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Friday, 3/1
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Thursday, 3/14 - Friday, 3/15
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Friday, 3/22
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Thursday, 3/28 - Friday, 3/29
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As I reflect on the contents of this district newsletter, the following quote resonates with me:
Each day our students walk through the doors of our schools, they are greeted by an educational experience rich with opportunities. Their educational journey as an Otter provides them with the opportunity to build their future - minute by minute, day by day. From my experience, there really aren’t any shortcuts to success. It is attained by a conscientious commitment to self-improvement. Progress is made in short, steady strides as we strive to get just a little bit better today than we were the day before.
This newsletter highlights the wonderful work being done by our staff and the growth and accomplishments of our students. I hope you are proud of the work taking place in the school district. We care deeply about every child and rejoice in watching their growth and success.
The Minnesota Department of Education is currently evaluating the district’s Review and Comment application This is a requirement before school districts can go before the voters when requesting a school bond. We are anticipating a favorable review by MDE which will clear the way for a May 14th, 2024 special election. While more information will be forthcoming, I did want to share with you the projected tax impact on the project. The average price of a residential home in the Fergus Falls Public School District is approximately $250,000. The tax impact on the new school, if passed, on a $250,000 home would be $100 annually for a period of 22 years. This amounts to 27 cents per day
The students at Lincoln School are thoroughly enjoying the new curriculum this year! “Learning Without Tears: Get Set for School” provides a wide range of multisensory activities aimed at encouraging discovery play and fosters active learning.
Grades K-1
Grades 1-2
Students and teachers enjoy Mystery Science lessons. In this activity, students were challenged to build a tower, using index cards and
Local guest artist Sara Ronnevik worked with students at Adams School as they painted a field, barn, and trees, using watercolors
Mrs Schoeneck’s kindergarteners studied floating volcanic rock, marine fossils, DINOSAUR COPROLITE (aka fossilized dinosaur poop) with local artist and geologist Sara Ronnevik Hands-on Science = engaged learners!
Kindergarteners at McKinley School celebrated the 100th day of school!
paper clips, that would measure at least one foot tall.
Mrs. Stich enjoyed handing out Valentine’s to her students, and receiving them, too!
Students gathered in the gymnasium for an I Love to Read assembly with Ms. Krista from the Public Library.
Fourth-grade orchestra students had their first experience of performing a concert in the Auditorium on February 13th. There are 116 musicians involved this year. One of their favorite songs to play is 'Allegro'!
uring February, Cleveland students are arning about the virtues of listening and onesty. Being able to listen shows respect nd is also a way of learning about yourself, om others, and your surroundings. Honesty a virtue that builds character, instills onor, and fosters a deep sense of self-worth. special project was making Valentines for enior citizens in our community!
5th graders of the Prairie Science Class study archery using the National Archery in the Schools Program. There are many benefits to learning archery, but the main reason they learn archery in the PSC is that it provides them with another tool they can use for the rest of their lives to stay connected to nature.
The Middle School Musical performances of Frozen Jr were February 8th and 9th in the KSS Auditorium. Students put on amazing shows for family, friends, and students in grades 3-8!
