The District Insider
Volume 8, Issue 10 | May 2021
Jerde Named Grand Forks Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year
Shari Jerde, a business education teacher and family and consumer sciences teacher at Community High School, has been selected as Grand Forks Public Schools’ 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year.
Jerde re-joined the staff at Community High School in the fall of 2016 and has made an indelible mark on her students and colleagues.
Jerde began her career with Grand Forks Public Schools, serving as an adult education instructor from 1999-2003. From January 1999-May 2008, Jerde served as a resident teacher in special education and taught business education classes at Community High School. She then spent several years at Central Valley (Griggs-Steele-Traill Multidistrict Education Services) and Bottineau Public Schools before coming back to Community High School in August 2016.
Jerde also served as a graduate teaching assistant and lecturer in information systems and business education at the University of North Dakota for nearly six years.
In her nomination, Marilyn Ripplinger (counselor, Community High School) wrote, “Honest, hardworking and organized are three words I would choose to describe Shari. She is often the first to arrive at work and the last to leave, spending those hours developing modified curriculum, planning, and meeting with teachers to discuss student needs. Shari is a true professional and prioritizes communication with all stakeholders involved in the educational process. She is always going the extra mile and putting others before herself. Shari develops meaningful relationships which allow her to get the most from her students. She is approachable, reasonable, and flexible, placing student concerns above the content. She definitely contributes in a big way to the culture of respect and success at Community High School.”
In August 2020, Jerde was selected to receive the Carl Perkins Community Service Award from the North Dakota Association for Career and Technical Education (NDACTE). The award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.
In fall 2019, Jerde worked with her fashion design students and spearheaded a project to design, develop, fabricate, and install custom-built adaptive Halloween costumes for two students who use wheelchairs within the school system. The result was a Cinderella-themed carriage with lights and a Star Wars TIE Fighter.
In her nomination, colleague Eileen Zygarlicke (English teacher, Community High School) wrote, “Shari has collaborated on many occasions with different curricula areas to create learning experiences for our student population. She engages her students with meaningful, real-life experiences in her classroom. One of her co-curricular projects was opening a ‘restaurant’ in conjunction with English, art, and math classes. Shari collaborates with families by inviting them into the education process. She reaches out to parents/guardians with positive comments about their teen, laying a foundation of communication. If problems arise, she has an already-established relationship and together they work to help the student.”
Jerde supervises a Cooperative Work Experience program in the summer, where students utilize their classroom skills while being employed in a variety of community businesses. Jerde has also completed Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training and is part of the Sources of Strength program at Community High School.
Jerde holds an associate’s degree in applied science from North Dakota State University-Bottineau, a bachelor’s degree in business education from Minot State University, a master’s degree in career and technical education and a master’s degree in special education, both from the University of North Dakota.
Jerde’s name and information have been submitted to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for consideration as a 2021 North Dakota County Teacher of the Year and 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.
Grand Forks FBLA Teams Excel at State Conference
Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools claimed several awards at the 54th annual North Dakota Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, which was held online March 29-April 1.
Using online resources, students showcased their business skills in a variety of individual, team, and chapter events. The culmination of the competitive events program was the awards ceremony.
Over 60 FBLA chapters from across the state participated in the conference, connecting nearly 750 middle and high school students to test business skills against their peers from around the state.
Those placing in the state conference include:
- Baylor Anttila, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in virtual business finance challenge (2nd challenge)*, 3rd place in securities and investments*, 2nd place in virtual business finance challenge (1st challenge)
- Adrianna Conway, Faith Hoverson, and Sydney Kouba, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in public service announcement*
- Kaili Courtney, Taylor Hartze, and Georgia Sayles, Red River, 2nd place in public service announcement*
- Greta Dietzler, Grand Forks Central, 3rd place in introduction to parliamentary procedure*
- Dennis Du, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in business ethics*, 1st place in political science*
- Hanson Du, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in introduction to financial math*, 2nd place in introduction to public speaking*
- Jessica Gilbertson, Grand Forks Central, 5th place in publication design
- Mason Gravseth and Nicholas Veres, Grand Forks Central, 5th place in sports and entertainment management
- Clara Hanson, Grand Forks Central, 3rd place in local chapter annual business report*, 5th place in marketing
- Taylor Hartze, Red River, 7th place in accounting I
- Faith Hoverson, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in word processing*
- Angelica Knudsen, Red River, 1st place in cyber security*, 5th place in computer problem solving
- Angelica Knudsen and Selena Wu, Red River, 3rd place in the virtual business challenge, spring round
- Dylan Kiley, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in business calculations*, 3rd place in computer problem solving*
- Sydney Kouba, Grand Forks Central, 4th place in economics*
- Andres Moreno, Grand Forks Central, 7th place in word processing
- Tatum Mosley, Red River, 8th place in business calculations
- Tatum Mosley and Georgia Sayles, 9th place in virtual business challenge, spring round
- Tanner Piepkorn, Grand Forks Central, 9th place in spreadsheet applications
- Max Reichert and Jacob Hanson, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in marketing*
- Reagan Salgado, Red River, 1st place in introduction to business communications*, 8th place in introduction to financial math
- Georgia Sayles, Red River, 10th place in political science
- Madeline Stangl, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in electronic career portfolio*, 10th place in spreadsheet applications
- Carter Swanson and Evan Wocken, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in American enterprise project*
- Carter Swanson, Baylor Anttila, Jacob Hanson, and Evan Wocken, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in stock market game*
- Adam Swartz, Grand Forks Central, 2nd place in computer problem solving*, 2nd place in economics*
- Joel Tande, Jak Urlacher, and Boyuan Zhang, Grand Forks Central, 2nd place in computer game and simulation programming*
- Evan Whalen, Tyler Whalen, and Quinton Hodny, 5th place in digital video production
- Selena Wu, Red River, 2nd place in health care communication*, 4th place in personal finance*
- Boyuan Zhang, 1st place in journalism*
* denotes national qualifier
Who’s Who recipients included Grand Forks Central’s Anttila, Dennis Du, Carter Hanson, Swanson, and Stangl.
