Moorhead Area Public Schools Community Newsletter

Community Newsletter • Winter 2023-24

Phase 1 of the New Moorhead High School Is Now Open

(click each photo to enlarge)

With Deep Roots in Moorhead’s Past, MHS’ Stafford is Part of the School’s Move into the Future

As the doors opened on Phase 1 of the new Moorhead High School, MHS social studies teacher Bonnie Stafford stood outside her classroom, waiting to greet students before classes started. At the same time, she stood at an intersection of Moorhead Area Public Schools’ past, present and future: the third of four generations to attend and graduate from MHS, her family has been Spuds since the 1920s.

MAPS Hosts Fully Booked Academic Wing Preview Event

The Academic Wing Preview event for Phase 1 of the new Moorhead High School fostered an overwhelming response, with nearly 1,000 pre-registrations for tours of the new building during the December 17 event. Originally scheduled for two hours and 36 total tour groups, Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) added 30 minutes and nine tour groups to the event to accommodate the extra interest in the event. In total, approximately 1,300 community members got a look at the new academic spaces.

Program Provides Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Robert Asp Elementary Students

During snack time on a typical Tuesday at Robert Asp Elementary School, you might find a full classroom of students crunching on apple slices while receiving a lesson on nutrition. The next day at the same time, those same pupils might be enjoying carrot sticks or fresh broccoli—along with every other student at Robert Asp. The ability for all these children to be snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables is part of an innovative grant program from the Minnesota Department of Education.

Submit Your Spud Spirit Award Nominations

Nominate a MAPS staff member for a Spud Spirit Award! This award is an opportunity to recognize Spud staff who go above and beyond. Nominations for the Spring Semester are open until February 1.

Make a Nomination >>

MDE Recognizes MAPS' Literacy Efforts

Though the Minnesota READ Act—designed to get students reading at grade level—was enacted in 2023, MAPS began teaching its tenets years prior. The Minnesota Department of Education highlighted how these efforts have already yielded positive results for Moorhead elementary school students.

Watch the MDE Video >>

Clean Energy Comes to MAPS with Solar Panels at Horizon West and Probstfield

In late 2023, solar panels began generating electricity for Horizon West Middle School and Probstfield Elementary School. Funded by a state grant, these panels represent Moorhead Area Public Schools’ first move toward clean energy in its buildings.