Week 5--Midterm!

Good afternoon!

It is hard to actually believe it, but we are now entering the 5th week of school.  I am happy to report that we have had a very successful five weeks both in and out of the classroom.  I am very appreciative of the staff; not only do they care about the students and do everything possible to ensure they are successful, but they have also been very patient and understanding with me as I "learn the ropes" as well.  I've learned that there is no amount of schooling that can really prepare one for this position--every day here is a new adventure; not only for myself but for the staff as well.   "It takes a whole village to raise a child" is an African Proverb that I believe is so true for schools.  Although students may only have one teacher or spend the majority of their day with one group of kids, they are really influenced every day by everyone in the school and in the community.  Every morning when I'm in the lobby greeting students I see our "village" coming together to care for one another.  I see siblings, family members, friends, and even bus drivers come into the doors holding on to the hands of scared preschoolers and kindergartners; I see staff stick around the lobby instead of having coffee to welcome the kids and wish them a great day; and I see parents volunteering their precious time to help out in the building.  We really do have an amazing community of students and adults who truly and wholeheartedly care about or school and our students.  Thank you to everyone who puts their heart into keeping Goodridge a safe place for our kids to learn and grow!

Events this Week:

Monday:
Jr High and JV football vs. Clearbrook-Gonvick in Goodridge at 3:30

Tuesday:
Juniors and Seniors to Northland for the College Fair (9 a.m.-1 p.m)
Volleyball vs. Red Lake Falls in Goodridge @ 5 p.m.

Wednesday:
Release time begins
7th Grade Science Trip to Itasca

Thursday:
Volleyball in Lancaster

Friday:
Varsity football in Fisher-Climax @ 3:30

Saturday:
ECFE to ELMO LIVE in Bemidji--bus leaves Goodridge at noon.

Friendly Reminders:

• October is National Bullying Prevention Month--Please stay tuned for activities we will have regarding bullying.

• This week is MIDTERM--please check parent portal and watch the mail for progress reports.
• MCA Test results should be released TOMORROW (October 1st)  Please watch the mailbox for your child's scores.

Highlights from the last few weeks:

• Congrats to Courtney and Tra, our 2013 Homecoming King and Queen
• A very big thank you to Sandy, Allie, and Brian for volunteering your time in the school to assist with our PLC.  Your kindness does not go unnoticed!
• The Northland College Rep visited with our Juniors and Seniors last week--a quick reminder of how soon students need to start thinking about their futures!

Please contact me if I forget something, you would like something added, or for any other reasons you can think of.  Again, thank you for being such a supportive community--we wouldn't be successful without all of you!

Week 2--Homecoming Week

Welcome to the second week of school!  I think I can speak for everyone when I say last week was a great way to start the school year.  The kids were great, teachers were excited, and everyone ended the week on a good note.  Congratulations to both the girls volleyball team and the boys football team on last week's wins!  Our sports program makes it easy to be a Charger fan.  

Last week was the beginning of many new journeys our staff and students will take together.  We welcomed a few new faces in our student body, and we are delighted to have them join our Charger community.  We are thoroughly enjoying our new staff members, and I know they have been a great addition to the school.  It was a lot of firsts for me as well; first week as a principal, first week outside of the English classroom, and Sawyer's first week of pre-school.  Last week was the first time I have been on the other side of the fence--sending my child into the care of a teacher instead of being the teacher greeting the child.  It was heartbreaking!  I think all parents can relate how that first day feels.  I am confident that your children (and your heart) are in good hands.


Events this week:

Monday Hunting Day

JH/JV football in Grygla at 4:30 vs. SAC (bus leaves Goodridge at 3:33)

Tuesday Twins Day

Homecoming VB vs. CG @ Grygla 

Wednesday Every Day Heroes (Remembering 9/11)

Coronation Rehearsal 1st Hour

Lunch: Voting for King and Queen

Coronation @ 3:00

Pictures begin at 2 p.m in the Community Center.

Thursday Western Day

Girls VB in Roseau

Friday Charger Pride Day

2:00 p.m. Games in the gym

3:15: Pep Fest

7:00 p.m. Football vs. Sacred Heart

9:00 p.m.: Homecoming Dance in Goodridge (following game) Admission $5

A Few Friendly Reminders:

*Please be sure all students are dressed appropriately for Homecoming Week. 

*Tuesday (9/10) is the last day for students to add or drop a class.

*We are always looking for volunteers!  Call the office if you would like to donate your time in the school.

*We have zero tolerance for bullying both in and out of school.  Please refer to the Student Handbook for more information and to review our policy.  

Highlights from last week:

*I've heard many positive comments from students regarding our new staff.  If you haven't stopped in to meet them yet you should!

*Our seniors are spending their spare time in elementary classrooms helping teachers.  I've heard the are doing a great job--thanks to those kids who are working with the students. 

*There is talk about starting some new programs in Goodridge.  Stay tuned for more information!

*Today we unpacked boxes of new Charger clothing (thanks to Salo Signs & More).  Everything looks awesome and we will be distributing items tomorrow (Tuesday).  If you missed this order it is not too late--Courtney will be closing another order on Wednesday (same items available) and she is already talking about working on a winter sports order.  If you haven't visited their site please do so @ Salo Signs and More.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Homecoming Week!  Good luck Chargers!