Important Reminders Newsletter
Friday, November 7th
End of 1 Quarter st
Tuesday, November 25th
End of 1 Trimester st
Wednesday, November 26th
No School - Staff Development Day
Thursday, November 27th - Friday, November 28th
No School - Thanksgiving Break
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
DearOtterStudents&Families,
Jeff Drake, Superintendent
ItishardtobelievewearealreadyintoNovember.Ourschoolyearisofftoagreatstartandmarkedbymanywonderful achievements by both our staff and students. Congratulations to Co-Fergus Falls Teachers of the Year Ethan Soland (H.S. social studies) and Niki Welde (6th grade) The fall coach’s meeting also recognized our Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year which were Norm Newell (girls tennis) and David Dirks (football). Head Coach of the Year was Chris Grabowska (football).JenKohorstwasnamedtheStateSchoolNurseoftheYear.
We’ve had a remarkable fall sports season and will soon be entertained by our students with another wonderful fall musicalandband,orchestra,andchoirconcerts.
One of my foundational beliefs about education is that it holds the power to be life-changing. I’ve experienced it personally and I have seen it do the same for countless students. Receiving a great education is an essential component inachievingone’spotential Withthat,howdoFergusFallsstudentscomparetoothersinthearea?
The following results are based on last spring’s MCAs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments). Our comparison is betweenFergusFallsbrickandmortarstudentsandotherschoolsinourregion
I am very proud to state that, for the second year in a row, Fergus Falls Public Schools has been the top academic school in the area. If students choose to push themselves by taking courses that will challenge them to grow and they put the work in, they will be rewarded with a great education. These results don’t happen by accident. Thank you for continuing to make education a high priority and thank you to our staff for your hard work and dedication.
- Jeff Drake, Superintendent
Early Childhood Family Education/Pre-School/Kindergarten/1st Grade
At Lincoln School, we’re making the most of our outdoor spaces and exploring nature especially as we learn all about bats and even design our own bat caves! Our students are building early literacy skills in fun, colorful ways while celebrating fall with pumpkin learning and hands-on activities.
This Halloween, our superhero learners enjoyed a special concert from the High School Chamber Orchestra. In first grade, students are using their science skills to investigate the world, practicing math with “Donut Addition,” and expanding their vocabulary through creative word play.
In Early Childhood, we’ve been learning about agriculture and proudly sharing our farm projects. Through Early Childhood Family Education, we’re also nurturing the next generation of young artists.
Grades 1st - 3rd
Adams and McKinley All-Stars Celebrating Kindness!
Kindness is valued by students and staff at both McKinley and Adams Schools. Our latest All-Star students were recognized for their kind behavior and for being safe, respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.
McKinley students exit their bus and enter their school on a brisk and beautiful fall morning. The morning bus routine is quiet and calm, with nineteen buses spread out amongst four mini transfer sites of Adams, McKinley, Cleveland, and Kennedy. We appreciate our bus drivers safely delivering our students to school each day.
STEM anyone? 1st graders in Mr. Knick's class read the book Creepy Carrots, by Aaron Reynolds. Students then engineered a fence made of popsicle sticks and clothespins to contain the creepy carrots in the garden.
Mrs. Streifel and Mrs. Stich’s 2nd graders at Adams celebrated Halloween in style, showcasing their creative costumes and enjoying a day filled with festive activities and excitement!
Grades 4th-5th
Students hiked out on the prairie to discover the enormity of the large cottonwood tree at PWLC and the details in the prairie grasses.
Students learned that some willow species are invasive and will outcompete native plants, altering habitats and degrade water quality. They participated in removing them from the prairie.
Prairie Science Class students learned about duck banding and observed USFWS staff demonstrate how ducks are captured, banded, and released.
The MN Science Museum visited Fergus Falls, and 4th grade students learned about the importance of groundwater for drinking, household use, industry, agriculture, and maintaining ecosystems. They learned how a well works with groundwater by
Students in 7th grade participated in a "Draw on the Back Challenge" in Mrs. Stich’s advisory class. They broke themselves into small groups, were given a picture and had to transfer that image to the white board through their small group. This was meant to be a fun and engaging activity that students of all drawing levels could participate in. The students had fun and were surprised by how difficult the activity was!
Grades 6th-8th
8thGradeBandmetvirtuallywithcomposerKelijahDunton,whoiswritingan originalpieceofmusicspecificallyforourstudentstopremierelaterthisyear Duringthesession,Kelijahsharedhisstoryofbecomingamusicianand composer,answeredstudentquestions,andbegandiscussingcreativeideasforthe commissionedpieceStudentsaskedthoughtfulquestionsabouteverythingfrom musicalinspirationandcomposingtechniquestomorepersonalfavoriteslike favoritefoodsandanime helpingthemconnectwithhimasbothapersonand anartist.
