EHS Newsletter

Friday, October 31st is a Staff Development Day and there is NO SCHOOL for students.

Chris Paulson took the microphone near the beginning of Eagan High School’s homecoming pep fest and, with each point he made from the center of the gymnasium floor, might as well have put a basketball through the hoop in Wildcats blue and green.

The Director of Performing Arts and Sports at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Paulson ticked through what he’s learned about Eagan and the crowd approved.

• “Hundreds of students participating in instrumental and vocal music ensembles.” YEAH!
• “Nationally-recognized Speech and Debate teams.” WOOOO!
• “Award-winning theatre productions.” UH-HUH!
• “Thriving visual arts.” More applause!

Then he got to the news, which made the gym shake with stomping on the bleachers: Eagan High School is the 2025 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence. Why is this such a big deal, you may ask? This award is only given to one school annually, just one! We are the ONLY school in the entire nation to receive this rare and prestigious award!!

“Obviously we think we’re wonderful,” said Dr. Polly Reikowski, the Eagan principal since 2002, “but when a national organization tells you you’re wonderful – that’s even better.”

Activities like Debate, Music, One Act Play, Speech and Visual Arts are just as much a part of the Minnesota State High School League as athletics like Football and Volleyball.

Eagan and many other schools across the state embrace that. Just outside the Eagan gymnasium is a performing arts Wall of Honor that matches a typical athletics Hall of Fame.

“It's not only the programming that exists, it’s the access to programming and allowing so many students opportunities to have these kinds of programs,” Paulson said.

“But also the success they’re having with these programs. How do they measure success? Is it competitive results? In some cases, yes. But I think when you can really zoom out and see so many students part of an organization, part of an activity, part of a greater community, that is really true success.”

Reikowski, Speech and Debate Coach Chris McDonald — both members of the MSHSL Hall of Fame — and more Eagan faculty, staff and students helped build successful programs that others can emulate.

You can read more about Eagan's achievements here.

Video of award presentation

“I think Eagan becomes a great resource across the state,” said Erich Martens, the League’s Executive Director. “Anybody who wants to put together programs, they’re going to be calling here and saying, ‘What have you done? How have you built these programs?’”

Thinking About Wearing a Costume at EHS for Halloween?

If a student is planning to wear a costume here are the expectations:

• Faces cannot be covered - masks, face painting
• Safety is important! Be sure the person can function safely at school
• No fake (or real) weapons of any kind
• School appropriate attire is required

With the onset of darker mornings, prioritizing safety for both students and drivers is crucial. If your student bikes to school, ensure they are equipped with a reliable white headlight and red rear light on their bicycle to enhance visibility. The most basic requirement of Minnesota law is to fit the bike with a white front light and a red rear light which must be clean and working properly, when cycling between sunset and sunrise. It's important for bikers to stop at intersections and avoid darting into traffic, as drivers may struggle to see them without proper lighting. Encourage them to always cross streets at designated crosswalks, especially those with lighted flashers, to maximize their safety. As a community, we must work together to promote awareness and caution, ensuring a safe journey for everyone during these darker hours.

Work has started on the new parking lot. It is north of the stadium on Braddock Trail. Please know that trucks will be working in this area. Please be careful. Drive slowly and watch for construction vehicles.

Information about how to submit is on our website: https://ehs.district196.org/activities/publications

SENIOR PHOTOS ARE DUE NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Yearbook photo for seniors are due no later than MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025.

Photo must be submitted directly to Jostens. Click this link to submit photo.

• Enter contact information and use the code provided.
• Click the 'Portrait' or ‘School Life Photos’ button.
• Choose the images you wish to upload.
• Tag students in the photo.
• Click on “Done" when finished.

All school dress codes apply for senior pictures. Please submit only one photo per student--if multiple photos are submitted, the yearbook staff will pick one.

Photographers: you can upload multiple photos at once, just please make sure each file is labeled with the student's first and last name.

Wondering if the yearbook staff received your senior photo? Please click this link. We highlighted the names of students when we received their photos along with adding the date. If there is any issue with your photo, someone from the staff with contact you.

STUDENT RECOGNITION ADS ARE ALSO DUE NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Student Recognition Ads (Baby Ads) are a section in the yearbook where parents/guardians can purchase a space to submit a photo(s) of a graduating senior along with a short message of love, pride, or encouragement. It’s a mini tribute to celebrate the senior's journey from childhood to graduation. Ads are $55 and can be bought at www.jostens.com, click on yearbook, and scroll down to Recognition Ads.

