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).
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 School in Buffalo, MN is looking for adventurous educators and staff to join our 17-acre outdoor classroom! We’re a small, project-based, teacher-led school that believes in getting students Out of the Classroom, Into the World™
If you’re ready to help amazing students (grades 6-12) grow in a truly unique environment, we want to meet you!
https://www.terranovamn.org/page/employment
We hope everyone had an incredible Spring Break! As we bloom into the final part of the school year, we’re keeping the campus distraction-free of personal electronics.
Phones & Smart-Watches: Securely stored in cell phone lockers all day so you can focus on the finish line!
Audio: Keep it analog! We are a Corded Headphones Only campus. 🎧
Goal: Real-world connection for the rest of the term.
Let’s trade the screen time for some sunshine. See you Monday! 🌿
https://www.terranovamn.org/page/cell-phone-free
SPRING BREAK: March 30 - April 3. SCHOOL RESUMES: Monday, April 6.
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
For those looking to deepen their practice in student-centered learning, the Projects, Pedagogy, and Play Conference 2026 offers a space to explore project-based learning, creativity, and the role of play in education.
This conference brings together educators and leaders to share strategies, tools, and real-world approaches that support engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.
🗓 Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
📍 Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington, MN
Participants can expect sessions focused on collaboration, innovation, and practical applications that can be implemented in classrooms and schools.
🎟️ Learn more and register:
https://bit.ly/4cZaPP2
The goal of the MAAP STARS Legislative Day is for students to visit with their legislators and “tell their stories”. By meeting with their legislators, students help promote their school and students gain a better understanding of the legislative process. We were able to listen in to an information session and opening ceremony to start the day. During this session, students learned about current issues facing the legislature and a little more about how the legislative process works. We then met with State Senator, Michael Holmstrom. Students appreciated his time and enjoyed the opportunity to share more about their educational journeys. Senator Holmstrom recently visited Terra Nova for our project exhibit day and remembered some of the students and their projects. Students concluded the day with a brief tour of the Capitol building. We were able to see the Courtroom, both the House and Senate Chambers, and the Governor's Press room. This helped students better understand the three branches of government. All students reflected on their experience and shared that it was a fun and valuable experience and would look forward to doing this event again next year!
We headed to Xcel Energy’s Monticello plant for an exclusive look at their Nuclear Simulator. Our crew got to see how operators manage the grid and keep things running safely and efficiently. It felt like stepping onto a movie set, but the science behind it is 100% real!
Huge thanks to Xcel Energy for the "radiant" hospitality and for inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians. ⚡️🧤
Learning by Doing! ✨There is a special kind of magic that happens when students step away from the desk and get their hands dirty. Project-Based Learning isn't just about the final result—it’s about the curiosity, the trial and error, and the teamwork it takes to get there. We don't just teach the "what," we explore the "how". Seeing our students take ownership of their learning is the best part of every day! 💡🌱
