Sharing news from the Jamestown Public School District
I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer break thus far filled with family, friends, and fun. As the Jamestown School District prepares for the 2023/2024 school year, I wanted to take this opportunity to share various updates and developments.
Rob Lech
As many are likely already aware, the Jamestown School District, like many schools, is struggling with a staffing shortage. Throughout the spring and summer, we have been strategizing around how to best combat this shortage. As a result, there will be some necessary prioritizing needs, including suspending programs and electives for a year, but these are hopefully shortterm issues we can work through. I am so very proud of our staff and administration for their flexibility and creative problem-solving to ensure the highest quality education for our students.
By Robert Lech, Superintendent, Jamestown Public Schools
I continue to be exceedingly proud of the impact of two literacy grants, totaling $2.5 million, the district has written and received over the last five years. Those funds have been used to provide professional learning to staff, including a comprehensive writing training that has shown huge benefits, fund instructional coaches to support our teachers, and other valued programs and supplies. These grants also include a component for Birth to Age 5. The district continues to partner with Jamestown Parks and Recreation in this area. This includes the Literacy Lanes at Solien-Denault Park and coming soon to Meidinger Park. These Literacy Lanes include a posted children’s book that is plotted out through the park. Families can walk together with their children and read the story. These books will be updated monthly so families can enjoy these parks and the opportunity to enjoy and talk about the book together.
Registration information for Jamestown Public Schools
The following is information for students attending Jamestown Public Schools.
Registration: All new students to the school district may register by calling the District Office at 2521950 for an appointment. Hours for registration are 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Opening day of school: Jamestown Public Schools will open with full sessions on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at the following times. Elementary grades 1-5 begin at 8:30 a.m., grades 6-8 begin at 8:20 a.m., and grades 9-12 at 8 a.m. Kindergarten students will be assessed on Aug. 24-25 and a schedule will be sent to parents. The first day of school for kindergarten students will be
Aug. 28. All high school students will report to their homerooms at Jamestown High School at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of school. Dismissal time at Jamestown High School is 3:05 p.m., Jamestown Middle School at 3:20 p.m. and the elementary schools will be dismissed at 3 p.m. It is requested that the parents who have children who will be attending kindergarten transport their children the first two days of school so that necessary arrangements can be made for the students requesting transportation service.
Middle school schedules: All schedules will go live in PowerSchool on Aug. 16. Students who cannot see their schedule on PowerSchool are welcome to come
We will be seeing some changes in our food service program with the passage of Senate Bill 2284. Our North Dakota Legislature passed this bill and provided an additional $6 million in funding for school lunch available for those at 200% of the federal poverty level. The good news is that more families will qualify for free lunch. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as our
Food Service department makes this transition to both a federal and a state program for reimbursement.
Based on a 55% increase in our contracted bus service, JPS is needing to consider all options to defray costs.
Unfortunately, this means that there may need to be changes to our busing practices, including our partnership to bus private school students.
More than anything, I encourage you to make a concerted effort to thank the teachers, support staff, and administrators that will be here at Jamestown Public Schools throughout the 2023/2024 school year. We continue to be blessed beyond words with the quality of staff that serve our students.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call at the district office (252-1950), reach out through email at Robert.Lech@k12. nd.us, or stop by the district office for a visit.
Jamestown High School begins classes on Aug. 24
Jamestown High School will begin classes on Thursday, Aug. 24. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and all students will report to their 2nd hour class at 8:30 a.m. to complete enrollment forms and receive locker assignments and device distribution. From there we will begin our Wednesday class schedule so each student gets an opportunity to get to know their teachers and courses. Below is an outline of our schedule for 2023-24; please note we will again have a late start on Wednesdays.
High School and JVCTC
(M, T, TH, F)
Period 1: 8-8:55
Period 2: 9-10
Period 3: 10:05-11
Period 4A CL: 11:05-Noon
LU: Noon-12:30
Period 4B LU: 11-11:25
CL: 11:30-12:25
Period 5: 12:30-1:25
Period 6: 1:30-2:25
Period 7: 2:30-3:25
High School and JVCTC (Wednesday Schedule)
Period 1: 9:10- 9:50
Period 2: 9:55-10:35
Period 3: 10:40-11:20
Period 4A CL: 11:25-12:05
LU: 12:10-12:40
Period 4B LU: 11:25-11:55
CL: Noon-12:40
Period 5: 12:45-1:25
John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Jamestown High School classes begin on Aug. 24.
Period 6: 1:30-2:10
Period 7: 2:15-3:05
Student Support: 3:05-3:35
We are happy to welcome several new staff to JHS this fall. Darby Heinert will serve as the interim Principal and Brandon Bata will serve
REGISTRATION
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to the school and request a paper copy on Aug. 16-17 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The school will be open these days for students and parents to walk through the building and find their classrooms.
High school schedules: All schedules will go live in PowerSchool on Aug. 2. Students who cannot see their schedule on PowerSchool are welcome to come to the school to request a paper copy on Aug. 16-17 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
All consumable materials are purchased by the patrons. Textbooks for grades K-12 will be distributed in the students’ regular classroom on the first day of school.
Fees: Registration for bus service and
Jamestown Public School Board meetings for 2023-2024
The board meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 5:15 p.m. in the Thompson Community Room.
The schedule:
• No meeting
Monday, Aug. 21, 2023
• Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023
• Monday, Sept. 18, 2023
• Monday, Oct. 2, 2023
• Monday, Oct. 16, 2023
• Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
• Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
• No meeting
Monday, Dec. 18, 2023
• No meeting
Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
• Monday, Feb.5, 2024
• Monday, Feb. 19, 2024
• Monday, March 4, 2024
• Monday, March 18, 2024
• Monday, April 1, 2024
• Monday, April 15, 2024
• Monday, May 6, 2024
food service will only be at Jamestown
Middle School in the cafeteria from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, and Thursday, Aug. 17, at 203 2nd Ave. SE. Activity ticket sales are available in the Activity Office at Jamestown High School, 1509 10th Ave. NE, or the District Office, 207 2nd Ave. SE.
Transportation: Bus service is provided for the rural public school area students by the school district at no cost but must register on the above dates. Transportation of JPS students will be prioritized by:
1) Rural
2) City – limited to those students who live 10 blocks or more from the school they attend.
The cost for a family is $135 per semester per child for the first two children, $120 per semester for each additional family member attending
as Assistant Principal. Hannah Dockter and Tim Ranum joined our English Department, and Rachel Rackov accepted a position in the Mathematics Department as well.
JHS: Page 4
school in grades K-12.
Busing of private school students may be available on a limited basis. Private school families that wish to be considered for busing must make an appointment with Crystal Gange by calling 252-1950.
School lunch: The school district encourages all families to complete the free or reduced meal application, which is mailed to each family the second week of August. If you do not receive an application, please call Cindy Wall, food service director, 952-3015. The elementary student cost is $3.50 per day, the middle school student cost is $3.70 per day, and the high school student cost is $3.70 per day. The adult cost is $4.85 per day. Free and reduced numbers play a significant role in state and federal funding. Please complete an application if you qualify to support
• Monday, May 20, 2024
• Monday, June 3, 2024
• Monday, June 17, 2024
• No meeting Monday, July 15, 2024
• No meeting Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
the school.
