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📰 NISSWA NEWS | April Principal Update
Well…hello April ❄️😊 Snow on the ground somehow means spring is here—which also means we are clearly true Minnesota Warriors. Each month I find myself thinking two things: wow, loo k at how far we’ve come…and here we go—another full month ahead. The amount of care, planning, teaching, adjusting, and supporting that happens for every single student is pretty incredible. And the best part? Our staff truly knows your students—their personalities, how they learn, what they need—and it shows every single day.
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World Autism Awareness Day
Yesterday we kicked off April with a little April Fools’ fun…lots of hallway giggles and a few good surprises, which I absolutely love 💙 Today, if you walked the halls you'd have seen a sea of blue across Nisswa as we come together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and honor the strengths, perspectives, and uniqueness of individuals with autism 💙 Our school community leaned fully into this moment. Every student, from kindergarten through fifth grade, created a puzzle piece that represents who they are. Each one tells a story, and together they form something pretty incredible—a reminder that we all belong and we all fit together. You can find this beautiful display down by Mrs. Bates’s room. We were also lucky to welcome special guests who helped share blue beads throughout the building, adding even more joy, connection, and meaning to the day. It’s been one of those days that reminds you just how special this place is—full of kindness, inclusion, and the belief that every student brings something important to our Nisswa family 💙
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💜 Epilepsy Awareness at Nisswa: Last week, we proudly recognized Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day) as a school community. Thank you to our incredible PTO and two special students who helped hand out purple necklaces so everyone could be part of the day 💜
Throughout the day, classrooms took time to learn about epilepsy in age-appropriate ways—understanding that it is a medical condition that can cause seizures, looks different for everyone, and is not something that can be “caught.” Most importantly, students were reminded of what we value most at Nisswa—taking care of one another with kindness, calmness, and support.
🎨 April Character Focus is Creativity: This month we lean into creativity—thinking in new ways, taking risks, and bringing ideas to life. You will see it across classrooms, in collaboration, and in those brave moments when students try something new, all grounded in our GRIT—Generosity, Resiliency, Integrity, and Teamwork.
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As we head into a full and exciting stretch, here are a few key things to keep on your radar. There is no school on April 6 for certified staff inservice, and students in Grades 3 through 5 will participate in MCA testing later this month. We break testing into smaller sessions with built-in breaks so students can do their best. Thank you for helping support them with rest, encouragement, and simple reminders to take their time and breathe.
📝 MCA Testing Grades 3 through 5
How you can help: ✔️ Be at school on testing days when possible ✔️ Get good sleep ✔️ Eat breakfast (school breakfast is available) ✔️ Encourage your student to take their time and just breathe
📅 Testing Schedule
Grade 3: 🕙 10:20–11:15 AM Reading April 14–16 makeups April 20 Math April 21–22 makeups April 27
Grade 4: 🕤 9:30–10:18 AM Reading April 14–16 makeups April 20 Math April 21–22 makeups April 27
Grade 5 Reading and Math: 🕣 8:30–9:25 AM Reading April 14–16 makeups April 20 Math April 21–22 makeups April 27
Grade 5 Science: 🕘 9:00–10:00 AM April 27 and 30 makeups May 5
April truly is full in the best way 💙 We are building excitement for PTO Bloom Duck Duck BLOOM on April 17 (find all the details below), along with a week of celebrating our incredible Nisswa staff in early May. You will also see the BOGO Book Fair April 27 through May 1 and a new tradition we are so excited about—Grand Guest Day on May 1 for our K through 2 students.
📚 BOGO Book Fair April 27 through May 1
🌼 Grand Guest Day May 1 for K through 2 students
💙 Celebrate and Honor Nisswa Staff May 4 through 8
Watch the weather and send all the layers with your Warrior…because at this point, anything is possible 😊 
Spring is a time of growth, and we are seeing it everywhere—in learning, independence, and confidence. There are many exciting events ahead, so please be sure to check the Nisswa Elementary Events Calendar regularly. We do not list everything here, and new fun things are always popping up.
Thank you for continuing to support your Warrior and for partnering with us as we grow leaders at Nisswa Elementary.
With Warrior Pride! 💙
Molly Raske
Nisswa Elementary Principal
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 GRIT = Growth 
Generosity • Responsibility • Integrity • Teamwork
Duck, Duck BLOOM | April 17
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Well hey there, Nisswa—it’s officially Bloom season 💙🌲🦆 Our 21st Annual PTO Bloom Fundraiser is happening Friday, April 17 at The Catalyst on Clark Lake—and this MN-themed night is going to be the best one yet. 🎟️
💙 Why it matters: Every dollar fuels field trips, transportation, classroom extras, hands-on learning, and those unforgettable Only in Nisswa experiences. It’s for the kids. Always.
