194PRIDE: May 12 Growing Together Referendum, School...

February 6, 2026 May 12 Growing Together Referendum Request for Middle School Space on the May 12, 2026 Ballot The Lakeville area continues to grow, with more families choosing to call our community home. Over the past decade, nearly 9,000 new homes, townhomes and apartments have been built or approved across the Lakeville area. Enrollment in the Lakeville Area Schools district has increased by approximately 1,200 students.   Most of that growth occurred at the elementary level, with primarily younger families moving into the community. To keep pace, the district added additional classroom space and a new elementary school, which opened in 2024 thanks to a successful referendum in 2021.  Now those students are moving into middle school. Middle school enrollment is projected to increase by 8 percent over the next five years, which amounts to 250 more students. To manage this growth, on May 12, Lakeville Area Schools district residents will vote on whether to approve bond funding to address enrollment growth straining the district’s three middle schools: Century, Kenwood Trail and McGuire. What’s on the Ballot? On May 12, Lakeville Area Schools district residents will vote on whether to approve a $139.6 million proposal to fund middle school additions and renovations to build more classrooms, gymnasiums, lunch service areas and common spaces at the district’s three middle schools. If approved, improvements would be tailored to the specific needs of each school to help relieve enrollment growth and space limitations. Financial Impact The ballot asks voters to consider approving $139.6 million in bond funds. The tax impact over the next 20 years is: $10 per month on a home valued at $350,000  $14 per month on a home valued at $500,000 $23 per month on a home valued at $750,000 Residents can use the tax calculator on the district’s website to determine the impact for their home value. If voters approve the referendum: Funding would be used to remodel middle schools to build classroom additions and gymnasiums; expand specialist learning areas (STEM, band, choir, family and consumer science, visual arts, media arts); add small-group and flexible learning spaces; improve kitchens and cafeterias; update furniture. If voters do NOT approve the referendum: Increased enrollment will lead to larger student class sizes; more limited course offerings and enrichment opportunities; over-crowding in shared spaces (hallways, restrooms, locker rooms); and longer lunch wait times.  Voting Information Early Voting is Easy and Convenient! Vote at the district office or mail in your ballot from the comfort of your home. Beginning on March 27 through May 11, you can: Vote Early in Person: Stop by the Lakeville Area Schools District Office anytime between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (17630 Juniper Path, Suite A, Lakeville, 55044) Vote Early by Mail: Learn about absentee voting at mnvotes.org or apply for an absentee ballot here. (ballots must be received by Election Day, May 12, 2026) Vote at Your Polling Place on Election Day, May 12 Election Day is Tuesday, May 12. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Please note district polling locations have changed in 2026. More information is coming on this. *The District Office is not open for voting on Election Day.  Learn More School Board Updates February 5 School Board Meeting Recap On Feb. 5, the school board held a closed session pursuant to Minnesota State Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(b), to engage in negotiations discussion.   January 27 School Board Meeting On January 27, the school board held a closed meeting pursuant to Minnesota State Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(b), to engage in negotiations discussion. The school board also held a regular meeting. Key items included:  The school board approved adjustments to the 2026-27 school year calendar (28:45).  The school board heard a first reading of Policy 533 - Wellness (35:33).  Executive Director of Business Services Bill Holmgren provided a budget update for the current fiscal year budget. Spending has occurred as expected. A revised budget will be brought to the school board this month. (1:03:27).  The school board approved updates to policy 620 - Credit for Learning, which eliminates weighted grades for any student entering 9th grade on or after fall 2026 (1:45:42). The school board approved a Joint Powers Agreement allowing Lakeville Area Schools to accept and implement the Dakota County SHIP 2026 School Wellness Community Partner Award (2:02:28). The school board discussed possible changes to policies 502 Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student's Person and 526 Hazing Prohibition (2:16:34).   January 13 School Board Meeting Key items from the January 13 school board meeting include: The school board approved a resolution to limit open enrollment. This provides the school district the opportunity to limit open enrollment by grade level upon reaching 1% nonresident enrollment, while retaining discretion to accept additional students if capacity permits (34:52).  The school board heard a first reading of Policy 620 - Credit for Learning (39:51). “The school district does not offer weighted grades for any students entering the 9th grade on or after the fall of 2026. The school district will continue to offer weighted grades to students who are entering their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year in the fall of 2026 for courses that are identified as more rigorous or academically challenging as follows: A grade awarded in an Advanced Placement course will be multiplied by a factor of 1.25.” The school board approved a resolution relating to authorizing the issuance of school building bonds and calling an election (1:10:22). This was previously approved at the December 16, 2025 school board meeting, except for removing the word “acquisition” from the ballot language. This resolution keeps the word “acquisition” in the ballot language for the May 12, 2026 bond request.  The school board approved K-8 attendance area adjustments models E1 and M1 (1:13:12). Boundary adjustments for grades K-8 will take effect beginning the 2026-27 school year, while high school boundaries remain unchanged.   Additional January School Board Meeting Recaps Visit the district website to read recaps for the January 9 Special Work Session and the January 6 Special Meeting.   Full recaps, meeting materials and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. To watch past school board meetings, visit our YouTube channel playlist. Read Full Meeting Recaps Show & Tell Social Readiness in Lakeville Area Schools Welcome back to Show & Tell! This school year, we’re diving into our school district’s mission - to provide educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic and personal readiness for every student.  In this episode, we’re focusing on social readiness and how it comes to life in our schools, featuring students and staff from Kenwood Trail Middle School and Orchard Lake Elementary. Engage, Connect, Make a Difference Looking for a job that allows you to engage with your community, connect with students and staff, and make a difference every single day? Check out the employment opportunities through Lakeville Area Schools! Current job openings include: Elementary Teachers - Long Term Subs Building Nurses Tutors  Noon Supervisors  Special Education Paraprofessionals And much more! Watch our NEW recruitment video above to learn from our staff firsthand about what it is like to work for District 194. Search & Apply for Jobs 194REPORT Extra! Extra! Your winter 194REPORT is on its way! Watch your mailbox for the latest edition of our community print newsletter. Inside, you’ll find details on the May 12 ballot request for middle school space, a district financial update, student accomplishments and more.  Read it online now. Leadership Updates Jake Graff hired as Director of Technology & Data Services Jake Graff has been hired as the Director of Technology & Data Services for Lakeville Area Schools, pending school board approval on February 10.  With more than 18 years of experience guiding enterprise technology strategy, platform modernization and cross-functional teams, Graff is a proven leader in transformational technology. He most recently served as the Director of Information Technology at Twin Cities Public Television from 2021-2025. Learn more Points of Pride Stepping Into Your Future takes another leap in its fourth year The fourth annual “Stepping Into Your Future” career exploration event took place on Jan. 14, giving 8th grade students a hands-on opportunity to explore career pathways and consider high school classes and student clubs. Students visited interactive booths and engaged in activities that highlighted in-demand careers. Learn more. Lakeville North and Lakeville South named to AP School Honor Roll Lakeville North and Lakeville South high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll by the College Board, earning silver distinction for the third consecutive year. Learn more. Orchard Lake Elementary student shines in South of the River Powwow Art Contest Sienna Warren, a 4th grader at Orchard Lake Elementary, earned second place in the 2026 South of the River Powwow Art Contest. This annual contest invites American Indian students in grades K-12 from nine participating south metro school districts to showcase their creativity and cultural expression. Learn more. Celebrating inclusion: Honoring those who make a difference Lakeville Area Schools celebrates those who make our schools welcoming for all. This year, three Kenwood Trail Middle School staff members received the District 917 Inclusive Educator Awards, and 13 students, staff, and community partners were honored with Family Connections Special Education PTO Inclusion Awards. Learn more.   Looking for more great news? Visit our District News Page for more student and staff-centered stories. Lakeville Area Community Education Lakeville Area Schools Activities and Sports Festival is Back! Join us for the return of the annual Activities and Sports Festival! Discover the fun Lakeville has to offer in one place. You can explore and try activities from more than 30 local organizations and groups at this FREE one-stop event. There is truly something for every family member! Event Highlights Include: Dozens of local vendors Performances Bounce House and Inflatable Obstacle Courses Food and Snacks available for purchase from Student Nutrition Services Plus, don't miss the FREE Open Swim opportunity from 1-3 pm.* *Tickets for free Open Swim will be limited to first come, first served. Mark Your Calendars!  Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Kenwood Trail Middle School NEW! Sensory Friendly Hour: 2-3 p.m. Learn More Alumni Relations Calling all Lakeville alum! We are looking to connect and gather input from our former Cougars and Panthers! We invite all alumni to choose how they'd like to stay engaged with Lakeville Area Schools by filling out the form on our 'Alumni Relations' webpage. Do you know a Lakeville alum? Please share this with them!    Do you know a Lakeville Area Schools graduate doing something incredible or unique? We’re looking for alumni to feature in our Alumni Spotlight series! Whether they’ve pursued an unconventional career, made an impact in their community, or followed a unique passion, we want to share their story. Have someone in mind? Email us at isd194@isd194.org to share their story (you could even share about yourself!). Our team reviews submissions and may reach out to learn more or explore the opportunity for a future cover story.  Questions? Email us at isd194@isd194.org Upcoming Meetings & Events SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS February 10, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room February 24, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room DISTRICTWIDE EVENTS February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Activities and Sports Festival @ Kenwood Trail Middle School SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS February 7, 7 p.m.: LNHS Student Directed One Act Festival @ Lakeville North Auditorium February 7, 7 p.m.: LSHS Theater One Act Double Feature @ Lakeville South Auditorium February 18, 7 p.m.: Lakeville North Choir Concert - Valentines Tunes & Treats @ Lakeville North Choir Room February 24: Boys Basketball North vs. South @ Lakeville South   See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Find more upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events here, and upcoming MSHSL state and section tournament dates at mshsl.org/tournaments. Let's Get Connected! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Student Focused, Community Connected Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed.

Friday, Feb 06 2026

194NOW Family eNews: Attendance Areas Approved, Scho...

