Owatonna Public Schools

A little rain couldn't wash away these smiles! ☔😊

The Rebel Alliance Robotics project provides students with hands-on opportunities to develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in FIRST Robotics. Students design, build, wire, and program robots to complete annual competitive challenges, gaining real-world experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. Funding supports access to the technology, tools, materials, and equipment needed to continue growing the program and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students.

The 761 Foundation grant supported a successful competition season for the high school team, showing measurable improvement from their first event to their second event, where they finished as part of the third-place alliance. In addition, the team earned the Imagery Award at their first competition and the Sustainability Award at their second competition. These awards recognized the outstanding work of the team’s business and presentation groups in showcasing the team’s accomplishments, outreach efforts, and long-term program sustainability.

🎶🌟 What an incredible week for Owatonna musicians!

After a week of rehearsals at the MN Music Educators Association All-State Camps at Concordia College in Moorhead, 13 Owatonna students performed with the All-State Bands, Choirs, and Orchestra.

Selection to one of these ensembles is the highest honor a high school musician can receive in Minnesota. We are incredibly proud of how these students represented Owatonna and our music program. Congratulations to all of our All-State musicians! 👏

Choir:
- Levi Johnson, Bass 2, SATB Choir
- Jasher Young, Tenor 1, SATB Choir
- Lucas Ginskey, Bass 2, SATB Choir
- Joash Packard, Bass 2, TTBB Choir
- Mariah Fox, Alto 2, SSAA Choir
- Addie Gerdes, Soprano 1, SATB Choir
- Carson Van Gelder, Tenor 2, TTBB Choir
- Ms. Asmus, Soprano Section Coach, SATB Choir

Band:
- Isla Cosens, Trumpet, Concert Band
- Sophia Qualley, Flute, Symphonic Band
- Dalila Spencer, French Horn, Symphonic Band

Orchestra:
- Rue Kopp, Viola
- Zurie Tolle, Violin 2
- Nicolina Broussard, Violin 2

The fun-loving world of Bluey and the heroic pups of PAW Patrol came together in one amazing Owatonna Community Education camp last week! 🐶🐾

Our Owatonna heroes came to demonstrate to campers how they help in real-life situations.

Thanks to a 761 Foundation grant, Owatonna High School students in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class participated in an immersive activity where they wore geriatric suits designed to simulate the physical challenges associated with aging.

These suits limited mobility, reduced strength, and affected balance and coordination, allowing students to experience firsthand the difficulties many older adults face. While wearing the suits, students completed everyday tasks such as walking, picking up objects, and performing simple movements, which became significantly more challenging.

Through this experience, students developed a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for the aging population. They were able to reflect on how physical limitations can impact independence, safety, and quality of life. This activity not only strengthened their awareness of patient needs but also reinforced the importance of compassionate care, making it a valuable learning experience for those interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

DECA at Owatonna High Schools helps to develop skills students need to succeed in the business world as well as their everyday lives. This program fits in perfectly with the OHS focus of college and career readiness.

Students participate in events involving public speaking, role playing, entrepreneurship, presentations, employment interviews, and leadership. A 761 Foundation grant helps pay event registration fees.

During the 2025-26 school year, 87 OHS students made it to the state competition. Thirteen students qualified for nationals, which set a school record.

to the moments beyond the scoreboard. The wins are memorable, but the friendships and memories made as teammates are what it's all about. 🏈

Medical Laboratory Science was a new course offered at Owatonna High School last year, where students learned about a field in the healthcare industry that isn't just "doctor” or “nurse.”

Thanks to a 761 Foundation grant, students practiced:
💉 phlebotomy: students learned how to draw blood, proper draw order, and proper procedure
🩸 hematology: students learned the difference between blood cells, how to do complete blood counts, and found their own blood type
🧫 microbiology: students studied infectious diseases, plated bacteria, and gram stained to identify bacteria under microscopes
📈 clinical chemistry: students learned how to take a blood glucose reading, dangers of high cholesterol, and how to diagnose diseases based on urinalysis

100% of students evaluating the course said they would recommend it to others.

Our Summer Meals Program provides free breakfast and lunch for children and teens ages 1–18. ☀️🥪

The program runs Monday-Thursday of each week, through August 6. Breakfast is served from 8-8:30am, and lunch is served from 12:15-12:45pm. No registration is needed.

Locations are:

📍 Owatonna Education Center, 338 East Main Street (enter Door 1 on Broadway)
📍 McKinley Elementary, 1050 22nd St NE
📍 Owatonna Middle School, 500 15th Street NE

🌮 View menus - https://www.isd761.org/district.../nutrition-services/summer

A 761 Foundation grant helped to pay for the Owatonna Middle School Courage Retreat for the 7th grade class. Students reflected on how they treat one another and how they can make a positive impact on school culture.

This retreat provides 7th grade teams with a common experience that is grounded in school expectations to start the year together.