MPS Elementary Newsletter

All of these dates and more future dates can be found on the school website OR this calendar link- https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=bWlubmV3YXVrYW4uazEyLm5kLnVzX2RhZHU0ZDR0dHRsNTE2dWllazRqa3FkMzA4QGdyb3VwLmNhbGVuZGFyLmdvb2dsZS5jb20

Screenings give us a chance to see how children are growing and learning before school begins. The purpose is to identify needs early, provide the right support, and build confidence so every child is ready for kindergarten. Screenings also strengthen the partnership between families and teachers as we work together to give children the very best start.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Miss Amy and Mrs. Jordaan for giving their time this summer to conduct these screenings. We are equally grateful to all of the families who partnered with us and brought their children.

Mrs.Hahns kindergarten class has been studying rainbow fish this week! We did a fine motor rainbow fish activity today! Our students did an amazing job with this tough project

This is the 2nd year our 4th-6th grade students will be earning points by following the schoolwide and classroom expectations in order to enhance their academics.

All students are divided into teams, including respectful bison, humble wolves or courageous bears.

The teams will compete against each other to see who gets the most points to earn extra gym time at the end of the week.

Students will also be trying to earn 50 individual points per quarter to earn a reward each quarter. If they earn 200 points by the end of the year they will get to go swimming at the casino!

We are excited to see our student behavior improve in our upper elementary.

Elementary Expectations MPS

Elementary Expectations MPS Videos

What I prefer students to call me?

Mr. Rood

When/how is the best time to contact me?

You can contact me any time by email or call the office during the school day.

How long I have been teaching at MPS>?

This is my second year!

What do you love most about teaching at MPS?

I love the kids and staff here in Minnewaukan. The environment is so positive and focused on growth! I love building positive relationships and sharing in the excitement when kids overcome challenges. I'm proud of how we support students and it's so rewarding to see progress throughout the school year.

2-3 fun facts about me:

I have three kids, age 7, 14, and 17. I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan. My favorite subject in school was social studies.

When/how is the best time to contact me?

8-830 and 330-4. Call the school

How long I have been teaching at MPS?

17 years

What do you love most about teaching at MPS?

I love the camaraderie between students and staff.

2-3 fun facts about me:

I have 1, cat I ref volleyball, I work at Grahams Island in the summer.

When/how is the best time to contact me:

Call the school!

How long I have been teaching at MPS:

6 years

What do you love most about teaching at MPS?

I love the individuality of the students, the love that the teachers have for their students and how the staff supports each other. Most of all I love that the school has a culture of improvement. We are ALL-- teachers and students-- working to improve.

2-3 fun facts about me:

I am a Nana to one grandson, but will soon be Nana to another and I'm so excited! I love training horses and working to make myself and them better.

• Attending leadership meetings every week on Wednesdays over lunch

• Creating expectations videos/posters

• Morning announcements

• Helping plan monthly assemblies

• Monthly Classroom Activities in Elementary

• Other leadership activities

You and/or your child can fill out this form to report any incident where your child has been a victim or has witnessed students be a victim to bullying.

This can also be found on our website.

Bullying Report Form

At school, your child follows routines every day—arriving, eating breakfast, learning, recess, lunch, and preparing to go home. These routines give children comfort and security because they know what to expect. When children feel safe and steady, they are more ready to learn.

You can support this same success at home with simple routines. They don’t have to be complicated. Even small, steady habits can help children feel calm, confident, and cared for.

Examples of Helpful Routines at Home

• Morning (before school):
  Wake up, eat breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, and prepare for the day.

• After School (right after school):
  Snack, a short break, then homework or chores, followed by free play.

• Dinner Time:
  Eat together, share stories, and talk about the day.

• Evening/Bedtime (around 8:00–9:00 p.m.):
  Set out school clothes and backpack, brush teeth, read or share a story, and lights out at the same time each night.

Why Routines Matter for Families

Many families in our community face busy schedules and challenges. Routines don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be consistent. Even one or two repeated habits can make a big difference for your child.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small—choose one habit to repeat daily.

2. Use picture charts for younger children.

3. Include cultural traditions like prayer, storytelling, or gratitude.

4. Praise your child for following routines: “I like how you got ready so quickly!”

At school, your child thrives on routine. With your support at home—morning, after school, dinnertime, and bedtime—they will grow stronger in both heart and mind.

They will be recognized on the school website and FB page as well as receive a small reward for their accomplishment.

Student engagement staff will look for when nominating a student of the month:

• Good Attendance!
• Completion of Work!
• Collaborates well with peers and staff!
• Follows school expectations!

Check out last months students of the month on our website!

https://www.minnewaukan.k12.nd.us/

The purpose of early outs is to allow staff to have professional development in order to better educate students in relation to the goals listed in the school improvement plan below.

1. By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, the elementary school will achieve an attendance rate of at least 70% at parent-teacher conferences, which will include student-led goal setting with families present.

2. By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, the high school will achieve an attendance rate of at least 20% at parent-teacher conferences, which will also include student-led goal setting with families present.

Family Engagement/Attendance Solution Team Goal Members: Shelby Adam, Amy Ertelt, Lindsey Illebrunn, Michael Widmer, Sarah Zacher, Jon Ross

Email: mackenzie.moen@minnewaukan.k12.nd.us
Website: https://www.minnewaukan.k12.nd.us/
Location: Minnewaukan Public School
Phone: 701-473-5306
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinnewaukanSchool