MAY 2022
As I write my last closing remarks in my career as a principal, I wish to send out my sincere appreciation to all the staff, students, and families for supporting me at Northern Elementary. It is difficult to find the right words to express the joy that it has been working in a career that you throughly love and enjoy. I cannot believe that I am actually retiring from a 40 plus year career in education working with students from starting out as a special education paraprofessional, teaching elementary and middle school to transitioning into administration. Teaching and leadership has always been my passion. From Timberwolf Assemblies to reading with students in classrooms, I am amazed by Northern students and their wonderful teachers learning together. Thank you all for the laughs, the learning, and the life filled with happiness and joy!
As I write my last closing remarks in my career as a principal, I wish to send out my sincere appreciation to all the staff, students, and families for supporting me at Northern Elementary. It is difficult to find the right words to express the joy that it has been working in a career that you throughly love and enjoy. I cannot believe that I am actually retiring from a 40 plus year career in education working with students from starting out as a special education paraprofessional, teaching elementary and middle school to transitioning into administration. Teaching and leadership has always been my passion. From Timberwolf Assemblies to reading with students in classrooms, I am amazed by Northern students and their wonderful teachers learning together. Thank you all for the laughs, the learning, and the life filled with happiness and joy!
Kindergarten Registration 2022
March 2022
We have finally witnessed the sun today and hopefully spring is on its way. With three months left of this school year, there is still many things to learn and books to read. Teachers and parents/guardians will be able to discuss the students progress during parent/teacher conferences on March 8th-10th. This is a wonderful to share the academic gains that have occurred so far this year and new learning that will fill out the school year. During the month of March, our Timberwolves will work on teamwork to learn to collaborate and build trust towards a common goal. A Little Spot of Teamwork goes a long way to achieve our goals and dreams. Together, teachers and paraprofessionals have participated in a book study with Monica Genta's The Rooted Classroom- building deeply rooted relationships with students to experience the fruits of education. We will have the opportunity for Monica to "Zoom" in with us on March 22nd and actually listen to her share her teaching experiences and creative ideas. Her instructional tools have been a wonderful way to improve ours. As adults we need to remember Monica's words, "May you live a life that produces good fruit due to the rooted relationships you build with others." Outstanding words to live by for all of us. Enjoy the melting snow and sunshine!
We have finally witnessed the sun today and hopefully spring is on its way. With three months left of this school year, there is still many things to learn and books to read. Teachers and parents/guardians will be able to discuss the students progress during parent/teacher conferences on March 8th-10th. This is a wonderful to share the academic gains that have occurred so far this year and new learning that will fill out the school year. During the month of March, our Timberwolves will work on teamwork to learn to collaborate and build trust towards a common goal. A Little Spot of Teamwork goes a long way to achieve our goals and dreams. Together, teachers and paraprofessionals have participated in a book study with Monica Genta's The Rooted Classroom- building deeply rooted relationships with students to experience the fruits of education. We will have the opportunity for Monica to "Zoom" in with us on March 22nd and actually listen to her share her teaching experiences and creative ideas. Her instructional tools have been a wonderful way to improve ours. As adults we need to remember Monica's words, "May you live a life that produces good fruit due to the rooted relationships you build with others." Outstanding words to live by for all of us. Enjoy the melting snow and sunshine!
February 2022
As the Minnesota weather isn't giving us a break, Northern Elementary students are becoming very accustom to indoor recess. February is a month filled with many activities. Valentine's Day is filled with chocolate kisses. Kindness Week is celebrated with banners, projects and kind words to boost each other up. Winter Olympic metal count and event model building. As it is a unique year, we are recognizing Tuesday's 2/22/22 day with ties and tutus, walking in pairs, classroom math and reading "2" activities and at 2:22 pm we will participate in an all school 2-minute cupid shuffle dance. The students and staff certainly enjoy learning and playing together to build positive relationships. Students will also learn about the concept of empathy during our Timberwolf Assembly. We should all have A Little Spot of Empathy for each other. Teachers will be having a Staff Development day on Friday, February 18th to work together on MAP data, reading material Lexiles, IXL, Makerspace ideas, and team building. Thank you for getting your child to school each day and supporting their education. Enjoy your children as they are a blessing.
