March 206 - Reading Olympics
Reading Month is officially underway at Selfridge School, and we kicked it off in the best way possible — **BUDDY READING!** 📚
If you walked through the halls today, you would have seen big kids and little kids paired up all over the building — books open, smiles wide, and some very serious reading faces in action. Our older students stepped into their leadership roles like pros… helping sound out tricky words, explaining pictures, and occasionally reminding their buddies (and themselves 😉) to stay on the right page.
There is nothing better than seeing a 12th grader reading with expression to a kindergartener who is hanging on every word — or a little one proudly pointing to a word they recognize while their big buddy cheers them on like they just won the Super Bowl.
We also learned a few important things today:
* Older students make excellent reading coaches.
* Younger students ask VERY good questions about every single picture.
* Finding the page after you accidentally skip ahead is a team-building exercise.
Most importantly, we saw confidence growing, friendships forming, and a whole lot of joy around books. That’s what Reading Month is all about.
Huge shoutout to our staff for organizing, and to our students for bringing the energy and enthusiasm. This is going to be a fantastic month of reading at Selfridge School!
Keep turning those pages! 📖✨
If you walked through the halls today, you would have seen big kids and little kids paired up all over the building — books open, smiles wide, and some very serious reading faces in action. Our older students stepped into their leadership roles like pros… helping sound out tricky words, explaining pictures, and occasionally reminding their buddies (and themselves 😉) to stay on the right page.
There is nothing better than seeing a 12th grader reading with expression to a kindergartener who is hanging on every word — or a little one proudly pointing to a word they recognize while their big buddy cheers them on like they just won the Super Bowl.
We also learned a few important things today:
* Older students make excellent reading coaches.
* Younger students ask VERY good questions about every single picture.
* Finding the page after you accidentally skip ahead is a team-building exercise.
Most importantly, we saw confidence growing, friendships forming, and a whole lot of joy around books. That’s what Reading Month is all about.
Huge shoutout to our staff for organizing, and to our students for bringing the energy and enthusiasm. This is going to be a fantastic month of reading at Selfridge School!
Keep turning those pages! 📖✨
March Activities
♟️ **Chess Day – Friday, March 6th** ♟️
We’re excited to host a full day of chess learning and fun for our students — and the community!
**Schedule for the Day:**
🕘 **9:00 – 9:45 AM**
Kindergarten – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 Kindergarten Room
🕙 **10:00 – 11:00 AM**
1st & 2nd Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 1st/2nd Grade Room
🕛 **12:00 – 1:00 PM**
3rd & 4th Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 3rd/4th Grade Room
🕐 **1:15 – 2:15 PM**
5th & 6th Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 5th/6th Grade Room
🕑 **2:15 PM – End of School Day**
JH/HS Chess Time Session
📍 Lunchroom
🕝 **2:30 – 3:30 PM**
Group Chess Time (All Grades Welcome – Teacher Choice)
📍 Lunchroom
🕞 **3:30 – 4:30 PM**
Additional Chess Time – *Night Lights (OPEN CHESS)*
📍 Lunchroom
♟️ **Open to the Community**
♟️ **Parents and Students Welcome**
**Todd Wolf — “The Chess Guy”** is a key figure in the **North Dakota chess scene**, known locally as *the chess guy* for his active role promoting chess in schools and the community. He travels around **North Dakota** to **teach chess in classrooms**, run **after-school clubs**, and host **community chess events and tournaments**.
Come learn, play, and challenge yourself. Whether you’re brand new to chess or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you at the board!
We’re excited to host a full day of chess learning and fun for our students — and the community!
