September 2, 2025
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Dear Nisswa Warriors,
What an awesome day at Nisswa School! 💙 Our 1st–5th graders kicked off the year today, and it was pure joy to see our hallways and classrooms buzzing again with smiles, laughter, and learning.
Meanwhile, our youngest learners—early childhood and kindergarten—are busy this week with conferences and fall testing. Our kindergarteners officially begin on Thursday, and we can’t wait to welcome them as they start their very first school adventure!
This year is extra special because, for the first time in 20 years, we have Pre-K through Grade 5 all under one roof. We are truly one house, one community, one team. 🏠💙
Our theme for the year is GRIT = Growth—because perseverance, effort, and a positive mindset open the door to incredible learning and personal success. At Nisswa, GRIT stands for:
🌟 GRIT = Growth 🌟
🤝 Generosity, ✅ Responsibility, 🌟 Integrity, 🏆 Teamwork
Together, we’ll face challenges with determination, celebrate growth, and keep moving forward side by side.
Please be sure to check out our Nisswa News—your go-to Warrior scoop! 📬 It’s the best way to stay up to date, keep track of important dates, and make sure you have everything you need. You’ll also find updates on our 🔗Nisswa Elementary Events Calendar (linked in 🔗Nisswa Elementary Website and in the ParentSquare App). Be sure to check often and add events to your own calendar so you don’t miss a thing.
We’re grateful for a summer full of memories and even more excited to begin this school year with energy, purpose, and Warrior pride. Here’s to a year of growth, grit, and greatness!
Sincerely,
Molly Raske
Principal, Nisswa Elementary School
| Getting Home & After-School Plans 🚍 |
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Happy start of the year! 🎉 To make sure your student gets home safely, here’s what you need to know:
- If your student rides the bus and hasn’t received a bus card, lost it, or sees any wrong info, check out the Transportation Department website: https://isd181.org/transportation-home. Bus routes are handled there, You can also call the district transportation coordinator at 454-6920.
- Please let us know your student’s end-of-day plan! If they’re going to Fun’n Friends, they need to be enrolled directly through Fun’n Friends—we’re separate organizations. Here is a link to the website for that information: https://ce.isd181.org/funandfriends
- Any changes? Make sure to contact both the school and Fun’n Friends. We don’t handle changes for you, so two calls help keep everything running smoothly.
Thanks for helping us start the year off right—your support makes all the difference in getting our students safely home and ready for a great day! 🌟
| Breakfast, Lunch, Educational Benefits & Celebrations |
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Meals and Educational Benefit Applications:
YES - lunch & breakfast are free for students again this year. However, the benefits for filling out the application for educational benefits are essential for the school AND offer so much to families who qualify outside of the lunchroom. Here is a link to the forms for the 2025/26 Application for Education Benefits. Our school offers healthy meals each day. Starting in 2023-24, we joined Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs.
Birthdays & Celebrations:
To support student health and safety, we follow Wellness Policy 533, which means no outside food for birthdays or other celebrations. While some school-wide events may include food provided by us, we celebrate birthdays and special occasions with fun, food-free alternatives. Please check with your child’s teacher for classroom-specific guidelines.
School Supply List 📚✏️
Just in case you need this again, here is the School Supply List 2025-26. If you’d like to spread a little extra kindness, we’re always grateful for donated supplies—they can be dropped off right in the main office. 💙 If you have a need—supplies or anything else—please reach out to the Nisswa Elementary main office at 218-961-6860. We’re here to help make sure every student starts the year feeling ready and excited! 🎒✨
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🔗DISTRICT NUTRITION SERVICES LINK
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| VOLUNTEERING & SCHOOL VISITERS |
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Visitors
All visitors will need to provide a government-issued ID (state ID card, driver’s license, or passport card) when they enter the building as part of our new Raptor security system. The Raptor system scans and processes visitors against a national criminal database to ensure all visitors are safe to visit. The term “visitor” is intended to identify parents/guardians or community members who participate in large group events, classroom parties, drop off materials in the school office, etc.