Breakfast programs are available at all schools. The elementary cost is $2.50 per day. Middle school and high school cost is $2.60 per day. The adult cost is 3.85 per day. The School Lunch Program is supported by the charge made to patrons for meals and by the subsidy received from federal sources through the State Lunch Program. Payment options: For your convenience, you are able to pay school lunches, activity tickets, activity participation fees and transportation fees online. To set up an account:
1. Go to www.jamestown.k12.nd.us
2. Click on Parent tab
3. Click on e-funds
4. Click on create account in left hand column
5 Enter information of the parent or guardian
Jamestown Middle School welcomes new faculty
Soon classrooms will be buzzing, and the Jamestown Middle School (JMS) will be off on this year’s adventure with a new group of students. JMS staff and administration are committed to the attributes inherent in successful middle grades programs and excited to provide this unique age group with educational opportunities that are developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable. JMS strives to ensure that students are engaged in active, purposeful learning; educators are specifically prepared to work with early adolescents; curriculum is challenging and innovative; leadership is collaborative; and schools partner with families, businesses, and community groups.
New Faculty Members
Melissa Foster returns to JMS as the 7th grade life skills teacher. She most recently taught 1st grade at Roosevelt Elementary.
Julianna Wolff will be the new JMS choir director/6th grade music teacher.
JMS: Page 5
JHS
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Two former Blue Jays returned to JHS as teachers, including Cassandra Reidburn in the History Department and Nathaniel Purcell in the Business Department. It is exciting to see our homegrown talent return to the communities where they took their first steps.
Freshmen and new student orientation will be held on Monday, Aug. 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the JHS theater. All members of the Class of 2027 and their parents are encouraged to attend. Those attending will hear from building administrators and counselors about policies, procedures and opportunities for the school year. After a quick meeting in the commons at 5 p.m., freshmen will follow their daily schedule cards from class to class. In each class, students and parents are invited to participate in a meetthe-teacher orientation including a brief presentation introducing the teacher and the course. CTC teachers will be located in the commons for
their orientation. At 6 p.m., students and parents are invited to attend an orientation presentation in the theater with JHS administrators and counselors.
Students who are new to our district and attending JHS for the first time should plan to attend a new student orientation hosted by the JHS Student Council. The orientation will be held at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 15, new students will meet student council members in the commons and be given a tour of the building. New students and parents are also encouraged to attend the JHS orientation presentation at 6 p.m. in the theater.
Our counselors continued to fill course requests up to the last day of school in May and a number of schedules were adjusted over the summer to balance sections and accommodate for staffing changes and incomplete schedules. All schedules will go live in Power School on Aug. 10. Students who cannot see their schedule on PowerSchool are welcome to come request a paper copy on Aug. 16-17 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also at this time, students and parents
can take care of paying for busing and school lunches and purchase activity tickets. Textbooks and Chrome books will be issued by classroom teachers in the first days of school. Our staff, students and families understand that a great deal of time and resources are allocated in the registration and scheduling process. We assign teachers and courses based on the courses that students register for. For these reasons, no schedule changes will be allowed unless they are deemed necessary by our schedule committee. Schedule change requests are available in the counseling office.
Student pictures will be taken on Thursday, Aug. 31, and the picture makeup day will be Tuesday, Oct. 10. Students will receive order packets in their Period 2 class on the first day of school for those who wish to purchase. No purchase is necessary but all students need to have a photo taken for their school ID and the yearbook.
Teachers will discuss key pieces of the student handbook, and it is posted on the school website. Parents are encouraged to review the handbook for schedules and school policies.
Our school and district are devoted to meeting the needs of our learners through philosophical shifts in the name of best practices, and our staff devotes much time to honing the curriculum they write and the instruction they provide. We are excited for the 2023-2024 school year to begin as we strive to work towards the district’s mission, “Engaging students with challenging and innovative experiences to prepare them for future success.” The mission challenges all students to consider learning opportunities that will complement their future career pathways, and parents can help promote that mission through shaping conversations around short and long-term goals that support each student’s future.
Parents are reminded that their student’s grades and attendance information are available online using the PowerSchool software. Please call JHS at 952-4003 after school starts if you need access to your information. Check out our website or call with questions.
Take care and go Blue Jays!
John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun
An open house and orientation are among activities planned at Jamestown Middle School.
James Valley Career and Technology Center serves area schools
The James Valley Career and Technology Center welcomes students of Jamestown High School, Montpelier and Pingree-Buchanan back to school for the 2023-2024 school year. I certainly hope all of our students are enjoying a wonderful summer, but it is that time again to prepare for the new school year. Moreover, I truly appreciate the dedication and support we receive each year from vested community members that support hands-on learning.
Students of the Career and Technology Center from Jamestown, Montpelier and Pingree-Buchanan can participate in a number of class offerings, including: Child Care; Health Careers, Construction Technology;
JMS
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She most recently led the music department in Beach, North Dakota. She is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education.
Chloe Smith will be a new Special Education Strategist at JMS. She is a recent graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead holding a B.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education with licensure in special education.
Jaye Fike will be the new 6th grade language arts teacher. She is a recent graduate of Valley City State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education.
Jalyn Helstad will be the new 6th grade math teacher. She is a recent graduate of University of Jamestown with a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a concentration in math.
Cody Jamtgaard will be the new day treatment teacher. He comes to JMS from Kulm where he taught Physical Education/Health.
Schedule Card Pick-Up
JMS parents/students may pick up schedule cards on Wednesday, Aug. 16, and Thursday, Aug. 17 . Schedule cards can be picked up at the middle school office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Food service and transportation sign-up will take place in the cafeteria area of the
By Darby Heinert
Automotive Technology; Auto Collision Technology; Informational Technology, Precision Machining Technology, Agriculture Education and Aviation.
The James Valley Career and Technology Center wrote and received a NDCTE grant last spring to offer summer camps in the areas of Aviation and Automotive Technology. Both of those industries struggle to develop and maintain a workforce, and these camps exposed students to career opportunities within each field. Moreover, the summer camp goals and objectives directly aligned with foundational standards within each program area. There is no cost tied to
JVCTC: Page 6
middle school during those same hours. If JMS families are out of town the 16th and 17th, schedule cards may be picked up at the middle school office after Aug. 17th. Schedule cards will not be available prior to Aug. 16. In addition, on Aug. 16th and 17th, JMS doors will be open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for students and parents to walk through the building and find their classrooms.
6th Grade Orientation
Middle school can be a confusing time, for parents as well as for their kids. Middle school students are becoming more independent yet still need parental support as much as ever.
JMS parents are invited to stay actively involved in their child’s school. Research shows that children whose parents are engaged in their education are more likely to achieve academic success. An orientation session for 6th grade students and their parents will take place the evening of Thursday, Aug. 17th, from 6-7. This orientation session will give students an opportunity to meet their teachers and tour their classrooms prior to the start of school. During this orientation, students and parents will meet with teachers, counselors and principals.
“What’s Poppin’ at JMS” Open House
Jamestown Middle School open house for students in grades six
through eight, “What’s Poppin’ at JMS,” will be held Tuesday, Aug. 29th, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. JMS students will be
their families’ personal tour guide to view their classrooms and meet their teachers while snacking on popcorn.
Kathy Steiner / The Jamestown Sun
The James Valley Career and Technology Center in Jamestown provides programs to Jamestown and several area schools.
the camps each summer, and each student receives a free shirt, prizes, books and journals.
The JVCTC staff will continue to incorporate and embed Career Ready Practices within their daily scope of instruction. These reflect a variety of workplace skills, but this year’s emphasis will again be devoted to communication, collaboration, responsibility, critical thinking and technical skills. Student growth within each area is reflected in Power School, allowing both parents and students an opportunity to track areas requiring growth. CTE developed “soft skills” to help students transition to workplace environments that reflect the CRP model.
