761 School Tab

Education Edition Volume 11 • Edition 8

A welcome from the superintendent Hello, I am Peter Grant, and I would like to welcome you to the ISD 761 Education Edition for the 2012-13 school year. I am serving the school district this year as interim Superintendent. I have worked in the District before, as Associate Principal at OHS from 1991-2002 and most recently as interim Principal at OJHS from December 2011 to the end of the school year, June 8, 2012. I am looking forward to working with the District and the Peter Grant community this school year. We have a lot of challenges to address and the work at hand is critical to the success of our teachers and students.

This year, ISD 761 will be launching its first start of ESTEM at McKinley, Willow Creek and OJHS. ESTEM is a focus for teachers and students to look at the curriculum through the lenses of environment, technology, science, engineering and math. This is more about a philosophical approach to teaching and learning than a radical change in curriculum. Our teachers will be working in teams across curricular contents and provide instruction in those areas without separation of delivery. Teachers will be looking at ways to provide instruction in which environment, technology, science, engineering and math have a commonality to them instead of teaching those subjects in isolation.

McKinley has been designated as an ESTEM school. All students in grades K-5 will begin the process this year with a new focus on ESTEM. Staff have been working to prepare a new approach to teaching and learning for our students. There will not be a specified time of day when ESTEM is being taught. ESTEM will be imbedded in the instruction of reading, math, science and technology. It

will be an exciting time for staff and students as they approach this new focus on learning.

At Willow Creek, two houses will have an emphasis on ESTEM. At OJHS, a team in grade seven will begin this year with ESTEM while a team in grade 8 will use the year to prepare for the seventh graders moving to 8th grade. All three sites will be using a similar approach in providing instruction, but each will be grade appropriate. As with all new initiatives, there will be some moments of trepidation and synchronizing of room or equipment usage. I have great confidence in our staff to overcome those times and provide our students with exciting opportunities for learning.

Each new school year, there are challenges. This particular year has the challenge of adapting to the budget reductions. We will recognize those challenges immediately.

Some former colleagues will not be here. There will be some larger class sizes. Some District services will be altered. Our school sites will need to become more efficient in the use of time and the personnel on hand.

Even though there was great concern over the changes in music, music will continue to be an excellent opportunity for our students. Classroom instruction will continue to be the focus of our daily behaviors. Our students will still be provided the best education we can provide. Yet, the budget reductions will be felt. There may be less classroom supplies. We can expect less field trips. Our utilization of time for instruction needs to become more focused.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it is critical the District has a welcoming environment for our students, staff and community.

We will need the help of parents and the community to ensure that a healthy and welcoming environment is our mainstay. For parents, I would encourage you to become very

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Independent School District No. 761

involved in your child’s social media activities. The last several years have proven that our students’ activities on FaceBook, Twitter, texting and cell phone usage has and will continue to change our school environment.

Appropriate usage of these media requires a responsibility to understand how they can impact our schools and those who use those media.

We need to continue our efforts to stop bullying in our schools. However, it is not only a school problem.

Bullying does not begin in September and end in June. Bullying does not begin at 8a.m. and end at 3p.m. We need to listen closely to our children and pay attention to what they do and do not say. We need to pay attention to subtle changes that reflect how they are feeling. We need to work together to help our children deal with bullying and how to bring it to a halt.

This will take a partnership between the schools and parents and our community. We have a responsibility to address and change these behaviors that are having a negative impact on our children.

School begins September 4, and approximately 4,900 students will enter our schools. This begins the most exciting time of the year for us.

We will begin the mission of educating the children of our community.

When our kindergarten students walk into their schools, an incredible journey will start for them that we get to be part of. There is nothing more rewarding than helping those five and six year olds meet their teachers, meet new friends and start the exploration of learning. That is truly why so many of us are teachers or those who chose to work in schools.

Please work with us to help provide the best education we can for your children. We cannot do it alone, and we need you to help this be a successful year. I believe if we work together with a common goal for our children, this will be a very rewarding time for all of us.

August 23, 2012

Back-to-school

CHECKLIST

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 4th.

Required Immunizations: Kindergarten: 5 doses of DTaP, 4 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) Age 7 — 6th Grade: At least 3 doses of DTaP, at least 3 Polio and 1 MMR 7th Grade: At least 3 doses of DTaP plus 1 Td/Tdap vaccine required at age 11 or older•, at least 3 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) 8th Grade — 12th Grade: At least 3 doses of DTaP plus 1 Td/ Tdap vaccine required at age 11 or older•, at least 3 Polio and 2 MMR •If a child received a Td at age 7-10 years they do not necessarily need another one at age 11-12. However, they must receive another shot of Td or Tdap 10 years after their last one.

PAGE 2

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Across the District

School Hours All elementary schools AM Kindergarten PM Kindergarten Willow Creek Owatonna Jr. High School Owatonna High School Rose Street ALC

8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Noon – 2:30 p.m.

8:10 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.

8 a.m – 2:30 p.m.

8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

2 HOUR LATE START DAYS October 2 December 3 February 4

March 4 April 15 May 6

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 AND DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES 515 W. BRIDGE ST. OWATONNA, MINN. 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 23, 2012

EDUCATION EDITION AUGUST 2012 A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060 www.owatonna.com Publisher Ron Ensley

Account Representatives Betty Frost, Luke Brown, Rachel Ebbers, Deb Theisen, Diane Gengler

Advertising Director Debbie Ensley

Ad Design Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Sue Schuster, Paul Ristau

Managing Editor Jeffrey Jackson

Page Design Tony Borreson Education Edition 2012 is distributed to the subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge.

All rights reserved. ©2012

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 3

Across the District

Owatonna Public Schools 2012-2013 Calendar JULY AUGUST 2012-13 ISD 761 ACADEMIC CALENDAR m t w th f s s m t w th f s

August 20-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Teacher Workshop August 27-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teacher Work Days s . . . .27 . . . . . . . . . . . .Home/Child/School Nov. 5 Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 August 30 .Aug. Orientation No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day September9th 3 . Grade . . . . .Parent . Labor Day/School District Closed 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SeptemberAug. 28 Nov. 22-23 4 . . . . . . . . First Day of School, Grades 1-12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 October 1 .Link . . . Crew . . . . Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-HourThanksgiving Late Start Break/District Closed Aug 29 Nov. 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 October 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OHS/ALC Conferences OJHS Orientation No School K-8/Teacher Work Day 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 October 15-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . Grades 1-8 Conferences Aug..30 Dec. 3 October 17Home . . . . .Child . . . .School . . . . No DaySchool K-6/Conferences 2 Hour Late Start October 18-19 . . . . . . .Ed. MN Conference/No Sept.. 3 Dec.School 10 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER OHS/ALC Conferences November Labor 2 . . . Day, . . . .School . . . . . District . . End Closed of First Quarter 9-12 s m t w th f s s m t w th f s November Sept.

4 Dec. 24-Jan. 5 . . . . . . No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day 1 First School Winter Break/No School 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nov. 22 & 23 . .Day . . .of.Thanksgiving Break/District Closed Sept. 6 Jan. 15 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 November Willow 29. . . .Creek . . . . Family . . . . . Night End of First Trimester K-8 Grades K-6 Conferences November 30 . . . . . .

No School K-8/Teacher Work Day 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Oct. 1 Jan. 17 . . . . Late . . . .Start . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour Grades Late Start K-6 Conferences 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 December 32 Hour December 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences Oct.. 5 Jan. 18 23JULY24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 August 20-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Teacher Workshop AUGUST Early Dismissal No School December 24-January 1 for . . .Homecoming . . Winter Break/No SchoolK-6/Conferences 30 August 27-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teacher Work Days s m t w th f s s m t w th f s Parade Jan. 18 January 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grades K-6 Conferences August 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home/Child/School Day No School 1 2 3 4 5 NOVEMBER 6 7 1 2 3 4 DECEMBER January 17 Oct. .Closed . . .8Grs. K-6 Conf./End of2nd Quarter 9-129-12/Teacher Work Day September 3 . . . . . . . Labor Day/School District OHS/ALC Conferences Jan. 21 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 September . . . . . . .f. First sDay ofJanuary School, Grades 18 Oct. . . 1-12 . .15 . .and . . . 16 . . . . No School K-6/Conferences s m t August w 20-23 th . . .f. . . . . .s. . . . . New sTeachermWorkshop t w 4 th AUGUST No School K-12/MLK Day 15 m 16 t 17w 18th 19f 20s 21 12 . 13 17 Work 18 Days August 27-30 . . . . . 14 . . . . .15 . . . . .16 . .Teacher October 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .January Two-Hour18 Late .Grades .Start . . . .1-8 . No School 9-12/TeacherJan. Work 1 2 3 1 Conferences 24 Day 22 23 24 AUGUST 25 26 27 28 20 23 24 25 AugustAugust 3019 . . . .20-23 . . . . .21 .. .. .. .. ..22 .. . ..Home/Child/School Day October 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OHS/ALC Conferences . . . . . . New Teacher Workshop 1 2 3 4 Jan. 21 . . . . . .

