Pirate Newsletter

December was a month of celebration and festive fun for Hankinson Public School students and staff. Check out the video below to see some of our activities.

Hankinson Elementary School hosted Saturday Morning Reading Club on November 16.

🧒 27 Students Attended

💻 54.4 Points Earned

❓ 85 Quizzes Taken

🍩 42 Donuts Eaten

📚 135,899 Words Read

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us!

Mark your calendars for our next Saturday Morning Reading Club on February 22!

On Wednesday, November 6, Hankinson Public School proudly hosted a Veterans Day program to honor the service and sacrifice of local heroes. The hallways were decorated with patriotic artwork created by our elementary students. Area veterans and their families were invited to join us for a celebration, beginning with a meal prepared by the kitchen staff and served by the Hankinson High School Student Council members.

The program showcased the talents and gratitude of students from all grade levels. Students read original essays, recited inspiring poetry, and sang patriotic songs to fill the room with pride. Through their words and performances, and a special treat for each veteran in attendance, they expressed sincere thanks to the veterans for their dedication to our country.

We are excited to introduce Pirate Deputies to Hankinson Public School! This is a program where local officers visit our school to allow students to engage with law enforcement in a positive, educational setting. During recent visits, Deputy Keller has had lunch with students in our cafeteria and visited classrooms reading an assortment of books. By interacting with students in a non-threatening environment, the program fosters mutual respect, strengthens community bonds, and encourages open communication between youth and law enforcement.

On November 6th, four students traveled with Mrs. Friskop to Aberdeen for the NSU Band day. They were divided into the Maroon band which consisted of Denver Nelson and Jewels Hamling under the direction of Dr. Beckler and the Gold Band with Skyler Foertsch and Cale Benson participating under the direction of Dr. Lien. They spent the morning and part of the afternoon practicing their music for the 3:00 performance. It was a very enjoyable and learning day for all.

Welcome Back, Parents and Students!

I hope everyone had a relaxing and joyful holiday break! It’s hard to believe we’re already diving into the second half of the school year—time really does fly when we’re having fun!

December Recap:
One of the highlights of December was our trip to the Career Expo in Fargo. Freshmen spent the morning exploring a variety of career paths and engaging in hands-on activities. They also participated in a breakout session about Robotics/Mechatronics, learning about exciting fields in technology and engineering. In the afternoon, our students made a difference by helping decorate for Christmas at St. Gerard’s Nursing Home—spreading holiday cheer in the community!

Seniors:
As we approach the second semester, keep in mind that your semester grades are what will appear on your transcripts and final transcripts are sent after graduation, so stay focused and work hard to finish the year strong!

For those of you who have narrowed down your postsecondary plans, now is the time to begin researching school-specific scholarships. Be sure to check my website regularly for updates on local scholarships that are available to you. I’ll continue adding new opportunities as they come in: www.counselorluebke.webly.com.

Juniors:
It’s time to start thinking about the ACT! While the state of North Dakota no longer requires all juniors to take the ACT, I will still be offering a test date in March for those who wish to participate. I’m also pleased to announce that thanks to a generous grant from the Hankinson Education Foundation, the ACT test fee will be covered for any students who opt to take it. While many colleges are placing less emphasis on the ACT for admissions, it remains an important factor for class placement and scholarships, so it’s worth considering!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. You can contact me at danielle.luebke@k12.nd.us or 701-242-8533

We are thrilled to welcome our new student teacher, Ms. Rebecca Towers, to Hankinson Public School. Ms. Towers will be working with Mr. Nesemeier's high school social studies classes through mid-April.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Lakeville, MN (a suburb of the Twin Cities).

What college or university are you attending?

I am currently finishing my degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM)

What are you studying or majoring in?

I am majoring in Secondary Social Studies Education with a primary emphasis in History, a secondary emphasis in Anthropology and minors in Geosciences and Anthropology

What are your hobbies or interests?

