Congratulates The Class of 2025!
Area Learning Center
Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, May 29th
KSS Auditorium, 7pm
Fergus Falls High School
Graduation Ceremony
Friday, May 30th
KSS Gold Gym, 7pm
Last Day Of School
Friday, May 30th - 3 Hr Early Release
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
Jeff Drake, Superintendent
A Year of Otter Excellence: Celebrating the Fergus Falls Public School District
As the school year concludes, the Fergus Falls Public School District proudly celebrates a truly remarkable year, filled with outstanding achievements across all areas. Our students have not only excelled in the classroom but have also left a significant mark on our community
Academically, our students reached new heights. They secured first place finishes in regional math competitions, and both our Knowledge Bowl and Envirothon teams advanced to state. Our rigorous curriculum has fostered critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for future success
The vibrant spirit of the fine arts continues to shine brightly Our talented musicians and visual artists received numerous accolades From inspiring concert performances by our bands and choirs to the innovative pieces at the Blondeau Fine Arts Festival, our students showcased exceptional creativity and skill, enriching our schools and community.
Our vocational programs remain a cornerstone, providing invaluable real-world learning experiences Students embraced diverse electives and hands-on training, gaining practical skills that prepare them for immediate employment or further education. The success of these programs is evident in the tangible impact our students are already making in various industries, fostering a strong future workforce
On the athletic fields and courts, our Otters displayed incredible athleticism and sportsmanship. Numerous teams and individual athletes achieved state recognition and participation, setting new records and showcasing their dedication This is a source of immense pride for our district
Beyond school, our students made a profound impact in the community Through work-based learning opportunities, they gained practical experience and job shadowing Their dedication extends to volunteerism, as seen in initiatives like blood drives, community clean-up, Toys for Tots, and "Pay it Forward." These experiences cultivate a strong sense of civic responsibility and demonstrate our students' commitment to being contributing citizens.
This remarkable year wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, engaged parents, and the entire Fergus Falls community. Your collaborative spirit, tireless efforts, and belief in our students' potential are the foundation of our success
To the Class of 2025, congratulations! Your hard work, resilience, and unique talents have brought you to this momentous occasion. We are incredibly proud of each of you and excited to see the paths you will forge
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those retiring from our district this year. Your years of dedicated service have left an enduring legacy, shaping countless young lives and contributing significantly to the fabric of Fergus Falls We wish you a well-deserved, joyous retirement
Finally, to all our students, staff, and families, have a safe and wonderful summer! We look forward to another year of growth, learning, and success
Support Staff of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Congrats to Amy Toy, Darin Muchow, Brittany Conrad, Deb Winkler, Ashley Thompson (not pictured) and Angela Erickson! Your hard work behind the scenes makes a big difference — thank you!
Congrats to Andrew Kowalski, our 2025 Teacher of the Year! Your passion and dedication inspire us all
Summer Meals
Early Childhood Family Education/PreSchool/Kindergarten
On May 5th we had our annual Touch a Truck event. It was a beautiful night to spend time with friends and see some really cool equipment.
In Early Childhood Family Education we learned through playing with bubbles and pool noodles. We also created some amazing works of art at table time.
As part of our Early Childhood / Family Education we had a Teddy Bear picnic where children brought in a favorite stuffed animal to spend time at Lincoln School.
On the Blue Team, as authors, we published our very first books.
is a time for science at Lincoln School. We observed all sorts of life cycles. We helped grow our very own monarch butterfly, learned about aquatic invertebrates, composted with worms and hatched some chicks.
Families enjoyed the Adams School Book Fair held in early May. The event was filled with fun, books, popcorn, games, and pictures with the Otter mascot.
A highlight of each spring is listening to the 4th grade orchestra. In this photo, students at McKinley School were treated to an afternoon concert. The orchestra gave performances at Cleveland, Adams, OLV, and McKinley. During a break in the concert, students and staff enjoy seeing audience members standing next to their older siblings in the orchestra.