January 16, 2025 School Board Updates Lakeville Area School Board approves K-8 Attendance Area Adjustments for the 2026-27 School Year On January 13, the Lakeville Area School Board approved K-8 attendance area adjustments models E1 and M1 (view the accompanying slidedeck here). Boundary adjustments for grades K-8 will take effect beginning the 2026-27 school year, while high school boundaries remain unchanged. The district will communicate with impacted families next week, and will share additional transition information and resources by the end of the month. The school boundary adjustments are necessary in order to address current and future capacity issues across the district’s elementary and middle schools. Adjusting attendance areas will help spread students more evenly across our schools so that every student has enough room to learn and grow.  Families can use the district’s Interactive Attendance Area Map Tool to confirm their student’s school assignment for the 2026-27 school year by navigating to the ‘Elementary 26-27’ and ‘Middle 26-27’ tabs and entering their home address. Learn more.   January 13 School Board Meeting Key items from the January 13 school board meeting include: The school board approved a resolution to limit open enrollment. This provides the school district the opportunity to limit open enrollment by grade level upon reaching 1% nonresident enrollment, while retaining discretion to accept additional students if capacity permits (34:52).  The school board heard a first reading of Policy 620 - Credit for Learning (39:51). “The school district does not offer weighted grades for any students entering the 9th grade on or after the fall of 2026. The school district will continue to offer weighted grades to students who are entering their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year in the fall of 2026 for courses that are identified as more rigorous or academically challenging as follows: A grade awarded in an Advanced Placement course will be multiplied by a factor of 1.25.” The school board approved a resolution relating to authorizing the issuance of school building bonds and calling an election (1:10:22). This was previously approved at the December 16, 2025 school board meeting, except for removing the word “acquisition” from the ballot language. This resolution keeps the word “acquisition” in the ballot language for the May 12, 2026 bond request.  The school board approved K-8 attendance area adjustments models E1 and M1 (1:13:12). Boundary adjustments for grades K-8 will take effect beginning the 2026-27 school year, while high school boundaries remain unchanged.   January 9 School Board Special Work Session On January 9, the school board held a special work session to discuss K-8 attendance area adjustments for the 2026-27 school year. Key items from the meeting include: the primary objectives and criteria for attendance area adjustments; the district's draft student and family transition support plan; and the proposed elementary and middle school models.   January 6 School Board Special Meeting Key items from the January 6 school board special meeting include: The school board conducted its election of officers for the 2026 calendar year with the following results (16:35): School Board Chairperson - Amber Cameron School Board Vice-Chairperson - Carly Anderson School Board Clerk - Kim Baker School Board Treasurer - Tony Reichenberger School Board Directors - Paul Carbone, Matt Swanson & Brian Thompson The school board approved the following for the 2026 calendar year: the board meeting calendar (24:12); the compensation for board members (26:35); the SunThisWeek as the school district’s official publication (27:18); the designation of the district legal counsel (27:58); and several organizational matters related to business office functions (29:07). Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations, presented a revised proposal for attendance area adjustments (30:28). The school board discussed the findings from a recent board investigation and procedural issues for consideration (1:27:13). December 16 School Board Meeting Key items from the December 16 school board meeting include: The elementary principals provided a “state of the elementary schools” overview report, which included curriculum updates, areas of strength, and areas for improvement (30:15).  A proposal for attendance area adjustments for the elementary and middle schools for the 2026-27 school year was presented by Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations (1:20:12).  The school board approved the following: the 2026-27 Program of Studies (3:38:48); the final Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report (3:40:30); and a resolution combining polling locations for 2026 school district special elections (3:44:38).  The school board unanimously approved placing a bond question on the May 12, 2026 ballot. The proposal asks voters to consider funding additions and renovations at the district’s three middle schools. The additions and improvements will ensure there is enough space to accommodate enrollment growth (4:20:17).   Full recaps, meeting materials and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. To watch school board meeting recordings, visit our YouTube channel playlist. For meeting materials, please visit BoardBook. Read Full Meeting Recaps District Announcements No School Reminder There will be no school Monday, January 19 and Friday, January 23. Have safe and happy long weekends!   Temporary Voicemail Delays Our Technology Department is aware of ongoing phone and voicemail issues and is actively working with our vendor on a resolution. Due to an issue on the vendor’s end, voicemail messages may not be transferring to staff email in a timely manner. As a result, if a staff member is not near their phone, they may not immediately see that a voicemail has been received. We understand this can be frustrating and appreciate your patience as we work toward a permanent solution. In the meantime, families are encouraged to send a follow-up email to the staff member in addition to leaving a voicemail to help ensure timely communication. Family Resources Our Commitment to Student Safety and Support We know that due to recent events, our families and community members may have questions about the school district’s protocols relating to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lakeville Area Schools is committed to ensuring all students feel safe, supported, and respected while at school. Families can find information about district protocols, students’ rights, and available support by visiting our School and Community Resources webpage.   Free Virtual College Planning Series Begins January 20 This winter, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC’s The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are hosting a six-part Tuesday evening webinar series on college planning and financial aid for Minnesota students and families, beginning January 20.  Learn more and register.   Special Education Family Transition Night Do you have a student(s) participating in Special Education programming that will be moving up to a new building level next school year? Join us January 21 at 5 p.m. for an informational session to help support this transition! Learn more and register. Keeping Our Schools Safe Ready, Set, Scroll! Setting Up for Smartphone Safety Lakeville Area Schools has partnered with Safer Schools Together to bring you the following learning opportunity.  Ready, Set, Scroll! Setting Up for Smartphone Safety  Your child is about to get their first phone, and with that comes big questions: When are they ready? What boundaries make sense? How do I know which device is best for my child?  This 15 minute session is geared toward helping parents/caregivers navigate preparing their child for their first phone. Drawing on the best practices from Safer Schools Together, we’ll explore how to set clear expectations, establish digital safety foundations, and start conversations that build trust and resilience before your child ever powers up their first device. Because once the phone arrives, it’s not just a piece of technology, it’s a doorway to a whole new world of connection, communication and responsibility. Watch Now Show and Tell Social Readiness in Lakeville Area Schools Welcome back to Show & Tell! This school year, we’re diving into our school district’s mission - to provide educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic and personal readiness for every student.  In this episode, we’re focusing on social readiness and how it comes to life in our schools, featuring students and staff from Kenwood Trail Middle School and Orchard Lake Elementary. Advisory Council Updates Teaching & Learning Advisory Council Meeting Recap On January 12, the Teaching & Learning Advisory Council (TLAC) met and reviewed the district’s standards-based review and instructional resource adoption process, including updates to secondary math pathways, English language arts and social studies. The council also discussed timelines, communication plans and next steps for school board recommendations. Read more. Gifted Advisory Council Meeting Recap On January 13, the Gifted Advisory Council (GAC) met and reviewed advanced math pathways and updates aligned with new state math standards. The discussion included course sequencing, revised course names and a look at advanced learning models from neighboring districts. Read more. Lakeville Area Community Education Lakeville Area Schools Activities & Sports Festival is back! Calling all families! Join us for the return of the annual Lakeville Area Schools Activities and Sports Festival–a FREE, one-stop event to explore all the fun Lakeville has to offer.  Discover and try activities from more than 30 district and community organizations, featuring everything from educational opportunities and fine arts to sports and interactive experiences. Enjoy live performances and stage shows, a photo booth, bounce houses and inflatable obstacle courses, and food and snacks available for purchase from Student Nutrition Services. Plus, don’t miss the FREE Open Swim from 1-3 p.m. (tickets available first come, first served). Mark your calendars! Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Kenwood Trail Middle School NEW! Sensory-Friendly Hour: 2 - 3 p.m. Visit our website to learn more, explore event details and/or sign up to volunteer. Activities & Sports Festival 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from your school district? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! This month’s edition features our latest What Did You Learn? video which focuses on Personal Readiness. Our Points of Pride is also buzzing this month, highlighting student awards and a music performance at Pearl Harbor. Upcoming Meetings & Events School Board Meetings January 27, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room February 10, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room February 24, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room Districtwide Events January 19: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 23: No School February 13: No School February 16: No School - Presidents Day School Activities & Events January 23: Coaches vs. Cancer - LNHS vs. LSHS (Basketball) @ Lakeville North High School  January 29: LNHS vs. LSHS - Girls Hockey @ Lakeville Hasse Arena  January 30: LNHS vs. LSHS - Boys Hockey @ Lakeville Hasse Arena View upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events and MSHSL state tournaments. See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed. Student Focused, Community Connected January 16, 2026

Friday, Jan 16 2026

194PRIDE: School Board Updates, Attendance Area Adju...

January 9, 2026 School Board Updates January 6 School Board Special Meeting Recap Key items from the January 6, 2026 school board special meeting include: The school board conducted its election of officers for the 2026 calendar year with the following results (16:35): School Board Chairperson - Amber Cameron School Board Vice-Chairperson - Carly Anderson School Board Clerk - Kim Baker School Board Treasurer - Tony Reichenberger School Board Directors - Paul Carbone, Matt Swanson and Brian Thompson The school board approved the 2026 board meeting calendar with the following changes (24:12): The November 24 meeting was moved to November 17 The December 22 meeting was moved to December 15 The school board approved the compensation for the board members for 2026, which will remain the same as 2025 calendar year of $6,750 annually per board member with a $600 stipend for the Chair (26:35). The school board approved the Sun ThisWeek as the school district’s official publication for 2026 (27:18). The school board approved the designation of district legal counsel as Squires, Waldspurger, and Mace; Ratwick, Roszak, and Maloney; and Kennedy and Graven for 2026. (27:58) The school board approved several organizational matters related to business office functions (29:07). A revised proposal for attendance area adjustments for the elementary and middle schools for the 2026-27 school year was presented by Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations. The revised proposal included requests made by the school board at the Dec. 16, 2025 meeting. Attendance area adjustments are required to balance enrollment across schools. The school board has added a special work session on Friday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. to discuss the revised proposal further. Pending discussions from the Jan. 9 special work session and the Jan. 13 regular meeting, the school board will determine when a vote on attendance area adjustments will take place (30:28). The school board discussed the findings from a recent board investigation and procedural issues for consideration (1:27:13).   December 9 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the December 9, 2025 school board meeting include: Peter Leatherman of the Morris Leatherman Company reported the results of the recent community survey (1:04:45). The school board held the annual Truth in Taxation Hearing  (1:23:55), and certified the district’s Pay 26 Tax Levy (2:05:44). The school board discussed combining polling locations for school district-only elections (2:06:49). The school board authorized the administration to prepare and submit the plan for additions and improvements at the district’s middle schools totalling $139.6 million to the Minnesota Department of Education for a required Review and Comment (2:31:15). December 16 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the December 16, 2025 school board meeting include: The elementary principals provided a “state of the elementary schools” overview report, which included curriculum updates, areas of strength and areas for improvement (30:15).  A proposal for attendance area adjustments for the elementary and middle schools for the 2026-27 school year was presented by Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations (1:20:12).  The school board approved the following: the 2026-27 Program of Studies (3:38:48); the final Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report (3:40:30); and a resolution combining polling locations for 2026 school district special elections (3:44:38).  The school board unanimously approved placing a bond question on the May 12, 2026 ballot. The proposal asks voters to consider funding additions and renovations at the district’s three middle schools. The additions and improvements will ensure there is enough space to accommodate enrollment growth (4:20:17).   Full recaps, meeting materials and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. To watch past school board meetings, visit our YouTube channel playlist. Read Full Meeting Recaps   Attendance Area Adjustments: Community update and next steps Lakeville Area Schools administration is recommending changes to the boundaries of school attendance areas for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about the most recent proposal that was presented at the Jan. 6 school board meeting (proposals are subject to change). Attendance areas need to change because some of our schools are too full, while others have space available. Adjusting attendance areas helps spread students more evenly across our schools so that every student has enough room to learn and grow.  As next steps in this process, the school board has scheduled a special work session for Friday, January 9 at 4 p.m. to further discuss the updates. A vote on Attendance Area Adjustments is currently scheduled for the regular board meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at 7 p.m. Learn more and stay updated at isd194.org/attendance-area.   Lakeville Area Schools earns high marks on community survey At the December 9, 2025 School Board meeting, the board received results from the district’s recent scientific community survey, which included questions related to overall satisfaction, district growth and facilities needs, especially at the middle school level. The survey results showed strong satisfaction with Lakeville Area Schools with 90% of respondents rating the district as good or excellent.  When asked what they liked most about the district, respondents cited good teachers, the variety of programs, excellent academics and athletics and good communication among other key areas.  A majority of respondents indicated support for adding space at existing middle schools, as well as continued investment in facilities maintenance and safety and security updates. The survey indicated residents value comparable spaces across school buildings. Read more and view additional survey results. District Announcements Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is officially LIVE! Whether your little one is taking their first steps in their educational journey at Small Wonders Preschool, achieving the milestone event of starting kindergarten, or you're brand new to Lakeville Area Schools, we can't wait to welcome you this fall! Learn more about the enrollment process and who needs to apply here. Ready to join​ Lakeville Area Schools? Learn more and/or enroll today at isd194.org/enroll.  Questions? ​Contact our enrollment team at enroll@isd194.org​ or 952-232-2048. Please Note: Families currently enrolled in the ​district who are not looking to make changes to their student’s learning experience do NOT need to complete the enrollment process again. Learn more about enrollment Lakeville Area Community Education Lakeville Area Schools Activities and Sports Festival is Back! Join us for the return of the annual Activities and Sports Festival! Discover the fun Lakeville has to offer in one place. You can explore and try activities from more than 30 local organizations and groups at this FREE one-stop event. There is truly something for every family member! Event Highlights Include: Dozens of local vendors Performances Bounce House and Inflatable Obstacle Courses Food and Snacks available for purchase from Student Nutrition Services Plus, don't miss the FREE Open Swim opportunity from 1-3 pm.* *Tickets for free Open Swim will be limited to first come, first served. Mark Your Calendars!  Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Kenwood Trail Middle School NEW! Sensory Friendly Hour: 2-3 p.m. Stay tuned for additional information, which will be added to the website. Points of Pride Lakeville North and South high schools select 2025-26 ExCEL Award nominees Lakeville North and Lakeville South high schools have named their nominees for the 2025-26 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) ExCEL Awards. Lakeville North nominees are juniors Eli Tuchscherer and Hannah Stuckey, and Lakeville South nominees are juniors Teagan Bishop and Aiden Connelly. Learn more Lakeville students perform at Pearl Harbor In early December, Lakeville South High School Band students traveled to Hawaii to perform on the USS Missouri and march in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. Lakeville Cheerleading junior Molly Vandeberg (Lakeville Online Academy) and sophomore Alayna Ketterling also represented Lakeville by marching in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. Learn more Lakeville educators open classrooms to future teachers This school year, 46 Lakeville Area Schools educators are hosting prospective teachers and related services providers in their classrooms. These experiences range from short-term shadowing to semester-long student teaching and clinical internships. Over the past five years, Lakeville educators have supported 240 placements. Learn more   Looking for more great news? Visit our District News Page for more student and staff-centered stories. What Did You Learn? Personal Readiness To help ring in the new year, we caught up with Lakeville Online Academy 7th grader Josiah, and Christina Huddleston Elementary 4th grader Samantha, to talk about personal readiness–and how they’re learning skills that help them grow, adapt and succeed in school and beyond. Here’s to a year full of learning in 2026! Watch now Faces of 194 Katie Dettman - John F. Kennedy Elementary This week, we stopped by John F. Kennedy Elementary and met Katie Dettman, an Autism Program Teacher who helps students feel safe, supported and confident being themselves every day. When asked how she supports students when learning feels challenging, Katie shared: “We emphasize that we can do hard things and that mistakes are learning. When students finally succeed — even in small ways — we celebrate every moment, because that joy matters.” Upcoming Meetings & Events SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS January 9, 4 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Special Session) January 13, 7 p.m., District Office - Oak Room January 27, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room DISTRICTWIDE EVENTS January 16: No School  January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School January 23: No School SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS January 9-10: Gymnastics - Girls Varsity Invitational @ Lakeville North High School  January 13: Girls Gymnastics Meet @ Lakeville North High School  January 23: Coaches vs. Cancer - LNHS vs. LSHS (Basketball) @ Lakeville North High School  January 29: LNHS vs. LSHS - Girls Hockey @ Lakeville Hasse Arena  January 30: LNHS vs. LSHS - Boys Hockey @ Lakeville Hasse Arena See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Find more upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events here, and upcoming MSHSL state tournament dates at mshsl.org/tournaments. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Student Focused, Community Connected Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed.

