District 761 school news 2014 by Kate Noet

Education Edition Volume 13 • Edition 1

Independent School District No. 761

A welcome from the superintendent Dear parents and students of Independent School District 761,

I would like to welcome our students, parents and staff to the 2014-15 school year. Each school year brings the anticipation of new opportunities for our students and teachers. A great deal of time and effort was spent during the summer months with teachers working on curriculum and establishing common assessments for grade levels or subject content areas. These efforts will provide better instructional practices for our teachers and better ways to measure our students’ performances in the classroom. This coming school year will be the beginning of all-day kindergarten for all students in the District. A lot of preparation during the last school year has been completed in order for this new opportunity to have a successful start. We all are excited for the opportunity to have our youngest students spend more time with their classroom teachers and have more time for learning. We will start this school year without having to discuss budget reductions or ask our community for more funding. We are very thankful for the support given last November to provide more revenues for our schools. For the next several years, we should

Peter Grant

strategic plan. A strategic plan is the road map for our future to make sure we are delivering the best education we can to our students. Our goal has been to establish a plan we can explain to the public in a clearly defined manner and one that provides measurable outcomes for all of us to understand. This strategic plan process will include an opportunity for the public to comment on before the Board makes official approval of it in October. School will begin on September 2, 2014. We anticipate a student enrollment of 4,800 entering our schools. As you start to prepare your students for another school year, remember that the first week is quite hectic. You will be getting your family schedules re-aligned and we will be doing everything we can to help make that first week be successful. Look for bus schedules coming to your home if your child will be riding a school bus. Be sure your child knows the safest direction to walk to school. Being safe at crosswalks to and from school is critical. Please work with us to help provide the best education we can for your children. We cannot do it alone and we need your help for this to be a successful year.

be able to manage our finances without the significant reductions we have had in the past and to provide our students great educational opportunities. There will be some new faces working in our classrooms this school year. Each year it is difficult to have people retire or move on and then replace them. We feel very fortunate to have hired some great new talent for our classrooms or to provide support for our teachers. We look forward to having new people bring their experiences to our schools and to help us improve. Starting last spring and through the summer, many District employees Submitted by Peter Grant, Superhave been working on creating a new intendent

August 21, 2014

✓CHECKLIST BACK-TO-SCHOOL

School

Immunizations

ARE YOUR CHILD’S SHOTS UP-TO-DATE? To go to school in Minnesota, students must show they’ve received immunization against a number of diseases or file a legal exemption with the school. Documentation of immunization or exemption must be submitted to the school before school begins on September 2nd. Required Immunizations: Kindergarten — Age 6: 5 doses of DTaP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) Age 7 — 6th Grade: At least 3 diphtheria and tetanus, 3 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) 7th Grade: At least 3 diphtheria and tetanus (including 1 Tdap), 3 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B, 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) and 1 Meningococcal 8th Grade — 12th Grade: At least 3 diphtheria and tetanus (including 1 Td/ Tdap), 3 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) Beginning 9/1/14, newly required immunizations are in bold.

PAGE 2

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Hours All Elementary Schools 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Willow Creek 8:10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Owatonna Jr. High School 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owatonna High School 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rose Street ALC 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

District Harassment Policy The Owatonna School District is committed to having a positive learning and working environment for students and employees and prohibits harassment or violence by or against students or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or disability. The school district encourages students, parents and employees to work together to prevent acts of harassment of any kind as well. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or violence or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute harassment or violence should report the alleged acts immediately to the building principal or to the school district’s human rights officer(s). Director of Human Resources Director of Special Services 515 W. Bridge St. Owatonna, MN 55060 hr@owatonna.k12.mn.us The school district takes such matters very seriously and will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of reports of harassment. Students or employees who engage in harassment in violation of the school district’s policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion/ exclusion or termination of employment. A complete copy of school district Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence) may be found on the district website: www.owatonna.k12.mn.us or may be obtained at the District Office.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

EDUCATION EDITION AUGUST 2014 A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060 www.owatonna.com Publisher Ron Ensley Advertising Director Debbie Ensley Managing Editor Jeffrey Jackson

Media Consultants Steve Arnold, Betty Frost, Shawnea Hull, David Weeks Ad Design Keeley Krebsbach, Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Matt Roosmalen

Success Depends on Good Vision! From Preschool to College how students learn depends on how they see. Schedule a Back to School Eye Exam Today! Start the school year in style with new eyewear!

Special student eyewear packages Dr. Beth Gilthvedt • Dr. Nick Vincelli Optometrists

We welcome any doctor’s presciption!

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118 N. Oak Ave., Owatonna 507-451-3072 www.eyecareowatonna.com

Thursday, August 21, 2014

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 3

Across the District

Owatonna Public Schools 2014-2015 Calendar m

JULY w 2 9 16 23 30

7 14 21 28

t 1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

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SEPTEMBER t w th 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30

