Floodwood School District

Frank Bartsch Athletic Director, PE & Health Teacher

Three things people should know about you?

I am honest, straight-forward, and dedicated.

Biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is convincing my wife I was a good candidate for marriage and family.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love the passion and dedication that Floodwood community and school members show in their pursuit to make the Floodwood School a welcoming and inspiring environment for our students.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love learning about students' lives outside of school.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at connecting with student-athletes.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

In order to be effective, a leader needs to: be honest; be self-aware, have a focus on developing others, encourage strategic thought, and be willing to share the success of endeavors with the team.

Jennifer Bartsch Kindergarten Teacher

Three things people should know about you?

Relationship-building with my students is a top priority; I give 100% to our students; I love teaching in Floodwood and cannot imagine working anywhere else.

Biggest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment happens each time a child learns something new that I had a small part in illuminating in our classroom. Teaching our little ones requires the efforts of not only the teacher, but our educational support staff, families, and administration. Our children succeed when we work together!

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I appreciate the investment our community and families make in our students. The Floodwood community deeply cares for our children and fully supports their education.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love learning about the interests and experiences of my students and their families.

What is something you are really good at?

I'm good at supporting intentional learning through play and communicating their learning to families and the Floodwood community through social media.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Strong listening skills, honesty, and a growth mindset are the qualities of an effective leader.

Allyn Clark "Al" Head of Maintenance

What are three things people should know about you?

Perfectionist, soft spoken, if I can;t fix it its not broken.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Married for 37 years

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

small

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Farming and being with kids and grandkids

What is something you are really good at?

Thinking it throw

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

By working hard and patences, also not turning on the heat until Nov. Lol

Caitlyn Coons Science Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

My husband and son are my world, we foster animals for the humane society and I love having family game nights with my parents and brothers.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishment was having my son while in college and still completing my two degrees while pregnant/raising a newborn.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love how close the students and staff are at Floodwood and how close the community is.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love learning about new scientific advancements and inventions.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at accepting everyone for who they are and meeting them where they are in life.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

I think that a good leader is someone who listens as much as they talk, who makes sure that everyone has a voice and who is equitable in their decisions.

Rylie Donahue Math Tutor

What are three things people should know about you?

I love sunflowers because they make me happy. I have a black cat named Binx inspired by the movie Hocus Pocus. I love to spend time outdoors.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

I have been to Nationals twice for college softball (Itasca Community College 2017 and 2018).

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Even though Floodwood school is smaller than other schools I have worked with, the students, staff, and community work really well together and I have felt nothing but acceptance from everyone.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love to learn about everything, but mostly history, which is what I am going to school to get my teaching degree in.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at making people smile and laugh

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

I think a good leader is someone who makes sure everyone has a voice, someone who is open-minded and is accepting of everyone they work with.

Ashley Engh Administrative Assistant

What are three things people should know about you?

I'm a hard worker, I love my family tremendously and am an animal lover.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Being a mom, it's the hardest job in the world.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love the tight knit community. I grew up attending large schools where you really only knew the kids in your class or grade. I love that my children have a sense of community with a wide range of other ages and with working here you can get to know all of the families, students and parents alike.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Crafts, cooking, creating new things

What is something you are really good at?

I'm very craft when I have the time to do so.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Someone who is able to see the strengths in those around them and utilize those strengths for the benefit of the group.

Amanda Fjeld Instructional/ Behavioral Coach

What are three things people should know about you?

I love being a Polar Bear and a part of this community! Helping others is a passion of mine.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Living a healthy and happy life with people I love is my biggest accomplishment.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love that we rally around each other when someone is in need, that we are small enough I know all students, staff and most families, and I know and have been a part of Floodwood history.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I enjoy learning about a variety of topics - currently learning about being a more effective and positive leader has been a focus along with learning how to play the violin.

What is something you are really good at?

I believe I am good at relating to people (adults and kids).

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Characteristics of a good leader include someone who can build strong relationships with others, is positive, has an open mind, is approachable, a good listener, and supportive.

Kerri Gillespie English Teacher and Yearbook Advisor

What are three things people should know about you?