Friday, Jan 09 2026

194NOW Family eNews: School Board Updates, Community...

December 12, 2025 School Board Updates December 9 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the December 9 school board meeting include: Peter Leatherman of the Morris Leatherman Company reported the results of the recent community survey. Results showed the community has a high level of satisfaction with the quality of Lakeville Area Schools, including the educational opportunities, the teachers, and its leaders. The survey also asked residents about whether they would support a tax increase for a variety of facility needs. (1:04:45) The school board held the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Bill Holmgren, Executive Director of Business Services, reported on the district’s Pay26 Levy. Property taxes paid to Lakeville Area Schools increased by 0.42%. Over the last four years, taxes paid to the school district have decreased for households whose valuations have remained the same. (1:23:55) The school board certified the Pay26 Tax Levy. (2:05:44) The school board discussed the possibility of combining polling locations for school district-only elections to reduce the cost of running elections and be more efficient with staff time. Ultimately, the board voted against three options for combined polling locations. Additional options will be brought to the next school board meeting. (2:06:49) The school board authorized the administration to prepare and submit the plan for additions and improvements at the district’s middle schools totalling $139.6 million to the Minnesota Department of Education the required Review and Comment. This is being done in anticipation of a bond question to be placed on a ballot for consideration by school district residents in May. The additions and improvements will ensure there is enough space to accommodate enrollment growth at the middle school level and equity in educational opportunities among the middle schools. (2:31:15)   December 2 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the December 2 special school board meeting include: The school board and administration discussed the possibility of combining polling locations for school district elections to increase efficiency and reduce cost (8:03).  The school board and administration discussed the first Quarterly Business Review on the Academic metrics. Key metrics that were discussed include the percentage of students failing a class, multilingual learner ACCESS assessment proficiency rate and science MCA scores (37:30).  The school board and administration discussed the need for additional space at the district’s middle schools as well as other priorities being considered for a Facilities Vision 2035 plan. They also discussed the possibility of placing a bond question on a ballot for consideration by district residents as early as this spring (1:35:00).  The school board discussed the process for the superintendent’s evaluation (2:51:11). November 25 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the November 25 school board meeting include: Tony Reichenberger took the Ceremonial Oath of Office (10:44) and was appointed to the position of Treasurer (2:30:58). Members of the Student Services department provided an update on the key accountability metrics in the areas of Student Services and Special Education (25:59). Bill Holmgren, Executive Director of Business Services, provided an update on the current Fiscal Year 2026 budget (54:12). Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations, provided additional information and options to the school board regarding Facilities Vision 2035 (1:16:34) and an overview of the process for making changes to school attendance areas for the 2026-27 school year (1:54:05). The school board approved amendments to Policy 213 School Board Committees (2:32:04).   To watch recordings of the board meetings visit YouTube. Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. Read Full Meeting Recaps   Lakeville Area Schools earns high marks on community survey At the December 9 School Board meeting, the board received results from the district’s recent scientific community survey, which included questions related to overall satisfaction, district growth and facilities needs, especially at the middle school level. The survey results showed strong satisfaction with Lakeville Area Schools with 90% of respondents rating the district as good or excellent.  When asked what they liked most about the district, respondents cited good teachers, the variety of programs, excellent academics and athletics and good communication among other key areas.  Facility planning and funding: A majority of respondents indicated support for adding space at existing middle schools, as well as continued investment in facilities maintenance and safety and security updates. The survey indicated residents value comparable spaces across school buildings. Based upon administrative recommendations, at its next meeting, the school board will consider whether to place a bond referendum on the April 2026 ballot for additional middle school space. Read more and view additional survey results.   New K-8 School Attendance Area Boundary Changes Planned for 2026-27 School Year Lakeville Area Schools is planning to adjust K–8 attendance area boundaries for next school year. District leaders will bring a proposal to the school board in December, and a final decision on updated school boundaries is expected by the end of February. These changes are needed because some schools have become too full while others still have plenty of space. Updating boundaries will help make sure all students learn in classrooms and school buildings that have enough room to support them. Enrollment looks different across the district, especially in fast-growing neighborhoods. Some elementary and middle schools are already over their ideal capacity, which can lead to larger class sizes and crowded hallways and lunchrooms. By adjusting boundaries now, the district aims to keep schools around 75–80% full, which is enough to use space well, but with room for new families projected to move in.  A group of district and school staff is reviewing options, focusing on balancing enrollment, keeping neighborhoods together when possible, and limiting how many students need to switch schools. We know attendance area changes can be stressful, and we are committed to keeping families informed throughout the process. More details will be shared as recommendations move forward, and families can read the full article on the district website. District Announcements District Building Access During Winter Break During Winter Break, Dec. 22 - Jan. 1, school buildings will be closed to the public with the exception of Kid Zone/Wonder Zone Child Care, pre-approved high school activities and community education programs.  The District Office and Community Education Offices will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 23. These offices will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.   Resources for Immigrant Families In alignment with our district vision, it is our goal to create a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous and collaborative learning environment where every person belongs, is valued and can succeed. Immigrant families are a valuable and important part of our school district community.  Please visit our website for information on student rights around Immigration and Customs Enforcement.   Community review of English Language Arts grades 9-12 resources In accordance with Minnesota state statutes, Minnesota’s academic standards are reviewed and revised on a 10-year cycle with one content area of academic standards updated each year based on a schedule approved by the Minnesota legislature. The required full implementation of the MN Academic Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) is scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. Lakeville Area Schools is preparing for this shift by providing teachers with professional learning on the new standards and is currently evaluating potential new resources for ELA 9-12 adoption. Community members are invited to review the proposed resources and provide feedback in the selection process by Dec. 31, 2025.  Learn more, review resources, and/or complete the feedback form. Advisory Council Updates Gifted Advisory Council Update At the November 11 Gifted Advisory Council (GAC) meeting, members focused on the social and emotional needs of twice-exceptional (2e) learners, including executive functioning skills and personality traits. The session engaged students, parents, and staff and served as a strong kickoff for the GAC’s 2025–26 work. Learn more. Community Education Advisory Council Update The Community Education Advisory Council met on November 13 to discuss Summer Programming, reviewing Summer 2025 successes and challenges and previewing plans for Summer 2026. The meeting also celebrated National Community Education Day and Staff Appreciation Week, and included updates from district and community liaisons. The next meeting is January 8, with openings for new members. Learn more. Health & Safety Health Information for Students, Staff and Adults As winter settles in, we want to highlight an important topic for many elementary families: head lice and winter illnesses. Lakeville Area Schools follows guidance from the CDC, MDH and national pediatric experts to manage lice effectively and avoid unnecessary missed learning time. We’re also seeing the usual winter illnesses (flu, respiratory viruses, COVID, stomach bugs). Please keep students home when they’re sick and return them once symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. Practicing good handwashing and covering coughs goes a long way! Learn more. Technology Updates Update Student iPads to OS 26.1 Over Winter Break iPadOS 26.1 is now available on all student district-issued iPads. If your student(s) is bringing their device home over the winter break, please install this operating system update at home when time allows. Please note that iPads must be charged to at least 20% for this update to install, and it is recommended to plug the iPad into a charger while updating. The update will take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, during which the iPad will restart.  How to update to OS 26.1 Open the settings app on your student's iPad Navigate to 'general' in the sidebar Select 'Software Updates' Click 'Install Now/Update Now' Agree to the terms and conditions iPad will restart once the update is completed Issues updating? Fill out a support ticket here. School-Home Connections Keep the learning going over winter break! Looking for fun, engaging ways to help your student learn over winter break? Check out our School-Home Connections webpage! On this webpage, you’ll find learning resources and activities for K-12 students. Examples of resources include building basic math skills and fluency, learning the letters of the alphabet, phonemic and phonological awareness, building vocabulary and comprehension, and more! At-Home Learning Resources What Did You Learn? Responsibility In November, we visited Lake Marion Elementary 5th grader Dorothy and McGuire Middle 8th grader Mabel to talk all about what responsibility means to them, and how it helps our school communities thrive. Watch now! Lakeville Area Community Education Lakeville Area Schools Activities and Sports Festival is Back! Join us for the return of the annual Activities and Sports Festival! Discover the fun Lakeville has to offer in one place. You can explore and try activities from more than 30 local organizations and groups at this FREE one-stop event. There is truly something for every family member! Event Highlights Include: Dozens of local vendors Performances Bounce House and Inflatable Obstacle Courses Food and Snacks available for purchase from Student Nutrition Services Plus, don't miss the FREE Open Swim opportunity from 1-3 pm.* *Tickets for free Open Swim will be limited to first come, first served. Mark Your Calendars! Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Kenwood Trail Middle School NEW! Sensory Friendly Hour: 2-3 p.m. Additional details coming soon!   Are you a local organization looking to be a part of our festival? Don't miss your shot! Submit your application for the 2026 Activities and Sports Festival today.  Your club, activity, or sport is a valued and vibrant part of Lakeville Area Schools, and this is your premier opportunity to showcase your group to hundreds of local families. We want your team to be there! Why Apply Today? Massive Exposure: Directly connect with the Lakeville community and sign up new participants. Be Interactive: Engage families with hands-on demonstrations and games. Show Off: Be a featured part of an event that includes live music, sports demos, food, and more! Application Window will be closing January 2. Need more information?  Feel free to reach out to event lead, Amanda Kettelhut (amanda.kettelhut@isd194.org). Submit Your Application 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from your school district? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! This month’s edition features an alumni spotlight on Elizabeth Ennenga, a Lakeville High School alum who has built an inspiring career as the founder of Quad E Companies and EZ Backyards. Upcoming Meetings & Events School Board Meetings December 16, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room January 9, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room January 13, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room January 27, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room Districtwide Events December 22 - January 2: No School - Winter Break School Activities & Events December 12-14: Anything Goes @ Lakeville North December 16, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs. LSHS Girls Hockey @ Lakeville Ames Arena  December 16, 7 p.m.: Winter Choir Concert @ Lakeville North Auditorium  December 18, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs. LSHS Boys Hockey @ Lakeville Ames Arena  December 18, 7 p.m.: Winter Band Concert @ Lakeville North Auditorium December 19, 6 p.m.: LSHS vs. LNHS Boys Swimming/Diving @ Lakeville South View upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events and MSHSL state tournaments. See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed. Student Focused, Community Connected December 12, 2025

