The District Insider
Volume 8, Issue 3 | October 2020
Nathan Twining Middle School Named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized Nathan Twining Middle School as one of 367 schools across the nation selected as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020.
Nathan Twining Middle School was recognized as a 2020 Exemplary High Performing School. Schools in this category are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
“I am so proud of our students and the collaborative work of our teachers in receiving this prestigious award,” said Shari Bilden, principal at Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School. “So much support is received from our families, community, and school system, of which I am thankful.”
The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually November 12 and 13. Following the ceremony, each school will be sent a plaque and flag.
“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”
In its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has given almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years.
Other North Dakota schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2020 were Memorial Middle School (Minot Air Force Base) and Sweetwater Elementary School (Devils Lake).
Other schools in Grand Forks that have been honored as a National Blue Ribbon School include Belmont Elementary School in 1991-1992, Lake Agassiz Elementary in 1996-1997, Wilder Elementary School in 2000-2001, and Phoenix Elementary School in 2005.
Du Earns Perfect Score on ACT Exam
Dennis Du, a senior at Grand Forks Central High School, has received a perfect score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam.
The ACT assesses students in English, mathematics, science, and reading. The scores in each area are compiled together into a composite score, which has a range of 1 to 36. Du scored a 36 on each of the four sections in addition to the composite score of 36.
“I think my ACT score resulted from a combination of good schools and teachers, a love of learning and reasoning, and a bit of luck,” said Du. “Studying was mostly for getting used to the questions and timing - the background knowledge was already built up over the years I've spent learning in school. It helps that I've enjoyed the learning because that makes it a lot easier.”
Du completed the ACT in December 2019.
During his time at Grand Forks Central, Du has spent time contributing to his school, community, and state.
“I'm currently serving as the president of Central's Student Council, and last year I was a junior representative. I'm also serving as the vice president of the North Dakota Association of Student Councils, which brings together school student councils from across the state. We share information, ideas, and inspiration among student leaders in North Dakota. We also organize a state conference to help students develop leadership skills,” said Du.
“In addition, I serve on the Grand Forks Youth Commission, which works to improve the lives of youth in our community. We raise awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as work to provide youth with healthy places to spend their time. I've benefited a lot from STEM activities in the community, which has motivated me to give back. I've initiated a project to inspire other students to find their love of STEM. That has included working with the public library as a FIRST Lego League robotics coach, where I help children learn to design and program a Lego robot and use it to participate in a competition. I've also given robotics instruction to students at the North Dakota Vision Services. If others would like to join me in promoting STEM education, I encourage them to get involved.”
“Dennis is one of Central's finest,” said Aaron LaDeaux, activities director and student council advisor at Grand Forks Central. “He is meticulous, approachable, and fair. When dealing with any sort of problem or question - no matter how big or small - Dennis will go through all the options, weighing the pros and cons to decide based on what benefits everyone as a whole, not what may just be best for some. He is always willing to make time to assist other students and staff members at school. The balance he has been able to find between school, athletics, music, and social life is what makes Dennis truly amazing. He is extremely selfless in his actions and truly a pleasure to work with at GFC.”
Du plans to major in computer science, applied mathematics, or engineering.
“Dennis is a humble young man who works hard at making those around him better. Whether it is student leadership, inspiring others to engage in STEM, or generating positivity within his peer group, Dennis is altruistic and serves as a role model for others,” said Dr. Terry Brenner, superintendent at Grand Forks Public Schools. “We are proud of Dennis’s perfect ACT accomplishment and his acceptance of this amazing feat with humility and grace.”
Last school year, Red River High School senior Aidan Krogh received a perfect score on the ACT exam. The previous year, Millicent Schwartz (Red River High School) also received a perfect ACT score.
Grand Forks Public Schools Receives Grant from Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Grand Forks Public Schools has received a $10,000 grant from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI).
The funds will be used to assist Native American students with fees including after-school care, band instruments, electronic devices, college applications, testing, sports, and lunch tickets, along with hosting cultural events for the Grand Forks community.
“Grand Forks Public Schools, through the generosity of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, will be able to assist Native American students with a variety of services as they pursue their education during this uncertain time with COVID-19,” said Chad Ward, Native American liaison for Grand Forks Public Schools.
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located ten miles south of the Canadian Border. The unique traditions and culture of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians have a vision to, “achieve self-sufficiency, financial independence, and healthy lifestyle through the knowledge and education of the most important asset – our people.”
Me Museum
Students in Miss Ericson's class at Viking Elementary held a Me Museum to learn about one another. Each student shared their interests, hobbies, and families.
Seven Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Seven seniors have been named 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.
Dennis Du (Grand Forks Central High School), Nabeel Hossain (Red River High School), Stella Niemeier (Grand Forks Central High School), Collin Polasky (Red River High School), Eliot Schumacher (Red River High School), Adam Swartz (Grand Forks Central High School), and Theodore Tchomakhidze (Red River High School) are seven of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual scholarship program.
