2023 Year in Review + Thank You!
At School District 197, we have so much to be thankful for. From our amazing students and dedicated staff to innovative academic opportunities and close-knit communities—we’re reflecting on some of our favorite moments of the school year below. Thank you for the wonderful school year—so far!
Two Rivers High School
- Two Rivers High School was named a Top High School by U.S. News and World Report, and 84 students earned AP Scholar Awards.
- Our Activities Department had one of the best fall seasons yet, with multiple Conference Championships and student-athletes competing at the state level.
- ALMAS student group was awarded the 20th Annual La Familia Latino Heritage Award 2023.
- Two Rivers seniors Quinn Hendel and Luke Reisig were named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program and recognized for their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college.
- Two Rivers students Brianna Cannon and Maria Axinia had the opportunity to work with the Star Tribune to write a "Students on the Sidelines" feature story leading up to the football game at TCO Stadium.
- Our students keep finding so many ways to give back. In collaboration with Harvest Pack, the Two Rivers Student Council organized its third annual food packing event. With the participation of 210 student volunteers, they exceeded their goal by measuring, pouring, and sealing 20,120 bags of food for the community.
- Our new School Board Student Representatives, LaRae Dodson and Sam Villa, have been doing a great job in their new role, among the many other commitments, activities and hobbies they are involved in. Get to know them here.
- We have a new school song! You can check it out here.
Friendly Hills Middle School
- Eighth Grade AVID students attended a College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center to learn more about colleges.
- Hosted a movie night for students with the screening of "A Million Miles Away" in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- WEB Leaders helped with another successful start to the school year, helping new students get to know their fellow classmates.
Heritage E-STEM Magnet School
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Heritage has ordered a new 40-gallon jellyfish tank thanks to a generous donation by local author and district parent Julie Schanke Lyford.
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Science teachers are helping students raise trout in the classroom—starting with eggs and then releasing the trout in the spring.
- Heritage orchestra students had the experience of working with Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) conductor Dan Mollick.
Garlough Environmental Magnet School
A newly formed fourth-grade Student Council at Garlough promotes caring relationships, student engagement, and leadership opportunities. The student leaders, nominated by their peers, came to school a day early to help build relationships with kindergarteners.
Mendota Elementary School
Mendota Elementary staff, students, and families hosted their 2nd Annual Craft and Bake Sale in the Mendota gymnasium. The entrepreneurial component of the event provided a platform for students to showcase their creative skills and also taught valuable lessons in marketing and financial literacy.
Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School
Last week, Moreland kicked off their large-scale community mural through a school-wide residency project! Professional muralist Greta Mclain visited every class at Moreland to start brainstorming what they want the mural to look like and what they want it to say.
Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School
Pilot Knob fourth graders visited US Bank Stadium for their Vikings Voyage program. Students learned about the STEM careers that are part of the Vikings organization and participated in fun STEM activities like a rocket launch and play coding.
Somerset Elementary
To kick off National Bullying Prevention Month each year, Somerset students spread kindness in chalk! Students covered the sidewalks outside of the school with messages of love, peace, hope, kindness, and acceptance with the intention of bringing smiles to the faces of those who need it most!
Early Learning & Family Resource Center
Students at the Early Learning & Family Resource Center have been enjoying their brand-new outdoor play space! This space is in addition to the playground—giving our youngest learners more opportunities to be outside in the grassy, open play space.
Branch Out Transition Program Frosty Land Boutique
School District 197's Branch Out Transition Program hosted its annual Frosty Land Boutique last week. The event featured crafts, gifts, and baked goods made by the program's students, staff, families, and supporters. The funds raised through the boutique will be used to fund program activities and purchase supplies for future boutiques. Great job, students and staff!
District-Wide Highlights
- We inducted our inaugural class to the Warrior Hall of Fame.
- We passed our referendum thanks to the support of our incredible community!
- Two Rivers High School teacher Rob Hanson received the Minnesota United FC L'Etoile Du Nord (Star of the North) award!
- School District 197 American Indian Cultural Liaison Nell Barri and Moreland Arts and Health Sciences Magnet School Cultural Liaison Lidia Miranda Carrillo teamed up to host an Indigenous Language Revitalization event in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
- Our curriculum department, school leaders, and staff have been working together to continue improving our transition processes for fourth and eighth graders.
- Somerset Elementary School Art Teacher Matthew Schufman recently wrote and illustrated his first children's book, "Fraser the Forest Ranger."
- Meghan Bernard, School District 197 Sustainability Manager, was selected as one of only six individuals nationally to receive a Leader in Sustainability Fellowship by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
- Two Rivers Principal Al Johnson was named one of Bethel University’s Alumni of the Year.
- Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog received the 2023 Richard Green Scholar Award by The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA).
- On November 7, three new school board members and one incumbent were elected to the School District 197 School Board. Congratulations to Tim Aune, Byron Schwab, Morgan Steele, and Randi Walz.
- At the end of December, three long-standing board members will retire. Thank you, Brenda Corbett, Joanne Mansur, and Terry Stamman, for your years of service to our students and school community.