No School/MLK Day/Staff Development Oct. 17 OJHS Conferences .27 .9. . . .28 7s August 8263 . 27-30 10 3 Closed 4October 29 s 30m 31 t4 w 5 th 6 f September 15-166. . . . .7. . . . . .8. . Grades 1-8 Conferences . .Labor . . . 29 . .Day/School . . .30 . .2. . 31 . . District . .Teacher Work5 Days 6 7 8 9 10 11 September 4 . 30 . . .. .. ......First Day of. .School, Grades October 1-12 January 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OJHS Conferences No School K-6/Conferences Feb. 4 August . . . . . . . . . .Home/Child/School Day 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No School K-6/Conferences 11 16 14 15 16 17 . . . Two-Hour 9 10Late11 12 13 14 15 11217 2 13 3 October 4 13 14 15 18 1 . . . . . . . 3. .. .. .. .. ....... .Labor Start September Day/School District Closed HourStart Late Start October 18-19 . . . . . . . .Ed. MN Conference/No February 4 Oct. .School . . .18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour2Late 20 22 25 5 21 6 SEPTEMBER 7 23 81924 9 20 10 October 11 September 8 . . . . 23 . . . 4. .. ..OCTOBER .24 . OHS/ALC Conferences 18 21 22 16 191-122 20 . .. .........First Day of17 School,18 Grades November . . . . . . 21 . . . . . .22 . . EndFebruary of First Quarter 9-12 Ed. MN Professional Conf.

– No 18 . . . .

Presidents Day/School District Closed 27 m13 28 t 29 31 15-16 Conferences 14 w30 15 th 16 f17 October s 12 s18 October s .m f . Two-Hour s November 1. .. .. .. ..t.. .. .. .. .w . .. .. Grades . .th . . . . 1-8 Late Start5 . . . . . . No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day 25 29 23.. 5.OHS/ALC 246 25 26 27 28 29 October 17 . . . 30 .81. .. .. .. ..2.. .. .. .. .No 25School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences 19 20-23 20 21 24 Teacher 25 October August . . . . . 22 . .26 . . .23 . . . 27 . New Workshop 128 3. . School ..4 . . . . K-6/Conferences Conferences Nov. 22 & 23 . . . . . .Thanksgiving February Break/District Closed October 18-19 . . . . . . . .Ed. MN Conference/No School August . . . . . 29 . . . . 31 Work Days 27OCTOBER October . . . . .11 . .30 . . Grades 28 . .K-8 . . . . . . . . . End of Second Trimester K-8 31131-8 Conferences 2 26 327-30 428 5. . . .6.30 7. . . .Teacher 8 72 . . .15-16 8. . . . .9.. .. .. ..10 12Quarter November 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . End February of First Trimester November . . End of First 9-12 August 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home/Child/School OctoberDay 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . No School K-6/Conferences m 10 t 11w 12th 13f 14s 15 November 30 . . . . . .

No School K-8/Teacher Work Day March 1 . . . . . . . . . . .No School K-8/Teacher Work Day 9 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 November 5 . . . . . .

No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day September 3 . . . . . . . Labor Day/School District Closed October 18-19 . . . . . . . .Ed. MN Conference/No School3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start JANUARY FEBRUARY 1 17 2 18 3. .19 4 205 Day 6of School, December Nov. 22Grades &21 23 . 1-12 .22 . . . .Thanksgiving Break/District Closed 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 September 4 . .OCTOBER . . . . First March 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Two-Hour Late Start November 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of First Quarter . . . . . . f. . . . . .s. . . .OHS/ALC Conferences November 29.Start .29 .f. . . 30 . . .s. . . . End ofsFirst Trimester w th m December tK-8 w9-1210th s8 24m w th s November October 19 . 25 . . 10 .ts. . 26 . .11 . .m . 27 . .12 . . . 28 .t13 . .f . Two-Hour Late 23 29 28 5 . . . . . .31 No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day March 28 . . . . . .

24-January 1 . . . . . Winter Break/No School . . . . . . . . . . End of Third Quarter 9-12 November 30 . . . . . . No School K-8/Teacher WorkDecember Day October 81 . . . 17 .2. . . .18 .3. . . .19 . 5OHS/ALC Conferences 15 16 4. . . .120 30 Nov. . . . . . .Thanksgiving Break/District Closed 261-8 Conferences 3 322. . &. 4. 23 March 29 . . . . . . . . .No School K-12/Teacher Work Day December . . . . . .5. . . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start January 15 . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . .2. . Grades K-6 Conferences October 15-1624 . . . .25 . . . . .26 . . . . 27 Grades 22 23 7 8 9 10 11 12 December 13 November 29. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..OHS/ALC . . . End ofConferences First Trimester K-8 10 . . . . . . .

NOVEMBER DECEMBER October 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No School K-6/Conferences January 17 . . . .

Grs. K-6 Conf./End of2nd1 Quarter April . . . . . .9-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School District Closed 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 29 30 31 November 30 . . . . . .

No School K-8/Teacher Work Day December . . Winter Break/No October 18-19 . . .w . 17 . . . .Ed. Conference/No School January 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . No School K-6/Conferences s 14 m15 t 16 th18MNf19 s20 December s24-January m 3 . . t.1. .. .. .w th f . Two-Hour s School April 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Break/No School . . . . . . . . . . .

Late Start 13 10K-6 11 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 2 . 23 26 16 27 17 15 . . .9-12 .18 . . . . . .19 . . . . . . Grades Conferences November . . . . .24 . .14 . .1.25 . . .15 End 2 ofJanuary 3First Quarter 1 January 18 . . . . . . . No School 9-12/Teacher Work Day December 10 K-6 . . . Conf./End . . . . . . . . . of2nd . . . .OHS/ALC DECEMBER April 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start January 17 . . . .Day Grs. Quarter Conferences 9-12 November 5 . 30 .20 . . . .31 No School 9-12/Teacher Work 28 29 Jan. 21 . . . . .21 . No School/MLK 218f 22 23 December 24 25. . .4.26 19 20 22 23 Day/Staff Development 4 m225 &t 236.w. . . 7. th 9s Break/District 10 5 1School 7 188Break/No . .6.17 . . K-6/Conferences Winter School January 182 . Closed . . .3. .24-January . . . No Nov. .Thanksgiving April 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OJHS Conferences January 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OJHS Conferences January .11 . .School . . 12 . . . .9-12/Teacher . 13 . .24 . . Grades K-626 Conferences 11 12 29.

1327 16 14 2515 January 189 . . . 10 .15 . . .. . No Work Day 27 28 November . . .14 . . .28 . .15 . . . . 29 End First K-8 30 Trimester 31 1 of17 February 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May Two-Hour Late Start 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start DECEMBER January 17 . . . .

Grs. K-6 Conf./End of2nd Quarter 9-12 Jan. 21 . . . . . .

No School/MLK Day/Staff Development November . .6 . No22 School Work 17 Day 18 19 20 21 22 18 20.5. . 21 24 16 3 19 4 30 7 23 8K-8/Teacher February 18 . . . . Presidents Day/School District Closed School K-6/Conferences s 11 m 3 . 12 th s January January 24 . . Start . .18 . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .No . OJHS Conferences May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences December . t. . . .13 .w. . . .14 . . . . 15 . .f . Two-Hour Late 10 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 School 27 28 29 February 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences January 9-12/Teacher Work Day February 4 . . . .18 . . .. . . . . . . .No . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start December 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC 1 Conferences May 27 . . . . . . . .

Memorial Day/School District Closed 17 18 19 20 21 22MARCH APRIL February 28 . . . . . . . . . . .

End of Second Trimester K-8 30 31 Jan.1821 . . . No School/MLK Development . .. .. ..Presidents Day/SchoolDay/Staff District Closed December School 2 3 24-January 4 5 1 . .6. . . Winter 7 February 8Break/No rd th June 6 . .

