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- Written by: Jeff Drake
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I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff, students, and parents for making the start of this year such a resounding success. The energy and enthusiasm in our buildings have been truly inspiring, and it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our Otter family. Our classrooms are alive with learning and collaboration.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate some of the remarkable individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions. A huge congratulations to our assistant coaches of the year, Norm Newell, Assistant Girls Tennis Coach and David Dirks, Assistant Football Coach. Congratulations also go out to Otter Head Coach of the Year, Chris Grabowska who coaches varsity football. Your dedication to our student athletes is deeply appreciated.
As a staff, we kicked off our school year with a celebration of the Fergus Falls Teacher of the Year. This year, there are Co-Teachers of the Year - both extremely deserving. Congratulations to Niki Welde and Ethan Soland. Both are innovative, dedicated, hard-working and care deeply about our students.
But that’s not all! I'd also like to give a special shout-out to Jen Kohorst, who was named the Minnesota State School Nurse of the Year! Jen's commitment to the health and well-being of our students is unmatched, and this recognition is so well deserved.
These awards highlight the excellence that exists throughout our district.
One of the most encouraging signs of our district's health is our stable enrollment. This stability reflects the trust and confidence that our community places in our schools. It shows that families are choosing Fergus Falls Public Schools for the quality education and supportive environment we provide. We are proud to be a district that our community believes in, and we will continue to work tirelessly to earn that trust every single day. Maintaining a steady enrollment allows us to better plan for the future and ensure we have the resources needed to serve every student effectively.
Finally, I'd like to invite all of you to the first Community Connections meeting. This is a great opportunity to engage in a dialogue about the future of our schools. Please join me on Thursday, September 18th, from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Roosevelt in the Community Ed. room. Your voice is important, and your feedback is invaluable as we work together to make our schools even better. I look forward to seeing you there and continuing our partnership in building a bright future for our students.
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- Written by: Jeff Drake
- Category: Supt. News
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The end of each school year provides a great opportunity for reflection. I am very proud of the journey our students and staff have undertaken. While standardized tests and benchmarks provide a necessary framework, true learning blossoms when we venture beyond those standards, fostering an environment where curiosity is ignited, creativity flourishes, and real-world skills are honed.
That's why I'm thrilled to kick off a new series of columns, penned by our very own dedicated teachers, showcasing the extraordinary ways learning unfolds in the Fergus Falls Public School District. These articles will highlight innovative approaches to learning that engage students by making learning relevant and meaningful.
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- Written by: Jeff Drake
- Category: Supt. News
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As the school year concludes, the Fergus Falls Public School District proudly celebrates a truly remarkable year, filled with outstanding achievements across all areas. Our students have not only excelled in the classroom but have also left a significant mark on our community.
Academically, our students reached new heights. They secured first place finishes in regional math competitions, and both our Knowledge Bowl and Envirothon teams advanced to state. Our rigorous curriculum has fostered critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for future success.
The vibrant spirit of the fine arts continues to shine brightly. Our talented musicians and visual artists received numerous accolades. From inspiring concert performances by our bands and choirs to the innovative pieces at the Blondeau Fine Arts Festival, our students showcased exceptional creativity and skill, enriching our schools and community.
Our vocational programs remain a cornerstone, providing invaluable real-world learning experiences. Students embraced diverse electives and hands-on training, gaining practical skills that prepare them for immediate employment or further education. The success of these programs is evident in the tangible impact our students are already making in various industries, fostering a strong future workforce.
Read more: A Year of Otter Excellence: Celebrating the Fergus Falls Public School District
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- Written by: Jeff Drake
- Category: Supt. News
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Years ago, I was interviewing for a football coaching position at Hastings Middle School. It was at the end of the interview and Mr. Johnson, Middle School Activities Director, asked if I had any questions. I was curious about the program’s philosophy. I asked him if the goal was to play all of the athletes or if the goal was to win games. I will never forget his response, “we want all of the students to have playing time…but we do keep score.”
By all accounts, this has been an amazing year for Fergus Falls Public Schools. Every two weeks, I have the privilege of sharing the wonderful accomplishments of our students and staff with our school board and community. We have so much to be proud of.
We started the year off by comparing our spring 2024 MCA scores to other schools in the region. In reviewing our brick and mortar students, Fergus Falls was first in math, first in science and second in reading among area school districts! That is a credit to our talented and dedicated staff and a credit to our students.
I have compiled a list of some of the highlights of the year which has been a lot of fun. The danger? Well, there is no doubt that I have missed some noteworthy accomplishments. In those cases, please accept my apologies and know that it was not intentional.
One more piece that is really important. The list below could be considered “keeping score,” however, what takes place in the school district on a daily basis goes far beyond records and accolades. It is about the incremental growth of each student. It’s about the quiet struggles that are overcome. It’s about effort, persistence and hard work. Reaching one’s potential is a compilation of the small daily victories.
ACADEMICS
Math Masters (4th Grade)
- Team - 1st Place: The Junior Geniuses: Ava Seedorf, Aiden Haugerud, Ian Hofland, Gwyn Stalboerger & Elliott Olson.
Read more: Supt. Drake: It's been an amazing year of accomplishments!
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I had the pleasure of attending the annual FFA banquet on a recent Friday evening. The event provides a year in review for all that the organization accomplished. I am always impressed to see the meeting run by the FFA officers who are elected by their peers. It is a wonderful evening highlighting student accomplishments with a great meal provided by the Eagles Club.
Our Fergus Falls FFA chapter is a great example of blending the classroom experience with practical, hands-on learning. Their active participation in contests at both state and national levels, alongside their successful community engagement like the recent strawberry sales and annual fruit sales fundraisers, speaks volumes about their enthusiasm and the guidance they receive from their advisors, Dennis Wutzke and Melody Lundquist.
The benefits our students gain from FFA and agricultural education are considerable and extend far beyond those who will go on to careers in traditional farming. Participation in FFA cultivates crucial life skills: leadership through chapter roles and event organization, public speaking, teamwork, and financial management. These are foundational competencies that prepare students for success in any career path they choose, fostering personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.