MAY/JUNE• 2026|
📰 NISSWA NEWS | May Principal Message
Hello Nisswa Warriors,
We are stepping into the final stretch of the school year, and what a journey it has been. Each month I find myself thinking two things: wow, look at how far we have come…and here we go, another full and meaningful stretch ahead. The amount of care, planning, teaching, adjusting, and supporting that happens for every single student is pretty incredible. And the best part is that our staff truly knows your students, their personalities, how they learn, and what they need, and it shows every single day.
Every day I am reminded how lucky we are to be part of this Nisswa community. The care, flexibility, and heart our staff pours into each student truly makes a difference. Our team knows your students, who they are, how they learn, and what they need, and that connection is what makes Nisswa so special. Thank you for partnering with us in that work 💙
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Grand Guest Day at Nisswa
What a way to begin the month. Grand Guest Day was the BEST again this year. Truly. Our building was filled with connection, laughter, and those quiet, meaningful moments that matter most. Sharing donuts, coffee, and juice, making May Day baskets, and simply spending time together, we heard so many heartfelt comments about how special it was to slow down and be present. Ending the morning with the BOGO Scholastic Book Fair made it even more fun. It was one of those days that reminds you exactly what makes Nisswa so special. |
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💙 Staff Appreciation Week
May 4 through 9 we celebrate ALL staff who support your student each day. From classroom teachers to specialists, paraprofessionals, office staff, food service, custodial, and transportation, every role matters. It truly takes all of us working together to create the experiences and opportunities our Warriors deserve.
As we head into these final weeks, the energy is building in the best way. Classrooms are filled with learning, projects, celebrations, and preparation for end of year moments. There is so much happening, and it truly is a special time to be part of Nisswa |
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💛 OI Awareness Day at Nisswa
May 6 we will come together to recognize Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Day. This day holds a special place in our hearts as we honor a former student who continues to inspire us. Our Warriors will wear yellow to show connection and support. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our library volunteer, Ms. Gayle, every student will have a yellow scarf to wear.
📅 Key Events Coming Up
💙 May 4–9 ALL ...yes ALL Staff Appreciation Week
🦁 May 4 PTO Pride Lion’s Meeting 4:30 PM Main Street Ale House
👥 May 4 PTO Meeting 5:00 PM Main Street Ale House
💛 May 6 Osteogenisis Imperfecta Awareness Day wear yellow
🏃 May 6 Grades 3 and 4 Track Meet at BHS
📘 May 62026–2027 5th Grade Orientation 4:30 PM Nisswa Community Children’s Library
📝 May 7 K -3 Spring FastBridge Testing Team reading & math
🎭 May 11–15 Grade 3 Storybook Theatre Week evening performance May 15
📝 May 12 & 13 Spring2-5 Fastbridge Reading & Math Testing Window
🚶 May 19 First Grade Community Walk
🚌 May 19–21 Field Trips across many grade levels
⚾ May 20 School Patrol Twins Game Trip
⚽ May 21 4th Grade vs Guardians Kickball Faceoff and Picnic
🐢 May 26 Turtle Races, Principals for a Day, and WHOLE SCHOOL A&W Lunch and Root Beer Floats ~ thank you A&W for supporting our Warriors again this year
🎓 May 27 Nisswa Kindergarten Graduation
🎉 May 28 Kinderfriend Day (BHS), Variety Show(s) (classroom communications coming),
Last Day of Kindergarten, Last Day of Preschool
🏃 May 29 BHS Senior Friend Day & Superstar Mile
🏆 June 1 Nisswa Awards Day Grades 1 - 5 2026 at 9:00 AM
Note: Teachers will inform guardians if your student will be receiving an award so that you are aware and have the opportunity to attend
⏰ June 1 & 2 Half Days / Early Dismissal
🎉 June 2 Last Day of School for Grades 1 to 5
📬 June 8 K–5 Report Cards Mailed Home
A very special thank you to A&W for once again feeding our entire school on Turtle Race Day and topping it off with a root beer float. And to the Nisswa Chamber for hosting the first Turtle Races of the season for our students again this year. These experiences are what make our community so special.
There truly is no place like Nisswa.
Spring is a time of growth, and we are seeing it everywhere, in learning, independence, confidence, and connection. There are many more events, details, and special moments happening beyond what is listed here, so please be sure to check the Nisswa Elementary Events Calendar and classroom communications regularly. This time of year can feel like a whirlwind, and we will continue to share, support, and engage you and your student in so many ways as we finish the year strong…more to come 😊
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
 GRIT = Growth 
Generosity • Responsibility • Integrity • Teamwork
| Because of Duck, Duck Bloom, Our Students Experience |
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💙 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Nisswa PTO
There are not enough words to fully capture what our Nisswa PTO accomplished with this year’s Duck, Duck Bloom MN style event. What an event!