End 3 24 15 25 . . .26 27 28 29 March 1 . . . .th . . . . . . .No School K-8/Teacher Work DayTrimester & 4 Qtr./Last Student Day January 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OJHS Conferences February 25 . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences January . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grades K-6 Conferences s m t w th f s s m t w f s 9 10 JANUARY 11 12 13 14 15 FEBRUARY March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Two-Hour February 28 . .9-12 . .4. .. .. . . . . .End K-8 February . . . .of. .Second . . . . . . Trimester Two-Hour Late 4Start January Quarter 31 17 . . . . Grs. K-6 Conf./End of2nd 7 . . Late . . . .Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teacher Work Day s 16 m17 f21 March s22 t. .2Presidents w K-8/Teacher th Day/School f 1 Work s District 2March 328 . . . 4. . . . . . 5. . . . . .6. End June January 18 . .t .18 . . .w . 19 . . . .th . 20 . No School K-6/Conferences 1 . s. . . . .m .1 . . . ..No School Day Closed of Third Quarter 9-12 February 18 FEBRUARY June 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graduation 23 24 28 March 327 49-12/Teacher 529 4 .Work 1 Late 2 Start January 18 . 1 . .25 . . .2 . 26 No School . . . . .Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Two-Hour

Owatonna Public Schools 2012-2013 Calendar

blic Schools 2012-2013 Calendar ublic Schools 2012-2013 Calendar

012-2013 Calendar

School Starts Next Week!

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Remember your children’s immunizations February 29 . . .11 . . . . . .No 7 825 . . . .9. . . . . . . . . 7. . . .OHS/ALC 8 Conferences 9March10 12 School 13 K-12/Teacher Work Day

m .t. . . . wNo School/MLK th f s MarchDevelopment Jan. 28 3. . . . . 4.28 . . . .5. . . . .6. End of Third QuarterTrimester 9-12 1 . .K-8 February ... 7 End of Second April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School District Closed 6 30217.31 8 9 11 10 12 11Day/Staff 12 13 Conferences 14. . . .1.15 14 8K-8/Teacher 159Work16 17.. .. .. .18 19 20 January 24 . . .10 .........1 . . . . . 2. . . . March OJHS 29 Day March .. .. .. ..No .12 . 16 .School . . 13 . .NoK-12/Teacher School Work Two-Hour 1-5Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Break/No School Late Start 13 14 15FEBRUARY 16 17 18 19 10 11 14 15 16 April February 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Two-Hour Late Start April 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School District Closed 4 5 17 6 718 8 19 9 20 March 4 22 . . . . . . 23 . . . . . . . . . .21 . . . . . .Two-Hour Late Start 21 22 23 24 25 26 April 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 s m t w th f s February 18 . . . .

Presidents Day/School District Closed . . . . 28 . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Spring Break/No 11 12 13 14 15 16 April 1-5 March . . . . . End of ThirdSchool Quarter April 239-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OJHS Conferences 27 28 29 28 K-12/Teacher 29Late30 School Not in Session K-6 February 2529 . .24 . . .30 . . .25 . . . . 26 . .OHS/ALC Conferences .24 . . . .29 .25 . .. .. .. ..26 .. .30 . . . .School .28 . Two-Hour Start 1 April 2 15 27 March ......27 .No Work 182819 20 21. .31 22 . 23 May 6 . .Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Hour Late Start February 28 . .31 . . . . . . . . . End of Second Trimester K-8 April 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OJHS Conferences April 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School District Closed 3 26 4 27 5 28 6 7 8 9 25 May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences March 1 . . . . . . . . . . .No School K-8/Teacher May 6 . . Work . . .1-5 . . Day . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Two-Hour Start School . . .SpringLate Break/No 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 April School Not in Session K-8 May 27 . . . . . . . . Memorial Day/School District Closed March 4 . . . . .MARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Two-Hour May 6 April . . Late . . .15 . Start . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .APRIL .. .. .......OHS/ALC Conferences MAY JUNE rd th . . . . . . . . .

Two-Hour Late June 6 .Start . End 3 Trimester & 4 Qtr./Last Student Day March .t.19 . . .w . 20 . . . .th . 21 . . . End Third Quarter 9-12 . . . . . . . .

Memorial Day/School District Closed s 17 m2818. .APRIL f22of May s23 27 s m t w th f s 23 rd . .f. . . . . .s. . . . . th. . . . s. . . . . .m .OJHS Conferences s 27 mSchool ts June w April tDay 7w . . . . . .th . . . . . . f. . . . . .s. . . . . . .Teacher Work Day March .No . th . Work End 3 Day Trimester & 4 Qtr./Last Student 24 25 28 m 29 t. . . .26 w. . . . th f 1K-12/Teacher 2 6May 6 June School Not in Session 9-12 6 . . 1. . . . .2. . . . .3. . . . .4. . . . 5 . . Two-Hour Late Start April 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School District Closed June 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teacher Work June Day 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1. . . . . . . . . . . . .Graduation 27 6 . . 8.3. . . .9. .4. . 10 1 4 2 5 3 6 4 75 86 91 May . . . . . . . . . . .OHS/ALC Conferences 3 11 12 13 April 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring Break/No June 9 . . . . .School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graduation 27Start .15 . . . . 16 . .11 . Memorial 13 APRIL 10 11.9. . 12 168 May 17 182Day/School 19 320 District 914 10 4 Closed 5Two-Hour 6 Late 7 Start8 To schedule appointment, April8 15 . . 10 .5 . . 13 . .11 . .6 . 14 . 12 . . . . 15 .7 . . . Two-Hour Late School Not in Sessionan K-6 & 9-12 rd th June 6 . 22 . End 323 Trimester & 4 26Qtr./Last Student Day 15 s 23 t. . 20 w s April .m. . 19 . . 17 .12 . .18 . 13 . . 21 . 19 .th . . .14 .20 . f. . . 23 .OJHS Conferences 17 1816 22 21 24 25 27 Two-Hour Late18 Start call 507-451-1120 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 June 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Teacher Work Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Two-Hour Late Start 24 25 1 262 273 284 295 306 28 29 30 in Session K-6 June 9 . .24 . . . .in. .Session . . . . . . K-6 . . . 16 . . . . . . 17 . . . . . . .18 .Graduation 19 . .20 22 23 25 19School 20Not 21 22 School Not in Session K-12 May . . .11 . . . 21 . .12 .OHS/ALC 29 School Not 7 6 . .30 8. . . . .9. . . . 10 13 Conferences 31 May 27 . . . . . . . . Memorial Day/School District Closed 14 15 16 1727 18 28 19 29 20 30 Two-Hour 26 31 23 24 25 26School 27Not 28 29 K-8 rd th in Session LateK-8 Start June 6 . . End 3 MAY Trimester & 4 Qtr./Last Student JUNE SchoolDay Not in Session 21 22 JUNE 23 24 27 School District Closed – Designated Holiday June . . . .th .25 . . . . f.26 . . . .Teacher Work Day 30 s m7m. . t. . . t. .w. . .w.th s s m t w th f s School Not in Session 9-12 289 . 29 Not in Session June . . . . . 30 . . . . . . . . . . f. . . . .s. . . . . . . . . .Graduation School School Not in Session 9-12 K-6

1 2 31 5 3 6 Two-Hour 97 10 4 7 5 8Late 6 Start 8 JUNE16 17 12101311 1412 15 13 14 15 s m t w th f School in Session K-6 19172018 2119Not 2220 23 21 24 22 26242725 2826 2927 30 28 31 29 2 School 3 4Not in 5 Session 6 K-8 7 9 10 11 12 13 14

4 11 18 25s 1 8 15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 9-12 21 22 School Not 19 in Session School Not in18 Session K-12 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 in Session K-6 & 9-12 School School Closed – Designated Holiday 30 DistrictNot Not in Session K-8 School School Not in Session K-6 & 9-12

School Not in Session K-6 & 9-12 School Not in Session K-12 School District Closed – Designated Holiday

Owatonna 2200 26th Street NW | 507.451.1120 | mayoclinichealthsystem.org

Feb. 18 No School/Presidents Day Feb. 25 OHS/ALC Conferences Mar. 1 No School K-8/Teacher Work Day Mar. 4 2 Hour Late Start Mar. 29 No School K-12/Teacher Work Day April 1-5 Spring Break/No School April 15 2 Hour Late Start April 23 OJHS Conferences May 6 OHS/ALC Conferences May 6 2 Hour Late Start May 27 Memorial Day/School District Closed June 6 Last Student Day June 9 OHS Graduation

PAGE 4

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Across the District DISTRICT PHONE DIRECTORY

Important Numbers To Know Lincoln Elementary School Main Number — 444-8100 Jason Berg, Principal Sara Klecker, Principal’s Secretary

Owatonna Area Learning Center Main Number — 455-1302 Jane Tapper, Director Emily Sherwood, Secretary

McKinley Elementary School Main Number — 444-8200 Bob Olson, Principal Lorri Harrison, Principal’s Secretary

Roosevelt Community School Main Number — 444-7900 Deb McDermott-Johnson, Director — 444-7901 Deb Karaus, Adult/Family Enrich. — 444-7921 Shawn Hughes /SACC — 444-7923 Kids First Activity Line — 444-7905 Kim Reyant, Adult Learning Center — 444-7925

Washington Elementary School Main Number — 444-8300 Beth Svenby, Principal Tricia Fisher, Principal’s Secretary

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.

