Warroad ISD 690

 

Warroad Public Schools' News

October 2025 | Issue No. 7

2025-2026 School Calendar
WPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Employment Opportunities
 
 

2025-2026 WARROAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVY

 

Greetings!

It has been a fantastic start to Fall here at Warroad Schools!  We’ve got terrific students showcasing their amazing talents both in the classroom and through multiple activities.  We also are blessed with incredible support from our community members who show up to support our students in a myriad of ways.  As a District, we are offering one additional opportunity to step forward in a tangible way as we make a request for a Capital Projects levy this November 4th. 

In our current society we are dependent on functional technology to power much of what we do.  We utilize technology to keep our physical building secure through locking mechanisms and cameras.  Emergency alert mechanisms and student safety protocols are reliant on properly updated and functional technology. 

This levy will also allow us to maintain proper devices needed to educate our students.  We are currently in the process of reevaluating our 1 to 1 device plan and beginning to roll back how many devices we utilize in the school.  Simply put, we are shifting to shared devices in early elementary grades, intentionally reducing screen time for our youngest students. 

For our staff to properly deliver content to our students, they require devices that are safe and functional.  The infrastructure that allows the devices to function and provide safety and security of our network and student information consistently requires proper safeguards and updates. 

Simply put, we do not undertake this request lightly.  We are bound by specific funding streams and if this levy is successful, it will allow us to utilize these funds very specifically, granting us flexibility within the General Fund to continue to invest in our Staff, maintain our bus fleet, and make our school building a safe and secure environment for each of our children. 

I appreciate your support of our request that will allow Warroad ISD #690 to be a safe and secure place where every child can learn and grow. 

 

Time to Shine

Warroad Schools students and staff engaged in the Every Child Matters - Orange Shirt Day drumming and dance presentation as well as the Great Apple Crunch farm to table event.  Knowledge building and learning are the common goals for schoolwide activities.  Thanks to the Indigenous Education Department and LifeCare for their partnership.

Early Learners’ Center

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) October themes are fire safety, pumpkins, farms, and camping.  The Family Engagement Event is a Costume Party.  Families with children ages birth through kindergarten enrollment are encouraged to join us for ECFE activities and events.

Information regarding Voluntary PreKindergarten and Pathway II funding for students enrolled in Early Learners’ Center programming were shared with all families.  In order to receive funding, families need to complete applications and be eligible based on criteria as set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education. 

LifeCare Public Health partnered with Warroad Public Schools during the October 10, 2025, Early Childhood Screening event to share information and gain participation in the statewide biomonitoring program sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health.  

 Angle Inlet Elementary

Angle Inlet Elementary is participating in the Adopt a Cow program through Discover Dairy.  Photos and stories of the dairy calf’s life on the farm shared throughout the school year will grow students’ knowledge of the dairy industry this 25-26 school year.

Art-Afternoon-Fridays found students collecting leaves for a leaf rubbing project.

Warroad Elementary

Community collaboration finds students enjoying educational based field trips:  Country Corn Maze (Kindergarten), Warroad Fire Hall (ELC, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2), Farm Safety Event @ Haugen Farms with Roseau County 4-H (Grade 4).

Many thanks to the PTO for planning the Art to Remember activity and an October Apple Cider event during recess.

Students enjoyed Buddy Classroom, Class Reunion, and swimming PBIS activities.

High School

Grades 7-12 Band and Choir members enjoyed a performance by the NDSU Jazz Band.

Learning extensions have included field trips to the School Forest (ELC, Grade 7, Outdoor Science), Warroad Public LIbrary (Grade 7), University of North Dakota Odegard Aerospace School (Aviation).

Pathways to Careers are being explored in connection with regional Program Director Tom Leuthner with the Minnesota Career and Technical Education and Pine-to-Prairie organizations.

Time to Shine 

Warroad Schools welcomes families to Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 29, 2025.  Conferences allow time for families to partner with educators to set achievable goals and learn more about the academic, social-emotional, and experiential learning opportunities at ISD #690.

