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The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The district motto changes came with a 're-vamp' of the school district's website. This shows a new era in the Stillwater Area Schools District as they refine their purpose.

District motto changes to ‘Expect More’

Netta Hillegass, Broadcast Editor April 15, 2024

The district has had a motto for many years, though the district believed a change was needed. The motto before was "We learn not for school but for life." The district believed that it did not properly...

This is the current Lake Elmo Elementary school. It was built in 1920, and is over 100 year old. It is struggling to meet the educational standards of today.

District votes on new Lake Elmo Elementary in November

Adelaide Bielke, Broadcast Editor October 28, 2023

After over 100 years of intense learning at Lake Elmo Elementary, the building is no longer able to support its growing community. Last year, the Community Design Team proposed a $175,000,000 bond...

A graph of the 2023 Stillwater Area School District Study.  A graph that shows sources feedback on important material.

District considers bond referendum

Cooper Howe and Donovan Rosckes April 20, 2023

The school district is expecting more than 1,000 new students to enroll in the next 10 years due to an increased birth rate and new housing developments popping up in the area. New students would cause...

The school board held their regular meeting on April 22. During this time they covered the standard reports of information, and they held a work session to further debate the next steps towards a levy referendum this fall.

School board lays out 3-part plan to address district funding

Morgan Delaney, Online Editor May 21, 2021

The school board has created a plan to renew an expiring operating levy. However, when needing more money to go towards levies, the board must ask the taxpayers to vote. They are given an opportunity to...

The district task force will have meetings ending in January 2020. They will make a recommendation to the school board to address issues in the district. Members of the team discuss the expansion of the student population and how to create learning environments for all students.

District task force coming up with proposal for the school board by 2020

Mairin Torgerson, Photographer November 17, 2019

The school district has been through numerous changes in recent years. Many of the ideas executed were made possible and created by the Community Design Team. The team is part of the district long-range...

Superintendent Denise Pontrelli traveled in Italy last year with her family. She loves to travel for fun outside of work.

Superintendent Pontrelli shares glimpse into her role

Claire Anderson, Field Reporter Editor December 3, 2018

Many people wonder what the job of being a superintendent is like. "The only reason I do this is to try and make it a better experience for kids," Superintendent Denise Pontrelli said. Denise Pontrelli...

Community supports schools across district

Community supports schools across district

Kaitlyn Kirby, Business Editor May 15, 2018

The local community plays a large role in supporting their local school district. Students believe that the success of Stillwater Schools is largely due to the support they receive from the community....

Thought Exchange results show district strengths, concerns

Thought Exchange results show district strengths, concerns

Ellie Faeth, Layout Editor February 15, 2017

Powered by Thought Exchange, the Stillwater School District created the Join the Conversation engagement process to allow students, families, community and district members to get involved in voicing...

District seeks public opinion in naming middle schools

District seeks public opinion in naming middle schools

Kalley Lewis, Copy Editor October 12, 2016

At the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, there will be a large district wide transition between grades. The freshman will be moved to the high school and the sixth graders will be moved to the...

HealthyMOVES program begins

Andrea Rustad March 1, 2014

Bridge to Excellence (BtE) is focused on addressing the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each of the districts students.  The BtE’s new plan is already in the works. BtE's plan includes...

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Carissa Keister