What’s A School District To Do?

ND Senate Minority Leader Ryan Taylor and House Minority Leader Kenton Onstad were in Stanley on Thursday, May 9 to meet with area school superintendents looking for input on what the districts in oil country are facing with the increased oil activity. Joining them at the table were Dan Uran, business manager at New Town; Kent Hjelmstad, Stanley Superintendent; Tim Holte, Powers Lake Superintendent; Steve Holen, Watford City Superintendent; Gary Wilz, Killdeer Superintendent; Marlyn Vatne, Ray Superintendent; John Weidner, Parshall Superintendent; and D’Wayne Johnston, Tioga Superintendent. They had come to the meeting looking for information to pass on to the state’s education committee. While the committee continues with the best of intentions, legislators especially in western North Dakota, know they must address the challenges to affect proper change. NDSU is conducting a research initiative in oil country that will help produce some of the numbers, but they realize that these school districts work with the numbers day to day and have the best grasp of what the impacts are to their schools. The superintendents were asked to address three specific areas: student number increases, building considerations and housing needs. Each was given the opportunity to share that information with the legislators and with the other superintendents. Tim Holte started by talking about student numbers. Powers Lake saw an increase of 16 students from the beginning of the year. The legislature set aside funds for Rapid Growth Grants for schools, however that required an increase of 7% and 25 students. For Powers Lake, it was a 17% increase, but they did not meet the 25 student threshold, meaning they did not qualify for the grant. Like all of the superintendents, he has no idea what next year will bring for student numbers. There is   Login or Subscribe to view full stories.

Second Graders Earn Pool Party

Stanley’s PTA sponsored a Box Top competition at the elementary school this year as a fundraiser to help buy things like playground or physical education supplies, art supplies and supplies for the classroom. From January 9 through February 29, classes were challenged to be the one to collect the most labels for education. They could earn points by clipping Box Tops for education from participating products, clipping UPC labels or caps from participating products, or clipping UPC labels from Our Family brand products. While the collection efforts have continued throughout the school year, there was an incentive to be the class that brought the most in between January and February. On Thursday, May 11, Michelle Davis’ second grade class had a pool party to celebrate their success. During the two month period, the class collected 1665 tops to be the top class in the elementary school. Overall, the school raised about 2500 labels for education.   Login or Subscribe to view full stories.

Sandstrom Joins Petroleum Council

Tessa Sandstrom recently joined the North Dakota Petroleum Council as the organization’s new communications manager. Sandstrom, a native of New Town, ND, brings to the position several years of communications and political experience, including service under Sen. John Hoeven as a member of his senior staff in Washington, DC. As Communications Manager, Sandstrom will manage the Council’s internal and external communications, as well as coordinating various outreach programs and events, including the Council’s North Dakota Oil Can program. “I am excited about the opportunity to join the North Dakota Petroleum Council,” said Sandstrom. “Having come from the area, I understand both the challenges and opportunities the area faces, and I look forward to working with key stakeholders to find solutions to these challenges while continuing the region’s unprecedented growth.” Prior to her service in Hoeven’s   Login or Subscribe to view full stories.

After Graduation Party To Be Held

The annual After Graduation Party will be held from 9:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. the night of SHS graduation, May 27th, 2012. The goal is to provide a safe, substance-free fun-filled evening to our youth on the night of graduation. We sincerely appreciate any monetary or gift contributions to help with the expenses of food, prizes and entertainment for the evening. All funding for the event comes from generous donations. Please bring donations to the high school or send to: After Graduation Party Committee, PO Box 10, c/o Karen Colbenson, Stanley, ND 58784-0010. Please contact committee members with any questions.  Login or Subscribe to view full stories.

Field Day & Health Fair

This year’s annual “play day” will include early morning health fair stations from 9:00 to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, May 18 before the 2012 Olympic Field Day kicks off with the Fun Run at 1:00 p.m. Morning sessions for elementary students will include 15 minutes each for things like dental care, hand washing, bike safety, “my plate”, street smart, water safety, and house safety for grades K-2. Grades 3-6 will have sessions on internet safety, tobacco prevention, gun safety, positive thinking street safety, M&M fitness and water safety. The afternoon will start with the Fun Run and parents are welcome and encouraged to cheer on the students along the route of the Fun Run. Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Field Day will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Elementary gym. Each   Login or Subscribe to view full stories.