Stangl was recognized for her role as a state officer, serving as the Region 1 Vice President.
Receiving future level Business Achievement Awards (BAA) from Red River were Hartze, Knudsen, Mosley, Salgado, Sayles, and Wu. Grand Forks Central students receiving a BAA included Anttila, Conway, Dennis Du, Gilbertson, Clara Hanson, Jacob Hanson, Gravseth, Hoverson, Kiley, Kouba, Piepkorn, Dylan Raaum, Stangl, Swanson, Swartz, Urlacher, Wocken, and Zhang.
Grand Forks Central received a Dorothy L. Travis Award, which is given to the top three chapters in the state, Go for North Dakota Gold Award, given to seven chapters in the state, a March of Dimes Fundraising award, and an American Heart Association fundraising award.
The national FBLA-PBL conference will take place via an online event.
Advisors are Megan Sullivan (Grand Forks Central), Trevor Lennon (Grand Forks Central), and Theresa Ostgarden (Red River).
FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing business careers. The mission of FBLA-PBL is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experience. To learn more, visit North Dakota’s FBLA website at www.nd-fbla.org, or FBLA’s website at www.gbla.pbl.org.
Jiran Named Nominee for 2021 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award
Brent Jiran, social science teacher at Elroy Schroeder Middle School, has been named North Dakota’s junior division nominee for the 2021 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award.
Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates annually nominate one middle school teacher for this award. Nominees for the $10,000 award are teachers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.
All nominees will receive $500 in celebration of their nominations.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day executive director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students. I congratulate Mr. Jiran on his well-deserved nomination.”
The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians and announced on June 19, 2021 at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony. The ceremony will be held virtually due to COVID-19.
National History Day in North Dakota, an annual program of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, encourages students in grades 6–12 to research and create unique projects that showcase their creativity, critical thinking skills, and love of history. The State Historical Society provides teachers with engaging resources and research tools to help students build a deeper understanding of North Dakota.
North Dakota Juried Student Art Show Awards Announced
The Taube Museum of Art has announced the 2021-2022 winners of the North Dakota Juried Student Art Show.
Each spring, students across North Dakota submit art pieces to be juried at the museum. This year, 508 entries were submitted.
Jurors selected three pieces for the Governor’s Award, four for the State of the Arts Award, sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer, four for the Northern Visions Award, sponsored by Senator John Hoeven, and five for the Congressional Art Award, sponsored by Representative Kelly Armstrong.
Grand Forks Public Schools was the only district this year to have entries awarded in each of the above categories.
Selected as a Governor’s Award winner was Irene Zeng (Grand Forks Central High School) for Small Bits.
Vivid Growth by Zeng and The Baller by Alex Schill (Grand Forks Central High School) were selected to receive Congressional Art Awards. Gavin Pihlgren’s (Grand Forks Central High School) Silver Set was selected as Northern Visions winner.
Entries by three students were selected as State of the Arts Award winners: Grandma’s Attic by Erika Tinjum (Grand Forks Central High School), Nocturn by Lowell Miller (Grand Forks Central High School), and an untitled piece by Nora Hale (Elroy Schroeder Middle School).
An additional 100 selections were selected as award winners in a variety of categories and will become a traveling exhibit for the following year.
Leviathan by Miller and Growth by Violet Spartz (Valley Middle School) were selected as Taube Museum of Art award winners.
