We are always working to improve and simplify communication between you and Warroad Schools. Keeping up with your child’s coursework and their teachers directly impacts their well being both in the classroom and at home. School communication plays a big part in all of this, but it’s often not set up to be as simple and easy to access as it could be.

WPS has a new feature called Rooms on our district app. Rooms enables you to have two-way parent-teacher conversations and keep up with classroom announcements.

Our district app currently offers:

• Live feed updates

• District and school news

• Upcoming events

• Breakfast and lunch menus

• Push notifications for important and urgent announcements

With Rooms, you will have access to even more exciting features like:

• Two way messaging with teachers, staff, and coaches

• Automatic translation

• Classroom announcements, reminders about coursework, and materials

So what does all of this mean for you? This means that you don’t need another app or tool to keep up with your child’s teachers and coursework. You’ll be able to find the vast majority of school and district information in one place: within our Warroad Schools app. If you don’t already have it, the district app is free and you can search for it in the Play Store and App Store!

After you’ve created your login, you can access Rooms through the Warroad Public Schools app. Once you’re there, you will notice Classrooms, Messages, and Announcements at the bottom menu.

We hope this offers you a richer, simpler—and ultimately—easier communication experience. You can read more about Rooms on our district’s FAQ page here (https://www.warroad.k12.mn.us/o/warroad-isd/page/rooms-support).

Best. Team. Ever.   

Warroad Public Schools are in the midst of celebrating I Love to Read month and Frosty Festival.  All students and staff are encouraged to enjoy dress up days and schoolwide activities promoting community building and school spirit.

• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) hosted a Valentine’s event on February 10, 2025. ECFE weekly classes and monthly activities are open to all families with children ages birth through entrance into kindergarten.  Updates are provided via the Warroad Schools’ Early Learners’ Center and Early Childhood Family Education website and social media pages, 

• The Fiscal Year 2026 Voluntary Preschool (VPK) renewal application has been submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education.  

• An annual application to Ampact for Early Learners’ Corps tutors to support literacy and numeracy activities among preschool learners has been submitted. Ampact as the service organization which supports Minnesota Reading/Math Corps.  Warroad Public Schools will be notified of awards this spring.

• Kindergarten through Grade 5 students and staff enjoyed the Riverbend Skate Path event on January 31, 2025.  Many thanks to Doc’s for their partnership and to the many volunteers including local law enforcement officials who tied skates, monitored the snow hills and skate path, and served hot cocoa.  

• Ampact K-3 Reading Corps and K-8 Math Corps tutor requests have been submitted for the 2025-2026 school year.  Tutors are trained in research based interventions to guide learners in boosting reading and/or math skills as identified through schoolwide benchmarking. 

• FastBridge Learning® assessment data was sent home to families the first week of February.  Warroad Schools value in sharing data with all families and have chosen to notify all families of the benchmarking information beyond the Minnesota Department of Education Read Act legislation requirement to notify families of K through 3rd grade students who are reading below grade level.

• Homemade valentines and Valentine’s Day boxes were created by students who also participated in the PBIS Warrior Way Wednesday Bingo event on February 14, 2025.

• WHS Student Council planned these activities for the Frosty Festival week:  dress up days, pepfest, dodgeball tournament, candy grams, and concluded the week with dances for Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12.

• Graduation Requirements as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Education are being reviewed and discussed as course registration for the 2025-2026 school year draws near.  Students will register for courses using the Infinite Campus online registration system.

• Building Leadership Team members continue to discuss the format for Grades 6-12 Parent-Teacher Conference with a current question posed to the Minnesota Secondary Schools Principals Association to determine alternatives to increase family engagement in efforts to best support student goals and career pathways.

Best. Team. Ever.   

Warroad Public Schools wish to thank students and families for their engagement and participation during the most recent e-Learning day on February 6, 2025.  Warroad Schools remind all to stay up-to-date on happenings in the district using the Rooms app, Schoology, via the school website, and by subscribing to Warroad Public Schools’ District Newsletter.

Warrior Nation!!

The winter has been warming up all year for the Warriors!

Our boys basketball team started off the year 17-0 before they suffered their first loss. They are currently 19-2 and look to get one of the top four spots in the section. They will compete for the section title during the first 2 weeks of March. They have been fun to watch!! They are ranked #8 in Class AA.

Our girls hockey team ended their regular season 22-3 and received the #1 seed in Section 8A. On Thursday February 13th, they will look to win their 10th section title as they will take on the Pirates of Crookston! The girls are coming off a 3 peat State Champions and will look to do something no girls team has done. Go back to back to back to back!! They are ranked #1 in Class A.

