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.  

Brennen Bordwell - Science Teacher

What are three things to know about you?

I enjoy getting outdoors and exercising, I love learning new information and I’m a big fossil nerd.

What is your biggest accomplishment? 

Graduating from MSUM!

What do you love about Floodwood School and the community? 

The staff seem very friendly!

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Sustainable practices and Human Health/Safety. I care about our environment and love learning what we can do to make the world a better place!

What is something you are really good at?

I’m pretty good at keeping a tidy environment.

What are characteristics of a good leader?

Attentiveness-A good leader be aware of their surroundings and respond quickly when someone needs help.

Flexibility-A good leader needs be ok with messing up occasionally and/or adjusting their path going forward.

Empathy-A good leader needs to treat others how they would like to be treated, as well as empathize with a variety of different backgrounds.

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/MARSS/ Enrollment/Community Education

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 Principal

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?

Sue Hoeft - Superintendent

What are three things to know about you?

1. I have been working in the field of public education for over 30 years. 

2. I am a voracious reader! 

3. I am a grandma to 4 amazing children and 2 grand dogs. 

What is your biggest accomplishment? 

My biggest accomplishment was raising two children. Watching my children  launch into careers and families of their own. 

What do you love about Floodwood School and the community? 

So far I love everything! I value the relationships that are formed in a smaller community and how everyone works together. Floodwood school is a positive, growth minded, creative, educational community and I am so excited to be part of it. 

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

This is a HARD question… I love learning about so many things, education at all ages, raising good humans, the brain, technology, gardening, new recipes, cooking, wellness, hiking, yoga, and how to improve my leadership skills. My Audible account would tell the tale of my varied interests!

What is something you are really good at?

I believe that I am a good listener. I also feel like I am good at solving problems. 

What are characteristics of a good leader?

Characteristics of a good leader include good communication skills, ability to listen and ask for clarification when needed. Empathy, compassion, positive attitude, drive to improve and zest for learning. A good leader is able to analyze problems and take action. Ethical, honest, and trustworthy. 

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.

Shannon Meyer Preschool Teacher

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 

Brian Pfeifer Music/Band Teacher

What are three things people should know about you?

I am a dad to three boys, 11,9 and 5. In the summer I get to kayak whitewater every day for a job. I build furniture using old world methods and tools.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Rasing Kids!

What is something that you love about the Floodwood's Community and School?

I haven't had the chance to get to know everyone yet, but I'm excited to work in a small town just like where I grew up. A place where everyone knows everyone else and there's a sense of community and shared responsibility.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Anything I don't know! I've always wanted to know how everything works down to it's most fundamental parts. I used to take apart everything in the house when I was a kid. When I wanted to learn about furniture building, I wanted to know how to do it with the most "basic" tools (hand planes, hand saws, chisels, etc)

What is something that you are good at?

I 'm a good listener, I want to get to know people, and hlep them learn. I will keep finding new angles to approach teaching until every student understands what we're studying.

What do you feel are good characteristics of a leader? 

A good leader won't ask people to do something they're not willing to do. They have to have vision and persistence, but also the humility to listen and change direction if needed. A good leader is in the background when the press shows up.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

Anything outdoors with my familiy: snowboarding, paddling, climbing, hunting, fishing... anything as long as it's outside.

Alexa Ruzynski - Library/Tech Specialist

What are three things to know about you?

I was born and raised in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I love food and cooking because of my Italian roots. One of my passions is being able to learn and help others.

What is your biggest accomplishment? 

Making the decision to move away from home. It was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve done.

What do you love about Floodwood School and the community?

Being from a small town, it is great to be a part of another small community. 

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

Any new skill, from learning to knit, to gardening, and driving a tractor. Then having the opportunity and knowledge to teach those skills to others.

What is something you are really good at?

Communicating and connecting with people.

What are characteristics of a good leader?

A good leader is someone who leads by example and is always learning. Someone who is willing to help, no matter how big or small the problem is.

Lily Schubitzke - School Counselor

What are three things to know about you?

I grew up in Proctor, MN but spent many days in my younger years in Floodwood hanging out with my grandparents who lived in Floodwood.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2021, and will graduate with my Master’s degree in School Counseling in December 2024!

I love all things exercise like weight lifting, CrossFit, sports, and hiking! I am always on the move and willing to try just about anything!

A fun fact about me is that I know sign language and am conversationally fluent in it!

What is your biggest accomplishment? 

I completed a sprint triathlon and graduated from college!

What do you love about Floodwood School and the community? 

I love that everybody knows everybody! It is such a tight-knit, friendly community where everyone feels welcome.

What is your favorite thing to learn about?

I love to learn about anything that has to do with people. Why we do the things we do, how to change our behavior, and how to work well and interact with others fascinates me. I also love learning about health and wellness, and how to better myself mentally and physically every day!

What is something you are good at?

Something many people may not know about me is that I love to sing and people say I am good at it!

What are characteristics of a good leader?

Humility, communication, reliability, and consistency.

Lori Sertich-Fredrickson 1st and 2nd 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 three 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.