Stewartville shut its high school and middle school this morning. The district took the rare step after an unspecified emergency at Stewartville High School. Families learned of the closure in an early email from Superintendent Belinda Selfors. Classes, activities, and student services are off for the day. The situation is fluid, and it affects students, staff, and hourly workers across the system.
What we know right now
I have reviewed the district email sent to parents early Friday, December 12, 2025. It cites an emergency at the high school and closes both the high school and the middle school for the day. The message does not describe the nature of the emergency. The district has not said whether schools will reopen on Monday. I have requested details from district officials and the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. No further information has been provided as of publication.
Families are asking basic questions. Is there a safety issue on campus. Will weekend events go on. What should students do about missed work today. Those questions are normal when details are limited. Clear answers would help settle nerves.
Expect an update from the district first. Check your email, the district website, and official text alerts.
Why communication matters during school emergencies
Schools are the center of daily life. When they close without explanation, learning stops, and work shifts are disrupted. Parents scramble for childcare. High school seniors worry about deadlines. Hourly staff lose hours. Silence from officials feeds fear. Short, timely updates protect trust, even when all the facts are not ready.
Leaders do not need to solve the whole case to talk. They can share what is known, what is not known, and the next checkpoint. That structure calms a community. It also stops wild guesses from filling the gap. Today, the best path is simple. Confirm the campus is secure, state the status of Monday, and give families a timeline for the next message.
Do not share or repeat unverified claims. Stick to official district updates and law enforcement statements.
Keep learning and planning today
A closure day can still move you forward. Students can protect momentum with short, focused blocks. Seniors can use the time to secure money, references, and next steps.
- Check your learning platform, email teachers, and request makeup guidance.
- Update your resume and portfolio, add two recent projects or lab reports.
- Complete or review your FAFSA and scholarship list, set three application reminders.
- Practice one skill for 25 minutes, typing speed, Excel formulas, or a coding challenge.
Create a 90 minute sprint. Three 25 minute study blocks, two 7 minute breaks, then send one update to a teacher or coach.
If you receive special education services, write down the supports you could not access today. Share that list with your case manager when school resumes. For student athletes, log conditioning done at home. That record helps coaches adjust plans next week.
Local job market guidance for Stewartville students
Rochester area employers continue to hire in healthcare support, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and entry level IT. That is good news for seniors who want options beyond a four year campus. Use today to position yourself.
Request a short job shadow for winter break. Healthcare units, machine shops, and IT help desks often allow a two hour visit. Ask a counselor or CTE teacher for contacts. Draft a simple email that includes your name, grade, and one skill you want to learn. Keep it respectful and brief.
Apprenticeships in construction and electrical work start cohorts on a rolling basis. Welding and CNC programs at nearby colleges enroll in spring. If you think college is your route, build a balanced list now. Include a community college option, a public four year, and a stretch choice. For all paths, clean up your online profiles. Employers and scholarship committees check them.
Hourly student workers should track missed shifts from school closures. If you work in retail or food service, call your manager and ask about makeup hours this weekend. Clear communication protects your standing and income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the district close the high school and the middle school?
A: The district cites an emergency at the high school. It has not shared details yet.
Q: Is it safe to return to campus?
A: Officials have not provided a safety update. Wait for the district to confirm status and next steps.
Q: Will students have to make up this day?
A: That depends on state rules, seat time, and district plans. Expect guidance from administrators next week.
Q: How should families get updates today?
A: Watch for district emails, texts, and website posts. Local law enforcement may also issue a notice.
Q: What can seniors do right now for college or jobs?
A: Update your resume, finish FAFSA tasks, request two references, and schedule one job shadow for winter break.
Stewartville is resilient. Students and staff will be ready when doors reopen. Until then, learning can continue at home, and plans can advance. The district owes the community clear, timely updates. Families deserve to know what happened, what is next, and when the next message will arrive. I will keep pressing for answers and will report the moment new information is released. Stay patient, stay kind, and keep your goals in motion.
