THE PRODUC TS THAT DEFINE PERFORMANCE Thank You Team Members, Retirees, and Owatonna Communit y! 800.4WENGER | wengercorp.com
• Middle School - 6th grade students have orientation on Monday, August 29. 6th-8th grade students’ first day of school is Tuesday, August 30.
• Preschool and Elementary - Early Education-5th grade students begin Wednesday, August 31. Kindergarten-5th grade students and families have before school interviews on August 25 and 29, and grades 1-5 interviews continue on August 30.
lenceTogether,enceshipintowiththegintoandvideos#owatonnaproud).(@owatonna761Photosandshowourteachers,staff,studentsinaction.Taketheselastsummerdaysenjoytimeasafamilyandbe-toprepareyourstudentsfornewschoolyear.Connecttheirteachersaswemovetheyeartobuildapartner-inprovidingthebestexperi-possibleforyourstudents.wewillinspireexcel-ineverylearner,everyday.
2022-2023EDUCATIONUPDATES
Preparing for a great school year
Years
Je Elstad, Superintendent Owatonna Public Schools
While families squeeze in a few more fun experiences this summer, we at Owatonna Public Schools are busy preparing for a great start to the school year! We look forward to starting classes the week of August 29 on the following schedule:
Owatonna
Welcome to Jamie Bates, the new ALC (Area Learning Center) principal. Ms. Bates comes with vast experience working in alternative programs. She began her educational career in 2000 as a history teacher and special education teacher. She served as an assistant principal at Spring ISD and Bay City ISD in Texas and since 2016 has served as a principal in various alternative programs. Ms. Bates brings with her a proven track record of meeting high academic standards, reducing behavior incidents, and developing strong personal relationships with students, teachers, and the community. “As a principal, it is my responsibility to make sure the needs of the students are being met. My job is to take responsibility for student learning, and build a strong relationship with our community for my campus. I have always loved working with students and it is my goal to make sure they know the importance of their education and that I do everything within my power to make it happen.” Public Schools
Celebrating
Welcomes New Principal at ALC Bates
• High School - 9th-12th grade students begin Monday, August 29. Behind-the-scenes action is taking place in all of our schools right now. We are grateful to: • Work crews and custodial staff who are busy cleaning, painting, waxing, laying gym floors, and so much more to give your students a safe and welcoming •environment.Nutrition Services staff who prepared and served meals for children and families throughout June and July and are now getting ready to share delicious, nutritious meals with your students.•Instructional, support, and school-age care staff and administrators who created amazing learning experiences for summer school students and are now focused on providing ways to motivate every student to reach their full Wepotential.workhard to provide every student with challenging and engaging learning opportunities throughout their time in Owatonna Public Schools. Teachers, support staff, and administrators look forward to building relationships with your students, helping them grow in all aspects of their lives. If you want a glimpse into the amazing opportunities happening each day in our classrooms, we encourage you to follow Owatonna Public Schools on social media
Let’s Smile, Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Owatonna since 2013. Schedule your child(ren)’s dental appointment at Community Pathways or your school-based dental clinic! Does your child or teen have MA or no dental insurance? Get their dental screening, cleaning, fluoride treatment, & sealants at no cost to your family! Like Us On Facebook Call/Text 507-363-3023Email: letssmile@outlook.com Website: www.letssmileinc.com HAVE A GREAT YEAR! riverland.edu 2022-2023 Calendar 1 August December July August September 15-18 New Teacher Workshop 23-Jan. 2 Winter Break/No School Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 22-24 Teacher Work Days 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 25 - Gr. K-5 Interviews January 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 25 - OMS Parent Student Info. Day 16 - No School/MLK Day/Staff Development 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 29 - Gr. 9-12 1st Day of School 19 - End of 2nd Quarter 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 29 - Gr. 6 Orientation 20 - No School, Teacher Work Day 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 29 - Gr. K-5 Interviews 31 30 - Gr. 1-5 Interviews February 30 - Gr. 6-8 1st Day of School 17 - No School, Gr. K-5, Conferences October November December 31 - Gr. E-5 1st Day of School Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa March 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 September 23 - End of 3rd Quarter 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 - No School 24 - No School, Teacher Work Day 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5 - No School/District Closed 27-31 Spring Break/No School 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30- Homecoming/2-Hr