Faribault Community Schools

Faribault Public Schools is committed to creating schools where every student is known, supported, challenged, and championed. Through the Community School strategy, our schools become centers of connection, learning, opportunity, and belonging for students, families, and the broader community.

Faribault Public Schools is committed to the Community School strategy as a comprehensive, equity-driven approach to student success. This strategy intentionally organizes school staff, family members, community partners, and students around a shared vision of academic achievement, wellbeing, belonging, and opportunity.

Each school is not just a place for instruction - it is a hub for care, relationships, learning, and support.

Every school building in Faribault Public Schools has a Welcome Center - a place designed to help students, families, staff, and community members connect with people, resources, and opportunities. These spaces are an important part of our Community School strategy and help make our schools welcoming, connected hubs where everyone has a place to turn.

Within each Welcome Center is a Nest, providing access to everyday essentials for students and families. Nests may include clothing, school supplies, personal care and hygiene products, food or other needed materials. The goal is simple: no questions asked. Take what you need. Leave what you don't.

Nests are designed to remove barriers and make it easier for students and families to access the things they need to feel comfortable, prepared, and ready to learn. There is no judgement, no paperwork, and no explanation required. Whether someone needs a new sweatshirt, a hygiene item, school supplies, or another everyday essential, the Nest is here as a resource.

Together, our Welcome Centers and Nests reflect what Community Schools are all about: creating places where students and families feel known, supported, challenged, and championed. They remind us that supporting students means looking at the whole person and creating welcoming spaces where connections can grow and needs can be met.

Welcome Centers connect us. Nests support us.

Together, they help create schools where everyone belongs.

We know there are incredible things happening across Faribault Public Schools every day—and we want to make sure those stories are seen and celebrated!

We’re launching a simple way for staff to share good news, celebrations, and moments that make you proud to be part of our school community. Maybe a student went above and beyond, a colleague did something awesome, or a small moment made a big impact.

If you see something worth celebrating, share it! Your story may be featured in a newsletter, on social media, or as a staff shoutout.

And remember—photos are highly encouraged! A great picture helps bring these moments to life and helps our community see the amazing things happening in our schools.
Let’s celebrate what’s happening in Faribault Public Schools and help tell our story—together.

Positive Gossip Shoutout to Student: Lukas Becker

7th grader Lukas Becker noticed a student sitting alone at lunch and moved from a table full of his friends to sit with the student to “make sure they didn’t feel left out.” Submitted by Jordan Nawrocki, Teacher.

Positive Gossip Shoutout to ECFE Team: Anna, Angie, Wendoli, Stephanie

Our ECFE team has always had the unique challenge of "fitting in" to the workshops and meetings during workshop week, often being left to tasks on their own and team meetings. I was reviewing their team meeting notes from yesterday after Mr. Bente's message to the staff—and their heading was: "How do we go from good to great?" with 8 items listed underneath to improve their class sessions and work with our littlest Falcons. Submitted by Olivia Sage, Early Childhood Coordinator.

Positive Gossip Shoutout to Staff: Zeke Perez, Tom Katra, & Brad Hofius

We had a cord dangling from the ceiling in the Jefferson gym. Matt contacted Zeke Perez. Zeke called Tom Katra and within 30 min, Tom had a lift in the Jefferson gym. Brad Hofius was able to zip tie the cord. Work request done with impressive speed and efficiency! Submitted by Matt Knutson, Teacher & Heather Teigen, Teacher.

A strong Community School is built on strong relationships. While schools have an important role in supporting students and families, we know that schools cannot - and should not - do this work alone. Families, students, staff, and community partners each bring unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives that make our schools stronger.

One of the key practices of the Community School strategy is active family and community engagement. This means creating meaningful opportunities for families and community members to share their ideas, contribute their strengths, participate in school experiences, and help shape the work happening in our schools. Engagement is more than simply inviting families to an event or sharing information. It is about building relationships and creating genuine opportunities for connection, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Across Faribault Public Schools, this work takes many forms. Family nights, school events, Community School Site Teams, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, family feedback, and connections to local resources all help strengthen the relationships surrounding our students. Sometimes engagement happens through a large school event, while other times it may be a simple conversation with a family, a parent sharing an idea, a community member volunteering their time, or a student helping shape an activity.

