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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
![Supporting Our Community - Keeping All Students Safe]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1624026886/sowashcok12mnus/i3lksmoyhs9kwcafr9zg/SoWashCo-Logo-Vert-RGB-Color.png","width":2200}]){kind=logo}
SoWashCo Schools is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Every student has a constitutional right to attend school regardless of their immigration status, and public schools must remain a safe haven for learning.
This provides information that details how SoWashCo Schools handles interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
![Oltman Students Spread Warmth and Compassion]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767884776/sowashcok12mnus/kredcdquirud1rbkynuk/omsblankets.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767884776/sowashcok12mnus/kredcdquirud1rbkynuk/omsblankets.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767884776/sowashcok12mnus/kredcdquirud1rbkynuk/omsblankets.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767884776/sowashcok12mnus/kredcdquirud1rbkynuk/omsblankets.png","width":1000}])
This winter, students at Oltman Middle School (OMS) learned that giving back can be just as meaningful as receiving.
![2025-26 ExCEL Winners]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767885369/sowashcok12mnus/etkdyxv3azmip1lszt45/excel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767885369/sowashcok12mnus/etkdyxv3azmip1lszt45/excel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767885369/sowashcok12mnus/etkdyxv3azmip1lszt45/excel.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767885369/sowashcok12mnus/etkdyxv3azmip1lszt45/excel.png","width":1000}])
The recipients of this year’s ExCEL awards have been announced.
![Priority Enrollment is Now Open for SoWashCo Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767893774/sowashcok12mnus/sowashcok12mnus/yd05bxbr4qi7cpklxbvd/priorityenrollment.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767893774/sowashcok12mnus/sowashcok12mnus/yd05bxbr4qi7cpklxbvd/priorityenrollment.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767893774/sowashcok12mnus/sowashcok12mnus/yd05bxbr4qi7cpklxbvd/priorityenrollment.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767893774/sowashcok12mnus/sowashcok12mnus/yd05bxbr4qi7cpklxbvd/priorityenrollment.png","width":940}])
Priority enrollment is available through Monday, Feb. 2.
![Step into Kindergarten: Welcome Night for Families is Feb. 5]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767807174/sowashcok12mnus/smy3xsvgrfbbncfxq5vj/KindergartenWelcomeNight1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767807174/sowashcok12mnus/smy3xsvgrfbbncfxq5vj/KindergartenWelcomeNight1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767807174/sowashcok12mnus/smy3xsvgrfbbncfxq5vj/KindergartenWelcomeNight1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767807174/sowashcok12mnus/smy3xsvgrfbbncfxq5vj/KindergartenWelcomeNight1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767807174/sowashcok12mnus/smy3xsvgrfbbncfxq5vj/KindergartenWelcomeNight1.png","width":1600}])
Families with incoming kindergarteners are invited to attend Kindergarten Welcome Night from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at their boundary school.
![2026 ACCESS Testing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/wnfprbhg45fx7yhnf1pd/readingtest.png","width":1000}])
All students identified as English Learners (EL) will be taking the ACCESS assessment between January 26 and March 5, 2026.
![Scheduling for Success]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766068460/sowashcok12mnus/wueynyrvcgg0emsefetn/sashdays.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766068460/sowashcok12mnus/wueynyrvcgg0emsefetn/sashdays.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766068460/sowashcok12mnus/wueynyrvcgg0emsefetn/sashdays.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766068460/sowashcok12mnus/wueynyrvcgg0emsefetn/sashdays.png","width":1000}])
Royal Oaks Elementary School (ROES) has piloted a new schedule model this school year.
![Finding Their Note]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766068258/sowashcok12mnus/nivqcmzvmqmqbnkeqmmv/musicshowcase.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766068258/sowashcok12mnus/nivqcmzvmqmqbnkeqmmv/musicshowcase.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766068258/sowashcok12mnus/nivqcmzvmqmqbnkeqmmv/musicshowcase.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766068258/sowashcok12mnus/nivqcmzvmqmqbnkeqmmv/musicshowcase.png","width":1000}])
This month, our fifth-grade students embarked on a musical adventure by attending music showcases hosted by our district’s high school musicians.
![A Swimmer’s Resolve]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766068041/sowashcok12mnus/uswi2wmao1g0emwfnb4e/erhsswim.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766068041/sowashcok12mnus/uswi2wmao1g0emwfnb4e/erhsswim.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766068041/sowashcok12mnus/uswi2wmao1g0emwfnb4e/erhsswim.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766068041/sowashcok12mnus/uswi2wmao1g0emwfnb4e/erhsswim.png","width":1000}])
East Ridge High School junior Logan Havermann is a two-time defending State Champion in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke and a two-time state record holder.
![2026 High School Graduation Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766067768/sowashcok12mnus/yaw1jbwbes2f0x7hurrb/graduation.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766067768/sowashcok12mnus/yaw1jbwbes2f0x7hurrb/graduation.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766067768/sowashcok12mnus/yaw1jbwbes2f0x7hurrb/graduation.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766067768/sowashcok12mnus/yaw1jbwbes2f0x7hurrb/graduation.png","width":1000}])
We are pleased to share that the graduations for the Class of 2026 at East Ridge, Park and Woodbury high schools will be held at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.
![2025-26 Seal of Biliteracy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676496427/sowashcok12mnus/bnwx349drrlauyj5ink0/Sealbiliteracyfinal.png","width":1097}])
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given upon high school graduation to students who show proficiency in English and an eligible language other than English.
![OPEIU Negotiation Update 2025-26]([{"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}])
South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) and the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) recently met for their sixth public negotiation session on December 4, 2025.
![Construction Update - December 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765463109/sowashcok12mnus/ucw2nf76ozb6guwd9b46/cgmsconstruction.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765463109/sowashcok12mnus/ucw2nf76ozb6guwd9b46/cgmsconstruction.jpg","width":512}])
Here are a few recent highlights of the ongoing construction projects taking place across the district.
![Students Nourish Their Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764858142/sowashcok12mnus/ppj7f2y5jgcg8rqui07s/swahsatbasicneeds.png","width":1000}])
Students from South Washington Alternative High School (SWAHS) have embarked on a new volunteering partnership with the Basic Needs Food Market in Cottage Grove.
![Celebrating Traditions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764700429/sowashcok12mnus/whc8snw0z4ih2olfod3f/traditions.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764700429/sowashcok12mnus/whc8snw0z4ih2olfod3f/traditions.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764700429/sowashcok12mnus/whc8snw0z4ih2olfod3f/traditions.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764700429/sowashcok12mnus/whc8snw0z4ih2olfod3f/traditions.png","width":1000}])
Early Winter is a season of gathering, reflection and celebration. From the reverence of Veterans Day to the vibrant festivities of Diwali and the heartfelt gratitude of Thanksgiving, this time of year reminds us of the traditions that shape who we are.
District Calendar
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