The JVCTC currently has 26 students enrolled in Work Based Learning this fall, but it is not too late for area businesses to receive a student if preferred. Work Based Learning students have already earned a minimum of 2 credits within a respected program field of study, and the JVCTC partners with a number of local companies and agencies in creating on-site work opportunities for students. Participating students may earn a ½ credit (75 hours) or 1 credit (150 hours) through these opportunities, giving students an opportunity to experience workplace environments while expanding personal networks.
Please contact the James Valley Career and Technology Center Work Based Learning Coordinator Jerry Waagen for more details.
The JVCTC welcomes a new staff member, Walter Marinkovits. Walter will be this year’s Machinist instructor. Walter taught adult education in Pennsylvania but is new to 9-12 Career and Technology Education. Walter is highly skilled in machining, welding and small engines.
Beyond our robust career and technological curricular class offerings and programs, we host adult-basic and secondary education, general and vocational adult education, High School Completion (GED), Certified Nurse-Aide Skills Training and Certified NurseAide testing.
To get a more detailed look at the James Valley Career and Technology Center programs and staff go to the newly revised website: http://www.jamesvalleyctc.k12. nd.us/, call us at 701-252-8841 or stop in for a visit.
Gussner Elementary School plans ice cream social on Aug. 22
Welcome to another great school year! The Gussner Elementary School staff and administration are looking forward to another great school year.
The first day of school is Aug. 24, 2023, and the school day is 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Gussner Elementary is anticipating an enrollment of approximately 230 students this fall.
The following classroom teachers are returning to Gussner for this school year: Early Childhood Special Education: Sara Haufschild; Kindergarten: Kacey Schlafman and Sadie Lech; Grade One: Kelly Bauer and Allison Olson; Grade Two: Beth Fritz and DeAnn Gergen; Grade Three: Jenny Peet and Tricia Gaffaney; Grade Four: McKayla Carlson and Kevin Peterson; Grade Five: Tami Jo Maus and Anita Frey.
Our resource personnel include: Instructional Coach: Mari Stilwell; Basic Skills and Intervention Teacher: Tracy Iliff; Speech/Language: Sheena Neys; Special Education Strategists: Mike Romans and Larinda Hirschkorn; Special Education Technician: Holly Lee; Occupational Therapy: Kelly Anderson; PE: Pam Schmiedeberg; Music: Joan Kramlich; Librarian: Jim Nyland. Our para professionals include Mckenzie Anderson, Hannah Schmidt, Tammy
Some students think asmall campus means less opportunities. That’s justnot true.AtUniversity of Jamestown, you’ll be close to home.But you’ll still get to exploreacampus buzzing with activities. 22 sports. 7+ performing groups. Morethan 30 organizations. And endlessopportunities to make friends who feel likefamily
PaigeErhardt’25, Hazen, ND andMaTayaDostal ’23, Beulah,ND
Kathy Steiner / The Jamestown Sun
Gussner Elementary School will have an ice cream social on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Lincoln Elementary School expects more than 200 students
By Sherry Schmidt, Principal
Lincoln Elementary School is expecting an enrollment of about 220 students when school begins on Aug. 24, 2023.
The office personnel will be Sherry Schmidt, Principal; Amber Kleven, administrative assistant. The following classroom teachers for the school year are Kindergarten - Mrs. Clancy and Mrs. Schumaker, 1st Grade- Mrs. Traut and Mrs. Walker, 2nd Grade- Miss Fritz and Mrs. Sedler, 3rd Grade- Miss Striefel and Mrs. Monson, 4th Grade- Miss Lucy and Mr. Fritz, 5th Grade- Mr. Schmiedeberg and Mr. Skunberg. Our resource personnel are Instructional Strategist, Mrs. Kastet, Speech/ Language- TBA Occupational Therapist, Mrs. Anderson, Special Education Services- Mrs. Dawson and Mr. Hiltner, Title I- Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Ryan, Music- Mrs. Gegelman, Phy. Ed- Mr. Beach and Miss Ward, Counselor- Mrs. Heichel, Librarian
GUSSNER
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Chapin, Deanna Fischer, Angela Vigil, Chantelle Williams, Alexas Smith, Roxanne Nitschke, Erika Nahinurk, Kendra Paiement and Kara Paiement. Susan Corbell is our head cook and she is assisted by Julie Palmer.
The Gussner PTO will host its annual Ice Cream Social on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 22nd, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the school gym. Following the social, the teachers will move to their classrooms and the parents and students will be able to visit the rooms. All students are encouraged to bring their school supplies with them to the open house. This is a great time for you to meet your teachers before the first day of school. This makes the transition much easier, as well. We hope to see you all there!
In addition to the core curriculum, Gussner students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities/programs this year: Artist-in Residence program, PTO activities, Lyceums, Student Council, Reading Month activities, Spelling and Geography Bees, Book Fairs, music programs and Police and Fire Dept. Programs. Our 5th grade students may join beginners’ band, and we have
Mr. Nyland and library para, Mrs. Carmack. Our paraprofessionals will be Mrs. Eslick, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Heib, TBA, Mrs. Fuchs, Mrs. Gilge, Mrs. Eppen, Ms. Barnick, Mrs. Grugel, Mrs. Evenson, Ms. Newton and Miss Miller. David Celley as our custodian. Jordan and Tanya are our school cooks. Kay Finch will continue to be our cashier.
In addition to the core curriculum, Lincoln students will enjoy the following activities this year: Artistin-Residence, PTA activities, Police and Fire Department programs, lyceums, Positive Behavior Supports, Community Read, Book Fairs, and Music programs. In the area of fine arts, fifth grade students can join beginners orchestra. Fifth graders may participate in the following activities - basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, track, and children’s choir.
Students attending Lincoln will
choir for boys and girls in grades 4-5. Fifth graders may also participate in athletic activities such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, crosscountry, gymnastics and track. Gussner Elementary students will receive the same special services and programs offered in all Jamestown Public Schools.
Regular office hours begin Thursday, Aug. 10th. We encourage new families to call 252-3846 for an appointment to tour our school. We look forward to meeting and getting to know our new students and families.
We would like to remind everyone of our security system. All doors, including our front doors, will be locked from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. We will be making every effort this school year to be sure someone is in our office area throughout the school day. However, it is important that you call ahead to let us know when you will be arriving, should office personnel be called out to attend to other business matters throughout the building. A buzzer system is in place but parents are reminded, you must check your children in at the office if they are late when arriving to school.
We appreciate your patience as we make every effort to keep your children as safe as we possibly can throughout the school year.
receive the same special services and programs offered in other Jamestown Public Elementary Schools. In addition, Lincoln elementary is a schoolwide Title One school which allows all students access to intensive instruction as needed. The program focuses on assisting students with reading and math. Multiple reading programs will be available for qualifying students in grades K-5. Lincoln Elementary School will continue to work with the district and school wide goals of reading and math. Consultation services will be provided by Mrs. Barton, instructional strategist. Lincoln will continue to implement school-wide expectations with Positive Behavior Supports. Anyone entering Lincoln school will be expected to always display respectful, responsible and safe behavior. To assist with this implementation, the students and staff are divided
into six different houses to enhance relationships school-wide. All Jamestown elementary students in grades 3-5 will receive a planner. The goal is for students to learn and practice basic organizational skills in a consistent and structured way. It will also serve as a tool to increase home & school communication.
After Aug. 10, we encourage new families to call 252-0867 for an appointment to visit our school. This will give us an opportunity to meet our new families and answer questions you may have while touring the building. We will have our “Back to School” night for students and families in grades 1-5 on Tuesday, Aug. 22nd, from 5:307 p.m. We also will have our first Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15th at 5:15 for all interested parents. Hope to see you all there!