NOVEMBER t w th

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

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6 13 20 27

5 12 19 26

th 3 10 17 24 31

6 13 20 27

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

JANUARY t w th 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

m 2 9 16 23 30

MARCH t w th 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31

MAY t w th

s 1 8 15 22 29

s 3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

f 4 11 18 25

s 5 12 19 26

f 5 12 19 26

s 6 13 20 27

s 1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

f 2 9 16 23 30

f 6 13 20 27

f 1 8 15 22 29

s 3 10 17 24 31

s 7 14 21 28

s 2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

AUGUST t w th 5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

f 1 8 15 22 29

s 2 9 16 23 30

f 3 10 17 24 31

s 4 11 18 25

f 5 12 19 26

s 6 13 20 27

f 6 13 20 27

s 7 14 21 28

f 3 10 17 24

s 4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

OCTOBER t w th 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30

m 1 8 15 22 29

DECEMBER t w th 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 31

m 2 9 16 23

FEBRUARY t w th 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26

7 14 21 28

s 1 8 15 22

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

s 7 14 21 28

m 1 8 15 22 29

t 2 9 16 23 30

APRIL w 1 8 15 22 29 JUNE w 3 10 17 24

th 2 9 16 23 30

August 18-21 February 16 November 3 Workshop August 18-21 ......................... New Teacher No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day OHS Conferences New Teacher Workshop August 25-28. ................................ Teacher Work Days November 26 August 25-28 February 17 August 27 ........................................... OJHS Orientation No School K-12/Staff Develop. ALC Conferences Teacher Work Days August Day Day August28 27 ............................... Home/Child/School March 3 September 1 ............ Labor Day/School District Closed November 27-28 OJHS Orientation OHS Registration Night September of School, Grades 1-12 Break/District August 28 2 ............. First DayThanksgiving March 6 September 30 .................................... Closed ALC Conferences No School K-8/Teacher Work Day Home/Child/School Day October 3 ..1Homecoming Parade/2-Hour March 20 December 1 Early Release September October 6 ........................................... OHS Conferences Labor Day /School District Closed No School K-8/Teacher Work Day No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day September 2 December 8 Conferences March 30-April 3 October 13-14.................................. OJHS First Day of School OHS Conferences Spring Break/No School October 13-15......................... Grades K-6 Conferences September 30 December 9 April 9 October 15 .............................................. No School K-6 ALC Conferences ALC Conferences OJHS Conferences October 16-17 ............. Ed. MN Conference/No School October 3 December 24-January 2 May 4 October 31 ......................... End of First Quarter at OHS Homecoming Parade/E Winter Break/No School OHS Conferences November 3 ........... No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day arly Release January 16 May 5 November 25 .............................. End of First Trimester No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day ALC Conferences October 6 Nov. 26 .......... No School K-12/Staff Development Day January 19 OHS Conferences May 22 Nov. 27 & 28 ......... Thanksgiving Break/District Closed No School/MLK Day/Staff De- No School K-8/Teacher Work Day October 13-14 December 1 ............. No Schoolvelop. K-8/Teacher Work Day May 25 OJHS Conferences December 8 ....................................... Memorial Day/School District JanuaryOHS 27, 29Conferences & 30 October 13-15 December ....................................... ALC Conferences Closed Grades K-6 Conferences Grades K-69Conferences December Break/No School June 3 January 30 October 1524-January 2 ........ Winter January 15..................... End ofNo Second at OHS Last Student Day School Quarter K-6 No School K-6 January No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day June 7 February 12 October16.............. 16-17 Graduation OJHS Conferences Ed 19 MN........... Conference/No School Jan. No School/MLK Day/Staff Development Jan. 27, 29 & 30 ...................... Grades K-6 Conferences January 30............................................... No School K-6 February 12...................................... OJHS Conferences February 16........................................OHS Conferences February 17........................................ ALC Conferences March 3..................................... OHS Registration Night March 5.................................. End of Second Trimester March 6.................... No School K-8/Teacher Work Day March 19 ..................................... End of Third Quarter March 20 ............... No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day March 30-April 3 ......................Spring Break/No School April 9 .............................................. OJHS Conferences May 4 ................................................. OHS Conferences May 5 ................................................. ALC Conferences May 22 ..................... No School K-8/Teacher Day The Dolly Parton Work Imagination Library May 25 ...............Memorial Day/School District Closed is a FREE program that mails an age-appropriate book every June 3................................................. Last Student Day month to every childTeacher in Steele County June 4............................................... Work Day from birth to age 5. June 5 ...................................... Staff Development Day June 7 ......................................................... Graduation

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School Not in Session

th 4 11 18 25

f 5 12 19 26

s 6 13 20 27

School Not in Session K-6

Owatonna Rotary Club and Edition School Not Early in Session K-8Rotary Club

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Owatonna Public Library Foundation

Registration School Not in Session 9-12 accepted beginning August 21

at the Owatonna Public Library and SchoolUnited District Way Closedof–Steele Designated Holiday County; 110 N Cedar, Owatonna

PAGE 4

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Across the District

Numbers to Know Lincoln Elementary School 444-8100 Mary Hawkins, Principal Sara Klecker, Principal’s Secretary

McKinley Elementary School 444-8200 Bob Olson, Principal Lorri Harrison, Principal’s Secretary Washington Elementary School 444-8300 Beth Svenby, Principal Tricia Fisher, Principal’s Secretary Wilson Elementary School 444-8400 Julie Sullivan, Principal Nancy Benson, Principal’s Secretary Willow Creek School 444-8500 Jim Kiefer, Principal Susan Peterson, Principal’s Secretary

Student Transportation Student Transportation Transportation is provided by the Owatonna Bus Company. All students eligible for transportation and those who have arranged for transportation with a private contract will receive a letter in the mail the week before school starts. Any parent with daycare information, even if the daycare has stayed the same from the previous year, needs to contact the bus company immediately. The times for pickup and drop-off of students in the letter is approximate. Please be patient and flexible for the first couple of weeks until everything settles down into a routine. We look forward to transporting the students of Owatonna to and from school this coming school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at the Owatonna Bus Company. Our phone number is 451-5262.