Anderson, Clara
Anderson, Gabriella
Anderson, Linnea
Anderson, Macy
Babic, Raina
Berry, Zxy'lla
Best, Caiden
Blashill, Oliver
Brimhall, Liam
Caldow, Samuel
Campion, Berkley
Cederberg, Charlie
Christianson, Leif
Covington, Jonas
Dillon, Cora
Dillon, Myra
Draxten, Drew
Gallagher, Connor
Gerstmann, Henning
Griebe, Solveig
Grundy, Stella
Harris, Beckham
Harris, Bowman
Haugen, Krystanna
Hilde, Sativa
Hintz, Audra
Holding Eagle, Harper
Holmbeck, Jacob
Ice, Carly
Iverson, Ivy
Jensen, Cole
Johnson, Tristan
Jones, George
Kallstrom, Kennedy
Kantrud, Haakon
Karst, Kayden
Krein, Kinzley
Krueger, Martie
Kummrow, Ezekiel
Lammers, Alice
Landberg, Amelia
Lee, Aliza
Leonard, Margaret
Lunde, Ava
Maki, Richard
Mannie, Marianna
Meder, Graham
Morales, Emma
Morris, Landon
Mouser, Linnea
Nelson, Oscar
Norgren, Paisley
Obowa, Isabelle
Olson, Del
Olson, Etta
Petrick, Paizley
Polzin, Avery
Ronnevik, Ingrid
Ronnevik, Tova
Samp, Sully
Saurer, Olivia
Schlosser, Eli
Schneeberger, Jackson
Schroeder, Izabel
Schroeder, Kahlan
Schulz, Violet
Severson, Hadley
Shepherd, Isabelle
Simengaard, Brady
Simengaard, Lauren
Skramstad, Kason
Stegeman, Elijah
Steiner, Bentley
Sterns-Atonio, Kerra
Stich, Jared
Stoltenburg, Ayla
Stortroen, Maya
Svien, Tobias
Swenson, Leland
Thielke, Harper
Thysell, Evan
Tostenson, Alayah
Tysver, Josiah
Tysver, Quinn
Wagner, Isaac
Walter, Treven
Walters, Ethan
Walters, Hart
Walvatne, Ethan
Warren, Zoey
Weiss, Raylynn
White, Clayten
Widmer, Gavin
Aschnewitz, Emma
Audette, Ava
Beckman, Aubrie
Bieniek, Brody
Bjerklie, Harper
Borowski, Macen
Butler, Maddix
Christenson, Madden
Covington, Kenniya
Cyrus, Keira
Dahl, Aubrey
DeGroot, Layla
Doran, Toby
Evenson, Zachary
Garza, Rolando Jr.
Gau, Quinn
Griffie, Evan
Haarstad, Samuel
Hardy, Landen
Hauge, Carver
Hegstad, Savannah
Holton, Edie
Jensen, Emily
Joseph, Erica
Kovar, Ethan
Kremeier, Camden
Lien, Mathias
McNeill, Layla
Moore, Beckom
Nelson, Merabelle
Newby, Crosby
Peterson, Carson
Preston, Alexa
Schlepp, Charlie
Schleske, Tucker
Schnoor, Daphne
Schreiber, Haley
Smith, Drake
Stevens, Kayden
Thompson, Jeremiah
Truax, Lincoln
Ugstad, Vivienne
Wallace, Diesel
Wersinger, Braedan
Winkler, Lucas
Winkler, Lucas
Anderson, William
Baez, Christian
Bjork, Orianna
Bohannon, Jackson
Briese, Walker
Brown, Christopher
Burrows, Kaylynn
Carlson, Chloe
Carlson, Claire
Carlson, Maren
Covington, Victoria
Duenow, Madelyn
Ekelund, Joshua
Ellig, Kinsee
Fear, Norah
Field, Aksel
Fjestad, Daniel
Flatgard, Delson
Fransen, Maura
Fuder, Henry
Garding, John
Gau, Connor
Gaustad, Daisy
Gaustad, Logan
Glas, Willow
Grabowska, Bristol
Haas, Lynkin
Heins, Nevaeh
Herman, Trent
Hexum, George
Hildebrandt, Ernest
Hildebrandt, George
Hintz, Shepherd
Hirst, Hannah
Hough, Emberlyn
Johnson, Kade
Johnson, Owen
Jorud, Harlo
Jyrkas, Lizzie
Kempfer, Henry
Kettner, Bennett
Kitzman, Benjamin
Knighton, Merideth
Koalska, Rue
Kramvik, Hailey
Krause, Marissa
Kutzke, Rylie
Lawson, Benjamin
Lee, Andrew
Leitch, Elise
Loeffler, Tate