Thiscollaborationgivesourstudentsauniqueopportunitytobedirectlyinvolved inthecreativeprocessofbringingnewmusictolifeThey’llgettoseehowtheir ideasandpersonalitiesarereflectedinthefinalcomposition,andthey’lltakepart initspremiereperformancelaterthisschoolyear
Itwasaninspiringandengagingsessionthattrulymademusiccomealiveina newwayforourstudents.-ScottKummrow,MiddleSchoolBandDirector
The middle school art students are learning about the Japanese born artist Yayoi Kusama. Although she makes lots of different types of art – paintings, sculptures, performances and installations – she has become known for the one thing they have in common, DOTS! Kusama's Obliteration Room started as a completely white space that was transformed as each participant was given a page of dot stickers to add to the room wherever they wanted. Check out our version of this interactive art in the landing areas of the stairwells. Around 150 middle school students placed nearly 1500 dots! In addition, 7th Grade art students practiced shading with colored pencils and used complementary colors to create Kusama inspired pumpkin drawings, while the 8th Grade art students learned how to use paper mache to create pumpkin sculptures. I think Yayoi Kusama would be proud of their art! - Melissa Babolian, Middle School Art Teacher
Otters A.R.E
ACCOUNTABLE. RESPECTFUL. ENTHUSIASTIC.
September Award Recipients
6thGrade
ErinAaberg
HadleeFellbaum
HarperKitzman
MakennaKort
RubyMandan
CoraRogness
Ja’ZarielleWashington
ElijahWeber
7thGrade
MacyAnderson
MacenBorowski
EthanJohnson
QuinnTysver
RayWeiss
October Award Recipients
6thGrade
KindreeEbert
LouieGreen
ZebulonHendricks
ArthurHolmgren
EliasKaderbhai
RhysLarson
MasonPrice
TrigShol
8thGrade
MaddieDuenow
MauraFransen
LynkinHaas
QuantaiSallet
JasperSheppard
7thGrade
SamCaldow
CarlyIce
IvyKaye
VioletSchultz
ZanderStriffler
8thGrade
MarenCarlson
LizzieJyrkas
LukeOttenbacher
HallePrice
IsaacSteen
COLLEGE INTERCULTURAL
“It’s Always a Great Day to be an Otter!” - Mark Anderson, High School Principal Grades 9th-12th
CAREER FAIR
The Career Fair gives students and surrounding schools a chance to explore real career and college pathways. The purpose is to help students see what is possible, meet professionals, and learn what steps they can take now to prepare for life after high school. Seniors choose sessions that focus on scholarships, budgeting, mental health, teaching, and entrepreneurship. Juniors visit college campuses to learn about programs and opportunities. Sophomores rotate through hands-on Career Cluster activities in fields like agriculture, construction, business, healthcare, and more Freshmen hear a resiliency message and begin thinking about their future plans. This day supports students in discovering interests, building confidence, and making informed decisions about their next steps. It also strengthens our partnerships with local businesses, colleges, and communities, helping students see that they have strong support and many opportunities close to home.
. Anderson's senior Otter Time udents volunteered to pick up trash on the playground in October. Thanks for your community service, seniors!
Mrs. Miller’s Transition to Community class volunteered at the United Way on Oct. 28, helping fill food bags and unload winter coats. It was a great hands-on experience in community service!
Otter Philharmonic Orchestra
TheOtterPhilharmonicOrchestra,directedbyCraigPeterson,completeditsannual touroftheelementaryschoolsonWednesdayOctober29.The47highschool musiciansoftheOtterPhilplayedforover800kidsacrossCleveland,Adams,Our LadyofVictory,andMcKinleyschools.Theprogramateachschoolranabout30 minutesandincludedfavoritesfromMinecraft,StarWarsandHowtoTrainYour Dragon,tonameafew,andeachprogramendedwitharenditionofthatschool’s songperformedbytheorchestraandsungbytheschool’sstudents.Allinalla wonderfulday!
OnOctober31st,ChamberStrings,aselectgroupofhighschoolstudentsthatmeet Wednesdaymorningsbeforeschool,traveledtoLincolnschooltoperformthree concertsforthestudentsthere.Theyweretreatedtoa20minuteconcertofmusicby Bizet,FlorencePrice,Haydn,andGrieg.Studentsgottolearnabouttheinstruments oftheorchestra,marchlikebullfighters,tiptoethroughthehallofthemountainking, andjumpupandyell“BOO!”
Thankstoalltheelementarystudentsandstaffforinvitingusintoyourschoolsthis week!
Grades 9th - 12th
ALC Students
enjoyed a day at IPoint Camp in Vining, MN on October 22. Students spent the day team building with their advisories, climbing the high ropes course, and enjoying the zip line. Students challenged themselves and cheered one another on. It was a fun and rewarding day.
