Colt Connection

Wishing our students and staff a relaxing and enjoyable spring break!

🌺🌞☔

Classes resume on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Greetings Colt Country,

The 3rd quarter of the school year has come and gone quickly, with lots of great learning and activities. Thank you for your support of students our students in their many activities and in the classroom. When we return from spring break, schools will mail home 3rd quarter report cards.

On Tuesday, March 25 we will host a State of the Facilities presentation. During this meeting, we will review the current status of our facilities, discuss financial impact, and prepare for an important vote to increase our building levy authority from 10 mills to 20 mills. Please join us at 6pm at the high school.

In our ongoing commitment to providing high quality public education, we continue to monitor state legislative matters. Several bills are under consideration that may shift some state funding toward private, charter, and home school families. While we support all children, we remain focused on advocating for services for public school students. If you have questions about any bills currently in the state legislature or want to discuss, I welcome the conversation. I also encourage you to reach out to our legislators with your thoughts, as I know many of you do.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making our community a place where every student can excel. Please reach out with questions, concerns, or thoughts; they are welcomed.

Warmly,

Dr. Gandhi

Mrs. Allison Roth teaches English at Richland Jr/Sr High School. She is an incredible teacher with high standards and expectations for all students. A fellow staff member said, "Mrs. Roth goes above and beyond for her students. She uses each student's unique strengths to help them overcome challenges. Mrs. Roth is kind, compassionate and cares not only about the students, but also about the staff."

Mrs. Seri Moch is the administrative assistant at Richland Elementary and helps oversee day-to-day operations with positivity and willingness to help wherever she can. One of her colleagues said about her, "Seri plays a crucial role in supporting the elementary every day. She is a friendly and approachable figure who listens and helps students, staff, and families all day every day. I don't know what we would do without her!"

Congratulations to these two very deserving individuals and a big thanks to all of our incredible staff members at Richland #44!

𝚄𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚛𝚜. 𝙹𝚊𝚢𝚖𝚎𝚎 𝚆𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚢, 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚌 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚜!! 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙣, 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚!!

As we wrap up Quarter 3, we celebrate the dedication and hard work of our students and staff. This past quarter, we marked the 100th day of school with fun learning activities, students participated in STEMZones, engaging in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities, and we kicked off reading month!

Looking ahead to Quarter 4, we have many exciting events, including BINGO for Books at the next Coffee with Kids event to celebrate Reading Month, upcoming spring concerts will showcase our talented students, and families can look forward to a fun-filled PTO Fun Night with games and activities.

As always, we appreciate your continued support in helping our students thrive, and we look forward to finishing the school year strong together!

Every month one outstanding individual from each classroom that exemplifies being respectful, responsible, safe, and achieving will be selected to be inducted into the Richland Elementary Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the following students:

January Students of the Month

February Students of the Month

Spring feels like it is finally here and has it been a fun and exciting year so far! As Richland Elementary’s School Counselor, a big part of my role is providing social emotional learning for all students in PreK through Grade 6. Our Second Step Curriculum focuses on four different areas of learning: Growth Mindset and Goal Setting, Emotional Management, Empathy and Kindness, and Problem Solving. Each class is met with once a week for a half an hour that typically starts with a “Brain Builder” or movement activity, a lesson on the topic, and finally a hands-on activity to boost student learning. Classroom counseling is one of the best parts of my day and by viewing all the fun pictures, you can see why! Thanks for letting me be a part of your child’s elementary adventures! There is so much growth from year to year and I am lucky enough to get to experience it right along with the students!

Wow, the fourth quarter is almost here!

The final stretch of the school year brings exciting opportunities. We look forward to the Regional Acalympic competition in Richland on March 18, where a handful of our students will showcase their academic talents. Some of our seniors are preparing for their Close-Up trip, gaining valuable firsthand experience in government and civic engagement. Plus, Prom is set for May 10!

Spring concerts and activities will highlight the talents and dedication of our musicians, performers, and athletes. Most importantly, we are excited to celebrate our graduating seniors as they prepare to cross the stage at graduation.

Parents, please note these key dates:

• May 5 – Senior Awards Night (7:00 PM)
• May 10 – Prom
• May 13 – JH/HS Concerts - RHS
• May 16 – Senior Breakfast (Students Only)
• May 25 – Graduation (2:00 PM)

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your continued support and commitment. Let’s finish the year strong!

All the best,
Mr. Davison

Richland #44 hosted a Career fair on February 12. Over twenty local businesses set up booths showcasing their career/college for our students.

