Get Involved
District 833 schools are successful because of the support they receive from families and the community. We want to encourage and support all families to get involved in their child’s education. We offer families the option to volunteer at their child’s school, join a school parent/teacher organization or district committee. Families and the community are also invited to attend School Board Meetings which are held twice monthly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove.
Parent/Community Committees
District 833 welcomes the feedback of parents, staff and community members and encourages all to take part in one of the district's advisory committees, listed below.
Advisory Staff Development Committee
The Advisory Staff Development Committee helps create the district’s staff development plan, assist site teams in professional development planning and evaluate staff development efforts. Committee members represent all buildings and grade levels in the district and must include non-teaching staff, parents and administrators.
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee
Contact: Brittney Amitrano, American Indian Cultural Liaison
The American Indian Parent Committee works to increase parent participation in providing programs and services for American Indian students. In addition, the committee oversees the development and implementation of the educational plan. The committee is open to all parents or guardians of American Indian Education students. Secondary students are also welcome to serve on the committee.
Citizens Financial Advisory Committee
Contact: Dan Pyan, Director of Finance and Operations
The Citizens Financial Advisory Committee provides recommendations to the School Board on important school district financial topics. Membership consists of a School Board representative, district staff and parents or community members who have a financial background and are interested in school district financial issues.
Community Education Advisory Council
Contact: Laurie Brang, Community Education Office Coordinator
The Community Education Advisory Council supports the district's birth through senior programming. Membership consists of a School Board representative, district staff and parents or community members.
Curriculum Advisory Committee
Contact: Kelly Jansen, Director of Teaching and Learning Services
The Curriculum Advisory Committee provides input and advice by making recommendations regarding how District 833 is implementing the Minnesota Academic Standards and meeting the academic, social, behavioral and physical needs of all students. Committee membership is open to parents, guardians, staff and community members.
District Data & Assessment Committee
Contact: John Lindner, Director of Professional Development and Accountability
The District Data and Assessment Committee discusses and provides recommendations to the Director of Professional Development and Accountability regarding district assessments, assessment practices and procedures, the communication of district assessment results, and district data systems related to assessments.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)/School Readiness Advisory Council
Contact: Contact: Joyce Beaird, Early Learning Manager
The Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)/School Readiness Advisory Council contribute recommendations for program policies, goals, objectives and programs; advocate for ECFE and School Readiness in the district community and the Minnesota legislature; promote the program through outreach events and community relation activities; and, generate funding and other resource support to enrich program offerings for families and children. Parents participating in ECFE or who have children participating in our preschool programs are eligible to participate in the committee's work.
Educational Achievement and Integration Advisory Committee
Contact: Cori Thompson, Educational Achievement and Integration Coordinator
The Educational Achievement and Integration Advisory Committee advises the district on all matters related to educational achievement and integration, specifically goals leading to opportunity gap reduction while promoting school environments that create the conditions for student success. They will provide oversight regarding the state’s “Achievement and Integration” program and corresponding revenue.
Kids Club Advisory Council
Contact: Heather Wilkin, Kids Club Coordinator
The Kids Club Parent Advisory Council discusses current and upcoming program initiatives. The council has been instrumental in forming new ideas in communication, enrollment processes, marketing and quality programming.
School Communicators
School Communicators provide two-way communication between the School Board and parent representatives from each school.
Senior Center Advisory Council
Contact: 651-425-6650
The Senior Center Advisory Council meets annually in December to discuss future programming and volunteer needs. Any member of the Senior Center is invited to participate.
Special Education Advisory Council
Contact: Michelle Barries, Director of Special Services
The Special Education Advisory Council is a resource for families to allow open communication with the district through the Director of Special Services on behalf of students receiving special education services. A small planning committee provides recommendations to the Director of Special Services on topics that are of interest to parents.
Superintendent’s Advisory Committee
Contact: Dayna Pottratz, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board
The Superintendent's Advisory Committee allows for open communication and feedback between the Superintendent and stakeholders on current and future issues. The council is comprised of community members, parents, staff and students. It is requested that participants make a commitment to participate for two school years.
Technology Committee
Contact: Bob Berkowitz, Director of Technology
The Technology Committee provides input on classroom technology, cybersecurity, as well as, technology career pathways. The committee is open to parents, community members and staff of District 833.
Wellness Policy Committee
Contact: Bobbie Jo Grummons RD, LD, SNS, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services
The Wellness Policy Committee works to increase awareness of the Wellness Policy and assess, revise, and implement changes for continuous improvement of the policy in order to promote student health and wellbeing. The committee meets three times a year and consists of parents, guardians, students, teachers, district staff and a representative from Washington County SHIP.