The school district requires all to follow the Volunteering Guidelines, and Application Forms are completed annually.
Please complete these two steps if you want to be a classroom volunteer, field trip chaperone, book fair worker, or other type of volunteer.
Step 1: Complete the Volunteer Application
Step 2: Read the Volunteer Guidelines and then complete the Verification for Reading Volunteer Guidelines
*Applications take 5-7 business days to be processed by the district.
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⭐NISSWA STUDENT COUNCIL ⭐
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🏆 Meet our Student Leaders! 🏆
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⭐ WARRIOR WAY & GRIT = GROW ⭐
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🎉 Each month, we shine a spotlight on an important character trait! Let’s learn, practice, and celebrate these qualities together!
⭐ Two students from each class are honored for living that word!
🍎 September – 🤝 Helpful 🌟 Lend a hand, be a team player, and make a difference!
🎃 October – 🔒 Trustworthiness 🛠 Be honest, keep promises, and show you can be trusted!
🦃 November – ✨ Respect 💬 Use kind words, listen to others, and treat everyone with dignity!
🎄 December – ✅ Responsibility 💪 Own your actions, do your best, and follow through!
❄ January – ⚖ Fairness ⚖ Play by the rules, share, and treat everyone equally!
💖 February – ❤️ Caring 💌 Show kindness, empathy, and compassion for others!
🌱 March – 🎤 Leadership 🚀 Set a great example, inspire others, and be a role model!
🌸 April – 🎨 Creativity 🖌 Think outside the box, use your imagination, and try new ideas!
☀ May – ⏳ Patience 🕰 Stay calm, take your time, and understand that good things come to those who wait!
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💙 THE WARRIOR WAY 💙
At Nisswa Elementary, we live the Warrior Way—by showing respect, kindness, and responsibility every day! And guess what? We celebrate our Warriors in BIG ways!
🎟 Warrior Way Tickets
🌟 How do students earn them? By showing the Warrior Way throughout the school day!
🎟 What happens to the tickets? They go into the classroom’s Warrior Way bucket.
🏆 What’s the reward? At our monthly rally, we pull tickets for awesome prizes!
💥 PLUS! Weekly “Shout Outs”
Each week, students who show great character & effort get special recognition! 🎤👏
🏆 The Traveling Trophy
🚀 The ultimate class prize! A class that shows the most Warrior Pride in our hallways, lunchroom, playground, and other common areas is the Traveling Trophy! 🏆
💪 Why is it special?
It’s a highly sought-after trophy—so classes work together to earn it!🎉 Monthly Warrior Rally
🎟 Warrior Prizes—Drawn from the Warrior Way Ticket buckets!
🏆 Traveling Trophy—Awarded to a class!
🎤 Character Awards—Recognizing students for exceptional character!
💙💛 The Warrior Way Chant!—We celebrate as a school!
💡 Let’s live out these traits every day and make our school a place of kindness, respect, and leadership!
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🌟 GRIT = Growth 🌟
Generosity • Responsibility • Integrity • Teamwork
This year’s theme reminds us that strong character helps us learn and thrive.Each month at our Warrior Way Rally, we’ll celebrate one student from each class who shows outstanding GRIT! 💙 |
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 We’re beyond lucky to have the most awesome and engaged guardians! Our PTO is simply the BEST—always going above and beyond to support those special “Only in Nisswa” moments and creating tons of fun ways to get involved through their events. Since we’re all part of this amazing group, here’s a link to the
NISSWA PTO REGISTRATION FORM. Please take a moment to fill it out and join in on the fun!
