Terra Nova School -

What is community?
It’s more than just a group of people in the same place—it’s the invisible threads that keep us connected. Just like the string, each of us holds a unique piece of the puzzle.
Everyone matters, everyone is supported, and everyone has a place. In our circle, when one of us rises, we all feel the lift; and when someone needs a moment to rest, the rest of us hold the line with strength and pride. We aren't just standing next to each other—we are holding each other up. There is a specific spot in this circle that only you can fill. That is our Terra Nova community. 💙🧡💚

In early April, thirty-one Terra Nova High School students traveled to St. Cloud to engage in the Construct Tomorrow event.

Construct Tomorrow is an immersive, hands-on event that introduces high school students to real careers in the construction and building trades. Through interactive experiences and direct conversations with skilled tradespeople, students discovered what it's really like to work in these high-demand, high-reward industries.

Since 2013, Construct Tomorrow has connected over 70,000 Minnesota students with life-changing opportunities in the union construction trades-offering a powerful alternative to traditional four-year college paths. Students were able to use real tools to complete hands-on activities from various trades including tile cutting, brick laying, painting simulators, equipment simulators, pounding nails, and many more! They were able to meet and learn from diverse professionals actively working in the field and gain insight into how registered apprenticeships work-and how to get started.

Talk about getting "Out of the Classroom and Into the World!" Thanks to the volunteers and professionals who made time for our students today. What an awesome experience!

Terra Nova thanks SouthPoint Credit Union for putting students through their budgeting paces by bringing Budget City to our school last month!

Budget City is a dynamic, hands-on budgeting simulation designed to help students gain a real-world understanding of personal finance.

During the two-hour simulation, each student was randomly assigned a career, income, credit score, and various financial obligations. They then navigated realistic scenarios such as paying income taxes, covering medical benefits, managing student loans, child care, and dealing with credit card debt.

After determining their monthly take-home pay, students visited nine different vendor stations where they had to make decisions about purchasing essential items like housing, transportation, food, daycare, and other everyday expenses for themselves and their simulated family.

The simulation encouraged students to make informed financial choices while managing a set budget. This was a meaningful, interactive opportunity to develop critical life skills and prepare for future financial responsibility. Students had fun, learned, and showed a healthy level of frustration!

Thank you to SouthPoint Credit Union and our parent and community member volunteers for creating a memorable learning experience!

As Terra Nova has reliable information to share about the construction that leads to detours and delays, it will be shared. The school has not had information that isn't available to public however. Referring to MN DOT is the recommendation: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/projects/hwy25/ This map shows what we currently expect through Friday this week.

What’s inside?! Our students leaned into their natural curiosity in an introduction to the scientific method using mystery cups! Their mission:

Formulate a scientific question ❓"What happens when a base (baking soda) is added to different acidic condiments?" ❓

Develop a solid hypothesis 💡"If I add baking soda into an acidic condiment, then a chemical reaction will occur." 💡

Conduct a Fair Test 🧪 The results – Check it out! 🧪

Who knows what questions our students will investigate next?

Our students absolutely crushed it at the MAAP STARS competition! From mastering essential life skills to showcasing their leadership, they didn't just participate—they excelled!

Watching them walk away with certificates and medals is a proud moment, but seeing their growth and confidence is the real prize. These are the skills that build futures! 🏅👏

Dropping into the week like... 🛹

Our students took over 3rd Lair Skate Park to level up their skills! From mastering the basics to some seriously impressive tricks, the energy was through the roof. It’s amazing to see everyone pushing their limits and cheering each other on.

A massive THANK YOU to the incredible staff at 3rd Lair for the expert instruction and for keeping us safe while we learned the ropes! We definitely walked away with more confidence (and maybe a few cool bruises).

https://bit.ly/41yhlVX

Roadwork begins Mon, April 13:
MnDOT will improve Hwy 25 from Catlin St. in Buffalo to Kjellberg Ct. in south Monticello, Wright County. Current impacts - Periodic lane or shoulder closures as crews clear areas, relocate utilities, survey and complete other work to prepare the work zone for April start.

Local access:
Hwy 25 will be maintained to those who live, work or visit those within the closed work zone; however, hard closures will be necessary at times to work under the road. Enter/exit nearest your destination, use alternate entrances or side streets.

Watch for access changes at these locations:
Wright Co. Rd. 37 at Hwy 25 to construct a roundabout
Catlin St. at Hwy 25 to construct a roundabout

From the classroom to the gallery! 🎨 Students traded their desks for the halls of the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA). By engaging with centuries of human expression, they’re moving Out of the Classroom, Into the World™ while developing critical thinking and cultural competency.

Terra Nova staff recently hosted 2B CONTINUED & staff from Dassel-Cokato for Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) training! 🏫🤝

This fall, our team will be ready to provide this mental health training to our students with the support of certified instructors. Investing in our teens! 🌱🧡 #StudentWellbeing #StrongerTogether