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School Hours: 7:50 a.m.-2:26 p.m. | Phone: 651-425-6800 | Attendance line: 651-425-6868
Welcome to Cottage Grove Middle School
welcome!
Cottage Grove Middle School serves students in sixth through eighth grades and is part of South Washington County Schools. At Cottage Grove Middle School, each grade is divided into "houses" with one group of students working with one group of teachers throughout the school year. These teachers work as a team and meet daily to help every student succeed. School staff members also provide encouragement and support to each student to develop each individual. Building character is an important part of the school’s mission and in 2017, it was recognized as a Minnesota Emerging School of Character by Character.org.
Along with academics, there are many extracurricular and leadership opportunities at Cottage Grove Middle School including athletics, music, theater, robotics, chess and service-learning clubs. All students are encouraged to explore their interests and become involved in their school community.
Cottage Grove News
![school bus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790783495/sowashcok12mnus/ouby7hqgoj0vnsazku8q/transportation.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790783495/sowashcok12mnus/ouby7hqgoj0vnsazku8q/transportation.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790783495/sowashcok12mnus/ouby7hqgoj0vnsazku8q/transportation.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790783495/sowashcok12mnus/ouby7hqgoj0vnsazku8q/transportation.png","width":1000}])
South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is at a critical stage with a bus driver staffing shortage that could result in cancellations or delays for bus routes in the mornings and afternoons.
![elearning day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699478255/sowashcok12mnus/tsaqdrryc6z449qrdy3b/E-LearningDay1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699478255/sowashcok12mnus/tsaqdrryc6z449qrdy3b/E-LearningDay1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1699478255/sowashcok12mnus/tsaqdrryc6z449qrdy3b/E-LearningDay1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699478255/sowashcok12mnus/tsaqdrryc6z449qrdy3b/E-LearningDay1.png","width":1080}])
During the school year, South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) may enter into an e-learning day (extended learning day) due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in person. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature created the opportunity for schools to hold e-learning days.
![SChool bus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787233380/sowashcok12mnus/h7cd2wupgehshdw1ncmz/schoolbus.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787233380/sowashcok12mnus/h7cd2wupgehshdw1ncmz/schoolbus.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787233380/sowashcok12mnus/h7cd2wupgehshdw1ncmz/schoolbus.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787233380/sowashcok12mnus/h7cd2wupgehshdw1ncmz/schoolbus.png","width":1000}])
Due to bus driver staffing, South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is making changes to transportation routes beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29.
![mn school fund vote]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789651234/sowashcok12mnus/nmmkgw1odyhsacpscjko/constitutionalfund.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789651234/sowashcok12mnus/nmmkgw1odyhsacpscjko/constitutionalfund.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789651234/sowashcok12mnus/nmmkgw1odyhsacpscjko/constitutionalfund.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789651234/sowashcok12mnus/nmmkgw1odyhsacpscjko/constitutionalfund.png","width":1000}])
In November, Minnesota voters will consider a proposed change to the Minnesota Constitution. The amendment would allow more money from the Permanent School Fund to be distributed to Minnesota public schools.
![SChool bus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/qbgpjs7smfetymgiftq4/busroutes_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/qbgpjs7smfetymgiftq4/busroutes_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/qbgpjs7smfetymgiftq4/busroutes_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755618465/sowashcok12mnus/qbgpjs7smfetymgiftq4/busroutes_1.png","width":1000}])
Here are some things that are good to know about Transportation for the 2026-27 School Year.
![free meals information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707236636/sowashcok12mnus/fcgclitjhnucidfaqhlm/freemeals.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707236636/sowashcok12mnus/fcgclitjhnucidfaqhlm/freemeals.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1707236636/sowashcok12mnus/fcgclitjhnucidfaqhlm/freemeals.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1707236636/sowashcok12mnus/fcgclitjhnucidfaqhlm/freemeals.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707236636/sowashcok12mnus/fcgclitjhnucidfaqhlm/freemeals.png","width":1532}])
Here are some things that are good to know about Nutrition Services for the 2026-27 School Year.
