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MPS Elementary Newsletter

December 2024

MPS ElementaryNewsletterDecember 2024

Upcoming Events

  • December
  • 4- Family Night
  • 11- 1st Grade Family Activity @ 12:30
  • 13- Elementary Concert @ 2:00
  • 16- School Board Meeting @ 4:30
  • 20- Early Out @ 1:00- This is a FRIDAY! No Wednesday Early Out!
  • 23- Winter Break Starts
  • January
  • 6- School Resumes
  • 10- End of 2nd Quarter
  • 20- No School
  • 21- School Board Meeting @ 4:30

  • 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

    Dress Up Days

    Honor Roll- 5th and 6th Grade

    6th Grade Honor Roll

    Devon Azure

    Applelaina Chaske

    Aseri Demarce

    McKinzie James

    Brantley Jetty

    Mikan Kraft

    Alliauna LaVallie

    Jaylee Lenoir

    Cyrena Roulette

    Larissa ThreeIrons

    Caelyn Wetzel

    Darren Littlewind

    Jedidiah Morgan


    5th Grade Honor Roll

    Messiah Bowker

    Cedar Cavanaugh

    Abigail Demarce

    Gracey Dye

    Kaydence Greywater

    Scarlett Howard

    Amyah Ironhawk

    Lahoma Ironshield

    Joseph Lenoir

    Lizell Merrick

    Aiden Nelson

    Ian (Joseph) Roulette

    Alexander Stenslander

    Joaquin De La Paz

    Danyell Charboneau

    Mason James

    Winter Recess Policy

    Winter is on its way! Make sure kids dress accordingly to both ride buses and go outside daily.

    This is directly from the student handbook:

    Students should be dressed according to the weather. Families and students are responsible for ensuring their students are appropriately dressed when they get on the buses. Students will be required to go outside if the weather is above -10 degrees with wind chill. If your child is ill and needs to stay in for a period of more than 5 days a doctor's note excusing them from recess must be provided.

    Family Night
    Michael Widmer
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    Meet Mr. Michael Widmer

    What I prefer students to call me: Mr. Michael

    How long I have been a social worker: 1st Year

    How long I have been teaching at MPS: 1st Year

    When/how is the best time to contact me: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, by calling the school and asking for Mr. Michael

    What I want to share about my reason for working at MPS: I want to help students succeed academically and socially by addressing mental health, behavioral, and emotional needs. Helping children understand how much they are worth and how important they are to people around them.

    Fun facts about me:

    *My family has owned cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, pigs, goats, and even a bottle fed calf.

    *I am enrolled in college in Wisconsin

    *My mother is a math teacher and my sister is the school counselor in Minnewaukan
    Miss Morken
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    Meet Miss Morken

    What I prefer students to call me: Miss Morken

    How long I have been teaching: 4 Years

    How long I have been teaching at MPS: 1st Year

    When/how is the best time to contact me: Text me By phone/ texting, anytime, but I will respond from 8-4

    What I want to share about my reason for working at MPS: My goal in teaching is to create an environment of learning that is inclusive, safe, and encouraging for all learners. I strive to be the best teacher I can be and am currently still studying for my master in education leadership. Through this I would love to grow in my career in education to help classroom and school communities to be stronger than ever.

    Fun facts about me: I am getting married this June. I love to cook. I was in 4 weddings this year.

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    Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

    Miss.Morken's class celebrated Thanksgiving a little early with a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The students came together to give out a feast to one another and celebrate friendship and being together.

    Maybe put a thank you to the families for making this possible because it was all donated

    Virtual Learning Policy

    The Minnewaukan Public School Board has approved a policy for students at Minnewaukan to complete work virtually in case of inclement weather or other reasons the school may need to close. Elementary students have been sent home 1 emergency packet at the beginning of the year.

    *Students must complete the packets that are sent home and return them the day school resumes.

    *All alerts will be sent over our instant alert system and posted on the school website and school FaceBook page.

