New Richland
Education
Reading tutor boosting literacy at Washington
Mary Butler-Fraser is proud of every kid who graduates from her program, but that doesn’t always mean they’re happy to leave. As a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor, Butler-Fraser provides one-on-one literacy support at Washington Elementary. She works with kids from kindergarten to third grade who aren’t meeting their reading benchmarks. Of the 45 students she’s worked with this year, 25 have reached the threshold set by Reading Corps and exited...
SCHS event explores consequences of institutionalization on children
No single account can adequately capture the reality of the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, housing more than 10,000 children over a period of 60 years. Where some suffered, others flourished. Even those that emerged relatively unscathed carried the effects of their institutionalization for years to come. The Steele County Historical Society's (SCHS) latest community event examined the story of the institution, from its lofty ambitions...
COFFEE & CONVERSATION: Superintendent talks cell phone policy, alternate school calendars
The Owatonna Public Schools district office hosted its final session of Coffee and Conversation last week. Superintendent Jeff Elstad met with community members Friday, May 17, for this school year’s final session of Coffee and Conversation, discussing topics including the impact of recent legislation on student cell phone use, summer work projects in the district and the pros and cons of alternative school calendars. Held roughly once a month, Coffee...
‘We all have a purpose here on this earth’: Albert Lea High School graduates class of 2024
Family, friends, teachers and others witnessed the graduation of Albert Lea High School’s class of 2024 Friday night at Jim Gustafson Field. According to the commencement program, there were 181 students listed as graduates. Students were encouraged to always put forth their best effort as they go out into the world and to remember they […] The post ‘We all have a purpose here on this earth’: Albert Lea High School graduates class of 2024 appeared first on Albert Lea Tribune.
2-out rally in 2nd inning lifts Owatonna baseball over Eagles on Senior Night
After losing in a low-scoring battle on the road against Albert Lea, the Owatonna baseball team looked to bounce back against non-conference opponent Marshall at home on their Senior Night. The Huskies offense delivered on Friday night against the Marshall Tigers as they won 7-2. Senior Michael Reinardy came into pitch the third inning and ended up pitching five innings, allowing only one earned run. Senior outfielder Ethan Armstrong led...
Administrator’s Corner: A message to the graduating class of ’24 and all students
As the school year draws to a close, I am filled with immense pride and admiration as I address the graduating class of 2024. Graduates, your journey to this moment has been one marked by determination, resilience and countless achievements. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your lives, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you. Your hard work, perseverance and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and today, we celebrate your remarkable accomplishments. The post Administrator’s Corner: A message to the graduating class of ’24 and all students appeared first on Albert Lea Tribune.
School Board discusses 4-day week, outdoor learning
As Minnesota legislators consider lowering barriers for districts that wish to implement a four-day school week, Owatonna Public Schools is one of many districts in the state eying the possibility. Under current state law, districts must receive approval from the education commissioner to implement a four-day work week. Several districts in Minnesota already have. However, HF1242, a bill introduced into the House last year, would remove that requirement, leaving the...
Prominent Rotary Club member becomes 1st student alumni recognized in JWP Hall of Fame
Cliff Gardner was a man dedicated to the city of Janesville, something that was instilled in him many years ago as a Janesville High School graduate. Gardner is recognized for his many accomplishments in his life as a Janesville alumni, as he is the first student alumni inducted to the JWP Academic and Fine Arts Hall of Fame. He will be posthumously inducted to the hall of fame on Monday, May 20. ...
Borneke honored as first ever JWP Academic & Fine Arts Hall of Fame educator inductee
There was no question over the first ever educator inductee of the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (JWP) Academic & Fine Arts Hall of Fame. Becky Borneke, who joined the district in 1985, has made her mark on JWP and the Janesville community through her love of music and her dedication to the students she taught. She was inducted in JWP’s Academic & Fine Arts Hall of Fame for her service and dedication to the community and was honored at the JWP Fine Arts Awards Night on Wednesday, May...
Students learn about storm chasing in special presentation
Owatonna High School students got a close-up view of severe storms this week, without having to leave the classroom. Ninth graders in biology teacher Dam Nguyen’s geoscience class received a special presentation Wednesday from Phil Zrimsek, who tagged along with a team of storm chasers earlier this year. Zrimsek showed off his photos and videos from the trip and shared his experiences riding next to tornadoes. The presentation was arranged...
NHS supports Community Pathways with 2nd annual color run
Starting with spotless white shirts, runners had a whole new color palette by the time they crossed the finish line. National Honor Society students hosted their second annual charity color run Saturday morning, benefitting Community Pathways of Steele County. As participants took laps around the Owatonna High School campus, volunteers waited at various stations, ready to shower runners with color. ...
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