Early Release 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 April 30 31 October 7 - No School, District Closed 20 - No School/MEA January February March 21 - No School May Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 29 - Memorial Day/District Closed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 November 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 - End of 1st Quarter June 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 4 - No School, Teacher Work Day 1 - Grades 9-12 Last Day of School 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 - No School, Gr. K-5, Conferences 2 - Grades K-8 Last Day of School 29 30 31 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 - No School 2 - Graduation 24 - Thanksgiving Day/District Closed 5 - Teacher Work Day [42] 25 - District Closed 6 - PLC/Staff Development Day April May June 7 - PLC/Staff Development Day Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa School Not in Session School Conference Dates 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 First/Last Day of School 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 District Closed, Designated Holiday 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 No School, Gr. K-8 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 No School, Gr. K-5 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 No School, Grades 9-12 30 2-Hour Early Release https://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/yearly-calendar.html © 2014-2019 Vertex42.com Approved - 5/23/2022 30
Does your student thrive in an online learning environment? Would a more flexible school schedule benefit your family? If you said yes to any of these questions, Owatonna Online is right for you. Owatonna Online is a state-approved K-12 online public school open to all Min nesota students free of charge. Some of the benefits: • A computer/device provid ed to all students - and internet access for those who need it Combination of live and independent learning opportu meet all Minnesota educational high school graduation Owatonna Public Schools staff students grades 9-12 com plete Learning Coach one-on-one checkthe classroom teacher enroll or to learn more about this accredited online school that supported licensed Owatonna Public Schools teachers, visit owatonnaonline.isd761.org.
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Owatonna Public Schools is committed to creating strong student and family relationships and fostering a positive first ex perience. Students in grades K-5 will start school on Wednesday, August 31, to allow time for be fore school interviews to take place.Before school interviews al low teachers to meet individually for 30-40 minutes with students and parents before the start of the school year. All kindergar ten students will sign up for an individual 30-minute interview conference time on Thursday, August 25 or Monday, August 29. All students, grades 1-5, will sign up for an individual 40-minute interview conference time on Thursday, August 25; Monday, August 29 or Tuesday, AugustStudents30. will meet oneon-one with their teacher for approximately 40 minutes for teachers to learn more about them and assess their reading level. Parents will complete pa perwork during this time. Fol lowing the teacher meeting, students will stop at stations to complete FASTBridge reading assessment and school pictures. Students in grades 1-4 will also complete vision and hearing screening. The teachers are look ing forward to getting to know your child better at the begin ning of the year. An email was sent earlier this month with your child’s teacher’s name and a link to sign up on line for an interview time. you did not receive the email or have about signing up for time, contact your el ementary building office. 507-444-8100 507-444-8300 507-444-8200 507-444-8400
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Lincoln Elementary
Matt Zurbriggen pictured with his family.
Our community’s schools, educators, and students have a friend in Federated. Visit federatedinsurance.com/WeLoveOwatonna to see all the reasons why Owatonna has our heart. FOR IT S EDUC ATION SYSTEM Commercial Insurance Proper ty & Casualty | Life & Disability Income Wor kers Compensation Personal Lines Insurance (MN only) Homeowners, Condominiums, & Renters | Auto Personal Umbrella Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* federatedinsurance.com | Ward s 50® Top Per for mer | A.M Best® A+ (Super ior) Rat ing 21.12 Ed 7/22 *Not licensed in all states © 2020 Federated Mutual nsurance Company Welcome to New Principal at Wilson Matt Zurbriggen is now serving as principal for Wilson Elemen tary School. Mr. Zurbriggen previously served as assistant principal at Owatonna Middle School, a position he held for five years. As Mr. Zurbriggen shared, “My family is beyond excited for this next journey in my professional career. Over the last five years, Owa tonna has quickly become home for our family of five - my wife Ash lan, Autumn (age 9), Sienna (7), and Isaiah (3). A strong and loving family is at the root of my being, and as I told the Wilson staff, I can’t wait to join the Wilson family!”