Our boys hockey team is 17-5-1 on the year. They will have their first playoff game on February 18th at the Gardens Arena. The team will be determined on Saturday. The Warriors are currently ranked #3 in Class A. Last Friday, they knocked off the #1 team in Class A, Cloquet/Esko/Carlton. The score was 4-0.

The girls basketball team is 2-20 on the year with their last regular season week next week. They will have their first playoff game on February 25th.

The Warrior ESport team is going strong! Here is an update:

Congratulations to Patrick Bain and Joe Booth for being selected to compete in the Minnesota Virtual League All-Star Tournament! 

Also, congrats to the following 11 Esports students who will represent Warroad at the MNVL State Tournament at St. Cloud State University on March 1st & 2nd! 

Super Smash Bros: Joe Booth

Fortnite: Hunter Larson & Joe Booth

Chess: Patrick Bain

Valorant: Henry Baker, Rocco Painter, Joe Booth, Owen Erickson, Hunter Larson, & Toliver Overly

Mario Kart: Addison Waldron, Draven Bernard, Zach Brydon, & Bridget Halvorson

The Warrior Speech and Knowledge Bowl teams have started to compete and will look forward to more updates.

The Warrior Robotics team has been working very hard everyday and even on Saturday's. They will have their first competition in March in Grand Forks.

Stay tuned for more updates on Warrior sports and activities!!

“I’ve never heard of this committee before” was the reply from a co-worker as I spoke about the DDAC meeting I had attended the evening before. It occurred to me that maybe many others have not heard of it either, as was my case prior to becoming a board member of ISD 690 Warroad.

When asking Kelsey Didrikson, our Learning Resources & Instructional Support Coordinator, how she would describe DDAC to the public, she responded, “DDAC which stands for District Development Advisory Committee, aims to do just that – serve in an advisory role as it relates to the development of the district.  Often this work focuses on the approval, effectiveness, or the need for change as it relates to curriculum and educational resources.  The goal is that all curriculum used in the district is approved by this committee to assure it aligns with the mission and vision of providing an innovative, engaging, and high-quality education to all our students.  DDAC also fosters conversation related to professional development, instructional practices, various initiatives, and the success of preparing to launch our graduates into the world prepared for college and/or career.”

It's very interesting, in the past years since COVID, how parents have expressed concern and interest in the curriculum of their child’s/children’s school. This has been a concern of parents across our nation who have been showing up at schoolboard meetings asking for answers.  If this has been an interest or concern to you, here’s your opportunity!  You can play a part in contributing to the decisions of school curriculum by attending and becoming involved in DDAC.  DDAC meetings were every month on the second Monday for the past 2 years that I have been on that committee. Now they are occurring approximately once a quarter at 5pm in the HS Media Center, led by Kelsey.

One recent example of an item we voted on at our January 2025 meeting was an AI (Artificial Intelligence) turnkey plug ‘n play curriculum.  This would be offered to 11th and 12th grade students for a “real-world” tool teaching AI skills, knowledge and ethical awareness. There can be up to a maximum of 40 students per class.  Stay tuned for when and how this will roll out in our school!

Here’s what one of our parent members of DDAC, Stephanie Heppner had to say about the committee:

“Being a parent member of the Warroad DDAC committee has given me more confidence in the direction the Warroad schools are headed. With the work being done in this committee I have seen the district moving toward the goals of creating a better learning environment for our students, a better working environment for our teachers, and a better experience for parents of students in our District. I have been able to see the passion and commitment put forward by so many teachers, community members, School Administrators and the School Board Members. One example is the work being done to limit the large variety of digital tools and platforms used by individual teachers.  There are so many factors involved in this. The DDAC committee worked to create guidelines and procedures to help transition to the intended outcomes of streamlining the experience for parents and students as they move to different teachers, while still allowing teachers to use tools they find most helpful.  I have really appreciated being part of the conversations about curriculum options and all the factors that go into the process of choosing the best curriculum - recommendations from other districts, teacher preference, cost and length of availability of training and support for teachers, overall cost over the long-term using the curriculum, etc.  It has also been helpful to learn more about MN Department of Education requirements, education best practices, and current research and how all of this affects the decisions made within our District.”

Are you a parent or member of the community who is concerned and cares about the education of our future adult members?  Are you willing to take 4 hours of your time in the next year to provide input into the educational decisions of your school district?  Are you willing to share your concerns, expertise, experience and/or vision with a committee that is willing to listen to and consider the limitless opportunities that will launch the best education to the best district in the state?  We encourage you to give your time and attention to make that happen.  You can do so by reaching out to Kelsey Didrikson at kelsey_didrikson@warroadschools.org to be put on the meeting notification schedule. The next meeting is scheduled for March 10th.

Come and join us or just check it out – it is public!  We are looking forward to seeing you there! 