Friday, Dec 12 2025

194PRIDE Community News: School Board Updates, Advis...

December 5, 2025 School Board Updates December 2 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the December 2 special school board meeting include: The school board and administration discussed the possibility of combining polling locations for school district elections to increase efficiency and reduce cost (begins at 8:03).  The school board and administration discussed the first Quarterly Business Review on the Academic metrics. Key metrics that were discussed include the percentage of students failing a class, multilingual learner ACCESS assessment proficiency rate and science MCA scores (begins at 37:30).  The school board and administration discussed the need for additional space at the district’s middle schools as well as other priorities being considered for a Facilities Vision 2035 plan. They also discussed the possibility of placing a bond question on a ballot for consideration by district residents as early as this spring (begins at 1:35:00).  The school board discussed the process for the superintendent’s evaluation (begins at 2:51:11). November 25 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the November 25 school board meeting include: Tony Reichenberger took the Ceremonial Oath of Office (begins at 10:44) and was appointed to the position of Treasurer (begins at 2:30:58). Members of the Student Services department provided an update on the key accountability metrics in the areas of Student Services and Special Education (begins at 25:59). Bill Holmgren, Executive Director of Business Services, provided an update on the current Fiscal Year 2026 budget (begins at 54:12). Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations, provided additional information and options to the school board regarding Facilities Vision 2035 (begins at 1:16:34) and an overview of the process for making changes to school attendance areas for the 2026-27 school year (begins at 1:54:05). The school board approved amendments to Policy 213 School Board Committees (begins at 2:32:04).   November 12 School Board Meeting Recap Key Items from the November 12 school board meeting; The school board approved updates to policies 402 Disability Nondiscrimination, 412 Expense Reimbursement, 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals, Policy 603 Curriculum Development with minor changes. The school board approved an amended and restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Shared Use of Buildings and Grounds between the City of Lakeville and ISD194. The Facilities Vision 2035 plan was proposed to the school board by Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations. The district heard a first reading of Policy 213 School Board Committees November 10 Special School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the November 10 school board meeting: The school board and superintendent recognized outgoing board member, Brett Nicholson The school board approved as resolution to canvas the return of votes of the school district special election The capital projects levy was renewed by voters. Tony Reichenberger was also elected by voters to the school board   Full recaps, meeting materials and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. To watch past school board meetings, visit our YouTube channel playlist. Read Full Meeting Recaps   Truth in Taxation - Public Hearing scheduled for Dec. 9 The Pay26 Levy includes various types of funds: operating, restricted, assigned, community education and debt service. The capital projects levy, which was renewed for 10 years by voters on Nov. 4, is included within the assigned portion of the Preliminary Pay26 Levy. The district’s levy is increasing 0.42% for the Fiscal Year 2026. A public hearing date is set for Dec. 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the District Office.  For more information on the FY26 budget and tax levy, visit isd194.org/Pay26.   Facilities Vision 2035 Proposed to School Board On Nov. 12, district administration presented the school board with a proposed Facilities Vision 2035 plan, detailing the needs and priorities for district facilities over the next 10 years. The school board is anticipated to vote on actions related to the facilities vision 2035 plan in December.  The top priority recommended by the facilities advisory council is increasing capacity at the middle school level within the next three years. Two possible solutions were brought to the school board for consideration to increase middle school capacity and comparability. The Facilities Advisory Group also recommends that the district be prepared to address capacity at the high school level in the next three to five years.  Learn more Advisory Council Updates Gifted Advisory Council Update At the November 11 Gifted Advisory Council (GAC) meeting, members focused on the social and emotional needs of twice-exceptional (2e) learners, including executive functioning skills and personality traits. The session engaged students, parents, and staff and served as a strong kickoff for the GAC’s 2025–26 work. Learn more Community Education Advisory Council Update The Community Education Advisory Council met on November 13 to discuss Summer Programming, reviewing Summer 2025 successes and challenges and previewing plans for Summer 2026. The meeting also celebrated National Community Education Day and Staff Appreciation Week, and included updates from district and community liaisons. The next meeting is January 8, with openings for new members. Learn More Community Feedback Community review of English Language Arts grades 9-12 resources In accordance with Minnesota state statutes, Minnesota’s academic standards are reviewed and revised on a 10-year cycle with one content area of academic standards updated each year based on a schedule approved by the Minnesota legislature. The required full implementation of the MN Academic Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) is scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. Lakeville Area Schools is preparing for this shift by providing teachers with professional learning on the new standards and is currently evaluating potential new resources for ELA 9-12 adoption. Community members are invited to review the proposed resources and provide feedback in the selection process by Dec. 31, 2025. Learn more, review resources and/or complete the feedback form. Points of Pride EML Educators of the Year We are excited to announce this year’s Education Minnesota Lakeville (EML) Educators of Excellence–Erin Mulvany-Mankowski (English Teacher, Lakeville Pathways Academy) and Hilary Moorlach (Digital Media Specialist, Cherry View Elementary; District Digital Media Specialist Lead).  Mulvany-Mankowski and Moorlach are now eligible candidates for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award among candidates from across the state who were nominated by their colleagues and named by Education Minnesota. Learn more Lakeville South student named Rotary Student of the Month Lakeville South High School senior Greg Aryeetey has been named the Lakeville Rotary Student of the Month for November 2025. Recognized as an outstanding student-athlete, Aryeetey has made a positive impact both on the wrestling mat and in the hallways, serving as a mentor and role model for younger students.  Learn more Celebrating Fall Athletics Successes Congratulations to all our fall athletic teams on their outstanding seasons – way to go, Panthers and Cougars! Additional highlights from the 2025 State Tournaments: The Lakeville North Girls Swim and Dive team ranked 7th and the Lakeville South team ranked 9th. Both teams earned the MSHSL Class AA Team Academic Gold Award.  The Blazing Cats (a cooperative team of Lakeville, Farmington and Burnsville students) placed 3rd at the Adapted Soccer CI Tournament.  The Lakeville South Cougars Football team advanced to the Class AAAAAA semifinals.   Looking for more great news? Visit our District News Page for more student and staff-centered stories. What Did You Learn? Responsibility In November, we visited Lake Marion Elementary 5th grader Dorothy and McGuire Middle 8th grader Mabel to talk all about what responsibility means to them, and how it helps our school communities thrive. Watch now! Alumni Relations Lakeville Area Schools alumni builds community through entrepreneurship Welcome back to Alumni Spotlight, highlighting Lakeville Area Schools graduates and their unique journeys. This edition features Elizabeth Ennenga, a Lakeville High School alum who has built an inspiring career as the founder of Quad E Companies and EZ Backyards, leading impactful construction projects across the Twin Cities and right here in Lakeville. Learn More Upcoming Meetings & Events SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS December 9, 7 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Truth in Taxation Hearing) December 16, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room DISTRICTWIDE EVENTS December 22 - January 2: No School - Winter Break SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Dec. 5-7, 11-14: Anything Goes @ Lakeville North Dec. 5, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs LSHS Wrestling Match (Alumni & Youth NIght) @ Lakeville North Main Gym Dec. 6, 2 p.m.: Dance Team Invitational - LNHS vs LSHS @ Lakeville South Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: LSHS vs LNHS Girls Basketball @ Lakeville South Dec. 16, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs. LSHS Girls Hockey @ Lakeville Ames Arena  Dec. 16, 7 p.m.: Winter Choir Concert @ Lakeville North Auditorium  Dec. 18, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs. LSHS Boys Hockey @ Lakeville Ames Arena  Dec. 18, 7 p.m.: Winter Band Concert @ Lakeville North Auditorium Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: LSHS vs. LNHS Boys Swimming/Diving @ Lakeville South See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Find more upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events here, and upcoming MSHSL state tournament dates at mshsl.org/tournaments. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Student Focused, Community Connected Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed.

Friday, Dec 05 2025

194NOW Family eNewsletter: Facilities Vision 2035, W...