Lubben, Kaitlin
Lyons, Aleigha
Mace, Logan
Mannie, Milania
Mertz, Adelynn
Molstre, Olivia
Morales, Xavier
Nelson, Breck
Neubauer, Sophia
Noland, Jade
O'Grady, Elenore
Olson, Colin
Ottenbacher, Luke
Patelski, Alexander
Piper, Philip
Powers, Salvatore
Price, Halle
Proffit, Quinn
Rarick, Briella
Reinertson, Kenya
Roosevelt, Andrew
Rose, Keira
Schiesser, Preston
Shearer, Jude
Sherbert, Nevaeh
Shirkey, Lincoln
Shol, Penn
Smestad, Selja
Soliah, Piper
Steen, Isaac
Stodola, Isabel
Strande, Emma
Thompson, Caden
Thompson, Jaden
Thunselle, Landon
Uggerud, Anna
Wallace, Liam
Weisenberger, Brynlee
Wicklund, Adeline
Wynn, Madison
Zens, Aiden
Schneeberger, Tucker
Schuman, Quintynn
Seedorf, Rhyker
Seggermann, Jon
Anderson, Adam
Aune, James
Blanchard, Jayden
Burkdoll, Zoey
Butenas, Frank
Butler, Jax
Casey, Camden
Combs, Peyton
Cunningham, Aubrey
Cypher, Aryanna
Dathe, Serenity
Dingman, Lilly
Eggen, Kylee
Fleming, Francis
Gunther, Tressa
Haarstad, Isaac
Hammer, Carson
Johnson, Kale
Lopez, Florencio
Mize, Mariah
Morical, Finley
Murphy, Dennis
Nelson, Addison
Ochoa, Saphira
Pence, Cameron
Peterson, Raelynn
Robertson, Aja
Sorum, Anika
Svendsgaard, Ellie
Tommerdahl, Abigail
Turchin, Amelia
Westbury, Joshua
Wooton, Madison
Wright, Jackson
Aday, Jayde
Anderson, Jordynn
Anderson, Saul
Arneson, Seylah
Batzlaff, Max
Black, Grace
Braud, Ava
Brooks, Allee
Brooks, Ashlee
Cederberg, Blaine
Christ, Shelby
Cronk, Maci
Ebert, Kai
Ellerbusch, Oscar
Felstul, Dexter
Fletcher, Tucker
Flugstad, Lucia
Froehlich, Hugo
Gerner, Natalie
Gerstmann, Aleythia
Graham, Morgan
Griebe, Stella
Haarstad, Grady
Hansen, Portia
Harris, Brinley
Harrom, Rowyn
Hasbargen, Braden
Helgeson, Edy
Heruth, Hayden
Hill, Breeynn
Jenc, Isaac
Jensen, Maximillian
Johnson, Cade
Jordan, Zayne
Klimek, Grace
Klinnert, Grace
Koep, Ashtynn
Kort, Avery
Kunz, Ian
Kwapinski, Ella
LaPlante, Haylen
Lee, Kaitlyn
Leonard, Louis
Lill, Carsyn
Lill, Dillyn
Lundby, Jordyn
Marquette, Maxwell
Martinez, Mia
McConn, Othniel
Michael, Emma
Miley, Elenora
Miller, Quinn
Nasri, Safia
Nelson, Joel
Noon, Landon
Norgren, Gavin
Oland, Lydia
Oliphant, Deacon
Pausch, Brynn
Prischmann, Ethan
Proudfoot, Gus
Rogers, Leif
Ronnevik, Lillya
Rott, Elijah
Rud, Katelyn
Sauer, Shaelyn
Schiesser, Bristol
Schlosser, Beau
Stach, Lilian
Stanley, Charlotte
Stevens, Alexis
Stortroen, Elly
Stumbo, Holly
Tacner, Izzybelle
Thoma, Marissa
Thormodson, Nora
Tuel, Lucas
Turchin, Jackson
Tysdal, Brycen
Umlauf, Kai
Valdes, Silvia
Vaughn, James
Wagner, Emma
Warner, Jacob
Youngberg, Weston
7thGradeBHonorRoll
Alt, Cullen
Blumberg, Isabelle
Burns, Anneliese
Cheshire, Alexander
Clark, Valerie
Cypher, Cody
Ecker, Maegan
Francis, Israel
Gleason, Makenna
Highland, Lennon
Jensen, Katelee
Johnson, Griffin
Julsrud, Amelia
Kjono, William
Kraft, Maggie
Kremeier, Jace
Larson, Bria
Lee, Rylen
Leopold, Owen
Loegering, James
Longoria, Analicia
McDonald, Sarah
Midorikawa, Zach Ichiro
Moen, Aydan
Olson, Kourtney
Osmanovic, Aaron
Petersen, Drew
