News
Learn about the latest news from the Next Step Transition Program.
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![A flyer advertises a hiring event for SoWashCo Schools with images of smiling people, a food service worker, and a school bus in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782416109/sowashcok12mnus/sgggvmtwol2rodiaupkw/2026HiringFair.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782416109/sowashcok12mnus/sgggvmtwol2rodiaupkw/2026HiringFair.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782416109/sowashcok12mnus/sgggvmtwol2rodiaupkw/2026HiringFair.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782416109/sowashcok12mnus/sgggvmtwol2rodiaupkw/2026HiringFair.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782416109/sowashcok12mnus/sgggvmtwol2rodiaupkw/2026HiringFair.png","width":1545}])
Join SoWashCo Schools for a hiring event from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23 at the District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Road S. in Cottage Grove. Explore a wide variety of open positions and find the perfect role for you. Walk-ins are welcome for on-the-spot interviews, or you can preschedule your interview ahead of time.
![Join an advisory group]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":1000}])
We invite you to consider joining an advisory or committee to share your voice and contribute to our school community.
![Sub Bucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":1000}])
Minnesota’s SUN Bucks program provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer months. Each child receives $40 per month (June–August) on a pre-loaded EBT card.
![The image shows a group of young people playing musical instruments, with several individuals in the foreground focused on their flutes or other wind instruments.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/yygvdivjm5jgeu1x9sad/mnstatemusic.png","width":1000}])
Several students from East Ridge and Woodbury high schools were selected among hundreds of students across Minnesota.
![Senior Meal Balances]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/raoqcec6nmaqmajmdvms/seniorlunchbalances.png","width":1000}])
Parents must review their senior's meal account balance to determine what to do with any funds that remain in their student's account after graduation.
![Governor Walz holds award and speaks to local education and business leaders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1774627451/sowashcok12mnus/txgwosg0o67f4axeqqv1/260326_COABE_Walz__019.jpg","width":2200}])
The Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) presented an award to Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, March 26, recognizing his role in securing millions in federal funding for adult education and career training programs.
Walz joined a national group of governors in signing an open letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to advocate for the release of $6.8 billion in congressionally approved funding that the Department of Education was expected to distribute to schools by July 1, 2025. This collective pressure was instrumental in releasing approximately $7 million in federal funding for Adult Education that had been delayed, ensuring program stability through fiscal year 2026.
![students attending the black student summit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772719421/sowashcok12mnus/fclqnplvffqat5r1rirb/bhmsummit.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772719421/sowashcok12mnus/fclqnplvffqat5r1rirb/bhmsummit.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772719421/sowashcok12mnus/fclqnplvffqat5r1rirb/bhmsummit.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772719421/sowashcok12mnus/fclqnplvffqat5r1rirb/bhmsummit.png","width":1000}])
This past Presidents’ Day, SoWashCo Schools hosted its first Black History Month Student Social at East Ridge High School.
![the importance of mca testing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740063901/sowashcok12mnus/xaoued2vmogkf5ttdfts/MCAMTASTesting5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740063901/sowashcok12mnus/xaoued2vmogkf5ttdfts/MCAMTASTesting5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740063901/sowashcok12mnus/xaoued2vmogkf5ttdfts/MCAMTASTesting5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740063901/sowashcok12mnus/xaoued2vmogkf5ttdfts/MCAMTASTesting5.png","width":1080}])
Students in grades 3-8, 10 and 11 will participate in MCAs beginning April 1.
![Nominate SoWashCo Schools in Woodbury Magazine's "Best of Woodbury '26"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770301658/sowashcok12mnus/fxrxror2avoa1mfr3aap/woodburymag.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770301658/sowashcok12mnus/fxrxror2avoa1mfr3aap/woodburymag.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770301658/sowashcok12mnus/fxrxror2avoa1mfr3aap/woodburymag.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770301658/sowashcok12mnus/fxrxror2avoa1mfr3aap/woodburymag.png","width":1000}])
Please show your appreciation for SoWashCo Schools by nominating us for Woodbury Magazine's "Best of Woodbury '26"
![SoWashCo CARES Resources]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770301657/sowashcok12mnus/qtafeh6x6kdctlsjnhqu/sowashcocares.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770301657/sowashcok12mnus/qtafeh6x6kdctlsjnhqu/sowashcocares.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770301657/sowashcok12mnus/qtafeh6x6kdctlsjnhqu/sowashcocares.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770301657/sowashcok12mnus/qtafeh6x6kdctlsjnhqu/sowashcocares.png","width":1000}])
If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to a staff member at your school or visit SoWashCo CARES community partners to find additional resources in the community.