Maureen Beier (Grand Forks Central High School) received a People’s Choice Award for Cold Coffee Summer, while Valley Middle School students Michelle Goulet (Fresh Powder) and Brooke Beckstead (Running Free) also received awards.
The following students were named Traveling Award winners in grades 9-12:
- Gabe Birchler, Red River High School, George
- Jessica Boone, Grand Forks Central High School, A Twisted Dream
- Kenzie Carriere, Grand Forks Central High School, Reimagined
- Caleb Cearley, Grand Forks Central High School, Just Bones and Color
- Kelsey Helmbrecht, Grand Forks Central High School, Three Transparencies
- Miller, Wrinkled
- Kinsey Martin, Grand Forks Central High School, Happy Accidents
- Jocelyn Sayre, Red River High School, Coyote Strange and Extended Reach in a Small World
- Schill, A Walk in the Park
- Katie Swartz, Red River High School, Safe at Home
- Natalia Tchomakhidze, Red River High School, Growth and Lost Horizon
The following students were named Traveling Award winners in grades 7-8:
- Goulet, Citrus
- Olivia Syverson, Valley Middle School, Untitled
- Nikita Usatii, Elroy Schroeder Middle School, Untitled
Instructors are Nancy Greenwood (Grand Forks Central High School), Kati Larson (Grand Forks Central High School), Dr. Betsy Thaden (Red River High School), Bryan Walls (Elroy Schroeder Middle School), and Jillian Westrum (Valley Middle School).
The competition is sponsored by the Lillian and Coleman Taube Museum of Art in Minot.
Grand Forks Public Schools Launches Referendum Information Campaign
The referendum webpage has been updated to include more information on taxes and a tax impact calculator, as well as provide opportunities for the public to submit a question or share a rumor they have heard regarding the referendum. More information will be added to the website and shared on district social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) in the coming weeks.
Red River Claims State DECA Championship
Red River High School pulled off a successful run at the State DECA Conference, capturing 16 first-place, 13 second-place, and three third-place finishes. The school also captured the team state championship.
The conference was held March 14-16 in Bismarck.
DECA is a co-curricular organization that provides high school students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and prepare for future career opportunities. Students must be enrolled in a marketing class to be a member of DECA.
"Our students did an excellent job representing the city of Grand Forks, Red River High School, their parents, and themselves. They should be very proud of their efforts," said Brent Polum, a DECA advisor at Red River High School.
All place winners have qualified for the virtual DECA International Career Development Conference conference held in late April.
First place
- Hayden Adair – integrated marketing campaign – event
- Nana Adjekum and Shri Patel – school-based enterprise
- Campbell Dorsey and Caitlin Mackenzie – international business plan
- Jordyn Knott – independent business plan
- Camden Larsen – financial consulting; personal financial literacy
- Brady Meland – hospitality and tourism professional selling
- Matthew Moe and Clarkson Sande – buying and merchandising; integrated marketing campaign – product
- Ally Nelson, Grace Schindler, and Lauren Tibert – hospitality and tourism operations research
- Mark Raymond - accounting
- Katie Swartz – principles of business management
- Natalia Tchomakhidze – finance operations research
- Theodore Tchomakhidze – entrepreneurship; selling; and innovation
Second place
- Nana Adjekum – apparel and accessories marketing series
- Derek Chaves – franchise business plan
- Campbell Dorsey and Caitlin Mackenzie – travel and tourism team decision making
- Avery Dusterhoft and Amanda Marsh – entrepreneurship team decision making; start-up business plan
- Matthew Moe and Clarkson Sande – hospitality and tourism operations research
- Ryan Nordhagen – buying and merchandising operations research
- Justice Reilly – business services marketing series
- Grace Schindler – principles of business management
- Sudiksha Singhal – entrepreneurship
- Emma Storstad – innovation; marketing communication series
- Katie Swartz – integrated marketing plan - service
Third place
- Marissa Esquivel – hotel and lodging management series
- Shri Patel – business services marketing series
- Lauren Tibert – principles of finance
Examples of Excellence
Dr. Brenda Lewis, presently the director of Pre-K-12 curriculum for Montgomery County (Rockville, Md.) Public Schools, has been named the assistant superintendent of elementary education. Lewis has experience in leading a community-wide task force on diversity and equity, a new portfolio item for this position and also a deliverable in the Grand Forks Public Schools’ Strategic Plan. Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Catherine (St. Paul, Minn.) University, a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s (Winona, Minn.) University, and a doctorate in philosophy leadership/administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn. The assignment is due to the retirement of Jody Thompson, associate superintendent of elementary education.