November 14, 2025 School Board Updates November 12 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the November 12 school board meeting include:  The school board approved updates to policies 402 Disability Nondiscrimination, 412 Expense Reimbursement, 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals, Policy 603 Curriculum Development with minor changes. The school board intends to revisit Policy 601 and 603 in the near future. (Begins at 13:12)  The school board approved an amended and restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Shared Use of Buildings and Grounds between the City of Lakeville and ISD194.  The Facilities Vision 2035 plan was proposed to the school board by Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations. The presentation included background information on criteria the district uses to determine when facility improvements or additions are needed, data demonstrating the growth occurring within the communities Lakeville Area Schools serves, and recommendations for three phases of facility improvements and additions that were identified by the Facilities Advisory Group. The top priority identified was additional space at the middle school level to accommodate growing enrollment. The school board will continue discussions on the proposed plan in November and December, and is anticipated to vote on decisions regarding the plan in December. (Starts at 17:11)  The district heard a first reading of Policy 213 School Board Committees. (Begins at 2:49:51) November 10 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the November 10 school board meeting include: The school board and superintendent recognized outgoing board member, Brett Nicholson. Nicholson served on the school board since January 2024. Superintendent Baumann thanked Nicholson for his personal sacrifice, passion, concern and depth of dedication to the district.  The school board approved a resolution to canvas the return of votes of the school district special election.  The capital projects levy was renewed by voters, with 68.99% voting yes and 31.01% voting no ( 7,665 yes votes, 3,445 no votes). Renewing this levy reflects our community's commitment to educational excellence. Funds will continue to support technology, security and career-learning tools that prepare students for their futures. Tony Reichenberger was also elected by voters to the school board, with 51.28% (5,466 votes) for Tony Reichenberger and 48.21% (5,139 votes) for Brett Nicholson. Reichenberger will be seated at the November 25 school board meeting. October 28 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the October 28 school board meeting include:  A first reading of the Amended and Restate Joint Powers Agreement for the Shared Use of Buildings CliftonLarsonAllen CPAs presented a preliminary FY25 Audit Report, which was Issued as an unmodified, clean report An update on the FY26 Budget The school board discussed a proposed resolution for special education To watch recordings of the board meetings visit YouTube. Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. Read Full Meeting Recaps   Facilities Vision 2035 Proposed to School Board On November 12, district administration presented the school board with a proposed Facilities Vision 2035 plan, detailing the needs and priorities for district facilities over the next 10 years. The school board is anticipated to vote on actions related to the facilities vision 2035 plan in December.  The top priority recommended by the facilities advisory council is increasing capacity at the middle school level within the next three years. Two possible solutions were brought to the school board for consideration to increase middle school capacity and comparability. The Facilities Advisory Group also recommends that the district be prepared to address capacity at the high school level in the next three to five years.  Learn more.   Attendance Area Adjustments planned for 2026-27 In addition to the current overall capacity challenges at the middle school level, there are significant population concentration challenges that are affecting our elementary and middle school capacity. Specifically, Highview Elementary and Century Middle School both serve an area of the district that grew faster than anticipated. Attendance area adjustments are required for the 2026-27 school year so the district can make the best use of space at each school level and ensure that schools in growing areas have enough capacity. The district will present information about the process to make these adjustments on November 25 school board meeting.   Truth in Taxation - Public Hearing scheduled for Dec. 9 The Pay26 Levy includes various types of funds: operating, restricted, assigned, community education and debt service. The capital projects levy, which was renewed for 10 years by voters on Nov. 4, is included within the assigned portion of the Preliminary Pay26 Levy. The district’s levy is increasing 0.42% for the Fiscal Year 2026. A public hearing date is set for Dec. 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the District Office.  For more information on the FY26 budget and tax levy, visit isd194.org/Pay26. District Announcements Winter Weather Reminders As colder weather approaches, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with Lakeville Area Schools’ Winter Weather and Flex Learning Day procedures. Parents/caregivers are advised to make plans for the care of their children in the event of a school closing, late start or early dismissal.   No School Reminder There will be no school Wednesday, Nov. 26 - Friday, Nov. 28 for Fall Break. Have a safe and happy break!   Auto Notices for Missing Assignments and D/F Grade Notifications In order to support students’ academic progress, we are currently piloting the use of automated notifications through ParentSquare to notify families and students about academic progress concerns.  Missing assignments notices will be sent to students and their parents/caregivers weekly at the middle school level and bi-weekly at the high school level.  Notification of a grade of D or F will be sent mid-term/quarter and the second to last week of each term/quarter.  You will not receive a notice if your students does not have a missing assignment or does not have a D or F in a course.  Notifications will include action steps for students and parents to make a plan and continue to monitor progress.  We care about your students’ success. You can reach out to your teachers, counselors or administrators at any time if you need support.   How to Check/Update Your Notification Settings in ParentSquare To ensure you receive urgent alerts like weather delays and safety concerns via text message and/or phone call, please verify your phone number in ParentSquare if you haven’t already. Looking to update how and when you receive notifications from ParentSquare? You can customize your post notifications based on type and delivery method. Instant: sends all post notifications in real-time Digest: sends all posts for the day in one single digest at the end of the day (around 6 p.m.) Learn more about updating your posts notifications settings. Have students at different schools? Learn how to easily switch between school sites in your main posts feed. Community Announcements New Community Survey launching November 15 Lakeville Area Schools is conducting a survey beginning November 15. The survey will assess community values and priorities, levels of satisfaction with the district, and what the community may support if additional funding were available. The scientific survey is conducted via phone by the Morris Leatherman Company and contacts a random sampling of community members who are representative of the district’s residents. If you receive a call we strongly encourage you to participate to share your feedback. Survey results are anticipated to be presented to the school board at the December 9 meeting. Keeping Our Schools Safe What You Need to Know About Teen Vaping Electronic cigarettes (also called e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, or pods) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol the user can inhale. The aerosol contains harmful chemicals and typically includes nicotine, but may also include marajuana or other drugs. Learn more including: Risks of vaping, especially for teens Signs your child may be vaping Tips for talking to your child What the district does to address vaping Read more.   Escape the Vape Video Challenge: Submissions Open Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 Minnesota 6th-12th grade students are invited to join the Escape the Vape Video Challenge–an annual contest where students can use their voice to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. Just create and upload your 30-second, vape-bashing masterpiece, and you could win $500 for you and $250 for your school or organization, along with other great prizes.  Submissions are open Dec. 1 - Jan. 31. Visit mnescapethevape.org to learn more, including how to enter the contest. Staff Appreciation Community Education Appreciation Week: Nov. 10-14 This week, Nov. 10-14 is Lakeville Area Community Education Appreciation Week! We’re proud to celebrate our Community Education staff for their dedication to lifelong learning and community connection. They play an essential role in supporting students, families, and residents across our district. Thank you for all you do! School Staff Appreciation Week: Nov. 17-21 Next week, Nov. 17-21 is School Staff Appreciation Week in Lakeville Area Schools! We’re proud to recognize the many dedicated professionals who support our students, staff and schools each day. Whether guiding students, maintaining safe and welcoming spaces or keeping our schools running smoothly behind the scenes, each plays an essential role in fulfilling our mission. Thank you for all you do! School-Home Connections Elementary Math - Basic Fact Fluency Welcome back to another edition of School-Home Connections, where we offer practical ways to extend your student's learning beyond the classroom. In this edition we are highlighting Elementary Math Basic Fact Fluency. Basic Fact Fluency requires using strategies flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately, eventually being able to solve problems automatically.  The five fundamentals of basic fact fluency are: Mastery must focus on fluency (not memorization). Fluency develops in phases. Knowing foundational facts must precede derived facts. Timed tests do not assess fluency. Students need substantial and enjoyable practice. Check out this flyer for fun and engaging ways you can practice math fluency at home with your young learner (available in both English and Spanish). At-Home Learning Resources Community Connections 2025 State of the Schools On Oct. 22, Lakeville Area Schools joined the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce for the annual State of the Schools luncheon.  The event kicked off with a presentation from Alice Yi, a senior at Lakeville South High School. Hear from Alice how her Lakeville experience has shaped her academic, social, civic and personal readiness, and stay tuned for a presentation from Superintendent Michael Baumann. Watch Our Impact, By the Numbers to learn more about the numbers behind our mission. Advisory Council Updates Teaching and Learning Advisory Council Meeting Recap The Teaching & Learning Advisory Council (TLAC) met on November 10 to review Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the district’s vision for its use in Lakeville Area Schools. Participants explored AI from both teacher and student perspectives, discussed alignment with school board policies and safety guidelines, learned about staff professional development opportunities, and shared feedback on the benefits and challenges of using AI in schools. Alumni Relations Stay connected with Lakeville Area Schools! Lakeville Area Schools is looking to connect and gather input from our former Cougars and Panthers! We invite all alumni to visit our Alumni Relations webpage and fill out the form to choose how you’d like to stay engaged with us. Do you know a Lakeville Area Schools alum? Please share this information with them. Thank you! Lakeville Area Community Education National Community Education Day National Community Education Day was Thursday, Nov. 13, celebrating Community Education programs across the nation. This annual day of recognition highlights the essential, positive role that each of us plays in supporting lifelong learning and community education within our schools and neighborhoods. It’s not too late to celebrate! In celebration of National Community Education Day, we encourage every community member to take two simple steps: Discover: Visit ce.isd194.org to explore the full range of programs, classes, and special events available for every member of your family. Engage: Sign up for a class, attend a family event, or volunteer your time. Participating is the best way to experience the benefits of Community Education firsthand! We are proud of the positive impact that Community Education programs have on the vitality of the Lakeville area, and we look forward to continuing our work to offer you, our community, opportunities to Learn Local! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from your school district? Check out November’s 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! This month’s edition features our first Show and Tell video of the 2025-26 school year, centered around academic readiness! Engage, Connect, Make a Difference Looking for a job that allows you to engage with your community, connect with students and staff, and make a difference every single day? Check out the employment opportunities through Lakeville Area Schools! We are currently hiring for: Benefits Specialist Part-Time Cooks And more! Learn more about the employment opportunities at Lakeville Area Schools and/or apply today at isd194.org/jobs. Search & Apply for Jobs Upcoming Meetings & Events School Board Meetings November 25, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room December 9, 7 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Truth in Taxation Hearing) December 16, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room Districtwide Events November 17-21: School Staff Appreciation Week November 26-28: No School - Fall Break School Activities & Events Nov. 19-23: Chicago: Teen Edition @ Lakeville South Dec. 5-7, 11-14: Anything Goes @ Lakeville North Dec. 5, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs LSHS Wrestling Match (Alumni & Youth NIght) @ Lakeville North Main Gym Dec. 6, 2 p.m.: Dance Team Invitational - LNHS vs LSHS @ Lakeville South View upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events and MSHSL state tournaments. See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed. Student Focused, Community Connected

Friday, Nov 14 2025

194PRIDE Community News: Election Results, School Bo...