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• Whole class and small group live sessions • Playlist of activities to
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Virtual Learning Option Available
• October 10: 55+ Driver Discount Program
• Project needs to benefit the community as a whole
Thanks to the Owatonna community passing the bond referendum in 2019, construction is well underway on our new high school. The three-story building will contain classrooms, state-of-the-art industrial arts labs and shop spaces, an 825-seat auditorium, a fourcourt gymnasium with a secondlevel walking track, and a large commons/cafeteria space in the center of the building. Due to generous funding from the 761 Foundation and Owatonna Foundation, the high school will also include a large community room. The new high school is located on a 90-acre site in southeast Owatonna with parking for 890 vehicles. The project also includes a 3,481seat stadium, eight tennis courts, four multi-sport practice fields, two softball fields, two baseball fields, and a synthetic turf stadium field surrounded by a nine-lane track. Monitor construction progress by visiting the school district website - isd761.org - and clicking on “New High School.” Photos, drone videos, and time-lapse videos continue to be updated. Staff and students of Owatonna Public Schools remain grateful for the community’s partnership and support for the school district and the new high school facility.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Watch for upcoming Community Education events and brochures. Arriving soon in your mailbox will be information for Early Childhood Family Education, Adult/Youth Enrichment, and Adult Basic Education. Fall special events are posted on the Community Education website: communityed.isd761.org/our-school/ special-events. Registration for Early Childhood Family Education begins August 27. Registration for Adult/Youth Enrichment begins September 8 at 6am online and 8am in person and via phone.
Some special events include:
New High School Construction Update
The twenty-five member Existing OHS Citizens’ Task Force brought their recommendation regarding the current Owatonna High School site to the Owatonna Public Schools School Board on Monday, April 11. The Task Force recommends the District:•ownand operate the C Plaza, gymnasium/locker room spaces, and VoAg building, as well as support spaces such as parking to support functions currently housed at 515 W Bridge Street and 115 E Rose Street.•enter into a Development Agreement with Paul Warshauer of Grande Venues / Former Owatonna High School (FOHS) LLC to explore potential redevelopment of the remainder of the building/ complex as outlined in the proposal dated March 9, 2022. • provide regular updates to the Task Force as the process with Paul Warshauer of Grande Venues / FOHS (Former Owatonna High School) LLC progresses. • call Task Force back to action when more information is available (anticipated to be near the end of 180 day time period requested from developer) before final decisions are made by the School Board. Due to the complexity of the redevelopment project, the developer requested 180 days to fully vet possibilities and find partners. The Task Force put forth the following suitable use criteria for redevelopment:•Project should be financially responsible and consider leveraging a variety of funding types
• Project must be beneficial to the surrounding neighborhood (safety/security, quality of life, property values), etc.
CELEBRATING MOMENTS IN EXTRAORDINARY TIMES www.jostens.com RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL 408 N. Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN • 507-451-2051 Schedule your Fall Fur nace Tune Up Now Your Hometown Heating & Cooling Experts for 40 Years
• September 27: Stillwater Riverboat Cruise
• August 25: Owatonna Adult Education Open House
Current High School Site
• September 26-October 3: Lake Superior Circle Tour
• October 15: Sever’s Fall Festival For more information or to register, visit communityed.isd761.org or call 507-444-7900.
Important Reminders
Medication
Students entering 12th grade for the 2022-2023 school year are required to have documentation or a legal exemption for the booster dose of the meningococcal vaccine. (Most children received the initial dose of this vaccine when they entered 7th grade.)
For a list of required immunizations, please visit our website (isd761.org) or the Minnesota Department of Health’s website (health.state.mn.us).
Breakfast and Lunch Nutrition Services strives to offer students a variety of healthy, tasty, and high-quality foods to fuel their growing bodies. Students are encouraged to actively participate in our meal program by eating breakfast and/or lunch and providing feedback about the meals. Each school meal offers milk, fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains, making each meal a great value and convenience for families.