*Come to meetings, they will be listed on the 🔗Nisswa Elementary Events Calendar (Dates/locations subject to change so check back) 
PTO Board Members:
PRESIDENT: Shae McKibbon
VICE PRESIDENT: Molly Dammeir
TREASURER: Briana Sanow
SECRETARY: Sarah Waletzko
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES: Andrea Parrington & Emma Peterson
PTO Mentor: Shaylea Obeidzinski
Email: nisswapto@gmail.com
Introducing the Nisswa Pride Lions Club!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Nisswa PTO Pride Lions Club—a truly extraordinary collaboration between our Nisswa PTO, families, and community members. This newly chartered club is already making history, creating a bold new model of service and leadership right here in our town.
The Nisswa Pride Lions Club brings together parents, educators, students, and neighbors to share in the joy of giving back. Through hands-on experiences at Nisswa Elementary, students and families will not only learn about the value of service but will witness the real impact of their efforts—whether it’s food drives, kindness campaigns, or community projects that unite our town.
If you’re not yet a member, we warmly invite you to join this exciting journey. Together, we can grow a community where service, leadership, and pride in Nisswa thrive! Sign Up using the link below
🦁 Google Form: Nisswa Pride Lions Club — Membership Application & Renewal (District 5M9, Minnesota Lions)
Nisswa PTO Pride Lions Club Charter Officers:
President - Shaylea Obeidzinski,
Vice-President - Shae McKibbon,
Secretary – Sarah Waletzko,
Treasurer – Briana Sanow,
Marketing Chair – Andrea Parrington,
Membership Chair – Molly Dammeier
Service Chair – Alesha Bates
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Daily Attendance Matters! Regular school attendance is required by the State of Minnesota and plays a crucial role in your student's success. If your student will be late or absent, please enter that absence on Skyward Family Access (preferred) two hours in advance, email Jill Ostendorf at jill.ostendorf@isd181.org or call 218-961-6860.
📌 Emails or phone messages should include:
✅ Your student’s full name
✅ Their teacher’s name
✅ The reason for the absence
📌 Appointments? Please email Jill Ostendorf or send a note with your child when they return.
📌 No communication or note? The absence will be marked as unexcused.
For family trips, we encourage you to check the district calendar on the Nisswa School Website when planning. Attendance is especially important during statewide testing weeks, so please ensure your child is well-rested and present.
See BPS Policy 504 for full attendance requirements & details. Thank you for helping us support student success! 🎓📚
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🤒 When Should My Student Stay Home from School? Keeping our students healthy helps everyone! Here’s when your child should stay home and rest: 💊 Antibiotics: ➡️ If your child starts an antibiotic, they should wait 24 hours before returning to school.
🚽 Diarrhea: ➡️ Please keep your child home for at least 24 hours after the last episode.
🏥 Doctor’s Recommendation: ➡️ Always follow your doctor’s advice.➡️ If your child requires a doctor’s visit, please ask for a note to bring to school.
🌡 Fever: ➡️ If your child’s temperature is 100°F or higher, they should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
💙 Let’s work together to keep Nisswa Elementary healthy!💙
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Back to School—Be Ready for Recess! 🍂💙
As we head into the school year, please remember that students go outside for 30 minutes of recess every day, unless there’s soaking rain, thunder, or visible lightning.
Be sure to check the daily forecast and send your child to school dressed for the weather. On cooler or wet days, an extra pair of pants, socks, or rain boots can help keep them warm, dry, and ready to play! 🧥👖🧦
If getting the right gear is tricky, we’re here to help! Please reach out to office staff at 📞 (218) 961-6860.
Thanks for helping us keep our Warriors comfortable and ready for fun—rain or shine! 🌞🌧❄️🍁 |
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| HOMEWORK & HOME CONNECTION |
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Building GRIT—Together! 💙
At Nisswa Elementary, our theme this year is GRIT = Growth. One of the best ways to help your student grow is by making sure they come to school prepared each day. Your support at home builds strong work habits, fosters resilience, and sets them up for success.
