Owatonna Public Schools

In the event of severe weather or other emergencies during the school day, our top priority is always student and staff safety.

With our Standard Response Protocol, the SHELTER directive is used when staff and students need to take cover due to specific threats, such as severe weather. In Minnesota, this would most commonly be initiated during a tornado warning. This directive ensures everyone moves to designated safe areas within the building to remain protected until the threat has passed.

To keep families informed, updates will be shared through Campus Messenger (email, text, or phone calls), the district website, and local news media. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in the parent portal to receive timely alerts.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and prepared.

By Superintendent Tammy Champa

While this year’s legislative session is not considered a funding year, many items are being discussed that could impact Owatonna Public Schools. Having just made 3.8 million dollars in budget adjustments for the 2026-2027 school year, we are watching several key topics that carry significant implications for our school district.

While some proposals present opportunities, others introduce notable challenges that could directly impact our students, staff, and community. Below is a summary of some of the changes that would have the biggest effect on school funding, including what each means for our district.

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Congratulations to the Owatonna High School Student Council on being recognized as a 2025 National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) for its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community.

The OHS Student Council has been expanding their civic engagement and service to the community by creating Huskies Give Week, which inspired giving from all of the other schools, and sponsoring Kids’ Activity Nights for elementary students, in addition to their coordination of Homecoming and Snow Week activities. They served as hosts for the MASC/MAHS (Minnesota Association of Student Councils & Minnesota Association of Honor Societies) State Conference, April 11-13.

Owatonna Middle School announced the 2026 semifinalists for the Kyle DeKam Leadership Award. This award is the culminating leadership award given at OMS recognizing students who are passionate learners, leaders and citizens. The honor symbolizes doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Congratulations to Samira Abdulahi, Mahir Abdullahi, Callie Arndt, Ella Bishman, Clara Boyd, Brady Buytaert, Drew Crass, Kendall Harguth, Allison Hartle, Zamzam Hassan, Cassidy Justice, Nyakaka Kim, Susanna Kimber, Payton Krogh, Chloe Tackmann, and Karis Vangen.

The community is invited to join Superintendent Champa for “coffee and conversation” at the Owatonna Public Schools District Office (333 East School Street) on Friday, April 17, at 8:30am. Hear an update on what’s happening in the school district, and bring any questions you have.

The Owatonna Police Department has reported an increase in school bus stop-arm violations. These violations pose a serious safety risk to students getting on and off the bus.

Families and community members are reminded that it is the law to stop when a school bus has its flashing lights on and stop arm extended, regardless of the direction you are traveling (unless separated by a median).

We encourage everyone to stay alert, eliminate distractions, and help spread this important reminder to others. Your attention and cooperation play a critical role in keeping our students safe each day as they travel to and from school.

Spring Interviews for students entering kindergarten in the fall and their families will be April 28 and 30, from 3-7pm at all elementary schools. Enrolled families will receive detailed information. If you know someone who has an incoming kindergartner, please share this information if they are not yet enrolled.

The SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, is an income-based food support program that offers eligible families $40 per month per child (a total of $120) to purchase healthy foods during the summer.

School-aged children between the ages of 7-17 are eligible for SUN Bucks if their household participates in certain public assistance programs or students of any age who are approved through an Application for Educational Benefits.

Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual celebration of health and wellness. It takes place the last full week of April, shining a spotlight on the actions schools and families are taking to improve the health and wellness of their children.

The OPW Wellness Committee encourages you to celebrate each of the days, April 20-24. Healthy kids are better prepared to learn and thrive! Learn more.

Watch the School Board business meeting and previous meetings on YouTube. Find agendas and other information on the district website.

Upcoming School Board meetings:

• Monday, April 27 at 5:30pm - School Board Business Meeting - Charles S Crandall Center, 540 W Hills Circle
• Monday, May 11 at 5:30pm - School Board Work Session - District Office, 333 East School Street

The Owatonna High School Student Council was hard at work, preparing to host the MASL (Minnesota Association of Student Leaders) State Conference, April 11-13.

Design Studio is a new class this year in which students explore professional practices while enhancing their understanding of interior design or fashion concepts that align with students' career aspirations and interests. Staff, local business leaders, families and friends were invited to see their great projects at an open house.

School Age Care (SAC) at Lincoln Elementary had a blast creating and playing with cloud dough!

Owatonna High School hosted the Spring Career Fair last week. Thank you to all the businesses that participated and engaged with our students!

• Friday, April 17 at 8:30am - Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent at the District Office
• Sunday, April 19 at 4pm - OHS Jazz Band Concert at OHS
• Monday, April 20 from 4-5pm - Special Education Community Resource Fair at the District Office
• Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30 from 3-7pm - Kindergarten Spring Interviews at all elementary schools
• Saturday, April 25 - OHS Prom
• April 30-May 3 - OHS Spring Play

Our Schools

Owatonna Bus Company

Nutrition Services

Health Services

Enrollment Office

Community Education

Technology

Celebrate our students, our staff and our schools by following us on social media. If you like what you see, be sure to share it with others. Together, we are #OwatonnaProud!

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Parent Email Community and School Flyers (PeachJar)

Owatonna Public Schools is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students and staff and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, in its programs and activities, as required by Title IX and MN Human Rights Act (MHRA). This includes prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and unequal access to extracurricular activities.

Any concerns related to Title IX should be reported to Chris Picha, Director of Human Resources & Title IX Coordinator, at 507-444-8602 or cpicha@isd761.org.

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