From the very first donation outreach, to the follow up, to entering every item into the system and managing the auction site, to securing the venue, lining up entertainment, coordinating catering, organizing photos, designing décor, staging every space, and ensuring every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. The level of precision, care, and commitment to optimizing every aspect of this event was simply incredible.
This does not happen by accident. This happens because of people who care deeply and give generously of their time, energy, and heart.
From the energy in the room, to the laughter, to the excitement of bidding and cheering each other on, you could feel what makes this community so special. This is what it looks like when a school and community truly partner together for students.
To our PTO President, Shae, in your first year leading after already being such a dedicated volunteer, wow. You are a force. Your leadership, vision, and ability to bring people together is something special.
To our Vice President Molly, Treasurer Briana, Secretary Sarah, and our Teacher Representatives Andrea and Emma, your steady leadership, organization, and behind the scenes work make everything possible.
To every PTO member who showed up to call donors, drove to pick up items, came in to build baskets, entered donations into the system, supported the auction, attended the event, or contributed in any way, thank you. Every single piece matters. Many of these hours happen late at night, early in the morning, and in between full schedules, work that most never see, but that makes everything possible.
To those who donated, bid in the auction, attended the event, or supported from afar, you are part of this story. To our staff who supported these efforts and to our students who inspire all that we do, and whose artwork continues to amaze us, thank you.
Duck, Duck Bloom is more than an event. It is a reflection of a community that shows up for students in extraordinary ways. Because of this event, students are not just supported, they are experiencing school in ways that build confidence, belonging, and opportunity every single day.
Because of this work, the Nisswa PTO supports
📚 Enrichment & extention resources to support our standar work.
💛 Student support tools that help regulate, reset, and re-engage in learning
📖 Library expansion and high interest books for all grade levels. Books for every student to build their personal library.
🏫 Schoolwide celebrations, family engagement, and experiences that build belonging
⚽ Recess, playground equipment, and outdoor play opportunities
🧰 Classroom organization and tools that support daily learning
👩🏫 Staff support that strengthens instruction and school identity
🌱 Outdoor learning spaces and school improvement projects
🚌 Field trips and transportation so every student can participate regardless of circumstance
🎒 Scholarships that continue to support our Nisswa students beyond elementary school
In addition, the Nisswa PTO provides annual classroom monetary support to ensure teachers have the supplies and resources needed to support and extend student learning. They contribute book fair funds and provide books for classrooms and for students who may need extra support building their home libraries. The PTO also offers mini grants for teachers, supporting both instructional needs and passion projects that align with the mission and vision of Nisswa Elementary and the PTO. |
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And that list does not even capture it all. All of this work. All of this impact. Because of people who believe in students. The impact of this one night will be felt not just this spring, but throughout the entire school year ahead.
Only in Nisswa does something like this happen at this level. There truly is no place like Nisswa.
With deep gratitude and pride in this incredible community,
Molly Raske, Nisswa Elementary Principal
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🏆 Traveling Trophy 🏆
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Congratulations to Mrs. Miller's 1st Grade class for earning the April 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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Helpful Links for Our Warrior Families
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📱 ParentSquare App – Your Connection to Everything Nisswa 💙
ParentSquare is our one-stop shop for all school communication—quick updates, important reminders, classroom news, and direct messages…all in one place, right at your fingertips. Here is an instructional video about the platform and how to set it up: LINK
No more searching emails or wondering if you missed something—we’ve got you covered ✔️
✨ Why Families Love It:
✔️ Real-time school and classroom updates
✔️ Easy two-way communication with teachers and the office
✔️ Everything in one place—simple, organized, and convenient
🚀 Get Connected in Just a Minute:
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STEPS:
1. Check your email or text for your ParentSquare invitation
2. Download the free app or go to www.parentsquare.com
3. Log in using the email you have on file with the school
Once you’re in, you’re set—connected, informed, and part of everything happening at Nisswa 💙 Let’s stay connected, Warriors!
Documents for grades K–5 are available in Skyward Family Access. Documents can be viewed using a computer, tablet, or the Skyward mobile app.
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⭐ Why Use Skyward Family Access?
Families can use Skyward Family Access to:
📄 View report cards and progress updates 📝 Access important school documents and forms 📅 Monitor attendance and calendar information 👨👩👧👦 Keep student information in one secure pla
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📱 Using the Skyward Mobile App
Open the Skyward App Enter your 4-digit PIN Tap the menu (three lines) in the top-right corner Select your student Choose Portfolio Under Attachments, open the report card Select Print, allow processing, then Download to view the PDF
🔗 Skyward Mobile App Setup: Skyward Mobile App How To
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🔑 Need Skyward Access?
Complete the Family Access Request Form here:
Found at: Brainerd Public Schools - Skyward Family Access Information (Login information is typically emailed within 2 business days.)
📲 Most communication is digital—keeping your contact info current ensures you receive everything you need, from newsletters to emergency alerts.
ParentSquare App
This is the app you’ll want—it’s our one-stop shop for communication and offers so much more! 💙
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🔗Nisswa Elementary website