Congrats to Girls Tennis!

Here they are with their 5th Place Consolation Trophy at the State Tournament.

Girls soccer moves on to semi-finals at the State Tournament in US Bank Stadium on Wednesday, October 29th at 10:00am.

Great season for boys soccer. Congratulations!

EARLY BIRD SALE

Class of 2026 Senior Party Tickets are on Sale. Prices will increase so buy your ticket now!

EHS Senior Lawn Signs Presale!

There are a limited number of signs so purchase yours today. They will be distributed in the spring (March or April). Reserve your sign today!

Join the Class of 2026 Senior Party Facebook Page for updates.

As you may know, the Eagan Community Foundation's mission is to invest in Eagan's future with community grants, scholarships, and community connections. We cordially invite you to their upcoming annual fundraiser.

It will be a fun international evening, celebrating our diverse community with food, drinks, entertainment, silent auctions, raffles, and community fellowship. Funds raised will support the community grants and scholarship programs.

Please join us for an international evening supporting and celebrating the Eagan community.

• Raise funds for our community grants and scholarships
• Enjoy international cuisine and entertainment
• Bid on fabulous silent auction items

An International Evening of Eagan

CALLING ALL JUNIORS

We are looking for our next Excel Candidate!! If the following criteria describes you – please apply!

• Be a junior in high school
• Make satisfactory progress toward graduation
• Participate in an MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity
• Hold a leadership position(s) in school
• Volunteer in your community
• Meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206)

The application is due electronically to Mr. Elias no later than Friday, November 14, 2025. Please email it to Jason.elias@district196.org (do not send to apps address)

The application is linked below:

MSHSL ExCEL Application - (Click this link and then hit "make a copy" – please save it under your name.)

You can then deliver it to Mr. Elias via email.

National Letter of Intent is a binding commitment by an athlete to play collegiate athletics for a particular college or university in exchange for a scholarship. (This means your senior is signing a commitment to a Division I or Division II school to play a sport and receiving athletic financial aid for playing the sport. This would also mean the college or university has been in contact with you and your senior about the signing the paperwork. )

This is not the signing date for D-III or JUCO or NAIA Schools

November 12, 2025 is the first of three signing time periods for prospective senior student-athletes, who have played at Eagan, to sign their National Letters of Intent.

We will celebrate our D-1 and D-11 athletes at this signing.

If you have a senior (12th Grade) student who will be signing to play college athletics during this time period please contact Eagan’s Athletic Director, Jason Elias.

Email – Jason.elias@district196.org or his assistant, Sherri.anderson@district196.org the following.

Here is the info Mr. Elias needs for the event:

Name of athlete

School attending

Level (D-1 or D11)

See this site for more information on NLI’s

http://www.nationalletter.org/

The Future of Technology in Our Schools is on the Ballot in November

This November, our community will vote on renewing and increasing the technology levy that supports our schools. First approved in 2015, this levy is what makes things like student iPads, digital curriculum, Wi-Fi, and cybersecurity possible every day. If the levy isn’t renewed, the district would lose more than $9.1 million each year—funds we count on to keep students connected and learning. Early voting opens this Friday, Sept. 19!

Learn more at district196.org/techlevy.

Keeping Student Data Safe

As technology becomes a bigger part of daily operations, online threats continue to grow. In District 196, our systems work around the clock to protect student information and keep digital learning spaces secure:

· 🛡️ 275,000 severe threats blocked every month

· 📧 700,000 spam or malicious emails stopped monthly

· 🌐 1.5 billion websites processed/month - approximately 20,000 blocked for safety

· 🔐 Nearly 100 malicious login attempts stopped every day

The 2025 Technology Levy is the primary source of funding for cyber security in District 196. Learn more about how school districts are tackling cybersecurity in this KSTP story. Be informed and vote on or before Nov. 4!

🗳️ Life gets busy. Don’t Wait Until Election Day — Vote Early!Early voting is open now for the 2025 District 196 Technology Levy Election. District 196 is asking voters to renew and increase funding for essential technology, including cybersecurity, classroom technology, digital curriculum, and more.

Take advantage of the upcoming no-school days (Thu., Oct. 16, and Fri., Oct. 17) — it’s a great chance to bring your kids with you and show them what active citizenship and voting looks like.

· Vote Early In Person – open now through November 3 at:

o District 196 District Office – 3455 153rd St. W., Rosemount

o Dakota County Western Service Center – 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley

o Dakota County Administration Center – 1590 Hwy 55, Hastings

It’s been an exciting and successful fall for Eagan Athletics!

