Our students had a great time diving into *hands-on* science activities today! They explored **electricity** and teamwork while **building their own catapults**. Loved seeing the creativity, problem-solving, and excitement in action!
Great job, Chieftains and Mr. Johnson! 🧡🖤
Call to Action: Supporting Families During the Upcoming SNAP Benefit Pause
Gov. Armstrong and Superintendent Kirsten Baesler encourage North Dakota school leaders to help families prepare for a likely pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning Nov. 1, if the federal government shutdown continues. While North Dakota has funding to support the program, the state cannot issue benefits without federal authorization, leaving many households at risk of temporarily losing access to food assistance. Please note: The pause in SNAP benefits does not affect free or reduced meal status at school. Students who have been eligible for meal benefits at school will continue to receive meals at no cost.
This disruption may increase food insecurity among families, particularly those who rely on SNAP to purchase groceries. It is estimated that over 40% of those benefiting from SNAP are children. Hungry students have a harder time focusing, learning, and thriving in school, making early awareness and support essential. If your district doesn’t already, we encourage you to consider hosting a pantry or backpack program. Even a small pantry stocked with shelf-stable items or weekend meal packs can make a meaningful difference for students in need.
Schools can also help by:
Sharing local food resources with families.
Referring families confidentially to school counselors, social workers, or local partners.
Partnering with local entities to expand access to meals.
Families can find additional assistance through:
ND SNAP Information and FAQs: hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/snap/snap-faqs
Great Plains Food Bank: greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help
FirstLink: myfirstlink.org or call 2-1-1 for local food-pantry listings.
By proactively sharing these resources—and expanding school-based supports where possible—districts can help ensure that every student has access to the nourishment they need to learn and succeed during this uncertain time.
📚 **Red Ribbon Week Connections** ❤️
Today, a few of our high school students spent time reading with our elementary students — and it was such a wonderful sight to see! The smiles, conversations, and shared stories are what make our school community strong.
Moments like these remind us that we learn best **together**.
**Big kids leading, little kids listening, everyone growing.** 🌟
**Love to see the interaction and positive role modeling happening across our school!**
A lot of Red Ribbon Week Activities this week. TOMORROW is the last day. Halloween Parties and Movies.
As part of the North Dakota accountability system, under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), continuous improvement is expected for all public schools. All public schools in North Dakota receive General Support, with some schools identified for either Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) or Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI).
The following school within your district has been identified as a CSI school, based on the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s (NDDPI) preliminary data results.
• Selfridge High School
CSI schools are identified every three years by generating a pool that includes the lowest performing schools and/or low graduation rates.
There are a couple of projects available for students to participate in:
✍️ **Drug-Free Pledge Poster**
Teachers will bring their students to sign the Drug-Free Pledge Poster. After signing, each student may choose a bracelet and a Red Ribbon to show their commitment!
🎨 **Community Coloring Project**
All students are invited to help color our school-wide mural!
Once it is finished, we will proudly display it for everyone to see.
Thank you for supporting a healthy, safe, and drug-free school community! 💪🧡🖤
Nothing brings students together like donuts and hot chocolate! 😄
We learned:
1️⃣ Sprinkles are a *serious* decision.
2️⃣ Hot chocolate tastes better when shared with friends.
3️⃣ Some students drink **half the cup** before it cools down. (We *saw* you. We respect you.)
So proud of our students for choosing healthy, positive lifestyles.😂
**Great day. Great treats. Great kids.** ❤️🧡🖤
Your hard work and dedication to improving educational opportunities in Selfridge has truly paid off!
Based on the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s **preliminary data results**, **Selfridge Elementary School has officially exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status** after three years of focused improvement efforts. This is a **major accomplishment** and reflects your commitment, collaboration, and belief in our students. **You made this happen.** 💪🧡🖤
At the same time, our school has now been identified for **Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)** status. This next step provides us with a **continued opportunity to grow** (Grant Money) as we strengthen systems, refine instructional practices, and build on the positive momentum already underway.
