The Pony Post
By: Mr. Bryan Hackbarth, Superintendent
Greetings! Now that the snow has melted and warmer temperatures have arrived, I hope you all feel rejuvenated after a long winter. It is the final quarter of the school year, and I am wondering how we got to the end of April so fast?!
By: Mr. Ben Miska, Secondary Principal
One of the most exciting times of the year is right around the corner! With the end of a school year comes the opportunity to recognize the hard work of our students at our annual scholarship night and commencement ceremony.
The community is invited to attend both the scholarship night and the commencement ceremony.
Our annual scholarship night is Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00PM in the auditorium. This night would not be possible without the generosity of the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation and many community donors. Thank you to the WAO Education Foundation and our donors who continue to support our graduates as they begin their new journey after WAO.
Commencement for the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Class of 2026 is Friday, May 22 at 6:00PM in the auditorium.
Graduation is the culmination of what we do at WAO: it is an amazing and collaborative effort of parents, guardians, teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, coaches, and administrators from students’ first day of preschool through their senior year. I am proud of our system and all we accomplish when we work hard as a team and support one another!
Each year as graduation grows closer, I reflect on the senior class - the hard work and success they have achieved, their unique personalities, and what they may become in the future.
It is also time for our seniors to reflect on where they have been, what they have become, and where they will go. I always encourage them to thank those individuals who have invested in their educational journey at WAO.
With that, I want to congratulate our seniors on their dedication and accomplishments and thank them for making Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District a better place than they found it.
By: Dr. Tara Olson, Elementary Principal
Spring is a busy time at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School, both with new beginnings and endings.
Highlights from March include the hatching of baby chicks, a visit by ducklings, a talent show, and a book fair. The book fair provided each classroom with a new set of books and every student with a new book. It was so fun to see students and families participate in the culminating reading event - you could not find a spot in the building that was not occupied by a student enthusiastically reading with a family member or high school buddy!
Even with just a few weeks remaining in the school year, we have no shortage of fun planned!
On Friday, May 1, each third grader is going to receive a free bike helmet from the Warren Lions Club in honor of Bike Safety Day.
The annual elementary track meet will occur on Wednesday, May 6 at the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo football field. Students in grades 3 - 6 will compete against their peers from Stephen-Argyle Central.
Local emergency medical service personnel are visiting students on Friday, May 15 to teach them about various EMS jobs. A big thank you to Sally Roller for helping to organize this event!
On Thursday, May 21, we will celebrate our fifth-grade students as they graduate from elementary school and prepare for middle school.
I want to take a moment to thank the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation for their continued support through the school year. They sponsored spring field trips to Bemidji’s Mississippi Headwaters for second grade students and Fargo’s Red River Valley Zoo for first grade students.
Scholarship Night
The Foundation’s scholarship night is the most significant night for our graduates. In 2025, 28 graduates were recipients of $112,875 in scholarship funds! Of those 28 students, seven received renewable scholarships for four years.
This year’s annual scholarship night is Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00PM in the auditorium. The community is welcome to attend the event and congratulate this year’s recipients, including five students who are receiving renewable scholarships.
Golf Scramble
The Foundation’s largest fundraiser is the annual golf scramble, held each summer at Riverside Golf Course. Last year, our golf scramble fundraiser brought in a total of $41,898 with 226 golfers, sponsors, and donations. Mark your calendar for this year’s event, with more information coming soon:
21st Annual WAOEF Golf Scramble
Friday, July 24
📍Riverside Golf Course | 990 E Johnson Ave, Warren, MN 56762
Cost: $50
Registration and fees may be submitted to: Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation, PO Box 125, Warren, MN 56762.
By: Mr. Tony Gullickson, Activities Director
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District continues to provide students with consistent opportunities to perform, compete, and represent our school across a wide range of programs. This spring has produced great results in fine arts, leadership organizations, and academic competitions, while also showing growth in participation.
On March 17, 14 senior high choir members had the opportunity to collaborate with the University of North Dakota’s director and choir. This experience gave students exposure to a higher level of performance and instruction. Credit to Mrs. Relling for making this connection and creating that opportunity!