Grades 1st - 3rd
1st graders from the classes of
for
and
Spring brings many music programs to Adams and McKinley Schools Parents and grandparents enjoyed listening to the 2nd graders from the tw classes of Mrs Stich and Ms Rekedal
Ms. Winkler and Mrs. Goos enjoyed performing
parents
grandparents in the McKinley music room.
Grades 4th-5th
The 4th grade PSC students studied the Rookery on Adams Pond at Grotto Park
In April, the PSC students planted seeds in the greenhouse that had been harvested in the fall and have been evaluating their growth Now, in May, they are planting them to restore the prairie!
Cleveland Orchestra students participated in the All-School Orchestra Concert!
The Otter PTO annual fundraiser concluded with a Glow Run this year! There was terrific support with this event, resulting in a profit surpassing $56,000 to support STEAM learning opportunities for elementary students in grades K-5
Grades 6th-8th
Mrs. McGovern’s 6 grade math enjoyed exploring surface area and volume using pop-ups. Using popups can help students visualize 3D shapes and understand how surface area and volume are calculated. th
Students in Mrs. Stich's Advisory class were challenged to a cup stacking contest. They practiced teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills.
The 6th grade class visited the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they learned about government and Minnesota history. They also explored the Science Museum, enjoying hands-on exhibits and exciting discoveries.
OnTuesday,March11th,approximately40middleschoolmathstudents competedattheannualTri-CollegeMathCompetition.TheOtterswerevery successful! 8th grader, Jacob Warner placed first and 8th grader Cade Johnsonplacedsecondintheindividualcompetition.TheFergusFallsGold Teamalsotiedforfirstplaceinthe"BigSchool"teamcompetition.Team membersincluded,ShepherdHintz,JacobWarner,CadeJohnson,IsaacJenc, KadenKarst,RykerSeedorf,BreeynHillandOwenJohnson.WaytogoOtters!
The Maroon 6th Grade Team took a field trip to the Regional Treatment Center recently to learn more about the history of Fergus Falls.
6thGradeAHonorRoll Quarter 3
Clara Anderson
Gabriella Anderson
Linnea Anderson
Macy Anderson
Aubrie Beckman
Zxy'lla Berry
Caiden Best
Brody Bieniek
Oliver Blashill
Liam Brimhall
Maddix Butler
Samuel Caldow
Berkley Campion
Charlie Cederberg
Madden Christenson
Leif Christianson
Scarlet Clutter
Emery Crowser
Cora Dillon
Myra Dillon
Toby Doran
Drew Draxten
Theodore Fleming
Connor Gallagher
Henning Gerstmann
Solveig Griebe