I really enjoy reading books; I mostly read non-fiction/history related books. However, I admit I am a huge Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit fan (the books over the movies…). Another hobby I have is hiking. I enjoy finding a state park or hiking trail during the spring and summer and just walking for miles. Being in nature (with my dogs of course) is a great way for me to decompress and relax after a long day.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I chose to become a teacher because of my deep passion for history and social studies—I can’t imagine life without it. I want to share that enthusiasm with students, helping them see history as an engaging and enjoyable subject. My decision was also inspired by the special connections I’ve built with students, from shared inside jokes to moments of mutual commitment. Hearing a student say, “I just learned something” or “Wow! That’s interesting” is incredibly rewarding. Those moments, along with the relationships formed, make teaching a truly fulfilling experience.

Who is your biggest inspiration in education or life?

My biggest inspiration in education is my grandma, who was a lifelong teacher. She instilled my love for history, encouraged my curiosity, and nurtured my drive to learn about the past. Her dedication to teaching extended to me, as she shared her knowledge and planted a passion for continuous learning. She always pushes me to do my best and to find lessons in every situation, whether academic or personal. Her influence has shaped not only my interests but also my commitment to inspiring others through education.

What is your teaching philosophy or educational motto?

Education should inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and nurture a love for lifelong learning. By recognizing and adapting to diverse learning styles and needs, educators can create opportunities for all students to succeed. Mutual respect and clear expectations builds trust and fosters a classroom culture of collaboration and growth.

There is great importance in engaging students through meaningful and relevant content while balancing structure and creativity. Continuous self-reflection is necessary for improving instructional methods and maintaining professionalism. Teachers serve not only as educators but as mentors, encouraging students to overcome challenges and celebrate successes.

Ultimately, teaching is about empowering students to reach their full potential, introducing confidence, and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What do you hope to learn or accomplish during your student teaching experience?

In my student teaching experience, I hope to gain valuable practice and skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting to diverse learning needs. I aim to observe and apply effective teaching strategies, build meaningful connections with students, and create my own learning environment to use in the future. By receiving constructive feedback from mentors and supporting staff, I hope to refine my instructional methods and develop confidence as an educator. Ultimately, I seek to grow professionally and prepare for a successful teaching career.

Anything else you would like to share with our students, families, or community members?

As a new resident of the town, I am so excited to get to know the community through the students and staff at Hankinson Public School. I look forward to building strong relationships, participating in local events, and contributing to an effective environment within the school. Becoming an active member of the community is important to me, and I am eager to support the growth and success of the students and the town as a whole.

Parents and Guardians:

We kindly remind you that for the safety and security of all students, children are not allowed in the school building after school hours unless they are participating in a supervised activity or program.

Students may not remain in the building to wait for events, such as games or activities. If your child is attending an event that evening, please make arrangements for them to leave school and return at the appropriate time.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring students do not remain on school grounds without proper adult supervision. Your support helps us maintain a safe and structured environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

On August 14, 2024 the NDHSAA Board of Directors approved a recommendation to add a minimum penalty for spectators who are ejected from contests during the regular season. The policy was drafted by the NDHSAA Sportsmanship & Citizenship Committee prior to being approved. The policy reads as follows:

Any attendee ejected from a regular season or NDHSAA tournament contest will incur a minimum three (3) game/event suspension from that team's games/events and all other NDHSAA games/events in the interim at any level of competition.

If the ejection occurs with fewer than three (3) games/events remaining in the team's season,

the suspension will carry over to the school's sports season which immediately follows.

An attendee ejected for a second time during a school year shall be suspended for a

minimum of one (1) calendar year from all NDHSAA regular and postseason events.

NHDSAA member schools may increase these minimum penalties at their discretion.

January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize
the dedicated leaders who guide our schools!

We thank our school board members for their invaluable service,
ensuring the success and well-being of every student in our district.
Your leadership makes a lasting impact!

Aaron Medenwaldt, President

Nick Foertsch, Vice President

Melissa Schmidt

Jason Semerad

Jodi Severson

Meet Jodi
I graduated from Milnor Public School and then from NDSCS in Wahpeton. I worked at the Fargo Chamber of Commrece before getting married and moving back to Milnor. For 21 years I worked at Bobcat in Gwinner. I then worked as the administrative assistant at Milnor Public School for three years. My husband and I decided to build a home on Lake Elsie, and at that time I went to work at Hankinson Public School as the administrative assistant for seven years. We have three daughters: two live in Milnor, and one in Dawson, Minnesota, and seven grandchildren.

