Mrs. Hangsleben

Hello! My name is Cierra Hangsleben (hang-slay-bin). I am beyond honored to be the principal for New Heights Elementary. I'd like to introduce myself and share with you a bit about my background.

I grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I graduated high school from Grand Forks Central in 2005. I went on to attend college at the University of North Dakota. While getting my degree in education, I also played basketball and threw javelin for the UND Track team. I graduated in December of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Special Education, and a Kindergarten Endorsement as well. I shared with you my teaching experiences below. In 2019, I decided to go back to school to get my master's degree in administration. I graduated from MSUM in May of 2021 with a Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in K-12 Administration. Fun fact, I actually walked the "virtual" stage with our fourth child, Lyric, who came a month early, just four days before graduation. Lastly, I went back to MSUM in the fall of 2022 to finish the last bit of coursework to get my MN Principal License. 

My husband, Matt, and I have been married for 17 years. Matt is a civil engineer at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. We have four children who are our whole world. Wyatt is 15 and will be in 10th grade this fall. Brooks is 14 and will be in 8th grade. Maxson is 12  and will be going into 6th grade.  Lyric turned four in May and will begin preschool this year. She has all of us wrapped around her finger. It is so fun to watch her with her three big brothers. A majority of our time is spent in sports (football, soccer, hockey, baseball, and golf). In the little bit of spare time we have,  we love to spend time outdoors, going to the lake, hunting, and fishing.  My boys are avid fishers (year-round). Whether it be on the river, in a lake, or in a pond, they would fish 24/7 if they could. 

I am passionate about teaching and helping students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally. I believe relationships are key and an important component to a child's success. I am humbled to be able to expand my teaching beyond the classroom and help not only students but other educators as well. I value education and consider myself to be a life long learner. My door is always open and I genuinely welcome your conversation and input throughout the school year. It really does take a village and together we are better. I look forward to meeting and working collaboratively with the staff, students, and families of New Heights! 

<< Experience >> 

Jan. 2010-May 2010 - I taught Physical Education in Hazen, ND for students in grades K-6th

Aug. 2010-May 2012 - I was an Elementary Strategist in Hazen, ND for students in grades K-4th

Aug. 2012-May 2013 - I taught 6th grade in Hazen, ND

Aug. 2013-Nov. 2013 - I taught 3rd grade in Hazen, ND before resigning due to our family being relocated mid-year to East Grand Forks, MN 

Aug. 2014-June 2015 - I taught 3rd grade in Grand Forks at Century Elementary

Aug. 2015-June 2018 - I taught 4th grade in Grand Forks at Discovery Elementary

Aug. 2018-June 2023 - I taught 5th grade in East Grand Forks at South Point Elementary

July 2023-June 2025 - I was the Middle School Principal in Crookston at Crookston Secondary