Our community partners also play an important role. Local organizations, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders bring resources, expertise, relationships, and opportunities that extend what our schools can offer. These partnerships help connect students and families with resources and experiences while strengthening the connection between our schools and the broader Faribault community.

Most importantly, meaningful engagement starts with listening. We want to understand the strengths, experiences, hopes, and needs of the people who make up our school communities. When families feel welcomed and valued, students see that their school and community are connected places where they belong. When community partners are invited to contribute their expertise and ideas, new possibilities emerge. And when students have opportunities to share their voices, they become active participants in their own learning and school experience.

This is at the heart of the Community School approach: we are stronger when we work together. By building authentic relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for families and community members to be involved, we strengthen the network of support around every student and continue building schools that are truly centers of connection, learning, opportunity, and belonging.

We are continuing to connect families, staff, and community partners with resources and opportunities that support children and families throughout our community. Here are a few current updates to share:

🚗 Car Seat Support from Rice County Public Health

Rice County Public Health continues to have car seats and certified car seat technicians available to support families with safe transportation. There referral form can be used to connect families with a wide variety of public health services and supports.

Access the Rice County Public Health Referral Form Here

👶 ParentChild+ Has Openings

ParentChild+ currently has space for three additional children from Faribault who are 18-30 months old. This program provides families with resources and support to help young children build important early learning skills and get ready for future success.

Learn more or complete the ParentChild+ interest form HERE

🌱 Growing Up Healthy - Early Childhood Navigator

Growing Up Healthy is accepting applications for an Early Childhood Navigator position. This role helps connect young children and families with resources and services that support healthy development and family wellbeing.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Navigator opportunity HERE

🏆 Start Early Funders Coalition - Recognition Opportunity

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact on children and families throughout their career? The Start Early Funders Coalition is accepting nominations for individuals whose work has made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. Consider nominating someone in our community whose dedication deserves to be recognized.

Submit a nomination HERE

To further support students and families, we have created a shared resource document for staff that includes community resources, volunteer opportunities, and additional support services. This tool serves as a quick-reference guide to help connect students and families with needed services and enrichment opportunities.

Faribault Public Schools is excited to celebrate the opening of the new School Health Center at Faribault High School, made possible through our partnership with HealthFinders Collaborative and a shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of local youth.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 8, marking an important step toward making healthcare more accessible for Faribault students. The new health center helps remove barriers to care by connecting students with health services that support their success both in the classroom and beyond.

We are grateful to HealthFinders Collaborative and our community partners for helping make this opportunity possible. By bringing healthcare directly into the school setting, we are building a stronger foundation for healthier students, greater access to care, and a thriving Faribault community!

To learn more about the School-Based Health Center click here.

In the video below, two Faribault High School students, Ivan and Sierra, give their own tour of the new space.

At Faribault Public Schools, we want every family to feel welcomed, heard, and connected to their child's school. Families have access to interpreter services when language support is needed, helping to ensure that families can fully participate in conversations, meetings, conferences, and decisions about their child's education. We also encourage families to connect with our FACES (Family and Community Engagement Specialists) staff, who are available to help families navigate school resources, build connections, and access supports within our schools and community.

Providing language access and trusted points of connection is an important part of our Community School strategy. By removing barriers and helping families connect with the people and resources they need, we strengthen relationships, increase family engagement, and create a stronger sense of belonging across our school community.

Use the step-by-step guide below to request an interpreter and the FACES staff directory to find the right person to connect with your family.

Faribault Public Schools is grateful for the support of Rice Country Area United Way and its commitment to strengthening our community. Through its investment in local organizations, United Way helps expand opportunities for youth, support families, and build a healthier, more connected community.

As a valued partner in the Youth Opportunity impact area, Faribault Community Schools is proud to be part of this collaborative effort to make a difference in the lives of students and families. This support helps advance our work to connect students and families with meaningful learning opportunities, essential resources, and supportive relationships that promote success in school and beyond.

During United Way's October campaign, we celebrate the generosity of donors and the many community partners working together to create lasting impact. Thank you to Rice County Area United Way for investing in our community and helping make this important work possible!

Does your child have asthma? Rice County Public Health offers free, personalized asthma consultations for children ages 0-18 who live in Rice County and have been diagnosed with asthma.

