A Note From the Principal...
Dear Families,
This month, our newsletter is focusing on the theme of service—a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of others. Service is more than just helping; it’s about creating meaningful experiences for individuals and families, showing kindness, and strengthening our community. Whether it’s a small act of generosity, learning more about where someone comes from, lending a hand to someone in need, or working together on a project, every effort counts. We encourage our students to think about how they can serve others in ways that bring joy, support, and connection. Let’s make this a month of giving and growing together! Please take the time to carefully read about the many efforts of the wonderful staff and community members who care deeply about your child.
I look forward to reconnecting with you next week at conferences!
Thank you for being a strong partner,
~ Dr. Upton
Exposing Kids to Future Careers
For January’s Career Café, we were thrilled to host Brent Weston, the Education Volunteer Coordinator from Dakota Zoo. Brent shared his journey to his current role at the zoo, giving 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders an inside look into his daily responsibilities, as well as the pros and cons of his job. He also brought in some exciting zoo-related items(and two box turtles!) for the kids to enjoy. The students have been eagerly anticipating Career Café every other week, excited for the fun learning experiences it brings!
Check out some of the photos from this month’s Career Café event. We can’t wait for our next guest, a Pilot, to join us! If you have a unique or interesting job and would like to be a guest speaker, please reach out to Mrs. Westergren to sign up!
February 11 - Parent Teacher Conference Night
February 13 - Parent Teacher Conference Night
February 13 - Multicultural Festival 5-7pm
February 17 - NO SCHOOL
February 27 - 2nd Grade Music Program 5:30
February 27 - 4th Grade Music Program 6:15
Five Little Hearts
Five little hearts, all in a row.
The first one said, "I love you so!"
The second one said, "Will you be my Valentine?"
The third one said, "I will, if you'll be mine!"
The fourth one said, "I'll always be your friend!"
The fifth one said, "I'll all be friends until the very end!"
Llama Llama, I Love You by Anna Dewdney
Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff
Snuggle Up and Read a Good...Math Book
Dear Families,
I wanted to take a moment to share something exciting that can help foster a love for both reading and math in your child’s life. As we continue exploring math concepts in school, I encourage you to consider reading math-related literature with your child at home.
Math books are a wonderful way to blend storytelling with mathematical thinking. They can spark curiosity and make abstract concepts feel more tangible and fun. From stories that explore the beauty of numbers to characters who solve problems with creative math solutions, math literature can ignite your child’s imagination and reinforce important skills in an engaging way.
Here are a few reasons why reading math literature together can be so beneficial:
Strengthens Math Skills: Many math books present concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, and geometry in a narrative format that makes learning feel more like an adventure.
Boosts Problem-Solving Abilities: Through characters and stories, children are often encouraged to think critically and solve problems—skills that are essential for math success.
Promotes a Positive Attitude Toward Math: Reading math-related stories can help your child view math as something fun and approachable, not just a set of rules or formulas.
Supports Language Development: The vocabulary in math literature introduces new terms and concepts, helping to expand your child's language skills alongside their math knowledge.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few recommended books that weave math concepts into exciting stories.
"Sir Cumference" Series by Cindy Neuschwander
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inm-vd8IlHM
- "The Grapes of Math" by Greg Tang
This book presents math riddles that encourage children to think outside the box and develop problem-solving skills. The playful rhymes and colorful illustrations make math engaging for younger students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWfQlou5GT4
You can check these books out from your local library, or I have attached a link to a read aloud.
You don’t need to be a math expert to enjoy these books together—just the willingness to explore and have fun with your child! Reading these books aloud, discussing the math concepts, and even trying out the problems can make math feel less intimidating and more like an exciting puzzle to solve.
Mrs. O'Dell
Title I Math Interventionist
Play Double-it! War
Using a regular deck of cards, masking tape, and a marker, you can make a math game for home.
Step 1: Alter the deck changing the Aces to 1's, Queens to 12's, Jacks to 11's and the King becomes a Double-it card, with masking tape and a marker.
Step 2: Shuffle the deck and deal the cards out equally to players.
How to play: Each player flips 2 cards from their face down pile in front of them. Add the cards together, whoever has the largest sum wins all the cards. If a Double-it card is turned, the player flips one more card, adds the cards and doubles the sum for their score.
If there is a tie, and it is the highest sum, it is a War. Lay 3 cards face down and 2 face up, following the same rules. Whoever has the largest sum gets ALL the cards.
Play until one player has all the cards or set a timer.
Patriot Elementary Boys and Girls Wrestling Camp
Learn Moves from the Century Wrestlers and Coaches to make you the best!
Camp Dates and Times (Per Grade Level):
- K-2nd Grade: Monday February 24th -Thursday February 27th - 4-5 PM
- 3rd - 5th Grade: Monday February 24th -Thursday February 27th - 5-6 PM
Location: Century High School 1000 E Century Avenue
- Century High School Wrestling Room (Furthest North Door on the West Side - Door #22)
Cost: $20 per wrestler turned in at the door
Cash or check accepted (Checks payable to CHS Wrestling Booster Club)
Practice Gear: T-shirt, shorts or sweatpants, socks or wrestling shoes
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/chsk5camp or at the door.
Questions? Contact Baron Blanchard baron_blanchard@bismarckschools.org; Nathan Humann nathan_humann@bismarckschools.org
Questions? Needs? Contact the Office
Email: grimsrud_secretary@bismarckschools.org
Website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/grimsrud
Phone: 701-323-4150