Christmas has always brought me tremendous joy.  As a young child, the magic and wonder was almost too much to bear alongside the anticipation of what Santa might bring. The school days leading up to break brought Concerts, gift exchanges, and parties with goodies and movies. Fast forward more than a few years, and I have been blessed to continue to experience this through the eyes of my children, and as they have grown any time that I want to see a dose of the wonder and joy Christmas brings I need only walk down through our Elementary and Early Learners Center.  The energy and excitement is palpable and the children bring this joy and wonder every day. 

I can be excited about learning initiatives, curricular improvements, and celebrate our financial stability as a District, but all of that pales in comparison to the real reason why we come to Warroad Schools every day.  We show up for each and every child.  Our staff of teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, our culinary and transportation teams, our administration and their assistants, every single person plays a vital role in providing opportunities for our young people to succeed.  I am thankful for each and every one of those who dedicate their days to the children of the Warroad area. 

The turning of the calendar to a new year will bring exciting initiatives in communication through our Warroad Schools app.  If you haven’t already downloaded that, it is available in your mobile app store and will be essential for families to capitalize on efficient two-way communication with your child’s teachers and coaches. 

As we approach the upcoming two-week Winter Break, my hope is that you will capture time with family and friends, make some forever memories, and strengthen relationships with those you love.  It has been a great start to our school year and I look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store! 

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is open to families with children ages birth through kindergarten enrollment.  

ECFE monthly calendars highlighting weekly classes and monthly special events are accessible on Warroad Schools’ Early Learners’ Center and Early Childhood Family Education website and social media pages, 

• Early Learners’ students invited families to school for annual holiday programs.  

  • Families of 3 year old students were treated to songs, crafts, and cookie decorating in the classroom during the school day on December 10th and December 11th.

  • Students in the 4/5 classrooms entertained families with songs and fingerplays performance in the ELC gymnasium on December 10, 2024.

• Recent Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) daily meetings included an ABC Fashion parade celebrating kindergarten students, 12 Days of Holiday Dress-up themes, Buddy Classroom snowman making, and the annual schoolwide Holiday Sing-a-Long.

• Grade 5 School Ambassadors hosted Club Day for grade level peers on December 6, 2024.  Clubs included Legos, board games, card making, and dodgeball.

• Headwaters Science Museum in Bemidji was enjoyed by Grade 4 students in late November and Grade 5 students toured RiverPlace to learn more about the site where they will perform their spring concert.

• “Colors of Christmas” and "Twas the Night Before Christmas" music concerts were performed by Grade 2 and Grade 4 students respectively on December 12, 2024.  

• The Elf’s Shelf is set up in front of the Elementary Media Center as a goodwill opportunity for students and staff  to be elves with all donations going to the Warroad Area Food Shelf.

• Angle Inlet students and staff hosted Warrior Way Wednesday for all Kindergarten - Grade 5 students in the district through both a photo and live tour of the school as Mrs. Comstock was an in-person visitor on December 4, 2024.

• All are invited to the annual Angle Inlet Elementary winter musical the evening of December 20, 2024.

• Student Council sponsored Giving Week the first week of December, Team Epic promoted Christmas Activity Days the week preceding winter break, and Minnesota Honor Society is set to host virtual Christmas Bingo for all high school students December 19, 2024.

• Film students were treated to a cinema experience in Bemidji as a culminating field trip activity for the course.

• Holiday concerts are upcoming:  Grades 6-12 bands will perform December 16th in the WHS gymnasium, the Grade 6 choir will sing December 12th in the WHS Theater, and Grades 7-12 choirs will be showcased at RiverPlace on December 11th.

• Course descriptions are being reviewed for the 2025-2026 Registration Guide and office staff are being trained to offer online course registration for students in mid-February 2025.

Happy December! 

It’s hard to believe that we are already one-third of the way through the school year! Time flies by and our department is buzzing with activity at every level. Our staff is constantly holding planning meetings for students and continually monitoring progress across educational, social-emotional, and daily living activities.  Special education covers multiple aspects of development by making sure students have access to opportunities that support growth, inclusion, and achievement. 

On Thursday, November 14th our Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners participated in an Invitational Bowling Competition in Thief River Falls. Warroad sent a team of 22 athletes and 22 partners to compete. Special Olympics Unified Teams is an inclusive program combining an equal number of athletes with Unified Partners for training and competition. 

Our department gives a HUGE shout out to Mrs. Patti Hodgson who was selected to light the tree in Allison Park this year. According to The Women of Today’s Facebook Page, she was chosen for her service and dedication to supporting students both in and out of the classroom. “...she exemplifies greatness in her students…and is able to come up with adaptations to fit every unique situation.” Patti has been an integral part of community activities that help “...cultivate a climate of acceptance and inclusion.” The Warroad School District is fortunate to have Mrs. Hodgson as part of our special education staff!