November 7, 2025 Capital Projects Levy renewed for 10 years We are pleased to announce that our capital projects levy was renewed by voters, with 68.99% voting yes and 31.01% voting no (unofficial results: 7,665 yes votes, 3,445 no votes). Renewing this levy reflects our community's commitment to educational excellence. Funds will continue to support technology, security and career-learning tools that prepare students for their futures. Please note: results are unofficial until certified by the school board.  You can read the full news release here. Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn about the levy renewal, share information and vote. School Board Updates October 28 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the October 28 school board meeting include:  A first reading of the Amended and Restate Joint Powers Agreement for the Shared Use of Buildings CliftonLarsonAllen CPAs presented a preliminary FY25 Audit Report, which was Issued as an unmodified, clean report An update on the FY26 Budget The school board discussed a proposed resolution for special education October 14 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the October 14 school board meeting include:  The school board reviewed the preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which shows a general fund balance of 6.9%, above the 5% school board minimum Director Kim Baker brought back a draft resolution requesting the state bring back funding for special education The school board approved key metrics to track via a quarterly business review process Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. *The Tuesday, Nov. 11 school board meeting is canceled due to Veterans' Day meeting restrictions. A special meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Read Full Meeting Recaps   Tony Reichenberger elected to school board In addition to the capital projects levy renewal request, one school board position was also on the ballot. The position was left vacant following a resignation and was filled via appointment in November 2024 until it could be voted on in the next scheduled election: November 4, 2025.  The vote was 51.28% for Tony Reichenberger, 48.21% for Brett Nicholson. Please note: results are unofficial until certified by the school board.    Truth in Taxation - Public Hearing scheduled for Dec. 9 The Pay26 Levy includes various types of funds: operating, restricted, assigned, community education and debt service. The capital projects levy, which was renewed for 10 years by voters on Nov. 4, is included within the assigned portion of the Preliminary Pay26 Levy. The district’s levy is increasing 0.42% for the Fiscal Year 2026. A public hearing date is set for Dec. 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the District Office.  For more information on the FY26 budget and tax levy, visit isd194.org/Pay26. Community Announcements Facilities Vision 2035 Update During September and October the facilities advisory council met several times to discuss facilities needs and priorities for the next 10 years in order to create a Facilities Vision 2035 plan. The group reviewed data including community and enrollment growth projections, capacities in each of our schools, and the condition of the district’s current facilities. They also discussed what facility maintenance, updates, or additions are needed to accommodate the anticipated enrollment growth and maintain high quality, safe and modern teaching and learning environments.  The Facilities Vision 2035, including prioritized needs and recommended actions from the Facilities Advisory Council, will be presented to the school board on November 12.   New Community Survey launching November 15 Lakeville Area Schools is conducting a survey beginning November 15. The survey will assess community values and priorities, levels of satisfaction with the district, and what the community may support if additional funding were available. The scientific survey is conducted via phone by the Morris Leatherman Company and contacts a random sampling of community members who are representative of the district’s residents. If you receive a call we strongly encourage you to participate to share your feedback. Survey results are anticipated to be presented to the school board at the December 9 meeting. Show & Tell Academic Readiness in Lakeville Area Schools Welcome back to Show & Tell for the 2025-26 school year! This school year, our series will dive into our school district's mission - to provide educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic and personal readiness for every student.  Our first episode highlights what academic readiness looks like in Lakeville Area Schools and features students and staff from Highview Elementary and Lakeville South. Points of Pride Lakeville seniors reach for the stars Three Lakeville seniors – Lillian Launsbach and Lauren Pihlstrom (Lakeville South) and Jennifer Wilts (Lakeville North) – attended the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL! They joined students from around the world, taking on leadership workshops, rocket building, astronaut simulations, and team challenges. Learn more. Celebrating fall athletics successes Congratulations to all our fall athletic teams on their outstanding seasons so far – way to go, Panthers and Cougars! Highlights from the 2025 State Tournaments: Lakeville North Girls Soccer advanced to the quarterfinals. Lakeville South Girls Tennis doubles partners Madison Morse and Eva Welsch competed in the first round. Lakeville North Boys Cross Country team placed 13th overall. Lakeville South junior Chloe Thoennes finished 15th individually in the girls cross country race.   Looking for more great news? Visit our District News Page for more student and staff-centered stories. What Did You Learn? Safety and Respect October was National Bullying Prevention Month. Last week, we talked with Century Middle 8th grader Prabhaas and John F. Kennedy Elementary 5th grader Grace about what makes their schools safe, respectful and welcoming places to learn. Watch Now. In The Classroom Century Middle students engineer sweet robotic solutions The 7th grade STEM classes at Century Middle took on a sweet challenge, designing hydraulic robots to sort and package candy with precision! Students engineered, tested, and refined their creations in a real-world inspired project that mixed creativity with serious STEM skills. Learn more. Community Connections 2025 State of the Schools On Oct. 22, Lakeville Area Schools joined the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce for the annual State of the Schools luncheon.  The event kicked off with a presentation from Alice Yi, a senior at Lakeville South High School. Hear from Alice how her Lakeville experience has shaped her academic, social, civic and personal readiness, and stay tuned for a presentation from Superintendent Michael Baumann. Watch Our Impact, By the Numbers to learn more about the numbers behind our mission. Engage, Connect, Make a Difference Looking for a job that allows you to engage with your community, connect with students and staff, and make a difference every single day? Check out the employment opportunities through Lakeville Area Schools! We are currently hiring for: Benefits Specialist Part-Time Cooks And more! Learn more about the employment opportunities at Lakeville Area Schools and/or apply today at isd194.org/jobs. Search & Apply for Jobs Lakeville Area Community Education A paws-itively relaxing day of puppy yoga Lakeville Area Community Education hosted a heartwarming Puppy Yoga class on Oct. 25, in partnership with Healing Hearts Rescue! As participants enjoyed an hour-long yoga flow, twelve rescue puppies roamed to provide cuddles, playful kisses and plenty of laughs. Some puppies even found their fur-ever homes with participants, while the rest received crucial socialization time. Learn more. Upcoming Meetings & Events SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS November 10, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Special Meeting) November 12, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Special Meeting) November 25, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room December 9, 7 p.m., District Office - Oak Room (Truth in Taxation Hearing) DISTRICTWIDE EVENTS November 10-14: Community Education Appreciation Week November 17-21: School Staff Appreciation Week November 26-28: No School - Fall Break SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Nov. 19-23: Chicago: Teen Edition @ Lakeville South Dec. 5-7, 11-14: Anything Goes @ Lakeville North Dec. 5, 7 p.m.: LNHS vs LSHS Wrestling Match (Alumni & Youth NIght) @ Lakeville North Main Gym Dec. 6, 2 p.m.: Dance Team Invitational - LNHS vs LSHS @ Lakeville South See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Find more upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events here, and upcoming MSHSL state tournament dates at mshsl.org/tournaments. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Student Focused, Community Connected Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed.

Friday, Nov 07 2025

194NOW Family eNewsletter: Levy Renewal Updates, Sch...

October 10, 2025 Capital Projects Levy Renewal - Vote on or before Nov. 4 Maintaining Our Schools. Powering Our Future. This capital projects levy was originally passed in 2015 and is set to expire in 2025. If renewed, the levy would continue to provide approximately $4 million annually for the next ten years for educational technology, security technology and technology infrastructure. Without renewal, there will be a $4M budget gap starting in 2026. If the capital projects levy is renewed, there will be no new tax increase because it is a renewal of an existing technology levy. School Board Chair Matt Swanson and Director Carly Anderson sat down and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2025 levy renewal. Check out their short podcast above to learn more. Watch additional levy renewal videos on our YouTube Channel. Find more levy renewal resources, including voting information, on our website.   Join us for an Informational Meeting Join Superintendent Michael Baumann at our final informational meeting to learn more about the Lakeville Area Schools Capital Projects Levy Renewal. Monday, October 13, 6 p.m. - Lakeville South High School, Lecture Hall D202 Can't make it to the meeting? Watch a recording of our September 16 informational meeting here.   Early voting open through November 3 Early voting is open through November 3 for the Lakeville Area Schools Capital Projects Levy Renewal. Learn more and make a plan to vote on or before November 4 at isd194.org/voting-information. Levy Resources | FAQs | Voting School Board Updates September 23 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the September 23 school board meeting include:  An overview report on teaching and learning, focused on key areas that have been identified for improvement. Metrics and baseline information were presented to the school board in the areas of Academics, Student Services, Human Resources and Finance. The school board approved the Preliminary Pay26 Levy at the maximum amount.    September 30 School Board Special Meeting Recap On September 30, the school board held a special working session to discuss board goals and the superintendent's evaluation process.   To watch a recording of the board meeting visit YouTube. Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. Read Full Meeting Recaps District Announcements District workgroups evaluate need for additional middle school space, attendance area alignment Lakeville Area Schools reached another all-time high this year with 12,150 PreK-grade 12 students, an increase of 125 from last year. Projections show enrollment will continue to rise by approximately 550 students over the next five years. As our community grows, so does the need for space. District advisory and working groups are studying building capacity and population distribution. Read more   Winter Weather Reminders As colder weather approaches, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with Lakeville Area Schools’ Winter Weather and Flex Learning Day procedures. Parents/caregivers are advised to make plans for the care of their children in the event of a school closing, late start or early dismissal. How decisions are communicated Student and staff safety is our primary concern when making decisions regarding school closures, early releases or late starts. Lakeville Area Schools will communicate in a variety of ways when a decision is made by the superintendent, including email, text, phone call, social media, website, and local news stations. Day-of-school weather decisions will be announced by 6 a.m. and decisions regarding evening programs/activities/events will be determined by 1 p.m. and communicated as early as possible.  Learn more on our closures webpage. Flex Learning Day expectations After the first ‘snow day’ of the school year, the superintendent may call a Flexible Learning Day (Flex Day). On Flex Days, students will continue to learn from home by completing Choice Card activities (elementary students) or completing assignments posted by their teachers (secondary students).  Learn more about expectations on our Flex Days webpage.  *On Flex Days, Lakeville Online Academy students are expected to continue their online coursework as usual.   No School Reminder There is no school Wednesday, October 15 - Friday, October 17. Have a safe and happy break! Keeping Our Schools Safe Protecting Our Students from the "764" Online Network Last month we shared about social media trends and terms parents/caregivers should be aware of. This month, we’d like to share more details about a dangerous, organized online network targeting teens, called 764. This information is crucial for keeping our students safe as they navigate social media and online gaming. The "764 Network" is a violent group that operates on publicly available online platforms, including popular social media sites, gaming apps, and mobile applications frequently used by young people. This network systematically targets and exploits vulnerable youth, typically between the ages of 9 and 17. Learn more about how 764 operates, warning signs and actionable steps for parents/guardians. Assessments Updates 2024-25 Science MCA-IV results released; scores reflect need for stronger systems of support in science education On Oct. 1, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released the 2024-25 Science MCA-IV results. Overall, Lakeville Area Schools is in line with the state average at 25.8% proficiency, with the elementary level scoring 10 points higher than the state average. Trend data is not yet available because this is the first year with updated MCA-IV test questions aligned to the new state standards in science, which changed significantly. Typically we expect to see a decrease in overall achievement as teachers and students adapt to new, more rigorous standards and assessments.  Read the full addendum here.   2025 MCA Student Reports Available in Parent Portal Families can now view their student’s Reading, Math, and Science MCA Individual Student Reports for 2025 via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. These reports show how your student performed on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments given last spring. To access your student’s report: Log into your Parent Portal and go to Documents > MCA Individual Student Report Need help? View Access Instructions Printed copies of reports will no longer be sent home, as reports are now securely available in Infinite Campus for ongoing reference. Learn more about the MCAs and how to interpret results on our assessments webpage under the MCA tab.   Bilingual Seals Language Assessment - Potential to Earn High School and/or College Credit for Grades 9-12 This November we will be administering the Bilingual Seals Assessments. If your grade 9-12 student speaks a world language other than English, they may be eligible to take the Bilingual Seals Assessment.  The Bilingual Seals Assessments test a student’s listening, reading, speaking and writing in world languages other than English. New this year, students in grades 9-12 may receive elective high school credits and/or college credits for language proficiency demonstrated through assessments for Minnesota Bilingual Seals and World Language Proficiency Certificate.  The test will be offered for grade 9-12 students in November and February. The deadline to sign up for the November test date is October 19. View a list of testing languages offered here. Learn more about the assessment and register for the test here.   New State-Required Reading Assessment – Capti ReadBasix Beginning January 2026, Lakeville Area Schools will implement a new state-required reading assessment called Capti ReadBasix, in accordance with the Minnesota Read Act (Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 120B.12). This assessment measures foundational components of reading and key skills that support overall reading comprehension. It is designed to screen for reading difficulties and characteristics of dyslexia with students in grades 4 through grade 12 and to provide valuable information that supports effective reading instruction. Students who are performing below grade level in reading will participate in the Capti ReadBasix assessment.   After the testing window, parents/guardians will be able to view their student’s Capti ReadBasix results in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. For more information, please visit the Capti ReadBasix Website. School-Home Connections Letter Formation: Using Continuous Strokes Welcome back to School-Home Connections, where we offer practical ways to extend your student’s learning beyond the classroom. In our first School-Home Connections of the 2025-26 school year we are highlighting Letter Formation resources.  There are many forms of print handwriting, but the one more often recommended is one that uses a continuous stroke. A continuous stroke reduces the opportunity for reversals, which may occur when a student lifts the pencil.  Visit the letter formation tab on our school-home connections webpage to watch videos and view a flyer on how you can practice continuous strokes with your young learner at home. View At-Home Learning Resources Community Connections Free College and Financial Aid Sessions Available for Minnesota Students Need help understanding the financial aid options for college? Attend free virtual sessions for high school students and families offered by a collaborative of financial aid experts, September 30 - November 18. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali and Hmong. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a $1,000 scholarship drawing. For session dates, topics and to register, visit bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries.    Family Fun Highlights Fall fun has been in full swing across the district! From Walkathons to Fun Runs and Family Nights, our students and families came together for movement, laughter, and community. Check out some highlights from these amazing events!  Lakeville Area Community Education Registration Open for Fall & Winter Community Education Classes Lakeville Area Community Education's fall and winter classes are packed with great learning opportunities for you, your family, and your community! Whether you want to pick up a new skill, stay active, or connect with new people, we have a class running for you! Learn More & Register 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from your school district? Looking for more news from your school district? Check out October’s 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! This month’s edition features our latest Points of Pride and the following: Our NEW Faces of 194 series, giving our community a glimpse into the day-to-day life of our students and staff The latest episode of our What Did You Learn video series, showcasing belonging Classroom Happenings at Lakeville North, Lake Marion, McGuire Middle, and Orchard Lake Upcoming Meetings & Events School Board Meetings October 14, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room October 28, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room Districtwide Events October 13, 6 p.m.: Levy Renewal Informational Meeting, Lakeville South High School (Lecture Hall - D202) October 15-17, No School / MEA Break October 31, End of 1st Quarter November 4: Election Day (Capital Projects Levy Renewal and One School Board Seat on Ballot) School Activities & Events View upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events and MSHSL state tournaments. See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed. Student Focused, Community Connected

