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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.
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District News
![Cottage Grove construction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778076793/sowashcok12mnus/atsdy8acqr8vafmq8o9l/erhsconstruction2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778076793/sowashcok12mnus/atsdy8acqr8vafmq8o9l/erhsconstruction2.jpg","width":512}])
Here are a few recent highlights of the ongoing construction projects taking place across the district.
![A golden retriever dog is affectionately interacting with a smiling young person in what appears to be a public setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ongqnwm0nyn9mwv3dhsa/therapydog.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ongqnwm0nyn9mwv3dhsa/therapydog.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ongqnwm0nyn9mwv3dhsa/therapydog.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ongqnwm0nyn9mwv3dhsa/therapydog.png","width":1000}])
Detective Shaver, a member of the Cottage Grove Police Department, along with a very special guest, a therapy service dog named Riggs, were the most recent members visiting PES.
![A military service member in uniform is interacting with a young child in what appears to be an educational or childcare setting, with shelves and other classroom-like elements visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ak4psolql0jtujfrqqgz/kinder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ak4psolql0jtujfrqqgz/kinder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ak4psolql0jtujfrqqgz/kinder.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/ak4psolql0jtujfrqqgz/kinder.png","width":1000}])
Kindergarten families at Liberty Ridge Elementary School (LRES) were invited to embrace their inner child at the annual “Donuts with Grown-Ups” event.
![Peter Tran winner of Life on Purpose Scholarship]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777508705/sowashcok12mnus/imxqmvacm68jlfimllqj/lifeonpurpose.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777508705/sowashcok12mnus/imxqmvacm68jlfimllqj/lifeonpurpose.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777508705/sowashcok12mnus/imxqmvacm68jlfimllqj/lifeonpurpose.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777508705/sowashcok12mnus/imxqmvacm68jlfimllqj/lifeonpurpose.png","width":1000}])
Park High School (PHS) senior Peter Tran was recently honored as a recipient of the Life on Purpose Scholarship.
![Sub Bucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":1000}])
Minnesota’s SUN Bucks program provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer months. Each child receives $40 per month (June–August) on a pre-loaded EBT card.
![The image shows a group of young people playing musical instruments, with several individuals in the foreground focused on their flutes or other wind instruments.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":1000}])
Several students from East Ridge and Woodbury high schools were selected among hundreds of students across Minnesota.
![Senior Meal Balances]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":1000}])
Parents must review their senior's meal account balance to determine what to do with any funds that remain in their student's account after graduation.
![Sensory Spaces]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776347082/sowashcok12mnus/re531xgsiyikfblrhx2m/sensory_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776347082/sowashcok12mnus/re531xgsiyikfblrhx2m/sensory_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776347082/sowashcok12mnus/re531xgsiyikfblrhx2m/sensory_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776347082/sowashcok12mnus/re531xgsiyikfblrhx2m/sensory_1.png","width":1000}])
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum. South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is committed to creating learning environments that empower all students to succeed. That commitment is physically built into our buildings through our dedicated sensory spaces.
![Dr. Daria Caldwell Honored as Capitol Division Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":1200}])
The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) has honored Dr. Daria Caldwell, Assistant Principal at Cottage Grove Middle School, as a 2026 Capitol Division Assistant Principal of the Year. The Capitol Division represents the East Metro region. Dr. Caldwell is one of eight statewide finalists for the MASSP top honor, which will be awarded in December.
![Nuevas Fronteras Student make birthday kits]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ucmgwrqhkyf9l2j6qefv/nfsibirthday.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ucmgwrqhkyf9l2j6qefv/nfsibirthday.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ucmgwrqhkyf9l2j6qefv/nfsibirthday.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ucmgwrqhkyf9l2j6qefv/nfsibirthday.png","width":1000}])
Students who attend Kids Club at Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion (NFSI) completed an impressive 86 birthday kits that were donated to the Friends in Need food shelf in St. Paul Park.
![2026 Scholastic Awards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/htntk8dmfzvqeezu8uon/scholasticawards.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/htntk8dmfzvqeezu8uon/scholasticawards.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/htntk8dmfzvqeezu8uon/scholasticawards.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/htntk8dmfzvqeezu8uon/scholasticawards.png","width":1000}])
The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards competition awards students in grades 7-12 in 28 categories of art and writing. Several students from East Ridge and Woobury high schools were recipients of these awards.
![2026 Athena Awards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ds4r2qxzpljt0qfc5tfx/athena2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ds4r2qxzpljt0qfc5tfx/athena2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ds4r2qxzpljt0qfc5tfx/athena2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775148030/sowashcok12mnus/ds4r2qxzpljt0qfc5tfx/athena2026.png","width":1000}])
The Athena Awards program honors the exceptional athletic achievements of 55 female high school seniors from the metro area. The award is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.
![Governor Walz holds award and speaks to local education and business leaders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":2200}])
The Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) presented an award to Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, March 26, recognizing his role in securing millions in federal funding for adult education and career training programs.
Walz joined a national group of governors in signing an open letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to advocate for the release of $6.8 billion in congressionally approved funding that the Department of Education was expected to distribute to schools by July 1, 2025. This collective pressure was instrumental in releasing approximately $7 million in federal funding for Adult Education that had been delayed, ensuring program stability through fiscal year 2026.
![New cafeterias and kitchens being built]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773928860/sowashcok12mnus/f0eh2tp5eoijtl2wodle/kitchenremodel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773928860/sowashcok12mnus/f0eh2tp5eoijtl2wodle/kitchenremodel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773928860/sowashcok12mnus/f0eh2tp5eoijtl2wodle/kitchenremodel.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773928860/sowashcok12mnus/f0eh2tp5eoijtl2wodle/kitchenremodel.png","width":1000}])
One of the most impactful outcomes of the bond construction will be the creation of new kitchens and expanded cafeteria spaces at Park and Woodbury high schools.
![MN Zoom Challenge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773929312/sowashcok12mnus/kitzmz7q9uvohttqosla/zoomstem.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773929312/sowashcok12mnus/kitzmz7q9uvohttqosla/zoomstem.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773929312/sowashcok12mnus/kitzmz7q9uvohttqosla/zoomstem.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773929312/sowashcok12mnus/kitzmz7q9uvohttqosla/zoomstem.png","width":1000}])
Two groups of students from Valley Crossing Elementary School received top honors at the Minnesota Zoo’s ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge.
District Calendar
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