District Update

Check out all that we've got going on!

1. Superintendent's Message
2. Community Education
3. What's going on in the district!

There is always something special about the beginning of a new school year. Our buildings come back to life, classrooms fill with energy, activities get underway, and we are reminded once again of the incredible responsibility and opportunity we have to serve our students.

As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I have been encouraging our staff to think about four choices we can make each day: growth over comfort, response over reaction, curiosity over certainty, and hope over fear.

These choices matter in schools, but I believe they extend well beyond them.

A great school year does not happen because everything goes exactly as planned. There will be challenges, changes, successes, and probably a few surprises along the way. What matters is how we choose to approach those moments. We can continue learning and growing. We can respond thoughtfully when challenges arise. We can stay curious and open to new possibilities. And we can remain hopeful about what is possible for every student we serve.

Most importantly, we do not do this work alone. Strong schools are built through partnerships among students, staff, families, and the communities that support them.

Thank you for the many ways you support Waseca Public Schools. We are excited for the year ahead and grateful to begin another school year together.

Jay's Nest wrapped up their summer programming on the 28th and the kids had lots of fun! Field trips, fun times outside, hot days inside, crafts, games and so much more! We are looking forward to our fall programming starting on September 9th !

Our Junior Jays Preschool still has 3 year old openings! Contact our office at 835-2222 to get them registered today!

Jay's Nest-School Age Care has a new Coordinator! Miranda started on August 6th, and we are so excited to see the growth she brings to our current and expanding program.

In the hectic world we all live in, it is difficult to slow down and reflect on how good things are. We have so much to be thankful for as a 4-6 school building in Waseca. In the next few paragraphs I would like to recap just some of the reasons we feel fortunate.

We live in a town that collectively raises children well. Students come to school prepared to learn on a daily basis. Our parents spend countless hours assisting their students to get the most out of their time with us. Our parents encourage their students to get involved and support them in their endeavors both inside and outside of school. We are thankful for our parents.

We live in a community which comes together to support children. Community involvement in our school is tremendous. Whether it is volunteers sharing their expertise or individual financial support, our community comes out to support students. We are thankful for our community.

We have a group of professionals willing to go the extra mile for students. The Waseca Intermediate School is staffed with individuals that truly take pride in working towards meeting the needs of all students. Every member plays an important role in providing an environment conducive to learning. Whether teaching students interpersonal/social skills or specific curricular essentials, our staff understands the need to teach the whole child. We are thankful of the WIS staff.

We have an amazing group of students. Our students are willing to try new things and respect the people and property around them. They put forth the effort it takes to get the most out of their learning. They understand it is their job to get from point A to point B in their learning. We are thankful for our students.

We feel extremely fortunate to educate students in the community of Waseca. This is a special place. We will continue to strive to exceed expectations for all the reasons listed above. Waseca is a great place to live and raise children. Waseca Intermediate School provides a fantastic education for students and we have everyone to thank for that.

John Huttemier

Principal

Waseca Intermediate School

With new teachers reporting this week, the school year is officially off and running. Fall activities have been underway since August 17, and the energy is slowly returning to the building. We are looking forward to an outstanding start to the school year, with all teachers reporting on August 31. Before long, the halls will be filled with smiling faces, eager to learn, grow, and help make the 2026–27 school year a success. We are excited for the year ahead!

Justin Johnston

Principal

JHHS Open House - Sept. 2 - 3:30 - 6 🍎

7th Grade Orientation - Sept. 8 🎓

1st Day of School - Sept. 9 🏫

Homecoming the Week of Oct. 6 - 10 👑

The 2026–2027 activities season is officially underway at Waseca Public Schools. Although our fall programs have only been together for a short time, our students and coaches have already brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the new school year.

The opening weeks of a season are about much more than preparing for the first competition. Students are building relationships, learning expectations, developing leadership skills, and discovering what it means to be part of something larger than themselves. Our coaches and advisors are working hard to create positive, student-centered environments in which every participant can learn, grow, and contribute.

Throughout the year, our programs will continue to emphasize the Waseca Way:

• Put students first

• Communicate clearly

• Represent our community with pride

• Support one another

• Leave every program better than we found it

These principles guide how we compete, perform, lead, and represent Waseca Public Schools. Success will not be measured only by wins, scores, or awards, but also by the character, commitment, and relationships our students develop along the way.

We are grateful for the coaches, advisors, staff members, families, volunteers, and community members who make these opportunities possible. Whether you attend an event, volunteer in an event-support role, or simply offer encouragement to a student participant, your support makes a meaningful difference.

Schedules, updates, tickets, and other activities information are available through Bound at www.gobound.com/mn/schools/waseca. We encourage families and community members to follow our programs and join us throughout the year.

We look forward to another outstanding year of Waseca activities and to celebrating the growth and accomplishments of all our students.