    Student of the Month Student of the Month

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    Jaxston Santos- 3rd Grade

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    Emmalee Baumtrog- Prek

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    Nolan Volk- 4th Grade

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    McKinzie James- 6th Grade

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    Lylea Cavanaugh- 2nd Grade

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    Presley Leaf- 1st Grade

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    Daisha Rough- Kindergarten

    Student of the Month

    Each grade level will be eligible to receive student of the month.

    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/

    How to Help Your Elementary-Aged Child Stick to a Routine

    At MPS, we believe routines are the heart of a successful school experience, helping students not only learn but also feel safe, secure, and confident. Our staff have seen firsthand that when students are guided by a consistent routine, they thrive—feeling more at ease and ready to engage with the day. Routines bring a sense of stability and comfort, and we’ve found that students are happier, more focused, and more successful when they know what to expect. It's like a roadmap that helps them navigate their day with confidence!

    Establishing a consistent routine is essential for your child’s success, and positive reinforcement can make the process even more effective. Here’s how to keep your child on track:

    • Set Clear Expectations:
      Establish a simple, predictable daily schedule with set times for key activities.

    • Create Visual Schedules:
      Use charts or pictures to help your child see and understand their day.

    • Make Routines Fun:
      Turn tasks into games or challenges to keep your child engaged.

    • Be Consistent but Flexible:
      Stick to the routine, but allow some flexibility for special events.

    • Involve Your Child in Planning:
      Let them have a say in their schedule to encourage ownership.

    • Set Time Limits:
      Use timers to help your child manage time for activities like homework and screen time.

    • Model the Routine:
      Follow your own routines so your child can learn by example.

    • Use Positive Reinforcement:
      Praise and reward your child when they follow the routine. Positive reinforcement—such as verbal praise, stickers, or small treats—helps to reinforce good behavior, making it more likely your child will stick to their routine. Recognizing and celebrating their efforts boosts self-esteem and motivates them to continue meeting expectations.

    • Be Patient:
      Give gentle reminders and allow time for your child to adjust.

    • Include Rest and Breaks:
      Ensure their routine allows time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.

    By making routines simple, consistent, and enjoyable, while using positive reinforcement, you help your child develop healthy habits that set them up for success in both school and life.

    Amy Ertelt
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    Teacher of the Quarter- Amy Ertelt!

    This teacher is super positive, always smiling, and full of energy. She helps her coworkers and works well with others. When there’s a problem, she finds a way to fix it and always gets things done on time. She’s a great leader and is always ready to learn new things. She makes everyone feel happy and inspired to do their best. The kids love her because she’s kind and patient, and she’s the nicest person to work with. Everyone at school loves her, and she makes Minnewaukan a better place!

    Support Staff of the Quarter- Kevin Thompson

    This support staff is an essential part of our school, he works really hard to keep things clean and running smooth. He also loves to make people laugh with silly jokes and puns. Some of them are knee slappers, and some of them are face palmers. You can always count on him to help out when needed. He does more than what’s expected and is very reliable. He’s always in a good mood, and if he’s not, he doesn’t let anyone see it. We are so lucky to have him!

    Procedures

    The elementary students at MPS follow the expectations of the school. If you would like to review these expectations you may view the powerpoint or videos our elementary leadership team created last year.


    Elementary Expectations MPS


    Elementary Expectations MPS Videos

    pdf
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    Cognia Plan 24-25.pdf
    See attached for the goals for the 24-25 school year.
    Download
    56.5 KB
    Bullying Report Form
    Fill out for any incidents relating to school and your child feelings unsafe at school.
    Minnewaukan School Website
    The website includes the school calendar, daily events calendar, calendar of activities, lunch menu, and all of the instant alerts that have been sent out. Please use this tool to keep up to date on happenings within the school.
    Elementary Handbook
    Please read through this handbook to be informed on the rules of the school.
    Recess Handbook
    Please see this link to know the recess rules.
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    Minnewaukan Public School

    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

    MacKenzie Moen
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