Take a few minutes each day to ask your student about what they’re learning and celebrate their progress. These conversations strengthen connections and encourage a positive mindset—helping them tackle challenges with confidence.
Together, guardians and staff can make this a year of growth, perseverance, and success! 🍎📚 |
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 GETTING TO & FROM SCHOOL |
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🏫 Start of Day Arrival Procedures
📌 School Start Time: 8:15 A.M.
- Students should be in their classroom ready to learn by 8:10 A.M.
🚗 Drop-Off Guidelines (8:00 - 8:10 A.M.)
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Recommended arrival time: By 8:00 A.M.
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Drop-off location: Curbside at the main entrance (by the big letter B).
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Important reminders:
✅ Drop-off zone only—No parking allowed.
✅ Keep the line moving—Pull forward past the flagpole, near the Library.
✅ Independence encouraged—Parents/guardians cannot walk students to class. (Exception: New students & kindergarteners on the first day.)
⏰ Late Arrivals (After 8:15 A.M.)
- Enter through the main doors.
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An adult must check in the student at the office.
🚌 Bus Information
- Buses begin dropping off at 8:00 A.M.
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Students must have a valid bus card to ride.
➡️ Need a bus pass? Contact the district transportation coordinator at 454-6920.
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For bus-related issues, call Reichert’s Bus Company at 218-829-6955.
👋 Volunteering or Visiting?
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Volunteers must:
✅ Complete a background check & online volunteer application. (You’re cleared unless notified otherwise.) Application Forms
✅ Bring a state-issued ID.
✅ Have the visit scheduled with the staff member you’re assisting.
✅ Check in at the office upon arrival.
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🏫 End-of-Day Dismissal – 2:50 P.M.
🚌 Bus Riders
- Buses depart from Nisswa at 2:50 P.M.
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Students will be escorted to their buses by staff.
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No bus transfers this year! 🎉 – Plus, buses will now transport only elementary students.
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Need a bus pass? Contact the district transportation coordinator at 454-6920.
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For bus-related issues, call Reichert’s Bus Company at 218-829-6955.
🚶♂️ Walkers
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Escorted by school patrol to designated sidewalk areas after buses leave.
🚗 Pick-Up (2:50 - 3:00 P.M.)
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Pick-up is curbside through the Nisswa parking lot.
- Students will exit through the library doors.
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Please pull all the way forward to keep traffic flowing.
- All students must be picked up by 3:00 P.M.
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Late pick-ups (after 3:00 P.M.): Families must go to the office to sign out their student(s).
📞 Need to Change Pick-Up Plans?
- Call the office at 218-961-6860 before 2:00 P.M.
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Provide the first & last name of the person picking up your student.
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Early pick-ups (before 2:50 P.M.) require an approved adult to check in at the main office with an ID to sign out the student.
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 📞 Ready to Join the Pack?
Call the Nisswa office to schedule your day as a Watch D.O.G.!
218-961-6860
🐾 One day can make a BIG impact—sign up today! 🐾
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| WATCHDOG VOLUNTEERS WELCOME |
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🐾 Become a Nisswa WATCH D.O.G.! 🐾
What better way to give back than by spending a day at your student’s school?
We’re looking for Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students)—dads, step-dads, grandfathers, uncles, or other positive male role models who want to make a difference at Nisswa Elementary!🐶 What Do Watch D.O.G.S. Do?
✔ Spend the day volunteering at school.
✔ Interact with students and be a positive role model.
✔ Visit classrooms, help out at lunch, and even enjoy recess fun with your little Warrior!🎉 A Day in the Life of a Watch D.O.G.
🐾 Arrive at school and be welcomed by the one and only Mrs. Jill Ostendorf—our famous & fabulous secretary!
📸 Take a photo with your student for our Watch D.O.G. Wall of Fame!
📚 Assist in classrooms, engage with students, and make a lasting impact!
🍽 Eat lunch with your student and join in on recess fun!
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