What inspired you to want to join the school board?

The obvious reason for joining the school board was nobody else was running or showing an interest in the position. I knew with my knowledge behind the front desk, I could contribute.

What do you see as the most important responsibility of the school board?

The most important responsibiliity, to me, is advocating for the students and teachers, as well as building understanding of public education.

What is your favorite part about Hankinson Public School?

My favorite part of HPS is the camaraderie between the staff and students. Working at a small school is the very best!

Meet Jason
I was born and raised in Devils Lake, North Dakota and received my bachelor's degree from University of North Dakota in 1997. I previously lived in West Fargo for about 20 years and had a son (Jakob). Eventually, I met my other half (Kristi) & we decided to build a house and call Hankinson home. I work at Dakota Plains Realty and have been a licensed realtor for the past 14 years. I also enjoy helping with corn harvest every fall. I have been a member of the Hankinson Park Board for the past several years, and in my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, working in the yard, and watching sporting events. I live in Hankinson with my fiance (Kristi) and our kids Kaden, Camri, Briggs, and our dog Rusty.

What inspired you to want to join the school board?

Being a parent of a Hankinson High School kid gives me the needed inspiration, and overall I just felt it was the right time to give back to the community in this important role.

What do you see as the most important responsibility of the school board?

It is very important to be an advocate for the students, while also being responsive to Hankinson's values and priorities.

What is your favorite part about Hankinson Public School?

I enjoy seeing the older kids hanging out with the younger kids. Everyone seems to know each other pretty well, and there is a lot of small town pride in Hankinson Public School. We have great teachers and staff, and the teacher/student ratio is much lower than you'll see in the larger communities.

Meet Melissa
I live in Hankinson with my husband and son, who is a seventh grader this year, and I have a daughter who is a Hankinson graduate. Before opening my Krazy Kreations storefront in town, I worked as a mortgage banker for the past 20 years until retiring from US Bank in 2022. I have served on numerous boards throughout my career and I am currently an active member of the Hankinson Commercial Club.

What inspired you to want to join the school board?

Our students' education is extremely important to me. I wanted to assist with anything I can do to make our school and community a better place.

What do you see as the most important responsibility of the school board?

To make sure that our children are the number one priority.

What is your favorite part about Hankinson Public School?

My favorite part about Hankinson Public School is the small class sizes and the individual attention that our students receive.

At the 2024 NDSBA Annual Convention, Dave Muehler and Mathew Asp along with 29 former and current school board members were recognized with the NDSBA Legacy of Service Award in either the Steadfast Commitment or Profound Impact category. The NDSBA Legacy of Service Award was created in 2024 to honor North Dakota’s longest-serving school board members and the impacts they have made on local school districts, communities, and the state of North Dakota. The Steadfast Commitment category honors recently retired or serving school board members that have completed 20 cumulative years of service. Dave Muehler served the Hankinson Public School District for 23 years while Mathew Asp served the Hankinson Public School District for 20 years. We want to take this opportunity to thank them for their loyal service to the students, staff and community.

Above: Former school board members Mat Asp and Dave Muehler stand with Mrs. Pohl, Mr. Benson, and Mr. Ringler for the ribbon cutting on the new Innovation Academy in August 2023.

The turnover in the Hankinson Public School Board in 2024 prompted some investigation into why the board has three rural and two city school board seats. Read the information below to learn about how this came to be.

When the April 14, 1947 school board meeting was held the school district was officially known as the Brightwood Independent School District #1. At this meeting the school board declared that starting with the new school board in the school year 1947-1948 the school district would be renamed the Hankinson Special School District No. 8 and would “assume all duties and obligations of those from the Brightwood Independent School District Number 1.” You read that right. The Hankinson Public School district was once named the Brightwood Independent School District #1 AND unless the name was again changed sometime between 1947 and today, it would still be officially named the Hankinson Special School District #8.

Up until the school board meeting on April 14, 1947 the school board had consisted of 3 board members.

During April 14, 1947 meeting the board approved changing the structure of the school board from 3 members to 5 members beginning with the 1947-1948 school year. Furthermore, the new 5-member board must consist of 2 members from the rural area included in the school district. All 3 of the current board members were put up for reelection and were allowed to be voted onto the new board.

