The District Insider
Volume 8, Issue 11 | June 2021
2020-2021: A Year in Review
Du Named U.S. Presidential Scholar
Dennis Du, a senior at Grand Forks Central High School, has been named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Du joins Ellen Anna Gregoire (Larimore High School) as the two North Dakotans selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars this year.
“Congratulations to these two outstanding young people,” said State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. “Being named as a Presidential Scholar is one of the highest achievements a high school student can attain. These students, their families, their teachers, their peers, and the entire state of North Dakota should recognize and take pride in this honor.
The students are among 161 nationwide selected as Presidential Scholars. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony in their honor in Washington, D.C.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
"The academic accomplishments of Dennis are well-deserved and the result of dedication and hard work,” said Principal Jon Strandell. “In addition to his superior coursework and preparation, Dennis has been very involved in leadership roles at Central. He has worked hard to expand his thinking and experiences while serving his classmates, school, and community. Central High School could not be prouder of Dennis and this lofty academic recognition, as well as his desire to grow himself and others around him.”
Du has been accepted to Harvard and plans to study computer science. He selected Cynthia Nelson, math teacher at Grand Forks Central High School, as a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Distinguished Teacher.
“The honors continue to roll in for this outstanding young man. Dennis is the epitome of initiative, drive, and achievement and he always exercises humility and grace in recognizing those who have helped and mentored him along the way, such as mathematics teacher Cindy Nelson,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner. “As an entire Pre-K-12 school district, we are proud of Dennis for his accomplishments as he represents Grand Forks at Harvard University.”
Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors distinguished graduating seniors across the nation. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was extended again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The program is sponsored by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education.
Gary Wu (Grand Forks Central) was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education (CTE) in 2020 and Evan Welsh (Grand Forks Central) was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in CTE in 2017.
Grand Forks Public Schools Selected for National Safe Supportive Schools Learning Collaborative
Grand Forks Public Schools is one of only 15 school systems nationwide selected to participate in the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools Learning Collaborative (NCS3-LC).
This two-year national learning collaborative will help Grand Forks Public Schools leaders promote wellbeing for all students and staff by implementing comprehensive, responsive, equitable, and trauma-informed school mental health systems. Participating school systems will receive training, technical assistance, implementation support, and guidance to effectively create the conditions needed for safe, supportive schools.
The collaborative aligns under Grand Forks Public Schools’ strategic plan priority two, comprehensive school district mental health system. This work is also connected to Marzano High Reliability Schools level 1 – safe, supportive, collaborative schools.
"Thanks to the leadership of Mental Health Coordinator Geoff Gaukler and his team, we are well-positioned to implement to a greater degree the component of our strategic plan relating to mental health systems,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner. “Being chosen as one of fifteen school districts across the country speaks volumes to our level of commitment to wrap services around every individual in need. Our school district and the entire community can be proud that the conversation around mental and behavioral health is front and center.”
The program will kick off in Fall 2021.
The school system team includes Alisa Bowman (school social worker), Gaukler, Catherine Gillach (assistant superintendent of secondary education), Angie Jonasson (principal, Lake Agassiz Elementary School), Dana Kennelly (mental health therapist), Jennifer Modeen (school social worker and homeless liaison), Dr. Joel Schleicher (principal, South Middle School), Tana Thorfinnson (school counselor), as well as community partners Amanda Francis (behavioral health and education administrator, North Dakota Department of Behavior Health and Human Services), DeNae Haagenson (mental health therapist, Birchwood Psychological Center), Therese Hugg (vice president of therapy services, Community Violence Intervention Center), and Stephanie Winfield (school mental health coordinator, Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center).
NCS3-LC is a collective effort led by the National Center for School Mental Health, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Center for Trauma Care in Schools, and the Center for Childhood Resilience.
For more information about the NCS3-LC, please visit https://www.ncs3.org/.
Grand Forks Public Schools Receives Neel Family Fund Grant
Grand Forks Public Schools has been awarded a grant from the Neel Family Fund.