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 deep head and arms inside

Wilson Elementary School Main Number — 444-8400 Julie Sullivan, Principal Nancy Benson, Principal’s Secretary Willow Creek School Main Number — 444-8500 Jim Kiefer, Interim Principal Susan Peterson, Principal’s Secretary Owatonna Junior High School Main Number — 444-8700 Jason Hunt, Principal Jason Markusen, Assistant Principal Pam Krenke, Principal’s Secretary Owatonna High School Main Number — 444-8800 Mark Randall, Principal Sarah Hoffman, Principal’s Secretary Jeff Miller, Assistant Principal Nicole Adams, Assistant Principal Ryan Swanson, Activities Director — 444-8989 Rene Olson, Activities Secretary — 444-8988

District Office Main Number — 444-8600 Peter Grant, Superintendent — 444-8601 Linda Skrien, Dir. of Human Res. — 444-8612 Tom Sager, Dir. of Op. and Finance — 444-8615 Teri Preisler, Dir. of Inst. Tech. — 444-8613 Amy LaDue, Dir. Of Teaching/Learning – 444-8613 Shari Mensink, Spec. Serv. Cord. — 444-7801 Jon McSweeney, Dir. of Info Tech. — 444-8609 Rachel Valesano, Dir. of Food Serv — 444-8607 Dave Ihrke, Dir. of Bldngs./Grounds — 444-8606 Nancy Brandel, Health Serv. Co. — 444-8804 Attendance Lines Attendance lines are available at each school 24 hours a day. Call and leave a message when your child will be absent.

OHS 444-8805 OJHS 444-8705 Willow Creek 444-8505 Lincoln 444-8105 McKinley 444-8205 Washington 444-8305 Wilson 444-8405

bus at all times.

5. Student will not use profane or vulgar language.

Where Can Girl Scouts Take you?

6. Student will not throw things.

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys empowers 7. Student will not litter bus. today’s girls to be tomorrow’s leaders.

8. Student will not shout out of the bus or in Join Girl Scouts and start your journey today! the bus.

Where can Girl Scouts 9. Student will not mark with any pen, Owatonna City-Wide Information/Registration Night Girl Scouts of Minnesota pencil or marking device on the bus interior for all girls in grades K to 12 empowers today’s girls t Tuesday, September 11 & 25, 6:30 to 7:30 PM or exterior.

Where can Girl ScoutsOwatonna take you?

Where can Girl Scouts take Girl Scouts can take yo Public Library Children’s area 10. Student will be held financially Whether through troop Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys or contact: Girl Scouts of Minnesota and responsible for any damage done to camp, or traveling aro Gege Abraham, Specialist leaders. at gege.abraham@GirlScoutsRV.org experiences whileto learni empowers today’s girlsMembership to be tomorrow’s empowers today’s girls be deliberately or through rowdiness.

Girl Scouts can take you on an adventure 11. Student will report any damage at once Girl Scouts can take yo Whether can through troopyou activities, attending events,going toGirl camp, or traveling around Girl Scouts take on an adventure River Valleys has nearly Scouts can takethe you on4 to the driver. a nation-wide network th world, girls gain new experiences while learning and building skills. goingthrough troop activ Whether 12. Student not following these rules is Whether through troop activities, attending events, Join Girl Scouts and sta GirlScoutsRV.org | 800-845-0787 subject to suspension from the bus. to camp, or traveling around the world, girls gainto new camp, or traveling around

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Owatonna School District

PAGE 5

Across the District Finance and operations prepares for the 2012-2013 school year The primary purpose of the finance and operations department is to provide the “behind the scenes” support and service to the school staffs so that they can best meet the needs of all students. Related to this, is providing the school board and program leaders with financial information which will allow these leaders to maximize our economic efficiencies while maint aining our Tom Sager fiduciary responsibilities to the district’s tax payers.

Like all areas within a school district, the finance and operations department has been busy preparing for the upcoming school year.

In June, the school board approved the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2013.

While this general operating budget of $48 million will not be finalized until after the auditing process in October, this preliminary budget shows a planned spend down of the district’s fund balance by $1.8 million for the upcoming school year.

In the short term, student enrollment is forecasted to increase slightly for the 201213 school year. Last year, the school district served approximately 4810 students, and this year we are anticipating 4820 students.

When comp ar ing our overall average class sizes to other schools throughout the state and to our own history, Owatonna as a whole continues to experience relatively low class sizes.

When looking at our longer range enrollment forecasts, Owatonna is one of

the few school districts in the state whose student population is growing, though very slightly. At this time, we anticipate student growth to continue through the 201516 school year, averaging .10 percent growth per year for the next several years. This forecast in future enrollment is consistent with the birth rates recently experienced at the Owatonna Hospital.

Summer is also an important time for our Buildings and Grounds staff to clean and perform on-going maintenance and repairs.

This summer, we installed new carpeting or flooring in several classrooms, updated restrooms throughout the district, repaired surface wear and tear in classrooms, on sidewalks, parking lots, and installed new woodchips in all school playgrounds.

The Buildings and Grounds staff also “deep cleans” almost 900,000 square feet and paints as needed. This is roughly equivalent to cleaning and painting almost 500 houses each summer. Finally, the district’s on-going energy savings project saved the district $293,542 this past year, and a total of $2,666,406 since the program started in 2003.

In addition to these energy related cost savings, the district recently entered into an agreement with Energy Education Inc to reduce expense through behavior changes within the district’s 700 employee workforce.

Through this program, the district is guaranteed a cost savings of $2.7 million over the next ten years. This will not only help the district maximize its resources to help maintain high quality instruction; it will also help reduce the district’s total

carbon footprint and make us better stewards of our environment. This year the district has avoided $174,926 in energy costs due to implementing EEI. The district’s Information Technology Department is also busy during summer months. Summer is a time for making our E-rate applications, which is a critical part of our budgeting and planning process.

This summer we replaced 362 computers as part of our life cycle management plan.

The IT staff installed 6 new servers, added an additional 70 computers, installed 49 document cameras and updated software on over 2000 computers district wide.

All this was completed while providing technical support to summer school staff and students. All this was accomplished within the parameters of the district’s general operating budget.

Summer is also time when the business office updates all employee health insurance and flex plans, begins the auditing process, completes the budget and coding for all federal grants, RTI, stimulus dollars, and levy certification documents, and updates all district insurance such as property, liability, and workers compensation.

The district also received notification this past spring that for the 15th consecutive year, we achieved the Certificate of Excellence from the Association of School Business Officials for the work outlined in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

The award recognizes that the district complies with all required financial rules and regulations, and validates the financial sys-

tems and protocols the district has in place.

In the spring and summer of 2011 the state legislature established the state’s budget for the next biennium.

With a forecasted shortfall in the state’s budget, school districts throughout Minnesota are not optimistic about long term funding. The good news is that school districts will receive an additional $50 per pupil on the funding formula again this year.

For Owatonna, this equates to approximately $270,000/ year. However, this seemingly good news is tempered by the fact that to help off-set the state’s cash flow challenges, only 60 percent of the state

general education aid will actually come to school districts to pay for operating expenses. For Owatonna, this equates to roughly $13 million that we will not receive this year, but rather, is delayed until next year. For this reason, we anticipate having to deploy plans that will allow the district to borrow short term cash to pay our bills and maintain operations. With rising operational costs, coupled with an annual inflation rate, school district budgets throughout the state will continue to be strained – and Owatonna is no different. As reported during the budgeting process this past spring, our school district

will deficit spend $1.8 million in fiscal year 2013, and another $2.0 million in fiscal year 2014. Although our fund balance is currently positive and relatively healthy, during the coming years our school board will be working with district administrators and community to identify ways to minimize this budget deficit for the 2013-14 school year and beyond.

As always, we will keep you informed throughout the year and the potential impact these budgetary choices will have on the Owatonna Public Schools.

Tom Sager is the director of finance and operations for the Owatonna school district.

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PAGE 6

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Across the District District saves more than $293,500 in recent phase of energy savings project What was the original, mechanical, project improvement?

In April 2003, the Owatonna Public Schools partnered with the Energy Services Group of Wayzata, Minn. to implement a $2.6 million energy savings project.

The project focused on improving energy efficiencies such as lighting, heating, cooling, and water conservation systems. The project is projected to save the school district $3.4 million over the next 10 years by reducing electrical usage by 28 percent and natural gas usage by 42 percent.

How much money will we save, and what is our risk?

The program is set up so that the school district is guaranteed a ten year savings of $2,698,136.

However, based on actual historical data from other similar

projects, ESG expects that our school will exceed this guaranteed amount by $501,864. These savings will more than offset the initial cost of the much-needed capital improvements, and further help control energy related expenses. Dave Ihrke, Director of Buildings and Grounds for the Owatonna Public Schools states, “This is the best decision we’ve ever made to conserve energy and help curtail energy costs.”

What are the results so far, and what will we do with the savings?

