District Highlights and Points of Pride
We’re excited to share some recent highlights from across School District 197—celebrating accomplishments in academics, athletics, and the arts in this new “Points of Pride” recap.
Winning Start for New Two Rivers Girls Flag Football
This spring, Two Rivers launched its new girls flag football team, made possible through a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings. With strong participation, the program has enough players to form full JV and varsity teams. Players practice twice a week and compete in two games each Sunday through May. The season kicked off this past weekend with impressive wins—JV secured two victories, and varsity earned a win in their first game. We look forward to cheering on their continued success throughout the season!
Friendly Hills Student Wins Art Award at South of the River Powwow
From more than 25 entries, Friendly Hills 8th-grade student Fiona won 3rd place in the art contest for the South of the River Powwow! Her art will be displayed at the powwow, along with the other winners. "Fiona has been a consistent member of the District 197 Native Student Group since it began. She attends meetings and approaches every opportunity with a willingness to learn. The South of the River Powwow Art Contest has become a regular event over the past few years, and Fiona is proudly representing our district in this first-time placing!" says Nell Barri, American Indian Education Coordinator. Powwows are open to all and offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with and celebrate our community. The South of the River Powwow will take place on Saturday, May 3, at Burnsville High School and is a free event open to all!
Two Rivers Speech Students Named to 2025 All-State Team
Congratulations to Andre Carreras, Thomas Larsen, and Josh Langemo of Two Rivers High School for being named to the 2025 All-State Speech Team by the Minnesota Speech Coaches Association! These three seniors earned this honor through their outstanding performance in competition, including appearances at the MSHSL State Speech Tournament. We’re proud of the way Andre, Thomas and Josh represent Two Rivers and use their voices to make an impact. Way to go, Warriors!
Garlough Hosts Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament
Garlough proudly hosted the Minnesota Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament on April 12—a tradition since 2013! Four Garlough teams competed, along with new teams from Richfield. This creative problem-solving program builds teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence in students—and we’d love to grow it! We’re looking for students to join, parents and staff to coach (training this fall), and even high schoolers to start their own clubs. Interested? Contact Mrs. Kasella at Garlough and help more kids shine!
Pilot Knob E-STEM Celebrates Successful Annual STEM Fair
Last month, Pilot Knob E-STEM Magnet School hosted their annual STEM fair, showcasing the remarkable creativity and ingenuity of our young scientists! Students presented inspiring projects as our community gathered to celebrate their accomplishments. A special thank you to partners The Works Museum and Flint Hills Resources, the Dodge Nature Center, and the Lightning Turtles Robotics Team from Two Rivers High School for providing engaging and memorable STEM stations.
Heritage Hosts Marine Team Open House
Earlier this month, the community had the opportunity to dive into the underwater wonderland of the Heritage E-Stem Magnet School Marine Team! The Marine Team—made up of more than 200 students and teacher volunteers—cares for 500+ fish in 60+ aquariums at Heritage, along with 50 snakes, lizards, and turtles. Marine Team members were able to show off their tanks and answer questions. We're so proud of these passionate marine scientists in the making!
Class of 2025 Celebrates Future Plans on Senior Decision Day
Today, we celebrated the class of 2025 and the places they will go once they graduate for Senior Decision Day. This event is for all seniors, whether they are going on to a 4-year or 2-year college, military service, joining the workforce, or taking a gap year—recognizing that every student's journey after high school is unique and valued. A special shoutout to our high school counselors for hosting and celebrating the accomplishments of our soon-to-be graduates!
