Minnesota Department of Education

@education.mn.gov

Ensuring every child receives a quality education, no matter their race or zip code. education.mn.gov

This year's Farm to School Institute teams gathered at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Farm at the Arb for three-days of learning to kick off their year of professional learning to develop the action plans, skills and tools needed to bring local foods into their cafeterias.

Jayme Anderson presents at the Farm to School Institute as participants watch. The presentation screen reads "Time to Create". A bee sits on a flower outside in the pollinator garden. Three Farm to School Institute organizers stand to welcome attendees to the institute. A sign reads Welcome to the Farm to School Institute. Tashjian Bee Pollinator Discovery Center.

Schools provide a community for children entering kindergarten that recognizes each child's unique strengths and needs. All children can enroll in kindergarten if they are 5 on or before Sept. 1. Check with your local district or charter school!

Our Literacy Director Julie Novak and Literacy Specialist Jenny Wazlawik joined Southwest Service Cooperative Literacy Team and COMPASS leaders and educators at the Regional Literacy Symposium where educators throughout southwestern Minnesota joined together to share, learn and grow.

Literacy Director Julie Novak and Literacy
Specialist Jenny Wazlawik stand with Southwest Service Cooperative
Literacy Team members Natalie Delmonico, Shannon Gossen and Ginny Sorenson and
COMPASS Supervisor Allyson Pesek in front of a PowerPoint display that reads SWWC Regional Literacy Symposium. From Legislation to Literacy: Bridging the Gap Through Evidence Based Practices.

Congratulations 2026 graduates! As students and schools prepare for graduation ceremonies, know that Minnesota legislation protects American Indian students’ rights to wear American Indian regalia, Tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to graduation ceremonies.

A graduation cap featuring beadwork around the edges and a feather hanging from the cap by a leather strap.

Commissioner Willie Jett visited SouthWest Metro Intermediate District's Dean Lakes Education Center this week, where he toured SouthWest Metro High School, visiting Career and Technical Education programs in culinary arts, transitions and adult education.

Commissioner Jett, the Dean Lakes Transitions Program Student Ambassador Team and Program Director Dawn Peterson (far left) and School Social Worker Lynnae Ademuwagun (left) inside the Dean Lakes PAES Lab. PAES is a research-based transition assessment system designed to identify employment aptitude, functional skills, career interests, and work behaviors. Commissioner Jett meeting with Dean Lakes Transitions Program Student Ambassador Team and School Social Worker Lynnae Ademuwagun. The student team gave Commissioner Jett a tour of the program and talked about their experiences. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Horton, Commissioner Jett, Exec Director of Human Resources Dr. Julie Williams, Exec Director of Teaching & Learning Melissa Knettel, Exec Director of Business Services Nichole Schmidt and Exec Director of Special Services Dr. Hayley Etnier. Bild