Anishinaabe Gikinoo'amaadiwin

Our Ojibwe Education staff support cultural learning, language exposure, and student connection through the Anishinaabe Gikinoo’amaadiwin program. They help foster belonging and pride by sharing Ojibwe culture, language, and teachings in ways that honor our students and build understanding across our school.

• Becki Jones

Building Level Leadership Team (BLLT)

The BLLT plays a pivotal role in guiding the overall direction and decision-making within the school. Comprised of administrators, teachers, and staff, this team collaboratively develops and implements school improvement plans, establishes policies, and fosters a positive school culture to enhance the academic and social environment for both students and educators.

• Principal: Sean Martinson and Clayton Lindner

• Kindergarten: Laura Helmbrecht and Elasah Adler

• 1st Grade: Heather Brown and Mary Helen Haarklau

• 2nd Grade:  Alese Berryhill and Amber Drotts

• Special Education: Shannon Fitch

• Student Support Specialist: Kathy Fannin

• Interventionists: Caroline Liebe

• Specials: Kelsey Suchy

Building Emergency Response Team

The Building Emergency Response Team is a group that meets regularly to establish and execute crisis response plans for the school in the areas of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in response to man-made crises, natural disasters, or accidents, and provides effective training for and communication with staff.

• Sean Martinson

• Clayton Lindner

• Derek Bauer

• Kathy Fannin

• Rich Marcis

• Liz Carlson

• Micki Norris

• CRT

Building Threat Assessment Team

The Building Threat Assessment Team is a group that convenes as needed to identify, evaluate, and address specific threats or potential threats to school security. Threat assessment teams review incidents of threatening behavior by students (current and former), parents, school employees, or other individuals.

• Sean Martinson

• Clayton Lindner

• Rich Marcis

• Micky Norris

Counselors

Our school counselors support the social, emotional, and academic growth of all students. Through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual check-ins, they help students build skills, navigate challenges, and feel connected at school.

• Kathy Fannin

• Maddy Magner

Custodians

Our custodians care for our building with pride and dedication. They keep our learning spaces clean, safe, and welcoming, and play a key role in creating a positive environment for students, staff, and families.

• Brian Johnson

• Michelle Larson

• Misty Christy

DARRT Team

The primary purpose of the Data Action Response and Review Team (DARRT) is to design, discuss, analyze, problem solve and implement Tier II and III interventions specific to an individual student and their response to intervention (academically, behaviorally, or social/emotionally).

• Clayton Lindner

• Caroline Liebe

• Kathy Fannin

• Sean Martinson

• Shannon Fitch

Education Support Professionals

Our paraprofessionals are essential to student learning and daily success. They provide direct support in classrooms, small groups, and across the building—helping students stay engaged, safe, and supported every step of the day.

• Amanda  Zapzalka

• Becki Jones

• Bonnie Temple

• Brenda Keske

• Charity Ostby

• Corrine Casio

• Cristina Taylor

• Deb Gemmill

• Holli Olson

• Jessie Karnes

• Jodi Broking

• Lauri Porter

• Lori Akre

• Michelle Deutsch

• Nancy Rollins

• Sandra Gram

• Shelby Cleveland

• Stacey Steel

• Tania Prochazka

• Tanya Stinar

• Traci Lessman

• Tracy Forrest

• Tracy McNamar

Engagement Team

The engagement team works to improve and monitor student attendance by identifying and addressing factors contributing to absenteeism. This team collaborates with families, educators, and community resources to implement strategies that enhance student engagement, emphasize the importance of regular attendance, and intervene early to prevent chronic absenteeism.

• Liz Carlson

• Brittney Funnell

• Kathy Fannin

• Sean Martinson

Grade Level Teams

Our grade level teams at West Rapids Elementary School are dedicated groups of educators who collaborate to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for students. Each team focuses on developing tailored instructional strategies, sharing best practices, and addressing the unique needs of their grade level. Through teamwork and collaboration, our teachers ensure that every student receives a high-quality education, fostering academic growth and personal development.

Kindergarten

1. Elasah Adler

2. Kari Carlson

3. Karin Cortese

4. Kimberly Carlstrom

5. Veronica Rohloff

6. Laura Helmbrecht

7. Nancy Schlader

1st

1. Heather Brown

2. Kacey Granley

3. Kristine Hamling

4. Mary Helen Haarklau

5. Meggie Potter

6. Natalie Yeager

7. Rachel Nelson

2nd

1. Alese Berryhill

2. Amber Drotts

3. Carrie Thorvig

4. Jamie Feldt

5. Jodi Tulla

6. Louis Janesich

7. Mandi Skrbec

MTSS

The  MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) team is responsible for implementing a comprehensive framework that addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. This team designs and oversees the application of various tiers of support, including universal interventions for all students, targeted interventions for those at risk, and intensive interventions for students with significant needs, with the goal of fostering student success and well-being.

• Zac Erickson

• Caroline Liebe

• Shannon Fitch

• Clayton Lindner

• Kathleen Fannin

• Sean Martinson

North Homes/West

The North Homes/West Team focuses on supporting the emotional well-being of students by providing counseling, assessments, and interventions. This team collaborates with teachers, parents, and other professionals to identify and address mental health concerns, promoting a positive and conducive learning environment for all students.

Sean Martinson

• Kathleen Fannin

• Rich Marcis

• Larissa True

• Lindsey Holsman

• Katelyn Bodin

• Karen Curry

• Jim Stephens

Office Team

Our building secretaries are the heart of our front office—welcoming families, supporting staff, and keeping daily operations running smoothly. Their care, organization, and connection with students help make West Rapids a warm and responsive place to learn and work.

• Britney Funnell

• Geraldene Kilpatrick

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

The PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) team is responsible for implementing a proactive framework to promote positive behavior and create a safe, supportive school environment. This team develops and oversees strategies such as defining and teaching expected behaviors, reinforcing positive actions, and providing interventions to address challenging behaviors, all aimed at fostering a positive school culture for both students and staff.

• Clayton Lindner

• Holli Olson

• Kathleen Fannin

• Karin Cortese

• Shannon Fitch

• Becki Jones

Special Services Team

At West Rapids, our Special Services team is a dedicated group of professionals working to ensure all students have access to the support they need to learn and grow.  Our team provides specialized support through special education services—all tailored to meet the individual needs of our K–2 learners. We believe in working closely with families, classroom staff, and specialists to create a strong, student-centered support system.

• Amy Luke

• Ann Martin

• Deb Miller

• Derek Bauer

• Jane McCartney

• Kaytlin Garrison

• Kelli LaFrenier

• Mandi Stephens

• Marissa Miller

• Renada Bjordal

• Shannon Fitch

• Traci Lessman