Owatonna Jr. High School 444-8700 Jason Hunt, Principal Wendy Cirksena, Assistant Principal Pam Krenke, Principal’s Secretary Owatonna Alternative Learning Center 444-8000 Melodee Hoffner, Assistant Principal Kim Gaalswyk, Secretary

Owatonna High School 444-8800 Mark Randall, Principal Cheryl Summer, Principal’s Secretary Jeff Miller, Assistant Principal Nicole Adams, Assistant Principal Ryan Swanson, Activities Director 444-8989 Rene Olson, Activities Secretary 444-8988 Roosevelt Community School 444-7900 Deb McDermott-Johnson, Director 444-7901 Deb Karaus, Adult & Family Enrichment 444-7921 Betsy Wilker, CE Program Specialist 444-7922 Sean Hughes, Youth Programs Coordinator 444-7923 Renee Compton, EC Team Leader 444-7926 Kids First Activity Line 444-7905 Kim Reyant, Adult Learning Center 444-7925 District Office 444-8600 Pete Grant, Superintendent 444-8601 Amy LaDue, Director of Teaching & Learning 444-8603 Director of Human Resources 444-8612 Tom Sager, Director of Operations & Finance 444-8615 Shari Mensink, Special Services Coordinator 444-7801 Mike Halverson, Director of Information Tech. 444-8609 Rachel Valesano, Director of Food Services 444-8607 Dave Ihrke, Director of Buildings and Grounds 444-8606 Nancy Brandel, Health Services Coordinator 444-8804

Change Your Child’s Life!

RULES OF THE ROAD Safety Procedures: 1. Student will be at bus stop on time. 2. Student will wait for bus off roadway. 3. Student will cross road only in front of bus. 4. Student will never use the emergency door except in case of physical emergency or when directed by the driver. Student Rules: 1. Student will obey the bus driver at all times. 2. Student will sit where directed by the driver. 3. Student is expected to be at the bus stop on time and display proper conduct at the bus stop. 4. Student will keep head and arms inside

bus at all times. 5. Student will not use profane or vulgar language. 6. Student will not throw things. 7. Student will not litter bus. 8. Student will not shout out of the bus or in the bus. 9. Student will not mark with any pen, pencil or marking device on the bus interior or exterior. 10. Student will be held financially responsible for any damage done deliberately or through rowdiness. 11. Student will report any damage at once to the driver. 12. Student not following these rules is subject to suspension from the bus.

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Cost Per Week $30 $50 $70 $80 $99 (includes dinner) $130 (includes dinner)

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 5

Across the District

Owatonna public schools special services help students overcome challenges The Owatonna Public School’s Special Services has three programs for students that have challenges to learning: Special Education, Title, and English Language Learners. Special Education services are provided to over 600 students birth to the age of 21. Students qualify for special education in one or more of 14 different educational disabilities. Students qualifying for special education receive specialized instruction that will allow them to make progress in the general curriculum. This support is provided by a special education teacher or a related services specialist such as Speech/Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist. In addition to licensed staff, Paraprofessionals support the learner by providing behavioral and academic support while the student is in the general education classroom. Special Education is based upon a partnership model in which decisions about the student’s program are made by the parents, school professionals, and other providers working together. Students need to qualify for Special Education and must go through an evaluation to determine eligibility. The District has been working to implement a Multiple Tiered System of Supports to provide academic and behavioral support to students within the general education classroom prior to making a referral for evaluation. This tiered system of support focuses on differentiating instruction based on student need, taking frequent informal measures

of the effectiveness of the intervention and having a team of teachers reviewing student performance data to make informed decisions on student programming. If a student continues to not make progress within the general curriculum, then a referral for evaluation may be made. In addition to the services provided in our Kindergarten through grade 12, Special Education Services are provided for students birth through 5 years old (also known as “Early Childhood Special Education” or “ECSE”) and for students 18 to 21 years old (also known as “Transition Plus”). Early Childhood Special Education services are divided into two age groups: Birth through 2 years old and 3 to 5 years old. The emphasis for Birth to 2 is on assisting parents and care providers with tips and tools to address early developmental needs. Special Education Teachers and Related Services Support staff typically go to the child’s home and work with parents on how to use daily routines and toys in the home to promote language, motor, and cognitive development of their child. The services for students aged 3 through 5 years old is provided in a variety of settings: home, day care (private and home-based), and school. Whereas the emphasis in the Birth to 2 services was working with parents, for 3 to 5, the teachers work directly with the child to address areas of concern and need. Much time and energy is directed toward get-

ting the child school ready and working on both pre-academic skills and social skills that are necessary for success in school. At the other end of the specialized instruction services spectrum is programming for students ages 18 to 21 who continue to have special education needs. While many of our students graduate at 18 (or the end of 12th grade) a small percentage of our students continue to have special education needs that require specialized instruction and support. These students are served in the community, at OHS (in the Ag Building) or at supported adult work centers. Title services are provided to learners who are struggling within the general education classroom and are in need of additional intensive support, usually for a short period of time. These students do not necessarily qualify for specialized instruction but are in need of more intensive instructional support. Students usually receive their Title services in a small group setting that might be within the classroom or in another room. Students’ eligibility for Title services is based upon a variety of sources such as performance on standardized tests, teacher observations, and parental consent. Title services are available to students in schools with Free and Reduced populations greater than the District average (currently 41 percent of our students, district-wide, qualify for Free or Reduced lunch). English Language Learners are students whose first lan-

guage might not be English or whose exposure to English has been limited. Student eligibility is determined by multiple measures, including performance on a standardized assessment of the English Language, classroom observation, teacher judgment, parental input, and other developmentally appropriate assessments. The emphasis of instruction is on learning “academic English” or the words that assist students in the classroom. Students are eligible for services until they are able to demonstrate proficiency on a nationally normed assessment. All three programs have

parent advisory groups. For Special Education, there is a District-wide Special Education Advisory committee comprised of parents, special ed and regular ed teachers, and interested community members. This committee meets quarterly with the Special Education District Administration to provide input on programming and issues facing the Department. Title I parental involvement is primarily at the local school, though there is a District-wide committee that meets twice per year to provide consultation and feedback to school and district administration. Parents of EL students have

regular meetings at the neighborhood school. Topics include how to support homework, how to access community resources, and how to best support their child’s learning. There is a District-wide committee that meets twice per year to advise District administration on policy and programming concerns. Parents having questions about the supportive services available to their child or to become involved with the Advisory groups should contact their child’s building principal or by contacting the District’s Special Services office at 507444-8614.

