eConnection Newsletter January 2026

Hassan is being honored as both an Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, which is rare, according to MDE. This means Hassan ranks not only among the highest-performing schools in the state, but also leads in closing achievement gaps, reflecting both academic excellence and a commitment to ensuring all students are being served with a high-quality education.

Instead of viewing Artificial Intelligence as a "cheat code," the District's IT Team is leading the charge to utilize it as a helpful tool for staff, with a few friends lending a hand. 

In the wake of the disappearance of a Zimmerman Elementary student, ISD 728 worked closely with law enforcement and the Zimmerman community to coordinate a search. 

Two ISD 728 educators are named as part of the field for the Education Minnesota Teacher of the Year award, to be presented 

The NW Metro Robotics Team will make their way to Washington, DC, for a special competition - becoming the first team from Minnesota to do so. 

Otsego Elementary celebrated two years of hard work with a School of Excellence event on Wednesday, January 28. The program features students, staff and a presentation from MESPA. 

The ISD 728 School Board continued its dedicated effort to recognize student leadership at is regular meetings. On January 12, 2026, leaders from Hassan Elementary School of Rogers and Salk STEM Magnet School in Elk River were honored for their roles in their schools. 

The ISD 728 School Board continued its dedicated effort to recognize student leadership at is regular meetings. On December 12, 2025, leaders from Parker Elementary School and VandenBerge Middle School - both of Elk River - were honored for their roles in their schools. 

Member Michael Nordos will serve as Board Chair in 2026, with Shane Steinbrecher now Vice Chair. The board held its reorganizational meeting on January 12. 

A cooperative effort between Lincoln Elementary parents, staff and students and the Guardian Angels Senior Living and Care Services led to a memorable day for both students and seniors around our ISD 728 communities.