I am terribly sentimental, Also, I am moved by the way landscape and trees look in the different times of the day when the sun shines on it, including the texture of the grasses and the subtle difference in color on the foliage. It is so intense and moving for me I almost cry, or pull it inside of me somehow, wanting to eat it or be a part of it in some intimate way. Like making a painting. Or roll around in it. I believe animals carry wisdom on the planet, and we mostly don’t understand to what extent. I am deeply spiritual and think we all talk almost the same scenario using different verbiage when speaking about religion. If you think about it, we don’t say things that are all that different in religion. Be nice, love each other, help each other. That is what God wants and they are not sweating the small stuff. Mostly it is this simple.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishment is coming to understand that we are not in need of changing each other's minds. I am proud of where I am in life; I love my homestead, and I am deeply satisfied with my home life. We need to listen closely to others and realize we are not so far off. There is no right or wrong, there is only teaching and learning. In all things you are either teaching or learning and sometimes, oftentimes both.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love the diversity in the personalities in our students. They all have an idea, a road they think is worth traveling. They are unique beings and have ideas about how things should go. I love the kids. They are what make me want to come to school. Nothing else. I have an idea about how they are to be treated, but it doesn’t always match what people believe they need. It is a dilemma. Because of pressure, I don’t do what I think should be done. I am down in the trenches with them everyday. I see their faces and I can guess their hearts. But we teach what we are told to teach and how and I watch the light die in their eyes. Until people who do not teach, nor have any experience teaching and who did not go to school to teach stop mandating what they believe is the sure right way to teach, teachers will never be respected for the knowledge we have held for a long time about how this should work. But here is the thing. No one asks us. Everyone else is convinced they have the answer.

The community stepped up and recognized what was needed for us to survive and continue doing the good work we do. I am eternally grateful to the community members for their wisdom and care at the voting box. Thank you!

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

This question is difficult to answer because I have an infinite number of interests. I love learning about westward expansion in the United States, Bears, alternative energy, survival during and after an apocalypse, Viruses, the planet, other cultures, phycology, natural phenomenon, music, disabilities that become stumbling blocks for kids...etc.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at being able to tell when people have a shift in their energy, and I am really good at carpentry.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

A good leader knows when to delegate. They watch for when it is time for someone to take on more responsibility. A leader considers all possibilities and sees everyone as an asset or is able to find a valuable place for everyone. A leader does not treat constituents as friends. A leader concentrates on the goal of the group and does not consider how he can make things better for himself. A leader makes hard decisions and have the hard conversations.

Jeannette Johnsrud- Evavold 2nd Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I love to craft, have my own small business for my crafting, and I love watching movies!

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishment was being a first generation college graduate for my family and not only obtaining one but two bachelor degrees in five years.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love being a part of the Floodwood community and school! It reminds me so much of home and someone is always there to help out even if they don’t know me.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

My favorite thing to learn about is how I can increase success for my students and myself within my classroom. That being either classroom management, professional development, reading strategies, math strategies, etc.

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at working at being creative and bringing that side of me to the classroom.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Good characteristics of a leader are strong, dedicated, helpful, caring, understanding, compassionate, listener, and empathetic

Joy Jones Special Education Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I was born and raised on a dairy farm. I became a grandma for the first time on July 2021. I got engaged on August 2021.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Raising 2 wonderful children

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Students and parents from Floodwood care about each other.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I enjoy learning about vegetable and flower gardening.

What is something you are really good at?

I am a Jill of all trades, master of none.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Great leaders have courage and a vision of what is to be accomplished.

Kurt Kunnari 4th Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I was in the USMC, I graduated from the college of St. Scholastica, I’m married and have four children.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Serving my country

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love how everyone is like family. We know everyone's names and hope everyone succeeds as a whole.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Our country's history.

What is something you are really good at?

Being somebody to talk to that needs it.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Honor, Courage , Commitment , Dedication , Patience

Lisa Lacore TRIO Talent Search Advisor "ETS"

What are three things people should know about you?

I have 3 daughters, I love to mountain bike, I live in Cloquet

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Graduating from UMD

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I appreciate the tight knit community!

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Mushrooms

What is something you are really good at?

Mountain Biking

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Having a vision, the ability to communicate well, and being supportive

Jessica Larson Transportation Director

What are three things people should know about you?

I am loud, I live in Kettle River, and I love chickens

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Getting my CDL. It was very intimidating but is definitely much easier than I thought it was going to be.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

The staff! So supportive of the community.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

History. Anything old-vintage antique!

What is something you are really good at?

Communication

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Honest, open, can admit faults, leads by example.

Sarah Lindstrom 6th Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

This is my 25th year at Floodwood School, I have 2 high school children, I love to grow a garden and be outdoors.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

One of my biggest accomplishments is teaching and coaching the Floodwood students for 25 years

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love that the Floodwood community and school will pull together in a time of need; whether that be putting on a benefit for someone who is ill, helping out during Catfish Days, or attending an extracurricular activity here at the school. We can do great things when we all work together.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love to learn new ways to help students be critical thinkers, and I love to learn and try new recipes with my garden vegetables.

What is something you are really good at?

I feel I'm a good cook. For example, the time I won the soup cook-off here at the school - lol.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

I feel a good leader is someone who communicates well, is open minded, encourages and listens, is passionate about their job, and leads by example.

Donald " Bruddy" Olesiak Social Studies Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

Love all kinds of music, especially the oldies......Love being in the woods grouse hunting with my dog, enjoy agate picking

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

getting my degree and marrying my wife

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Their fierce loyalty for each other......no matter the situation, everyone has each other's back!!

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Health and fitness

What is something you are really good at?

