Grand Forks Foundation for Education & Alumni Network

10/16/2026

📼🎶 REMEMBER MIXTAPES?

Waiting by the radio to record your favorite song. Carefully choosing the order. Hoping there was room for just ONE more song on Side A.

Maybe you made one for someone special. Or maybe it was the soundtrack for cruising Grand Forks, a road trip, or summers at the lake.

For an upcoming Red Cent Community story, we want to hear YOUR mixtape memories!

📼 Did you make or receive a mixtape you'll never forget?

🎵 What songs absolutely had to be on it?

😊 What song still takes you right back to being 17?

Grand Forks Public Schools alumni, we want your stories! Don't worry about making them perfect. Give us the memory. We'll take care of the rest.

📧 Share your memories in the comments below or email [email protected].

So tell us... what was on YOUR mixtape? 📼🎶

09/29/2026

💚💚💚

Honored on Sunday were six inductees: JoNell Bakke, Michael Bisenius, Ronald Gruwell, Allen Janes, Melanie Popejoy and Jody Thompson.

09/29/2026

What a wonderful afternoon celebrating six remarkable educators and the lasting impact they have made on Grand Forks Public Schools.

Sunday’s Teachers Hall of Fame ceremony was filled with heartfelt stories, special memories, plenty of smiles and a few tears as we honored JoNell Bakke, Michael Bisenius, Ron Gruwell, Allen Janes, Melanie Popejoy and Jody Thompson.

Each of these deserving inductees has helped shape our schools and our community in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Their influence can be seen in the countless students, colleagues and families whose lives they have touched throughout their careers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this very special group. It was a beautiful afternoon and a meaningful reminder of the incredible people who have dedicated their lives to Grand Forks Public Schools.

Congratulations to the 2026 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame inductees! We are so proud to honor you. 📸 A.peterson photography

09/26/2026

Today, we’re honoring Jody Thompson as he prepares to be inducted into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

"Jody Thompson represents what is best in public education, not only as a highly respected and honorable leader, but as someone who truly understands and values people. Over the course of more than thirty years of service, he never lost sight of our most important mission: educating the whole child. As the district's Associate Superintendent for the majority of those years, he carried immense responsibility with humility, wisdom, and unwavering integrity. The respect he earned from colleagues across the district speaks volumes about his leadership, impeccable judgment, and relentless work ethic." Travis Thorvilson, Lake Agassiz Elementary Principal.

Jody served Grand Forks Public Schools as both an educator and administrator for more than three decades. He taught fourth grade and later served as Principal at Carl Ben Eielson Elementary/Twining Middle School from 1988 through 1998 before becoming Principal of Valley Middle School from 1998 through 2003. He then served as Associate Superintendent of Grand Forks Public Schools from 2003 until his retirement in 2021.

Let’s come together to celebrate Jody and the legacy of excellence in Grand Forks Public Schools. The Teachers Hall of Fame ceremony takes place Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM at the Red River High School Theatre, followed by a dessert reception. We hope you’ll join us!

09/25/2026

Today, we’re celebrating Melanie Popejoy, who will be inducted into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

"I think that if you were to ask any of Melanie Popejoy's current or former students, from grade school through college age, what impact she has had on their lives, most would say, 'Mrs. Popejoy inspired me to be a better singer, a better friend, and a better human being!' I would say that they have been 'Popejoyed!' In more than forty years of teaching, what could be a greater legacy." Greg Nelson, Grand Cities Children's Choir Board Member.

Melanie inspired generations of young musicians as the seventh- and eighth-grade vocal music teacher at Valley Middle School from 2000 through 2012. She also founded the Grand Cities Children's Choir in 2002 and served as Artistic Director through 2025, leaving a lasting impact on thousands of students throughout the region.

Mark your calendar! Join us Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM at the Red River High School Theatre as we recognize Melanie and celebrate the educators who have shaped generations of Grand Forks students. Enjoy a dessert reception following the ceremony.

09/24/2026

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Allen Janes and his induction into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

"Throughout his career, Allen has been a model of excellence in mathematics education. His expertise, steady leadership, and unmatched work ethic left a lasting impression on generations of learners. Beyond the accolades, Allen has played a significant role in shaping mathematics instruction across the district and state. His service on numerous committees has helped guide standards, curriculum, and best practices, further extending his impact far beyond his own classroom walls." Dr. Kris Arason, former Red River High School Principal and current Grand Forks Public Schools Associate Superintendent.

Allen taught mathematics at Red River High School from 1979 through 2018 and was instrumental in establishing the AP Calculus course at Grand Forks Public Schools. He continues to serve as a substitute teacher and volunteer to this day.

We invite you to join us in this special celebration honoring Allen and the 2026 Teachers Hall of Fame inductees. Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM at the Red River High School Theatre. Everyone is welcome, and a dessert reception will follow!

09/23/2026

Today, we’re recognizing Ronald Gruwell as he is inducted into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

"He was fair and consistent and handled difficult situations with grace and empathy. He was a visionary leader who displayed professionalism, a calm disposition, and resilience, and he was compassionate and honest with students, staff, and parents. He was truly driven to work for others, and his example created an environment where students and staff trusted his decision-making. He was an advocate for all students, especially those at risk, and those who came to work every day in his building, from custodians to teachers, were better because of his leadership. He was a visionary who brought out the best in everyone." Retired Central High School staff members Marsha Ketring and Mike Berg.

Ron served Grand Forks Public Schools in various leadership roles for more than three decades. He was Associate Principal at Red River High School from 1976 through 1984, Principal of Central High School from 1984 through 1990, Assistant Superintendent from 1994 through 2007, and Superintendent from 2007 through 2008.

Come celebrate Ron and the impact of educators who have made a difference in the lives of Grand Forks students. Join us Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM at the Red River High School Theatre for the Teachers Hall of Fame ceremony and dessert reception.

09/23/2026

A look back at two special reunion weekend school tours at Grand Forks Central!🩶🤍 We loved welcoming back the Classes of 1976 and 1986 as they revisited their old halls, shared memories, and celebrated their Central connections.

09/22/2026

Today, we honor the memory and legacy of Michael Bisenius as he is posthumously inducted into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

"He was an incredible human. Funny, kind, tough but fair, and more than anything, he cared so much about his students. He gave everything and was always an open door for whoever needed it. The district won't be the same without him." Former student Megan Price.

Michael dedicated more than three decades to teaching social studies in Grand Forks Public Schools. He began his career at Central High School teaching U.S. history during the 1992 to 1993 school year, then taught geography and U.S. history at South Middle School from 1993 through 2000. He spent the remainder of his career at Red River High School teaching U.S. history, world history, and government until his passing in August 2024 following a brief battle with cancer.

Help us honor Michael and this year’s outstanding Hall of Fame inductees. Join us Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 PM at the Red River High School Theatre. The ceremony is free and open to the public, with a dessert reception to follow.