The Falls High School bowling team was honored today at a schoolwide send-off! As the school song played, the team walked through the building to high fives and cheers from students and staff! The Broncos compete at the State Tournament in St Paul Park on Nov 23rd. WE ARE BRONCO PROUD!

Falls High School had the honor of hosting a Drum and Dance group from around the region. Students learned about the traditions and story telling along with the history of the regalia. Students and staff participated in some dancing as well.

Mary Versteeg and Linnaea Yount!

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework designed to promote positive behavior and create a supportive school environment. At Falls High School, we call our PBIS program Bronco Power. This program encourages students to embody our core values: Pride, Optimism, Welcoming, Engagement, and Respect, which align with the POWER acronym. Through Bronco Power, we recognize and reward students who demonstrate these positive behaviors, helping to foster a respectful and inclusive school culture. Teachers distribute Bronco Power tickets to students who exemplify these values, reinforcing the importance of good citizenship, accountability, and community.

So far, Falls High School has introduced classroom and hallway expectations to our students as part of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Staff will be handing out Bronco Power tickets to recognize students who demonstrate behaviors aligned with our POWER acronym: Pride, Optimistic, Welcoming, Engaging, and Respectful.

Exciting things are on the horizon! Students who earn tickets will have the chance to participate in rewards and incentives as part of the program. These opportunities are designed to celebrate their positive contributions and encourage continued success. Thank you for your support in reinforcing these values at home and helping us create a positive and respectful school environment!

Pictured is Tenley holding her Bronco Power ticket - Tenley is a shining example of the POWER values at Falls High School. Her optimism is evident in the way she approaches every day with a smile, offering kind words to both her peers and teachers. In the halls, Tenley is welcoming, always taking the time to say hello or lend a hand to those who need it. Her respectful demeanor stands out as she listens attentively, shows kindness, and treats everyone with genuine consideration.

Stay tuned for more on Bronco Power at FHS!

Mrs. Simon's art students are churning out masterpieces daily! Every creation brings a sense of purpose, satisfaction and accomplishment.

To register please visit: https://www.alworthscholarship.org/alworth/register/

*Friendly tip, when applying and registering for scholarships I would suggest using a personal email address rather than your school email address.

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!

Shop online or in-person! Every dollar earned helps our school!

Here's how:

Students in Mrs. Thompson's room shopped for ingredients to prepare a special classroom Thanksgiving meal! They worked through every step of the process and had a great time!

Mr. Sandberg will be taking a group to Hibbing for this event! If interested, please sign up in the Counseling Office by Friday, Dec. 21. Don't wait! This fills up quickly and space is limited!

Bronco Power is ....PROUD, OPTIMISTIC, WELCOMING, ENGAGED, RESPECTFUL! #broncopride#broncopower#broncofamily

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!

Hello! My name is Maria Cowman! I have been with ISD 361 for 25 years and teaching for 30 years! I have taught Special Education at Falls High School for the last 17 years. I can’t believe how fast time flies!

I attended the College of St. Benedict and received a degree in K-6 Elementary Education. In 2008, I attained my Master’s of Special Education in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Disorders through Bemidji State University. Currently, I am enrolled in a second Master’s of Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I love being a lifelong learner and supporting my students at Falls High School.

I am a proud graduate of Falls High School and am honored to be able to teach alongside the fabulous teachers here at FHS! My favorite thing about teaching is being able to watch the students grow from 9th to 12th grade. Teaching allows me to witness them exploring and learning about their abilities while watching them overcome any challenges they may have. My greatest joy comes when I get to see them discover their strengths and find their purpose. I feel privileged to get to be part of this important part of their lives.

I have been married to my husband, Dean, for 28 years and together we have two beautiful children. Dean is currently working as the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program Lead and Career Counselor for JET. Our son, John, graduated from the University of North Dakota with his Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems and is working as the Information Technology Specialist at Voyageurs National Park. Our daughter, Anna, is finishing up her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Music at Winona State University. She lives in Lacrosse, Wisconsin and is working at the Mayo Clinic, Lacrosse and also as a travel CNA at a nursing home in Winona while finishing up her studies.

When I am not in school, I enjoy being outside in the gardens and working with my plants. We also spend lots of time at our lake place on Lake George during spring, summer, and fall. I love baking from scratch and spending time with my family and friends.

I have been married to Jenell Feller for 27 years, we have two pets: Toby the dog and Walter the

cat.

This is my 30 th year at Falls High School as a Shop, Industrial Arts, Industrial Technology,

Industrial Education, Career and Technology Education teacher. This is the only teaching job I

have ever had.

Over the years my classes have been CADD I, II and III, Engineering Graphics, Concurrent

Enrollment Engineering Graphics, Architectural Drafting I and II, Introduction to Engineering I

and II, Art Metals, Hot Metals I, II and III, Concurrent Enrollment Welding and Cutting I and II,

Cold Metals, 8 th Grade Technology, 7 th Grade Technology, Woods I and II, Hand and Power

Tools, CISCO Networking, Aries A+ Computer Repair and an Introduction to Technology

Business course.

I am originally from Webster South Dakota; I received my BS in Education in Industrial Arts

from Northern State University and my MS Degree in Technology Education from St. Cloud

State University. I also attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio on a student exchange

program for a semester.

Things I like to do in my spare time include woodworking and welding. I have built many

different types of grills and smokers as well as wood fired pizza ovens so that I can use them for

my other interests which include cooking and baking. I make all my own bacon twice each year.

Some things you may not know about me:

I grew up in the same town as WWE star Brock Lesnar, he was in grade school when I graduated

high school. My mom would babysit him from time to time.

I was a professional sports photographer while in college, I worked for a daily newspaper and

have taken pictures at NFL, NBA, and College National Championship games.

On my South Dakota teachers license I am also a qualified 7-12 Social Studies and English

teacher. This means I have the tendency to share useless bits of historical trivia with my classes

as well as correct their grammar.

I have met numerous great students over the years and gotten to know some wonderful families

in International Falls. I enjoy all the classes I teach because they are hands-on classes and

students want to attend them every day. They learn lifelong skills and have a sense of

accomplishment when they leave class at the end of the hour.

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