S er v ing the area mu sical community since 1990 Support those who support our schools 507-451-5196 • tonemusic1990@gmail.com 114 North Cedar , owatoNNa Band & Orchestra Instruments • Guitars • Amplifiers Guitar Lessons • Sheet music • Harmonicas • Percussion Microphones • Mandolins • Banjos • CD’s, LP’s Pianos • Keyboards • Accessories • Instrument Repair Like us on Facebook Professional eye care services and products for all your family’s vision needs. See What You Love, Love How You See! 2560 Harvest Ln NW, Owatonna (507) 451-3072 eyecareowatonna.com Mon. 8-7; Tues 9-5; Wed. 8-5; Thurs. 7-7; Fri 8-5 Dr Nick Vincelli Dr. Penny Vizina Dr Eric Dillinger Dr. Shawnee Sovell Optometrists We welcome any doctor’s lens prescription Member of
Job Opportunities Do you have a passion for good nutrition and working with kids? For substitute or full- and part-time positions, apply online at isd761.org. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. from Health Services from Nutrition Services
• If the student is ill at home, please call the school attendance line daily to report the reason for the absence. It is helpful to report specific symptoms and/or diagnoses.
School Supply Lists
Medications are given with doctor’s orders AND parent signature ONLY. This includes over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Permission slips are available at the nurse’s office, on the school district website, or at the Owatonna Clinic. All medications are to be brought to school and picked up by an adult to avoid problems and to ensure safety. Medications must come in their original container. We will not administer medications that come in alternate containers (see policy 516 on our website).
Here are some guidelines to help you make that decision:• If the student has a fever of 100 degrees or more, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal (without fever reducing medicine).•If the student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.• If the student has any rash that may be diseaserelated or the cause is unknown, check with the family physician before sending the student to school.
Unpaid Meal Account Chargesand Debt Collection Procedures Prepayments should be made to your student’s account prior to the first day of school. The District will make efforts to communicate with families to resolve unpaid meal charges. For more information, review Policy 534 (School Meals Policy) at isd761.org/our-district/schoolboard/policies Special Dietary Needs Forms for special dietary needs and lactosereduced milk can be found on our withspecial-dietary-needs.isd761.org/district-services/nutrition-services/website:Pleasecall507-444-8629anyquestions.
To enable the school to give your child proper health care, the school nurse’s office welcomes any health communications or questions related to the health of your child. A licensed practical nurse is in the office from 7:45am until 2:45pm each school day. Should your child stay home fromschool?
Important Reminders
Owatonna Public Schools uses TeacherLists as a way to share school supply lists with families to make back-to-school shopping easier and save time. Visit isd761.org and click on your school under “Schools” in the upper right corner to find the correct TeacherListslist. partners with Target, Amazon, WalMart, EPI School Supplies, and Staples so you can purchase directly through their websites. As always, the lists are just suggested brands to make one-click shopping easy for you. Please feel free to choose similar items if you prefer.
School Immunizations: Is your child ready for school?
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. Immunizations are due prior to the first day of school. Students transferring into the Owatonna Public School District after the first day of school must provide immunization information and be in compliance within 30 days.
Nutrition Services has enjoyed serving breakfast and lunch at no cost the last two years, but USDA regulations for the 2022-2023 school year require that meals return to full pay. Meals will only be provided to students at no cost if the student is approved for Educational Benefits.
Meal2022-2023Prices Breakfast Lunch Kindergarten $0.00 $2.60 Elementary $1.50 $2.60 Middle School $1.55 $2.65 High School & ALC $1.65 $2.75 Milk Carton: Students receive one carton with each breakfast and lunch meal. Students wishing to purchase a carton with their cold lunch from home or a second milk with their meal must have money in their account. The cost is $0.55 per carton. Apply for Educational Benefits Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Visit isd761.org/ district-services/nutrition-services and click the “Application for Educational Benefits” tab on the left. Paper copies are available at the District Office. Applications may be submitted anytime throughout the school year. Qualifying students approved for free or reduced-price meals not only receive breakfast and lunch meals at no cost, but may also be entitled to additional benefits such as reduced fees for high school sports and activities. The application also helps determine state education funding for your children’s schools. Managing Your Student’s MealAccount All meal and a la carte purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins. Nutrition Services will be transitioning meal payment software to Infinite Campus for the 2022-2023 school year. Additional information on this change and instructions on making online payments will be available soon. Updates will be communicated to all families through Infinite Campus and posted at isd761.org/district-services/nutrition-services. There is also a drop box for meal account payments outside the District Office, 515 West Bridge Street, on the east side of the building. Payments may also be turned in at your child’s school.