As the Minnesota weather isn't giving us a break, Northern Elementary students are becoming very accustom to indoor recess. February is a month filled with many activities. Valentine's Day is filled with chocolate kisses. Kindness Week is celebrated with banners, projects and kind words to boost each other up. Winter Olympic metal count and event model building. As it is a unique year, we are recognizing Tuesday's 2/22/22 day with ties and tutus, walking in pairs, classroom math and reading "2" activities and at 2:22 pm we will participate in an all school 2-minute cupid shuffle dance. The students and staff certainly enjoy learning and playing together to build positive relationships. Students will also learn about the concept of empathy during our Timberwolf Assembly. We should all have A Little Spot of Empathy for each other. Teachers will be having a Staff Development day on Friday, February 18th to work together on MAP data, reading material Lexiles, IXL, Makerspace ideas, and team building. Thank you for getting your child to school each day and supporting their education. Enjoy your children as they are a blessing.
January 2022
We have embarked upon another new year at Northern Elementary. I always get a kick out of saying, "See you next year" on the last day before holiday break and students give me a funny look and then realize what I said to them. Another wonderful moment with elementary students. Our January is not cooperating with the cold temperatures and crazy windchills. It is a better school day when students have a chance to play outside- their brains actually do work better!
Teachers will be providing lessons for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No school on January 17th) as we learn about each other and our backgrounds. Check out read aloud books on youtube to share with your children. The video by Kid President is amazing and the picture book by David Adler. Kindness and compassion for all is our pledge as a Timberwolf. In the next few weeks, students will take the winter MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment to see how much learning growth they have accomplished so far this school year. Please follow your teacher's testing schedule and encourage them to try their best. Students- show us what you know!
We have embarked upon another new year at Northern Elementary. I always get a kick out of saying, "See you next year" on the last day before holiday break and students give me a funny look and then realize what I said to them. Another wonderful moment with elementary students. Our January is not cooperating with the cold temperatures and crazy windchills. It is a better school day when students have a chance to play outside- their brains actually do work better!
Teachers will be providing lessons for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No school on January 17th) as we learn about each other and our backgrounds. Check out read aloud books on youtube to share with your children. The video by Kid President is amazing and the picture book by David Adler. Kindness and compassion for all is our pledge as a Timberwolf. In the next few weeks, students will take the winter MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment to see how much learning growth they have accomplished so far this school year. Please follow your teacher's testing schedule and encourage them to try their best. Students- show us what you know!
December 2021
I can't believe that it is December already. Our mild winter so far has kept students able to play outside and spend time with each other. Our Timberwolf Assembly this month is developed around the theme of "A Little Spot of Giving". Together, we will learn about the season of giving in all forms- from actual gifts to sharing our individual gifts of friendship, compassion, kindness and many more. As an actual giving project, we plan to give pairs of socks to the Village of Hope Homeless Shelter. Students can bring their donation on December 16th at the Timberwolf Assembly and I will deliver them the following week to the shelter. During this special holiday season, find time to celebrate each other in your family. Blessings to all of you
as I am looking forward to 2022 as another year of hope, love and kindness.
November 2021
I usually don't share my photo or personal information on my website, but I thought that some of you may not have officially met me. This is the 40th year of my educational career. I started as a paraprofessional in special education in 1981. I taught in the Waconia Public Schools for 17 years (2nd, 5th & 6th grade), and I have been a principal for 17 years; previously at the high school level and now 10 years at Northern Elementary. The time has flown by so fast for me and I still enjoy every day working with students and staff.
My family lives in Bemidji (son, daughter, husband and grand-daughter) and we have grown to love the area so much that we never plan to leave the beautiful north woods. I enjoy spending time playing school with my grand-daughter, biking, swimming, refurbishing furniture, and hanging out with friends for a good meal or just coffee time. My favorite part of of being a principal is supporting teachers with their instruction and spending time with students directly in the classroom or being a "teacher" with the Timberwolf Assemblies. I am a life-long learner and being able to have a career in a school is a joy each day! Thank you for working together with me to support everyone at Northern Elementary to be their best. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful place for students to grow.
I can't believe that it is December already. Our mild winter so far has kept students able to play outside and spend time with each other. Our Timberwolf Assembly this month is developed around the theme of "A Little Spot of Giving". Together, we will learn about the season of giving in all forms- from actual gifts to sharing our individual gifts of friendship, compassion, kindness and many more. As an actual giving project, we plan to give pairs of socks to the Village of Hope Homeless Shelter. Students can bring their donation on December 16th at the Timberwolf Assembly and I will deliver them the following week to the shelter. During this special holiday season, find time to celebrate each other in your family. Blessings to all of you
as I am looking forward to 2022 as another year of hope, love and kindness.
