DLB Newsletter

Welcome back! We are excited to be starting the 2026-2027 School Year!!

MISSION: Instilling values and providing opportunities that empower learners for lifelong success.

At DLB, we value respect, responsibility, honesty, accountability, teamwork, and empathy.

From the Desk of Christopher Bachmeier

Time is flying here at DL-B! It is hard to believe we are already a few weeks into the school year. Our students and staff have settled into their routines, activities are in full swing, and our buildings are once again busy each day.

I want to thank our students, staff, families, and community members for helping us get the year off to a great start. There has already been a lot happening, both in the classroom and through our many activities, and it has been fun to see our students back together and representing DL-B.

Homecoming was once again a great week at DL-B.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success. Our students did a great job participating in the dress-up days, coronation, pep rally, and all of the activities throughout the week. The school spirit was outstanding, and it was great to see so many people come out and support our students.

This year’s Homecoming was also extra special because we were able to dedicate our new football field lights. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported the Laker Pride Project. We had so many individuals, families, businesses, alumni, and organizations step up to help make this project happen.

The new lights are something our students and community will be able to enjoy for many years. It was a great feeling to recognize our donors and celebrate the project together. We are very fortunate to have the support we do, and I truly appreciate everyone who played a part in making it happen.

As we continue through September, I encourage families to stay connected with what is happening at school. Please continue to check school communications, talk with your child about how things are going, and reach out to us anytime you have questions or concerns. Good communication between home and school makes a big difference.

I recently came across a quote from John Dewey that says, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” I think that is a pretty good reminder of what we are here to do every day. Thank you for your continued support of DL-B and for helping us provide the best opportunities we can for our students.

Have a great September, and as always, Go Lakers!

We have had a great start to the school year at DLB Elementary! It has been awesome to see our students back in the building, learning, connecting with friends, and getting into routines. There is always a different exciting energy at the beginning of a new school year, and I am excited about all that is ahead for our Lakers!

The House Competition Is Underway!

On August 21, our new students and kindergarten students participated in one of our first exciting events of the year—drawing to determine their House! Since this is only year 2 of our House System, this was a new, fun event! Students became members of Loyal Laker, Big Wave, Brilliant Blizzard, or Valor, officially kicking off our big House competition for the year. Students will compete throughout the year for quarterly House parties and one final BIG House celebration (the yearly winner gets to leave the building to celebrate)! In order to win any of these competitions, they must have the most points in a quarter or overall at the end of the year. Students can earn points for their House in many ways, including following school expectations, going above and beyond, showing kindness, earning straight A's, having perfect attendance, and other opportunities throughout the year. The fun doesn't stop with House parties! Students also earn individual rewards based on the points they collect. There are many rewards to choose from, including an Uber from the principal, jumping to the front of the lunch line, extra recess, popcorn parties, and many more! We are excited to see the competition grow throughout the year and look forward to seeing which House comes out on top!

Elementary Girls Basketball

Our 5th and 6th grade girls basketball season is underway, and the teams are off to a successful start! We have ten 5th graders and nine 6th graders participating this season. Thank you to Coach Feller and Coach Shearer for giving their time and energy to coach our students. We appreciate all you do for our Lakers!

Study Time Has Started

Study Time began this past week for students in grades 4–6. Study Time is held in the morning during recess time and is designed to help students stay caught up with their schoolwork. Students who have missing work or are failing a class are required to attend Study Time. Students who would simply like time to complete homework in the morning may also attend with a pass from their teacher. We want to help students develop responsibility and ensure they have the support and time they need to be successful.

Homecoming Fun!

DLB Elementary had a great Homecoming Week! Our students had a lot of fun participating in the dress-up days and showing their school spirit throughout the week. On Friday, we had the opportunity to head to the high school, cheer on our fall sports teams, and participate in some fun activities. It was a great way for our elementary students to meet and connect with the "big people" and celebrate the many students representing DLB in activities and athletics!