Teaching kids to practice inclusivity can be a tricky topic, but it’s an important one. Encourage them to invite classmates or neighbors who might feel left out to join in games or activities. Talk honestly about how it’s not always easy to notice when someone feels left out but remind them that small acts of kindness make a big difference. Talk about how everyone is unique and why being kind and respectful to others is important. By showing them how to include and care for others, you help them make the world a friendlier place.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and our dedicated administrative assistant for their unwavering commitment and care. Your hard work, patience, and passion make a world of difference for our students and families. Thank you for the kindness, creativity, and support you bring every day—you are truly appreciated!

December is a season of reflection, warmth, and connection—whether with loved ones, cherished memories, or even with yourself. This month offers opportunities to find joy in simple moments, like enjoying the sparkle of lights, the comfort of a favorite tradition, or reaching out to a friend or neighbor. However you spend this time, may it bring you peace, hope, and a sense of belonging as you welcome the possibilities of the new year.

The Warroad School District is seeking dedicated and compassionate paraprofessionals to join our educational team. Paraprofessionals play a vital role in supporting students with special needs, learning disabilities, or those requiring additional guidance to succeed academically and socially. In this role, you will collaborate with teachers to foster students' academic, social, and emotional growth, providing individualized support and promoting an inclusive classroom environment.

We are looking for candidates who are patient, adaptable, and passionate about working with children, especially those with diverse learning needs. This role offers a family-friendly schedule that aligns with school hours, making it an excellent option for parents seeking work-life balance.

Becoming a paraprofessional also provides a pathway to explore careers in education, offering valuable experience for those considering becoming certified teachers or pursuing other educational opportunities.

We currently have positions available in early childhood, speech, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities. In addition to special education paraprofessionals, we are also seeking applicants for a position in our English Language Learners’ Department.  If you are interested in applying for a position, please go to: https://www.warroad.k12.mn.us/o/warroad-isd/page/job-opportunities and fill out an application.

The WPS Native American Education Program thanks Author and illustrator - Mr. Mark Mindt for presenting " KODA THE WARRIOR " to Warroad Public School K-12 classes.

KODA the Warrior empowered and inspired his students, with his personal story. Words of encouragement, discussions on good behavior, good attendance, teachings and respect !

RESPECT how fitting, this month's Seven Grandfather teaching! Koda brought his Story pouch made out of buffalo hide and staff students had an opportunity to hold the horn of a buffalo that was 1000+ years old. (aged it has become fossilized)

Koda also brought his traditional flutes, grandmother, grandfather and cousin!

HOKA HEY !

Warroad Public Schools’ Transportation Department offers before and after school busing for students.  If your family chooses to transport students, you are reminded of drop off and pick up lane procedures.  Drop off and pick up points are the Early Learners’ Center entrance and Warroad High School entrance.  The Elementary School Office entrance is not a beginning of school day drop off or end of day pick up point.  Please wait in your vehicles for students to be released by the school at the pick up points.  

Parents are important partners in education.  Please contact teachers directly via Schoology, email, or phone to share information and/or request meeting times.    

All visitors including student family members must check in at school offices when coming into the building during school hours.  Thank you!

Door Decorating in Honor of Native American Heritage Month 
Teachers and students were encouraged to research and get creative, honoring Native American History and Culture. 

Kindergarten Alphabet Parade Day

WPS and Community Members,

 It is hard to believe 2024 is coming to a close! It feels like yesterday we had written and published our first edition of the current newsletter at the start of the school year. With that, I will keep this update brief to give you back as much time in 2024 as possible!

The district received our audit back from Eide Bailey, the firm that is brought in to complete the annual audit. It’s with great pride and excitement that I received a very favorable finding. Our general fund has grown back to within our expected/preferred range. This number is significant as it ensures the school is financially stable and operating within its means with reserves for emergencies. Amanda Burke, our Business Manager, is instrumental in that process. I appreciate her attention to detail and hard work.

My other item is a token of gratitude to our incredible staff as they navigate the school year! Their work on some new state-required trainings is an integral part in ISD 690 remaining a leader in education amongst the Northwest Minnesota Area. It is truly a winding road of change, and their ability to adapt, engage, and work with our admin team is essential in our mission and vision.

On the note of mission and vision, I am excited to welcome two new board members this coming January, Marques Stricker and Damian McMillin. I also want to acknowledge the departure of two tenured board members, Laurie Thompson and Matt Schreiner. Their commitment to WPS is 2nd to none, and I appreciate their guidance in my tenure on the board. With this new team, we will be working to redefine our mission and vision for ISD 690 that will shape the next 5 years for the district. That will be one of our largest objectives for 2025!

Happy holidays to you and your families!

Best,

Blayke Nelson

Warroad School Board | Chairperson

510 Cedar Ave | Warroad, MN  56763

C: 218-452-0531 | www.warroad.k12.mn.us

Back row (left to right): Matt Schreiner, Blayke Nelson, Gus Booth
Front row (left to right): Cindy Drost, Laurie Thompson, Brenda Solar

ISD 690 School Board

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