Stella Grundy
Samuel Haarstad
Landen Hardy
Bowman Harris
Krystanna Haugen
Audra Hintz
Harper Holding Eagle
Jacob Holmbeck
Carly Ice
Ivy Iverson
Cole Jensen
Tristan Johnson
George Jones
Kennedy Kallstrom
Haakon Kantrud
Kayden Karst
Kinzley Krein
Martie Krueger
Ezekiel Kummrow
Amelia Landberg
Margaret Leonard
Ava Lunde
Violet Maertens
Marianna Mannie
Layla McNeill
Emma Morales
Landon Morris
Linnea Mouser
Merabelle Nelson
Oscar Nelson
Paisley Norgren
Isabelle Obowa
Del Olson
Etta Olson
Paizley Petrick
Avery Polzin
Tova Ronnevik
Sully Samp
Olivia Saurer
Eli Schlosser
Jackson Schneeberger
Haley Schreiber
Izabel Schroeder
Kahlan Schroeder
Violet Schulz
Hadley Severson
Isabelle Shepherd
Brady Simengaard
Lauren Simengaard
Kason Skramstad
Elijah Stegeman
Bentley Steiner
6thGradeBHonorRoll
Emma Aschnewitz
Ava Audette
Raina Babic
Arabella Bjerke
Harper Bjerklie
Macen Borowski
Magnus Burud
Jordin Buseth
Jonas Covington
Aubrey Dahl
Kayden Stevens
Jared Stich
Addyson Stock
Ayla Stoltenburg
Maya Stortroen
Lillybell Sundby
Tobias Svien
Leland Swenson
Harper Thielke
Jeremiah Thompson
Evan Thysell
Alayah Tostenson
Quinn Tysver
Vivienne Ugstad
Callie Waasdorp
Isaac Wagner
Diesel Wallace
Hart Walters
Ethan Walvatne
Zoey Warren
Gavin Webb
Raylynn Weiss
Braedan Wersinger
Clayten White
Gavin Widmer
Lucas Winkler
Layla DeGroot
Gauge Emery
Quinn Gau
Evan Griffie
Beckham Harris
Quinn Hauck
Carver Hauge
Savannah Hegstad
Sativa Hilde
Hayes Johnston
Camden Kremeier
Alice Lammers
Aliza Lee
Mathias Lien
Adrian Longoria
Richard Maki
Anna Merz
Carson Peterson
Alexa Preston
Charlie Schlepp
Tucker Schleske
Jasmir Sheikh
Colbey Stanley
Kerra Sterns-Atonio
Lincoln Truax
Treven Walter
Wyatt Yeske
Charlotte Zelinsky
7thGradeAHonorRoll
Adam Anderson
William Anderson
Christian Bauck
Jackson Bohannon
Kaylynn Burrows
Chloe Carlson
Claire Carlson
Maren Carlson
Kenzie Combrink
Peyton Combs
Victoria Covington
Aryanna Cypher
Madelyn Duenow
Barrett Eifert
Joshua Ekelund
Kinsee Ellig
Norah Fear
Aksel Field
Francis Fleming
Maura Fransen
Lexi Froemming
Jaydee Fronning
Henry Fuder
Logan Gaustad
Willow Glas
Bristol Grabowska
Ismaelle Gustave
Isaac Haarstad
Lynkin Haas
George Hexum
Ernest Hildebrandt
George Hildebrandt
Shepherd Hintz
Hannah Hirst
Emberlyn Hough
Kade Johnson
Owen Johnson
Harlo Jorud
Lizzie Jyrkas
Henry Kempfer
Benjamin Kitzman
Merideth Knighton
Rue Koalska
Hailey Kramvik
Benjamin Lawson
Elise Leitch
Tate Loeffler
Kaitlin Lubben
Milania Mannie
Adelynn Mertz
Olivia Molstre
Sophia Neubauer
Jade Noland
Elenore O'Grady
Colin Olson