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PAGE 6

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Across the District Parents encouraged to update contact information for inﬁnite campus parent portal

Infinite Campus is the Owatonna Public School student management system as well as a tool for parents and students to access timely individual student information. We encourage parents to use this program as one way to stay current on their child’s school information. The system is for students in grades K – 12, however, the type of information will vary depending on your child’s grade level. Information for students in K – 3 includes attendance, immunizations, school calendar, and contact information. In upper grades, this information also include grades, report cards, transcripts and assignments. If you have already registered for Infinite Campus Parent Portal, you do not need to register each school year. It is important, however, for parents to log-in annually to verify contact information such as phone numbers and emergency contacts to ensure they are up to date. The phone numbers listed in Infinite Campus are the ones that are used for the district messenger system, which is used to call parents when there are school closings, emergency situations, or other important reminders. Follow the steps in the parent portal to update your information. Once completed you will receive a notice confirming your changes.

If you have not registered for an account or are new to our District, you can go to your child’s school office to set up your account. To set up an account, parents need to pro-

vide a photo identification. There is an Infinite Campus app that parents with accounts can download for iPhones or android phones. Directions are available

through the District website, www. owatonna.k12.mn.us. Once at the website select the info and links tab, infinite campus portal and follow the directions on the front page.

Public notice about protection, privacy of pupil records

Pursuant to applicable law, Independent School District No. 761 gives notice to parents of students currently in attendance in the school district, and eligible students currently in attendance in the school district, of their rights regarding “directory information.” “Directory information” includes the following information relating to a student: the student’s name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, and honors and awards received. “Directory information” also includes the name, address and telephone number of the student’s parent(s). “Directory information” does not include identifying information on a student’s religion, race, color, social position or nationality. (Student photographs are not directory information, but are published annually in the school year book.) a. The information listed above shall be public information which the school district may disclose from the education records of a student or information regarding a parent. b. Should the parent of a student or the student so desire, any or all of the listed information will not be dis¬closed without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior writ¬ten consent except to school officials as provided under federal law. c. In order to make any or all of the directory information listed above “private” (i.e. subject to consent prior to disclosure), the parent or eligible student must make a written request to the building principal within thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice. This written request must include the following information: (1) Name of student and parent, as appropriate; (2) Home address; (3) School presently attended by student; (4) Parent’s legal relationship to student, if applicable; (5) Specific category or categories of directory information which is not to be made public without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior written consent.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month! Your library card: the most valuable school supply. Download the app for your Android or iPhone! tonemusic1990@gmail.com

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 7

Across the District

Owatonna public schools food and nutrition kicks off another school year Students will be returning to school soon and the Food & Nutrition Services Department is ready to serve them healthy and nutritious meals to help them be at their best in the classroom. We plan to continue our focus of serving up lots of fruits and vegetables to our students along with more scratch cooking in our kitchens. All students are required to take at least one serving of a fruit or vegetable along with two other food groups to make their lunch meal complete. New for the 2014-2015 school year, students will also be required to take a fruit or vegetable with their breakfast meal along with the other required items each day. Food & Nutrition Services wishes the best to all of our students as the new school year begins. Our sole purpose is to keep our customers happy and healthy and we want students’

bodies and minds to have the energy needed to feel and perform their best. Be sure to check out our Food & Nutrition Services area on the district website at www.owatonna.k12.mn.us for a wealth of information on our program at your fingertips.

our website at www.owatonna.k12. mn.us for the necessary forms you will need to have filled out and returned to the Food & Nutrition Services Department. New forms need to be filled out each school year and returned prior to Aug. 15. If you need forms mailed to you or you have questions about special diets, please call 444-8629.

Student meal prices for 2014-2015

All kindergarten students receive their breakfast for free. All free and reduced pay students receive breakfast and lunch for free. Elementary, Willow Creek and OJHS full pay breakfast price is $1.20 and OHS is $1.35. Elementary full pay lunch price is $2.35, Willow Creek and OJHS are $2.40 and OHS is $2.50. Did you receive your Application for Educational Benefits in the mail? It came in a green packet earlier this

Managing meal accounts

summer. If you did not receive yours, or you have questions on filling it out please call Food & Nutrition Services at 444-8616. As a reminder, a new ap-

Do you ever wonder what your child’s meal account balance is or what items they are purchasing on any given day? Be sure to register on mypaymentsplus.com to see account history, make payments and manage email notifications that can alert you when your child’s meal account balplication needs to be submitted each ance is getting low. For more informaschool year. tion on this or if you have any other Do you have special dietary con- questions about Food & Nutrition Sercerns for your child? Please check out vices, please call 444-8616.

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PAGE 8

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Owatonna Community Education Owatonna Community Education offers options for everyone Adult Learning Center Opens for Registration on Aug. 18 The Adult Learning Center is for adults to receive personal and confidential attention to their educational needs. Instruction is offered in the subject areas of reading, writing, vocabulary, English, spelling, math, ESL, career and college readiness, on-line learning and preparation for work and a transitioning into a job search. The Adult Learning Center is located in the Roosevelt Community School. Adults can choose between traditional class formats, small group, individual tutoring or learning in our state-of-theart computer lab. A variety of web-based software is available for community use both in the Center and at home. Many classes this fall will be new or reformatted in our class schedule. New class schedules will be mailed to all current and former students. New students are welcome to stop into the Adult Learning Center at Roosevelt Community School to pick-up a class schedule, or call Kim at 444-7925 to have a schedule mailed. Advance registration for Adult Learning Center classes is recommended to ensure a seat. Adult Learning Center services are free of charge. Anyone interested in growing their basic academic skills for career advancement, transitioning to work or a college program will find value in Adult Learning

Center services. Classes begin on September 8th. GED Preparation and Testing Services Available in the Adult Learning Center Adults needing to complete their GED can prepare and test at Roosevelt Community School. Call 444-7925 to receive a copy of the fall class and testing schedule.

