Congratulations to Nick Schultz and Mara Pelland! Stay tuned next week for a more detailed write up about our Bronco Athletes of the Week!

This week was filled with school spirit and fun as we came together to celebrate our winter sports and activities! Participation in our dress-up days was fantastic, showcasing creativity and enthusiasm from students and staff alike. Our pep fests, led by our incredible student leadership groups and energetic cheerleaders, as well as the band, brought joy and energy to both our 6-8 and 9-12 grade levels. These events added a much-needed boost of mid-winter fun, reinforcing our sense of community and pride. Thank you to everyone who joined in and made this week a success—let’s keep the positive energy going!

Team members from left to right : Allison Wilson, Hunter Wilson, Joe Sullivan, Wyatt Jantzen.

The International Falls Ojibwe Quiz Bowl team has participated in three quiz bowls so far this year. In each meet, they have had a top four finish.

Our two teams are led by seniors Khia Porter, Hunter Wilson, and Nina Kingbird. The quiz bowl on January 31st was held at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School with 11 total teams competing, where our I' Falls "B" team took home second place. The next quiz bowl will be hosted by Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes on February 21st.

The Bronco Power Store is open every Friday during all 3 lunches!

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!

Students in Mr. Sandberg's civics class collaborate on hands on learning projects, making learning engaging and interactive.

Hey Bronco Fans! 🎉 Click the link below to explore our amazing collection of Bronco gear! Show your school spirit while supporting the 2025 FHS PROM! 🐴 A portion of every purchase goes directly to the PROM committee, helping them create an unforgettable event!

At FHS, we are committed to providing our students with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests and gain valuable experience. Through student helper roles and teacher assistant positions, students can develop new skills, build confidence, and contribute to our school community in a meaningful way.

Please keep scanning those receipts! We just received a check for $25 from Box Tops at the high school! Thank you~ These funds support all of our students here at FHS!

If you have a student who attends grades 6-12 and have not joined Box Tops, please consider.

Select your birthday month to get extra bonus points!

There are so many everyday items that qualify that may likely be on your receipts. So easy! You just scan and the App does the work for you, to find the eligible items.

Sweet potato pie! 🍠🥧

Students at the Alternative Learning Center teamed up with Peggy of Faith United Church for a fun and delicious baking session. Students learned how to make this classic treat from scratch—and had a fantastic time doing it!

Sweet potato pie brings warmth and tradition to the table!

Hello! My name is June Wilson, and I am a Paraprofessional at FHS. This is my 17th year working with the district, and I also serve as a PALS Aide.

Originally, I went to school for medical transcription, but I truly enjoy my role as a paraprofessional. I love coming to work each day, seeing the students, and knowing that I am helping them succeed. Providing support, being a good listener, and encouraging them along their journey is incredibly rewarding.

As a PALS Aide, I’ve had the privilege of working with many students over the years, and seeing how they’ve grown into young adults amazes me. It’s heartwarming to know that I made a positive impact—when a former student remembers me, it always puts a smile on my face.

I have been happily married for 26 years this February. My husband (Class of 1980) and our two boys (Classes of 2019 & 2021) are all proud FHS graduates.

Outside of school, I am a full-time primary caregiver for my husband, who underwent a heart and kidney transplant in 2024. Despite the challenges, I find joy in caregiving, supporting my family, and helping my in-laws.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking, taking walks (especially when we had our beloved dog, Poika), and spending time at the hunting shack. Winter camping is a favorite tradition, and I love cheering on my niece at her dance competitions and solos. When I have a moment to myself, I relax with a hot cup of tea, read, or work on puzzles.

Fun Fact: For 10 years, I was a majorette for a Drum & Bugle Corps!

Hi there! I’m Brenda Hjelle and I’m excited to share a few interesting tidbits about myself.

First off, my family has several ties to ISD 361. I have four generations of FHS graduates in my

family: My grandma, Anne (Nelson)Keyes 1931 graduate; my mom, Jean (Keyes)Larson 1953

graduate; myself, Brenda (Larson) Hjelle 1982 graduate; and our son, Bryce Hjelle, 2007

graduate. My husband is a retired Falls Elementary teacher where he taught for 31 years, along

with coaching several Bronco sports.

After high school, I attended Covenant Bible College, which is where I met my husband, Paul.

Shortly thereafter, we were married and attended Rainy River Community College, earning our

A.A. Degrees. We then continued our education at Bemidji State University where I received my

B.S. in Accounting.

Following the birth of our boys and when I was ready to return to work, I decided that I would

like to change career paths and work with kids as well. After substitute teaching for the first year,

I decided to pursue something more permanent and applied to become a paraprofessional. That

was over 28 years ago. Most of my years have been spent with middle school and high school

aged students. My current role, working in the library, I have done for almost 7 years.

I have many favorites when it comes to my job. At the top of the list, is getting to know the 6th

graders each year when I have them for their 6th grade rotation. Another favorite is when I

come across some of the former students I have worked with after they graduate and move on

in life. It warms my heart when they have become successful adults. It is always fun to

reminisce about the “good ol’ days” with them.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors and at our cabin with my family and 7 lb

cavapoo, named Moose. I also enjoy traveling. I have been to 16 countries throughout my lifetime, but my favorite place to vacation with my family is Walt Disney World.

Paul and I are fortunate to have both our boys and their wives; Bryce (Blair) and Brady (Kara)

along with daughter, Kingsley, living in Int’l. Falls. We are looking forward to adding two

grandsons to the family in May.

Mr. Woods' shop class is launching an exciting hands-on project where students will design, build, and race CO₂-powered cars from start to finish. Throughout the process, students will learn essential skills in design, measurement, and calculation to optimize their cars for maximum speed. They will apply principles of aerodynamics, weight distribution, and friction reduction while using precision tools to shape, drill, and assemble their vehicles. The project will also incorporate mathematical concepts such as calculating speed, acceleration, and force. By the end, students will have gained valuable experience in engineering and craftsmanship—culminating in an exhilarating race to test their designs!

Students made their way to the the arena for PE class where they enjoy fun and competition playing boot hockey!

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!