Luke Ottenbacher
Halle Price
Briella Rarick
Kenya Reinertson
Landon Rodriguez
Preston Schiesser
Tucker Schneeberger
Sarah Schroeder
Quintynn Schuman
Rhyker Seedorf
Jon Seggermann
Jude Shearer
Penn Shol
Selja Smestad
Piper Soliah
Anika Sorum
Isaac Steen
Isabel Stodola
Emma Strande
Caden Thompson
7thGradeBHonorRoll
Salvatore Aronica
Ayven Austad
Camden Casey
Lilly Dingman
Kendra Dosch
Kylee Eggen
Daniel Fjestad
Kadyn Fry
John Garding
Ruby Heeter
Landon Thunselle
Anna Uggerud
Adeline Wicklund
Liam Wallace
Jaxon Wolden
Nevaeh Heins
Kale Johnson
Elijah Joseph
Bennett Kettner
Frank Kleven
Marissa Krause
Rylie Kutzke
Andrew Lee
Finley Morical
Breck Nelson
Saphira Ochoa
Alexander Patelski
Raelynn Peterson
Quinn Proffit
Aja Robertson
Jasper Sheppard
Lincoln Shirkey
Dalton Trosdahl
Brynlee Weisenberger
Joshua Westbury
Colbie Zimmerman
8thGradeAHonorRoll
Jayde Aday
Jordynn Anderson
Saul Anderson
Seylah Arneson
Max Batzlaff
Grace Black
Isabelle Blumberg
Anneliese Burns
Blaine Cederberg
Alexander Cheshire
Shelby Christ
Maci Cronk
Kai Ebert
Maegan Ecker
Oscar Ellerbusch
Dexter Felstul
Lucia Flugstad
Natalie Gerner
Aleythia Gerstmann
Morgan Graham
Stella Griebe
Grady Haarstad
Portia Hansen
Brinley Harris
Rowyn Harrom
Braden Hasbargen
Connor Hauge
Edy Helgeson
Hayden Heruth
Lennon Highland
Breeynn Hill
Isaac Jenc
Maximillian Jensen
Cade Johnson
Zayne Jordan
Grace Klimek
Grace Klinnert
Ashtynn Koep
Avery Kort
Ian Kunz
Ella Kwapinski
Haylen LaPlante
Deacon Larby
Kaitlyn Lee
Owen Leopold
Carsyn Lill
Dillyn Lill
Analicia Longoria
Maxwell Marquette
Othniel McConn
Emma Michael
Elenora Miley
Quinn Miller
Elsie Moll
Safia Nasri
Joel Nelson
Landon Noon
Gavin Norgren
Lydia Oland
Kourtney Olson
Aaron Osmanovic
Brynn Pausch
Gus Proudfoot
Wyatt Risch
Leif Rogers
Lillya Ronnevik
8thGradeBHonorRoll
Cullen Alt
Connor Anderson
Ava Braud
John Carello
Valerie Clark
Kaylee DeFries
Emma Forrest
Logan Graber
Michael Hobbs
Katelee Jensen
Griffin Johnson
William Kjono
Jace Kremeier
Bria Larson
Rylen Lee
Louis Leonard
James Loegering
Jordyn Lundby
Mia Martinez
Sarah McDonald
Aydan Moen
Dane Mouser
Maiwand Patan
Drew Petersen
Shaelyn Sauer
Pearl Sorum
Izzybelle Tacner
Mason Thompson
Sarah Tungseth
James Vaughn
Isaac Volker
Elijah Rott
Katelyn Rud
Bristol Schiesser
Beau Schlosser
Sophia Shepherd
Lilian Stach
Charlotte Stanley
Alexis Stevens
Elly Stortroen
Holly Stumbo
Marissa Thoma
Nora Thormodson
Lucas Tuel
Brycen Tysdal
Kai Umlauf
Stella Valdés
Emma Wagner
Jacob Warner
Weston Youngberg
Otters A.R.E
ACCOUNTABLE. RESPECTFUL.