The $30,685.72 grant will help fund the KnightRider Recording Studios, a semi-professional, educational audio recording studio that will allow students to learn how to record and produce music. This will be integrated into the current Guitar I and II and Harmony classes while providing the ability to teach students how to record large ensembles in band, choir, and orchestra. The long-term plan is to introduce a music production class as a new course offering in Grand Forks Public Schools and provide additional opportunities for project-based learning.
Along with an impact grant from the Grand Forks Foundation for Education, funding for the program at Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools is complete.
"We are extremely grateful for the Neel Family Fund that supports music education. With this gift, combined with the Grand Forks Foundation for Education impact grant, students will be afforded a phenomenal recording studio where they can collaborate and create authentic music while accelerating their passion and trajectory on a potential career path,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner.
The Neel Family Fund is a fund of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region. The fund was established by Joe K. Neel, Jr. to provide support of music education for children 18 years of age and younger in Grand Forks County.
The gift is intended to support music education for school music programs; youth bands, choirs, and orchestras; summer programs; purchases of music and instruments; or costs/fees for guest conductors and clinicians. Gifts are to be used to increase or supplement resources of music education rather than replace or supplant existing resources.
Weisser Named North Dakota AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year
Jaylee Weisser, a 5th grade student at Viking Elementary School, has been selected as the 2020-2021 North Dakota AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year.
The Patroller of the Year award recognizes safety patrollers who best exemplify leadership qualities and perform their duties effectively and responsibly without incident.
Nominees submit an essay expressing their feelings regarding their patrol experience. Essays are judged on content, understanding of traffic safety, sincerity, and organization of ideas.
In her essay, Weisser spoke about serving as a student leader, being a role model for other students, and displaying leadership.
“I thought a role model was just being a good kid and showing it to other people. Turns out I was wrong. Being a role model means much more than that. It's showing up on time, not slacking off, and showing kids how to act appropriately. I want to make it safe for kids so they can have fun without getting hurt.”
"Jaylee displays a great passion and devotion to helping others. She is a great example of what a Viking student leader should be, and furthermore a wonderful example of an exemplary person,” said Kiya Knable, school counselor and student leader advisor. “All of us here at Viking are so incredibly proud of all her accomplishments."
Weisser will receive a plaque, a $200 gift card, and Viking Elementary School will receive a $100 credit to improve safety patrol gear.
The AAA School Safety Patrol Program began in 1920 and includes more than 679,000 patrollers in 35,000 U.S. schools. AAA introduced the Patroller of the Year awards in 2002.
Grand Forks Public Schools Announce Two Administrative Assignments
Grand Forks Public Schools has announced two administrative assignments for the 2021-2022 school year.
Loren Hoheisel, currently the associate principal at Discovery Elementary School, has been selected as the principal of Lewis and Clark Elementary School.
Hoheisel has been employed at Grand Forks Public Schools since 2007. He has served as an associate principal, building resource coordinator, special education strategist, and participated in the special education resident teacher program.
Hoheisel holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of North Dakota, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mayville State University, and a certificate in educational leadership from Minnesota State University – Moorhead.
The assignment is due to the hiring of Kelli Tannahill as the next principal at J Nelson Kelly Elementary School.
Wendy Mankie has been hired as the next director of child nutrition. Mankie is a registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience. She has worked at Altru Health System since June 2006, first working as a clinical dietitian/supervisor before being hired as the clinical nutrition manager in June 2013.
The assignment is due to the resignation of Emily Karel, child nutrition director.
The administrative assignments were approved by the Grand Forks School Board on May 10.
Referendum Information Campaign Update
The referendum webpage has been updated to include information on school finance, updated information on the proposed bond projects, and voting information.
Earlier this month, we launched a podcast to share information with our community from members of the Grand Forks Public Schools. Several episodes, featuring Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Tricia Lee, Principal Shari Bilden, Safety Coordinator Gina Wieler, Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner, Scott Berge (business manager), and Chris Arnold (buildings and grounds director) - are now available on Spotify (LINK: https://anchor.fm/gfschools), Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Videos will be uploaded to our social media and website this week to further explain both items on the ballot.
More information will be shared on district social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as the referendum on June 22 steadily approaches.
Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School Opens STEM Lab
Earlier this month, Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School revealed their new STEM Lab! The lab was created with funds from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant received by the school this fall. DoDEA supports research-based programs that aim to increase student achievement and ease the challenges that military children face due to their parent/guardian military service. The grant program will provide the school with the college and career-ready resources necessary to successfully expand STEM programming. The grant was written by Taunya Schleicher, grant writer, Elizabeth Berger, instructional design coach at Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School, and Principal Shari Bilden (photos courtesy Berger).
Mentor Center - June Hours
The Mentor Center will have summer hours available for students in summer school, etc. The Mentor Center will be open June 1-30, Mondays-Thursdays from 12-5 p.m.
Examples of Excellence
- Congratulations to our graduating seniors! Community High School held its graduation ceremony on May 27. Blake Clemetson and Blanca Gomez were the graduation speakers, and there were 47 graduates. Red River High School held its graduation ceremony on May 30 at 1 p.m. Gracia Larsen-Schmidt, Shrimayi Patel, and Collin Polasky were the graduation speakers, and there were 219 graduates. Grand Forks Central High School also held its graduation ceremony on May 30. Sarah Burris, Dennis Du, and Ellie McGlynn were the graduation speakers, and there were 238 graduates.
- Congratulations to Grand Forks Central's Jak Urlacher on claiming the pole vault title at the NDHSAA Class A Track and Field championship! Jak cleared 15 feet, 7 1/2 inches, setting a new state record.
- Congratulations to the following girls' tennis players on being named to the All-EDC team: Claire Huebner (Red River), Maddy Sandberg (Red River), Gabby Spicer (Grand Forks Central), and Madi Stauss (Grand Forks Central). Spice was also named a Girls' Tennis Senior Athlete of the Year nominee.
- Congratulations to Cole Barta (Grand Forks Central), Ross Meyer (Red River), and Ross Muizelaar (Red River) on being selected to the All-EDC Baseball Team.
- Congratulations to Reagan Fontain (Grand Forks Central) and Ashlee Welch (Red River) on being selected to the All-EDC Softball Team.
- Congratulations to the following boys' golfers on reaching the Top 10 Individual Scoring in the EDC conference: Brady McGarry (Grand Forks Central), Zach Hinschberger (Red River), Joey Kennelly (Grand Forks Central), and Saylor Kuenzel (Red River).
- Congratulations to Lake Agassiz student Shree Thakare on receiving first place in the 1st grade division of the Prairie Public 2021 Writer's Contest! Shree and his mom sent the submission and shared the good news with his teacher, Brittney Biermaier. Shree received a certificate, gift card, books, and color materials. For more information on the contest, please visit https://www.prairiepublic.org/community/pbskidswriterscontest/.
Congratulations to the 52 new members of the Grand Forks Central Alpha Chapter of the National Honor Society! This is the 73rd class of honor society students at Grand Forks Central. At GFC, tradition is a part of who we are, it dates back to 1887 the first graduating class at Central High School. Central was the first high school in the state of ND to receive its charter. These new members have just been inducted into the oldest and the BEST charter in the state of ND. We are confident they will continue the long rich tradition of Central High School’s Alpha Chapter (photo and information courtesy Katie Arthur and Laura Wendt).
Job Openings
Administrative
- Associate Principal - Lake Agassiz Elementary School
Certified
- Grade 6 teacher - Valley Middle School
- Library Media Specialist (60%) - Phoenix Elementary
- Social Worker - elementary
- Reading Specialist - Century Elementary
- Special Education Teacher - Autism - Phoenix Elementary School
- Special Education Teacher - Adult Transition Program - Community High School
- Special Education Teacher - Autism - Red River High School
- Speech Language Pathologist - district-wide
- Special Education Teacher - district-wide
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - district-wide
- School Psychologist
- Library Media Specialist - Ben Franklin and Wilder elementary schools
- Special Education Resident Teacher Program
- Create a Teacher Application
Support Staff
- Summer Painter
- Summer Grounds Worker
Custodian (part-time) - Elroy Schroeder Middle School
Mechanics/Grounds I - Buildings & Grounds
Custodian - Nathan Twining Elementary & Middle School
Upcoming Events
- June 14 - Grand Forks Regular School Board Meeting (6 p.m., Mark Sanford Education Center)
- June 22 - Special election