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Welcome to SoWashCo Schools
OUR MISSION
South Washington County Schools is a suburban district located southeast of St. Paul, Minnesota. The district includes all or parts of the communities of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, as well as, Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Island Townships. The mission of SoWashCo Schools is to educate students for success.
Learn More About Us:
District News
![construction schedule]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702050055/sowashcok12mnus/jp3tbktqsoa0png8yxas/constructiondesign.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702050055/sowashcok12mnus/jp3tbktqsoa0png8yxas/constructiondesign.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1702050055/sowashcok12mnus/jp3tbktqsoa0png8yxas/constructiondesign.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1702050055/sowashcok12mnus/jp3tbktqsoa0png8yxas/constructiondesign.png","width":937}])
Here are a few recent highlights of the ongoing construction projects taking place across the district.
![Negotiation Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744148808/sowashcok12mnus/myynfjfuftsnzlynmwkb/NegotiationUpdates.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744148808/sowashcok12mnus/myynfjfuftsnzlynmwkb/NegotiationUpdates.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744148808/sowashcok12mnus/myynfjfuftsnzlynmwkb/NegotiationUpdates.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744148808/sowashcok12mnus/myynfjfuftsnzlynmwkb/NegotiationUpdates.png","width":1080}])
SoWashCo Schools and the UTSWC met for their second public negotiation session on June 11, 2025.
Here are a few Spring 2025 highlights of the ongoing construction projects taking place across the district.
![end of year message from superintendent nielsen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748527111/sowashcok12mnus/yb36d2kkhhrkcqxnttin/endofyearmessage.png","width":2000}])
As we approach the close of another school year, I want to reflect on the incredible progress our students have made this year.
![indigenous senior honoring ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748526780/sowashcok12mnus/g4wf4o77qwiype0c2hl1/seniorhonoring.png","width":2000}])
Indigenous students who will be graduating next month were honored in a special ceremony at Belwin Conservancy’s Savanna Center.
![Girls flag football teams]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748526675/sowashcok12mnus/ptwb5f8kqz18vk2qvhk3/flagfootball.png","width":2000}])
This year marks the first time that Park and Woodbury high schools have hosted a Girls Flag Football team.
![whs celebrates 50 years]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748526339/sowashcok12mnus/ehcaeaqcnm3nvcmbwavl/whs50th.png","width":2000}])
WHS will celebrate its 50th graduating class at this year's commencement ceremony.
![Strikers university]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748526082/sowashcok12mnus/e75vh8hxurg1ym816i84/strikersu.png","width":2000}])
Many of our elementary schools host enrichment days that provide a full day of enrichment activities.
![Get vaccinated today]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748525696/sowashcok12mnus/oqotaotr7xjeq09xrr6s/HS_MeningococcalVaccine.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748525696/sowashcok12mnus/oqotaotr7xjeq09xrr6s/HS_MeningococcalVaccine.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748525696/sowashcok12mnus/oqotaotr7xjeq09xrr6s/HS_MeningococcalVaccine.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748525696/sowashcok12mnus/oqotaotr7xjeq09xrr6s/HS_MeningococcalVaccine.png","width":1080}])
Any student who will be a senior for the 2025-26 school year is required by law (Minn. Statute 121a.15) to receive the Meningococcal vaccine before the beginning of the school year.
![school board election]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748527032/sowashcok12mnus/lidrignz85bu8h6ey9se/schoolboardfiling.png","width":2000}])
Four school board seats are available during the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. At that election, individuals will be elected to fill vacancies for terms beginning in January of 2026 and expiring at the end of December 2029.
South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) and the United Teachers of South Washington County (UTSWC) met for their first public negotiation session on May 27, 2025. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30, 2025.
![Free Meals for Kids]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747752971/sowashcok12mnus/a3kbc33m5zixjhchra0o/freemealsforkids.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747752971/sowashcok12mnus/a3kbc33m5zixjhchra0o/freemealsforkids.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747752971/sowashcok12mnus/a3kbc33m5zixjhchra0o/freemealsforkids.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747752971/sowashcok12mnus/a3kbc33m5zixjhchra0o/freemealsforkids.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747752971/sowashcok12mnus/a3kbc33m5zixjhchra0o/freemealsforkids.png","width":1600}])
The Free Meals for Kids mobile app lists locations and information on programs that offer free meals for children ages 18 and under.
![Thank you from the class of 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747322828/sowashcok12mnus/qdnkgepy6ufqz5jndsv3/thankyou25.png","width":2000}])
Amid the excitement, students’ deep gratitude for the teachers who guided, inspired and supported them along the way stands out.
![Park IB Biology Students Plant Seeds]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747322150/sowashcok12mnus/ee8y6oesdtoxfyqf970e/parkbio.png","width":2000}])
Students from Park High School’s IB Biology course participated in hands-on ecology learning at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
![New Bus Road Construction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747321523/sowashcok12mnus/p663ykruzbtncsx38zeu/WESRoadConstruction.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747321523/sowashcok12mnus/p663ykruzbtncsx38zeu/WESRoadConstruction.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747321523/sowashcok12mnus/p663ykruzbtncsx38zeu/WESRoadConstruction.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747321523/sowashcok12mnus/p663ykruzbtncsx38zeu/WESRoadConstruction.jpg","width":1080}])
Construction on our first projects is underway and more will begin soon.
District Calendar
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