**Schedule for the Day:**
🕘 **9:00 – 9:45 AM**
Kindergarten – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 Kindergarten Room
🕙 **10:00 – 11:00 AM**
1st & 2nd Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 1st/2nd Grade Room
🕛 **12:00 – 1:00 PM**
3rd & 4th Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 3rd/4th Grade Room
🕐 **1:15 – 2:15 PM**
5th & 6th Grade – Whole Class Chess Instruction
📍 5th/6th Grade Room
🕑 **2:15 PM – End of School Day**
JH/HS Chess Time Session
📍 Lunchroom
🕝 **2:30 – 3:30 PM**
Group Chess Time (All Grades Welcome – Teacher Choice)
📍 Lunchroom
🕞 **3:30 – 4:30 PM**
Additional Chess Time – *Night Lights (OPEN CHESS)*
📍 Lunchroom
♟️ **Open to the Community**
♟️ **Parents and Students Welcome**
**Todd Wolf — “The Chess Guy”** is a key figure in the **North Dakota chess scene**, known locally as *the chess guy* for his active role promoting chess in schools and the community. He travels around **North Dakota** to **teach chess in classrooms**, run **after-school clubs**, and host **community chess events and tournaments**.
Come learn, play, and challenge yourself. Whether you’re brand new to chess or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you at the board!
More STEM madness happening in our school … and things may have gotten a little *chocolatey* 🍫😆
Sue and Margo from North Dakota State University rolled in with a truckload of Science and Math fun — and our students were ALL IN!
This week's chaos included:
• **Chocolate Bridge Building with a Weight Test** (also known as “Chocolate Welding”) — because nothing says structural engineering like melted chocolate and intense concentration. Some bridges held strong… some became snacks. 😂
• **Robot Coding & Challenges** — students programming robots like future tech geniuses. If your appliances start talking back tonight, we apologize. 🤖
• **Gas Experiments** — let’s just say there were reactions… big reactions… loud reactions… and lots of “WHOA!!!” 🧪
The engagement was 100%, the smiles were huge, and the learning was hands-on and unforgettable.
Huge thanks to Sue, Margo, and Mr. Johnson for bringing the fun (and only minimal chocolate-related construction accidents). STEM days are the best days!
Sue and Margo from North Dakota State University rolled in with a truckload of Science and Math fun — and our students were ALL IN!
This week's chaos included:
• **Chocolate Bridge Building with a Weight Test** (also known as “Chocolate Welding”) — because nothing says structural engineering like melted chocolate and intense concentration. Some bridges held strong… some became snacks. 😂
• **Robot Coding & Challenges** — students programming robots like future tech geniuses. If your appliances start talking back tonight, we apologize. 🤖
• **Gas Experiments** — let’s just say there were reactions… big reactions… loud reactions… and lots of “WHOA!!!” 🧪
The engagement was 100%, the smiles were huge, and the learning was hands-on and unforgettable.
Huge thanks to Sue, Margo, and Mr. Johnson for bringing the fun (and only minimal chocolate-related construction accidents). STEM days are the best days!
Chocolate welding in Science class today… and no, unfortunately the teacher did NOT let us eat the projects afterward. 🍫😂
Students got to experience the science of welding using melted chocolate — which might officially be the most delicious lab we’ve ever had. Precision, patience, and self-control were definitely tested today!
Check out these students hard at work… trying very hard not to snack on their materials. Science has never looked this sweet!
Thanks Sue and Mr. Johnson for this great opportunity.
Students got to experience the science of welding using melted chocolate — which might officially be the most delicious lab we’ve ever had. Precision, patience, and self-control were definitely tested today!
Check out these students hard at work… trying very hard not to snack on their materials. Science has never looked this sweet!
Thanks Sue and Mr. Johnson for this great opportunity.
📣 **Reminder for Families** 📣 NO NIGHT LIGHTS (Wednesday)
There will be an **Early Out this Wednesday** (1:00 pm) to allow time for **Teacher Professional Development**.
This dedicated time helps our staff continue learning, collaborating, and improving instruction to better support all students.
There will be NO NIGHT LIGHTS, so please plan accordingly. Thank you for your continued support of our school and staff!
1st and 2nd Grade Champions from the 2026 Sioux County Spelling Bee.
