As we welcome 2025, we celebrate the incredible journey you’ve taken and look forward to the exciting milestones ahead. This is your year, seniors! The light is at the end of the tunnel, and with each passing day, you’re getting closer to the finish line.

May the second half of your final high school chapter be filled with meaningful moments, academic success, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The entire school community is cheering you on as you prepare to cross the graduation stage and step into a bright future. Let’s make the rest of this year extraordinary together!

The FHS Speech Team, led by Mr. Bowles, kicked off their practices this week. The hallways buzzed with the energy of students rehearsing scripts and supporting one another with encouragement and feedback. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming speech meet dates and other exciting team news!

Mr. Anderson, in partnership with Rainy Lake Medical Center, is wrapping up a highly successful semester-long class. Students had multiple opportunities to explore and shadow various roles at Rainy Lake Medical Center, gaining valuable insights from professionals in the field while reflecting on their own interests and career aspirations.

This week and next, students will present their key takeaways from the course, sharing their experiences and insights with their peers. The program has been a resounding success and is set to return next year!

We are delighted to recognize Mrs. Fehrman as our Staff Member of the Month! Known for her unwavering dedication, Mrs. Fehrman serves as our fearless hall monitor and so much more. She consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff, making a positive impact on our school community every day.

From the hallways to the locker rooms, lunchroom, and all areas in-between, Mrs. Fehrman is always there to lend a helping hand. She takes the time to connect with students, showing genuine care for their well-being and fostering meaningful relationships. Her commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Mrs. Fehrman, for your hard work, compassion, and invaluable contributions to the Bronco family at FHS. We are lucky to have you!

Students are earning recognition for embodying the spirit of BRONCO POWER—Pride, Optimism, Welcoming attitudes, Engagement, and Respect. To reinforce these behaviors, students receive special tickets that can be redeemed for various perks. The store is open most Fridays.

Students can use their tickets to purchase a range of items and experiences, including:

• Sports Passes for hockey and basketball games.
• Concessions like pop and popcorn at events.
• Fast Passes to skip the lunch line.
• School supplies such as pencils and notebooks.
• Miscellaneous art supplies, lip balm and many other items

💫Watch for new items and perks coming soon!

A group of juniors, seniors, and parents gathered in the FHS Library on Wednesday evening to kick off planning for this year’s prom. Led by Prom Advisor Jessica Crosby, the group will meet regularly to organize fundraising efforts and finalize event details.

We invite you to be part of the planning process! The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 22, at 7:30 PM in the FHS Library. Juniors, seniors, and their parents are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Jessica Crosby.

It can be challenging to know what the future holds. Thinking about the career pathways, combined with interests and lifestyle goals can help!

Try the following LINKS to help you think about your future!

Vernon J. Pick Foundation Scholarship

Eligible applicants are high school seniors from the following MN counties: Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Koochiching, Marshall, Beltrami, Itasca, Pennington, Red Lake, Clearwater, and Polk. Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 as a one-time award.

- Applicants must be planning college study in STEM fields including science, mathematics, engineering, medicine, medical technology, nursing, biology, chemistry, physics, animal science, forestry and wildlife management.
Minimum qualification requirements:
1. GPA of 3.5 or greater.
2. ACT test score of 25 or SAT score of 1200 or greater.

Information can be found in the Counselor’s Office - or see attached.

APPLY ONLINE: https://form.jotform.com/223106269136149
DEADLINE: March 15, 2025

Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship
Are you a graduating senior whose parent or guardian is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications? Then you're eligible for one of two $500 PBC scholarships.

- Priority will go to applicants or the parents/legal guardian of the applicant who are current members of Paul Bunyan Communications Cooperative (*though it's not required to be a member). For current members this would also include any hunting shacks or cabins.

- Emphasis on selecting the winner will be given to students who demonstrate good citizenship by volunteering or being involved with community service.

Application available in the Counselor's Office or see attached form.
DEADLINE: April 4, 2025

Shop online or in-person! Every dollar earned helps our school! Every little bit helps so much~ thank you to those who are already making a difference!

Falls High School just received our first check of the year, which supports events and opportunities for students! Please know that your efforts DO make a difference!

Here's how:

The FHS cheerleaders hosted practices this week, preparing for an exciting performance at Friday's basketball game. The participation was outstanding, as elementary students of all ages joined in the fun, enjoying the music, energy, and mentorship provided by our talented FHS cheerleaders. A song by Taylor Swift with an accompanying dance routine was the most popular!

Spanish students were welcomed back for the New Year by learning about a Spanish tradition. This celebration was an adapted version of a traditional celebration of the eating of the Roscón de Reyes, a round, sweet bread or cake decorated with candied fruits. Inside the roscón, two surprises are hidden.

I grew up in International Falls and graduated from FHS in 2000. I attended Bemidji State University where I received my Bachelor's degree and eventually went back to BSU to earn my Master's Degree and K-12 Reading licensure. I have been a teacher for 19 years. After graduating college, I moved to Tooele, Utah where I taught 5th grade for 5 years. I then moved to Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, where I taught 3rd, 5th, and 6th grade for 7 years. After having my daughter Mila, I was pleased to accept a teaching position back home to be closer to my family. I have been the ALC teacher at ISD 361 for the past 6 years. I truly enjoy the students and staff at the ALC. I find this teaching position challenging, yet very rewarding.

My spare time is usually spent outdoors with my 8 year old daughter, Mila and our energetic puppy, Masha. I love everything about Rainy Lake: fishing, swimming, boating, and watching the amazing sunsets over the lake at our home. I also enjoy attending sporting events, especially Bronco hockey with my boyfriend, Travis and his son Carter.

Falls High School Teachers will now be available for Homework Help. Some of the help is during the day if students have open hours or if finished with work they may request a pass to see one of these teachers. Some of sessions are being offered outside of the school day. Please continue to watch for changes/additions to these sessions. Feel free to reach out to teachers with questions!

• 1st Hour Daily~ Mrs. Staples Room 204 (English)
• 1st Hour Daily~ Mr. Sandberg Room 113 (Social Studies)
• 2nd Hour Daily~ Mrs. Boyle Room 203 (English/Writing 6th Graders)
• 2nd Hour Daily~ Mrs. Mannausau Room 212 (Math)
• 3rd Hour Daily~ Mr. Dowty Room 108 (Math)
• 4th Hour Daily~ Mr. Awe Room 210 (Math)
• 5th Hour Daily~ Mr. Kaviuk Room 104 (Social Studies)

After School Homework Help (any subject) ~ Mr. Hemstad Room 115 M-Th

After School Homework Help (any subject) ~ Ms. Groom (Library) Mondays 3:20-4:20

Before School Extra Credit/Science ~ Ms. Jaksa Room 121 Fridays

Watch for changes and/or additions as the year goes on!

Please talk to a trusted adult if you or a friend are struggling with conflict, bullying. We have attached some resources below as a guide. When we bring a community together, conflicts inevitably arise. If the conflict persists into bullying or harassment it is imperative that students and adults work together to make it stop. At FHS we take this seriously and will thoughtfully and carefully investigate each incidence, help resolve conflict, and address bullying. Everyone deserves to feel safe at school!

Conflict and bullying are issues that need adult intervention and support. Please see the following resources!

Please watch for more LINKS to be added in the future!