

A new session of Wiggles and Giggles for ages 0-2 and their loving adult starts next Monday, April 7! One-year-olds are developing important social skills and love being around other children. Wiggles and Giggles is a wonderful opportunity to observe their growth, support their interactions, and encourage language development as they hear new words from peers.

Join us for a fun-filled class! Sessions are available from 9-10 AM and 5-6 PM. Visit the Faribault Community Education building to register.

Check out these awesome Future Chefs! Elementary students were asked to submit healthy and tasty recipes for Sodexo's Future Chef competition. Three top students were then selected to compete by preparing their dishes for a panel of judges.

In third place, with her flavorful sloppy joes, was Olivia Harman. In second place, with his sweet and nutritious smoothie, was Barrett Cowan. And in first place, with her authentic and delicious tostadas de pollo (chicken tostadas), was Vera Espinoza! Congratulations to all three of our phenomenal students who competed!

Let’s also give a shout-out to our judges: Jefferson Dean of Students Scott Morrissey, School Board Member Lynda Boudreau, and Superintendent Jamie Bente!

Our Roosevelt SOAR Council students are at it again! Here they are preparing a surprise that will be handed out to all 3rd-5th grade students taking the MCA test. These leaders sure stay busy on the SOAR Council and make a positive daily impact at Roosevelt!

Congratulations to the DECA program on a great showing at the Minnesota State Career Development Conference. Faribault advanced five events into the state finals with four of them placing in the top five. Finalists were awarded preliminary medals and competed against the top 12 in the state. The top eight are called to stage at the Grand Awards where trophies and finalist medals are awarded. Students qualifying for the International Career Development Conference will compete in late April in Orlando, FL.

Award winners were:

• Jillian Huberty - 2nd place trophy in Apparel and Accessories Marketing
• Jillian Huberty - 3rd place trophy in Advanced Level Interview
• Jovalynn Vangness - 3rd place trophy in Entry Level Interview
• Lexie Berger and Hannah Petersen - 5th place in School Based Enterprise - Food Service
• Bri Velasquez and Kelsie Vigesaa - 11th place in School Based Enterprise - Retail Operations

• Adam Wallace - Received a top 25 Personal Finance Exam medal
• Freddy’s Locker Room School Based Enterprise Food and Retail were Gold Certified
• Thrive Chapter Campaign Awards in Promotional, Ethical Leadership, Community Service, and Membership

Students in Greg Boyd’s automotive courses are gaining valuable hands-on experience this school year thanks to a FEEP grant!

The Falcon Educational Enrichment Program (FEEP) awarded grants to ten Faribault Public Schools teachers to fund classroom resources and learning opportunities beyond the district’s budget.

Mr. Boyd’s grant provided a portable welding machine and cart, giving 9th-12th grade students the opportunity to develop a key industry skill. This versatile tool not only enhances their learning but also allows for essential vehicle repairs while cars are raised on a shop lift.

The Multimatic 220 AC/DC TIG, MIG, and Stick welder will benefit students for years to come, helping them build practical skills for future careers.

To learn more about FEEP and its parent organization, FAPSETA, which supports Faribault Public Schools students, visit fapseta.org.

We are excited to offer this amazing program again this summer to all Faribault Public Schools students in grades 1-8.

When: June 16-July 31, 2025, Monday-Thursday from 8 AM - 3 PM

Where: Grades 1-4 at Lincoln Elementary & Grades 5-8 at Faribault High School

Local community volunteers Martha and Ann Schultz are raising money for the district’s School Supplies for All initiative through their annual tulip sale. Order your beautiful tulips by April 7 using the link or QR code below.

Tulips will be ready for pickup on April 17, and 100% of proceeds will help provide free school supplies next year for Faribault Public Schools students in preschool through 8th grade.

We’re looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team! Faribault Public Schools has a variety of openings, including positions for teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, and more. Come be part of a supportive community that values education, growth, and making a difference in students' lives.

Don't miss a beat! Check out the Faribault Public Schools activities calendar to stay informed on all activities and events.

Do you have a story to share? Email communications@faribault.k12.mn.us for a chance to be featured in the next Around 656 Newsletter.