The District Insider
Volume 7, Issue 6 | January 2020
The Grand Forks Foundation for Education, Inc. is awarding $1,625 this year to help fund three staff development projects in Grand Forks Public Schools using the Bjertness Staff Development Endowment.
In 2004, the Bjertness Staff Development Endowment was established in honor and memory of Echo Bjertness and Ben Bjertness. Echo and Ben were both long-time educators whose wish was to assist teachers in Grand Forks Public Schools in their growth as educators. The fund continues to grow thanks to monthly gifts from the Bjertness Estate (until June 2020). The income from the endowed fund shall be used to finance one or more annual grants to educators in Grand Forks Public Schools, for the purpose of developing or improving their teaching skills.
- $1,000 to Emily Parrill of Red River High School for Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
- $527 to Martie Wesley and Winship Elementary School for The Next Step Forward in Word Study and Phonics.
- $98 to Eileen Zygarlicke and Community High School for Community Book Study.
For further information on the projects that were funded this year, please contact Foundation Executive Director Emilia Hodgson at 701.787.4866.
Grand Forks Public Schools has received a $10,000 donation from TEARS (Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide) to help financially support the Sources of Strength Program.
Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention program designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. Money from the donation will be used by lead adult advisors to purchase materials for the program at their school.
The Sources of Strength program is currently in each of the middle and high schools. Century Elementary School is one of five elementary schools in the United States to pilot the elementary curriculum this school year.
TEARS was established to support individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide and to provide education in hopes of preventing suicide in our community and region.
“TEARS is thankful for our partnership with Grand Forks Public Schools, specifically, the Sources of Strength program,” said Moriah Opp, TEARS coordinator. “We chose to donate to Sources of Strength because we wholeheartedly believe that upstream suicide prevention programs like Sources of Strength support the mental wellness of not only this generation but future generations in our community.”
Geoff Gaukler, mental health coordinator at Grand Forks Public Schools, worked with Opp to secure the donation.
“We would like to thank Altru for their generous donation,” said Gaukler. “This will support the efforts of the peer leaders and adult advisors as they seek to spread hope, help, and stories of strength throughout each of their schools. It is wonderful to have partners in our community, such as Altru, that help to make hope contagious!”
Decking the Halls
Many of our schools (and MSEC) got into the holiday spirit by bringing some holiday magic to their classrooms and hallways. Several included competitions, with guest judges and prizes awarded for their merriest work. Check out this great entry from Viking Elementary School that helped to encourage reading over the holiday break.
Flor de Navidad
Did you know the poinsettia (flor de la Nochebuena) found its way to the United States through Dr. Joel Poinsett, who served as a U.S. ambassador to Mexico? These beautiful flowers were created by Amy Kruger's students in Spanish class.
Warmest Seasons Greetings
The 7th grade Eagles team at Elroy Schroeder Middle School has been learning about Grand Forks Mission and providing support through food, placemats, and thoughtful cards (photo courtesy Chris Douthit).
Dodging for Jammies
Congratulations to the winners of Red River High School's annual "Dodging for Jammies" tournament! A special thank you to Leigh Olson (secretary at Grand Forks Central High School), the driving force of the 9th Annual Community Pajama Drive. Through team registrations and admissions, over 100 pairs of pajamas found a home with someone in need this holiday season (photo courtesy Red River High School Activities).
Certified Staff
Support Staff
SPA Assistant - Summer School
Custodian (part-time) - Valley Middle School
Custodian - Valley Middle School
EL Paraprofessional - South Middle School
Custodian (part-time) - South Middle School
Custodian (part-time) - Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School
Dietitian - Child Nutrition
- Snow Removal (on call)
- Encore Para Program Application Pool
- Title I Paraprofessional Application Pool
- Special Education Paraprofessional Application Pool
- Lunchroom Paraprofessional Application Pool
- Food Service Worker/Cooks Application Pool
- Instructional Paraprofessional Application Pool
Coaching
- January 1 - No School K-12/Mark Sanford Education Center Closed
- January 2 - School Resumes K-12
- January 6 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m, Mark Sanford Education Center)
- January 10 - End of 2nd Quarter (high schools)
- January 15 - Grand Forks Central/Red River High Schools One Hour Late Start (PLCs)
- January 15 - Elementary Early Release at 1:30 p.m. (PLCs)
- January 15 - End of 2nd Quarter (middle schools)
- January 20 - No School K-12
- January 21 - Grand Forks Air Force Base School Board Meeting (12 p.m.,
- Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School)
- January 21 - Grand Forks School Board Meeting (6 p.m, location TBD)
- January 29 - Elementary Early Release at 1:30 p.m. (PLCs)