In addition, our sophomores had an opportunity to tour offerings from the SRCTC to decide if vocational classes are of interest to them.

Music students from Richland, Hankinson, Lidgerwood, Fairmount, and Wyndmere had a great day learning and rehearsing as large groups. Dr. Jason Kihle from the University of North Dakota and Dr. Anne Gassmann from the University of Jamestown served as guest conductors for this event. The day ended with a concert at Richland High School showcasing the combined talents of these students.

This past Saturday, a group of 5th – 8th grade Richland music students attended the Young Musicians Festival in Enderlin. Students performed solos and small ensembles in front of judges and received scores and feedback on their performances. These students were well prepared and did an excellent job representing their school! In addition to many star ratings, Richland took home four outstanding performance awards this year!

Each month, the high school faculty votes on the Rotary Student of the Month. The Student of the Month is selected from the junior class. The faculty looks at students who excel in many areas including academics, extra-curricular activities, character, and community involvement. On the third Tuesday of the month, students are recognized at a luncheon put on by the Wahpeton Rotary Club. Congratulations to the following on being named Student of the Month:

Prior to this competition, local contests were held at the school in grades 5-8. Owen E. (5th), Sophie K. (6th), Violet M. (7th), and Lucy H. (8th) placed 1st in their respective grade levels to advance.

At the county level Owen E. won the 5th grade level, while Lucy H. won the 8th grade level.

Lucy also finished second in the overall county competition, qualifying to attend the state-level bee.

Congratulations, students!!

As the winter sports season comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude to our senior basketball players and managers—Alayna, Lily, Sydney, Kalie, Inger, Otto, and Julian. Your leadership and dedication to our basketball programs extend far beyond this season. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to be a Colt and representing our school with pride.

Both varsity basketball teams finished the season playing their best, a true testament to the growth and progress of our players. A special thank you to our athletes and coaches for your commitment and hard work throughout the season!

With Track and Field already underway, we wish our athletes the best as they compete for the first time on March 15 at Concordia. We also look forward to our other spring activities—best of luck to our Speech, Trap, and Boys’ Golf teams as they pursue success in their respective competitions.

Go Colts!

Lukas Davison

The best way to describe this season was continuous improvement. Everyone from our freshmen to our seniors grew as individual players and as teammates throughout the year. Their confidence, strength, and ability to play together made strides from the first game to the last and we were able to battle through adversity without backing down. Everyone on this team had a specific role, such as playing defense, breaking a press, getting rebounds, and attacking the rim, that each of them took to heart and did whatever they could do to create the best chance for success for our team. I am so proud of the work that the entire team put in this season. We will have large shoes to fill with our graduating senior class and am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with those girls for the last four seasons. -Coach Olivia Schmitt

The Junior High Boys Basketball team finished the season with 3 wins and 9 losses. Despite the challenging season, this team showed pure effort, and growth throughout each game.

For some players it was their first ever basketball season, which has been a learning experience on improvement with skills, and in game situational basketball. This team stepped up with teamwork, shared the basketball very well, and contributed each possession.

Coach Perez always emphasized the importance of hard work, teamwork, and preparation that'll determine our success. The final game of the season tested their resilience and determination. Starting the fourth quarter down by 3 points, the Colts stepped up big as a team and ended with a win. This team has the potential for future success in this basketball program.

As the final buzzer sounded and the echoes of cheering fans faded away, the Richland boys’ basketball season came to an end. The final games at the District 1 Tournament were played with heightened intensity, as each possession carried more weight, and every shot had the potential to make or break the season. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, this year’s squad showcased resilience, growth, and commitment.

Beyond the scoreboard, coach Reiland and coach Leinen emphasized discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, shaping these athletes into not only better players but also leaders on and off the court. Younger players stepped up, filling crucial roles, and gaining valuable experience that will benefit the program in future seasons.

The end of the season marks a time for reflection and evaluation. Coach Reiland and coach Leinen plan to analyze what worked and what needs improvement, hoping the players take time to look back on their performances, identifying areas for growth. For the two senior players, Otto and Julian, this season marked the culmination of years of dedication. Their leadership, hard work, and sportsmanship set the tone for the team. As they prepare for the next chapter their impact on the program will not be forgotten.

A special thank you goes out to the parents, staff, and fans who supported the team throughout the season. Your encouragement and dedication made this season a memorable one.

As we close this chapter, we celebrate the achievements, the progress, and the passion that made this season special. Until next year—GO Colts!

