GRIMSRUD ELEMENTARY -April 2026-

Greetings Grizzly Families!

We have only 27 families who have completed the very short parent engagement survey linked below. If you haven't, our team would greatly appreciate your entry so we can reflect on our communication and engagement efforts for the broader representation of our 150+ families here at Grimsrud. Thank you in advance!

Believe it or not, this month kicks off our End-of-Year Testing windows for our students. Grades K-5 will take district tests with an added few measures in grades 3-5 for state testing. This is an opportunity to shed light on the progress our students and teachers have made with their hard work in and out of the classroom. Although it's lighter outside later and the weather is nicer, please try to continue your evening and morning routines to set your child up for success- adequate sleep, breakfast, to school on time, etc. Any help "pumping them up" and wishing them luck is an added bonus! We will share our school-wide results with families in the end of May.

Thank you for being strong partners with us each day!

Take Care,

~Dr. Brittany Upton

Did you know that the Ronald McDonald House soda tab program has raised millions of dollars nationally? It's one of the simplest ways to make a real impact — no cash required! Here's how it works: save the small aluminum pull tabs from any canned beverage — soda, sparkling water, energy drinks, bottle caps, anything with a can. Send them in with your student, and they can drop them into our special collection containers. We have foldable cardboard "house" containers provided directly by our local Ronald McDonald House. Tabs are then collected and donated to Ronald McDonald House to be recycled into direct funding for families in need.To make it even more exciting, we'll be running a classroom competition! Please continue to bring soda tabs until May 14th.

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!

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 at (701)934-0826.

The PTO has purchased the school a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) cart to promote extended learning for all students. Teachers and students are excited to use it but we need some fun supplies in the cart first. Would you look around your house for some interesting trash to get the “cart rolling”? You can send any items to school with your student.

✨ Tap & Blend

Have your child say each sound, then blend it together:
c-a-t → cat

✨ Slide Through the Word
Stretch the sounds smoothly:
ssss-uuuun → sun

✨ Break It Apart
For longer words, break into parts:
pic-nic, sun-set

✨ Point & Track
Use a finger to follow each word while reading

✨ Re-Read for Confidence
Read the same book again to build smooth, confident reading

✨ Try It, Then Help
Give your child a chance to try a word first—then jump in if needed

💡 Keep it positive, quick (10 minutes!), and celebrate their effort!

We invite you to join us for a valuable evening focused on helping your child develop healthy technology habits and stay safe online. A licensed addiction counselor will lead this parent-focused session and a small snack will be provided along with opportunities to win prizes like kid blue light glasses, grocery Gift Card, and more.

🗓 Date: April TBD (Flyer to come home)
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
📍 Location: Grimsrud Elementary School Gymnasium

***Childcare will be provided for students that attend Grimsrud.

What You’ll Learn:

• How technology affects children’s development and behavior
• Setting clear and healthy screen time boundaries
• Warning signs of technology overuse or dependency
• Strategies to keep your child safe online
• Practical tools to support a balanced digital lifestyle at home

Join us for Century's Stars & Stripes Family Dance, a fun and festive evening where kids can bring someone special in their life—mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or a family friend—for a night of music, dancing, and memorable moments together.

Dress up and enjoy an evening filled with laughter and celebration. Families can dance together, visit the photo booth, enjoy concessions, and participate in fun activities like coloring, stickers, and temporary tattoos. Guests will even have the chance to meet Patriot Man!

This event is hosted by the Century High School Student Council, and our high school students will be there to help make sure everyone has a wonderful time.

We invite families to come celebrate community and connection at this special event designed to bring generations together.

Saturday, April 11
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Olson Gym – Century High School

Tickets: $5 per person | $40 family maximum
Free passes are available in school offices for families who may need them. Everyone is welcome!

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