NOW ENROLLING!
3-5 Year Old Licensed Pre-School
• 6:30am - 6:00pm hours
• Limited spots available
• Complete application on our website to schedule an appointment today
Louis L’Amour Elementary School expects more than 100 students
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year! All of us at Louis L’Amour Elementary School sincerely hope that everyone’s summer was full of fun and relaxation. As we begin to embark on the new school year, we are asking that you prepare for an exciting, rewarding, challenging and successful school year. Louis L’Amour Elementary School is expecting an enrollment of approximately 110 students when school begins on Aug. 24, 2023. It will be great to see both new and familiar faces!
Para-professionals: Clarissa Roemmich, Audrey Veldkamp, Tammy Scouten, Morgan Bossignham, Taylor Enzminger, Cindy Sabinash, Jennifer Hoffer
Custodian: Chasta Mansavage
Cook: Liz Zink; Kitchen Assistant: Lesley Tarno
In addition to the core curriculum, Louis L’Amour students will be engaged in the following activities this year: Artist-in-Residence, PTO activities, Lyceums, Community Read, Book Fairs, and Music programs. In the area of fine arts, students in fifth grade may audition for boys’ and girls’ choir; fifth grade students have the opportunity to join beginner’s orchestra second semester and beginner’s band in the summer (before sixth grade).
LOUIS L’AMOUR: Page 9
Staff Office personnel: Eddy Delzer, principal; Jeff Meissner, dean of students; Bonnie Mielke, secretary Teachers: Kindergarten-Anni Stier; 1 st Grade-Heidi Flitton; 2nd Grade-Tiffany Hillstrom; 3rd GradeKristi Eberhardt; 4th Grade-Kristy Landenberger; 5th Grade- Bryan Edens; Speech/Language- Online Specialist; Special Education-Darla Hogue; Reading and Math Specialist-Jeana Mack; MusicJamie Gegelman and Joan Kramlich; Phy. Ed-Cassandra Ward; CounselorAmanda Legrey; Librarian-Jim Nyland; Instructional Coach-Mari Stilwell.
SHOP
Kathy Steiner / The Jamestown Sun
Louis L’Amour Elementary School will hold a “Back to School” night on Aug. 22.
Roosevelt Elementary School sets open house
By Jada Anderson, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year at Roosevelt Elementary. I will be the new principal at Roosevelt Elementary. This year is my 11th year with Jamestown Public Schools, having previously been a classroom teacher and instructional coach. I am excited to step into my new role as your principal and can’t wait for the year to start!
Classroom Teachers
Kindergarten: Alison Offner and Lori Roberts
1st Grade: Allison Best and Amanda Schaffer
2nd Grade: Randa Carlson and McKayla Sablan
3rd Grade: Riley Carlson and Jordan Brown
4th Grade: Diana Finck and Kadyn Mehring
5th Grade: Correy Birch and Lyndsey Haakenson
Specialists
PE: Pam Schmeideberg and David Beach
Music: Meredith Meidinger
Special Ed: Angela Wanzek and Jackie Schiele
Speech: JoDell Stading
Title I: Abby Koropatnicki, Jenna Newman, and Cassidy Trevithick
EL Teacher: Lana Meissner
Counselor: Lisa Anderson
Instructional Coach: Rachel Kastet
Librarian: James Nyland
Classified Staff
Secretary: Jennifer Sundeen
Custodian: Chris Perleberg
Kitchen Staff: Mona Martell, Jane Roscoe, and Jackie Haskell
Paraprofessionals: Renae Ask, Alica Ask, Glendene Lee, Candice McNamee, Danette Mindt, Marie Moldenhauer, Pam Peek, Jennifer Stavem, Judy Sundeen and Christeen Walz
Library Assistant: Melissa Carmack
School reminders: Aug. 24 — First day of school
Aug. 25 — Kindergarten Assessment
Aug. 26 — Kindergarten Assessment
Aug. 28 — First day of school for kindergarten
Activities: Athletic events are provided for 5th graders. Notification will be sent to parents for sign up closer to the start of activity season. Boys and Girls choir is provided for 4th and 5th graders.
LOUIS L’AMOUR
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Fifth graders may participate in the following athletic activities: basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, cross-country, and track. In addition to district activities, students of all grade levels at Louis L’Amour can participate in Intramurals. In the past, we have had art classes, coding, Lego League, E-Sports, yard games, and many more!
At Louis L’Amour Elementary, we will utilize Nurtured Heart Approach, a process built on the premise of developing discipline within children rather than applying discipline to them. We celebrate the greatness within each person. Our school participates in the Fruit and Veggie Snack and the Weekend Back Pack programs. If you have questions about any of the programs and activities, please call the school office. We are anticipating a marvelous school year, and we look forward to serving your child and you.
Office, 252-1950. After Aug. 14th, we encourage new families to call 2512102 for an appointment to visit and tour our school during office hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F. This will give us an opportunity to meet you and answer questions you may have.
Note to Kindergarten Families: The first two days of school, Aug. 24th and 25th, will be used for assessment of all students entering Kindergarten. You should have received a call to schedule an appointment; you will only come for that time on one of those two days. Regular classes for Kindergarten begin on Aug. 28th.
Back-to-school open house: 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Come meet your teachers and bring your school supplies.
Innovation Academy: Gifted and Talented program is provided for 3rd-5th graders. Academy is provided on a single designated day of the week for each grade level, Tuesday - Thursday.
Late Start Wednesdays - school will begin at 9:30. This time allows for staff to collaborate. There will be supervision starting at 8 a.m.; however, you do not need to send your child to school until 9:30 on Wednesday.
Safety: For the safety of all students and staff, all doors will remain locked during school hours. You will need to use the main entrance door buzzer and identify yourself and the reason you are requesting access to the building.
Title I: Roosevelt provides Schoolwide Title I. Title I staff work with all students at Roosevelt to provide push-in and pull-out service based on students’ levels of need. A combination of assessments for ELA and math identify students with needs for support. The District Title I Handbook is located on the Roosevelt Elementary website. If you would like a paper copy of the handbook, please request one from the office.
PTO: The group consists of parents and school staff who work to support the students and staff at Roosevelt Elementary. They organize events and promote parent involvement. If you want additional information, please stop by office. Consider joining the PTO group.
Remember, when teachers, parents, and students work together as a team, then Together Everyone Achieves More.
If you still need to register your child for the coming year, please contact Amy Neustel at the district Central
The PTO will meet in October to begin planning activities and projects for the coming year; we need you! Join us! More information will be passed along at Back to School Night. The PTO will be sponsoring a “Back to School” night for all students and families on August 22nd from 4–5:30 p.m. A FREE TREAT will be served at 5:30. Information will be shared with everyone, our staff will be introduced, and teachers will inform parents and students of procedures, expectations, and routines for the coming year. You won’t want to miss it!
We hope to see you all there! You are welcome to follow our Facebook Page: Louis L’Amour Elementary for all the latest information.
Dr. Markelle Gartner
Carrie Orn
Kylie Kudrna
Kathy Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Roosevelt Elementary School will hold an open house on Aug. 22.
Washington Elementary expects about 100 students
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year! All of us at Washington Elementary sincerely hope that everyone’s summer was full of fun and relaxation. As we begin to embark on the new school year, we are asking that you prepare for an exciting, rewarding, challenging, and successful school year. Washington Elementary is expecting an enrollment of approximately 100 students when school begins on Aug. 24, 2023. It will be great to see both new and familiar faces!
Staff
Office personnel: Eddy Delzer, principal; Jeff Meissner, dean of students; Jordan Simpson, secretary Teachers: Kindergarten-Courtney Peleberg; 1st Grade-Brenda Jensen; 2nd Grade-Nancy Anderson; 3rd Grade-Emma Michelson; 4th GradeLynn Fossen; 5th Grade-Brandon Gange; Special Education-Paula Grueneich; Title 1-Anjie Horn; MusicJulianna Wolff; Phy. Ed-Mike Smith;
Counselor-Amanda Legrey; LibrarianJim Nyland; Instructional Coach-Mari Stilwell; Para-professionals: Sara Hann, Mark Ukestad, Brittany Larson, Shelley Anderson, Diana Walker, Robin Kramlich; Custodian: Pat Greenwood; Cook: Robbyn Heidt; Reading Corp-Lisa Wagner
In addition to the core curriculum, Washington students will be engaged in the following activities this year: Artist-in-Residence, PTO activities, Lyceums, Community Read, Book Fairs and music programs. In the area of fine arts, students in fifth grade may audition for boys’ and girls’ choir; fifth grade students have the opportunity to join beginner’s orchestra second semester and beginner’s band in the summer (before sixth grade). Fifth graders may participate in the following athletic activities: basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, cross-country, and track. In addition to district activities, students of all grade levels at Washington can participate in Intramurals. We will have art classes,
coding, Lego League, E-Sports, yard games and many more! At Washington Elementary, we will utilize Nurtured Heart Approach, a process built on the premise of developing discipline within children rather than applying discipline to them. We celebrate the greatness within each person. Our school participates in the Fruit and Veggie Snack and the Weekend Back Pack programs. If you have questions about any of the programs and activities, please call the school office.
We are anticipating a marvelous school year, and we look forward to serving your child and you. Remember, when teachers, parents and students work together as a team, then Together Everyone Achieves More.
If you still need to register your child for the coming year, please contact Amy Neustel at the district Central Office-252-1950. After Aug. 14th, we encourage new families to call 2520468 for an appointment to visit and tour our school during office hours, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. M-F. This will give us an
Activity season tickets available for JHS events
opportunity to meet you and answer questions you may have.
Note to Kindergarten families: The first two days of school, Aug. 24th and 25th, will be used for assessment of all students entering Kindergarten. You should have received a call to schedule an appointment; you will only come for that time on one of those two days. Regular classes for Kindergarten begin on Aug. 28th .
The PTO will be sponsoring a “Back to School” night for all students and families on August 22nd from 5:306:30 p.m. A FREE TREAT will be served at 5:30 p.m. Information will be shared with everyone, our staff will be introduced, and teachers will inform parents and students of procedures, expectations, and routines for the coming year. You won’t want to miss it! We hope to see you all there! You are welcome to follow our Facebook Page: Washington Elementary School for all the latest information.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Jamestown High School is now selling activity season tickets for drama productions and all home sporting events except for the holiday tournaments and play-off tournaments. The tickets can be purchased at the high school office, the Central Office, 207 2nd Ave. SE, or by contacting the activity director.
Activity tickets, which include football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, track, volleyball, softball and drama, are sold at a cost of $30 for students, $60 for adults and $150 for a family pass.
A change for this year is that Family Activity Tickets for Jamestown Public Schools will need to be ordered in advance. Family Activity Tickets ordered Monday through Wednesday can be picked up on Friday. Orders placed on Thursday and Friday can be picked up the following Wednesday. Tickets for individual events can be purchased at the door. The cost is $4 for students, $6 for adults and $4 for college students with College ID.
Anyone 65 years of age or older may obtain a Golden Age Activity ticket at no charge at the Central Office, located at 207 2nd Ave. SE. Lifetime passes issued before 1996 are still valid.
The district does not sell individual sport or activity season tickets.
Dr.
Jamestown Public School policies for 2023-2024 school year
The following are policies/information from Jamestown Public Schools.
NONDISCRIMINATION
AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
General Prohibitions
The Jamestown Public School District is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment in all employment and educational programs, activities, and facilities. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on a student’s, parent’s, guardian’s, or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or other status protected by law. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups, as required by federal law.
It is a violation of this policy for any district student, parent, guardian, employee, or third party to discriminate against or harass another district student or employee, based on any status protected by law, if the conduct occurred within the context of an education program or activity, or if the conduct had a continuing effect in the educational setting of a
program or activity occurring on or off school district property. The District will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of a district student or employee by a third party.
The District also prohibits aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling, or coercing discrimination or harassment; discriminating against or harassing any individual affiliated with another who is protected by this policy and/or law; knowingly making a false discrimination and/or harassment report; and retaliation against individuals who report and/ or participate in a discrimination and/or harassment investigation, including instances when a complaint is not substantiated.
The District shall promptly investigate any discrimination, harassment, or retaliation complaint and act on findings as appropriate, or as required by law. Outcomes may include disciplinary measures such as termination of employment or student expulsion in accordance with board policy, law, and, when applicable, the negotiated agreement.
Students and employees are expected to fully cooperate in the investigation process.
The District will take steps to prevent recurrence of discrimination, harassment,
or retaliation and remedy discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate.
Definitions
• Complainant is the individual filing the complaint. If the complainant is not the victim of the alleged discrimination and/ or harassment, the victim must be afforded the same rights as the complainant under this policy and regulations AAC-BR1 or AAC-BR2.
• Disability is defined in accordance with NDCC 14-02.4-02 (5).
• Discrimination means failure to treat an individual equally due to a protected status.
• Protected status is defined in applicable state (NDCC 14-02.4-02 (6)) and federal laws.
• Employee is defined in accordance with NDCC 14-02.4-02 (7).
Harassment is a specific type of discrimination based on a protected status. It occurs under the following conditions:
a. For employees: When enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or the conduct is severe, persistent, and/ or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable individual would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
b. For students: When the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, and/ or pervasive so as to limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the education program or to create a hostile or abusive education environment.
North Dakota Human Rights Act (NDCC ch. 14-02.4) provides protection from discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, status with regarding to marriage or public assistance, or participation in lawful activity off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer.
Section 504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794) is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Sexual harassment is a form of harassment based on sex. It is defined under Title IX as unwelcome sexual
POLICIES: Page 12
Sameandnext-day
POLICIES
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advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal, written, or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature, that:
a. Constitutes quid pro quo harassment, meaning submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of the basis for employment decisions or educational decisions or benefits for students (e.g., receiving a grade);
c. Is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity; or
d. Constitutes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as those offenses are defined in the Clery Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f) and the Violence Against Women Act, 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a).
Sexual harassment examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Sexual or “dirty” jokes;
b. Sexual advances;
c. Pressure for sexual favors;
d. Unwelcome touching, such as patting, pinching, or constant brushing against another’s body;
e. Displaying or distributing of sexually explicit drawings, pictures, and written materials;
f. Graffiti of a sexual nature;
g. Sexual gestures;
h. Touching oneself sexually or talking about one’s sexual activity in front of others;
i. Spreading rumors about or rating other’s sexual activity or performance;
j. Remarks about an individual’s sexual orientation; and
k. Sexual violence, including rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act extends the prohibition on discrimination established by Section 504 to all services, programs, and activities of State and local government entities.
Title VI is a federal law that provides protection from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in employment and employment practices in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Title VII is a federal law that provides protection from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Title VII applies to all public school districts with 15 or more employees.
Title IX is a federal law that provides protection from discrimination, based on sex, in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Other or different definitions may be set forth in board regulations AAC-BR1 or AAC- BR2.
Complaint Filing Procedure
The Board shall create an informal and formal discrimination and harassment complaint filing procedure in board regulations coded AAC-BR1. For Title IX sexual harassment complaints, grievance procedures shall be followed in accordance with federal regulations and board regulation AAC-BR2.
The procedure provides for an impartial investigation free of conflicts of interest and bias. Nothing in this policy or in the discrimination and harassment grievance procedure prevents an individual from
pursuing redress available through state and/or federal law.
Confidentiality
An individual wishing to file an anonymous discrimination and/or harassment complaint must be advised that confidentiality may limit the district’s ability to fully respond to the complaint and that retaliation is prohibited. The appropriate grievance coordinator (Title IX, 504/Title II, or Nondiscrimination) shall perform a confidentiality analysis to determine when a request for confidentiality cannot be honored due to safety reasons or the district’s obligation to maintain a nondiscriminatory educational environment. The complainant must be notified in writing of the confidentiality analysis outcome. A discrimination or harassment investigation report is subject to the open records law after 60 days or when the investigation is complete (whichever comes first), with limited exceptions such as when the record is protected by FERPA.
Complaint Recipients
If any district employee receives a discrimination or harassment complaint, the employee shall promptly forward it to the appropriate grievance coordinator. All district employees must receive training on their reporting duties.
Grievance Coordinators
Districts must designate at least one employee to be their Title IX Coordinator and authorize such individual(s) to coordinate the district’s efforts to comply with its responsibilities under the applicable regulations.
The Title IX Coordinator’s responsibilities include overseeing the district’s response to Title IX reports and complaints and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems revealed by such reports and complaints. The Title IX Coordinator must have knowledge of the requirements of Title IX, of the district’s policies and procedures on sex discrimination, and of all complaints raising Title IX issues throughout the District.
To accomplish this, the Title IX Coordinator must be informed of any report or complaint raising Title IX issues, even if the report or complaint was initially filed with another individual or office or if the investigation will be conducted by another individual or office.
The Board designates Kristi Grounds as the Title IX Coordinator. They may be contacted at 207 2 Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, 701-252-1950 or Kristi.Grounds@ k12.nd.us. Districts must notify students, parents or legal guardians, employees and unions of the name and specified contact information for the designated Title IX Coordinator(s). The notification must also state that inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be directed to the district’s Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education, or both. Districts must prominently display the Title IX Coordinator(s) contact information on their website, if any, and in each handbook it makes available to students, parents or legal guardians, employees and unions.
The 504/Title II Coordinator’s responsibilities include overseeing the district’s response to disability
discrimination reports and complaints. The 504/Title II Coordinator must have knowledge of the requirements of Section 504 and Title II, of the district’s policies and procedures on disability discrimination, and of all complaints raising Section 504/Title II issues throughout the District. To accomplish this, the 504/Title II Coordinator must be informed of any report or complaint raising Section 504/Title II issues, even if the report or complaint was initially filed with another individual or office or if the investigation will be conducted by another individual or office. The Board designates Heidi Budeau as the 504/Title II Coordinator. They may be contacted at 207 2 Ave. SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, 701-2523376 or Heidi.Budeau@k12.nd.us.
The Nondiscrimination Coordinator’s core responsibilities include overseeing the district’s response to discrimination and harassment reports and complaints that do not include sex or disability under applicable federal laws, but instead the other protected statuses or sex or disability based discrimination under state law. The Board designates Robert Lech, as the Nondiscrimination Coordinator. They may be contacted at 207 2nd Ave. SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, 701-252-1950 or Robert.Lech@k12.nd.us.
Policy Dissemination
The Superintendent shall display this policy and complementary grievance procedures in a prominent place in each district building and publish it in student and employee handbooks.
Training
The Board authorizes the Superintendent
to develop discrimination and harassment awareness training for students and employees. Employee training requirements are delineated in board exhibit AAC-E3, Discrimination and/ or Harassment Training Requirements for Employees.
The Title IX, 504/Title II, and Nondiscrimination Coordinators, and any other school official responsible for the investigation of discrimination complaints, shall receive training. This training must include:
1. The definition of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
2. The handling of complaints under the Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure (AAC-BR1); and
3. The applicability of confidentiality requirements.
In addition, the Title IX Coordinator(s), investigators, decision-makers, and those facilitating an informal resolution process, if applicable, under Title IX shall receive training in a number of areas specified in board regulation AAC-BR2.
Complementing Policies
• AAC-BR1, Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure
• AAC-BR2, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
• AAC-E1, Filing a State or Federal Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint
• AAC-E2, Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint Confidentiality Assessment
• AAC-E3, Discrimination and/or Harassment Training Requirements
JPS: Page 13
for Employees
• AAC-E4, Reasonable Accommodation Request Physician Form
• AAC-E5, Notice of Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint
• ABBB, Non-Curricular Use of District Property
• DE, Staff Code of Conduct
FGDB, Student Handbooks
End of Jamestown Public School District Policy AAC
Adopted:9-8-2020 Amended 1-16-2023 reviewed 1-17-2023
Jamestown Public School District #1 Grievance Procedure for Title VI, Title IX, Section 504:
Any person who believes he/she, or any specific class of individuals, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability may file a complaint as outlined below. A complaint must be filed not later than 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination unless the time for filing is extended by the responsible school official or his/her designee.
1. Complaint Procedure
a.) An informal oral complaint may be filed with the superintendent or immediate superior if the person filing the complaint is a student or employee of the Jamestown Public School District, OR
* b) A formal written complaint may be filed with the District Administrator, who will designate the person responsible for coordinating the efforts of Jamestown Public School District No. 1 to comply with Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504, including the investigation of complaints alleging non-compliance.
The office address and telephone number are:
Robert Lech, Superintendent P.O. Box 269 207 2nd Ave. SE Jamestown, North Dakota 58401 (701) 252-1950
Robert.Lech@k12.nd.us
Kristi Grounds, Business Manager
P.O. Box 269
207 2nd Ave. SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401 (701) 252-1950
Kristi.Grounds@k12.nd.us
Heidi Budeau, Director of James River
Special Education
P.O. Box 1896
207 2nd Ave. SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401 (701) 252-3376
Heidi.Budeau@K12.nd.us
*Any person lodging an informal, oral complaint has the right to file a formal written complaint within 60 days of filing the oral complaint. The formal written complaint must be filed as outlined in (b) above.
NOTIFICATION OF DISTRICT ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
You are hereby notified that the Jamestown Public School District #1 has developed an Asbestos Management Plan for all school buildings.
This management plan contains the findings and recommendations prepared by the consultant firm that conducted the assessment, Institute for Environmental Assessment, Anoka, MN.
You are further notified that inquiries about the management plan can be made at either the school building or at the Jamestown Public Schools Central Office. Jerome Wegner, Maintenance Supervisor, has been designated coordinator of the asbestos management plan. The office address and telephone number of our coordinator are as follows:
207 2nd Ave. SE
Jamestown, North Dakota 58401 (701) 252-1950
District Administrator
Jamestown Public School District #1
School Board President
Jamestown Public School District #1
Hillcrest Christian School classes
begin Aug. 21 in Jamestown
Hillcrest Christian School begins on Aug. 21.
Superintendent: Kelli Wasemiller
Principal: Trudy Smith
Date school starts and ends: Aug. 21, 2023, May 24, 2024
Projected enrollment (grades K-12, note if other grades): 10 — Kindergarten, 2; First grade, 1; Fourth grade, 1; Fifth grade, 1; Sixth grade, 2; seventh grade, 2; eighth grade, 1.