Early childhood screening available

Appointments are now being accepted for families with children ages 3-5. Early Childhood screening is mandated

by the State of Minnesota proximately one and one half prior to public school kinder- hours to complete. garten entry. The purpose is to Families new to Owatonna confirm for families that their with a kindergarten student child is developing normally and ready for the school experience. Families with children between the ages of 3 and 5 will alphabetically receive a post card notice to schedule an appointment. Families may also call 444-7900 to schedule an appointment at any time. Screenings are held Thursday afternoons and evenings, with one Saturday morning a month available for appointments. Screenings take ap-

who has not previously been completed. Appointments fill screened, can call Commu- quickly, so call today. nity Education right now to get their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screening Continued on 9

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 9

Owatonna Community Education From Page 8

Fall Community Education brochures to mail Sept. 2

Fall Community Education Brochures will be placed in the US Mail Service the week of Sept. 2 and will be delivered to every household within the Owatonna school district. Online registration for adults and youth programs will begin on Sept. 3 at 6 a.m. On-line registration at www.owatonnacommunityed.org is a fast and efficient way to get registered for the classes you want. Many classes begin the week of Sept. 22 with several others, including trips and workshops scheduled throughout the months of October,

November and December. Most offerings have a limited number of slots available, so register early. Registration is on-going until all class seats are filled. As soon as a brochure copy is ready for viewing, it will be posted to the community education website listed above. Check back often for a preview of special programs and events planned with you and your family in mind. Families not receiving a fall program publication are encouraged to call Community Education at 444-7900 to have a copy sent. Copies are also available at Roosevelt Community School, Owatonna Public Schools District Office, and the Owatonna Public Library

for pick-up. Call 444-7900 with questions or assistance in completing registration for all C om mu n it y E du c at i on learning opportunities. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Preschool learning for children ages 0-5

The Early Childhood brochure featuring parent and child together learning opportunities will be direct mailed to families with children 0-5 years of age. Brochures will mail the week of Aug. 11. Registration begins on Aug. 28. The online registration feature is now available for ECFE registrations and will go live on Aug. 21 at 8 a.m. Families are also

welcome to call 444-7900 beginning 8 a.m. on Aug. 21, or stop by Roosevelt Community School with your registration requests. Registration for early childhood programs remains open until class slots are filled. Families are encouraged to select the waiting list option if preferred classes are full. New class offerings will be built for those classes with full waiting lists as space and instructors are available.

Kids First/OJHS athletics

Owatonna Community Education is pleased to announce their continuing support for OJHS KIDS FIRST Athletics. The Fall Sports Parent/Athlete Meeting was

held Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at OJHS. Practice for fall sports begin on August 25th. For more information on the KIDS FIRST Athletic Program, contact Sean Hughes, Youth Coordinator with Owatonna Community Education. Phone 444-7923. Coaches are still needed. Please check the school district website for employment opportunities, or contact Sean Hughes at 444-7923. A reminder to families, KIDS FIRST will no longer be a part of the district activities fee cap. A scholarship program is available to any family requesting assistance with the activity fee. Information will be available at all of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parent/Athlete

meetings about the scholarship opportunities, or check our website for updates. The following web links will provide families with valuable updates on Kids First vAthletic programs: www.owatonnacommunityed.org click on Kids First/ OJHS Athletics tab or www. owatonna.k12.mn.us click on OJHS link. Fall game schedules can be downloaded at www.big9.org Enrollment for fall sport participation is available on line at http:// owatonna.feepay.com. To register for fall sports, parents will need their studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ID number and a current MSHSL physical. The system will alert families if the current physical on file for a student needs updating.

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OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Owatonna Alternative Learning Center offers options for success By MELODEE HOFFNER

I hope this article finds you enjoying your summer. My name is Melodee Hoffner and I am the new Assistant Principal at Owatonna Alternative Learning Center (ALC). I am very excited and thrilled at the opportunity to be part of this community. My background consists of working as a K-12 school counselor, mental health, drug and alcohol counselor, and health promotion specialist. I have additional training in Positive Behavior Instructional Supports (PBIS), Response to Intervention (RtI), AVID (Advanced via Individual Determination) and many other educational related experiences. I am looking forward to working with you as a partner in education to ensure your

student’s success. Along with our staff, I would like to welcome you to the Owatonna Alternative Learning Center. The ALC is a program option for students who are in need of a different learning option rather than the traditional high school setting. If you feel your student needs a smaller environment, more individualized help, or access to online curriculum to recover credits, the ALC may be a program that will meet your student’s needs. Our students graduate with an Owatonna High School Diploma and are required to pass the same testing requirements like other Owatonna High School students. Students who attend the ALC have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in high school activities and

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sports. The ALC and Owatonna High School (OHS) work closely together to provide the best educational supports and, when possible, partial OHS and ALC schedules are also available for students. In addition, the ALC has student leadership opportunities with our MAAP STARS (Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs) organization led by Don Hettinga, our Social Studies teacher. We have onsite support for chemical health with our licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Sandy Ogle. We also have an onsite licensed Social Worker, Chely Flores, available as a valuable resource for parents and students. We offer core courses, a variety of specialized classes such as Physical Education, Health and an online curriculum