I am a good listener. Connecting with people through music

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Honesty, Empathy, Respectful and Understanding

Melanie Pliml ECSE & 4YO Preschool

What are three things people should know about you?

I love marvel, I am an auntie, and I love reading.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Biggest accomplishment is graduating with a teaching license.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love the small town feel!

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love learning about how children develop!

What is something you are really good at?

I am really good at working under pressure.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Someone who unites people but is not afraid to make tough decisions.

Dave Rohde Industrial Arts

Three things people should know about you?

I am a husband first, a father second, a pastor third

Biggest accomplishment?

Being married for 26 years and raising four amazing children!

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

The people...

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

The Word of God

What is something you are really good at?

Helping those that are struggling in life because of what they have gone through in life

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Those that have these characteristics: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Erik Root Band/ Music Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I love music, I enjoy the sports, and the best feeling in the world is when the hair is standing up on the back of your neck because something is so amazing

Biggest accomplishment?

2 masters degrees, completed at the same time as a double major in grad school

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love working with the students that are so passionate about music

What is something you are really good at?

I am a decent trumpet player

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Listening and being able to see something from more than one point of view

Faith Romanek Office Clerk

What are three things people should know about you?

I love my family, I love going to the lake in the summer, and I am a hard worker.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Graduating from Itasca Community College with three Associate Degrees. Working full time and going to school at Bemidji State University to complete my Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration emphasis in Management.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

We have that one on one connection with every student. We are all close and we care for one another.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love to learn about WWII and Pearl Harbor.

What is something you are really good at?

Organizing, and making other happy.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

A leader is someone who listens to others questions, comments, concerns. Someone how is willing to go the extra mile to help someone.

Lori Sertich 1st Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I love Michigan Football and hockey, I consider chocolate as a food group, and I have 3 girls.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My 3 girls and their successes in life

What is something that you love about the floodwood community and school?

The small town/community feel, everyone is welcoming. passion for a strong education for their children.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

New crochet patterns, learning new hands-on strategies to help struggling readers

What is something you are really good at?

Not liking the Gophers, reading, crocheting, eating Melanie Skripsky's cupcakes

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Empathetic, good communication, understanding, leading by example

Melanie Skripsky School Secretary & Accounts Payable

What are three things people should know about you?

I love God, my husband, kids, and coffee. They are my pillars in life.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Being a mom and wife!

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

I love the small town feel and how easily connections are made!

4. What is your favorite thing to learn about?

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love all things baking, I'm always trying something new.

What is something you are really good at?

Multitasking and baking!

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Someone who leads by example and challenges those around them to be successful within the team.

Emma Stupke School Counselor

What are three things people should know about you?

I absolutely love dogs, One thing I can't live without is laughter , I enjoy baking desserts in my free time

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Earning my master's degree from NDSU

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Working with great students, staff, and families every day

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Dogs

What is something you are really good at?

Swimming

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Responsible, open-minded, patient, and authentic

Steve Svatos 5th Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I'm married (Jennifer), 2 children, Nolan and Bryn. 2. I live in Grand Rapids. 3. I graduated from Tower-Soudan, so purple and gold were also my school colors in high school

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Being a teacher and working with students of many ages

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

The staff does a wonderful job of welcoming everyone and working together to come up with solutions to anything that may come up.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Anything to do with how to better help the students. History of all generations

What is something you are really good at?

Having a sense of humor and being able to see things from different perspectives

characteristics of a good leader

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

1. Fair 2. Good listener 3. Works well with others and is willing to delegate tasks 4. Consistent and honest

Staci Taylor Art Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I care about kids. I like to encourage creativity. If we don't get it right or make a mistake, we get to try again.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

This summer I painted four 8x6 panels to put on a building

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

People know and care about one another.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Fiber arts

What is something you are really good at?

brainstorming for ideas

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Recognizing that everyone has strengths, encouragement and patience.

Charlene Trotter LPN

What are three things people should know about you?

I am a grandma of 7, love to rifle and bow hunt, concreat and cabinet maker for 14 years

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Marriage of 27 years and my LPN license

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

All about family

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Food forigning

What is something you are really good at?

Cooking and baking

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Team work and motivation

Haley Walsh Business Manager & Payroll Clerk

What are three things people should know about you?

I've lived in Floodwood my whole life, my husband and I raise Scottish Highlanders, I enjoy hunting/fishing.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My two beautiful children.

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Everyone knows everyone.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Cooking different recipes

What is something you are really good at?

Cooking

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Being able to make the right decision that is best for everyone. Being able to think on your feet.

Kellee Young 3rd Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I quit school when I was 16. I have owned several of my own businesses. I can drive a horse team.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Going back to college for a teaching degree at 50

W What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?

Everyone is "in it together" I never feel like I'm out on my own.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Language and words

What is something you are really good at?

Nutrition and cooking

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

Selflessness, Grit, Courage

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