March Award Recipients
7thGrade 6thGrade 8thGrade
Leif Christianson
Toby Doran
Audra Hintz
Ivy Iverson
Maggie Leonard
Elise Schiesser
Diesel Wallace
Adam Anderson
George Hildebrandt
Tate Loeffler
Emma Strande
Infinity Williams
April Award Recipients
6thGrade 7thGrade
Gabby Anderson
Emery Crowser
Henning Gerstmann
Savannah Hegstad
Haley Schreiber
Elijah Stegeman
Vivienne Ugstad
Josh Ekelund
Norah Fear
John Garding
Hailey Kramvik
Anna Uggerud
MAY Award Recipients
Saul Anderson
Isaac Jenc
Cade Johnson
Katelyn Lee
Haylen LaPlantec
8thGrade
Ella Kwapinski
Rylen Lee
Lydia Oland
Gus Proudfoot
Marissa Thoma
6thGrade 7thGrade 8thGrade
Raina Babic
Sam Caldow
Teddy Fleming
George Jones
Cole Jensen
Zeke Kummrow
Paizley Petrick
Eli Schlosser
Kahlan Schroeder
Kerra Sterns-Atonio
Colbey Stanley
Harper Thielke
Ray Weiss
Zoey Warren
Kenzie Combrink
Peyton Combs
Aubrey Cunningham
Kadyn Fry
George Hexum
Harlo Jorud
Aida Pivic
Shelby Christ
Logan Graber
Morgan Graham
Grace Klinnert
Louis Leonard
Lillya Ronnevik
Weston Youngberg
“It’s Always a Great Day to be an Otter!” - Mark Anderson, High School Principal
IMPORTANT DATES FOR IMPORTANT DATES FOR IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS SENIORS SENIORS
May29
Area Learning Center
7:00 pm Graduation Ceremony - KSS Auditorium
Doors open at 6:00 pm
May30
Fergus Falls High School
1:00 pm Graduation Practice – Gold Gym
Fergus Falls High School
7:00 pm Graduation Ceremony - Gold Gym
Doors open at 5 pm
The Philanthropy and Youth (PaY) committee at NDSU celebrated a year with 37 active members, marking the third year of participation completed the CliftonStrengths Assessment, attended a leadership re local non-profits and allocated $6,000 to five organizations:
$1,000 to Friends of Fergus Falls Public Library
$1,500 to Hospice of the Red River Valley
$1,000 to Lakeland Mental Health
$1,000 to Otter Cove Children's Museum
$1,500 to Otter Tail County Humane Society
Grades 9th-12th
The 2025 Special Olympics basketball games held in Fergus Falls, MN, showcased incredible teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship among the athletes. Players and parents from towns competed with energy and enthusiasm, drawing cheers from supportive fans and volunteers. The event emphasized inclusion and community spirit, with everyone celebrating the achievements of the athletes both on and off the court Smiles, high-fives, and unforgettable moments made the day a meaningful and joyful experience for those with and without disabilities - Sarah Phelps, Special Education Teacher (9th-12th)
Jaden spoke at the final celebration, and the group will volunteer at project. In scholarships, Jaden Miller, Olivia Swanson, and Logan Bredenber for a total of $40,000), while Ari Krueger received $2,000. Evangeline Millard will intern at the YMCA this summer. PaY is open to all 9th-12th graders, with an informative meeting in the fall for those interested The program is advised by Mindy Christianson
Fergus Falls High School visual artists excelled at the Section 8AA MSHSL Visual Arts Competition, with eight students submitting eleven artworks. Two pieces earned "Top Choice" awards, advancing to the State Exhibition.
Kadence Robinson: 19.5/20, Superior
Ava Stumbo: 18.5/20, Superior
Danika Funkhouser: 18.25/20, Superior; 19.25/20, Superior, "Top Choice"
Maria Ricks: 20/20, Superior, "Top Choice"; 18.75/20, Superior
Anna Schroeder: 20/20, Superior
Timothy Ekelund: 17.75/20, Excellent; 18/20, Excellent
Hannah Horgen: 19/20, Superior
Marissa Holmbeck: 17.75/20, Excellent
Fergus Falls is the only school in our section of nine schools sending two "Top Choice" artists to the State Exhibition. Congrats to the students and their teacher, Sara Delaney!
Grades 9th - 12th
MAAP STARS represent Fergus Falls ALC at State Conference
The Fergus Falls ALC sent 7 students to the state MAAP (Minnesota Association of Alternative Programming) Stars Conference in Mankato at the beginning of May. The contest is much like DECA for alternative education students. Students networked with other alternative students from across the state. The students came back with several awards in categories such as Job Interview and Parent Decision Making. For the second year in a row, Karl Baur placed first in the state in the speaking category. Karl also serves as a state officer and has spent the year meeting with state legislators to continue the support of the MAAP Stars program. Congratulations to each of the MAAP Stars competitors!
