GRIMSRUD ELEMENTARY

Dear Grimsrud Families,

If your child is like mine, you might get short responses when asking about their day, or find it tough to get them talking at home sometimes. I'd like to encourage two ideas for you to use to not only build the connection and relationship at home, but to also drive the benefits we know exist when kids are engaged in a lot of listening, talking, and speaking to build their vocabulary and language skills!

First, each of our classroom teachers send out at least 2 newsletters each month. They do this to keep you informed, but also in hopes that you have some free material to ask your kids about at home. Please take a moment to read those newsletters, and hopefully find something to learn more about or have your child explain to you based on what's in there.

Second and on a lighter note, I collect photos like these pictured below, and at my household we each take turns guessing what the other person would choose, then revealing our preferences... We've also started using these at staff meetings as conversation starters and community builders. Try them out, and if you'd like a few more, let me know and I will save you the searching and send you a few others I have saved!

A special shout-out to our Parent & Community Engagement Committee who planned National Parent Involvement Day where we were able to deliver hot Starbucks coffee and donuts for 2 days to many of you during pick-up- having a strong parent partnership to grow our students is PRICELESS. We appreciate you parents!

Is there an Amazing Grimsrud Staff member you would like to recognize? Please use the button below to give them a "Shout Out." Your words will be printed and their picture is hung in our hallway for all to see and celebrate!

For career café this month, a pilot from Bismarck visited the upper-elementary students to share what it’s like to be a pilot. He talked about how he first became interested in flying and the steps he took to earn his pilot’s license, including the training and practice he completed over the years. He explained what his job is like, what kinds of planes he flies, and what he loves most about being a pilot—especially getting to take family and friends up in the air with him.

The students loved seeing the photos he brought and had many interesting questions for him. They learned about how pilots train, how they stay safe, and what it feels like to fly high above the ground. It was an exciting and informative visit for everyone!

If you have a job you would love to tell the students about, please reach out and we can get you scheduled 😊

All students go outside for their 10-15 minute recesses with whatever clothes they've got with them up until -10 degrees Fahrenheit all winter long.

Please send the appropriate clothes and gear with your child every day so they are comfortable and warm during this time. Students do not stay inside if they forget items.

🕰️ 1. Keep a Simple Schedule

• Don’t overbook—kids need downtime.
• Pick one or two meaningful activities each week instead of trying to do everything.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2. Set Family Expectations

• Talk about what matters most: time together, not perfect gifts or decorations.
• Let kids help plan simple traditions (e.g., movie night, baking, crafting).

🧘 3. Build in Calm Moments

• Take breaks from noisy, busy events.
• Try quiet activities: a walk, a puzzle, or reading by a cozy light.

💬 4. Talk About Feelings

• Holidays bring big emotions for kids and adults.
• Use “I feel…” statements and give space for everyone to share.

🧺 5. Stick to Routines (When You Can)

• Try to keep bedtime, meals, and rest time somewhat consistent—it helps kids stay regulated.

💡 6. Let Go of “Perfect”

• Embrace the fun in messy moments—burnt cookies or off-key carols can become happy memories.
• Focus on connection over perfection.

💞 7. Practice Gratitude Together

• Start a family gratitude jar or share one thankful thought each day.
• Gratitude builds joy and lowers stress.

If you need help with one of the following please click the button for more information or a way to reach out for help. If you would rather call or text you can reach Mrs. Schmidkunz about one of the following or any other needs at (701)934-0826.

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down, reconnect, and make meaningful memories together. To help keep young minds active while keeping the focus on fun, I’ve put together a list of simple, engaging activities families can enjoy at home. These ideas blend creativity, learning, and togetherness—perfect for supporting your child’s growth while celebrating the joy of the season. We hope these activities bring plenty of laughter, discovery, and special moments to your holiday break!

🎄 Holiday Learning & Fun Activities

1. Math-Inspired Activities

• Holiday baking math: Let kids measure ingredients, double recipes, or convert units.
• Decorations counting & patterns: Create patterned paper chains or bead ornaments.
• Grocery store math challenge: Have kids estimate prices or compare costs while shopping.
• Gift-wrap geometry: Measure boxes and estimate how much wrapping paper is needed.

2. STEM & Exploration

• Build a gingerbread structure: Experiment with engineering (try stronger “walls”).
• Snow or ice investigation: Melt ice with salt, compare snow types, or measure temperature.
• DIY snowflake science: Make paper snowflakes and talk about symmetry.

🌟 Outdoor & Movement Activities

3. Active Holiday Fun

• Neighborhood light walk: Count different colors or vote on favorites.
• Winter nature scavenger hunt: Search for shapes, textures, or winter wildlife.
• Build a snow fort or obstacle course: If no snow, do a backyard or indoor course.
• Family dance party to winter or holiday music.

The PTO would like to send out a big thank you to everyone who helped out during events so far this year! From those of you who donated your time at Fall Fest, those who donated food for the conference meals for teachers, everyone who has been scanning box tops for education, and those who came to the Dine to Donate events, we couldn’t do it without your support!

We all know how busy December can get, so there is no PTO meeting this month! Be sure to come to the January meeting on the 13th at 6pm, we will have a lot to discuss.

We have already started planning our second annual MulticulturalFestival, “Grizzlies Around World” for February 10th. If you would like to be on a planning committee or have ideas or questions, be sure to come to the January meeting. This event is proposed in order to celebrate Grimsrud’s diversity and be a fun way to educate the families of Grimsrud about the cultures of their fellow classmates. New this year will be prizes for best booth, food and more! If interested in participating, please fill out this form before February 3rd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp9SSmNPLu7a7SW5EWD-fcMiJmKwDdx62vO-C9DEIcPzPr5g/viewform?usp=sharing If you have a business or know of a local group or business that would like to participate, please have them contact us by email at grimsrudpto@gmail.com.

Hope to see you in the new year!

Grimsrud PTO

Email: grimsrud_secretary@bismarckschools.org
Website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/grimsrud
Phone: 701-323-4150