Preston, Ally
Schmidt, Grace
Shepherd, Sophia
Sorum, Pearl
Stoltenburg, Avaya
Talley, Sawyer
Thompson, Mason
Tungseth, Sarah
Veum, Devon
White, Caden
Abramson, Cora
Adams, Kaitlyn
Aday, Aubrey
Brunn, Jack
Bublitz, Serenity
Bucher, Brooklyn
Budke, Olivia
Burns, Michelle
Butler, Eli
Caldow, Stella
Connelly, Abbigail
Conrad, Alexa
Cox, Maeve
Dewey, Dakota
Donaghue, Tanner
Drews, Abigail
Duffy, Claire
Ekelund, Sarah
Evans, Brooklyn
Fronning, Jeanelle
Fullhart, Eli
Garcia, Marcus
Goerdt-Olson, Izabella
Gregor, Ethan
Gundersen, Faith
Hanson, Jacob
Haugen, Brayden
Haw Ward, David
Herman, Gianna
Holding Eagle, Sasha
Holmbeck, Marissa
Ibarra, Noah
Johnson, Brenden
Johnson, Luke
Johnson, Maliya
Jurgens, Emma
Kaderbhai, Adam
Korby, Kaja
Korby, Mackynzie
Krueger, Rhys
Krueger, Van
Landberg, Isabella
Lawson, Isabelle
Lee, Ella
Leitch, Kali
Lockett, Chardanay
Mandan, Indigo
McConn, Havilah
McFarland, Maggie
Miley, Adelyn
Millard, Signe
Miller, Makayla
Nordahl, Gavin
Pesek, Taylor
Petrick, Zoey
Price, Eva
Reitmeier, Kamryn
Rekken, Trysten
Rinke, Alexander
Rogness, Maura
Saenger, Daegyn
Samp, Sydney
Schmidt, Brynn
Schroeder, Logan
Schroeder, Maria
Shol, Brinly
Smith, Celia
Steinbrenner, Syler
Stephan, Owen
Stoa-Kutzke, Natalie
Stueve, Trent
Sundby, Kendall
Thompson, Connor
Thysell, Kami
Tollerson, Andrew
Tostenson, Jayden
Trosdahl, Makayla
Trosvig, Anders
Turchin, Kennedy
Tysver, Titus
Uggerud, Lydia
VerSteeg, Evelyn
Vigesaa, Delia
Votava, Keaton
Walvatne, Ella
Wang, Johannah
Warner, Luke
Warren, Presley
Weber, Amelia
Winter, Trace
Wolden, Payton
Zelinsky, Graycie
Zender, Kynzie
Zetah, Zayna
Alaboud, Brady
Anderson, Carson
Anderson, Maria
Arntson, Laiken
Babolian, Keaton
Bethel, Eston
Budke, Molly
Daucsavage, Sophia
Draeger, Riley
Erickson, Jenna
Garza, Victoria
Hanneman, Kacyn
Hassoun, Mariam
Holland, Aubrey
Karst, Sophia
King, Madison
Klaksvik, Levi
Kovar, Carson
Krause, Eleisha
Kugler, Emma
Lattin, Aiden
Leach, Natalie
Lien, Evan
Lunde, Braden
Lysne, Maggie
McGuiness, Colter
Mertz, Leeland
Meyer, Joseph
Nygaard, Brooklyn
Peterson, Cameron
Proffit, Corban
Thorson, Lauren
Weisenberger, Kaylea
Westra, Haylee
Willson, Elly
Rasmusson, BrookeLynn
Robertson, Rayleigh
Rustand, Taylor
Samuelson, Kennedi
Schwartz, Karmyn
January Award Recipients
5th Grade
Samuel Caldow
Madden Christenson
Beckham Harris
Amelia Landberg
Kahlan Schroeder
Hadley Severson
Brady Simengaard
6th Grade
Norah Fear
Carson Hammer
Hannah Hirst
Kade Johnson
Aleigha Lyons
Quinn Proffit
Kenya Reinertson
7th Grade
Isaac Jenc
Louis Leonard
Carsyn Lill
Dillyn Lill
Deacon Oliphant
8th Grade
David Haw Ward
Noah Ibarra
Makayla Miller
Zoey Petrick
Elly Wilson
February Award Recipients
5th Grade
Stella Grundy
Sativa Hilde
Harper Holding Eagle
Zeke Kummrow
Eli Schlosser
Lauren Simengaard
6th Grade
Kinsee Ellig
Daisy Gaustad
Kaitlin Lubben
Adelynn Mertz
Olivia Molstre
Jaden Thompson
Amelia Turchin
7th Grade
Makenna Gleason
Elijah Rott
Lily Stach
Avaya Stoltenburg