Great Job Olivia and Dream. (Teacher Airess)
Great Job Olivia and Dream. (Teacher Airess)
More pictures from the 2026 Sioux County Spelling Bee 🐝✨
What a GREAT buzzing time! So proud of all the amazing spellers — lots of smiles, big words, and even bigger cheers! LOL 💛📚
What a GREAT buzzing time! So proud of all the amazing spellers — lots of smiles, big words, and even bigger cheers! LOL 💛📚
Students from Selfridge Public School delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Sioux County Spelling Bee, earning multiple grade-level titles and sweeping the overall honors! Selfridge Students collected 11 out of the 18 trophies. (Check out the Crowd - Awesome)
### 🐝 Grade-Level Champions
* **1st Grade Champion** – Olivia
* **2nd Grade Champion** – Dream
* **4th Grade Champion** – Connor
* **5th Grade Champion** – Cecilia
* **6th Grade Champion** – Ben
6th Grade Runner-Up – Elysia
* **7th Grade Champion** – Maurice
* **8th Grade Champion** – Eli
8th Grade Runner-Up** – Kimmy
### 🏆 Overall Honors
* **Overall Grade Champion** – **Ben (6th Grade)**
* **Overall Runner-Up** – **Eli (8th Grade)**
Ben and Eli will proudly represent Sioux County at the upcoming North Dakota State Spelling Bee, where they’ll compete for a chance to advance even further.
Congratulations to all of the Selfridge students for their hard work, dedication, and impressive spelling skills!
Pictures of the Trophy winners will be posted when I receive them.
**“I am so proud of all the Selfridge Students!” – Mr. S.** 🎉📚
### 🐝 Grade-Level Champions
* **1st Grade Champion** – Olivia
* **2nd Grade Champion** – Dream
* **4th Grade Champion** – Connor
* **5th Grade Champion** – Cecilia
* **6th Grade Champion** – Ben
6th Grade Runner-Up – Elysia
* **7th Grade Champion** – Maurice
* **8th Grade Champion** – Eli
8th Grade Runner-Up** – Kimmy
### 🏆 Overall Honors
* **Overall Grade Champion** – **Ben (6th Grade)**
* **Overall Runner-Up** – **Eli (8th Grade)**
Ben and Eli will proudly represent Sioux County at the upcoming North Dakota State Spelling Bee, where they’ll compete for a chance to advance even further.
Congratulations to all of the Selfridge students for their hard work, dedication, and impressive spelling skills!
Pictures of the Trophy winners will be posted when I receive them.
**“I am so proud of all the Selfridge Students!” – Mr. S.** 🎉📚
📚🐝✨ **Spell-ebration Time!** ✨🐝📚
The **2026 Sioux County Spelling Bee** is **TOMORROW**, and the buzz is REAL!
Join us at **Selfridge Public School** to cheer on our county brave spellers as they tackle words longer than your grocery list and trickier than “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” 😄
🍕 Contestants will enjoy pizza for lunch (generously donated by Standing Rock Propane and made by **White Buffalo**) plus fresh fruit and juice to keep those brains buzzing!
🍿 The Senior Class will be selling concessions to raise money for their class fund — so feel free to send a few extra dollars with your student to support these awesome soon-to-be grads! (Students will be able to purchase concessions after lunch)
Come for the spelling…
Stay for the fun…
Leave knowing you supported some pretty incredible kids. 💛
Bee there or bee square! 🐝
The **2026 Sioux County Spelling Bee** is **TOMORROW**, and the buzz is REAL!
Join us at **Selfridge Public School** to cheer on our county brave spellers as they tackle words longer than your grocery list and trickier than “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” 😄
🍕 Contestants will enjoy pizza for lunch (generously donated by Standing Rock Propane and made by **White Buffalo**) plus fresh fruit and juice to keep those brains buzzing!
🍿 The Senior Class will be selling concessions to raise money for their class fund — so feel free to send a few extra dollars with your student to support these awesome soon-to-be grads! (Students will be able to purchase concessions after lunch)
Come for the spelling…
Stay for the fun…
Leave knowing you supported some pretty incredible kids. 💛
Bee there or bee square! 🐝
2 hour late start for school today due to road and weather conditions. Expect your bus 2 hours late and school to start at 10 AM. Thanks.