• Girls’ Tennis finished an outstanding season, placing 5th at the State Tournament. Congratulations to Amelia and Cassan, who both advanced past the first round in the individual state tournament. Cassan took 3rd place at individual state.
• Boys’ Soccer battled hard in the first round of the state tournament, falling 2–1 in double overtime.
• Girls’ Soccer continues their postseason run and will play in the State Semifinals on October 29 at 10:00 a.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium.
• Boys’ Cross Country finished 3rd in their section meet, with Liam and Ethan qualifying for the state meet Nov. 1.
• Girls’ Cross Country captured the Section Championship and will also compete at the state meet Nov. 1.
• Volleyball will play in the Section Semifinals on October 25 at 5:00 p.m. at home.
• Football opens section playoffs tonight at Woodbury at 7:00 p.m.
• Girls’ Swimming and Diving are gearing up for their section meet November 5–7 at Two Rivers High School.

Want winter to fly by? Join the ISD 196 Nordic Ski Team! You'll meet kids from all schools across the district. No experience is required! Join us at our information
session on October 26th. The season starts November 10th.

Attention All Student Athletes and Families

Athletic Registration Information Winter Sports 2025-26

Sports Physical Information 2025-2026

ALL participants are required to have a current physical (within the last three years) on file. If your physical is more than three years old, you will not be allowed to register or participate. If you get a message saying “Valid Physical is Required” it means the physical we have on file either has already expired or will expire by the end of the season you are registering for. You can check your physical expiration date on either the student or parent version of the Infinite Campus Portal App under “More” and “Athletic Physical” Please contact Sherri Anderson at 651-683-6907 or sherri.anderson@district196.org if you need clarification on your physical expiration date.

Physical Clearance to Participate forms are available below. Please be sure this form is filled out by your medical provider as other medical charts, etc. are NOT valid for sports participation physicals. Completed physical forms need to be turned in to the Eagan Athletic Office in person, faxed to 651-683-6910 or scanned and emailed to sherri.anderson@district196.org.

2025-2026 Sports Physical Form

If you need a new physical, there are several local options. Go to your family physician, or visit a local CVS Medical Clinic (usually around $50).

***Registration is now open for Winter Sports***

Winter Sports

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS:

A new application must be submitted every year, only one application is needed per household.

Click HERE to apply for Educational Benefits.

Learn more about how this application supports District 196

National Honor Society members are required to complete 12 hours of approved service/volunteer hours each trimester, totaling 36 hours per year. Students are able to accumulate 5 hours of community service over the summer which can count toward their 12 fall trimester hours. Please be aware that these hours must be separate from any required service related to other organizations of which you may be a member.

Follow this LINK for more information on National Honor Society.

Eagan High School 2025-2026 Calendar/Handbook

2025-26 Overview of Student Rights and Responsibilities

All high school activity buses depart at 4:50pm. We will issue an Activity Pass for the entire school year for students needing the late bus home from school. The activity bus pass will be for students participating in after school sports or club and the one day pass will be for students staying after school for other reasons. Students with the pass will need to hold onto the pass and present to the driver when they board the bus. Students will not be allowed on the activity bus if they do not have a pass. Please stop by the Main Office to ask for a pass.

Activity Buses leave at 4:50 PM from the South Entrance

The process for reporting an absence has changed. You will now use Infinite Campus access through the parent portal.

This page includes instructions in English, Somali, and Spanish, as well as the Infinite Campus login link for parents:

https://www.district196.org/services/student-absence-request

Infinite Campus Written Documents quick guides:

https://sites.google.com/apps.district196.org/infinitecampus/training-resources/written-documentation

Even though there is no charge for breakfast or lunch for students...it is still important that you apply for Educational Benefits if your household qualifies!

Each approved application provides additional funding to programs at EHS. Educational Benefits allows your child to to receive free or reduced fees for athletic programs and field trips.

An approved application also provides:

• Additional funding for all schools
• Additional funds for increased access to technology resources
• Discounted college application fees
• Discounted academic testing fees (ACT, AP, PSAT, SAT)
• Discounted Community Education course fees

A new application must be submitted every year, only one application is needed per household.

Click HERE to apply for Educational Benefits beginning July 15th

Learn more about how this application supports District 196

Questions? Please contact Nutrition@district196.org or call 651-683-6957

Join ParentSquare HERE.