Activities
ECSE/Pre-K 507-444-8050 VPK/Little Learners/ECFE 507-444-7900 SCHOOLINFORMATIONCONTACT
an exception to the regular meeting date of the
• Tickets are non-refundable. Ticket refunds minus the service fee will be provided for canceled games only. No refunds for postponed games.
• NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AT EVENTS IN 2022-23.
*Denotes 2nd or 4th session/regular 507-444-8805 Office: 507-444-8988 ALC 507-444-8005
The School Board is an elected body formed by Minnesota law to conduct the business of the school district at open meetings, which the public may observe, with specific exceptions such as negotiation strategy or litigation (see policy 205, Open Meetings and Closed Meetings, on the school district website). In the interest of open communications and hearing the concerns and views of the public, the School Board gives the public an opportunity to address the Board in the “Public Forum” portion of the regular business meetings. Guidelines for public forum can be found on the school district website: isd761.org/our-district/school-board/meeting-dates.OwatonnaPublicSchoolsboardmeetingsareheld the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the Small Group Forum at Owatonna High School, 333 East School Street, with some exceptions. Typically, the second Monday of the month is a work session and the fourth Monday of the month is the regular business meeting. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed and changes will be updated on the school district website.
Owatonna Public Schools is a vibrant school community serving nearly 5,000 students in South Central Minnesota. Our District’s mission - Inspiring Excellence - Every Learner, Every Day - our focus each scholar educator. Owatonna Public Schools is known for creating a culture of caring, belief in each other, equity, innovation, collaboration, pride. We are working to create a culture where each educator has the freedom and flexibility to try something different. Why is this important? It’s not only about trying something new. It’s about increasing each scholar’s engagement and learning by continually enhancing the work we ask students to do. It’s about enriching our relationships with families and our community, and how they experience our schools and systems. It’s about inspiring excellence in every learner, every day. Do you think differently about education? Do you have innovative ideas about how 21st century scholars learn? Do you want to work in an environment where ALL means ALL? If this is the type of work environment you want to work in, visit our website (isd761.org) and view open positions to learn if Owatonna Public Schools is the place you want to work to make a difference.
meeting STAY CONNECTED AND UP-TO-DATE!@Owatonna761 eNewsletterOPSNews is a periodic email to Owatonna Public Schools parents and community members. This e-newsletter is designed to give you updates on district happenings. Visit isd761.org/our-district/news to sign up for our e-newsletter. SocialCelebrateMedia 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! Owatonna Public Schools District Office: 507-444-8600 Nutrition Services: 507-444-8616 Enrollment Office: 507-444-7900 Community Ed: 507-444-7900 Student Assistance:Technology 507-444-8630 Website: isd761.org Owatonna Bus Company: 507-451-5262 Lincoln Elementary Attendance507-444-8100Line: 507-444-8105 McKinley Elementary Attendance507-444-8200Line: 507-444-8205 Washington Elementary Attendance507-444-8300Line: 507-444-8305 Wilson Elementary Attendance507-444-8400Line: 507-444-8405 Middle School Attendance507-444-8700Line: 507-444-8705 Activities/Kids First: 507-444-8504 High School Attendance507-444-8800Line:
Updates to the schedule will be posted on the school district website: isd761.org
provides
Attendance507-444-8000Line:
Monday, August 22, 2022 Monday, September 12, 2022 (work session) Monday, September 26, 2022 Monday, October 10, 2022 (work session) Monday, October 24, 2022 Monday, November 14, 2022 (work session) Monday, November 28, 2022 Monday, December 12, 2022* Monday, January 9, 2023 (organizational meeting/work session) Monday, January 23, 2023 Monday, February 13, 2023 (work session) Monday, February 27, 2023 Monday, March 13, 2023 (work session) Monday, March 20, 2023* Monday, April 10, 2023 (work session) Monday, April 24, 2023 Monday, May 8, 2023 (work session) Monday, May 22, 2023 Monday, June 12, 2023 (work session) Monday, June 26, 2023 Monday, July 10, 2023* Monday, August 14, 2023 (work session) Monday, August 28, 2023 2022-2023 School Board Meeting Dates
and
ONLINE2022-2023TICKETING
creativity, and
Game tickets and activity passes will again be pre-sold through Hometown Ticketing. All Big 9 Conference schools, as well as the MN State High School League, use Hometown Ticketing for online ticket purchases.