During the most recent phase of the project, the program saved the school district $293,542.

This amount exceeded the forecasted savings by $61,671. To date, the 7-year total savings are now $2,666,406. This exceeds the

guaranteed savings by $432,347.

These dollars continue to be dedicated to school operations and instruction, leading to student learning. Furthermore, these improvements are paid through the savings of the project. Ihrke continued, “Much of the success of this program is due to the hard work of our custodial staff. They are the ones who are doing a great job implementing and managing the system.”

Are there any other advantages for students and staff from this project?

Yes. In addition to the financial advantages of this project, the educational learning environment for students and staff has been improved. Lighting has been enhanced and is more natural. Heating and cooling is more uniformed

and controlled. Research tells us that the physical environment does matter for student learning, and this project will help reduce student distractions that may originate from a less-than-ideal physical learning environment.

Are there any “next steps” to improving the learning environment?

Yes. We are maintaining our relationship with the Energy Services Group throughout this savings project, and are currently investigating with them other environmental, as well as health and safety needs. For example, some legislation is urging school districts to maintain a minimum standard for ventilation of 15 cubic feet per minute, or CFM. While we believe this standard is quite high, we also recognize the critical importance

Foundation awards $124,500 in scholarships Owatonna Independent School District 761 Foundation has awarded a total of $124,500 in scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Alec Anderson received the Ed Stepanek Scholarship of $10,000 renewable for three more years, and plans to attend University of Minnesota -Twin Cities majoring in Engineering. His parents are David and Theresa Anderson.

Vanessa Fowler also received the Ed Stepanek Scholarship of $10,000, renewable for three more years, and plans to attend University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also received a $1,200 Mann Foundation Math Scholarship. Her parents are Charles and Amy Fowler.

Max Fraser received the C. I. Buxton scholarship of $4,000 also renewable for three more years, and plans to attend University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in Biology. He also received a $1,200 Mann Foundation Math Scholarship.His parents are John Fraser and Mary Butler-Fraser.

The Meilahn Family Scholarship for $4000, renewable for 3 additional years, was received by Margaret Braasch-Turi, who will be attending SD School of Mines and Technology majoring in Chemistry and Physics.

Her parents are Charles Turi and Mary Braasch-Turi Ben Anderson received the Ron Baker Scholarship of $3,500 and plans to attend ND State University majoring in Construction Engineering. His parents are Tim Anderson and Rita PettisWadekamper.

Jeremy Zimmermann, Jacob Forster, Rachel Wiebke received the Mann Foundation Scholarship of $1,200.

Travis Thamert and Michelle Hoffmaster each received $1,000 from the Robert Chladek FFA Scholarships.

The Bruce Larson Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Abdi Kombo.

The OHS Alumni Association Scholarships were given to Rachel Wiebke ($1,000) and Courtney Za-

bel ($500).

Eight additional students received $500 scholarships from the Patrick Arnfelt Award (Sean Hale and Alyssa Holcomb), Class of 1958 (Monica Villareal), Roepke Continuing Education Scholarship (Christine Robbins, Rebecca Kubat, and Trisha Benjamin) and the Ken Wilcox (Robert Deetz) and Brenda Wilcox (Emily Cochran) Scholarships.

Congratulations to all of the recipients. The ISD 761 Foundation wishes you all the best as you move forward in your career path.

Independent School District 761 Foundation is a 501© (3) taxexempt organization that provides a way for individuals, community groups, and businesses to make contributions for the purpose of enhancing programs which are consistent with the District’s educational objectives.

To find out more about the Foundation, visit the web site at www.761foundation.com or call: (507) 444-8610.

of maintaining proper air flow to promote mental and physical activity within our students. While the bond referendum of May 2008 did not pass, the district acknowledges that the facility needs defined during that process are not going away. The district therefore remains committed to finding ways to address health, safety, and ventilation needs.

In addition to these mechanical improvements that save money, what other strategies is the district using to save money through energy savings?

In addition to these mechanically related cost savings, in May of 2011 the district entered into an agreement with Energy Education Inc to reduce expense through behavior changes within the district’s 700 employee workforce. EEI has

been working with over 1,100 organizations nation-wide through the past 26 years and has saved their clients in excess of $2 billion dollars. During the past school year, the district has avoided $174,926 in energy costs due to implementing EEI. Through this program in Owatonna, the district is guaranteed a cost savings of $2.7 million over the next ten years. This will not only help the district maximize its resources to help maintain high quality instruction; it will also help reduce the district’s total carbon footprint and make us better stewards of our environment.

In summary, during this past year, the district has verified savings of a combined $468,468 through mechanical and behavioral energy cost avoidance efforts.

Don’t miss it!

School Pictures

OHS — Aug. 22 and 23 OJHS — Aug. 29 Lincoln — Aug. 30 Washington — Aug. 30 Willow Creek — Sept.

6, during Family Night McKinley — Sept. 26 Wilson — Oct. 9 Washington 444-8305 Wilson 444-8405

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Owatonna School District

PAGE 7

Across the District

District food services says, ‘Welcome back to the cafeteria’ Students are heading back to school excited for another great year.

We all have a part to play in helping children succeed and Food and Nutrition Services is dedicated to serving the students healthy, nutritious meals.

To align with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the components of a school lunch meal will change this fall. Students are now required to take the following for a complete meal: at least three full servings from different food groups. and one of the food groups must be a full serving of a fruit or vegetable. The food groups include: milk, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Students choosing to not take three different food groups for their meal will be charged ala carte pricing for each individual item on the tray, which may be quite a bit more than the price of a student meal.

In the cafeteria, kids will be seeing a rainbow of colors, as schools are now required to offer a minimum number of servings of dark green vegetables, red-orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, and legumes each week. Fruit and vegetable portion sizes will be larger with more servings required. Half of the grains offered will be whole grain, along with a minimum and maximum number of servings that can be offered for protein and grains. Sodium levels will

also be limited.

Food and Nutrition Services has already been making healthy changes.

Over the past several years, there have been more fresh fruits and vegetables and more whole grain products. In recent years, increased scratch cooking has taken place, along with the use of more whole foods and fewer processed items.

The 41 professionals working for Food and Nutrition Services are part

Special Dietary Needs?

Did you know that State law requires that school districts provide an alternative for students with lactose intolerance? Food and Nutrition Services will provide one of the following if a request is made: lactose-reduced milk, milk fortified with lactase in liquid, tablet, granular, or other form, or milk to which lactobacillus acidophilus has been added.

According to Federal Regulations, schools must also make food substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. The determination of whether a child has a disability, and whether the disability restricts the child’s diet, must be made by a licensed physician.

All special diet and lactose information and forms can be found at www.owatonna.k12.mn.us, District Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Special Dietary Needs. Please call 507444-8629 for more information.

of the 50,000+ members of the National School Nutrition Association.

We are committed to working with students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members to develop a healthy school environment that includes consistent messages on healthy eating, nutrition education and physical activity.

Published guidelines regarding meal balances In an effort to give families the information they need to successfully manage their child’s meal purchases, Food & Nutrition Services provides the convenience of internet and telephone access to student meal accounts, as well as personalized service at the District Office. Owatonna Public Schools follows the practices outlined below, anticipating more student responsibility as they move through the grade levels.

Grades K-12 • To purchase meals, a student’s meal account should have a positive balance.

• Cashiers provide a verbal notice at the cash register when the balance is below $6.00.

• A hand stamp may be offered as a reminder when balance is low.

• Payment reminder slips are available at the cash register.

• Negative balance reminders will be sent home with the student once

2012-13 District Meal Prices Listed below are the meal prices for the 2011-2012 school year. These prices exclude the purchase of a la carte items.

LUNCH PRICES

BREAKFAST PRICES *

Elementary Students

$2.25

All Free & Reduced Pay Students

No Charge

Willow Creek Students

$2.35

Elementary Full Pay

$ 1.05

OJHS Students

$2.35

OHS Students

$2.45

OHS Full Pay Students

$1.25

Reduced Price (All Schools)

$ .40

Adult Lunch & Student Second Lunch

$3.25

1/2 Pint Milk

$.45

per week, (K-8 only).

• For student accounts with negative balances, the Food & Nutrition Services Secretary may make calls home to parents, and enlist the help from school administration if necessary. The District’s automated calling system may also be utilized.

• In certain situations, a cheese sandwich, fruit and milk may be offered for $1 and will be added to the student’s outstanding balance.

• Students are not allowed to purchase ala carteitems without the full amount of funds in their account or cash in-hand.

• Students are not allowed to enter a sibling’s PIN number for purchase of food items.

• Ala carte food items include second meals or any foods that are not part of a complete meal. Ala carte items and prices can be viewed by visiting www.owatonna.k12.mn.us.

Tips and Reminders • Bringing cold lunch from home? The cost of a carton of milk is $.45 each.