Lucas Tuel
8th Grade
Serenity Bublitz
Adam Kaderbhai
Makayla Trosdahl
Evie VerSteeg
Keaton Votava
“It’s Always a Great Day to be an Otter!”
- Mark Anderson, High School Principal
Fergus Falls High School brought 18 students to Ridgewater College to compete in Skills Fest. Students competed in a variety of different areas Seven students competed in the automotive competition. The students were Kendal Mouritsen, Keyona Rust, Brody Bray, Jacob Kettner, Jadan Heikes, Gabe Samuelson, and Wyatt Hegseth. The team did very well!
The following students placed in the individual competition:
Gabe Samuelson – 1st in Auto Body Repair & 2nd in Auto Mechanics
Keyona Rust – 2nd in Auto Body Repair
Wyatt Hegseth – 1st in Auto Mechanics
Our Math League Team finished second in our division for the season!
We also had Josiah Uggerud place 5th and Eric Swanson place 3rd in the individual end of year rankings!
Jesus Carrillo, a Senior at the Fergus Falls Area Learning Center, met the Commissioner of Education at the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP) state conference. Jesus was elected as a MAAP STARS state officer for the 2023/24 school year. He is representing alternative education students across Minnesota. STARS is the student organization of MAAP. STARS stands for Success, Teamwork, Achievement, Recognition, and Self Esteem. Jesus along with two other officers, and two leadership students were a part of a virtual discussion with Commissioner Jett, advocating for increased mental health support for students and staff, increased funding to enable greater access to extracurricular activities, and improved facilities. Jesus and the other MAAP Stars across the state plan to meet and testify with legislators to advocate for Alternative Education and Programming.
The ALC would like to introduce you to Romeo, the ALC’s new therapy dog. Romeo is an eight month old husky who was bred to become a therapy dog. The 544 Foundation recently presented the school with a training scholarship for Romeo. With that scholarship, Romeo attended therapy dog camp in November and December where he learned how to be an adult therapy dog. Whenever Romeo comes to the school, he is a true celebrity. He has been going to different settings throughout the district to complete his hours of residency. In the next few weeks, Romeo will test for his official certification.
RomeoiQ Academy just started semester 2 at the end of January. We had a big influx of students to start the semester.
iQ Academy is gearing up for state testing. iQ Academy staff go all over the state to administer the state testing in person to our students. Last year we were at 22 different sites around the state. Staff are typically at the various sites for 2 days so students can take the state math, reading, and science tests.
iQ will have an ice skating social event in Fergus Falls on Friday, March 8th. More details will be emailed to students and families.