Through home-based asthma services, a public health nurse can meet with you and your child in the comfort of your own home to provide individualized education, review your child's asthma action plan, assess the home environment for potential triggers, recommend helpful equipment, and answer questions. Eligible families may also receive free equipment to help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

To learn more or request services, complete the Rice County Public Health Online Referral Form or call Rice County Public Health at 507-332-6111.

"A new University of Minnesota study found that the percentage of Minnesota high school students reporting cannabis use in the past 30 days dropped from 13% in 2013 to 5% in 2025. That's an encouraging trend and shows that prevention, education and changing attitudes can make a difference." - RCCMHC

But the story isn't the same for every young person.

The study found that LGBTQ+ students, American Indian and Alaska Native students, and youth experiencing poverty continue to report cannabis use at significantly higher rates than their peers. Researchers also point to experiences such as bullying, discrimination and stress as factors that may contribute to these disparities.

For us, this is an important reminder: prevention must include everyone. Supporting young people means creating safe, inclusive communities where they feel connected, supported and able to ask for help - while making sure prevention resources reach the youth who need them most.

There's encouraging progress to celebrate, but there's also an opportunity to keep listening, keep learning and keep working together to support the health and well-being of all Rice County youth.

Read the full story from MPR News: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/09/24/minnesota-teens-are-using-less-cannabis-some-groups-are-still-at-higher-risk

Learning doesn't stop at the school doors! Throughout the year, we will share a variety of webinars, trainings, resources, and learning opportunities designed for staff, parents and caregivers, and community partners. Topics will cover a wide range of areas that support students, familise, and our community - from student wellbeing and family engagement to technology, safety, learning supports, and other timely topics. These opportunities are a great way to learn something new, build connections, and access resources that can support the important work we all do to help our students thrive. Watch this space each month for upcoming opportunities and ways to participate!

Please note: Note all trainings and webinars will be lead or designed by Faribault Public Schools or FPS Staff. This is a resource hub sharing learning opportunities from the local, state, and national level.

The CALM Conversations workshop is designed to provide friends, family, and others with information on how recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on increasing lethal means safety – especially concerning firearms.

• Thursday, September 24: 12:00 – 1:30 pm Zoom registration link TOMORROW
• Saturday, October 10: 3:00 – 4:30 pm IN PERSON: LeSueur United Methodist Church, 730 S. 6th Street, Le Sueur, Minnesota 56058. Eventbrite Registration Link
• Wednesday, October 21: 3:00 – 4:30 pm Zoom registration link

This is a one-hour class that talks about the developmental responses youth may have to stress. We will discuss 5 mental health tips for families and resources in the community.

• Wednesday, October 21: 6:00 – 7:00 pm Zoom registration link

As children and teens spend more time online, families have an important opportunity to help guide their digital experiences. Platforms like Snapchat and TikTok offer parental controls and family safety tools that can help families manage content, privacy, screen time, and who their children can interact with online. We've created a simple step-by-step guide to help families explore these settings and choose the options that are right for their household.

Click the image below to access the guide and learn how to set up parental controls on Snapchat and TikTok. Taking a few minutes to review these settings can be a meaningful step toward helping our students build safe, healthy, and responsible digital habits.

How often is your teen scrolling? About 1 in 3 high school students check social media at least once an hour.

Try this: Set phone-free zones at home, like the dinner table or bedroom.

Technology is changing the world we live in, and CDC is learning what that means for young people. Learn more ways to support teens from CDC’s newest Youth Health in Focus report: www.cdc.gov/yrbs/youth-health-in-focus/index.html

The September luncheon of the Faribault Christian Women's Connection highlighted an important resource within Faribault Public Schools - The Nest. As part of their special feature, guests generously donated school supplies, hygiene products, and other essential items to support students across the district.

The Nest spaces, located within the Welcome Centers at each school, provide students with access to needed supplies, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials - no questions asked. Students can take what they need and leave what they don't.

We are grateful to the Faribault Christian Women's Connection for supporting this effort and helping ensure that students have access to the resources they need to feel prepared, supported, and ready to learn.

Accepting the generous donations were Lincoln Elementary Community School Coordinator Wanda Holmgren, High School Community School Coordinator Gabbie Carlander, and District Special Projects Coordinator Amy Lunderby, who received the items from Planning Team members Karen Rasmussen and Janice Derham, Chair.

🎬🍿 FREE MOVIE NIGHT! 🍿🎬

Join us for a FREE movie night at Faribault Middle School!