![SoWashCo Schools Bus with text "Patience Appreciated. Bus delays expected during first weeks of school"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756400975/sowashcok12mnus/tlgi7al2yfjhlgidp2hj/BacktoSchoolBusDelays.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756400975/sowashcok12mnus/tlgi7al2yfjhlgidp2hj/BacktoSchoolBusDelays.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756400975/sowashcok12mnus/tlgi7al2yfjhlgidp2hj/BacktoSchoolBusDelays.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756400975/sowashcok12mnus/tlgi7al2yfjhlgidp2hj/BacktoSchoolBusDelays.png","width":1080}])
Buses may run late at times, but our drivers are working hard to get students to and from school safely.
![Virtual Middle School Spanish Prep class Fall 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788201877/sowashcok12mnus/g2yzc2gdknjhohr6zqsq/SoWashCoFall2026MiddleSchoolLiveVirtualFlyer.pdf","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788201877/sowashcok12mnus/g2yzc2gdknjhohr6zqsq/SoWashCoFall2026MiddleSchoolLiveVirtualFlyer.pdf","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1788201877/sowashcok12mnus/g2yzc2gdknjhohr6zqsq/SoWashCoFall2026MiddleSchoolLiveVirtualFlyer.pdf","width":612}])
Grades 6-8
![free meals information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786562812/sowashcok12mnus/mdx0xwv36qtpxqzfklfv/edbennies.png","width":1807}])
Even if a family does not qualify, their completed application could provide additional funding for their child’s school. Learn more at sowashco.org/edbenefits.
![Julie Nielsen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787159684/sowashcok12mnus/b1e0yxkekbz5jof6uici/MessageJulie.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787159684/sowashcok12mnus/b1e0yxkekbz5jof6uici/MessageJulie.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787159684/sowashcok12mnus/b1e0yxkekbz5jof6uici/MessageJulie.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787159684/sowashcok12mnus/b1e0yxkekbz5jof6uici/MessageJulie.png","width":1000}])
A message from Superintendent Julie Nielsen.
![Join an advisory group]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755618466/sowashcok12mnus/wcsdbxqc3s2zho3bkehn/joinandadvisory.png","width":1000}])
We invite you to consider joining an advisory or committee to share your voice and contribute to our school community.
![Back-to-School Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1721057333/sowashcok12mnus/liaxgi0fu7qkvb70hzbu/annualupdate.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1721057333/sowashcok12mnus/liaxgi0fu7qkvb70hzbu/annualupdate.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1721057333/sowashcok12mnus/liaxgi0fu7qkvb70hzbu/annualupdate.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1721057333/sowashcok12mnus/liaxgi0fu7qkvb70hzbu/annualupdate.png","width":940}])
All families must complete this update between Aug. 1 through Aug.15.
![Students dressed up in fashion from various decades]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779976695/sowashcok12mnus/xjjiwq0ocbiq7dfv0mmg/cgmsdecades.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779976695/sowashcok12mnus/xjjiwq0ocbiq7dfv0mmg/cgmsdecades.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779976695/sowashcok12mnus/xjjiwq0ocbiq7dfv0mmg/cgmsdecades.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779976695/sowashcok12mnus/xjjiwq0ocbiq7dfv0mmg/cgmsdecades.png","width":1000}])
Seventh-grade at Cottage Grove Middle School (CGMS) recently traveled back in time through an exciting and engaging “Decades Project”
![Sub Bucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777507273/sowashcok12mnus/sjfgiiealfraz85uiyt5/sunbucks.png","width":1000}])
Minnesota’s SUN Bucks program provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer months. Each child receives $40 per month (June–August) on a pre-loaded EBT card.
![Dr. Daria Caldwell Honored as Capitol Division Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775846958/sowashcok12mnus/dwxh93wtumzwbl4lygmx/MASSP_MSAsstPrin_Caldwell.png","width":1200}])
The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) has honored Dr. Daria Caldwell, Assistant Principal at Cottage Grove Middle School, as a 2026 Capitol Division Assistant Principal of the Year. The Capitol Division represents the East Metro region. Dr. Caldwell is one of eight statewide finalists for the MASSP top honor, which will be awarded in December.