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ISD 197 student representatives, principals highlight service, STEM and school achievements
Summary
Student representatives and school principals reported February highlights to the ISD 197 School Board, including community service with 700+ participants, math-team wins, STEM initiatives, and plans for gardens and a solar panel switch at Heritage E‑STEM.
Student representatives Rhys Walsh and Evangeline Fuentes presented a February highlights report at the School Board meeting on Feb. 9 that emphasized student engagement across the district, ranging from elementary arts integration to middle‑school academic labs and competitive math-team successes.
The report noted that Friendly Hills and Heritage finished first and second in recent math competitions, and that Two Rivers High School organized a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service involving more than 700 participants who supported local organizations and schools. The student representatives also described mentorship programs, leadership activities and student leadership events across the district.
Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog used his report to recognize February as Black History Month and to mark National School Counseling Week, thanking counselors for their role in student well‑being and planning. He also recognized the Two Rivers Key Club and student involvement in the district’s Legislator Connect event, which included student musical performances and a student-prepared meal.
Mendota Elementary Principal Steve Goldade described the school’s focus on understanding students’ cultural backgrounds and developmental needs, citing an Indigenous Peoples Day learning experience at Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob Hill, Black History Month choir performances, and Mendota’s placement as the 10th best elementary school in Minnesota according to U.S. News & World Report (as reported to the board). Goldade also highlighted plans to expand supports for multilingual learners and listed upcoming events including an April Art Show and Project Fair.
Heritage Principal Heidi Koury reported on STEM integration and student leadership at Heritage E‑STEM Magnet School, describing garden-to-kitchen programming, environmental learning experiences, guest speakers, and plans for STEM Olympics, expanded gardens and a solar panel switch. Koury emphasized student voice and cross-grade collaboration in the school’s programs.
The board received the reports as informational; no formal action was taken on the site reports during the Feb. 9 meeting.