📅 October 30th

Bring your friends and family and enjoy a fun night together! We hope to see you there! 🎥✨

Falcons Beyond provides students with a safe and welcoming place to learn, explore, and have fun after the school day ends. Students participate in hands-on learning activities, enrichment experiences, and engaging activities while building friendships and connections with others.

Program Details:

• FREE after-school program
• Mondays-Thursdays - No Friday programming
• Available after school until 4:30 PM
• Includes a free meal and snack
• Designed specifically to provide students with meaningful and engaging experiences beyond the school day.

Please Note: If school is canceled or dismissed early due to weather, Falcons Beyond will also be canceled.

Ready to Join Us? REGISTER HERE!

Jefferson Falcons Beyond is underway, and we are still accepting registrations! This free afterschool program provides students with opportunities to learn, explore interests, build friendships, and participate in engaging activities beyond the school day.

Families can register their students here:
Register for Jefferson Falcons Beyond

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please reach out . We’re happy to help!
Amber James
Community School Coordinator
ajames@faribault.k12.mn.us

Need interpretation?
Spanish please contact Yesica Perez at yperez@faribault.k12.mn.us
Somali please contact Bashir Omar at bomar@faribault.k12.mn.us

What a wonderful way to kick off the school year! Our Back to School Picnic brought Jefferson families, staff, and community partners together for an evening filled with fun, connection, and community. With beautiful weather and a fantastic turnout, it was a great opportunity to reconnect, welcome new families, and celebrate the start of another school year.

A special thank you to all of our amazing community partners who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. Your time, energy, and continued support make a meaningful difference for our students and families.

Events like this remind us that Community Schools are built through relationships. When schools, families, and community partners come together, we create stronger connections and a greater sense of belonging for everyone. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this celebration such a success!

Jefferson Elementary is excited to keep the celebration going for the school year with a special Walk-A-Thon on October 23rd! This special event is more than just a walk - it is an opportunity for students to explore, connect, and celebrate the people and organizations that make Faribault such a wonderful place to live and learn.

Along the route, students will have the chance to stop at community partner booths, learn about local organizations and opportunities, and meet the people who help make our community stronger. It is a great way for students to see firsthand the many resources, experiences, and connections available right here in their own community.

CALLING ALL COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

We would love to have community partners join us! If your organization is interested in hosting a booth or participating in the Walk-A-Thon, please reach out to Amber James at ajames@faribault.k12.mn.us for more information.

Together, we can help our students discover their community, build connections, and see themselves as an important part of Faribault!

Lincoln Falcons Beyond is underway, and registration is currently full but we are still accepting registrations for students to be added to our waitlist! This free afterschool program, offered through Faribault Community Schools, provides students in grades 1-5 with opportunities to learn, explore new interests, build friendships, and engage in enriching activities beyond the school day.

Programming takes place Monday-Thursday, from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Please register here for Lincoln Falcons Beyond!

Please contact me if you have any further questions!
Wanda Holmgren
Lincoln Community School Coordinator
wholmgren@faribault.k12.mn.us
507-333-6680

Middle school students have opportunities to get involved, explore new interests, build friendships, and stay connected beyond the school day! Currently, the two programs being offered are Outdoor Adventures and FMS Theatre.

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures is for students in grades 6-8 and meets on Mondays from 3:00-4:30 PM. Activities are weather-dependent and always exciting, always outdoors!

REGISTER HERE FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

Middle School Theatre Club: Register Today!

Calling all FMS students who love to perform, create, collaborate, or just want to try something new! Falcons Beyond Theatre Club is an exciting after-school opportunity to get involved in theatre, build confidence, and have fun with friends.

📅 After school
⏰ 3:00–5:15 PM
📍 Faribault Middle School

REGISTER FOR THEATRE HERE!!!


A quick Falcons Beyond MIDDLE SCHOOL update: We’re getting our full after-school programming up and running gradually this fall. We’ll be starting with a few clubs and activities first, with additional Falcons Beyond opportunities being added as we get underway. Meals will not be available right away, but we’ll share an update when meal service begins.

Keep an eye on ReachMyTeach! New Falcons Beyond clubs and activities will be posted there as they become available, so be sure to check back regularly.
We’re excited to get Falcons Beyond rolling and offer students more opportunities to connect, create, explore, and belong!