• Are you a free or reduced-pay family? If so, students receive breakfast at no charge.

• Call toll free 866-620-4942 for balance and payment information 24 hours a day.

• Ensure children know their 4-digit lunch (PIN) number prior to the first day of school.

• Help your child prepare for new lunch menu items — encourage your child to try a new food at least five times before deciding that he/she doesn’t care for it.

• Ala carte items are offered in grades 6-12. Please speak with your child about acceptable purchases.

• Students, if you are unsure of your meal balance, ask any cashier in advance of your purchase.

• Cash payments are discouraged as Food and Nutrition Services is not liable for lost/stolen funds.

• Remind your students that a complete meal consists of at least 3 different food groups and at least one of those must be a full serving of fruits or vegetables.

• Sending a check with your child? Always write student’s full name and PIN No. in the memo line.

• Students, interested in trying a new food but not sure you’ll like it? Ask the server for a sample.

• It’s appreciated when students slow down in line and listen to the cashier. The lines actually go faster.

• Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com to manage your student’s meal account.

• Households are responsible for payment of all food purchases until notification of meal benefits is received.

OWATONNA MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE

Spaces Still Available!

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(for purchase of an extra carton with school lunch or for purchase with cold lunch from home)

Please visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage at www.owatonna.k12.mn.us for breakfast and lunch serving times, or call 507-444-8616 for more information.

“An approach to education that embraces individualized instruction for children 2-1/2 to 6 years of age.”

PAGE 8

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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 also support the learner by providing behavioral

and academic support while the student is in the general education classroom. Students need to qualify for Special Education and must go through an evaluation to determine eligibility. 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.

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. 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.

English Language Learners are students whose first language 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.

Parents having questions about the supportive services available to their child should contact their child’s building principal or by contacting the District’s Special Services office at 507-444-8614.

District programs identify students with disabilities The federal government requires that each state and local school district develop a system to identify students with disabilities from birth to age 21. The process known as “child find” applies to all children who reside in the school district including students with disabilities attending both public and nonpublic schools as well as students of school age who are not attending school but are receiving their education at home.

Through their Interagency Early Intervention Committees (IEIC), school districts are required to develop and implement policies and procedures related to public awareness systems, child find systems, and identification of children who may need special education and services.

The Special Services Department in the Owatonna Public Schools coordinates and conducts efforts to identify students with disabilities for special education services. If you suspect that your child may have a disability and may need special education services, please call the number listed below.

Birth to age 5 507-444-7900 Kindergarten to grade 12 507-444-8614 or building principal

Parents encouraged to update contact information for Infinite Campus Parent Portal Infinite Campus is our school district’s student management system as well as a tool for parents and students to access timely information such as; attendance, report cards, class schedules, contact information, class assignments where appropriate, and much more. We encourage parents to use this program as one way to stay connected with their child’s school information.

Information in this system is for students in grades K – 12 but the amount of information will change depending on your child’s grade level. The main items for students in grade K – 3 is attendance, immunizations, school calendar, and contact information. In older grades, this information may include grades, report cards,

assessment information, and assignments.

If you registered for Infinite Campus Parent Portal last year, you will not need to do so again this year. It is important for parents to check their contact information in the portal to make sure that all phone numbers and emergency contacts are up to date. The phone numbers listed there 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 and you will receive a notice that everything has been received.

If you have not registered for an account or are new to

our District, you can go to your child’s school office or the District Office to set up your account. We need parents to bring a form of photo identification for security reasons and ask that you only request this information for yourself rather than for another person.

Once you have set up an account, there is an Infinite Campus app that parents can download for iPhones or android phones. Directions for doing this are located on the Parent Portal link on the District website, www.owatonna. k12.mn.us. Locate the Infinite Campus Portal link on the left hand side of the main page.

If you have any questions, please contact Teri Preisler, Associate Director of Instructional Technology at 444-8603.

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Owatonna School District

PAGE 9

Across the District Owatonna Community Education offers opportunities for everyone Adult Learning Center to Open Fall Quarter Start Sept. 4 confirm for families that their child Aug. 20 through Dec. 13 is developing normally and ready for See a class schedule below The Adult Learning Center the school experience. is for adults to receive personal GED Testing is offered once Families with children between and confidential attention to a month September thru June at the ages of 3-5 will alphabetically their educational needs. Instruc- Roosevelt Community School from receive a notice to schedule an aption is offered in the subject areas 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call or stop by to pointment. Families may also call of reading, writing, vocabulary, request a GED brochure listing costs, 444-7900 to schedule an appointEnglish, spelling, math, ESL, col- requirements, and suggestions for ment at any time. Screenings are lege and post-secondary prep, preparation. held Thursday afternoons and eveThe current GED Test will sun- nings, with one Saturday morning a on-line learning and preparation for work. The Adult Learning set on Dec. 31, 2013. The test will be month available for appointments.

Center is located in the Roosevelt replaced with an online version that Screenings take approximately 1 ½ Community School. Adults can will be aligned with National Core hours to complete.

Families new to Owatonna with choose between traditional class Standards, making it more difficult formats, small group, individual and more costly to take. Students a kindergarten student who has not tutoring or learning in our state- currently working on a GED, or previously been screened, can call of-the-art computer lab. A variety those that want to take the current Community Educationenrolling a of web-based software is available version, will need to successfully kindergarten student on September for community use. New software pass all five tests prior to Dec. 31, 4th designed to grow your personal, 2013 or risk starting all over with the Fall Community Education career and academic skills are new version. The current series will Brochures to Hit the Mail no longer be available after Dec. 31, added on a regular basis.

Fall Community Education The fall scheduled in listed 2013, and no scores carry forward Brochures will be placed in the US below for reference. New class beyond Dec. 31, 2013.

Mail Service the week of Sept. 3 and schedules will be mailed to all Adult Learning Center services will be delivered to every household current and former students. are free of charge. Anyone interest- within the Owatonna school district.

New students are welcome to stop ed in growing their basic academic On-line registration for adults and th intoAdult the Adult Learning Center at August skills for20career advancement, transi- youth programs will begin on Sept.

Learning Center to Open Roosevelt Community School to tioning to work or a college program 4. Online registration at www.owaThe Adult Learning Center is for adults to receive personal and confidential attention to their pick-up a classneeds. schedule, or call will find value in areas AdultofLearning tonnacommunityed.org is a fast and educational Instruction is offered in the subject reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, math, ESL, college and post-secondary prep, on-line learning andway preparation KimEnglish, at 444-7925 to have a schedule Center services. efficient to get registered for the for work. The Adult Learning Center is located in the Roosevelt Community School. Adults can mailed.

Callbetween or stoptraditional by the Center Early Childhood Screening classes you in want. choose class formats, small group, individual tutoring or learning our Many classes begin state-of-the-art computer lab. A variety of web-based software is availablethe forweek community for class descriptions and details Available of Sept.use.

24 with several othNew software designed to grow your personal, career and academic skills are added on a regular on any of the classes highlighted Appointments are now being ers, including trips and workshops basis. below. Advance registration for accepted for families with 3-5 year scheduled throughout the months The fall scheduled in listed below for reference. New class schedules will be mailed to all current Adult Learning Center New services is olds.

The screening mandated of October, and Decemand former students. students are welcome to stop is into the Adultby Learning CenterNovember at Roosevelt Community to pick-up a class schedule, or callto Kim have a the State of Minnesota prior kin-at 444-7925 recommended to ensure School a seat in ber. Mosttoofferings have a limited mailed. Call or stop by the Center for class descriptions and details on any of the yourschedule selected classes. below. Advancedergarten entry.

The purpose to number classes highlighted registration for Adult LearningisCenter servicesof is 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.

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. 20. Registration begins on Aug. 27. The online registration feature is now available for ECFE Registrations and will go live on Aug. 27 at 12:01 a.m. Families are also welcome to call 444-7900 beginning 8 a.m. on Aug. 27, or stop by Roosevelt Community School with your registration requests.

Registration for all Community

Education 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 if space and instructors are available.

Families not receiving fall program publications are encouraged to call Community Education at 4447900 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 Community Education learning opportunities. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Kids First Owatonna Community Education is pleased to announce their

continuing support for OJHS KIDS FIRST Athletics. The Fall Sports Parent/Athlete Meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at OJHS. Practice for fall sports begin on Aug. 27. For more information on the KIDS FIRST Athletic Program, contact Sean Hughes, Youth Coordinator, 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.

The following web links will provide families with valuable updates on Kids First Athletic programs: www.owatonnacommunityed.org click on Kids First/OJHS Athletics tab or www.owatonna.k12.mn.us click on OJHS link; and www.big9. org Enrollment forms for Fall Sport participation are available online.

Partners in Faith & Learning Now accepting registrations for Preschool through 8th grade.

recommended to ensure a seat in your selected classes. .