Monday, or work
• Activity passes are available as an online option and scanned at the gates. Activity passes are also available in the Activities Office444-8988 or nbenson@isd761.org.
• Online ticketing will be used for all events that require tickets for admission. Tickets can be scanned from your phone or printed and•scanned.Gametickets are available for spectators 1-2 weeks prior to events.•Ticket box office is available at owatonnaactivities.com - click on the blue box “Hometown Ticketing.” Game tickets and activity passes are available.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
We Are Looking for Great People to Join Our Team
to meet the unique and varied needs of
PPRA affords parents of elemen tary and secondary students cer tain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing pur poses, and certain physical exams. These include, but are not limited to, the right to: ∙ Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“pro tected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–
ThePhone:hr@isd761.org(507)444-8600schooldistricttakes such matters very seriously and will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of reports of harass ment. 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/ex clusion or termination of employ ment. A complete copy of school district Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence) may be found on the district website: isd761.org or may be obtained at the District Office. Public RecordsandRegardingNoticeProtectionPrivacyofPupil
1. Protected information sur veys of students and surveys cre ated by a third party;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from stu dents for any of the above mar keting, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
In the event that Owatonna Public Schools decides to close or have an early release or late start due to inclem ent weather, there are multiple ways that families are informed: Website An announcement will appear on the Owatonna Public Schools main website page: isd761.org.
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 by October 1. This written request must include the following informa tion: (1) Name of student and parent, as appropriate; (2) Home address; (3) School presently attend ed by student;(4)Parent’s legal relation ship to student, if applicable; (5) Specific category or cat egories of directory information which is not to be made public without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior written consent.
• Any non-emergency, in vasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a com plaint Familywith:Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202
EMERGENCY
Weather-Related Announcements
• Radio (KOWZ, KRFO/KAT KOUNTRY 105, KDHL) Facebook An announcement will be posted on the District’s official Facebook page. You can follow us on Face book: facebook.com/Owatonna761. PROCEDURES ALL AREA STUDENTS AND STAFF A GREAT YEAR!
∙Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
∙Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –1. Any other protected infor mation survey, regardless of fund ing;2. Any non-emergency, in vasive physical exam or screen ing required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not nec essary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or sco liosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and 3. Activities involving col lection, disclosure, or use of per sonal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the infor mation to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educa tional products or services for, or to, students or educational insti tutions.)
• Phone call to guardians (voice message will be left if unanswered)
Pursuant to applicable law, Inde pendent School District No. 761 gives notice to parents of students currently in attendance in the school district, and eligible stu dents currently in attendance in the school district, of their rights regarding “directory informa “Directorytion.” information” includes the following information relat ing to a student: the student’s name, address, the parent/guard ian name and address, student photograph, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), participa tion in officially recognized activi ties and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, and honors and awards received, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. “Directory informa tion” does not include a student’s social security number, a student’s identification number (ID) or other unique personal identifier, identifying information on a stu dent’s religion, race, color, social position or nationality, or data collected from non-public school students.a.The information listed above shall be public information which the school district may dis close from the education records of ab.student.Should the parent of a stu dent or the student so desire, any or all of the listed information will not be disclosed without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior written consent except to school officials as provided under federal law.c.
1. Please do not telephone the school. Telephone lines must be kept available for emergency communi cations.2.Please do not come to your child’s school unless requested to pick up your child.
Infinite Campus Notification Software (Parent Notifications)
• Administration of any pro tected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
PolicyDistrictNoticesAnnualHarassment
4. You can expect the school district to communi cate to families using our notification system software:
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curricu Theselum. rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated mi nor under State law.
