MPS Elementary Newsletter
November 2025
Upcoming Events
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
Conference Attendance
We had 75% of families attend conferences this year! This is the best percentage we have seen in 10 over years. Thank you for supporting your child's education. We truly cannot educate and support your student without your involvement. We hope to see everyone back in the spring to see if their student has mastered their goals. Congratulations to the 3rd graders who had 93% attendance rate at student goal setting and received a field trip to Northern Air!
Benefit Assistance
We need your help! Please fill out this survey to help us assess our families’ needs during the government shutdown. Even if your family doesn’t require extra support, please complete the survey so we have accurate information for everyone.
Our first round of breakfast foods went out this weekend! We’re hopeful to gather even more food to share with families next weekend.
JOM Funds
- Winter gear- Reach out if you have a need!
- Sports shoes- Reach out if you have a need!
- School supplies (we provide this to any student who does not have the supplies they need on the first days of school)
- Meal money for sporting events-all students receive this when they go to away games
Reach out to MacKenzie Moen with any additional questions.
❄️ Parent Education Piece: Preparing for Winter Weather
As winter approaches, it’s important that our students stay safe, warm, and ready to learn each day. North Dakota winters can be unpredictable, and together we can ensure that every child is prepared for changing conditions at school and on the way there.
🧣 Dress for the Weather
Please make sure your child comes to school each day with:
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A warm coat, hat, and mittens or gloves
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Snow pants and boots for outdoor play
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Layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change indoors and outdoors
We go outside for recess when the wind chill is above –10°F (or your local guideline), so proper clothing helps keep students healthy and comfortable.
Cold Weather Safety: Frostbite can happen quickly on exposed skin, especially on fingers, ears, and cheeks. Even short periods outside or waiting for the bus without proper gear can be dangerous in subzero temperatures. Please remind your child to bundle up before leaving home and keep hats, mittens, and coats zipped while waiting at the bus stop. Buses and cars can occasionally be delayed in winter weather, so dressing appropriately ensures your child stays safe and warm until pickup.
Winter Gear Needs
We have two individuals who have reached out to donate clothing gear to students. They are both doing fundraiser activities. Demi Cook is taking donations and Halle Littlewind is also taking donations.
Demi Cook will run a mile for every $10 donated. Venmo: Demi-cook-1, CASHAPP: $dcgcook.
If you have any winter clothing needs (hats, gloves, snowpants, boots, etc), please contact Michael Widmer or MacKenzie Moen.
🎉 First Grade Super Stars! 🌟
Wow—what an awesome school year so far in our classroom! Our first graders have been working hard, learning new things, and showing what it means to never give up. We’ve seen amazing readers, creative writers, and math whizzes who make learning fun every day! We’re so proud of how everyone is trying their best and helping each other shine. Each day is filled with smiles and teamwork! We can’t wait to see all the exciting things our first graders will accomplish next! Keep up the great work, first graders—you’re all superstars!
5th and 6th Grade Honor Roll Students
Honor Roll:
Layla Bishop, Ashlyn Bowker, Dion Cavanaugh, Lorraine Charboneau, Jenaya Cloud, Madison Day, Mary Ducheneaux, Aceson Dye, ReeAwna Goodbird, Kashton Herman, Jordan Iceman, Kairo Nelson, Bella Ridley, Aleisha Sherman, Journi Volk, and Nolan Volk
Danyell Charboneau, Joaquin De La Paz, Gracey Dye, Kaydence Greywater, Amyah Ironhawk, Joseph Lenoir, Aiden Nelson
Checks should be mailed to residences!
Meet Mrs. Groven
What I prefer students to call me:
Mrs. Groven
When/how is the best time to contact me:
Before school 8:00-8:30, afterschool 3:30-4:00, and prep on Thursdays 10:30-11:00, prep on Tuesdays 1:20-2:15
How long I have been teaching at MPS?
4 years
What do you love most about teaching at MPS?
We are a team and help each other.
Meet Ms. Ricter
What I prefer students to call me:
Mrs. Ricter
When/how is the best time to contact me:
8:15-4:00
How long I have been teaching at MPS:
This is my 4th year, but this is my 36th year of teaching.
What do you love most about teaching at MPS?
The school strives to meet every students needs. Every person that works here is part of a team! It is such a caring and welcoming school.
2-3 fun facts about me (kids, pets, silly facts, anything!)
I am now an empty nester, my youngest started college this fall. I now talk to my cats WAY more!!
Meet Mrs. Rachel
What I prefer students to call me:
Mrs. Rachel or Mrs. Jordaan
When/how is the best time to contact me:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
How long I have been teaching at MPS:
This is the start of my 10th school year at MPS
What do you love most about teaching at MPS?
The people
2-3 fun facts about me (kids, pets, silly facts, anything!)
I am originally from South Dakota.
I am married to my husband Johan and we have two kids, Elouise & Henry.
Buffalo Crew
The Buffalo Crew is a leadership team made up of our 5th and 6th grade students who serve as positive role models within the school. They help reinforce our school expectations, lead elementary assemblies, and support younger students through their example. Being part of the Buffalo Crew gives students the opportunity to build leadership and presentation skills, develop confidence, and form meaningful connections with others—all while representing the spirit and values of our school community.
Buffalo Crew Members: Aceson Dye, Kairo Nelson, Gracey Dye, Danyell Charboneau, Jordan Iceman, Kaydean McKay, ReeAwna Goodbird, Lahoma Ironshield, Teegan McKay, Bella Ridley
Elementary Expectations
This months- Grandfather Teaching: Love 💕
This months- Expectation Area: Hallways
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!
Grace Little-5th Grade
Nadia Alberts- 1st Grade
Kylar Tomahawk
Danyell Charboneau-6th Grade
Jordan Robertson- 3rd Grade
Raymond Richotte-4th Grade
Math Focus Goal
By spring, 100% of homeroom teachers will have completed their goal setting conferences and data entered by the time of their quarterly progress checkin with Connie and Carson.
Using the STAR Math Assessment, 50% of MPS students who scored in the 41st-60th percentile during the fall screening period will achieve proficiency (61st percentile and above) by the spring screening period.
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