Special school dates: Hillcrest
Help-Out Days: Sept. 14 and May 9; Outdoor School: Sept. 18-21; Hillcrest
Preview Days: Oct. 6 and Feb. 16
School board members: Dan Vis (chair), Dan Hansen, Ron Naasz, Tarica Diede, Jan Olson, Melissa Brass, Susie Kahler, Brad Kahler
Additional administration: Pastor
Nate Skaife
Faculty: Dusty Ricketts
St. John’s Academy classes begin on Aug. 24
St. John’s Academy begins classes on Aug. 24.
Superintendent: Mike Hagstrom
Principal: Jeff Trumbauer
Date school starts and ends: Aug. 24th – May 23rd
Projected enrollment (grades K-12, note if other grades): 245 (Preschool, Pre-K and K-8)
Special school dates: Catholic Schools Week Jan. 28th – 3rd School board members: Stacy Roers-Irmen (President), Jennifer, Lipetzky (Vice-President), Janel Monson (Secretary), Grant Kleven, Jennifer Gasal, LeAnn Cimbura, Mark Urquhart, Marianne Klosterman, Wenda LeFevre, Dave Landenberger
Additional administration: Pastor – Fr. Chad Wilhelm, Parochial Vicar – Joseph Littlefield, Vice Principal – Marlys Fix, School
Administrative Assistant, Dean of Students – Yvette Yatskis
– Stacy Anderson, Mission Advancement and Marketing
Assistant– Sarah Sankey
Faculty:
• Preschool – Jill Mahoney, Brynn Burkett, Nicole Fritz
• Pre-Kindergarten – Erin Neville
• Kindergarten – Wenda LeFevre
• 1st Grade – Angie Hansen
• 1st Grade – Briana Schafer
• 2nd Grade – Alicia Bata
• 2nd Grade – Meghan Rene
• 3rd Grade – Tamara Gapinksi
• 4th Grade – Jodi Trumbauer
• 5th Grade – Peggy Vandal
• Middle School Language Arts –Yvette Yatskis
• Middle School Math –
Kristin Higgins
• Middle School Science/Health –
Lindsey Cramer
• Middle School Social Studies –Karen Eckroth
• Music/Middle School Choir –Julie Sprague
• Library – Andrea Hournbuckle
• Physical Education – Leslie Horgan
• Resource – Andrea Hournbuckle
ST. JOHN’S : Page 14
Victory Christian School begins classes Aug. 24
Victory Christian School begins classes on Aug. 24.
Executive Director: Michael Woodley
Start date: Aug. 24, 2023
End date: May 17, 2024
Projected Enrollment: 101 students, PreK- 8th Grade Special School Dates: Dec. 1Sounds of the Seasons
Feb. 8 - Giving Hearts Day School Board members - Bjorn Hanson, Dwight Schmidt, Fay Tracy, John Baumgartner, Ben Mickelson, Heather Wegner, Arlette Iverson, Brendan Bohn and Jessica Clemens
Faculty: Heather Tomlin-Rohr (PreK), Melissa Hoke (K), Haley Sortland (1st), Sarah Ratts (2nd),
Julia Reeves (3rd), Josie Beckman (4th), LaDeen Knutson (5th and 6th), Amy Stegmiller (7th and 8th).
Other Staff: Fay TracyAdministrative Assistant; Nicole Bruns - Bookkeeper
Physical Improvements: 3 new classrooms were added to accommodate our growing student population.
Barnes County North Public School
Barnes County North Public School begins classes on Aug. 16
Back to School open house: 8/14/23 (5-7 p.m.)
Last Day of school: 5/16/24
Projected enrollment: 248 (PreK through 12)
Parent/Teacher Conferences: 11/9/23 and 3/7/24
Graduation: 5/19/24
Faculty
Superintendent: Andrew Currie
High School Principal/AD: JR Wilson
Elementary Principal: Danielle Bosse
Technology Coordinator: Melissa Bitz
Site Manager/Transportation Director/Driver: Bud Cruff
Business Manager: Lindsay Polk
HS/Career Counselor: Alicia Broten
PK-6 Counselor: Sara Anderson
Administrative Assistant: Joanne Jorissen
Receptionist/Administrative
Assistant/Bus Driver: Kim Schwehr
Title I: Lisa McMillan
MTSS Coordinator: Tina Bryn
Title I/MTSS: Patrick O’Brien
HS Sp Ed/VB/JH GBB: Tori
ST. JOHN’S
From Page 13
• Band – Angie Hansen
• Choir Director – Julie Sprague
• Orchestra Director –
Maddy Tyson
• Cyber Club Director –
Lindsey Cramer
• Drama Club Director –
Yvette Yatskis
• School Counselor
Barnes County North School
Houdek
Elementary Special Education:
Paige Powers
PreK teacher: Melanie Pratt
Kindergarten teacher: Jenna Mairs
Kindergarten teacher: Hallie Wenaas
1st grade teacher: Jodi Miller
2nd grade teacher: Tresa Cruff
3rd grade teacher: Laine Klasinski
4th grade teachers: Kelly Scott, Mariah Hanson
5th grade teacher: Krista Amann
6th grade teacher: Mindy Tvedt
Elem PE teacher/Bus Driver: Daniel Tomaszewski
Librarian: Jodi Jorissen
– Jennifer Lipetzky
Other staff:
• Cafeteria – Logan Kelly and Steve Laber
• Custodial Services – Total Clean Inc.
• Child care – Nicole Fritz and Angela Rost
Physical improvements at facility: Library renovation, computer lab renovation, STEM
HS PE teacher/Athletic Trainernot filled at press time
HS FACS teacher: Tracy Heinze
HS English/Bus Driver: Jeanie Magee
Elem/HS Music teacher - not filled at press time
HS Business teacher - not filled at press time
HS Social Studies/History/Bus Driver: John Samuelson
HS Math teacher/BBB Coach: Stacy Schaffer
7th & 8th Grade teacher: Mckenzie Schweitzer
HS Science teacher/Bus Driver: Dale Undem
BARNES COUNTY: Page 16
Lab, bathroom remodel (6), gym floor replacement, bus garage, outdoor landscaping, new school bus
Curriculum/technology changes: none
Other information: St. John’s Academy begins its 133rd year of offering Catholic education in the community of Jamestown.
The HOPE (Help Offer Private Education) Dinner is Oct. 14.
Courtesy / BCN
Medina Public School classes start on Aug. 17
The following is information on Medina Public School included in the 2023-2024 Jamestown Sun Back to School Edition.
Superintendent: Damon Bosche
Principal: Tara Hofmann
Date school starts/ends: Aug. 17, 2023/May 16, 2024
Projected enrollment
(Preschool-12th grade) 210
Special school dates: Oct. 16 and March 11— Parent Teacher Conferences; May 19--Graduation
School board members
Rory Hoffmann, President
Jacob Hofmann, Vice President
Shawn Gefroh
Nancy Heinle-Bodvig
Jeremy Schmidt
Nolan Kartchner
Shawn Lachenmeier
Faculty Preschool: Wendy Reister
Kindergarten: Heidi Perleberg
1st Grade: Jessica Carlson
2nd Grade: Elizabeth Schmidt
3rd Grade: Meredith Schmidt
4th Grade: Mary Wick
5th Grade: Joey Heupel
6th Grade: Michele Cassula
Business Education/Technology
Coordinator: Tammy Heinrich
Special Education: Tanya Hemmer, Jennifer Hayes
Counselor: April Foth
Title 1: Kim Hoffmann
English/Library: Faye Heupel
Science: Kaylie Hieb
Math: Wendy Waleri
Social Studies: Danny Fischer
Ag Ed/FFA Advisor: Jenny Vandehoven
Physical Education: Brett Thielges
Instrumental & Choral Music: Rochelle Bosche
Speech/Language Pathologist: Michelle Lytle
Other Staff
Paraprofessionals: Tina Guthmiller, Jodi Dockter, Ashley Opp, Melissa Dockter, Jodie Krapp, Brenda Wahl, Lois VanEpps, Debbie Zimmerman, Jacob Burkart
Paraprofessional/Reading Corps
Tutor: DeAnn Ruff
Preschool Paraprofessional: Julie Opp
Math Corps Tutor: Becky Greer
Business Manager: Dawn Moser
Secretary: Teresa Schelske
Head Custodian: Jahleel Opp
Bus Foreman/Assistant Custodian:
Ryan Anderson
Head Cook: Stephanie Wolff
Assistant Cooks: Starr Koble, Tammy Moser
District Bus Drivers: Tina Guthmiller,
Just Say No Club
Curriculum changes: New reading curriculum for elementary students
Montpelier Public School classes begin on Aug. 16
Montpelier Public School begins classes on Aug. 16.
