Restorative Practice & Truancy
Owatonna High School is getting creative to help students stay in school. At a recent school board meeting, staff shared how they’re tackling student absences by focusing on relationships and support rather than punishment. They’re looking closely at why students miss school—often due to mental health struggles or personal challenges—and responding with weekly check-ins, meetings with families, and partnerships with counselors and local organizations. One effort, the UPLIFT program, targets students early and offers guidance and encouragement starting in ninth grade.
The school has also introduced “Friday Morning Meetings,” where students with five or more absences are invited—with their families—to talk about attendance laws and get connected with resources. If needed, the school can escalate support through community board meetings or, in rare cases, truancy court. The results? Big improvements. Absences are dropping, and only 12% of students are considered habitually truant—much lower than in nearby districts. Owatonna’s message is clear: when we build relationships and listen, students are more likely to show up—and succeed.