The District Insider
Volume 8, Issue 7 | February 2021
Bjerke Named ND SHAPE Elementary Teacher of the Year
Beth Bjerke, physical education teacher at Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School, has been named the North Dakota’s Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Elementary Teacher of the Year.
The Elementary Physical Education Teacher Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated continuous dedication to the advocacy and enhancement of student learning in physical education at the elementary level. The nominees, by outstanding teacher performance and style, have personified the concept that the effort made to enrich the goals and objectives of physical education is a labor of love, inspired by commitment and dedication.
Bjerke began teaching at Carl Ben Eielson Elementary and Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School on the Grand Forks Air Force Base in 2008. She has served as a mentor teacher, volleyball and track coach, and intramurals supervisor.
The NDSHAPE awards ceremony will be held during the NDSHAPE virtual conference later this month.
Votava Named ND SHAPE Middle School Teacher of the Year
Randy Votava, physical education teacher at South Middle School, has been named the North Dakota Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Middle School Teacher of the Year.
The Middle School Physical Education Teacher Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated continuous dedication to the advocacy and enhancement of student learning in physical education at the middle school level. The nominees, by outstanding teacher performance and style, have personified the concept that the effort made to enrich the goals and objectives of physical education is a labor of love, inspired by commitment and dedication.
Votava began teaching in 1992 and taught elementary physical education from 1992-2008, transitioning to the middle school level in 2008. He was named the North Dakota Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2003. He also served as curriculum coordinator in physical education for Grand Forks Public Schools from 2008-2011.
The NDSHAPE awards ceremony will be held during the NDSHAPE virtual conference later this month.
Nominations Open for GFPS Teacher of the Year
The purpose of the GFPS Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate the work of a classroom teacher who teaches students in kindergarten through 12th grade. To be considered for the award, the nominee must:
- Be an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities in their quest for excellence;
- Collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success;
- Demonstrate leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning skills in and outside of the classroom; and
- Present themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
Nominations may be completed by any parent/guardian, teacher, student, administrator, or community member, and may be submitted at https://forms.gle/Z12HUC1mZbVxYKsz6. The nomination period opens on February 1, 2021, and close at end of the day on February 19, 2021. Selection committee members will first individually review the applications and then reach a consensus on the GFPS Teacher of the Year.
The award recipient will receive a plaque and be recognized at an upcoming Grand Forks School Board meeting. Their name and information will also be forwarded to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for consideration as the North Dakota Teacher of the Year.
Grand Forks Public Schools to Participate in Giving Hearts Day
Grand Forks Public Schools, through the Grand Forks Foundation for Education, will participate in Giving Hearts Day on February 11.
Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour online fundraiser for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. The event is hosted by the Dakota Medical Foundation, the Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Foundation.
Grand Forks Public Schools is raising funds to create “The Giving Tree,” a pantry for school social workers to access at any time for critically needed items.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by our students and families. Our intent is to engage and support each of our students and in doing so provide essential resources that both meet needs and communicate our care for them as residents in our community,” said Jennifer Modeen, school social worker and homeless liaison at Grand Forks Public Schools. “We believe that while we are designed for the academic success of all of our students, we know and embrace the evidenced-based facts that the social and emotional wellbeing of our students and families is essential to their success in our school and community. Grand Forks has shown a desire to respond and meet these needs, and we hope they will join us in this endeavor.”
Gifts $10 or greater will be matched thanks to the generous funding of the Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux Foundation.
“We are very excited to be teaming up with the Grand Forks Foundation for Education on Giving Hearts Day this year. Our goal is to help provide resources and goods so the social workers can help meet the needs of the students who need it most. We hope that community members see the importance of this project as much as we do and make this Giving Hearts Day the best one yet,” said Monique and Jocelyne.
“Once again, the Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux Foundation has stepped up and supported our students in need and their families,” said Emilia Hodgson, executive director of the Grand Forks Foundation for Education. “We are grateful for their continued generosity and for always 'cheering for the one behind!’”
For more information, please contact Hodgson at 701.787.4867 or ehodgson290@mygfschools.org. The donation webpage can be found http://www.givingheartsday.org.
The longest-running giving day in the country, Giving Hearts Day has helped participating charities raise more than $90 million since its founding in 2008.
2021 Kindergarten Pre-Registration
It’s time for kindergarten pre-registration! In order to help better prepare for kindergarten registration, which will be held later this spring, we would like you to take a few minutes to complete our online pre-registration form. This Google Form (http://bit.ly/39nNPbg) will allow us to capture information so we can begin your student’s enrollment now and cut down your waiting time at registration.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school. Thank you!
The Mentor Center is Now Open!
The Mentor Center is a face-to-face, drop-in resource center for middle and high school students to receive academic, social-emotional, and technology support. The center supports students with academic staff, mental health professionals, and on-site technical assistance. To further enhance the learning environment, enrichment activity centers are embedded and focused on art, music, STEM, and social-emotional activities. Snacks will be available and provided by Grand Forks Public Schools Child Nutrition Department.
Robin David is the coordinator of the program located at 725 Hamline St., Room 1200. Hours are:
Monday-Thursday: 1-8 p.m.
Friday: 1-5 p.m.
Saturday: 12-4 p.m.
For more information on the Mentor Center, including programming, COVID-19-related protocols, parking, and busing information, please visit https://www.gfschools.org/Page/9332.
Examples of Excellence
- Congratulations to Jessie Erickson (district assessment coordinator) on being published in eSchoolNews! If you would like to read the article, "Four Scaffolding Strategies to Improve Literacy Skills," please click here.
Job Openings
Certified
Support Staff
Custodian - Red River High School
Family Service Specialist - Head Start
Instructional Paraprofessional - Grand Forks Central High School
Custodian (part-time) - Viking Elementary School
Shuttle Monitor - Morning Shift
Snow Removal (on-call)
Custodian (part-time)
Intervention Title I Paraprofessional - Lake Agassiz Elementary
Athletics
- Assistant Softball Coach - Grand Forks Central High School
Upcoming Events
- February 8 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- February 10 - Early Release (middle and high schools - 1 p.m.; elementary schools - 1:30 p.m.)
- February 16 - Grand Forks Air Force Base Meeting (12 p.m.)
- February 22 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m.)
- February 24 - Early Release (middle and high schools - 1 p.m.; elementary schools - 1:30 p.m.)
- February 26 - End of 2nd Trimester (elementary schools)