Indigenous People's Day Celebration at the ALC
ALC students enjoyed learning about the Native American Culture through traditions and drumming on October 13. The Whapeton drumming group performed in the morning. Later, Ricky White spoke to the students sharing the meaning behind Indigenous People's Day and what we can do to honor it each year.
Annual Competitions Held at the ALC
The ALC held the annual pumpkin painting contest between their advisory classes in October. Students were provided the pumpkins and tasked with planning for and decorating their advisory's pumpkin. District staff members voted and Ms. Wicklund's class won. They are honored to be the owners of the Pumpkin trophy until next October. Up next for the advisory classes is the annual Pie Contest before Thanksgiving. Each class will bake/create pies to go before a panel of serious pie connoisseurs.
The Fergus Falls Otters celebrated a remarkable fall sports season, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit across multiple disciplines. The Football team achieved a state berth, showcasing an impressive season. The Girls Tennis team also secured state berth for their team competition, marking a historic achievement for the program. The Girls Swimming and Diving team further contributed to the fall success by claiming the Section 8A True Team Championship title.
In individual sports, the Otters were well-represented at the State Cross Country Meet with multiple talented athletes competing. At the section meet, Brody Nelson and Micah Mouser both ran PR's to finish 14th & 15th with times of 17:05.5 and 17:06.9. Cassie Wellman ran an 18:55.9 race to secure the blue ribbon while Carsyn Lill finished 3rd with a PR time of 19:01.7. At the state meet, Cassie Wellman finished 6th.
The Girls Tennis success extended into the individual doubles tournament where the pairs of Hattie Fullhart and Dillyn Lill, along with Ashtyn Lill and Ruby Ellison, demonstrated their skills against the state's best
Grades K-12th
iQAcademyFallUpdate
A huge thank you to the iQ Academy teachers and staff for all of their hard work this fall, I so appreciate their work learning the new systems to provide our students with a great education.
K12/Stride went with new vendors for the student management system, course management system, and online meeting platform.
The enrollment is strong at iQ AcademyWe started the year with 706 students
iQ Academy had our first social event of the year at Como Zoo on Wednesday, October 15. It is always a highlight getting to see our students and families in person. The weather kept some away, but it is always great to connect in person.
-Ryan Johnson, iQ Academy Assistant Principal
WhatFamiliesAreSaying
From our recent iQ parent survey, here are a few things families shared that they appreciate most about our approach to online education: "I appreciate the openness of communication. I am able to see correspondence between teachers and my student and access what my student is doing and seeing, and real-time progress. "
"We really appreciate the schedule flexibility, the quality of the educators, and the robust level of the academics of the classes."
"Flexible schedule and amazing teachers."
M a r k A n d e r s o n , H i g h S c h o o l P r i n c i p a l
If you have any questions about iQ Academy, please reach out to: Ryan Johnson, assistant principal 218-998-0544 Ext. 9275 rjohnson@iqmn.org
218-998-0544,ext.9200
HOMEWORK HELP
There is nothing like a tough homework assignment or a student struggling with a new concept. If your teen is frustrated or overwhelmed, have them stop in room 2615 at KSS. All students in Grade 6, 7, 8, 9 are welcomed. It is offered before school Tuesday - Thursday from 7:45 to 8:15 am.
VOLLEYBALL
In the month of September, a total of 86 girls in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th participated in fun learning the basic skills of volleyball with instruction from High School coaches and players.
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING
In September and October, 50 boys and girls in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th joined Otter Cross Country coaches and team members. They learned fundamental running skills, built endurance, and experienced the fun of being part of a team.
WELCOMING WEEK
Welcoming Week 2025 was a time to celebrate what unites us. On Wednesday, September 17, Dr. Dan Ninham led students in celebrating the talents and significance of indigenous games. The games offered a powerful way to promote cooperation, and understanding. This was in partnership with West Central Initiative, Community Education, and The ISD 544 American Indian Program.
FRIDAY NIGHT SKIING AT ANDES
If you are a skier or snowboarder, there’s no better way to spend time in nature than breathing fresh air while soaring down the slope. Students in grades 4th to 12th are invited to ski or snowboard on Friday nights starting December 5. Bus departs from KSS at 3:30 pm and returns at 9:00 pm. Pre-registration is required.
DRIVER EDUCATION
In Minnesota, every new driver under 18 years of age must take a 30-hour drivers education course. A class began on Monday, November 4 from 3:35 to 6:35 pm. KSS students receive one pass/fail credit upon completion of classroom and behind-the-wheel. Call Community Education for upcoming classes.
BLAST (BABYSITTING LESSONS AND SAFETY TRAINING)
Learn how to supervise children and infants, and perform basic childcare skills. Class will be held on December 9 and 11 - 2025 from 3:45 to 6:45 pm at Community Education. Pre-registration is required.