All the Best,
Brenda Solar
Warroad ISD 690 School Board Clerk
C: 218-424-2535
brenda_solar@warroadschools.org

ISD 690 School Board

Happy February! 

The days are getting longer,  giving us the opportunity to enjoy some additional Vitamin D! Half of the school year is behind us. As we reach the midpoint of the school year, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the progress our students have made and share important updates for the coming months. February is a time to celebrate growth, set new goals, and continue working together to support our students’ success!

We are so proud of our students for their hard work and dedication! Many have reached milestones in their IEP goals, developed new skills, and shown resilience in their learning.  As we continue into the second half of the school year, here are some ways to support student learning and well-being at home:

✔ Play Outside

• Sledding

•  winter walks

•  build a snowman 

✔ Maintain a Routine

• A predictable daily schedule helps children feel secure and balanced.

• Ensure consistent sleep patterns to support mood and focus.

• Set small, achievable goals to keep kids motivated.

✔Give Kids Something to Look Forward To

• Plan a special weekend activity like a movie night, theme day, or mini indoor camping trip.

• Mark a countdown to an exciting event—spring break, a birthday, or a family trip.

✔ Prioritize Mental Health The winter months can be challenging, so ensure students have downtime, movement breaks, and a chance to connect with friends and family. 

Unified Champion Schools updates:

In January there was a Unified Snowshoe/Sled event where students had the opportunity to explore winter activities and have s’mores. In the month of February, there will be a rollerskating event. The details and date will be announced. From March 4th through the 27th, the Unified Swim Club has practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:15-4:00 pm. Yeti Fest, a Special Olympics/Unified Champion Schools fundraiser will take place on March 15, 2025, 

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding and promoting inclusion, respect, and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Established in 1987 by a presidential proclamation, this month highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities while also raising awareness of the challenges they may face. With the right support, individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive in school, work, and community life. This month serves as an important reminder to advocate for accessibility, acceptance, and policies that empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives. 

To the Special Education Staff at WPS: You provide not only instruction but also encouragement, support, and a safe space for students to grow and succeed. Your ability to adapt, inspire, and advocate for every child is truly remarkable. Thank you for the long hours, the creative problem-solving, and the endless compassion you show to students and families. You are changing lives, one student at a time, and our school community is stronger because of you. We appreciate you today and every day!

A heartfelt thank you. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Event was extremely special and a big day for Warrior Nation! So many people to thank, for the behind the scenes, to ensure this day was special and memorable ! 

Mr. Les Sandy, a residential school survivor, we honor him and all survivors for their strength, courage and resilience.  

Reconciliation is not only an initiative, it is a direct movement. 

Thank you for opening your hearts and minds and willingness to learn. 

As we stand united, for a purpose greater than ourselves. Truth and Reconciliation - Every Child Matters Initiative" shines a light on the history, truth and impact of the US and Canadian Indian/ Residential Boarding Schools era. There were 523 total Indian Boarding Schools that operated in the U.S from 1801 to present. With 24 total in the state of Minnesota.

Standing together, we embrace the truth and honor and uphold the survivors that have lived and endured the unimaginable and to commemorate the 150,000 plus children that did not make it home.

On Saturday, January 11th, to see our youth featuring the beautiful Warroad Warrior Truth and Reconciliation jerseys, was and is a powerful emblem that shows strength, support and introduces the concept of " Truth and Reconciliation and the path towards healing.

The enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Embracing this truth is not just about the past, it’s about shaping a more respectful inclusive future.

This is Warroad’s journey as we learn and grow together and embody the true spirit of a “ Warrior”.

Miigwech 

Native American Education Program 
Danielle Smith & Shawna Grapentine

Just a reminder, road conditions may affect bus times.  Please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.  If you have any changes please make sure to let the bus garage know.

Contact Brent Cole at 218-386-6112 or email at brent_cole@warroadschools.org

Driver’s Ed

• June Driver’s Ed. registration open April 1st @ 8:00

Spring Trap League

• Registration is open

Spring Firearm Safety

• April 15th

  • Registration is open

  • Limited seats available

Unified Swim Club 

• Registration is open

Summer Baseball 

• Morning Ball

• Morning/Travel Ball

  • Registration begins March 10th

All registrations are on Warroad Payments or in person at the Community Ed office.

Where Families and Education Come Together

Please visit our website at ( https://www.warroad.k12.mn.us/o/elc ) or scan the QR code below for current monthly calendars and scheduling updates.

Congratulations to our 2025 Frosty Court!!

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.   

State MCA testing for students in grade 3-12 happens each spring. More information and assessment dates for our district can be found here on the school website. If you intend to opt your child out of testing, please complete the opt out form found on the website no later than March 15th for our planning purposes.  

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

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www.warroad.k12.mn.us