Fall Quarter Start September 4th-December 13th Class Schedule

Monday 8:45 am – 11:45 am

1p.m. – 3p.m.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

 Multi-Level ESL Classes

Tuesday  Multi-Level ESL Classes

Wednesday  Multi-Level ESL Classes New Student Registration

 GED Prep

 GED Writing and College Prep Writing

 GED Prep

 College Prep and GED Math  ESL Civics Class, Oct 23Dec 11 Only

 GED Assessment and Practice Tests  ESL Assessment  ABE/GED Open Computer Lab

Thursday  Multi-Level ESL Classes

Friday  Multi-Level ESL Classes

 Computer Training Sept 6-Oct 11 12:30-3:30 pm  Food Service Basics Oct 25-Dec 13 12:30-3:30 pm

730 South Cedar Avenue | Owatonna 507-446-2300

PAGE 10

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Elementary District looks to instill leadership qualities in students Last year as students entered their elementary buildings, they encountered paintings, wall signs, and banners announcing the 7 Habits and leadership initiative. Over the course of the year, students learned exactly what each habit meant. The language became a common way of approaching all we do at school and at home. This year, we will further develop these habits and leadership skills in the students.

Leadership can be defined as communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are in-

spired to see it in themselves. This vision of leadership is reflected in Owatonna Public Schools mission to “inspire all learners to excel.” The foundation of leadership will continue to be taught every day, though it may happen quite subtly and unexpectedly. It is part of everything we teach – math, language arts, science, art, music, social studies, and physical education – every subject.

Teachers will continue to teach core subject, but they will do it while looking through the lens of leadership incorporating life skills and

character lessons whenever possible.

The foundation of leadership will incorporate Dr. Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The habits are organized into a sequential, progressive model based on research of highly effective people. They are also based on timeless, universal principles that have been around for ages, and transcend all cultural boundaries and socioeconomic layers.

• Habit 1 Be Proactive – I am a responsible person. I take initiative.

I choose my actions, attitudes, and

moods. I do not blame others. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

• Habit 2 Begin with the End in Mind – I plan ahead and set goals.

• Habit 3 Put First Things First – I spend time on things that are the most important. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

• Habit 4 Think Win-Win – I balance courage for what I want with consideration for what others want. I look for third alternatives

that are better than the other two.

• Habit 5 Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood – I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their point of view. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

• Habit 6 Synergize – I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different from me. I work well in groups.

• Habit 7 Sharpen the Saw – I take care of my body by eating

Owatonna elementary school fast facts Registration If you have recently moved to the community, students in all grades can register at their respective boundary school.

Please call the main office at each school to make an appointment for registration.

Due to high enrollment at some schools in certain grade levels, we will not be able to honor all enrollments in boundarydefined schools. The main office line for each school is listed below.

If your family has moved within the community, please notify the school your child attended last year and the new elementary school your child will be attending this school year. If you move to a different attendance area during the school year, please contact your school principal.

Willow Creek Open House Willow Creek will have its Open House on Sept. 6 beginning at 6 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. Open House is designed for parents to meet the teachers and staff, view the curriculum, tour the school and get answers to questions that may have surfaced after the first day of school. Our first parent newsletter will contain additional information about the Open House. Our PTSO will have some of the executive committee in attendance to encourage parents to join the PTSO and learn of the many projects the PTSO supports during the year. Parents should find lists of school supplies at Wal-Mart,

Office Max, and other stores in the area. please call your neighborhood elemenIf you cannot, please visit Willow’s office tary school. for a list of necessary supplies for school year 2012-13.

Home/Child/School Day This very important event will be held Aug. 30, 2012, 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 Home/Child/School Day,

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School attendance is important for students in order to ensure a consistent quality education. Regular school attendance directly impacts success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of all students. Please be sure to call your child’s school office to report if your child will be late or absent and include why your child will not be in school. This information is particularly important in tracking

right, exercising, and getting sleep.

I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

Through the 7 Habits students will be prepared to “excel in a dynamic society.” Students will be able to better deal with tomorrow’s realities and today’s tough decisions.

We look forward to an exciting year filled with, learning, growth, and fun. See you all at Home Child School Day, Kindergarten Interviews, or Willow Creek Family Night.

Important Telephone Numbers: Lincoln School — 444-8100 Attendance Line — 444-8105 McKinley School — 444-8200 Attendance Line — 444-8205 Washington School — 444-8300 Attendance Line — 444-8305 Wilson School — 444-8400 Attendance Line — 444-8405 Willow Creek School — 444-8500 Attendance Line — 444-8505

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Owatonna School District

PAGE 11

Across the District 2012-2013 Owatonna School Board Meeting Schedule The District 761 Board of Education meets at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office at 515 W. Bridge Street. Meeting dates are:

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PAGE 12

A new principal OJHS is welcoming a new principal this year. His name is Jason Hunt. Jason comes from John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood where he has been serving as an Assistant Principal. He has experience in both the middle school and high school levels.

He has worked with four different districts over three different states, giving him a wide variety of Jason Hunt experiences.

Previous to becoming an administrator, Mr. Hunt was a teacher of Social Studies and English as a Second Language. He comes to Owatonna Junior High with a great deal of excitement and will be moving into town with his wife and four children at the end of the month.

Welcome, students As we open our doors to more than 700 seventh and eighth grade students this September, we are more than excited to begin this year’s adventures. A lot of great work has been done during the summer. New cement has been poured in a few locations outdoors, some tile has been replaced in our pool and we are anticipating the arrival of all new lunchroom tables. Many of our staff have met during the summer to improve their programs and practice. For example, the English/Language Arts department has dived deep into implementing new state standards for this next year, two of our teams have spent some time learning about the implementation of E-STEM, and almost all of our staff have become better trained on our Leadership Foundation.

For the 2012-2013 school year, there are three main focuses that you’ll see expressed in our classrooms. First, one team of our seventh grade staff will begin full implementation of Environment, Science, Technology and Mathematics or

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Junior High School E-STEM. Students in E-STEM will see concepts of engineering, math, science and visual arts in each of their classes, will have chances to design and create ideas and products, will spend a greater amount of time outside exploring the world around us and will take the inquiry process (explained below) to an even deeper level. Second, this year will begin our second year of our Leadership Foundation, which introduces students to Leadership based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,

by Stephen Covey. According to Dr. Covey, “Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.” Some of the benefits of the foundation is to help all students take more responsibility, be more self-confident, do the right thing even when no one is looking and work well with others. Finally, our last focus is to bring more inquiry into the classroom. This will help us focus student’s learning around student’s questions. They will spend more time working together to solve problems through thinking, questioning and discovery. The teacher’s role will shift from a focus on direct instruction to supporting students through a process of discovering knowledge themselves. The research shows that doing so will deepen student’s understanding of material and make it more relevant to their lives. Furthermore, this approach provides students with the skills necessary to be successful in our every changing world. To learn more about any of these three focuses, visit our home page and click on the “K8 Explorations” link.

In short, all of us at OJHS are anticipating the new year with great excitement and are preparing to ensure that the students who walk through our doors on September 4th will be successful.

Coffee with the principal Previously called Parent Advisory, Coffee with the Principal gathers input about our school and how we are doing — it is vital to our success. To this end, we have scheduled monthly parent meetings and ask

each of you, if available, to attend.

These meetings will be held every 2nd Thursday of the month, beginning at 7a.m. in the OJHS Media Center. This will be a time when you can ask questions, get information and be updated on the latest happenings of the school.

Orientation for all students and parents

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 4515262.

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.

A family may choose to use their current medical family coverage, or they may choose to purchase a Student Accident Insurance Policy. These forms are available at the OJHS office.

All seventh and eighth graders will attend orientation sessions on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Owatonna Junior High School. We inAug. 20 — Kids 1st Fall Sports Mtg. 7 pm OJHS — IMC vite and encourage parents to attend Aug. 27 — Kids 1st Fall Sports Practices Begin with their child. As a parent, if you Aug. 29 — OJHS Student/Parent Orientation, 8:30 cannot attend, your child can still successfully complete the orientato 10:30 a.m., seventh grade; 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. tion program, so please ensure that eighth grade. Also: Student picture day they find a way to attend.

Sept. 3 — Labor Day/No School Doors will open for all sevPlease provide all information enth grade parents and students at regarding immunizations, as well Sept. 4 — First Day of School 8:20 a.m. Students and parents will as athletic physical information to Sept. 11 — First Day of RE (Religious Ed Release Time) report to their designated Home Health Services at orientation or Sept. 14 — OJHS Teen Night, 7-9 p.m.

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 seventh grade orientation runs from 8:30 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.

Eighth graders and their parParents and guardians, you recognize the potential of your ents will report to their Home Base child better than anyone. By giving them the opportunity to be rooms at 12:15 p.m. to begin their part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re starting them down a orientation session which runs from path to an even brighter, more promising future.