Sixth Grade Eco Ed

On September 10, our 6th grade students traveled to Eco Ed at Mouse River Park. Students participated in hands-on environmental science lessons connected to our local rangeland, forestry, soil, wildlife, water, and pollution management. Experiences like Eco Ed give students the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and see how science connects to the world around them. We appreciate the science community who helps provide these valuable learning opportunities for our students!

Title I and School-wide Expectations

As we move forward into the school year, please take a few minutes to review the information regarding Title I services by following this link, our school-wide expectations (photo below), and upcoming activities. Thank you, families, for your continued support and for trusting us with your children each day. We are excited for another great year of learning, growth, relationships, and Laker pride!

Go Lakers!

Events -

Sept. 24 - PM - 1st Grade - Ag Day at NDSU Extension

Sept. 24 - MSU Health Screenings (Nurses in training come for vision, hearing)

Sept. 25 - Elementary Assembly

Sept. 30 - HS COOP in 3rd grade

Sept. 30 - PreK to Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 1 - PreK to Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 2 - No School - PD Day

Oct. 4 - Booster Meeting in Elementary Library

Oct. 9 - Elementary Cross Country Run

Oct. 13 - Elementary P-T Conferences 4:00-8:00pm

Oct. 15 - Elementary Picture Retakes

Oct. 15 - End of 1st Quarter

Oct. 16 - No School

Oct. 28 - HS COOP to Elementary

Oct. 29 - Flu Shots

Oct. 30 - 2:15-3:15 - Fall Festival Parties

Big thanks to Mrs. Cool and Mrs. Schaefer for their sidewalk art that welcomed students to the new school year!

Please check out Mrs. Schaefer's website at https://sites.google.com/dlblakers.com/counselors-corner/home to learn more about careers, colleges, scholarships, SEL, and parent resources

Keep checking Mrs. Schaefer's website to find information about scholarships! She is constantly adding information.

Coronation took place at DLB on Wednesday afternoon! Congratulations to the Homecoming Court!

• Freshman Royalty: Princess Brooklyn Dobson and Prince Izaiah Bjerklie
• Sophomores Royalty: Princess Ella Smith and Prince Chase Wiltse
• Juniors Royalty: Princess Whiloe Schuchard and Prince Tristan Duchsherer
• Seniors Royalty: Princess Laila Christianson and Prince Zane Bjerklie
• Princess Ava Werner and Prince Tyler Schaefer
• Princess Kati Schaefer and Prince Zayden Grover
• 2026 Queen Laila Christianson and 2026 King Zane Bjerklie

We are so proud of our Laker Students, including these amazing athletes!

Here are some photos from a recent cross country meet!

Students in the genetics class spent some time gaining pipetting muscle memory. They are seen below practicing with food coloring, which is why they didn't need goggles. They are using micropipettes, which measure 1000's of millimeters (µL). They followed instructions that varied colors and amounts to make mystery designs. They also completed a food dye practice with gel electrophoresis. Now they are ready to don goggles and gloves as they work with real DNA samples and the necessary chemicals to do DNA fingerprinting.

Students and staff from both schools had a great afternoon celebrating Homecoming Week at the All-District Pep Rally last Friday. You can see some of the photos below. During the annual "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" competition, the overall winner was eighth grader Temperence Hackle, who beat Mrs. Krahler in a tough challenge. The last two photos show a fun competition that has taken place the last few years. Mrs. Zietz beat Mr. Zietz in the Elementary School vs. High School competition, and Collin Abernathey was the winner int he Clash of the Classes.

• Welcome page: Laker Scoop, Counselor's Corner, Approved Supplemental Educational Services, Powerschool Link, Lunch account link, Booster club link, Course Catalog, and the Burlington Elementary Newsletter!
• Information Page: PowerSchool, Booster Club, Athletics,
• Office Page: Lunch menu, School Policies, Schedules, and School Calendar, Title One, Counselor's Corner
• School Board Page: Policy Manual, Board Members, Board Minutes, Delegation Policy