Grades K-12
iQ Academy is finishing the year with over 1,000 students taking courses from iQ Academy. When we started the school year in September, we were around 750 students.
On Friday, May 9, we had an iQ Academy social event at the Mall of America. We had over 160 iQ Academy students attend the event. It is always a highlight getting to connect with our students and families in person.
A big thank you to Angie Aziz and Theresa Kraft for organizing state MCA testing this spring. Thank you to the iQ Academy staff who traveled around the state to proctor the state tests. This spring, we were at 19 different locations around the state.
Our iQ Academy graduates have the opportunity to participate in graduation here in Fergus Falls on Friday, May 30. We are anticipating that we will have 27 iQ Academy graduates participate in the graduation ceremony, the most we have ever had.
Extended School Year (ESY) Services
Extended School Year (ESY) services are available to students with disabilities when determined eligible by the IEP team based on individual student need.
This summer, ESY services will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates:
June 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26
July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
If you have any questions about ESY services or need to report that your child will miss a scheduled session, please contact Lesley Schafer at lschafer@fergusotters.org or 218-998-0544 ext 8902.
SpringSportsWrap-Up&FallActivitiesReminder
Springsportsarequicklycomingtoaclose,withallofourteamsnowheadingintothepost-season.Bothboysandgirls trackteamshavehadimpressiveseasons,includingseveralnewschoolrecords. Theboys4x800relayteamsetanewschoolrecordwithatimeof8:05.44.Congratulationstoteammembers ThomasErickson,LoganBredenberg,JadenMiller,andMichaelSchmidt! Inaddition,JadenMillerbroketheschoolrecordinthe1600m,runninganoutstandingtimeof4:2162
Aswewrapupspringactivities,it'stimetolookaheadtofallsportsandactivities.
Here are a few important reminders:
Physicals: If you haven’t updated your physical in the past three years, you must do so before registering for any fall activity. This usually applies to 7th and 10th graders, but anyone who missed a physical during those years may also be due. Be sure to schedule your appointment this summer.
Fall Sports Roundup: Join us in the KSS Auditorium on Wednesday, July 30th at 7:00 PM for the Fall Sports Roundup. This meeting will include information on:
All fall activities
The updated registration system (parents will need to recreate their login)
Other important details for the upcoming season
Practice Start Dates:
High School fall practices begin on Monday, August 11th
Middle School activity start dates vary by sport more information will be provided at the roundup
Fergus Falls Youth Archery
On April 25, Marissa Thoma, 8th grade student at KSS, represented Fergus Falls in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Western Nationals tournament in Sandy, Utah. Facing elite competition from across the country, she placed 17 in bullseye and 10th in 3D out of the nearly 500 other middle school females in her division. Marissa had qualified for the NASP Nationals due to her performance at the MN state tournament held on March 29th in St Cloud th
Synchronized Swim
Held their show on April 11-13 under the direction of Amanda Thormodson It’s an artistic noncompetitive sport which looks so effortless but it requires an incredible amount of strength They combine swimming, music, and choreography for dancing in the water.
11th Annual Bike Rodeo
On April 25th, Cierra Ochoa and Nadia Carlson, Key Club volunteers, helped kids in grades K-8 run through the bike obstacle course.
BLAST (Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training) Class was held May 6 and 8 for students 11 years of age and up The program provides extensive training in first aid, household safety, and the fundamentals of childcare
Youth Firearm Safety
Though most hunting seasons are more than 5 months away, on April 26, 50 youth completed their youth firearm safety certification. The class is taught by certified volunteer staff lead by Matt and Bob Krause.
School of Fish
On Saturday, May 3, 24 kids grade 3rd and up, learned about lakes, finding fish, and how to catch them Kids took home: a rod and reel, fishing hat, tackle box and tackle, and a School of Fish full color workbook This is a partnership with FF Fish & Game Club and Community Education