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As COVID-19 case rates continue to increase, SoWashCo Elementary Schools will implement the health and safety adjustments listed in our criteria for COVID-19 decision-making.

Throughout the school year, SoWashCo Schools may enter into an emergency closure or an e-learning day (extended learning day) due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in person.

As we near the end of the first trimester, we are seeing a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases that have shifted a number of schools into higher mitigation and created staff shortages.

With the rise in positive cases, finding substitutes is increasingly challenging. We ask families to prepare for staff shortages that could temporarily shift a classroom into distance learning for up to 10 calendar days. Families will be provided with as much notice as possible while balancing health and safety requirements.

SoWashCo Schools and the State of Minnesota are hosting a vaccination clinic for 5 to 11 year-olds at Cottage Grove Middle School from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. 

During the school year, South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) may enter into an e-learning day (extended learning day) due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in-person. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature created the opportunity for schools to hold e-learning days and is not related to COVID-19.  

Pfizer vaccines are now becoming available in Minnesota for children age 5 to 11. Free vaccines will be offered at pediatric offices, clinics and pharmacies. Availability may be limited but is expected to increase over the next few weeks.

South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is seeking input from families, staff and students (grades 6-12) about their ideal calendar for the school year. Please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous survey.

The information you provide will be used by the SoWashCo Schools calendar committee in its planning for future school calendars. 

Due to nationwide shortages of certain food items, SoWashCo Schools menus may not accurately reflect what will be served that day. When possible, the Department of Nutrition Services will replace meals with similar choices and avoid any additional allergens. Please follow the guidelines below to remain aware of ongoing changes, especially if your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions. 

The Department of Nutrition Services is still experiencing a staffing shortage and is hiring for a variety of positions over the school lunch hour. We are looking for candidates who want to be part of a team making a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Voters have approved the South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) operating levy request for stability. The capital projects levy for technology was unsuccessful by a slim margin.

Watch a recording of the recent virtual information session and learn how to vote early for the Nov. 2 ballot. 

The Department of Technology has seen an increase in damaged student devices. To avoid unexpected costs, families can purchase an optional device protection plan until Oct. 31, 2021. Families who do not purchase a device protection plan are responsible for the full cost of device repair or replacement.

 Help make a positive impact on the lives of students. Please visit our careers site at www.sowashco.org/careers for a full list of open positions details. Thank you for your patience and understanding.