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
Debra Dillard ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) Teacher
What are three things that people should know about you?
I am honest, hard working, and I love to laugh!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishments have been raising an amazing daughter on my own and teaching for over 40 years.
What is something that you love about Floodwood’s community and school?
I enjoy Floodwood because it is a small town which brings a good sense of community to the school setting.
What is your favorite thing to learn about?
I love to learn about almost anything, but history and other cultures in particular.
What is something that you are really good at?
I am really good at cooking, reading/writing, and building relationships with youngsters.
What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?
I feel that a good leader should have integrity and be a forward thinker. They should be honest, consistent, and respectful.
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?
Nick Goligoski IT Personel
What are three things people should know about you?
What are your Biggest accomplishments?
What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?
What is your favorite thing to learn about?
What is something you are really good at?
What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?
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
Jonathan Payne Principal/ Onsite Administrator
What are three things people should know about you?
Grew up in Longcille, a small town 70 miles west of Floodwood. I lived in Alaska for 10 years. My family is my wife Jan, son, daughter and 5 grandkids
What are your Biggest accomplishments?
Blessed to work in Education for over 40 years.
What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?
Polar Bear Pride, and deep roots of small town with interactions with several generations
What is your favorite thing to learn about?
How to do projects around my home instead of having "professionals" do the work.
What is something you are really good at?
I think I'm a good cook.
What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?
Fair, Aware, Loyal, Listener, Mediator
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.
Siobain Riley Food Service Director
What are three things people should know about you?
What are your Biggest accomplishments?
What is something that you love about the Floodwood's community and school?
What is your favorite thing to learn about?
What is something you are really good at?
What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?
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