Shakopee High School administration explored a 9th Grade pilot program throughout the 2024-25 school year. Key leaders engaged in extensive research and conversations with various stakeholders (including staff, students and neighboring districts, to name a few) to develop a proposal that was presented to the School Board on May 12, 2025.

The School Board unanimously approved the pilot program for the 2025-26 school year. The presentation can be found here and online in the May 12, 2025 School Board agenda.

9th Grade is a critical year for students, significantly impacting their future attendance, graduation rates and ability to build relationships that contribute to a positive learning experience.

To help each and every student succeed, adjustments have been made to the first day of school, starting this school year (2025-26).

With the adjustments, 9th Grade students can explore the school building, meet staff and learn new routines in a calm environment, free from the usual hustle and bustle of the entire student body. This focused approach helps ease anxiety and provides a smoother transition into high school.

Meanwhile, for students in Grades 10-12, the High School team has carefully structured the first day of school to be asynchronous and online while ensuring students continue to build strong relationships and agency early on. Though students in grades 10-12 will not be receiving live direct instruction for each course, students must log in to each class on Canvas throughout the duration of the school day on September 2nd.

Greater connections = greater student success

• Provides a smoother transition into High School and greater connection to the Academies of Shakopee for ALL students.
• Allows for a dedicated orientation with a majority of peers.
• Reduces anxiety, provides a greater sense of belonging, student agency and confidence.
• Builds connections with teachers and school community.
• Creates logistical advantages and helps build a routine.
• Allows for equitable engagement and accessibility.
• Sets a positive tone. 
• Provides student leadership opportunities.

Shakopee High School's virtual, asynchronous first day for 10th-12th graders on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, offers several key advantages. This format allows students to:

• Ease into the School Year: Without the hustle and bustle of a full school building, students can gently transition back into academics from the comfort of their own space. This can reduce first-day jitters and create a more relaxed start.

• Familiarize Themselves with Canvas: The virtual day provides a dedicated opportunity for students to navigate Canvas, find courses and understand how to access materials without the pressure of in-person demands.

• Independently Prepare for Each Class: Students have the time to thoroughly explore each course's syllabus, expectations and opportunities at their own pace. This in-depth review ensures students understand course goals, grading and important deadlines from day one.

• Connect with Teachers Flexibly: Watching welcome videos and completing introduction activities allows students to "meet" their teachers and introduce themselves without the time constraints of a traditional bell schedule. Students can also ask questions through discussion forums as they arise, fostering early communication.

• Identify Necessary Resources: Students can clearly determine any required materials, textbooks or tools needed for each class. This allows students to gather such items before in-person instruction begins, ensuring they are prepared.

• Establish a Learning Routine: The asynchronous day encourages students to begin thinking about their time management and workspace organization for the new school year. This proactive approach helps them set themselves up for success.

This carefully designed virtual day empowers 10th-12th graders to start the school year feeling informed, prepared and ready to engage with their courses.

In the context of school or learning, "asynchronous" means that the learning activities and interactions do not happen at the same time for everyone involved.

Here's a breakdown:

• Not in real-time: Unlike a traditional classroom lecture or a live video conference (which would be "synchronous"), asynchronous learning doesn't require all students and the teacher to be present at the exact same moment.

• Self-paced (to a degree): Students in Grades 10-12 can access course materials, watch recorded lectures, complete assignments and participate in discussions on their own schedule during the first day of school, within a given timeframe. Attendance will be taken in each class.

1. Log into Canvas courses
   Access all your scheduled courses through the Canvas platform.

2. Explore Course Pages
   Navigate through each course to understand the layout, modules and resources provided.

3. Read Class Syllabus
   Carefully review each course syllabus to understand course goals, major assignments and key units of study.

4. Review Expectations & Policies
   Go over class expectations, grading policies, participation guidelines and important due dates.

5. Meet Your Teachers
   Watch welcome videos from your teachers. 

6. Introduce Yourself
   Post an introduction on the class discussion board or complete an "About Me" activity as directed by your teachers.

7. Ask Questions
   Use discussion forums to ask any questions you have about the course or expectations.

8. Check for Required Materials
   Note any required supplies, textbooks or tools you'll need for the class.
   
   

9. Complete First-Day Check-In or Assignment
   Teachers may assign a short activity or survey to get to know you better or to ensure you understand how to navigate the course.

10. Set Up a Learning Routine
    Begin thinking about how you'll organize your time and workspace for success in the upcoming school year.

Yes, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 is the first full day of school for all secondary students in Grades 6-12. 

Attendance will be taken in each class, whether onsite or virtual. 

Please note, all middle school students (Grades 6-8) will have a standard in-person school day.

Since this is a normal school day for all secondary students, any absences should be reported to the Attendance Team.

Attendance can be updated via Infinite Campus or by contacting the school's attendance line at 952.496.5153. 

Yes, September 2 is considered a normal in-person school day for 9th Grade students and therefore transportation is available and running for those who qualify. 

Palmer Bus routes will be available in Infinite Campus starting August 15th. 

• Students who receive special services transportation will receive route information via mail no later than August 31st. 

• NEW this year is the ability to track your students' bus route via StopFinder. Learn more here and be on the lookout for an activation email on or shortly after August 17th. 

• If you are eligible for transportation but decline, please complete this form as soon as possible to ensure efficient routes. 

Canvas is Shakopee's Learning Management System. 

Teachers use Canvas to post announcements, deliver materials and collect digital work from students. Students can submit assignments, take quizzes, participate in discussion boards, access resources and track their to-do list. Canvas is used in grades 6-12. 

Students, click here to access Canvas or look for the program on your MacBook.

Parents/Guardians can sign up to become "Observers" of their students in Canvas in order to see course materials, grades and feedback students receive on their assignments and view a calendar that shows due dates for all classes. 

This enhanced first-day experience for 9th Grades students is in place of the optional half-day 9th Grade orientation that was previously offered before the start of each school year.

Families and students are encouraged to attend the Shakopee High School Open House on Tuesday, August 26 to further connect with the school community and experience. 

September 2nd is a normal school day for 9th Grade students. The goal is for each student to independently navigate the school and build connections with peers and staff. Standard visitor guidelines apply and only include entrance into the front office for select needs. 

Families are welcome to attend the 2025-26 Shakopee High School Open House on Tuesday, August 26th with their students to meet teachers and learn more about the Shakopee experience.

To provide the best experience for all students, only students in Grade 9 or those who receive center-based special education services should be in-person at the High School on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Fall Athletics & Activities Begin: August 11

Bus Routes in Infinite Campus - August 15: Bus routes will also be posted in Infinite Campus by 8:00am on this date. 

Schedule & MacBook Pick-Up & School ID Photos - August 19 & 20: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Shakopee High School Field House

• Parking permits will also be available on these dates.

• While students can come anytime between 8:00am - 4:00pm, there are suggested Academy time slots to help with flow and support:

  • • 9th Grade Academy: Tuesday, August 19, (8am-Noon)
    • Engineering & Manufacturing/Science & Technology: Tuesday, August 19, (Noon-4pm)
    • Health Science/Human Services: Wednesday, August 20, (8am-Noon)
    • Arts & Communication/Business & Entrepreneurship: Wednesday, August 20, (Noon-4pm) 

Schedules in Infinite Campus - August 21: High School schedules will be available in Infinite Campus at 8:00am on this date (August 21).

Back to School Open House - August 26: 4:00 - 6:00pm 

• Parking permits will also be available at this time as well as MacBooks and other items that may not have been obtained during schedule pick-up. This is your time to connect and be fully prepared for the school year!