Kelli Tannahill, currently the principal of Lewis & Clark Elementary School, has been selected as the principal of J Nelson Kelly Elementary School. Tannahill has been the principal at Lewis & Clark Elementary School for the past six years. Previously, Tannahill was the building resource coordinator at J Nelson Kelly Elementary School. Tannahill holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership, both from the University of North Dakota. The assignment is due to the retirement of Mike LaMoine, principal at J Nelson Kelly Elementary School.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has designated Grand Forks Public Schools as one of the Best Communities for Music Education for 2021. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Grand Forks Public Schools joins Bismarck, Fargo, and Mandan as the only four districts in North Dakota to receive the designation in 2021.
- Congratulations to the RRHS Science Olympiad team on a first-place finish at the Regional competition held March 23rd-25th. The teams achieved six first place, four second place, and one third place finish in the 16 events. Team members include Nabeel Hossain, Broden Diederich, Mbuasieh Asong, Angelica Knudsen, Sarah Hong, Alena Meberg, Owen Reilly, Eve Davis, Nauman Farid, Matti Moe, and Selena Wu.
- Congratulations to the Grand Forks Central Acalympics Team on your 1st place finish in the Class A division! Members include Dennis Du, Stella Niemeier, Jakob Stevenson, Adam Swartz, Boyuan Zhang, and Dylan Raaum. Advisors are Brittany Bunde and Kylie Laudal.
- Congratulations to Megan Johnson on being hired as the next head gymnastics coach for the Grand Forks Central High School/Red River High School Knightriders. A graduate of Red River, Johnson competed with the Knightrider program for six seasons during her middle and high school years and served as an assistant coach for the program from 2017-2020. In addition, Johnson has coached multiple age levels as a part of the Red River Valley Athletics gymnastics club. Johnson is currently employed as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for Altru Health Systems.
- Congratulations to our students who placed at the SkillsUSA competitive event programs and received a medal:
· Mark Anthony Cabunsura, Grand Forks Central, 3rd place in computer programming
· Manan Chaturvedi and Anakin Gregory, Red River, 3rd place in mobile robotics
· Broden Diederich and Nabeel Hossain, Red River, 1st place in mobile robotics
· Matthew Evans, Red River, 1st place in computer programming
· Angelica Knudsen and Selena Wu, Red River, 2nd place in mobile robotics
· Reyna Lindquist, Grand Forks Central, 2nd place in technical drafting
· Carson Mathre, Red River, 1st place in information technology services
· Jakob Stevenson, Grand Forks Central, 3rd place in technical drafting
· Jonathon Parrish, Red River, 1st place in internetworking
· Ryan Polasky, Red River, 3rd place in information technology services
· Sophia Pringle, Grand Forks Central, 1st place in technical drafting
· Owen Reilly, Red River, 2nd place in computer programming
- Congratulations to Dongyu Jin (Grand Forks Central High School) and Campbell Dorsey (Red River High School) on being named as their school's 2021-2022 Distinguished Student. Both Dongyu and Campbell were considered as the North Dakota High School Activities Association/Farmers Union Distinguished Student.
Job Openings
Administrative
Certified
- English Teacher - Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School
- Math Teacher - Valley Middle School
- Physical Education Teacher - Red River High School
- Grade 5 Teacher - Lake Agassiz Elementary School
- Grade 3 Teacher - Lake Agassiz Elementary School
- Spanish Teacher - district-wide
- Social Studies Teacher - Grand Forks Central/Red River high schools
- Kindergarten Teacher - district-wide
- Grade 2 Teacher - district-wide
- Special Education Teacher - Adult Transition Program - Community High School
- Special Education Teacher - Autism - Red River High School
- Graphic Arts Teacher - Grand Forks Central High School
- Speech Language Pathologist - district-wide
- Head Start Teacher
- Special Education Teacher - district-wide
- Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - district-wide
- School Psychologist
- Library Media Specialist - Ben Franklin and Wilder elementary schools
- School Psychologist Intern
- Special Education Resident Teacher Program
- Secondary Summer School Teacher
- Create a Teacher Application
Support Staff
Licensed Practical Nurse - Century Elementary School
Mechanics/Grounds I - Buildings & Grounds
Custodian - Nathan Twining Elementary & Middle School
Tutor - Mentor Center
Teacher - Mentor Center
Custodian - Winship Elementary School
Coaching
- Assistant Swimming Coach - Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools
- Head Girls' Golf Coach - Grand Forks Central High School
Upcoming Events
- May 10 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- May 18 - Grand Forks Air Force Base School Board Meeting (12 p.m.)
- May 19 - Early Release (middle and high schools - 1 p.m.; elementary schools - 1:30 p.m.)
- May 24 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- May 27 - Last Day of School (K-12)
- May 27 - Community High School Graduation (7 p.m., Alerus Center)
- May 28 - Clerical Day
- May 30 - Red River High School Graduation (1 p.m., Alerus Center)
- May 30 - Grand Forks Central High School Graduation (4 p.m., Alerus Center)