eConnection Newsletter

Students from Salk Pre-Engineering STEM Magnet Middle School recently demonstrated the power of innovative thinking at the Minnesota State Science Excellence Fair (SSEF). After months of rigorous research and successful performances at both school and regional levels, Salk students secured a suite of "Grand Awards" and high-profile specialty industry recognitions.

This month's recipients from Twin Lakes Elementary were the leaders of the School Patrol program. From Ivan Sand Community School, Principal Kevin Jost and staff honored a pair of students for their contributions to the school community. And Elk River High leaders and staff honored a pair of CTE students for their hard work in and out of the classroom. 

Lincoln and Parker elementary schools raised over two TONS - 2,800 pounds, in fact - as they battled for "school supremacy" in their latest chapter. 

Surveys have been sent out to community residents as ISD 728 and the School Board determine next steps for growth, crowding and CTE programming across our District. 

The Finance Department at Independent School District 728 has earned accolades from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) again in 2026. 

Each ISD 728 school nominated a pair of students for the ExCEL Award, two more for the AAA award, and an additional standout female athlete/activities participant for the Athena Award. Award winners were announced earlier this spring. 

The Thunder took home Minnesota High School State Championship trophies in both bullseye and 3D shooting this year in Duluth. Meanwhile, the Zimmerman Middle School teams took the bronze in the 3D competition, while capturing the bullseye state crown, also in Duluth earlier this spring. 

Paul Martin's road to the Minnesota High School Hall of Fame was paved by participation. The Elk River grad was a star in three sports, and played multiple others throughout his youth. 

A total of 950 students were members of the Class of 2025, with 89 percent of students graduating from the District. That is more than 4 percentage points higher than the state average, continuing ISD 728’s trend of beating state marks. The 950 graduates in the Class of 2025 make it the District’s largest since 2022 (952).