I want to take this time to acknowledge one of our valued administrators: Mrs. Catherine Anderson, Middle School Principal. Mrs. Anderson has been awarded the 2024 NDAESP Bell Ringer Award for the state of North Dakota. The criteria for the award and an explanation of it are as follows:
1) The nomination must be completed by a peer.
2) The nomination documents a positive educational contribution or accomplishment.
3) Ineligible persons include: Past Recipients of the Award Clarence Corneil was the first National Distinguished Principal in North Dakota. He established this award during his long-time leadership in the NDAESP. It was originally called the “You Done Good” Award and was intended to recognize and celebrate some accomplishment or contribution by an association member. A number of years after establishing the award, it was changed to the Bell Ringer Award. It identifies those individuals who are nominated by their peers for their positive contributions, for making a difference, and for “doing good.”
We all know the positivity, work ethic, and professionalism Mrs. Anderson brings to the St. John School District and we couldn't be more proud to call her one of our own! Mrs. Anderson is most deserving of the award and we couldn't be more happy for you to be chosen for this illustrious award! Way to go, Mrs Anderson!

Track practice will start March 11th after school. With the first high school track meet on March 28, the first week of practice ( 3/11-3/14) will be voluntary for JUNIOR HIGH athletes. Please have a physical before first practice, if you haven't participated in a sport this year. Also, please bring clothing/gear for every practice if we are able to go outside. Spring weather is looking promising so far!

Students in grades 5-8 will be going to the Bottineau winter park tomorrow. Grades 5 and 6 will be going in the morning so all students need to be at the school ready to load the busses and leave by 8:30. 7 and 8 will leave at 11:00 and return in time for dismissal. Please make sure they have their winter gear.
Want to give a shout out to these two ladies, Laney Alberton and Allise Poitra. They competed yesterday in Harvey for District STAR events. Abigail Delorme also came with as a student judge. They both received gold! They will compete at the STATE level April 7-9 in Bismarck.


I want to thank everyone for their part in the Parent/Teacher conference last night. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and educational support staff, we can't thank you all enough for all you do in the classroom. Our kids and community are beneficiaries of your care, kindness, and professionalism.
A special thanks to our kitchen staff for preparing an excellent supper for our staff. We appreciate you for going above and beyond! The kitchen staff wants to thank Tommy Belgarde for helping them clean up. Thanks, Tommy!
Thank you custodial staff for taking extra measures to ensure our school is always presentable.
Spelling Bee contestants in grade 3-8 need to be at the school by 7:45.
Tommorow for reading month is........Wear your pajamas and read your favorite book. Or if you're following FFA week it black and white or pink. Cows or Pigs.
Fourth Graders at Ag. Ed. Pizza Day



Parents & Guardians:
Tomorrow, February 21st, is Parent Teacher Conferences from 3:30pm - 9:00pm.
Students in PreK-5th grade will be sent home with appointment times today. Please check for those and if you need to make any changes contact their teacher or Annie or Susan.
Well now that the dust has settled, I would like to commend the Northern Lights Wrestling programs on their stellar year! First off, congratulations to the boys’ program on their 2nd-place finish in the state tournament. This is an accomplishment to be extremely proud of. You had us all at the edge of our seats watching and hoping for one more victory! You left it out there on the mat; whether being hurt or exhausted, you saw the task through. For that, hold your head high. Congratulations to all place winners and wrestlers who didn’t place, you all are champions in our eyes! Great job, men!
A huge shoutout to Coach Mitchell for being named the Coach of the Year! What an accolade! This is a testament to the long days/weeks/weekends, encouraging discussions, and being the role model the athletes need to see! Also, a special thanks to Coach St. Vincent and Coach Henderson, because without you both, none of this is possible. What a program you all have built!
Now for the girls, what year! Seeing the numbers grow and the bonds that many of you have formed, is what it’s all about. Sports is about becoming better as a person. I have seen many of you grow from a shy version of yourself, to confident young women. For that be proud. I want to congratulate our place winners on your accomplishments. Hopefully your goal is to improve and accomplish an even higher goal.
I want to commend our girls’ wrestling coaches on a phenomenal year. To see the enthusiasm on your faces, day in and day out, is encouraging. To love what you do and conveying that passion to our young ladies, is what it is all about. We couldn’t have a better coaching staff for our young ladies. Thank you, Coach Peltier and Coach Koistinen.
Be proud Northern Lights Wrestling as the future looks very bright!
Reminder: NO SCHOOL tomorrow, February 16th, 2024 and Monday, February 19th, 2024. Have a great long weekend!
Happy School Resource Officer Day to Howard Longie. We appreciate all you do for our staff and students.

Clarification: There are 2 JH Boys BB games today (2-15-24) in Rugby, 7th Grade begins at 4:00 followed by 8th grade. Both games played in the Armory
The JHBBB game in Rugby today 2-15-24 is at 4pm in the Armory next to the school.
FFA Week next week. Here are the dress up days!

The Woodchuck BBB team will host Drayton-Valley-Edinburg in a District 3 play-in game on Saturday Feb 17 at 3 pm. No passes will be accepted and the cost for entry will be $8 for adults and $5 for students.
State Wrestling Information links:
https://ndhsaanow.com/brackets/wrestling-girls
https://ndhsaanow.com/tournaments/wrestling-boys

I want to wish our Northern Lights Wrestling Program the best of luck as they travel to the state tournament in Fargo this week. Many thanks to our boys' coaches Arren St. Vincent, Ryan Micthell, and Braden Henderson, and the girls' coaches Mary Peltier and Kenny Koistinen. You all do not get enough credit for the hours, care, and diligence you put toward grooming and training these young athletes. I can't thank you enough!
Wrestle hard and win/lose with class! Learn from each experience and leave it all on the mat! GO NORTHERN LIGHTS!
The Northern Lights Wrestling video can be found at the following link. Due to copyright laws, Youtube does not allow the uploading of music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSkibUL2sGg
I would like to put out a personal acknowledgment to our St. John Woodchuck students and staff. I have witnessed and heard many complimenting remarks about our sportsmanship, character, and hard work. Congratulations to our girls’ basketball team in qualifying for regional play and their 2nd place finish in districts. Our job is not done!
Congratulations to Alani Morin, Aubree Jeanotte, and Kaycee Desjarlais on being selected to the All-District 3 team. Such an amazing accomplishment! Great work ladies and we all know it’s the power of the collective that wins titles! Let’s go, Woodchucks!
Last but not least, a special congratulations goes out to our Coach Jake McCloud. Your hard work, passion, and never quit attitude are reflected in your team’s performance and accolades. This is something to be very proud of Coach! We are extremely proud to call you, OUR COACH! Coaches do not get enough credit and support throughout the years! Well-deserved Coach McCloud and fellow coaches!