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through Odysseyware. Odysseyware has multiple learning levels, ranging from foundational to honors classes and provides several credit recovery options. We have an Advisement period where we focus on 21st Century Career, Academic and Personal/Social skills. The ALC continues to build on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to guide behavior and decision making for both students and staff. The Owatonna Alternative Learning Center may be the option you’re looking for and we welcome the opportunity to visit with you and your student. Please join us for our Open House, Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 130 E. Vine St., Owatonna for more information. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

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If you are an Owatonna High School student, you may attend the Open House to fill out ALC paperwork. Please attend the Open House if you are currently an ALC student to complete your 201415 paperwork and to receive your class schedule. For all other enrollment questions, contact the Owatonna School District Office at 507-444-8640. The entire Owatonna Alternative Learning Center staff are committed to building relationships, facilitating student community service, creating an environment based on respect and trust and focusing on student growth. We strongly feel that all students have value and can succeed. We look forward to partnering with the community, parents and students for the 2014-15 school year.

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 11

Elementary Registration

If you recently moved to the community, students in all grades register at the district office. The office is located at 515 West Bridge Street, and appointments can be made by calling (507)444-8640. Due to high enrollment at some schools in certain grade levels, we will not be able to honor all enrollments in boundary-defined schools. The main office line for each school is listed below. If your family has moved within the community, please notify the district office at the same contact information listed above. If you move to a different attendance area during the school year, please contact your school principal.

Home/Child/School Day

This very important event will be held Aug. 28, 2014, at all of the elementary schools for students in grades one through five. This is an opportunity for parents and children to meet their new teachers and set the stage for a successful year of learning. This day does count as your child’s first day of school and attendance will be taken. If your family did not receive a mailing with information regarding In just a couple weeks, students will flood back into the halls of local schools, including Wilson Elementary, pictured above. (People’s Press file photo) Home/Child/School Day, please orientation will begin promptly lists of school supplies at Wal-Mart, benefits students socially, provides formation is particularly important call your neighborhood elementary Willow Creek in the gymnasium. An overview Office Max, and other stores in the opportunities for important com- in tracking childhood illnesses. Our school. Due to all-day kindergar- Orientation will be covered. Then, students area. munications between teachers and schools are working closely with the ten, the Home/Child/School Day Willow Creek will have its and parents will visit with staff students and establishes regular district attorney’s office and Steele Attendance for kindergarorientation members at tables that are set up habits of dependability important County Human Services to stay ten students School attendance is imporon Thursday, for student activities. Parents may to the future of all students. Please on top of student attendance and will be held on IMPORTANT Aug. 28. We also stop at the food services table tant for students in order to ensure be sure to call your child’s school give assistance if needed to famiTuesday, Sept. are suggesting to set up a lunch account for the a consistent, quality education. office to report if your child will be lies who are struggling with getting TELEPHONE 2, the first day that families student. Activity tickets will be Regular school attendance directly late or absent and include why your their children to school regularly of school for NUMBERS attend during available for purchase. Also, the impacts success in academic work, child will not be in school. This in- and on time. 1-12 students. Lincoln School 444-8100 time frames nurse will be present for any parKindergarten Attendance Line 444-8105 below: ent needing to drop off medicastudents will McKinley School 444-8200 Thursday, tions for their student. Our PTSO Attendance Line 444-8205 start Sept. 2 Aug. 28 will have some of the executive with half of Washington School 444-8300 9-10 a.m. committee in attendance to enthe students Attendance Line 444-8305 Students with courage parents to join the PTSO reporting on Wilson School 444-8400 the last name and share the many projects the the second Attendance Line 444-8405 in the Q-Z PTSO supports during the year; and the other Willow Creek School 444-8500 range Attendance Line 444-8505 PTSO will also collect PTSO Ages 5-8 • Saturdays • 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM half reporting 1 1 a . m . - classroom dues. Students will take on Sept. 3. All Ages 9-12 • Saturdays • 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM noon Students their school pictures during this kindergarten At Owatonna Cheer!, Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of cheerleading to provide a solid with the last name in the H-P range time as well. students will report on Friday, Sept. foundation to build on. Kids will learn cheers, dances and jumps while focusing on technique. 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Students After visiting tables, students 5. You will receive a letter from your with the last name in the A-G New material taught at each session. Classes meet at Dynamic Fitness, 606 Hoffman Dr., Owatonna will have an opportunity to drop respective school indicating which range off their school supplies and meet day your child attends for his/her The orientation will be a dif- informally with their teacher and first day of kindergarten. 507.444.0455 or email: owatonnacheer@gmail.com ferent format from past years. The tour the school. Parents should find

Contact Stephanie Hanson

PAGE 12

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Junior High

Owatonna Junior High School gets ready for a new year We hope that you’ve been having a wonderful summer, but our hallways have been empty for too long and we are greatly anticipating the return of our students. If you are an incoming 7th grader – welcome. We really enjoyed bringing you over for tours at the end of the school year and had wonderful conversations with your teachers about the great things that you’ve been doing. We have heard that you are an amazing class and look very forward to meeting you in a few weeks. Incoming 8th graders – we welcome you back. Look forward to an amazing year, full of all sorts of learning, challenges and activities. We hope that both grades are ready for a year of pushing your limits. We hope to take learning to a whole new level and to challenge you in ways that you’ve not been challenged before. We’ve worked really hard on our curriculum (things we’d like all students to know) this last year and have developed a number of ways to provide feedback to you about your progress and support to help you master and push past our standards. We’ve also worked very hard on building a schedule that best supports student needs. Within the next week or so you’ll be receiving more information about our next school year. This year we begin the second year of our school’s direction, which focuses on literacy, learning and leadership. We’ve also been spending quite a bit of time with other staff from around the district on the development of the district’s strategic direction. While this is currently in rough draft form, we are quite excited about the clarity it will provide for the whole district and the “raising of the bar” that we’ll be doing to ensure all are prepared for career and college. Physically, you may see some changes around the building. We installed new tiling along with tables and chairs in one of our technology rooms. We’ve added color

throughout the building thanks to the great help of our summer painting staff. We’ve added four large murals, dramatically increased wi-fi service, significantly increased the number of student laptops and have spruced up the school in a number of other ways. We hope that as you come back you’ll like the changes. Again, with great anticipation we await Sept. 2.