Superintendent: Phil Leitner
Principal: 9-12: Phil Leitner, PK-8: Sara Wilson
Date school starts and ends:
First day of school - Aug. 16
Last day of school - May 17
Projected enrollment (grades K-12, note if other grades): 105
Special school dates:
Sept. 4 - No School - Labor Day
Sept. 28 - Dismiss at 1:45 - Parent/ Teacher Conferences
Oct. 19-20 - No School - Fall Educator Conference
Nov. 10 - No School - Veterans Day Observed
Nov. 23-24 - No School -
Thanksgiving vacation
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - No School -
Christmas vacation
Jan. 15 - No School - MLK Day
Feb. 16 - No School - Presidents Day Weekend
Feb. 19 - No School - Presidents Day Weekend
Feb. 29 - Dismiss at 1:45 - Parent/ Teacher Conferences
March 15 - No School - Storm Make Up Day 1
March 22 - No School - Storm Make Up Day 2
March 28 - April 1 - No School
Easter Break
April 26 - No School - Storm Make Up Day 3
School board members
Tony Roorda
Scott Harms
Robert Froehlich
Kyle Throener
Wade Dally
Abram Velenta
Brock Naze
Faculty
PK - Charity Dosch
K - Maureen Schrader
First Grade - Mary Hilgemann
Second Grade - Julie Williams
Third and Fourth Grade -
Tonya Kramer
Fifth Grade - Ryan Nelson
Fourth and Sixth Grade - Tyler Lee
Music - Kristen Lynch
Physical Education - Don Entzi
School Counselors - Mike Soulis and Phil Leitner
HS English and Title I - Heidi Bear
HS Science/Math - Ellen Fehr
HS Social Studies - Julie Leggate
HS Business/JH Math -
Richard Wright
Special Education - Marla Haugen
Other staff
Business Manager - Amy Maurer
Activities Director - Richard Wright
Administrative AssistantMelissa Marshall
Technology Coordinator - Jim Bear
Title Teacher AssistantTonia Kjellberg
Paraprofessional - Diane Brown
Paraprofessional - Scott Lynch
Paraprofessional - Kris Kietzman
Tital Aide - Joline Luck
Head Cook - Jodean Nelson
Bus Drivers - Stacy Peckham, Jeff DeBuck, Joline Luck, and Richard Wright
Head Custodian - Randy Henne
Assistant Custodian/Cook - Sally Dick
Physical improvements at facility: New science lab flooring; new siding, window and gutter on smartlab; new siding, window and gutter on bus garage; south windows replaced on high school; new cabinets in most elementary classrooms
Creative Learning for Grades 3 –
Brett Thielges, Dean Moser, Kurt Hayes, Rhoda Lachenmeier, Ryan Anderson, Melissa Dockter
leader: Tammy Schlecht
Courtesy / Damon Bosch Medina Public School
Pingree-Buchanan Public School
Superintendent/High School
Principal: Amber Krapp
Elementary Principal: Terrie Neys
Date school starts and ends: Aug. 17, 2023 – May 17, 2024
Projected enrollment (grades K-12, note if other grades): 175 (PreK-12)
Special school dates:
Back-to-School Open House (Aug. 15, 5-7 p.m.)
No School (Sept. 4, Oct. 19-20, Nov. 10, Nov. 22-24, Dec. 21-Jan. 1, Jan. 15, Feb. 16, Feb. 19, March 14-15, March 29, April 1)
Early Dismissals (Dec. 20, May 17)
Graduation (May 19 at 2 p.m.)
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Oct. 16, March 12)
End of 1st Quarter (Oct. 13); End of 2nd Quarter (Dec. 20); End of 3rd Quarter (March 8); End of 4th Quarter (May 17)
School board members: Jeremy Sorenson (president), JR Perleberg (vice president), Lucas Torgerson, Jordan Berg, Caitlin Striefel, Brandon Wilson, Jenna Bredahl
Additional administration: Robert Young (high school dean of students)
Faculty
PreK/Title: Carrie Wolsky
Kindergarten: Mikayla Cramer
1st Grade: Hayleigh Labelle
2nd Grade: Hannah Gussiaas
3rd Grade: Denise Hallwachs
4th Grade/Bus Driver: Sarah Heinle
5th Grade: Erin Drown
6th Grade/Bus Driver: Meggan Smith
Music: Mark Reeves
Health/PE: Brady Birch
BARNES COUNTY
From Page 14
Art Teacher (part-time) - not filled at press time
HS Special Ed Para: Emilee Barnes
Sheyenne Valley Spec Ed Para: Patty Hollinshead
Elem Para: Taylyn Storbeck
Sheyenne Valley Special Ed Para/ Bus Driver: Anne Hovland
PreK Para: Dana Faber
Head Cook: Joie Muncy
Cooks: Debbie Johnson, Danielle Nelson, Sharon Shockley
Custodians: Joan Duffy, Will Haugen
Transportation: Dan Schwehr
Bus drivers: Marshall Jacobson, Mary Plumb, Everett Vogel,
Social Studies: Robert Young
Business/Tech Coordinator:
Shelby Dietz
English: Calli Stoudt
Math: Kinsly Tarmann
Science: Sherri Armitage
Construction: Paul Monson
Special Education: Leah Thoms
Other staff
Head Custodian/Bus Driver: Lynzy Anderson
Elementary Custodian/Bus Driver: Nick Fenno
High School Cook: Cheryl Bennett
Elementary Cook: Kim Christianson
Business Manager: Kylee Ingebretson
High School Secretary: Darlene Krapp
Elementary Secretary: JoAnne Perleberg
Tutor/Sub: Joe Uehran
High School Para: Brenda Severtson
Elementary Para: Elyse Torgerson
Special Education Para/Bus Driver: Lynette Odenbach
High School Counselor: Mike Soulis
Elementary Counselor: Courtney Schuetz
Speech Therapy: Rhonda Cook
Bus Driver: Luke Heinle
Physical improvements at facility: New kitchen cabinets and countertops in the high school kitchen. Beginning groundwork for new baseball/softball field in Pingree.
Curriculum/Technology changes: Updated iPads for elementary students and MacBook Air computers for high school students.
Kurt Wagner
Bus Driver/Sub Cook: Laurie Straub
Curriculum/Technology changes: The ELA curriculum was updated from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journey’s to Into Reading for K-6 and Into Literature for 7-12. PreK also adopted McGraw Hill’s World of Wonders curriculum.
School Board
Mike Schwehr, President
Jennifer Bollingberg, Vice President
Kody Amann
Eric Broten
Cindy Christianson
Michele Elston
Lee Guscette
Robert Harstad
Tyler Schlecht