On April 8, the choir traveled to Crookston for the large group contest. Sixty-four students performed two selections and earned a Superior rating, the highest possible. This result stands out given the limited rehearsal time due to recent school disruptions. Brenna Benson also earned recognition for her role as student accompanist.
Band students also had a full schedule of performances. On March 18, several students competed in the solo and ensemble contest in East Grand Forks, where five events were entered and resulted in two Superior ratings and three Excellent ratings. On April 8, the senior high band performed at the large group contest in Crookston; the band earned Excellent ratings from all three judges. These results reflect steady preparation and performance.
The art program continues to produce high-level work. On April 1, eight students competed in the Region 8A art tournament in Warroad, submitting a total of 18 pieces. Ten of those entries earned Superior ratings across six individual students. One student, Claire Decker, earned a Spotlight on the Arts recognition and advanced to the state level.
FFA students have stayed active throughout the year, competing in over a dozen events. The program qualified teams for the state level FFA convention in soils, forestry, poultry, and meat evaluation, with several students also placing in the top ten individually. Eighteen students are representing the district at this week’s state convention. This level of participation and advancement reflects a strong and consistent program.
FCCLA continues to set a high standard. Twelve students competed at the state convention held March 26 - 28, and all 12 qualified for the national competition in Washington, D.C.!
Knowledge Bowl saw strong results and growth at both levels. The senior high team advanced through sub-regionals and finished 6th out of 30 teams at the regional competition, missing a state berth by one point.
Beyond these highlighted areas, WAO continues to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Our musical program is recognized as one of the best in northwest Minnesota. Students also lead and participate in student council, National Honor Society, prom, yearbook, the WAO WearHouse, and cheer. These programs provide different opportunities for students to contribute, lead, and represent our school.
The Activities Department emphasizes participation, growth, and performance. The results this spring reflect the work being done by students and staff across all programs. Thank you to the advisors, coaches, and community members who continue to support these opportunities.
For students entering kindergarten in 2026 - 2027, required immunizations include:
- dTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Polio
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox).
For students entering seventh grade in 2026 - 2027, required immunizations include:
- dTap Booster
- Meningococcal (MenACWY); 1st dose
For students entering twelfth grade in 2026 - 2027, required immunizations include:
- Meningococcal (MenACWY); 2nd dose
As an additional measure, some families may also consider the HPV vaccine series as it is recommended for pre-teens and teenagers for prevention of certain cancers.
If you have questions about your child’s immunization status or need assistance accessing resources, please email Janelle Porter.
By: Mrs. Heidi Thorstenson, Director of Technology
Students will be called down at designated times to return their school-issued Chromebooks on the following dates:
- Seniors: May 18 - 19
- Grades 7 - 10: May 20
- Grades 6 & 11: May 21
Elementary devices can remain in the classrooms in which they are currently assigned; they will be collected and reviewed during the summer.
By: Mrs. Janelle Porter, School Nurse
For February’s National Children's Dental Health Month, kindergarten and first grade students participated in an educational program. Each class watched a short educational video about proper oral health and reviewed the steps for caring for their teeth.
Each kindergarten student received a toothbrush and toothpaste through a generous donation from Colgate. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation’s Smiles@School program provided each first-grade student with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, brushing timer, water bottle, and informational booklet. The goal of Smiles@School is to provide oral health supplies and education at no cost to every Minnesota first grader.
The Minnesota School Sealant Program came to the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District on Friday, March 20. Dental sealants, fluoride varnish, teeth cleaning, and x-rays were available to program participants. A total of 26 students participated and a record 73 tooth sealants were applied. It was a successful day in promoting good dental health!
Sourdough Course
K-Pop Demon Hunters Cheer Camp
Marshall County 4-H Creative Club
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is currently hiring school bus drivers for morning and afternoon routes, activities, and substitute roles.
The full route rate (morning and afternoon) is $122 per day, and the half route rate (morning or afternoon) is $61 per day. Drivers for activities earn $19 per hour. Are you interested in driving a bus but do not have a commercial driver’s license? The district will pay the cost for you to complete the training and earn your license!
Those interested in driving a bus may contact Miranda Knoll or Jason Morken at (218) 745-5393.