The new board would also establish staggered terms with the following language: The candidate from the city and the candidate from the rural area receiving the highest number of votes will receive 3-year terms. The next highest candidates from the city and rural area will receive the 2-year terms. The third highest candidate from the city will receive the 1-year term. After the first year the candidate with the 1-year term would be up for reelection to a 3-year term. After the second year, the two candidates with the 2-year terms would be up for reelection to a 3-year term. This would then put all 5 board members on 3-year staggered terms by the third year. This was done to ensure that there would never be more than 2 board members up for election in any given year.

It is hard to say for sure what state law was in 1947, but there has long been a requirement for rural schools to have a certain number of school board seats from the rural area. The school board minutes from 1947 talk about rural and city seats, but not at-large seats.

From 1947 up until 1972 there were always 3 city representatives and 2 rural representatives on the school board. It is hard to know how the open seats were described in the advertisements for each election without looking at newspaper archives. What we know from school board minutes is that during the 1972 election one of the city seats became a rural seat, and it has remained a rural seat ever since. It seems that when the election was advertised in the newspaper it must have described the open seat as an at-large seat for someone from the rural area to win the seat.

The term “at-large” doesn’t seem to appear in the minutes until June of 1988 when a city representative was re-elected to fill a 3-year term for an “at-large position.” Speaking with former school board members, nobody can remember there ever being “at-large” seats on the school board.

One of the lessons here is that history tends to disappear, or even change, over time. As time passes by things are remembered differently by different people. The best way for history to be remembered accurately is to have written documentation preserve the accuracy of events. Sometimes to get a full picture of history you must combine various records and/or accounts to fill in missing pieces from each. Even then there may still be missing pieces to the puzzle.

Highest Honors

Tyson Falk, Hudsyn Hubrig, Alex Jean, Sydney Wahler

High Honors

Grace Anderson, Lauryn Bladow, Matthew Bladow, Berkeley Bohnenstingl, Griffin Boll, Dredon Buck, Zachary Clark, Matthew Elliot, Cannon Falk, Parker Falk, Skyler Foertsch, Vaela Gabbert, Sofia Hanson, Kade Hentz, Zane Hentz, Isabella Hernandez, Jax Hernandez, Andrew Jean, Sarah Klimek, Olivia Koehler, Adlee Mauch, Ireland Mauch, Lilian Medenwaldt, Shylin Medenwaldt, Kasia Monilaws, Dredon Moran, Denver Nelson, Sawyer Paulson, Malika Pelkey, Adeline Prochnow, Jessa Prochnow, Camden Wahler, Jacob Wallock, Noah Welch

Honors

Makayla Anderson, Benjamin Athey, Mackenzie Bassett, Cale Benson, Arianna Bevre, Dagen Bevre, Gunnar Bladow, Karsyn Bladow, RaeShaun Earl, Jameson Elliot, Sadie Erdman, Trevor Foertsch, Lillie Grohnke, Destiney Hamling, Jewels Hamling, Aubrey Hejtmanek, Mason Henrichs, Gunnar Illg, Sianna Keller, Camri Kelley, Jacqualine Kluge, Conner Mauch, Damon Mauch, Haylee Mauch, Maia Moss, Cohen Nelson, Orion Patricelli, Talisha Pelkey, Ella Peterson, Amla Prochnow, Matthew Riskey, Violet Riskey, Ryan Roeder, Kyler Schmidt, Kamden Spinks, Adryanna Stirling, Skyla Wallock

Hankinson Elementary students were recognized for their hard work going above-and-beyond to surpass their Accelerated Reader Goal in Quarter 2 on Friday, December 20.

Junior RaeShaun Earl suprassed 1,000 career points during the 2024-2025 season opener boys basketball game at Wyndmere/Lidgerwood on Friday, December 13. Earl led his team to a 89-57 victory versus the Warbirds with 31 points. Head Coach Carter Mauch says "RaeShaun is a special player, and a very good human being. He is all about his team and his team's success." Congratulations RaeShaun on achieving this milestone!

North Dakota High School Activities Association recognizes teams who earn an
average grade point average of 3.2 or higher as Team Scholars.