 

ACTIVITIES OFFICE

The weather is getting cooler, it is the middle of October and high school playoffs are on the horizon! The football team is currently 2-4, but has been in every game. They are 4th in the section and looking for a home playoff game. The last two regular season games are on the road. On October 10th, they will play at Pelican Rapids and then travel to Barnesville on Wednesday October 15th. Playoffs will start on October 21st. The volleyball team is currently 5-19. They have two regular season games left next week. They will travel to Bagley on Monday October 13th and then host Thief River Falls the next day. The Lady Warriors will most likely be on the road for playoffs. They will travel somewhere in Section 8AA on Wednesday October 22nd. The North swim team (coop with Roseau) had their regular season meet at The Falls on Tuesday October 7th. They will travel to Fosston on October 24th for their conference meet and be right back here on November 7th and 8th for the Section 8A swim meet at the Warroad Pool. Lastly, the boys and girls cross country teams will travel to The Falls on Tuesday October 14th and then they will have their Section 8A meet in Bagley on October 24th. Look for senior Linnea Harren and junior Tyson McKeever to do well.

On October 3rd, the Warrior Hall of Fame had the 2025 induction. Inductees were Olympian Gigi Marvin, Ben Bengtson, and Brianne (Mosher) Eck. Also, two teams were enshrined. The 2005 Girls Golf team and the 2001 Boys Golf team were inducted on Saturday night in the high school theater. Congrats to Gigi, Ben, Brianne, and the '01 and '05 teams!! Once a Warrior Always a Warrior!

 
 

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

 Happy Fall! 

October is nationally recognized as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, a dedicated time to promote understanding, advocacy, and awareness for individuals with learning disabilities (LD). This month serves as a vital reminder that learning differences are a natural part of human diversity.

Learning disabilities are neurological conditions that specifically affect how a person takes in and processes information. It is not a reflection of a person's intelligence. Instead, these conditions can impact specific skills like: reading, writing, math, reasoning, memory, and attention.

One of the primary goals of this awareness month is education. Many people misunderstand LDs, often mistakenly assuming they are the same as intellectual disabilities or that individuals with LDs are simply "incapable of learning." Raising awareness helps combat this stigma and fosters a more supportive and inclusive environment for people with varied learning abilities. It's important  to look beyond the challenges. People with learning disabilities often possess unique and powerful strengths, such as: 

  • Exceptional creativity
  • Advanced problem-solving abilities
  • Remarkable out-of-the-box thinking

These unique perspectives are invaluable in all areas of life and work. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successfully addressing learning disabilities. When individuals receive the right support early on, they are better equipped to navigate their challenges.

At the heart of our Special Education Department is a deep commitment to personalized learning. This commitment is delivered through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a document designed to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive. The development of each IEP is a collaborative effort, created with essential input from: families, teachers, specialists, and students themselves. This teamwork ensures that the plan addresses all aspects of a student's growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our dedicated team of educators works closely with families to set meaningful goals, track progress, and celebrate each student's achievements. We are proud of the progress our students are making, and we are continuously exploring ways to provide the necessary opportunities and accommodations for all learners to succeed.

Our Warroad Schools’  Unified Champions program is a movement dedicated to social inclusion. By bringing together students with and without disabilities to participate in sports and leadership activities, the program creates a more welcoming and diverse school culture. Through the power of shared experiences, students involved in Unified Champions:

  • Build lasting friendships that extend beyond the school day.
  • Improve social skills in a supportive and natural setting.
  • Foster a school environment where every individual's diversity is celebrated.
 

NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

 

The Warroad Warriors leading by example!

You may have noticed a new flag present at our football field. We invite everyone to learn about the Red Lake Tribal Nation Flag and what it represents. This acknowledgment is a step towards understanding the history of the Native American people. Together we embrace and recognize that we are on the traditional land of the Red Lake seeded territory. 

