Grand Forks Public Schools

The Little Red Reading Bus is back for another summer of books, fun, and adventure, and we can’t wait to see all of our friends this week! 📚🚌

If you still have your LRRB card, book bag, and/or bingo card from last summer, be sure to bring them along when you visit. Don’t worry if you can’t find them though, we’ll have new ones ready for you!

Let's get reading!!

📣 North Dakota is seeking input from parents, educators, students, and community members on responsible technology use in our classrooms.

State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, alongside legislative and executive leaders, has launched a statewide survey to gather public perspectives on how technology can best support student learning. The survey is open now through August 1.

The survey asks participants to weigh in on topics including:
📱 Device use limits at the elementary level
🏠 Whether students should take devices home
🖥️ Monitoring software on school-issued devices
📅 Virtual instruction policies and make-up days

"Educational technology should be a tool, not a toy. Students, families, and educators want technology that supports meaningful instruction while reducing distractions from passive use." – Superintendent Bachmeier

Survey results will inform policy recommendations ahead of the 2027 legislative session, building on the success of North Dakota's phone-free schools legislation.

Take the survey here 👉 https://forms.office.com/g/PqMeZdCaUu

Please share this post to help us reach families and educators across the state! https://rebrand.ly/policysurvey

🎓 Can’t make it in person to the GFPS graduation ceremonies? We’ve got you covered! Tune in and celebrate with us from anywhere by watching the live streams of each graduation ceremony.

📅 May 28
🕓 Adult Learning Center – 4:00–5:00 PM - https://therea.short.gy/26_GF-ALC-Grad
🕖 Community High School – 7:00–9:00 PM - https://therea.short.gy/26_GF-Comm-Grad

📅 May 31
🕐 Grand Forks Central – 1:00–3:00 PM - https://therea.short.gy/26_GFC-Grad
🕓 Red River – 4:00–6:00 PM - https://therea.short.gy/26_GFRR-Grad

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎉

School Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Mark Sanford Education Center
(Enter at West Door #3)
2400 47th Avenue South, Grand Forks, ND

View Agenda & Attachments: https://www.gfschools.org/school-boards/meetings

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com//stream

🎉 Congratulations to our Grand Forks Public Schools Quarter 4 Employees of the Quarter! 🎉

👏 Classified Employee of the Quarter: Jason Syvertson
Jason goes above and beyond every day for students and staff at Red River. Whether he’s checking in on classrooms, fixing problems, finding solutions, or simply stopping by to say hello, Jason’s positivity and dedication make a lasting impact. If he doesn’t know how to fix something, he finds someone who does — and his willingness to help never goes unnoticed. Red River is lucky to have Jason on the team!

👏 Certified Employee of the Quarter: Randy Votava
Randy exemplifies what it means to put students first. From leading physical education PLCs and coaching VEX Robotics for the past 7 years to supporting intramurals, track, rallies, and even helping as a custodian, Randy’s dedication to South Middle School is unmatched. He continually looks for innovative ways to engage students, create opportunities for all learners, and build meaningful relationships that encourage student success. His passion, leadership, and school pride make a tremendous difference across GFPS.

Thank you, Jason and Randy, for your commitment to our students, schools, and community! Grand Forks Foundation for Education & Alumni Network

Please join us in celebrating our 2026 Classified Employee of the Year, Amanda Koopman at Grand Forks Public Schools! 🎉

Amanda’s impact is felt every single day through her patience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to students. She brings deep expertise and compassion to supporting students with unique behavioral and academic needs, helping them grow with confidence and success in a respectful, structured environment.

Amanda builds trusting relationships with students of all backgrounds and abilities, creating a classroom culture where students feel safe, valued, and capable of doing their best. She works closely with teachers and support staff to ensure consistency and meaningful support for every learner.

Known for her calm communication, empathy, and solution-focused mindset, Amanda leads by example and continuously adapts strategies to meet student needs. Her quiet leadership and dependable presence make an incredible difference not only for students, but for the entire school team.

As one nominator shared, “I couldn’t be successful in my position without her.”

Congratulations, Amanda, on being recognized as only the second recipient of this award — a truly well-deserved honor! 💙