Grand Forks Public Schools

10/15/2026

ATTENTION, GFPS COMMUNITY! 🍎

It’s time to recognize our Certified & Classified Employees of the 1st Quarter for the 2026-2027 school year!

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond each day? Nominate them today! This program celebrates the amazing contributions of staff who inspire, support, and keep our schools running strong.

Whether they’re teaching in classrooms, supporting student needs, keeping our buildings safe and clean, or ensuring everyone is well-fed – we want to honor them!

🗓️ Nominations are open until October 30, 2026! 🗓️
🔹 Certified Employees (teachers, OTs, PTs, social workers, school psychs, and Counselors): https://forms.gle/3qY3AFQ8GCoY7fqN9

🔹 Classified Employees (custodians, parapros, receptionists, nurses, child nutrition staff, maintenance crew, and more!): https://forms.gle/358RMsE2b9oJTMcC7

10/15/2026

Future Leaders in Action at the DECA New Member Conference!

New DECA members recently gathered at the Alerus Center for a day of hands-on learning, leadership development, and teamwork!

Throughout the conference, students participated in five breakout sessions focused on building real-world business skills. Activities included competitive role-play practice, leadership challenges with the Army National Guard, creative product pitches, and DECA marketing trivia.

Students also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alerus Center, learning how its marketing team promotes and coordinates events.

What a great opportunity for these future business leaders to build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and connect with fellow DECA members!

10/14/2026

Congratulations to Eric Ripley, 2027 ACTE Region V Administrator of the Year!

Grand Forks Public Schools is proud to recognize Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), for being named the 2027 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region V Administrator of the Year!

This award recognizes the leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing career and technical education opportunities that support student and educator success.

With 27 years of experience in CTE, Eric has been a driving force in expanding opportunities for students across Grand Forks and the surrounding region. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the Career Impact Academy to life in August 2025, providing students with access to hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and valuable career pathways.

Eric's impact reaches well beyond our district. Through his leadership and advocacy at the state, regional, and national levels, he continues to champion innovative CTE programs and opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Congratulations, Eric, on this well-deserved honor! Your dedication, vision, and commitment to students and educators continue to make a lasting difference in our schools, community, and beyond.

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

From Students to Teachers for a Day! 📚

Students at Red River and Central High Schools recently stepped into the role of educators in celebration of National Be a Teacher Day!

As part of their JET and Life Skills classes, students took a look back at their own educational experiences before putting their creativity and teamwork to the test!

Reflecting on memorable teachers, projects, and learning experiences

Working in small groups to create engaging lesson plans based on randomly assigned subjects

Discovering the creativity, collaboration, and preparation that go into teaching

"It was great watching students step into a teacher's mindset," shared Beth Walters, FACS Teacher. "Seeing them take a random topic and quickly build something engaging showed a lot of creativity and gave them a brand-new appreciation for what goes into teaching every single day."

This hands-on experience gave students a new perspective on what happens on the other side of the desk and a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication our teachers bring to their classrooms every day!

Great job to all the students who took on the challenge!

10/09/2026

10/06/2026

REMINDER!
Due to parent-teacher conferences, MIDDLE schools do not have school this Friday, October 9, 2026.

10/06/2026

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Kimberly Holien! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate Kimberly Holien, Spanish teacher at Red River High School, as the recipient of the 2026 Graciela Wilborn North Dakota Foreign Language Teacher of the Year Award! 👏

She was presented with the award on September 26 at the Fall FLAND (Foreign Language Association of North Dakota) banquet in Fargo.

Named in honor of FLAND founding member Graciela Wilborn, the award recognizes excellence and dedication in language education. Kimberly’s colleagues describe her as exceptional, engaging, insightful, dedicated, and trustworthy—qualities her students experience every day in the classroom.

She has also recently helped expand opportunities for students by beginning a Spanish for Heritage Speakers class, designed to support students who already speak Spanish while helping them strengthen their proficiency across different areas of the language.

Her commitment to her students, passion for language learning, and dedication to creating meaningful connections make a lasting impact at Red River High School.

Please join us in congratulating Kimberly on this well-deserved recognition!