PATRIOT NEWS

A message from Principal Larson

As we move into November, I want to take a moment to share how thankful I am for our amazing staff, students, and families. Century is the place it is because of the teamwork we see every day — when we all work together to support kids, great things happen!

This fall our students took the Panorama Survey about their wellbeing and the support they feel at school. The results show that our students feel safe, supported, and cared for here at Century — and honestly, that comes as no surprise! It’s a reflection of the caring relationships that make our school such a positive and welcoming place.

One exciting change this fall has been our student leaders taking over the morning announcements! Hearing their voices each day has been such a treat — they are confident, brave, and doing an incredible job leading our community each morning.

Our staff has been focused on strategies to increase student engagement and provide more opportunities for students to respond, interact, and show what they know. It’s been great to see students actively involved and excited about learning.

We wrapped up October with a fun school spirit week and school assembly, and it was wonderful to see everyone showing their Century pride. A huge thank you to our PTO for organizing The Great Character Dance — what a fun event! It was such a joy to see families, students, and staff all together celebrating positive character and community.

As we head into this season of gratitude, I just want to say thank you for all you do to make Century Elementary such a wonderful community. We’re lucky to have each of you as part of our Century family.

Wishing you a happy and cozy November!

With gratitude,

Dr. Holly Larson, Principal

Click Here To Sign Up For The Backpack Food Program

We are so happy to inform you that the United Way of GF and EGF has fully taken over the backpack food program. Backpack food is supplemental food for kids/families who need it.

They will start delivering backpack food to Century next week (on Wednesday). Each backpack will contain 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks, and 2 drink items. They will also offer a no-pork option for kids with dietary restrictions.

If you want your child to participate in the backpack food program, please complete the above form. Please complete one form per student.

First RED Event

Families,

We are excited to have our first RED event of the year on Friday, November 14 at 2:30 - 2:50pm. More information will be sent out closer to the date, but please review our general expectations for the event below.

Century School Store

Our school store has clothing, winter wear, gift items and more. All items can be purchased online and will be shipped to your home.

Annual Title 1 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Dr. Larson on August 25, 2025 at 5:30PM

Eight parents joined us for the meeting. After introductions, Dr. Larson explained what Schoolwide Title 1 was. Dr. Larson, Chelsea Benke, Lori Heydt, Jolene Glaser, Summer Hoverson, Alyssa Curren and Jodi Geen shared the additional information with parents:

What Schoolwide Title I funding is
How Century receives Title I funding
How we use Title I funding at Century
Century’s Schoolwide goals.
How Title I services are provided
Teacher and student activities related to Century’s Schoolwide plan
Professional development for staff
Parent and family engagement and why parents are an important part of a child's education
Ideas of ways parents can be involved
Century School will conduct the Annual Title I Review Meeting next spring.

The meeting was immediately following our school’s open house. Parents were thanked for attending and encouraged to stop in anytime if they have questions about their children and/or the Title 1 program.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM

Morning Procedures

Parents,

This is a reminder that if you are dropping your children off before 8:15am you must drop them off at door 3 or 9. We do not have supervision at the other doors until this time. Please do not send your child through door 1 before 8:15am unless they need to bring something to the office.

Turn Your Clocks Back 1 Hour Nov. 2nd.

Important Dates To Remember

Nov 2- Daylight Savings Time Ends- turn your clocks back 1 hour

Nov 3- PTO meeting @ 6pm in Library

Nov 5- Early Release @ 1:30pm

Nov 11- NO SCHOOL -Veterans Day

Nov 14- K, 1 & 5 Hearing Screenings

Nov 14- RED Event 2:30-2:50

Nov 14- PTO Fundraiser at Five Guys 4-8pm

Nov 14- End of 1st Trimester

Nov 17- Fall Bingo Night 6-7:30pm in gym

Nov 19- Early Release @ 1:30pm

Nov 27-28- NO SCHOOL- Holiday Break

Report Cards

The 1st trimester ends November 14th. Your child's report card will be sent to your email on December 5th. If you have any questions or concerns about how your child is doing in school please communicate with their classroom teacher.

School Cancellation and Postponement Procedures

School postponement and cancellation alternatives will be as follows:

a. Hold school as normal
b. Open school but delay sending buses
c. Delay the start time in all schools by two (2) hours based on each school’s start time

Elementary School: Start time is 8:25, so school would start at 10:25. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m.
Middle School: Start time is 8:40, so school would start at 10:40. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. No Zero Hour Classes.
High School: Start time is 8:00, so school would start at 10:00. Doors will open at 9:50 a.m.
Head Start: Start time is 8:00, so school would start at 10:00. Doors will open at 9:50 a.m.
When school starts late, there will be no morning Early Childhood Special Education classes. Afternoon Early Childhood Special Education classes will be held.
Breakfast will not be served at any sites.
No before-school activities/athletics.
Students will not be marked tardy due to a late start

d. No school in Grand Forks Public Schools all day
e. No school for the Grand Forks Air Force Base School District students all day

Decisions related to the weather-related delayed opening or closing of air base schools may not always be consistent with those made for in-town schools. On those days when severe weather makes travel conditions so hazardous as to threaten the safety of staff members, opening delays or the closing of base schools will be given special consideration.
Hold remote learning

f. Once school is in session, it will not be terminated until the regular closing time except in very severe situations. However, school buses may leave early. Radio and TV stations will be used to notify parents.

The decision to close or delay school will be made as early as possible. Announcements will be made on the District webpage (www.gfschools.org), and District social media (www.facebook.com/GrandForksPublicSchools; www.twitter.com/GFSchools). Announcements will also be made on local radio and TV stations.

Grand Forks Public Schools will be using our Automated Calling system to call staff and parents if school will be delayed or cancelled due to severe weather conditions. Typically, this automated call will occur to staff between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and to parents between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Parents or guardians may always exercise their right to keep students home or pick them up early during stormy conditions.

GFPS has two days (approximately 12 hours of instruction) built into the school calendar for storm-related delays/cancellations. If a full-day cancellation leads to a third storm day during this school year, GFPS will transition to remote learning. More information will be provided by GFPS and your student's school at that time.

If an emergency situation should develop during the time school is in session, children will be cared for in school until the storm has subsided.

If buses are sent home early, all buses will be sent.
We will communicate the departure time
The lead-time needed for the procedure is approximately one (1) hour.
If conditions are dangerous, bus drivers must use common sense in discharging students that must walk a considerable distance. If possible, use the radio and contact the base station. Have parents meet the bus or be on the lookout for their children. If the driver is unable to contact parents and conditions are dangerous, do not let students off the bus but return to school and notify the principal. Schools that have bus students must have a written procedure for caring for students in the event they must be kept overnight at school.

Updated 9/30/2019, 9/2022