Friday, Oct 10 2025

194PRIDE Community News: Early Voting Open for Nov. ...

October 3, 2025 Capital Projects Levy Renewal - Vote on or before Nov. 4 Maintaining Our Schools. Powering Our Future. This capital projects levy was originally passed in 2015 and is set to expire in 2025. If renewed, the levy would continue to provide approximately $4 million annually for the next ten years for educational technology, security technology and technology infrastructure. Without renewal, there will be a $4M budget gap starting in 2026. If the capital projects levy is renewed, there will be no new tax increase. School Board Chair Matt Swanson sat down with Director Carly Anderson to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2025 levy renewal. Check out their short podcast above to learn more. Watch additional levy renewal videos on our YouTube Channel. Find more levy renewal resources, including voting information, on our website.   Join Us for an Informational Meeting Join Superintendent Michael Baumann at our final informational meeting to learn more about the capital projects levy renewal. Monday, October 13, 6 p.m. - Lakeville South High School - Lecture Hall D202 Can't make it to the meeting? Watch a recording of our September 16 informational meeting here.   Early voting open through November 3 Early voting is now open for the Lakeville Area Schools Capital Projects Levy Renewal. Learn more and make a plan to vote on our before November 4 at isd194.org/voting-information. Levy Resources | FAQs | Voting School Board Updates September 30 School Board Special Meeting Recap On September 30, the school board held a special working session to discuss board goals and the superintendent's evaluation process.   September 23 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the September 23 school board meeting include:  An overview report on teaching and learning, focused on key areas that have been identified for improvement. Metrics and baseline information were presented to the school board in the areas of Academics, Student Services, Human Resources and Finance. The school board approved the Preliminary Pay26 Levy at the maximum amount.    September 9 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the September 9 school board meeting include:  A “State of Early Childhood” report on the variety of programs available at Crystal Lake Education Center for children from birth through age 5 and their families. A report on the preliminary Pay26 Levy.   To watch recordings of the school board meetings visit YouTube. Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. Read Full Meeting Recaps Advisory Group Updates Facilities Advisory Group Reconvened for the 2025-26 School Year The Lakeville Area Schools Facilities Advisory Group has been reconvened for the 2025-26 school year. The purpose of this group is to support the development of a 10 year plan to address facility needs across the district. Members include district and school staff, current parents, and community members. The group has met three times in the last month to review information about our facilities and current and projected enrollment data. The primary urgent focus for the group is how to meet middle school space needs. Projected enrollment numbers at the middle school level are anticipated to exceed school capacity by 2028. Potential solutions determined by the advisory group will be proposed to the school board for consideration in November.  Points of Pride Two Lakeville South seniors named National Merit Semifinalists Congratulations to Lakeville South seniors Daniyal Abedi and Alice Yi on being named National Merit Semifinalists! Six Lakeville Area seniors were also awarded as National Merit Commended, in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.  Learn more McGuire Middle student awarded 4-H honor at DNR Commissioner’s Youth Awards Congratulations to Kaylee Fischer, an 8th grader at McGuire Middle, on receiving the 4-H Award at the Minnesota DNR Commissioner’s Youth Awards at the State Fair. From monitoring ospreys and beavers to studying the survival challenges of snapping turtles, Kaylee is making a huge impact in Minnesota conservation. Learn more 2025 Homecoming Highlights Lakeville North and Lakeville South high schools recently wrapped up exciting Homecoming weeks! Students, staff, and the community came together to showcase their Panther and Cougar pride. View more LNHS and LSHS photos on our district Facebook page.   Looking for more great news? Visit our District News Page for more student and staff-centered stories. What Did You Learn? Welcome back to What Did You Learn! This school year, we’re highlighting how our mission, vision, and core values come to life in our schools every day. Our September edition is all about Belonging. Hear from Jonah (6th grade, Kenwood Trail Middle) and Mya (Kindergarten, Eastview Elementary) as they share how they felt welcomed in their new schools at the start of the year. Classroom Happenings Students across Lakeville Area Schools are learning so many neat things! Check out just a few of the many things our students recently learned: Lakeville North algebra students learned how to write linear equations McGuire Middle 8th graders learned about world trade in an interactive candy trading activity in Global Studies Orchard Lake kindergarten students learned about the structural integrity of suspension bridges in STEM Lake Marion 3rd graders used digital tools to support independent work time on literacy skills What else are students learning? Faces of 194 Welcome to our Faces of 194 series! Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting what’s happening inside our schools to give our community a glimpse into the day-to-day life of our students and staff. From our littlest learners to our seniors and even our school staff, these stories will showcase the purpose and pride that drive our district. To kick off the series, we visited Christina Huddleston Elementary and met 3rd grader Aston! Aston loves being outside and enjoying recess, so we asked him: What’s your favorite part of recess? “I get to talk with my friends and then play around with these movements on this thing.” Community Connections Elementary students get a fire safety lesson from Fireman Jay Fireman Jay from the Lakeville Fire Department began his elementary school fire safety tour on Friday, Sept. 15 at Christina Huddleston Elementary. Students learned how they can prevent and prepare for fire emergencies, such as regularly testing and checking their smoke detectors at home.   You’re Invited! ECFE Babypaolooza - October 11 Calling all expectant parents and families with babies under 6 months! Join Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) for a FREE educational event on October 11 from 9-11 a.m. at Crystal Lake Education Center. Come learn about pediatric dental and medical services, birthing options, baby equipment, and more!  Space is limited. Register by the end of TODAY, Oct. 3 at bit.ly/palooza1025 or scan the QR code. Staff Appreciation Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean Appreciation Week Oct. 13-17, Lakeville Area Schools is celebrating Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean Appreciation Week! We thank our incredible leaders for their commitment to creating safe, supportive and thriving schools where every student can succeed. Lakeville Area Community Education Registration Open for Fall & Winter Community Education Classes Lakeville Area Community Education's fall and winter classes are packed with great learning opportunities for you, your family, and your community! Whether you want to pick up a new skill, stay active, or connect with new people, we have a class running for you! Learn More & Register Community Announcement Public Notice Please be advised that the use of district property is restricted to district staff and students during the school day. This includes all buildings and grounds. All after hours or weekend use should be scheduled and approved by the district in advance. Learn more: isd194.org/community/facilities-use  Upcoming Meetings & Events SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS October 14, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room October 28, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room November 11, 7 p.m., District Office - Oak Room DISTRICTWIDE EVENTS October 13, 6 p.m.: Levy Renewal Informational Meeting, Lakeville South High School - Lecture Hall D202 October 13-17: Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean Appreciation Week November 4: Election Day (On the ballot: Capital Projects Levy Renewal and one school board seat) View upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events and MSHSL state tournaments. See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Student Focused, Community Connected Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed.

Friday, Oct 03 2025

194NOW Family eNewsletter: First Day Photos, Nov. 4 ...