No school Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of President's Day.
The **Selfridge Chieftains 7th & 8th Graders** absolutely rocked the County Science Fair today! 🧪🔬
Bringing home **1st, 2nd, AND 3rd place** — what an incredible accomplishment! 🏆👏
The Science Projects will be on display in the commons area for public display. Come check them out......
We are so proud of these students for their dedication, creativity, and hard work. A huge shoutout to **Mr. Johnson** for guiding and supporting them every step of the way.
Next goal… let’s go ROCK the County Spelling Bee! 📚✨
#ChieftainPride #HardWorkPaysOff
Bringing home **1st, 2nd, AND 3rd place** — what an incredible accomplishment! 🏆👏
The Science Projects will be on display in the commons area for public display. Come check them out......
We are so proud of these students for their dedication, creativity, and hard work. A huge shoutout to **Mr. Johnson** for guiding and supporting them every step of the way.
Next goal… let’s go ROCK the County Spelling Bee! 📚✨
#ChieftainPride #HardWorkPaysOff
Elementary Valentine’s Parties will be a SWEET success today! ❤️🍫
Our students had so much fun creating their Valentine boxes and showing off their creativity. From bright colors to fun themes, the imagination was on full display! Of course, the candy exchange will be a highlight too 😄
Smiles, laughter, and lots of treats will make for a great day in our elementary classrooms. Thank you to everyone who helped make it special for our students! 💌🎉
Our students had so much fun creating their Valentine boxes and showing off their creativity. From bright colors to fun themes, the imagination was on full display! Of course, the candy exchange will be a highlight too 😄
Smiles, laughter, and lots of treats will make for a great day in our elementary classrooms. Thank you to everyone who helped make it special for our students! 💌🎉
🔥 **New Adventures = Great Educational Experiences!** 🔥
Emily, Damien, and Mack attended their first hands-on welding class today at the **Bismarck Career Academy** — and they had a blast! 👩🏭👨🏭
Learning new skills, exploring career pathways, and stepping outside the classroom to gain real-world experience is what it’s all about. We are proud of these students for jumping into this exciting opportunity!
Check out the pictures from their first day in the shop! 📸 (Thanks Emily for the pictures)
Emily, Damien, and Mack attended their first hands-on welding class today at the **Bismarck Career Academy** — and they had a blast! 👩🏭👨🏭
Learning new skills, exploring career pathways, and stepping outside the classroom to gain real-world experience is what it’s all about. We are proud of these students for jumping into this exciting opportunity!
Check out the pictures from their first day in the shop! 📸 (Thanks Emily for the pictures)
Kindness is a Universal Language
Chieftain 5th and 6th graders are beginning a 10-week initiative to explore its true meaning. Students are journaling daily about acts of kindness they observe and identifying opportunities to promote kindness within their community.
We will watch films to deepen our understanding of empathy and sympathy, as well as to distinguish between these concepts. Additionally, students will examine age-appropriate scenarios to further their comprehension of kindness. Observe as these remarkable students strive to embody the positive change they wish to see.
Thanks Sue for providing this opportunity.
Chieftain 5th and 6th graders are beginning a 10-week initiative to explore its true meaning. Students are journaling daily about acts of kindness they observe and identifying opportunities to promote kindness within their community.
We will watch films to deepen our understanding of empathy and sympathy, as well as to distinguish between these concepts. Additionally, students will examine age-appropriate scenarios to further their comprehension of kindness. Observe as these remarkable students strive to embody the positive change they wish to see.
Thanks Sue for providing this opportunity.
Link to the latest addition to "The Ridge Lines." 2-12-2026
https://nodak-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/david_mahon_k12_nd_us/IQALue5Py4iMS6c1kq2dSq_qAayUpIQpWP5SxQiTBLTBIcs?e=6NbJA1
Enjoy!
https://nodak-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/david_mahon_k12_nd_us/IQALue5Py4iMS6c1kq2dSq_qAayUpIQpWP5SxQiTBLTBIcs?e=6NbJA1
Enjoy!