Congratulations to the following teams for earning this recognition:

Hankinson Girls Golf

Hankinson Football

Hankinson Volleyball

9-Man Region 1 All Region Players Selected

Andrew Jean

RaeShaun Earl

Mason Mauch

Kade Hentz

Matt Bladow, Honorable Mention

Cale Benson, Honorable Mention

Parker Falk, Honorable Mention

North Dakota High School Coaches Association All-State 9-Man Football Team

RaeShaun Earl, First Team Defense

Andrew Jean, Second Team

Pirate Pencil recipients are nominated by their classroom teachers for meeting the Hankinson School Expectations.

RAESHAUN EARL

Son of Jana Krump & Robert Earl

Activities:

Football, basketball, math team

Awards & Accomplishments:

AMC Math Champion, All State Basketball, All State Football, Honor Roll, Pirate Citizen of the Quarter

Future Plans:

Undecided

SHYLIN MEDENWALDT

Daughter of Aaron & Tracy Medenwaldt

Activities:

Volleyball, basketball, track, Teens for Life, Student Council, yearbook, FFA

Awards & Accomplishments:

NSU Math Competition Qualifier & Honorable Mention, AMC 10 and 12 Math Qualifier, Newcomer Award - Basketball; Most Valuable Girl Sprinter - Track, Honor Roll, Letter in Multiple Sports, Volleyball and Basketball Captain

Future Plans:

Still undecided, but considering a four-year program in exercise science

January 2 - School resumes; Eligibility Check; Girls Basketball vs Richland; Boys Basketball at LaMoure/Litchville-Marion

January 3 - Hockey vs Rocori

January 4 - Lil Pirates Basketball Camp

January 6 - Junior High Boys Basketball vs Waverly-South Shore; Boys Basketball vs Waverly-South Shore

January 7 - Girls Basketball at Oakes; Hockey vs Wadena-Deer Creek

January 8 - Financial Aid Night for Seniors at 6:30 p.m.

January 9 - Junior High Boys Basketball vs Sargent County; Girls Basketball at Wyndmere/Lidgerwood; Hockey vs Morris Area;

January 10 - Boys Basketball at Tiospa Zina

January 11 - Lil Pirates Basketball Camp; Hockey at Bagley; Grades 7-12 Winter Semi-Formal Dance

January 13 - Girls Basketball at Langford; Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Day for Grades 11-12

January 14 - Junior High Boys Basketball at Richland; Boys Basketball at Richland; Hockey vs Fergus Falls

January 16 - School Board Meeting; Hockey at Park Rapids

January 17 - Junior High Boys Basketball vs Wyndmere/Lidgerwood; Boys Basketball vs Wyndmere/Lidgerwood

January 18 - Girls Basketball at Napoleon

January 19 - Donkey Basketball

January 21 - Rotary Student of the Month Luncheon; Junior High Boys Basketball vs Richland

Hockey vs May-Port CG; Boys Basketball vs Edgeley

January 23 - Hockey vs Sauk Center; Girls Basketball vs Maple River

January 24 - Boys Basketball at Oakes; Girls Basketball at Wilmot

January 25 - Hockey vs Becker/Big Lake

January 27 - Junior High Boys Basketball at Tri-State (F); Girls Basketball at Sargent County (M)

January 28 - Boys Basketball vs Enderlin

January 29 - Mid-term Quarter 3; Eligibility Check; Grades 4-8 Ski Trip

January 30 - NDSCS Junior High Choir Festival; Boys Basketball vs Wilmot

January 31 - Junior High Boys Basketball at Sargent County (NS); Girls Basketball vs Lisbon; Hockey vs Ricori; Boys Basketball at Sargent County (NS)

The Hankinson Public School is requesting sealed bids for a 2005 Talon Enclosed Trailer (6x12). Minimum bid accepted is $750. Bids will be received at the Hankinson Public School, 415 1st Ave SE, Hankinson, ND 58041 until 5:30pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, at which time the received bids will be publicly opened. Send questions to chad.benson@k12.nd.us

Website: hankinsonschool.com
Location: 415 1st Avenue Southeast, Hankinson, ND, USA
Phone: 701.242.7516
Facebook: facebook.com/hankinsonschool
Twitter: @hankinsonschool

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.