Over 1.5 million high school juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools nationwide entered the program by completing the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists in each state are proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
Approximately 15,000 of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing and will be notified in February of the designation. Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2021. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships that will be awarded on a state representational basis. Approximately 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be given, in addition to about 4,100 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.
National Merit Scholars are selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Established in 1955, the organization’s mission is to recognize and honor academically talented students in the United States.
The Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux Foundation Donation Ensures Grand Forks Public School Students Have Internet Access for Remote Learning
The Grand Forks Foundation for Education is humbled to announce the Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux Foundation has donated $4,000 to ensure our Grand Forks Public Schools students in need have access to the internet while remote learning.
Many families have limited income, including even more affected by business changes and closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school system looked for ways to provide stable internet connectivity not only for students but for their entire household while not causing them a financial burden.
"With the implementation of the districtwide 1:1, where every student has their own learning device, combined with the variety of remote learning scenarios due to COVID-19, it has become critically important for all students to have consistent and reliable internet connectivity,” said Eric Ripley, Grand Forks Public Schools director of CTE & Technology. “Through this generous donation, families in need are able to achieve this."
This summer, Grand Forks Public Schools made the commitment to use money received from COVID-19 relief to purchase additional technology devices, which resulted in the 1:1 program. Access to digital devices is now not a barrier, and thanks to the Lamoureux twins, access to the internet is not either.
“Now more than ever, access to the internet is a necessity for kids to be successful in school. Limited access should not be a barrier to reaching one’s full potential. We are happy to continue our work with the Grand Forks Foundation for Education in our efforts to make a difference in the Grand Forks Community,” said Monique and Jocelyne.
“Again, on behalf of the students and families that will benefit from the generosity of Monique and Jocelyne through their Foundation, thank you for always ‘cheering for the one behind,’” said Emilia Hodgson, foundation executive director.
This program still needs additional support. If you would like to join Monique and Jocelyne, you can donate online at donate.gffoundation.org/giving and select “Internet Assistance Fund” from the drop-down menu. You can also mail your gift to the address below. Please contact Emilia Hodgson at the Foundation with any questions (ehodgson290@mygfschools.org).
Grand Forks Public Schools Receives Grant for McKinney-Vento Program
Grand Forks Public Schools has received a McKinney-Vento subgrant to support the success of students experiencing homelessness.
The McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 is a U.S. federal law related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Act was reauthorized in December 2015 as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
The school system received $20,000 to provide additional academic support through after-school tutoring, credit recovery, and college preparation classes to support an increase in graduation rates and provide educational resources to students. Funds will also support students with after-school transportation needs.
A homeless student is defined as a child or youth lacking a fixed, permanent, and adequate nighttime residence. Those include:
- Sharing the housing of others due to economic hardship,
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camp grounds,
- Living in transitional housing or emergency shelters,
- Living in places not designed or intended for sleeping,
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus stations, etc.,
- Unaccompanied youth living in the above situation and not in the custody of a parent or guardian.
Each year, Grand Forks Public Schools educates 120-150 students experiencing homelessness.
“This is the first time Grand Forks Public Schools has received a subgrant and I’m excited about what we can do to empower our students to reach academic and social-emotional learning goals for life,” said Jennifer Modeen, social worker and homeless liaison. “Grand Forks Public Schools is recognized as a leader in educational equity for students experiencing homelessness. This credit belongs to our employees and families who work together to break down educational barriers.”
The grant was written by Modeen and Taunya Schleicher, grant writer at Grand Forks Public Schools.
Grateful Royals
Check out this awesome Gratitude Tree on display at Valley Middle School! While the leaves are falling outside, this tree is filling up - there is so much to be grateful for (photo courtesy Samantha Thompson).
Job Openings
Support Staff
Shuttle Monitor (morning shift)
Snow Removal (on-call)
Custodian (part-time)
Intervention Title I Paraprofessional - Century Elementary School
Executive Assistant - Grand Forks Foundation for Education
Instructional Paraprofessional - Ben Franklin Elementary School
Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional - Nathan Twining Elementary & Middle School
Intervention Title I Paraprofessional - Lake Agassiz Elementary
Custodian (part-time) - Nathan Twining Elementary & Middle School
Paraprofessional - Nathan Twining Elementary & Middle School
Upcoming Events
- October 2 - No School for Grades 6-8 at Schroeder/South/Valley (parent-teacher conferences)
- October 9 - Grades K-5/Grades K-8 at Twining Dismissed at 11:20 a.m. (parent-teacher conferences)
- October 12 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- October 20 - Grand Forks Air Force Base School Board Meeting (12 p.m.)
- October 21 - Early Release (middle and high schools - 1 p.m.; elementary schools - 1:30 p.m.)
- October 22-23 - No School K-12 (Administrative Convention); MSEC closes at 4 p.m.
- October 26 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- October 30 - End of 1st Quarter (middle/high schools)