With the close of the school year, I am filled with gratitude. It has been a remarkable year in District 196 – one marked not just by student achievement, but by the powerful relationships, tireless dedication, and steadfast community support.
Our focus has been on our mission to develop, educate, and inspire in classrooms and gymnasiums, on stages, and in science labs. We see evidence across the district.
Let’s begin in our classrooms. This year, we launched new K-5 curriculum programs in literacy, math, and science – key steps aligned with our Strategic Roadmap. Over 90% of elementary teachers completed the intensive training required for effective instruction in the science of reading. Secondary teachers will begin similar professional learning next year as part of our districtwide investment to ensure foundational literacy skills in every student for lifelong learning.
At the high school level, more students than ever before are enrolling in Advanced Placement and College in Schools classes – 3,278 students (9-12) enrolled in 6,306 college-level courses. We also had 287 seniors earn Minnesota Bilingual Seals and certificates, earning 722 semester credits for college-level language courses.
We’ve also strengthened our academic and career technical partnerships with businesses and industry, especially in STEM. With local partnerships, including Park Chrysler Jeep and the University of St. Thomas Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, we support STEM innovation frameworks for students. High school internships and field experiences with companies like Collins Aerospace, Pittsburgh Paints, SFM Mutual, and Genesys Works open doors to high-demand careers.
Embracing our Triple A philosophy of excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, our students continue to thrive in speech and debate, robotics, computer science, business, FACS competitions, and more. A team of high school students produced an award-winning public service announcement to discourage vaping, and our future health services professionals clubs have also claimed leadership awards. More than 25 health services students finished top three in their state competitions. (See Pages 10-12 for photos and details.)
District 196 is proud of its continued performing and visual arts success. From the Dakota Valley Choral Festival and marching band shows to compelling theater performances and art showcases, our students dazzled audiences. We will continue to inspire and be inspired by the talent, creativity, and ideas students express through the arts. A sincere thank-you to everyone in the community who attended shows and participated in District 196 performances throughout the year. (See Pages 10-12 for more details.)
Our student-athletes also found great success. Of the 37 Minnesota State High School League sports we support, District 196 sent 34 teams to state tournaments this year. Our legacy of athletic success comes from a commitment to hard work, dedication, and collaboration. Coaches not only focus on skills and knowledge, but also teamwork and steady improvement. Winning or not, there is value in athletic participation – being active, developing skills, building relationships, meeting challenges, and having fun. We want to thank our many fans and families who show up week after week, supporting from the sidelines and behind the scenes.
At the heart of all this achievement is something quieter, but just as powerful: relationships. Excellence doesn’t grow in isolation. It takes trust between students and teachers, respect between colleagues, and collaboration across classrooms, campuses, and communities. It’s built when parents partner with educators, alums return to mentor, and the broader community invests in our shared future.
This year, I visited many schools and saw student learning firsthand, ranging in age from our early childhood learners experiencing nature play activities to adult learners building and practicing language skills. In our schools, students used phonics to learn how to sound out words, solved problems in STEM labs, wrote and read poetry, broadcast school news reports in recording studios, and more. These moments culminated in celebrating this year’s graduates – multiple ceremonies of joy and accomplishment. We cherished the opportunity to celebrate with students and their families.
As we head into summer, I want to thank you – our families, community members, and staff – for believing in what’s possible and living our mission to educate, develop, and inspire. The world our students are stepping into is full of challenge, change, and promise. Our graduates are ready to navigate, connect, and lead. Here’s to a year well spent – and to the infinite possibilities ahead.