In December iQ Academy held a social event for students and families to get together to make snowflakes, create and decorate ornaments, color, and make bracelets.
With February having counselor appreciation week, a huge shoutout to the two tremendous counselors we have at iQ Academy, Cheryl Bormann and Karla Cummings. KarlaKummings CherylBormann
Jaden
Matthew Tuel 5th in 200 Free
Reece Hansen 5th in 100 Back
Emma
Evelyn Meldahl, Drama - 5th place
Lucy Mickelson, Poetry - 3rd place
Alayna Stoltenburg, Prose - 6th place
Finished 6th in Team Sweeps
Fergus Falls Public Schools celebrated our Nordic Skiers with a State send off Pep Rally on Tuesday, February 13th!
Alexis Wellman and the Boys team skied at Giants Ridge on Febrary 14th & 15th
Congratulations to our All Conference Honorable Mention swimmers!
Kwapinski 5th in 200 IM and 6th in 100 Free
The Otter Boys Team was also voted the winners of the Conference Sportsmanship Award
Caleb Fronning had his 100th varsity win first 2x MNGWL State champion at 145lbs
Ana Jyrkas had her 50th career win!
Henry Bethel scored his 1,000th career point!
The Otter Speech team had an impressive showing in Minnewaska!
Whitcomb, Original Oratory4th place
Presenting your 2024 Snoball King & Queen
Dominic Beving and Aubrie Bauman
Fergus Falls Public Schools had an amazing 3 days with Wesley May, a Native American artist, January 30th thru February 1st. Wesley spent his first day with the 6th graders, the second day with the 3rd graders and on the third day he was with the students at the ALC. He also did a special session on Tuesday, January 30th with the American Indian families. Each family was able to walk away with an amazing canvas artwork after the session. Check out the pictures below from the 3 days. We will have 3 amazing murals hung up in the near future at Cleveland, KSS-6th grade wing, and the ALC. This opportunity comes to us through the American Indian funds we receive from the state of Minnesota.
● 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 at Homework help in room 2703 at KSS All students in Grade 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are welcome It is offered before and after school Monday-Friday from 7:30 to 8:10 am and Monday-Thursday from 3:20 to 4:00 pm.
● 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 through 12th are invited to ski or snowboard on Friday nights. Bus departs from Kennedy Secondary School at 3:30 pm and returns at 9:00 pm. Andes Tower Hills is continuing to make snow and we have 3 trips left.
● Are you on Target? - National Archery in the School Program is an in school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 5 through 12 Students learn, focus, self control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life In our second year, 31 boys and girls are enrolled in the program meeting on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the REC gym They are preparing for future competition All instructors are NASP certified
● Fergus Falls Clay Buster Trap Team - Trap shooting can be intimidating but when you understand the rules and basic concepts, it is really fun Under the direction of Coach Steve Adams, you will come to enjoy it as a real fun and simple game All students in 6th through 12th grade in Fergus Falls with a Minnesota Firearm Safety Certificate, are eligible to join the team The season starts on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
● Healthy Baking for Kids - Join the class and learn to prepare healthy snacks that are good for you. This class is taught by Karen Bush, Registered Dietitian (RD). A variety of snacks will be made followed by tasting. The class will be held April 4, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 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. Kennedy Secondary School students receive one pass/fail credit upon completion of classroom and behind-the-wheel We will have class in April, 2 in June, and 2 in August Call Community Education for more information
● Lego Club - Students in grades 4th through 6th, meet on the first Monday of the month from 3:30 to 4:45 pm for a fun and creative experience where they get to build amazing Lego creations with other kids who share their passion for legos Each month they create a different challenge Putting students' creativity to the test This program is a partnership of the U of M tension Service - OTC and Community Education
● Fergus Falls Fishing Team - 2024 Season - Open to grades 7-12 for anyone that wants to spend the summer on the water Register online (or see Mr Soland) the deadline is March 4th, 2024