Coltbackers has had a busy couple of months. We are excited to support Richland #44 Athletes and Coaches throughout the year.

Here are a few things we've been up to the past couple of months:

• Wrapped up the Colt Buddies BB season
• Over 85 K-6 boys and girls participated this year!
• Thank you to coaches and families.
• Purchased Track/XC Warm-Ups
• Our athletes are going to look sharp!
• Planned and hosted our first 7th Grade GBB Tournament
• Our Lady Colts placed 2nd.
• Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make it possible.

Upcoming events:

• March 22 | Colt Buddies VB Skills Program
• Hosted by Carma DeVillers and Rianna Lilleby
• 4 Saturdays starting March 22
• Open to grades 2-6
• Info + Registration: https://forms.gle/RdWVbSAs1x3vkAKQ7
• April 27 | All-Sport Athletic Banquet
• All JV/Varsity athletes will be recognized
• A formal invitation will arrive in the mail soon
• May 10 | Coltbackers 5K
• Held in Colfax
• 7:30am start time

Stay tuned for coming info:

• Summer Camps for youth and high school players
• Summer. Conditioning programs

With Gratitude,

Coltbackers Board Members

Jenny Schmitt - President

Erin Gowen - Vice President

Anna Marohl - Secretary

Janelle Berseth - Treasurer

Keep up with all things Richland Athletics:

Richland 44 Coltbackers Facebook Page

Coltbackers Website

Richland #44 Daily Announcements

Thank you to everyone who bought Calendar Raffle tickets to help support Richland #44 Dollars for Scholars. Here are the winners for this year. Congratulations to all.

o February 1 -- Brian Zajac $50

o February 2 -- Kristi Wagner $100

o February 3 -- Aaron Schulz $30

o February 4-- Tom Frankl $30

o February 5 -- Wendy Boehm $75

o February 6 -- Stephenie Steger $50

o February 7 -- Virginia Peterson $30

o February 8 -- Tanya Schlosser $30

o February 9 -- Aimee Flaa $100

o February 10 -- Jeanie Hoff $30

o February 11 -- JoAnn Score $30

o February 12 -- Laura Hermunslie $50

o February 13 -- Greta Burck $30

o February 14 -- Laura Hermunslie $75

o February 15 -- Jane Geiger $100

o February 16 -- Steve Sayler $100

o February 17 -- Dave Pasqual $30

o February 18 -- Amy Gibson $50

o February 19 -- Lonnie Erbes $75

o February 20 -- Vicki Bellin $30

o February 21 -- Neil Wittmier $30

o February 22 -- Stephenie Steger $30

o February 23 --Tyler Gylland $100

o February 24 -- Gus Witt $30

o February 25 -- Aaron Schulz $30

o February 26 -- Chelby Miller $75

o February 27 – Wayne Ulven $30

o February 28 – Suellen Zenker $500

The next DFS meeting is set for April 30 at 7 pm at the high school. We are actively working on recruiting new members. We would like to have anyone that is interested in joining us, please come to the next meeting and learn about who we are, what we do and how you can help. If you would like to visit one on one, please contact one of our members and we would be happy to visit with you.

This school year we will individually feature our wonderful staff members so that our community can get to know more about them and we can recognize the important work they do.

Staff Features are posted on our school website Live Feed as well as on our Facebook page.

**Click the links below for event flyers and additional information**

• March 7-16 - NO SCHOOL: Spring Break
• March 17 - School Resumes
• March 31 - Richland #44 Foundation - EPAC Project Update Meeting 6pm
• April 5 - DFS BUNKO Event 6-9pm - Abercrombie Community Hall
• April 11- Coffee with Kids (8:45-9:15) and Preschool Spring Showcase (9:15-9:30)
• April 12 - Missoula Children's Theater Performances 3pm & 5:50pm
• April 27 - High School Athletic Banquet
• May 10 - Prom
• May 25 - Graduation 2pm

Wondering where to find something? Most items can be found on our website and app!

Website:

• Lunch menu
• Home game livestream
• Events (all)
• Athletic events
• Daily Announcements includes upcoming meetings, events, community items, job postings, and more. Use the link to read today's announcements and/or to get signed up for daily emails.
• Much more!

Do you follow our group organizations on Facebook??

• Coltbackers Facebook
• PTO Facebook
• FFA Facebook
• Dollars for Scholars Facebook
• Richland #44 School Foundation

Visit the app store today on Apple or Android devices and search "Richland 44 School".