 

A Special thank you to the Oyate Kinipi Archery Program - Open Arms Native Missions for your generous donation towards our "Summer Reading Incentive Program" 

Warroad Native American Education Program - Danielle Smith & Shawna Grapentine

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, Warroad Public School respectfully acknowledges the 11 sovereign Tribal Nations of Minnesota and their support. We recognize and honor the gift of preserving and maintaining the Integrity of the Warroad Warrior Logo.

We are proud here in Warrior Nation!

This important acknowledgement is our continued journey and path forward, as we recognize the rich history of Warroad and most importantly, the recognition of the 11 Sovereign Tribal Nations for their agreement to allow us to remain the Warroad Warriors! 

Truth & Reconciliation apparel online store is NOW OPEN!

In order to receive your apparel before our annual Truth & Reconciliation hockey event on Dec. 6th

ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BEFORE OCT. 23RD @ NOON.

Please remember that this is not a fundraiser! The Native American Education Department, the Native American Parent Advisory Committee and WPS are using this effort as our continued initiative towards truth and reconciliation. This is our journey in raising awareness about the history of the residential/boarding school era and its lasting effects on the Native American people.

Together we are leading by example, fighting for something bigger than ourselves, the true meaning of a Warrior.

 

FOOD SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

(Submitted by Heather Hess, Food Service Director)

Ardis Thompson started her career with the Warroad Schools Culinary Team in 2016. In the 2021/2022 school year she took on the role of Head Cook for the High School Kitchen and has been our Lead ever since! She has recently been improving her Acumen for Student Nutrition by participating in the Minnesota Student Nutrition Association as seen pictured here during a team building exercise, where we needed to build a reimbursable meal with the foods provided. She also visited an organic farm that provides farm to school products to local schools in the area of Rochester, amongst other training provided at the MNSNA Conference this year. Having one of the biggest hearts I've ever met, she loves to give hugs in the morning and seeing all the kids get nutritious foods that help power their energy and brain power! If you see her please give her a BIG Thank You for all she does for our students here at Warroad Schools! 

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY EDUCATION

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.

 

ISD 690 SCHOOL BOARD

Front Row: Brenda Solar and Cindy Drost
Back Row: Gus Booth, Blayke Nelson, Damian McMillin, and Marques Stricker

ISD 690 School Board
 

Reminders to families of WPS' Students:

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!

 

Apply for Educational Benefits

Warroad Public Schools participates in the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. All students are offered one breakfast and one lunch at no cost each day of school.

Although no application is needed to receive this meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important. Families who qualify are eligible for other benefits, such as reduced (or free) fees on sports and activities, Chromebook insurance waiver, and Early Learners tuition.

Complete the Application Here
 

WPS' Points of Pride

Over 1500 boxes of cereal were donated following the MHS homecoming week cereal drive. Despite our best efforts, we lost to Roseau and ended up in green. 

 

 

 

Warrior Buddies meet monthly in the elementary to build connections and have fun across grade levels. This month students participated in a Hispanic Heritage Month craft provided by our EL staff. 

 

Shoutout to our PreK teachers for making the new risky, creative play area happen. 

 

We participated in the October Great Apple Crunch. Thanks to LifeCare for donating the apples. 

 

Mark Your Calendars! 📆

Contact Us!☎️ 

  • 10/16 & 10/17 - No school - MEA
  • 10/21 - School Board Meeting 7 a.m.
  • 10/29 Early dismissal 1 pm | Elementary/High School Conferences
  • 11/4 - Election Day
  • 11/26 - No school - students
  • 11/27 & 11/28 - No school
  • 12/1 - Tri 2 starts
  • Elementary/ELC Office (218)386-6094
  • High School Office (218)386-6086
  • Special Education (218)386-6085
  • District Office (218)386-6099
  • Community Education Office (218)386-6028
Full Events Calendar
 

✨Connect with us to see the great things happening every day around the District! ✨

 

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