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MPS Elementary Newsletter
December 2024
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
Honor Roll- 5th and 6th Grade
6th Grade Honor Roll
Devon Azure
Applelaina Chaske
Aseri Demarce
McKinzie James
Brantley Jetty
Mikan Kraft
Alliauna LaVallie
Jaylee Lenoir
Cyrena Roulette
Larissa ThreeIrons
Caelyn Wetzel
Darren Littlewind
Jedidiah Morgan
5th Grade Honor Roll
Messiah Bowker
Cedar Cavanaugh
Abigail Demarce
Gracey Dye
Kaydence Greywater
Scarlett Howard
Amyah Ironhawk
Lahoma Ironshield
Joseph Lenoir
Lizell Merrick
Aiden Nelson
Ian (Joseph) Roulette
Alexander Stenslander
Joaquin De La Paz
Danyell Charboneau
Mason James
Winter Recess Policy
Winter is on its way! Make sure kids dress accordingly to both ride buses and go outside daily.
This is directly from the student handbook:
Students should be dressed according to the weather. Families and students are responsible for ensuring their students are appropriately dressed when they get on the buses. Students will be required to go outside if the weather is above -10 degrees with wind chill. If your child is ill and needs to stay in for a period of more than 5 days a doctor's note excusing them from recess must be provided.
Meet Mr. Michael Widmer
What I prefer students to call me: Mr. Michael
How long I have been a social worker: 1st Year
How long I have been teaching at MPS: 1st Year
When/how is the best time to contact me: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, by calling the school and asking for Mr. Michael
What I want to share about my reason for working at MPS: I want to help students succeed academically and socially by addressing mental health, behavioral, and emotional needs. Helping children understand how much they are worth and how important they are to people around them.
Fun facts about me:
*My family has owned cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, pigs, goats, and even a bottle fed calf.
*I am enrolled in college in Wisconsin
*My mother is a math teacher and my sister is the school counselor in MinnewaukanMeet Miss Morken
What I prefer students to call me: Miss Morken
How long I have been teaching: 4 Years
How long I have been teaching at MPS: 1st Year
When/how is the best time to contact me: Text me By phone/ texting, anytime, but I will respond from 8-4
What I want to share about my reason for working at MPS: My goal in teaching is to create an environment of learning that is inclusive, safe, and encouraging for all learners. I strive to be the best teacher I can be and am currently still studying for my master in education leadership. Through this I would love to grow in my career in education to help classroom and school communities to be stronger than ever.
Fun facts about me: I am getting married this June. I love to cook. I was in 4 weddings this year.
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Miss.Morken's class celebrated Thanksgiving a little early with a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The students came together to give out a feast to one another and celebrate friendship and being together.
Maybe put a thank you to the families for making this possible because it was all donated
Virtual Learning Policy
The Minnewaukan Public School Board has approved a policy for students at Minnewaukan to complete work virtually in case of inclement weather or other reasons the school may need to close. Elementary students have been sent home 1 emergency packet at the beginning of the year.
*Students must complete the packets that are sent home and return them the day school resumes.
*All alerts will be sent over our instant alert system and posted on the school website and school FaceBook page.
Student of the Month
Jaxston Santos- 3rd Grade
Emmalee Baumtrog- Prek
Nolan Volk- 4th Grade
McKinzie James- 6th Grade
Lylea Cavanaugh- 2nd Grade
Presley Leaf- 1st Grade
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!
How to Help Your Elementary-Aged Child Stick to a Routine
At MPS, we believe routines are the heart of a successful school experience, helping students not only learn but also feel safe, secure, and confident. Our staff have seen firsthand that when students are guided by a consistent routine, they thrive—feeling more at ease and ready to engage with the day. Routines bring a sense of stability and comfort, and we’ve found that students are happier, more focused, and more successful when they know what to expect. It's like a roadmap that helps them navigate their day with confidence!
Establishing a consistent routine is essential for your child’s success, and positive reinforcement can make the process even more effective. Here’s how to keep your child on track:
Set Clear Expectations:
Establish a simple, predictable daily schedule with set times for key activities.Create Visual Schedules:
Use charts or pictures to help your child see and understand their day.Make Routines Fun:
Turn tasks into games or challenges to keep your child engaged.Be Consistent but Flexible:
Stick to the routine, but allow some flexibility for special events.Involve Your Child in Planning:
Let them have a say in their schedule to encourage ownership.Set Time Limits:
Use timers to help your child manage time for activities like homework and screen time.Model the Routine:
Follow your own routines so your child can learn by example.Use Positive Reinforcement:
Praise and reward your child when they follow the routine. Positive reinforcement—such as verbal praise, stickers, or small treats—helps to reinforce good behavior, making it more likely your child will stick to their routine. Recognizing and celebrating their efforts boosts self-esteem and motivates them to continue meeting expectations.Be Patient:
Give gentle reminders and allow time for your child to adjust.Include Rest and Breaks:
Ensure their routine allows time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
By making routines simple, consistent, and enjoyable, while using positive reinforcement, you help your child develop healthy habits that set them up for success in both school and life.
Teacher of the Quarter- Amy Ertelt!
This teacher is super positive, always smiling, and full of energy. She helps her coworkers and works well with others. When there’s a problem, she finds a way to fix it and always gets things done on time. She’s a great leader and is always ready to learn new things. She makes everyone feel happy and inspired to do their best. The kids love her because she’s kind and patient, and she’s the nicest person to work with. Everyone at school loves her, and she makes Minnewaukan a better place!
Support Staff of the Quarter- Kevin Thompson
This support staff is an essential part of our school, he works really hard to keep things clean and running smooth. He also loves to make people laugh with silly jokes and puns. Some of them are knee slappers, and some of them are face palmers. You can always count on him to help out when needed. He does more than what’s expected and is very reliable. He’s always in a good mood, and if he’s not, he doesn’t let anyone see it. We are so lucky to have him!
Procedures
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