This phase is about **renewal, deeper implementation, and sustaining improvement** to support long-term success for every student in our care.
**Thank you, staff for your perseverance and unwavering commitment.**
**Thank you, students, for your hard work and resilience.**
**Thank you, families and community, for your support.**
We are proud of how far we’ve come—and excited for where we are going next.
**Chieftain Pride continues!** 🧡🖤
Our staff and students enjoyed a lively volleyball game after lunch today as part of our Red Ribbon Week activities! Great teamwork, great energy, and lots of laughter — a perfect reminder that healthy choices and fun go hand in hand! ❤️🖤
We are grateful for his leadership and his willingness to speak directly to our future citizens and leaders.
His parting words were "Kids listen to your teachers!"
**Thank you, Chairman Sitting Bear.**
School will dismiss at 1:00 today October 29th for professional development. There will be no Night Lights.
1st & 2nd Grade students are showing their creativity and commitment to a healthy lifestyle with this year’s art project theme:
👉 **“Skeleton — No Bones About It, We’re Drug Free!”** 👈
From Q-tip skeletons to bright red ribbons, every piece of art reminds us that living drug-free keeps our bodies strong and our futures bright. 🌟 Plus (Super Hero Day)
We’re so proud of our talented students for taking a stand and sharing the message loud and clear — **there’s no bones about it, being drug-free is the way to be!** ❤️
TOMORROW IS FAVORITE JERSEY DAY
3rd & 4th Grade students are showing their creativity and commitment to a healthy lifestyle with this year’s art project theme:
👉 **“Skeleton — No Bones About It, We’re Drug Free!”** 👈
From Q-tip skeletons to bright red ribbons, every piece of art reminds us that living drug-free keeps our bodies strong and our futures bright. 🌟
We’re so proud of our talented students for taking a stand and sharing the message loud and clear — **there’s no bones about it, being drug-free is the way to be!** ❤️
TOMORROW IS FAVORITE JERSEY DAY
Be Safe
* Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
* Walk calmly in hallways and classrooms
* Follow directions the first time given
* Use materials and equipment properly
Be Responsible
* Be on time and ready to learn
* Complete your work and turn it in on time
* Take care of personal and school property
* Make positive choices — even when no one is watching
Be Respectful
* Use kind words and actions
* Listen when others are speaking
* Include and support others
* Follow classroom and school rules
Mr. S.
Just wanted to let the local businesses know that our group will **not be coming downtown for Halloween this year.** With only a few participating businesses, we’ve decided it isn’t the best use of time for our students.
Instead, we’ll be celebrating with a **school parade** — our Elementary students will parade through the JH/HS wing to share in the fun. (Parents Welcome to Attend)
2:45 pm - Elementary Go to JH/HS Classes to Treat Or Treat
3:00 pm - Parade of Costumes in the Lunchroom
If any parents or businesses would like to **donate candy or small treats**, we would gladly include them in our parade celebration. Donations can be dropped off at the school office by noon on Friday.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and community traditions!
It’s time to celebrate making healthy, drug-free choices!
**Red Ribbon Week BINGO card**.
✅ Do something kind for a friend
✅ Wear red to show your support
✅ Thank a teacher or staff member
✅ Share one healthy habit you practice
Let’s show our school spirit and commitment to healthy choices all week long! 🙌
Tomorrow is Hero Day....Dress-up like for favorite Super Hero
Consistent attendance = academic success. Students who attend regularly achieve higher grades and are more likely to graduate.
Missed days = missed learning. Even a few absences can cause students to fall behind, affecting understanding and confidence.
Good habits now = success later. Showing up consistently builds responsibility and reliability—skills essential for work and life.
North Dakota Attendance Law
*Ages 7–16 (or **7–18 under BIA law) must attend school every day unless excused for:
* Illness or injury
* School-related activity
* Family emergency
* Religious observance
Schools are required to monitor attendance and communicate with families when attendance patterns don’t meet district standards.
**Key Takeaway**
Every day counts. Regular attendance builds strong learning habits, keeps students on track, and sets the foundation for lifelong success.
Mr. S.