Level up your after-school experience! Faribault High School students are invited to join the new Video Game Club, where gamers can connect, have fun, and enjoy a variety of games and consoles each week. The club meets Monday through Wednesday from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in Tech Hub D117. Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just looking to try something new, all gamers are welcome!

Need a little extra help with homework, but staying after school isn't an option? High school students can access free online tutoring support through Carleton College!

Carleton College tutors are available to help students with their coursework and provide additional academic support from the convenience of home. A parent or guardian can complete a short Homework Help Request Form to share information about the student's needs and help connect them with the appropriate tutor.

This is a great option for students who need additional support but may have transportation, scheduling, or other barriers to staying after school.

NEED HELP? Don't hesitate to reach out - support is available!

Interested in turning your passion for helping others into a rewarding profession? Join Faribault Public Schools on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Faribault Education Center (FEC) for Explore Mental Health Careers. This one-hour informational session will highlight various roles in counseling, therapy, social work, psychology, and advocacy. You'll learn about diverse career paths, required education and training, and gain valuable hands-on insights directly from working mental health professionals. Whether you are starting your career journey or exploring a new direction, this session will help you take the next step toward making a positive impact in your community. For questions or accommodation requests, please email gcarlander@faribault.k12.mn.us.

Need extra support with your studies? Drop in for free Homework Help in room C012! Morning sessions run Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM, and after-school sessions are available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:05 PM to 5:00 PM. No registration is required—simply show up whenever you need extra assistance or a quiet place to get work done.

A new youth space soft-launched in Faribault in early August! It is now open to Faribault youth ages 14-18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Youth can come by the third floor of the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church for fun, support, and a free meal with peers and volunteers.

This space was conceived by the Faribault Breakthrough Coalition, a community-driven action team that focuses on providing a comprehensive approach to preventing substance misuse and suicide experiences in youth ages 10-24. The Faribault Breakthrough Coalition, Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition, and HCI staff worked hard this summer to make the space ready to host youth this school year. Please help us spread the word!

The Faribault Education Center offers specialized education and support for individuals who are justice-impacted and working toward a stronger future. Through REACH and Next Chapter, participants receive individualized guidance, education support, and connections to resources that can help them move forward.

Next Chapter provides individualized support for individuals who are currently or previously involved in the justice system and are working toward their GED or Adult Diploma. Participants receive guidance based on their individual goals, needs, and educational journey.

REACH supports individuals who are recently returning to the community, helping them navigate the transition and connect with education, employment, stabilization services, and other community resources.

While each program has a different focus, both are built around the same goal: helping individuals identify their strengths and goals, overcome barriers, build connections, and create a path toward their next chapter.

Whether the next step is completing a diploma, finding employment, accessing resources, or simply figuring out where to begin, REACH and Next Chapter are here to help individuals take that next step.

The Faribault Driver Education program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and is taught by certified licensed instructors. This class is for participants who are 14 years or older before the start of classes. Click here to learn more and register!

The best summer learning programs don't just focus on academics - they also ensure that students are connected, engaged, and growing.

At Faribault Public Schools, summer is part of our year-round strategy to support the whole child. In this new post from AASA's Schools of Thought blog, Superintendent Jamie Bente outlines our summer learning program pillars. These include removing barriers to access, creating opportunities for engagement, supporting growth through purposeful experiences, and using data for improvement. Partnerships with organizations such as Three Rivers Community Action, HealthFinders Collaborative, and River Bend Nature Center help us offer meaningful enrichment opportunities and expand family and student supports. And through work with @The District Summer Learning Network and coach @Laura Dukess, we are supporting staff and focusing on peer relationships and trust building so students have what they need to thrive.

Our pillars allow us to achieve our goal: creating a community of support that helps every student continue learning, building relationships, discovering strengths, and growing throughout the year.

To read the full blog post please visit: https://www.aasa.org/resources/blog/summer-learning-without-barriers-building-a-community-of-support-for-every-student

Explore our annual reports to learn how Community Schools are making a lasting impact in Faribault.

These programs are partially funded with multiple grants including a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, ALN 84.287, a Full Service Community School Start-Up grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, a Full Service Community School Expansion grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, a Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery Focus grant from the Minnesota Department of Health, and an Organizational Grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.

The contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy of the Minnesota Department of Education, Federal Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Health, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.