Falls Elementary

Falls Elementary sixth graders recently joined hundreds of other sixth graders from across the Northeast region for an exciting day of hands-on learning at the 2026 Iron Range STEM Showcase. The event was held at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, Minnesota. This year’s showcase featured plenty of opportunities for students to discover the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)!

Guided by volunteers from the Range Engineering Council and local businesses, students explored interactive exhibits, participated in engaging activities, and learned how STEM concepts connect to real-world careers. From engineering and problem-solving to discovering new technologies, students had the opportunity to ask questions, try new things, and see how classroom learning can lead to exciting future opportunities.

Events like this help spark curiosity, encourage creative thinking, and introduce students to the many career paths available in STEM fields. Connecting with local professionals also gave students a chance to learn firsthand how science, technology, engineering, and math are used in our communities every day.

A special thank-you to the NESC for providing a grant that helped cover transportation costs and made it possible for our students to attend this valuable career exploration experience. We are grateful for the support of organizations that help open doors to new learning opportunities for our students.

Our sixth graders had a wonderful day filled with exploration, discovery, and inspiration! Experiences like these remind us that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that the possibilities for our students’ futures are endless.

We have many unclaimed items in our LOST and FOUND! Please encourage your student to check for missing items.

Mrs. Johnson’s class rolled up their sleeves and headed into the kitchen to prepare and enjoy a Canadian Thanksgiving feast in celebration of our classroom paraprofessional, Mr. Ted!

Students helped peel potatoes and carrots, cube bread for the stuffing, prepare gravy, and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner. Along the way, they gained hands-on experience and learned just how much time, teamwork, and preparation went into creating a special holiday meal. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills while celebrating someone who made a difference in their classroom.

The class was so busy cooking that they forgot to take pictures of all the preparations! They also ran out of time to bake their apple pies, so that sweet project was saved for the following week. The hallways of FES were soon filled with the delicious smell of freshly baked apple pie!

As part of our new reading curriculum, students have been learning about the human skeletal system! To bring their learning to life, first graders in Mrs. Eldien's class created their very own Q-tip skeletons and wrote about their creations.

Using Q-tips to represent bones, students carefully arranged and glued them onto paper to create their own unique skeletons. This hands-on activity allowed students to get creative while learning about the important role bones play in our bodies.

It was a fun and engaging way to connect reading, writing, science, and creativity! We love seeing our students learn through hands-on experiences.

Sixth graders in Sasha Moss’s class explored Minnesota’s early history by learning about the people who created the Jeffers Petroglyphs. Inspired by these rock carvings, students designed their own glyphs to represent the people and places they treasure. This meaningful activity connected history, art, and personal storytelling!

Students who earn Bronco Pride Tickets by being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible have the opportunity to earn a special lunch with their teacher! These second graders enjoyed their well-deserved reward when their teacher, Mrs. Koenig, surprised them with Domino’s pizza!

We love celebrating our Broncos for making positive choices and demonstrating Bronco Pride each day. Keep up the great work, Broncos!

The smell of pumpkin wafted through the café as the happy buzz of conversation and laughter filled the room! Our first grade families came together for Pumpkin Math, a favorite fall tradition filled with learning and hands-on fun. Families worked together to estimate, measure, and count pumpkin seeds while making special memories.

A huge thank you to Heidi and Kelley Steel for providing the pumpkins, and to all the families who helped make this event so special!

Our second graders in Mrs. Koenig’s class were fully engaged during their recent trip to the fire station! The firefighters shared important information about fire safety and prevention, helping students learn more about the important work they do to keep our community safe.

Throughout Fire Prevention Month, we have also been practicing our fire drills at school. The International Falls Fire Department conducted a surprise fire drill to see how well we were prepared, and our students and staff did an excellent job!

A big round of applause to our staff and students for taking these drills seriously and following safety procedures. We are proud of the responsibility and preparedness our Broncos continue to demonstrate. Thank you to the International Falls Fire Department for helping us keep our school and community safe!

At ISD 361, we believe in the power of mentorship and positive role models! This Wednesday, some of our big Broncos visited Mrs. Winkel’s classroom. They joined the class for morning meeting and then headed outside to lead a fun game on the playground.

We love seeing our Broncos connect across grade levels, build relationships, and lead by example. These moments help strengthen our school community and remind us that even small connections can make a big impact!

Mrs. Koenig’s second graders put on their artist caps and brought Frankenstein’s monster to life through drawing and painting! Each student created a unique interpretation, adding their own creative touches and personality. Their imaginative artwork made for a wonderfully spooky celebration of creativity!

We love seeing our Broncos get involved in activities! Being involved helps students build confidence, develop new skills, make friends, and create lasting memories. Below are some photos of our students trying out cross country and recreational volleyball. Way to go, Broncos! Keep trying new things and getting involved!

Students in Mrs. Cowman’s class enjoyed the perfect Friday afternoon activity to wrap up the week with fun and learning! Students explored their creativity through sensory crafts, including making homemade playdough, creating bracelets, and checking out 3D-printed animals.

These hands-on activities gave students a chance to use their imaginations, explore different textures, practice fine motor skills, and learn through play.

It was a fun and engaging way to end the week, filled with creativity, exploration, and smiles! What a great way to head into the weekend!