💥 Jump In—Here’s How
This is where you’ll find the good stuff—amazing items, generous hearts, and a whole lot of community—all coming together for our youngest Minnesotans. So share it with your friends, your family, your coworkers…because around here, when something matters, we don’t just watch—we show up 💙
We can’t do it without ya—because that’s who we are…we show up and take care of our own 💙 Can't wait to see ya at the Bloom, Nisswa PTO
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👕 MN Style = You Do You
Flannel… but make it fancy.
Cabin chic • lake luxe • outdoorsy glam • MN bold
(We don’t judge—we just show up 😉)
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🤝 Want to Help?
📅 PTO Meetings: April 7 (& 8 if needed)
🕒 ~3:00 PM |
📍 Nisswa Children’s Community Library
Come when you can, stay as long as you want 💙
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💙 The Vibe
We show up.
We scooch.
We bid like Minnesotans 😄
Let’s make this the best Bloom yet.
Only in Nisswa 💙🌲🦆
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💙💙💙
Only in Nisswa.
It’s for the kids.
We don’t sell sausages.
(Phrases that have been part of 21 years of showing up—for the kids 💙)
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| GRAND GUEST DAY (K-2) | May 1, 2026 8:15-10:00 AM
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Hello Parents/Guardians 💙
We are excited to reimagine a long-standing tradition, formerly known as GrandparentsDay, into a more inclusive and interactive Grand Guest Day at Nisswa Elementary. |
On May 1, 2026, our K–2 students will welcome one special Grand Guest for a meaningful morning together from 8:15 to 10:00 a.m. It will be a sweet time filled with connection, stories, a May Day basket activity, optional Scholastic Book Fair shopping, and of course, donuts 🍩 
We intentionally call this Grand Guest Day because we know that not all students have grandparents nearby, or at all. This day is about a special person in your student’s life, chosen by your family. That guest might be a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, family friend, mentor, or another important adult.
Yes, a parent or guardian can absolutely be a Grand Guest 💙 While we always love when students are able to invite someone beyond their household, our priority is making sure every student has the opportunity to share this experience with someone meaningful to them.
Due to space and seating, each student may invite one Grand Guest. Our goal is to make sure every student has the chance to bring at least one special person.
We also know that not every guest is able to attend a daytime event, and that is okay. All students will fully participate, enjoy the activity, and be supported throughout the experience. Students will also follow their regular breakfast routine within their normal school schedule.
🔒 Background Check Requirement: All Grand Guests must complete a school background check prior to attending.
👉🏼 Volunteer Background Check (Link)
📌 RSVP Reminder: Please RSVP directly to your student’s classroom teacher through ParentSquare or by returning the paper form.
🗓️ RSVPs are due by April 24: This helps us plan for supplies and donuts, and we truly appreciate your quick response and support.
🗓️ Grand Guest Event Flow
🕗 8:00–8:15 AM Grand Guests arrive, check in through the office, and head to the gym
🕗 8:15–8:20 AM Students arrive with class ✨ Welcome and overview of the morning
🕣 8:25–9:30 AM🍩 Donuts, 📚 Scholastic Book Fair shopping optional, 📖 Reading time together
🕤 9:30–10:00 AM 🌼 May Day Basket Craft
Students and Grand Guests will move naturally between spaces while staff help support the flow of the morning. We are so excited to welcome our Grand Guests to Nisswa Elementary. It is going to be a very special morning 💙
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🏆 Traveling Trophy 🏆
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Congratulations to Mrs. Olson’s 4th Grade class for earning the March Traveling Trophy!
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⭐WARRIOR BUCKET WINNERS⭐
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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 classwho shows outstanding GRIT
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👋Visitors & Volunteering🙌
All visitors to Nisswa Elementary will be asked to show a government-issued ID when entering the building. This quick scan through our Raptor system helps us keep our students and staff safe—simple as that 💙
“Visitors” includes anyone coming in for events, classroom parties, dropping off items, or helping with larger activities. Classroom visits and field trips will always be coordinated through your student’s teacher.
Volunteers—we love you and we need you! 💙 To jump in and help, there are two quick yearly steps:
Complete the Volunteer Application: Volunteer Application
Review Guidelines + Submit Verification Form: Volunteer Guidelines
Note: Please plan ahead—processing takes about 5–7 business days. Thank you for always showing up and taking care of our own 💙
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🔗
🔗Nisswa Elementary website