Fast facts about OJHS

• About 680 7th and 8th Grade Students will attend OJHS next year • The student day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. • The building opens for students at 8:07 a.m. each day. • Office Hours: 7:30 am to 4 pm • The building is ran by about 75 total staff members, including 43 teachers, a Spanish and Somali liaison, a full time resources officer, a full time community service officer, an assistant principal, two social workers and other support personnel. • Student schedules are complimented with a full array of courses including technology engineering education, art, family and consumer science, Spanish, health, orchestra, band, and choir. • We offer a wide array of cocurricular and extracurricular activities, including but not limited to student council, Leaders for Life, YSHOC, drama, yearbook, Jazz Band, WE club, newspaper, and all the major sports. • To stay up to date, please visit our school’s website or “like” us at www.facebook.com/owatonnajuniorhighschool. • If you’d like to visit our school, please enter through the main entrance on 15th St. NE and sign in at the security desk.

Orientation for all students, parents

All seventh and eighth graders will attend orientation sessions

on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Owatonna Junior High School. We invite and encourage parents to attend with their child. As a parent, if you cannot attend, your child can still successfully complete the orientation program, so please ensure that they find a way to attend. Our front doors will open for all 7th grade parents and students at 8:20 a.m. Students and parents will report to their designated Home Base classroom. The day will start with a welcome and introductions and students and parents will then be given a specific plan for the day’s activities. The 7th grade orientation runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The front doors will again open at 12:05 p.m. for our eighth grade parents and students. The eighth graders and their parents will report to their Home Base rooms at 12:15 p.m. to begin their orientation session which runs from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Orientation Day is also Picture Day. If desired, students may want to take their school photo prior to the orientation meeting. Please enter through the athletic entrance if you would like to take your picture prior to the actual orientation. All students will have their picture taken by Life Touch Studios for their student ID cards and the OJHS yearbook. To avoid long picture lines, Life Touch photographers will be extending photo hours to include an early morning session. Life Touch photos will be available in the old gym prior to the seventh grade orientation from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. and again from 9:15 to 3:30 p.m. (please enter through the Athletic Entrance-north side of building) In addition to pictures, students and parents will have time to go through class schedules and meet their teachers following the Home Base meetings. An information fair will be set up in the cafeteria where students will receive information regarding

regarding immunizations, as well as athletic physical information to Health Services at orientation or send to the school prior to the beginning of the school year. The clinics do not provide that information. It must be provided by parents to the school. Health Services will have a table set up outside the OJHS media center to answer any questions on orientation day. Your child will be required to have a current athletic physical on file with the school prior to participating in any Kids 1st Athletic Programs. In addition, all students participating in the Kids 1st Sport Program must provide a waiver of insurance coverage. Health information A family may choose to use their updates current medical family coverage, Please provide all information or they may choose to purchase OJHS student support services and co-curricular activities. Students may purchase activity stickers that activate the student I.D. card for $40. There will also be an opportunity for students to make payments on their lunch accounts based on the Food and Nutrition Services information given to them in their Home Base classes. The Owatonna Bus Company will send you bus transportation information. The Bus Company will be at orientation to answer your questions and to hand out the student bus passes. If you have any questions regarding transportation, please call the bus company at 451-5262.

a Student Accident Insurance Policy. These forms are available at the OJHS Oﬃce.

Calendar of events

August 18 — Kids 1st Fall Sports Mtg. 7pm OJHS — IMC 25 — Kids 1st Fall Sports Practices Begin 27 — OJHS Student/Parent Orientation 8:30am-10:30am 7th Grade 12:15pm -2:15pm 8th Grade Also: Student picture day September 1 — Labor Day/No School 2 — First Day of School 9 — First Day of RE (Religious Ed Release Time) 12 — OJHS Teen Night, 7-9 p.m.

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OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 13

Owatonna High School Keep your eyes on the prize: OHS prepares students for success Welcome to another school year at Owatonna High School. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE. This is our theme for this year as we continue to place an emphasis on preparing students for life after high school. Specifically, our expectations for students is to focus on Principal Mark Randall the following: 1.) College and career Readiness 2.) High Student achievement 3.) A Safe and engaging learning environment. The aforementioned expectations are extremely important in helping our students succeed and for our staff as they prepare to offer our students an outstanding educational experience. At Owatonna Senior High School, we provide our students with many avenues to help prepare them for graduation and success after high school. For instance, we offer rigorous college preparation classes with close to 20 AP and honors courses. In partnership with Minnesota State, Mankato and Southwest State, students have the opportunity to earn college credit and save on the rising costs of college tuition by taking college courses right here at Owatonna Senior High School. We also offer a variety of pre manufacturing and other career focused courses with opportunities in our agriculture and industrial technology departments. This is in addition to the three foreign languages (Spanish, French, German) we offer and the many opportunities for students to explore career possibilities with the mentorship programs at OHS and our partnerships with local businesses. The well-rounded education also includes culinary, family and consumer science, business, physical education, and music courses that are focused on building life and career skills.