September 12, 2025 Back-To-School Highlights from the first days of the 2025-26 school year! We can't believe we're already wrapping up the second week of the 2025-26 school year! Staff welcomed back students and their families on Tuesday, Sept. 2 with bright smiles, lots of energy, high fives and positivity. We look forward to partnering with our families and community for another great year of learning, growth and fun. Here’s to an amazing school year!  📸 Check out some of the highlights captured from the first few days of school on the District's Facebook page: Elementary & Preschool Album | Secondary Album School Board Updates August 26 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the August 26 school board meeting include:  The school board held a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(b), to engage in discussions with the School Board’s legal counsel related to litigation in the case of Palmer v. ISD 194, Court File No. 19HA-CV-25-1460. Lucas Yoho, Executive Director of Operations, reported on operational projects that occurred over the summer to ensure cleanliness, key facility maintenance and updates to ensure safe, healthy, accessible and welcoming learning environments.  The school board approved a settlement in the case of Palmer v. ISD 194. The settlement amount is covered by the district’s insurance.  The school board approved moving the start time of the November 11 and December 9 meetings to 7 p.m. to ensure that the board representative for Intermediate District 917 can attend both meetings.  The school board approved the cancellation of the monthly small group stakeholder sessions due to low attendance.  The school board approved metrics they would like to track in the areas of HR, Operations, and Student Engagement. District administration will provide an overview of all approved metrics with current baselines and future goals at a future meeting.  The school board approved board goals.  September 9 School Board Meeting Recap Key items from the September 9 school board meeting include:  Molly Dexter, Director of Early Childhood Programs, provided a “State of Early Childhood” report on the variety of programs available at Crystal Lake Education Center for children from birth through age 5 and their families, including Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Early Childhood Screening, Small Wonders Preschool, Wonder Zone Child Care and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).  Bill Holmgren, Executive Director of Business Services, and Jack Baker, Director of Finance, shared the preliminary Pay26 Levy, which is the amount of property taxes going to the school district in 2026. Holmgren noted that the total Pay26 levy will include the recently renewed operating levy, Long Term Facilities and Maintenance (LTFM), Debt Service, Community Education and other categorical revenues for the 2026-27 school year. It also includes the Capital Projects Levy that is up for renewal by the community this November. Overall, the levy is increasing by approximately 0.25% for 2026. The school board discussed a potential resolution to advocate that the state legislature does not provide educational mandates on years when there is no budget passed, to reduce the amount of unfunded and/or unexpected mandates straining public school district budgets. To watch recordings of the school board meetings visit YouTube. Full recaps, meeting materials, and future meeting dates can be found on the district website. Read Full Meeting Recaps Capital Projects Levy Renewal - Vote on or before Nov. 4 You’re Invited to a Capital Projects Levy Renewal Informational Meeting On November 4, 2025, Lakeville Area Schools will ask voters to consider whether to renew an expiring capital projects levy, originally passed in 2015. There will be no new tax increase if it is renewed. Learn more about the Capital Projects Levy Renewal and vote on or before Nov. 4. Tuesday, September 16, 5 p.m. Lakeville Area Schools District Office Monday, October 13, 6 p.m. Lakeville South High School (Lecture Hall - D202) Levy Resources | FAQs | Voting Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Parent/Caregiver Education Event: Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyber-Bullying We’re excited to share an upcoming Parent/Caregiver learning opportunity focused on supporting students’ digital wellbeing. The event is aimed toward parents of middle and high schoolers.  Date & Location: Monday, September 29; Kenwood Trail Middle School Time: 6-8 p.m. There will be a presentation from Safer Schools Together followed by a panel discussion with local law enforcement and the district’s Threat Assessment Specialist.  Topics will cover:  Recommendations for family rules, parental controls, and tech plans Strategies for monitoring your tween/teen’s digital life Current trends, concerning apps, and platforms to be aware of Guidance for supporting your child during critical periods of independence If you plan to attend and will need an ASL or spoken language interpreter, please notify the district at isd194@isd194.org.   TikTok Challenges With the beginning of the new school year, we want to take the opportunity to remind parents and caregivers of some common social media trends to be aware of.  TEA Accounts: These accounts are used to "spill the tea"—a slang term for sharing gossip, rumors, or drama, often about fellow students. Posts may include screenshots, anonymous submissions, or videos that can spread quickly and cause harm. Barstool Accounts: Inspired by the popular media brand Barstool Sports, these student-run accounts post memes, inside jokes, or event recaps. While they can appear lighthearted, they sometimes share inappropriate content or target individuals without consent. SHIP Accounts: "Shipping" is short for “relationshipping”—pairing students together as couples, whether real or imagined. These accounts post polls, photos, or videos speculating or joking about students’ relationships. This can cross boundaries and lead to bullying or emotional distress. TikTok Challenges: Students often participate in viral TikTok challenges or memes. While many are harmless, others can involve inappropriate behavior, vandalism, or peer pressure. Even trends that start out as jokes can lead to serious consequences. Stay engaged by talking to your child about what they see online, encouraging respectful behavior, and reminding them that what’s posted online can have a lasting impact including school disciplinary action. Open conversations go a long way in helping teens navigate social media responsibly. For additional information on Raising Digitally Responsible Youth you can download a free parent guide. ParentSquare Updates At the start of the 2025-26 school year, Lakeville Area Schools launched ParentSquare as our new district-wide communications platform. It’s designed to keep parents/guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with the district. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff and parents/guardians to: Receive all district, school and classroom communications via email, text, or mobile app Sign up to volunteer And much more . . . all in one centralized place! Visit our ParentSquare webpage to learn more about the platform, view FAQs, sign-in instructions, tutorials, and additional helpful resources. Learn more about ParentSquare   Customize your notifications from ParentSquare Did you know? ParentSquare lets you customize how and when you receive notifications. With a ParentSquare account, you can set preferences for each school and the district. How to manage your notifications in ParentSquare To customize your notification settings for posts, newsletters and everyday communications, update your preferences by visiting Account Settings > Notification Settings. Instant: Receive notifications right away. Digest: Get a single evening summary of non-urgent messages. Off: You will only receive messages for for urgent alerts, which will be sent instantly regardless of your selected notification settings. Learn more and customize Upcoming Student Assessment Dates Lakeville Area Schools is committed to supporting the whole child through the development of academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills. To support our students individually, we gather information that helps us personalize learning and provide the right support at the right time.   Universal Screening FastBridge Assessments: Grades K-9 Universal Screening FastBridge assessments are being administered for students in grades K-9 over the course of this month. FastBridge provides short reading and math assessments that show how students are progressing with grade-level skills. These screenings help teachers see strengths, identify areas where students may need extra support and adjust instruction so every child continues to grow. Students in grades K-9 participate in this assessment during the window of Aug. 21 - Sept. 26 depending on their school site.   mySAEBRS Screener: Grades 2-8 FastBridge also provides mySAEBRS (Social, Academic, Emotional and Behavioral Risk Screener). The mySAEBRS screener asks students to rate themselves (Never, Sometimes, Often, or Almost Always) on 20 questions. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Students in grades 2-8 will participate during the Fall window of Sept. 22 - 26.   Assessment Results and Additional Information All assessment results can be found in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at the conclusion of each testing window. Please view the linked directions to learn how to access these results.  Community Announcements Facilities Advisory Group On Thursday, September 11, the Lakeville Area Schools Facilities Advisory Group met for the first time in the 2025-26 school year. The purpose of this group is to support the development of a 10 year plan to address facility needs across the district. Focus areas are additional space needs at the middle schools, additional space and/or improved facilities for early childhood, special education, Lakeville Pathways Academy, career and technical educational spaces, athletics and performing arts. We are looking for additional family representation on the advisory group. Learn more and submit the interest form here.   Upcoming Football Games: Please Review Stadium and Student Expectations Starting a new school year comes with the start of an exciting new football season! To ensure a safe, respectful and fun season for all, please review the following Lakeville North and Lakeville South football stadium policies and expectations with your student(s): Stadium Policies Middle and elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The adult is responsible for the student for the duration of the game. No backpacks or bags (personal handbags/purses allowed, subject to search) No outside food or drinks (guests will be asked to empty containers) No political/campaign signs, flags, or items that block views No artificial noisemakers No balls or sports equipment allowed No loitering near vendor areas No re-entry once a guest leaves Tickets required for the entire game High School Student Expectations A valid student ID is required for entry Positive behavior and sportsmanship are expected at all times Only LNHS/LSHS students may sit on their respective home sides; visiting students must sit on the visitor side Students must follow all of the stadium policies noted above Thank you for following these policies and expectations. Here’s to a great season of Panther and Cougar football!    Border Battle: Lakeville North Panthers vs. Lakeville South Cougars TONIGHT (9/12) One of the most anticipated games of the season is TONIGHT! Come cheer on the ‘cat fight’ between the Lakeville North Panthers and Lakeville South Cougars football teams.  Location: Lakeville South High School Stadium Doors Open: 6 p.m. Kickoff: 7 p.m. Ticket Info It’s highly recommended to purchase in advance ONLINE via the GoFan ticketing box office Cash is not accepted at the gate Tickets will be sold through halftime; 2nd half admission is not permitted Pricing: Adults ($10), Students/Seniors ($6), Children 5 & under (Free) Livestream Can’t make it to the game? Livestream the game here for free.   Register for a Fall 2025 Kindergarten Welcome Event! Calling all incoming kindergarten families! Families with children who will be five or older by September 1, 2026 are invited to attend one of our Kindergarten Welcome Events this fall. This is the first opportunity for parents/guardians to learn about the Lakeville kindergarten experience. Elementary school principals will share a general overview of kindergarten, including readiness and expectations. The content at each of these events will be the same. Sessions will take place October - December, with our first session being held virtually on October 2 from 6-7 p.m. Register for a Kindergarten Welcome Event and view additional dates at bit.ly/ISD194K2026. Kindergarten Event Registration   Future 101 Event: Grades 8-12 Calling all parents/guardians of grade 8-12 students! Join us on Tuesday, September 30 at Lakeville South High School for a FREE future readiness event put on in partnership with the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce. The event features a resource fair as well as bite-size information sessions to prepare your students for high school, college/career and beyond. This event is open to all Lakeville Area Schools families and no registration is required. Learn more in the flyer linked here. Discover What’s New with Lakeville Area Schools Community Education! At Lakeville Area Schools Community Education, we believe learning should be a lifelong adventure for every member of your family. That’s why we offer a dynamic range of engaging programs and classes throughout the school year, designed to inspire curiosity, build skills, and bring our community closer together. Here’s just a glimpse of what’s coming up: For Families: Starwatch Party with Mike Lynch - Explore the night sky together with this fun, educational experience. For Students (Grades K–5): Yearlong Spanish - A fantastic way for young learners to start building language skills. For Adults: Puppy Yoga - Unwind, stretch, and smile with this playful twist on traditional yoga. And that’s just the beginning! Whether you're looking to learn something new, meet others in the community, or just have fun because there's something for everyone. Explore Community Ed Offerings 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from your school district? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! This month’s edition features: A recap of our 12th annual Ready, Set, ACHIEVE! event Lakeville South senior Alice Yi selected for the USA Debate Team Upcoming Staff Appreciation weeks And more! Upcoming Meetings & Events School Board Meetings September 23, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room October 14, 6 p.m., District Office - Oak Room Districtwide Events September 16, 5 p.m.: Levy Renewal Informational Meeting, Lakeville Area Schools District Office October 8: Two-Hour Late Start October 13, 6 p.m.: Levy Renewal Informational Meeting, Lakeville South High School (Lecture Hall - D202) November 4: Election Day (Capital Projects Levy Renewal and One School Board Seat on Ballot) School Activities & Events September 12, 7 p.m.: Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South Football Game @ Lakeville South High School September 18, 6 p.m.: Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South Girls Varsity Swim Meet @ Lakeville Blanchard Aquatic Center (Century Middle School) October 1, 5 p.m.: Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South Girls Varsity Soccer @ Lakeville North High School October 1, 7 p.m.: Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South Boys Varsity Soccer @ Lakeville North High School October 1, 7 p.m.: Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Lakeville North High School  See additional upcoming meetings and events at isd194.org/calendar. Find upcoming Lakeville North and Lakeville South events here. Let's Get Connected! 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter Looking for more news from Lakeville Area Schools? Check out our 194PRIDE Community eNewsletter! Sign up to receive 194PRIDE in your email inbox monthly at bit.ly/194PRIDE-Sign-Up! Find us on Social Media Facebook | Instagram YouTube Channel Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel to watch school board meetings and other school and district events. District News Webpage Visit our district news page at isd194.org/news for additional district updates and stories. Our Mission Together with our families and community, Lakeville Area Schools provides educational opportunities to ensure academic, social, civic, and personal readiness for every student. Our Vision To provide a safe, respectful, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative learning environment for all students, families and staff where every person belongs, is valued, and can succeed. Student Focused, Community Connected

Friday, Sep 12 2025