Colt Connection
Summer 2025
Greetings Colt Country,
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer with your families! We had a busy June with summer school, the mill levy vote, and getting summer projects started. We were thrilled that the community voted to pass the building fund's mill levy vote to help keep up with rising costs of our facilities. I continue to be so grateful for the community support of our schools and children.
We are preparing for the upcoming school year with our parking lot project in Aber (starting this week and scheduled to be done by early August), preparing facilities, creating transportation routes, and more. Be on the lookout for back-to-school packets in the mail later in July.
Thank you for your continued support, and continue enjoying summer break!
Respectfully,
Dr. Britney Gandhi
School Election Results
Thank you to the patrons of Richland #44 School District who participated in the recent school election. Your involvement plays a vital role in shaping the future of our district!
We are pleased to share that the request to increase the Building Fund Mill Levy Authorization up to 20 mills passed with 64% voter approval! This approval allows the district to address ongoing facility needs and improvements as necessary that promote safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Also, congratulations to returning school board members Dallas Loff, Derek Beito, and Amy Lehmann on their re-election. We appreciate their continued commitment to serving our schools and community.
PB&J Fund Thank You
This year we again had several generous donations from both individuals and area churches to help cover student lunch costs. Donations have been earmarked either to our PB&J fund or to help cover outstanding student lunch balances for those in need.
THANK YOU to the following who have donated this year:
Richland Lutheran Church
Becky Cofer
Boyle Family
Richland WELCA
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Galchutt Lutheran Church
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
Richland County Employees: Worksite Wellness Committee
Eagle Valley Church
Summer School
With summer in full swing, our elementary summer school programs are underway. Summer school offers students a valuable opportunity to engage in 60 hours of focused reading instruction and practice. This program is designed to help students strengthen key literacy skills such as comprehension, writing, fluency, and spelling.
In addition to our elementary summer school program, our Extended School Year (ESY) services are also in session. This program provides qualifying students with continued support in occupational therapy, speech-language services, and academics to help maintain progress and minimize regression over the summer months.
We extend our appreciation to the staff who have committed to support this important work and provide students with the tools they need to continue growing as readers.
Principal's Perspective
With diplomas handed out and grades complete, it’s time to reset and recharge as we begin to prepare for next school year. Our custodial and maintenance staff are hard at work cleaning, organizing, and making updates to the building to ensure a great environment for students and staff this fall. Many of our 8th and 9th grade students have completed the classroom portion of Driver’s Education and will continue working on their behind-the-wheel instruction throughout the summer.
While we hope everyone is finding time to relax and enjoy summer, we’re also looking ahead—Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th, and the first day of school will be Tuesday, August 19th.
We’re excited for another great year!
Mr. Davison
Track & Field Season Recap
Varsity:
The Richland varsity track and field team was made up of 21 athletes and 4 student managers this season. Every athlete who competed at the varsity level earned a letter—an impressive accomplishment that reflects their dedication and effort. The team was guided by a committed coaching staff: Cassie Wulfekuhle, Tom Wulfekuhle, Megan Viele, Lois Vorachek, Tucker Regner, and bus driver and volunteer coach Don Viele.
This season brought several exciting upgrades, including a new pole vault pit, an additional long jump pit, new uniforms, and team warmups—thanks to the generous support of the Colt Backers. Notable athletic achievements included Lila Viele breaking the school high jump record and two athletes qualifying for the ND State Track & Field Meet. Jozie F earned a spot in discus and placed 15th at state, while Lila V qualified in the 300-meter hurdles and high jump, placing 3rd in high jump and setting a new school record in the hurdles (although she did not compete in that event at state).
Many team members reached new personal bests throughout the season, and with continued offseason training, we’re optimistic about increasing our number of state qualifiers next year.
Team awards were presented as follows:
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Girls Track MVP: Lila V
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Girls Field MVP: Lila V
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Boys Track MVP: Bryce G
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Boys Field MVP: Bryce G
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COLT Award: Cody B
While weather unfortunately forced the cancellation of this year’s elementary Track & Field Day, we look forward to bringing the event back next year!
Otto Dockter Represents Richland in ND Shrine Bowl
Otto Dockter had the honor of playing in the North Dakota Shrine Bowl this June, where he was selected as one of only 26 athletes to represent the 9-Man East Team. His selection reflects not only his athletic talent on the football field, but also the strong character and leadership he has demonstrated throughout his high school career.
The ND Shrine Bowl All-Star Game, established in 1974, is more than just a showcase of athletic ability. It celebrates high school seniors who embody excellence in football and demonstrate integrity, sportsmanship, and community-minded values. The event also serves a higher purpose—raising awareness and funds for Shriners Children, a network of non-profit medical facilities dedicated to providing life-changing care to children, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
Shriners Children offers specialized pediatric care in orthopedics, burn treatment, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, cleft lip and palate repair, and more. They operate hospitals and clinics across North America and have impacted thousands of young lives through advanced medical treatment, research, and compassionate care.
During Shrine Bowl week, Otto joined athletes and coaches from across the state. Players who were once opponents on the field became teammates, and many lasting friendships were formed. Otto embraced the experience and represented Richland #44 with pride, humility, and determination.
To cap off an already incredible week, the 9-Man East Team won the game, making Otto’s final high school football appearance a victory and a moment he’ll never forget. It was a fitting end to an accomplished high school football career—one marked by excellence, leadership, and lasting impact.
Congratulations to Otto Dockter on this outstanding achievement and memorable experience—both on and off the field.
The 44 Venue Update
The long-awaited unveiling of The 44 Venue is finally here, and we’re thrilled to invite the Richland #44 community to its grand opening celebration! This modern, thoughtfully designed event space is more than just a place to gather—it’s a symbol of connection, pride, and support for our students.
Join us on July 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM for an afternoon of celebration. The festivities will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:00 PM, followed by live music from Matt Aakre, appetizers, refreshments, tours, and prize giveaways.
The 44 Venue stands as a true reflection of what can be accomplished when a community comes together. We are incredibly grateful to the committees and board of directors who poured their time, heart, and energy into bringing this vision to life. Their dedication has created something truly special—a place where celebrations happen, memories are made, and every event directly supports the students of Richland #44 through the Foundation.
We hope to see you there as we mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter for our district and community!
Janna Koble
The 44 Venue General Manager
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