We continue to strengthen our advisement program where we work on high school and postsecondary planning for each student. This program also provides an opportunity to personally connect with every student at Owatonna Senior High School. Additionally, we plan to have our 2nd annual college and career fair this fall. Last year, we had over 20 colleges and universities visit OHS in addition to several of our local businesses. We are also looking forward to the addition of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) which provides all of OHS with researched-based strategies and curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, literacy, writing, and many other skills to help promote academic rigor and college and career readiness. The opportunities for students are unlike any school in the area as there truly is something for everyone. At Owatonna High School, we appreciate the support we get from our parents and community. This partnership is another key component in providing our students with the education they need and deserve. We look forward to a great school year. If you see an OHS student, remind them to KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE. Mark Randall Principal

Safety

The safety of students, staff, and guests at Owatonna High School is essential. We have spent much time and effort to improve our safety policies and procedures over the past three years and we continue that process of continuous improvement into this year as well. We want to thank students, staff, and our community for their support throughout this process.

Police liaison, community service officers

As a result of a collaborative effort led by the Owatonna Po-

Safety and student success are two of Owatonna High School’s main goals. (People’s Press file photo)

lice Department, Owatonna High School is extremely fortunate to have two community service officers along with a police liaison officer in the building on an everyday basis. To provide perspective, OHS is a small community that occupies approximately two city blocks and houses nearly 1800 people when school is in session. When you include four parking lots and athletic facilities, the size is nearly four city blocks. This reality represents a large challenge and the addition of the CSO’s has had an immediate positive impact. The police liaison works closely with school personnel to ensure that our security practices are sound. They provide insight and direction for CSO’s and their daily work as well as developing and implementing crisis plans, evacuations, and day to day operations involving building security and safety.

Continued on 14

Child & Teen Checkups Program Steele County Public Health Nursing Service For optimal performance on the court and in school, make sure to:

Give them regular Child and Teen Checkups at your clinic and dentist. Child and Teen Checkups are available to children from birth through age 20 who are covered by Minnesota state health plans such as: • Medical Assistance • Minnesota Care • South Country Health Alliance • Blue Plus

Call your clinic to schedule an appointment

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP

with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment for dentist or doctors visit call Christine Need shots? You can also call Steele County Public Health

STEELE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

507-444-7650

PAGE 14

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Owatonna High School From Page 13

schedule these visits during the lunch periods. Please understand that these procedures are designed to ensure that we know who is in our building and why they are there. We understand that there will be occasions when you are unable to set up a prior appointment. When that is the situation, please come to the school, park in the visitor parking in the south lot, enter through the Main Doors and register with the Visitor and Information Desk. They will work with office staff to assist you with conducting your visit.

Additionally, the liaison will receive and investigate student conduct in which a law may have been broken. CSO’s perform a variety of tasks that include overseeing the visitor registration process and monitoring our parking lots, hallways, and student commons. They do these tasks and more with a high level of professionalism and effectiveness. Most importantly, you will find the police liaison and CSO’s connecting positively with students on an everyday basis. They are approachable, friendly, student centered and play a major Student drop-off, pick-up role in ensuring a safe and orderly Last year, changes to parking building that is essential to maxi- along Grove Avenue were institutmize student learning. ed in order to improve the safety and efficiency of student drop off Visitor parking, and pick up. Those changes reregistration main in effect for this school year. Owatonna High School welWe wish to emphasize that comes all visitors to the building. when picking up or dropping off However, in order to maintain a students before school, that you safe environment, we ask that all use either the Grove Avenue and/ visitors follow procedures begin- or Harriet Street zones. If you will ning with parking. Visitor park- be dropping off or picking up a ing stalls are available in the south student during the school day, lot – adjacent to the tennis court and you plan to use the Grove complex. Stalls are marked and Avenue location – please apare located just inside the lot en- proach the drop off zone from trance facing north. Once parked, the south and use the east side of please use the main entrance fac- the avenue – school side only. The ing Grove Avenue. to enter the zone starts just north of the parkbuilding – all other doors are ing lot entrance and continues to locked during the school day. the intersection of Grove Avenue Once inside the main doors, and School Street. Use the entire we ask that all parents and other length of this zone. We continue visitors register at the Visitor Reg- to request that in the best interistration and Information Desk est of student and staff safety, that located in front of the auditorium you not enter the South Lot with doors. Visitors will be asked to your vehicle for this purpose. verify their identification and School Street will continue will then be directed and/or es- to be designated as a bus loadcorted to their intended location ing zone and violators who enter within the building. Whenever this area with their vehicles may possible, we are requesting that be ticketed. On school days, this prior to any visit you set up an street remains closed to through appointment with the party you traffic from approximately 7 a.m. intend to meet with. If you need until 8 a.m. and from 2:15 p.m. to come to the main office, please until 3 p.m. for safety purposes. set up this meeting by phone @ By: Jeff Miller, Assistant Prin507.444.8800. cipal at OHS Former students are always welcome to visit staff members OHS welcomes new staff either before or after school with • Brynn McConnell — Counan appointment. Please do not selor (alpha chunk F-K)

The commencement ceremony is the destination of every Owatonna High School student. (People’s Press file photo)

• Suzanne Jokela-Moskovits — German • Jennifer Jeno — special ed • Beth Fink — special ed • Lisa Beschnett — art • Tyler Hannigan — social studies • Aleksardr Prafke — social studies • Gail Tratz — language arts (transferring from OJHS) • John Scheil — physical education • Sandra Justice — orchestra Congratulations to Ella Rasp for receiving recognition in the 2015 National Merit Program.

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Supporting and advocating for music and music education as essential to the life-long learning of our students and community. • A healthy arts curriculum enhances the science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum. • Students who participate in high quality music programs score 22% better in English and 20% better on math standardized exams.

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OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, August 21, 2014