November 2021
I usually don't share my photo or personal information on my website, but I thought that some of you may not have officially met me. This is the 40th year of my educational career. I started as a paraprofessional in special education in 1981. I taught in the Waconia Public Schools for 17 years (2nd, 5th & 6th grade), and I have been a principal for 17 years; previously at the high school level and now 10 years at Northern Elementary. The time has flown by so fast for me and I still enjoy every day working with students and staff.
My family lives in Bemidji (son, daughter, husband and grand-daughter) and we have grown to love the area so much that we never plan to leave the beautiful north woods. I enjoy spending time playing school with my grand-daughter, biking, swimming, refurbishing furniture, and hanging out with friends for a good meal or just coffee time. My favorite part of of being a principal is supporting teachers with their instruction and spending time with students directly in the classroom or being a "teacher" with the Timberwolf Assemblies. I am a life-long learner and being able to have a career in a school is a joy each day! Thank you for working together with me to support everyone at Northern Elementary to be their best. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful place for students to grow.
Empower Every Child Every Day
Mrs. Templin, Principal September 2021
I wish to welcome all of our students to Northern Elementary, especially our new students and new Kindergarten students. I am pleased to announce our new staff members for this school year:
Shayna Fellman for art, Julie Pruett for special education, Chrissy Freundschuh for music, Chelsey Norvold for First Grade, Cheri Jenson for Third Grade, Evan Amdahl for Physical Education,
Shirley Lipscy for Media, Nicole Kieson for Speech, Kate Molde has transitioned to an Interventionist, and Kara Anderson & Heather Zylka as paraprofessionals.
We are enjoying these new members on the Northern Staff Team.
Visitors/Volunteers
At this time, Non-essential visitors and volunteers will not be allow in our school building.
Library Books
Students will be able to visit the school library and check out books!
We are so excited for students to be able to choose their high interest reading materials and read, read, read!
Drinking fountains
Drinking fountains will continue to be closed. Hands-free water bottle fillers are available to use or the classroom sinks. Please send a labeled water bottle to school for your child to use throughout the day.
Late Arrival/Appointments
A table is posted in the front foyer for student sign-in and drop off. Please buzz the door and speak to the office to let us know your child is leaving and/or returning. Remember to wear your mask in the foyer.
All students must be signed in by a parent/guardian. Students may not be dropped off to enter the building by themselves. It is crucial that we keep track of our students for safety.
Breakfast/Lunch
Breakfast (served beginning at 7:30 am) and lunch will be served in the cafeteria at assigned spots on specific tables for social distancing. Students will be provided a lanyard with an ID badge containing their name, teacher, lunch number bar code, and a QR code for computer access.
Students will also have a clip attached to the lanyard to hold their mask while eating at the table.
Playground
Our playground is divided into 4 zones for students to safely play at recess and protect classroom cohorts. Fresh air and physical activity is vital in keeping students healthy.
Communications
We will continue to utilize our Skylert System for communications home from the office. Students will be provided an Agenda Planner for teacher/parent communications.
Please make sure your contact/email is current.
PTO
Our Parent/Teacher Organization meets on the first Monday of the month at 7 pm in the school library.
Please join us to find out about school events.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together
to support your child’s education at Northern Elementary.
Mrs. Templin, Principal September 2021
I wish to welcome all of our students to Northern Elementary, especially our new students and new Kindergarten students. I am pleased to announce our new staff members for this school year:
Shayna Fellman for art, Julie Pruett for special education, Chrissy Freundschuh for music, Chelsey Norvold for First Grade, Cheri Jenson for Third Grade, Evan Amdahl for Physical Education,
Shirley Lipscy for Media, Nicole Kieson for Speech, Kate Molde has transitioned to an Interventionist, and Kara Anderson & Heather Zylka as paraprofessionals.
We are enjoying these new members on the Northern Staff Team.
Visitors/Volunteers
At this time, Non-essential visitors and volunteers will not be allow in our school building.
Library Books
Students will be able to visit the school library and check out books!
We are so excited for students to be able to choose their high interest reading materials and read, read, read!
Drinking fountains
Drinking fountains will continue to be closed. Hands-free water bottle fillers are available to use or the classroom sinks. Please send a labeled water bottle to school for your child to use throughout the day.