Sioux County Regional Spelling Bee (9:00 am to 2:00 pm)
📍 Selfridge School Gymnasium
📅 Friday - February 20, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We are excited to welcome our outstanding spellers from across Sioux County for a full day of competition and fun! Please note that all times are approximate.
Agenda for the Day
8:30 – 8:55 AM
Registration / Check-In
(Name tags will be provided at this time)
9:00 – 9:30 AM
1st Grade Oral Spelling Bee
9:30 – 10:00 AM
2nd Grade Oral Spelling Bee
10:00 – 10:30 AM
3rd Grade Oral Spelling Bee
10:30 – 11:00 AM
4th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
11:00 – 11:30 AM
5th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Break
12:00 – 12:30 PM
6th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
12:30 – 1:00 PM
7th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
1:00 – 1:30 PM
8th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
1:30 – 2:00 PM
5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Overall Sioux County Written Spelling Bee
(Top 2 in each grade will compete for a chance to advance to the State Spelling Bee.)
🏆 Champion & Runner-Up will advance to State!
🍕 Lunch Schedule
Pizza will be provided for all participants and school staff. Please help supervise students and assist with clean-up to prepare for the next group.
11:15 – 11:35 AM → Grades 6–8
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM → Grades 3–5
12:00 – 12:20 PM → Grades 1–2
📌 Important Information
Each school must bring at least one staff member to assist with participants.
Parents are encouraged to attend and support their child.
Certificates will be awarded to all participants.
Trophies will be awarded to the top two spellers in each grade.
Concessions will be available for purchase.
We look forward to a great day celebrating our amazing Sioux County spellers! 🐝📚
📍 Selfridge School Gymnasium
📅 Friday - February 20, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We are excited to welcome our outstanding spellers from across Sioux County for a full day of competition and fun! Please note that all times are approximate.
Agenda for the Day
8:30 – 8:55 AM
Registration / Check-In
(Name tags will be provided at this time)
9:00 – 9:30 AM
1st Grade Oral Spelling Bee
9:30 – 10:00 AM
2nd Grade Oral Spelling Bee
10:00 – 10:30 AM
3rd Grade Oral Spelling Bee
10:30 – 11:00 AM
4th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
11:00 – 11:30 AM
5th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Break
12:00 – 12:30 PM
6th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
12:30 – 1:00 PM
7th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
1:00 – 1:30 PM
8th Grade Oral Spelling Bee
1:30 – 2:00 PM
5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Overall Sioux County Written Spelling Bee
(Top 2 in each grade will compete for a chance to advance to the State Spelling Bee.)
🏆 Champion & Runner-Up will advance to State!
🍕 Lunch Schedule
Pizza will be provided for all participants and school staff. Please help supervise students and assist with clean-up to prepare for the next group.
11:15 – 11:35 AM → Grades 6–8
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM → Grades 3–5
12:00 – 12:20 PM → Grades 1–2
📌 Important Information
Each school must bring at least one staff member to assist with participants.
Parents are encouraged to attend and support their child.
Certificates will be awarded to all participants.
Trophies will be awarded to the top two spellers in each grade.
Concessions will be available for purchase.
We look forward to a great day celebrating our amazing Sioux County spellers! 🐝📚
Couple Activities to finish the week:
Thursday - 3 HS students will be traveling to Bismarck to complete their Hands-on Welding day. (Check the flyer for information)
Friday - 9 JH students will be raveling to Ft Yates to compete in the County Science Fair (Check the Flyer for more Information)
Thursday - 3 HS students will be traveling to Bismarck to complete their Hands-on Welding day. (Check the flyer for information)
Friday - 9 JH students will be raveling to Ft Yates to compete in the County Science Fair (Check the Flyer for more Information)