12:15 to 2:15 p.m. If desired, students may want to take their school photo prior to the orientation meeting.

Studies have shown that kids matched with a mentor: Orientation Day is also Picture Day. All students will have their pic Are more confident ture taken by Life Touch Studios. To  Do better in school avoid long picture lines, Life Touch  Feel better about themselves photographers will be extending  Are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol photo hours to include an early  Get along better with their family and friends morning session. Life Touch photos will be available in the old gym prior to the seventh grade orientaWe offer a school-site mentoring program one day a week tion from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. and again during your child’s lunch hour and a community-based from 9:15 to 3:30 p.m. (please enter mentoring program that occurs outside of school hours. through the Athletic Entrance-north side of building) For more information, visit www.bbbsofsouthernmn.org, call In addition to pictures, students 507-414-0308, or email robyn.goldy@bbbsofsouthernmn.org. 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 OJHS student support

Health information updates

OJHS UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, August 23, 2012

OWATONNA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PAGE 13

High School Welcome back to Owatonna High School

Schedule changes for the 2012-2013 school year

Welcome to another school year. We have many great things going on at Owatonna High School because of our dedicated and hardworking staff, outstanding students, and the support we get from our parents and community. As we begin a new school year, there are many reminders and pieces of information that will help your child get off to a great start to their school year. Please read the information below so that we can work together to make sure your child has a great educational experience at Owatonna High School. As always, please call our office if you have questions or ever need anything.

A reminder to students and parents that any needed schedule changes have already taken place at this point in time. What students registered for is what they have on their schedule unless they have been contacted by the counseling office indicating otherwise. The only reason a student might need to meet with a counselor for change is for one of the following: 1. The student was inaccurately registered for a class; 2. The student has not taken the prerequisite required class for a class they are currently scheduled for.

New for the 2012-2013 school year is that all schedule changes will need to be made prior to PARENT ADVISORY each term starting. MEETINGS No schedules will be All meetings are from 6 to 7 p.m. changed once a term in the Small Group Forum begins.

Wednesday, Oct. 24 Some stuvdents will Wednesday, Jan. 23 see a study hall on their Wednesday, March 20 schedules. We will do Wednesday, April 17 our best to find a class for your student, but please know many classes are at their capacity. Your class schedule is most important so please review it carefully. If there is a question regarding your schedule, please call 444-8800 for an appointment with your counselor. New students moving in from another district will have a special opportunity to meet with their counselors 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Career Center on Aug. 29.

New Faces

OHS welcomes new staff members Nicole Adams — Assistant Principal Chrissy Prandini — Social Studies Teacher

John Head — Science Susan Claypool — English and Social Studies

Important things to know • We have been working on our web site and have added many forms and valuable information that will hopefully answer any questions you have about Owatonna High School. Please reference our district web site at www.owatonna. k12.mn.us and find the Owatonna Senior High link to access this information. You will also find all up to date athletics and activities events on this site.

• Student drop-off and pick-up should be on Grove St. or Harriet St. prior to the start and after the end of the school day. School Street will continue to be blocked from 7 to 7:55 a.m. and 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

• Please do not drop off or pick up students at the tennis court doors in the south parking lot as it is a drop-off and pick-up for handicapped students and parking for OHS employees.

• Only two entrances are open during school hours: North School Street entrance and the south Tennis Court entrance. All other doors are locked during the school day. The public is asked to use these entrances and obtain a visitor’s pass upon entering the school. All visitor parking is located on the south side parking lot.

• The school doors open at 7 a.m. each morning. School hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Parents of ninth graders are encouraged

to attend orientation on Monday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. in the OHS auditorium. Administrators, counselors, and advisors will provide information concerning your student’s first year at OHS (Ninth Grade Academy Orientation will take place the same evening at 6:30 p.m.).

• Incoming ninth graders are invited to attend an orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During this time, students will have a brief introduction to OHS before going through their schedules and meeting their teachers. Lunch will be provided.

Freshmen should not miss this important orientation to the high school.

• Students in grades 10-12 who are new to the district are invited to an orientation starting at 8 a.m. in the Career Center on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

• Driver’s Education will again be offered throughout the school year. Students must take the classroom portion of Driver’s Education before receiving an instruction permit. Students taking the classroom portion must be 15 years of age by the last date of the registered class. The State of Minnesota requires 30 hours of classroom instruction for all students. Cost for the complete program is $275. If you have any questions regarding Driver’s Education, please call 444-8913.

Beginning of the school year at a glance Aug. 27 — Ninth Grade Parent Orientation at 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 — Ninth Grade Student Orientation with Link Crew from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 — New student orientation at 8 a.m.

Aug. 30 — First Home Football Game Sept. 3 — Labor Day Sept. 4 — First Day of School Oct. 5 — Homecoming Parade and Football Game

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PAGE 14

Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Alternative Learning Center

Owatonna Alternative Learning Center offers options for success

The Owatonna Alternative Learning Center is a program option for students in grades 9-12 who have not experienced success in a more traditional high school setting. If you feel your student needs a smaller environment, more individualized help, or access to online curriculum to recover credits this might be a program that will meet your child’s needs. Our students graduate with an Owatonna diploma and are required to pass all graduation tests like other Owatonna high school students.

Students who attend the ALC also have the opportunity to continue to participate in high school activities and sports. Partial OHS and ALC schedules are

available if this is what is needed to meet student needs. The ALC and OHS work together to provide our Owatonna students with the best education possible. We have onsite support for students in the area of chemical health. One of our school social works is also available as a resource to parents and students in areas such as teen pregnancy, social skill development, anger management, and mental health concerns.

The Owatonna Alternative Learning Center is committed to becoming a Leader in Me school and uses the 7 Habits to guide behavior and decision making for both students and staff. We will spend the first 4 days of school

working with our students to understand what it means to be a leader and how using the 7 Habits can change their lives. We

plan a very active and fun start to the school year and we don’t want any students to miss out on this workshop. This is where we set ex-

pectations and help our students to understand the importance of leadership in everything they do.

We will invite parents to an evening open house later in September where our students will share what it means to be a Leader in Me School.

Changes in our curriculum this year include a Robot curriculum which combines math and science skills, the addition of 2 more art classes, and a new online curriculum with multiple learning levels from foundational to honors. We will also continue proving daily opportunities for students to use inquiry as part of their learning. Our goal is always to meet the individual learning needs of our students and take them from

where they are to where they want to go. We have expanded our Advisement to include curriculum in areas such as career development and employment, healthy living choices, stress management, parenting, and ongoing reinforcement of the 7 Habits.

Please call us to get enrolled so that we can start the year together. The Owatonna Alternative Learning Center might be the option you are looking for your child and we welcome the opportunity to visit with you and your child. To start the enrollment process call 507-4551302 and ALC staff will work with you to review your child’s school history, and determine eligibility.

Back To School

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135 West Pearl Street, Owatonna, MN 507-444-2362

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Owatonna School District

from your friends at

Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Home Office: 121 East Park Square • Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Federated Service Company is not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.

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Owatonna School District

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Classes offered Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Online for our

PROGRAMS OF STUDY: CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Solar Installer Welding Technology Wind Turbine Technology

ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND OFFICE Accounting Health Unit Coordinator Business & Office Technology Medical Secretary

MANAGEMENT Commodity Marketing Farm Business Management Small Business Management Supervisory Management

ALLIED HEALTH Home Health Aide Mammography Nursing Assistant Nursing Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nursing Program (RN) PN Mobility Program Patient Care Associate Radiography COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Cisco速 Certified Network Associate Computer Technology Computer Systems Networking Microsoft速 Systems Engineer Web Developer Web Page Design & Web Master CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING Carpentry Technology Construction Electrician Industrial Maintenance & Mechanics Production Technician

ALBERT LEA CAMPUS 2200 Riverland Drive Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-379-3300

www.riverland.edu ALBERT LEA

AUSTIN OWATONNA ONLINE

AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NW Austin, MN 55912 507-433-0600

facebook.com/myriverland

SERVICE Cosmetology Human Services Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Massage Therapy

Geography History Political Science Psychology Sociology HUMANITIES & FINE ARTS Art Music Philosophy Religion Theatre MATHEMATICAL/ LOGICAL REASONING

TRANSPORTATION Automotive Service Technology Collision Repair Technology Diesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle Mechanics Truck Driving

NATURAL SCIENCES Astronomy Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH Athletics Coaching Human Performance

COMMUNICATIONS English French Spanish Speech HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Anthropology Business & Economics

TRANSITIONAL STUDIES Be Your Best College Prep Academy College Prep Writing/Reading/Math Cycles for Success English for Academic Purposes Opportunities & Access

OWATONNA CAMPUS Owatonna College and University Center 965 Alexander Drive SW Owatonna, MN 55060 507-455-5880