Should an emergency situation arise in our com munity and/or one of our schools while school is in session, please be aware that the schools have made preparations to respond effectively and appropriately to such situations. The Owatonna Public School District has a detailed emergency plan to provide direction to staff and students during such an incident. In the event of an emergency, we ask for your coop eration in following procedures:
Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil AmendmentRights(PPRA)
1. Political affiliations or be liefs of the student or student’s parent;2.Mental or psychological problems of the student or stu dent’s family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, selfincriminating, or demeaning be havior;5.Critical appraisals of oth ers with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privi leged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affilia tions, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or 8. Income, other than as re quired by law to determine pro gram eligibility.
Director of Human Resources Director of Special Services 515 W. Bridge St. Owatonna, MN 55060
•requirement:Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information col lected from students for market ing, sales, or other distribution.
• Email • Message in the parent portal inbox Media An announcement for Owatonna Public Schools will appear on these media outlets: • TV (KSTP 5, KARE 11, KMSP Fox 9, WCCO, KEYC, KTTC, KAAL)
Independent School District #761 will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. In dependent School District #761 will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, par ents of students who are sched uled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Inde pendent School District #761 will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any perti nent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notifica tion
• A message will be sent to guardians in the parent portal inbox and/or emailed.
The Owatonna School District is committed to having a positive learning and working environ ment for students and employees and prohibits harassment or vio lence by or against students or em ployees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, fa milial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orienta tion or disability. The school dis trict 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 im mediately to the building princi pal or to the school district’s hu man rights officer(s).
WISHING
3. In the event of an emergency that requires us to evacuate and relocate, students may be picked up at a designated reunification location by an adult identi fied as a student’s emergency contact. Check the parent portal to review your emergency contacts.
• A phone call will be sent to guardians (a voice message will be left if unanswered).
other visual stressors do not interfere with learn ing.Adults who care for children look for ways to help students and make sure that they have all the tools necessary to learn and succeed. Use of ap propriate lenses and ease digital eye fatigue and ex posure to harmful blue light even for students with 20/20 vision. Lenses that keep eyes comfortable while doing school work enables higher-quality learning and study time. Blue light exposure can also put the body’s biological clock out of balance and cause poor quality sleep. Blue light filtering lenses reduce that risk allowing more restorative and healthier sleep. Sleep can also be improved by avoiding looking at screens for two to three hours before bed. At some point, students, like the rest of us, may wear masks in school settings. This can cause problems with fogged-up glasses. Special lens treat ments and special lens cleaning methods can mini mize lens fogging. Another option for avoiding the problem of lens fogging is by wearing single-use, daily contact lenses that are discarded at the end of each day. Single-use contacts ensure that chil dren and teens have guaranteed clean, sterile lenses every morning. The safety message of single-use contact lenses has always been powerful, but never more than now as we continue to emphasize the importance of cleanliness. While many things have changed since March 2020, vision and eye health continue to be impor tant regardless of the pandemic. Don’t skip your or your family’s annual eye exams! This year be sure to schedule eye appointments for everyone in your family and learn about the latest solutions to your and your student’s vision needs.
SCHOOL SUCCESS AND GOOD #OwatonnaProudVISION
Horizon EyeCare Professionals is a member of Vision Source, a network of independent eye doctors. The doctors and staff at Horizon EyeCare have access to the knowledge and resources of more than 3,300 locally owned practices and are dedicated to maintaining the special relationship between you and your family eye doctor. Decisions regarding your care are made by you and your Vision Source eye doctor based solely upon what is best for your eye health and vision. For more information go to www.vi sionsource.com or www.eyecareowatonna.com
By Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist We all want to do all we can to ensure that our children can learn successfully. School work puts many visual demands on stu dents. Accuracy in copying from a whiteboard, as well as reading, writing, doing math problems at near is fundamental to school success. Additional ly, in school and at home, students’ eyes may be fo cusing on a computer, an i-pad, or a mobile device screen. Eyes and vision can change we grow, and students need to have the best possible vision to do their best work. So, it is more important than ever that students have annual eye exams to be sure that poor vision, poor focusing, poor eye teaming, and
