Floodwood School District

John Atella Special Education Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I am originally from the Chicago area, but after college, I moved to Japan and China where I lived for 17 years.  I also have played hockey since I was three and have been a ref for the last 6 years.  

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment, I believe, are my three kids.  They are kind, honest and have grit, empathy, and self-awareness.  It will be my second greatest accomplishment if I can see that they have inspired their kids to have these same qualities.

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

What I love about Floodwood is the sense of community and teamwork.  It is something I've missed having lived in big cities like Tokyo, Beijing, Kunming, and Chicago

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I like learning new ways of teaching things that make life easier for students.  Personally, I like learning about home repair, but I am terrible at it.

What is something you are really good at?

I know this sounds boring, but I am fairly good at explaining grammar, so if you have a question, please let me know.  If I don't know, I'll find an answer for you.  

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

I feel like a good leader has genuine concern for people, has a vision and plan, and sees themselves as a resource for others.

What is something you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at the school. I'm new here, so if I forget your name, please forgive me!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

My favorite thing to do outside of school is to play and ref hockey.  

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.  

Telisha Bennett Braille Assistant

Three things people should know about you? 

I am originally from Illinois, I love to travel, and I'm very family-oriented.

Biggest accomplishment?

Maintaining a healthy work and family balance

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

It's a great small town to raise my family and for my kids to call home. We have a great community that is very supportive, caring, and will come together when in need. We treat all our kids like our own. Floodwood school staff are so caring, loving, and there because they love our kids and love to watch the kids learn.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love to learn about different cultures, farming, gardening, and love the outdoors during the summer months.

What is something you are really good at?

Working with kids helping them learn

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader? 

A good leader is someone that is a good listener and proactive is someone that holds their team together, builds them up, guides them to be successful, and supports their team.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I love to spend time with my family and friends.

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?

That it is 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 through.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader? 

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

Kelli Ellingson High School Math Teacher

What are three things you should know about me?

I am hard-working, dedicated and have endless energy.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Making the big move to northern Minnesota and building a new house. 

What is something I love about the Floodwood community?

I honestly don’t know right now because I am new to the school and community. I hope within a week I can answer that question and tell you that you are my “family” and families will do anything for each other. 

What is my favorite thing to learn about?

My favorite thing(s) to learn about are birds, flowers and all of nature. 

What is something that I am good at?

Baking/cooking and curling. 

What do I feel are the important characteristics of a leader?

The characteristics of a good leader are the ability to listen, the ability to learn new things, the ability to be honest with people, and the ability to be empathetic. 

What is something you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to a small school that has a family environment where I can LOVE kids. 

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?

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

Sarah Lindstrom 6th Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I love to do outdoor activities in all seasons, I am a hard worker, and I am 100% Polish and love to Polka Dance.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishment is teaching in Floodwood for 26 years all while raising 2 kids, who are a senior and sophomore this year.

What is something you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the days when I can travel more.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

I love to watch my kids play sports, ride my Ski-doo 800 Rev in the winter, and lounge by a lake in the summer.

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 about and grow new herbs/vegetables.

What is something you are really good at?

I feel I’m a good mom and a good cook. 

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.

Celia Olesiak 3rd Grade Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I have two nephews, I attended the College of Saint Scholastica to get my degree in elementary education, and this is my first full-year teaching.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

My greatest accomplishment was graduating college with the highest honors, summa cum laude.

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

A few things I love about Floodwood are the small class sizes, and the community aspect Floodwood has.

What is something you are really good at?

Something I am really good at is being a great auntie to my two nephews.

What is something that you are looking forward to? 

I am looking forward to meeting the kids and having a great first-year at Floodwood!

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader?

A few character traits that demonstrate being a good leader include positivity, discipline, empathy, and courage.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

Hikings and spending time with my nephews.

What is your favortie thing to learn about?

Different techniques for classroom management along with any other techinques that help the overall learning environment of my classroom.

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 Superintendent/ Principal

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

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? 

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

Hope Skripsky Paraprofessional

What are three things people should know about you?

I am a big fan of quiet. I enjoy making others happy "secretly." I enjoy doing my work to the best of my ability. Always giving 110%.

What are your Biggest accomplishments?

Some of my biggest accomplishments are serving others the way I would want to be served. God first, then others, then myself. My husband is my life, my family makes my heart happy, and all my grandchildren bring me joy.

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

What I love about Floodwood school is that as many years as I've been working here, it never gets boring. I love my job and love to see the children learn which makes it all worthwhile. Enjoy a small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone.

What is your favorite thing to learn about? 

I never want to stop learning in general. I learn something every day, whether it be from the children, or the people around me, or life itself.

What is something you are really good at?

Hosting large "tea parties" for communities and churches is one of the things I am good at. I own over 100 cups and saucer sets.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader? 

Being able to work with people of all levels of life, impacting the world around you with positivity, being willing to learn from others as you lead, trying to find the potential in the people we work with every day.

What are your favorite things to do outside of school?

I love to sew and create things. I enjoy my flower beds. I really love traveling and seeing new places. I really like drawing.

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. 

Joe Skripsky Industrial Arts Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I love God, I love my family and would do anything for them and I love snowmobiling.

What is your biggest accomplishment

My biggest accomplishment would be realizing I don't have to be perfect and I don't always have to please everyone around me, but instead do my best with the abilities God has given me and know that, that is enough.

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

What I love about Floodwood School is the small class sizes and the ability to make strong teacher student connections that can really help the learning and growing process. 

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

My favorite thing to learn about would be renovations, not only in home building terms, but also renovation in all areas(auto restoration, fixing old power sports vehicles etc.). Taking what was and making it better fits my work or lifestyle.

What is something that you are really good at?

I believe to be really good at working with my hands and my attention to detail helps me focus on constantly improving my abilities.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader? 

To me a good leader is someone who leads by example, not asking others to do what they wouldn't do themselves. As well as not demanding or commanding respect but getting it by being honorable.

What is something that you are looking forward to?

The thing I most look forward to would just be the daily watching of my kids growing up and us as a family growing together as we "do" life together. 

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.

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.