Late Arrival/Appointments
A table is posted in the front foyer for student sign-in and drop off. Please buzz the door and speak to the office to let us know your child is leaving and/or returning. Remember to wear your mask in the foyer.
All students must be signed in by a parent/guardian. Students may not be dropped off to enter the building by themselves. It is crucial that we keep track of our students for safety.
Breakfast/Lunch
Breakfast (served beginning at 7:30 am) and lunch will be served in the cafeteria at assigned spots on specific tables for social distancing. Students will be provided a lanyard with an ID badge containing their name, teacher, lunch number bar code, and a QR code for computer access.
Students will also have a clip attached to the lanyard to hold their mask while eating at the table.
Playground
Our playground is divided into 4 zones for students to safely play at recess and protect classroom cohorts. Fresh air and physical activity is vital in keeping students healthy.
Communications
We will continue to utilize our Skylert System for communications home from the office. Students will be provided an Agenda Planner for teacher/parent communications.
Please make sure your contact/email is current.
PTO
Our Parent/Teacher Organization meets on the first Monday of the month at 7 pm in the school library.
Please join us to find out about school events.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together
to support your child’s education at Northern Elementary.
Drop off/ pick-up procedures
Students may arrive to school at 7:30 am to enter the building. K & 1st grade students will enter through the main door and 2nd/3rd students will walk to the bus entrance to travel to their classrooms for hand-washing and dropping off a backpack in their locker. Exiting at the end of the day will be the same locations. Please be reminded that Northern school is still a transfer station for other students going to other schools in the morning. Students will need to get on the first bus ready to go- small groups will not be allowed to congregate to visit.
Traffic/ drop-off & pick-up procedures: Signage is provided to direct traffic flow in the morning.
· We are planning for increased numbers of parent/guardian drop-off and pick-up this year.
· Parent/guardians wishing to walk their child up to the building/sidewalk, will need to enter from Town Hall Road and park in the North Parking Lot. The southern spots are designated for parents/guardians. Teachers will park in the north spots. Please walk by the designated path/barriers to the building.
· Crossing the busy traffic by the main entrance has become too dangerous. Only the single lane of vehicles for the quick “stop & drop” (driver stays in vehicle) will be allowed in the front lot for drop-off. Safety is a priority with our busy traffic flow.
· Afternoon pick-up will be the same. If you wish to walk up and wait outside on the sidewalk, you should park in the North Lot and then exit on Town Hall Road. “Stop and pick-up” – limited spots facing the building only.
· Any changes for pick-up with your schedule- contact Karin in the office so we can get your child to the proper place in the afternoon.
Students may arrive to school at 7:30 am to enter the building. K & 1st grade students will enter through the main door and 2nd/3rd students will walk to the bus entrance to travel to their classrooms for hand-washing and dropping off a backpack in their locker. Exiting at the end of the day will be the same locations. Please be reminded that Northern school is still a transfer station for other students going to other schools in the morning. Students will need to get on the first bus ready to go- small groups will not be allowed to congregate to visit.
Traffic/ drop-off & pick-up procedures: Signage is provided to direct traffic flow in the morning.
· We are planning for increased numbers of parent/guardian drop-off and pick-up this year.
· Parent/guardians wishing to walk their child up to the building/sidewalk, will need to enter from Town Hall Road and park in the North Parking Lot. The southern spots are designated for parents/guardians. Teachers will park in the north spots. Please walk by the designated path/barriers to the building.
· Crossing the busy traffic by the main entrance has become too dangerous. Only the single lane of vehicles for the quick “stop & drop” (driver stays in vehicle) will be allowed in the front lot for drop-off. Safety is a priority with our busy traffic flow.
· Afternoon pick-up will be the same. If you wish to walk up and wait outside on the sidewalk, you should park in the North Lot and then exit on Town Hall Road. “Stop and pick-up” – limited spots facing the building only.
· Any changes for pick-up with your schedule- contact Karin in the office so we can get your child to the proper place in the afternoon.
- Students riding the bus will be directed to the proper door for entrance and exiting. Staff will be available to assist students to the proper bus. Busses pull out at 2:50 pm. Please have the student’s name, classroom teacher and bus number located on their backpack.
- Transportation questions- 218-333-3225
- Parents/guardians may park in the main lot for pick-up/drop-off during the school day.
Minnesota Reading Corps trains tutors using the science of how children learn to read.
We are very excited to have Reading Corp staff back in our building this year.
We are very excited to have Reading Corp staff back in our building this year.