The last day of library check out will be May 1. All books will be due back May 8th.  This will allow us the time to inventory the library and weed books to prepare for 2026-2027.

We'll have an in-person book fair the week of 5/11-5/15.  This is with a new (to our region) company called Literati.  Not Scholastic.  I had looked at Literati a while back but they weren't in our region.  They are now and I'm excited to see what books they offer versus what Scholastic brought year after year.  Just a heads up for now but you can create an educator wish list online, sooner the better.  Use the "create an educator wishlist" button.

Actual book fair site: https://literati.com/store/?school=west-rapids-elementary-school-grand-rapids-mn

Apologies for being out recently. Gino was sick Monday, so I stayed home. I returned Tuesday but started feeling sick and was out again Wednesday and Thursday. I came in last night to catch up and am back today. I do have a short meeting at the Admin office later this morning, as well as a meeting with Tanis Henderson to work on district goal setting. Next week, I’ll be out Tuesday and Wednesday; Matt Dass will be covering, and Clayton will be with me at a statewide school safety conference in Duluth.  Thursday I will start and end my day at GRHS but will be at West.

A few spring reminders for all of us: please keep expectations consistent through the end of the year. We often see shifts in behavior during recess and transitions, particularly outside the classroom. Regarding the Gaga Pit, challenges tend to arise when expectations and the guidance materials are not reviewed with students. The equipment itself is not the issue; it comes down to supervision, clear expectations, and consistent implementation. I fully support the addition of the Gaga Pit and appreciate the work that went into making it available for students (thank you Clayton!).

The same applies to active supervision. Spring is a time when the rumor mill can pick up, and if we’re not intentional, it can lead to adults gathering together rather than actively supervising. Please keep conversations to common prep times or before/after school so we can maintain strong supervision during student times.

Let’s stay consistent and focused as we finish the year.

Thank you for everything you do each day.

Sean

Dear Staff,

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, all school districts must develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan per Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 121.241, which establishes specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in a specific setting, like schools. It is recommended that each school have 10% of staff trained under this plan.

We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join this cohort of first responders. Whether you need to renew an expired certification or are interested in learning these life-saving skills for the first time, we would love to have you participate. There will be two CPR/First Responder classes offered in May. Please see the attached flyer for more details and please reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you, 

--

Nicole Edwards, BSN, PHN, LSN

nedwards@isd318.org

ISD #318, District School Nurse

Robert J. Elkington Middle School

1000 Northeast 8th Avenue 

Grand Rapids, MN 55744

P:218-327-5800/F:218-327-5801