Moorhead Area Public Schools Community Newsletter

Community Newsletter • Fall 2023

Celebrating 150 Years of Moorhead Schools Throughout 2023-24

To celebrate our 150th Anniversary, we are introducing a "Celebrating 150 Years" feature highlighting a unique historical person or story from different decades in the district's history. Watch for new stories from different decades throughout the school year!

Benjamin Franklin Mackall - Eyewitness to Early Moorhead History

by Brian Cole

The Moorhead Public Schools district was founded on April 3, 1873. Just two weeks later Benjamin Franklin Mackall arrived in Moorhead after a two and a half day train ride from Minneapolis. At the time, Moorhead was a city of only a few hundred people and was known for its muddy streets and wooden sidewalks.

Mackall immediately started his work of being a druggist as he went into partnership with Dr. John Kurtz. Eventually, B.F. Mackall became the sole proprietor of Mackall Drug Store and the Moorhead business would stay in operation for sixty continuous years.

District Liaisons Connect Cultures

Moorhead Area Public Schools understands that when district staff attempt to communicate with families for whom English is not their first language, the language barrier might lead to communication issues. MAPS English Liaisons help bridge the gap to ensure effective communication with everyone.

Community Education's Inclusive Zumba is Truly for Everyone

Inspired by her daughter, Addie—who is diagnosed with spina bifida—Marisa Bengston-Loerzel decided to become a certified Zumba instructor in January 2023 with the goal of leading a Zumba class for people of any and all abilities. This led her to connect with MAPS' Community Education program.

Moorhead High School Construction

Phase I of MHS Construction in the Home Stretch

Classrooms are starting to take shape throughout Phase I, including the science rooms located off the Main Commons, which are close to how they will look when classes begin in the new MHS in January.

Six Inducted into MHS Hall of Honor

On Saturday, September 30, five Moorhead High School alumni and one former staff member were welcomed into the MHS Hall of Honor. The 2023 inductees are: Douglas Eckheart, Doug Hamilton, Russ Henegar, Scott Hornbacher and Arlan Stangeland.

Learn More About the READ Act

Parents of K-5 students are encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn more about Minnesota state legislative changes to literacy testing requirements via the Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act.

📍 Horizon Performing Arts Center

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 7 p.m.

Community Turns out to Bid MHS Farewell

With Phase I of the new Moorhead High School nearing completion, Moorhead Area Public Schools opened the doors of the current MHS building for alumni and community members to take one last trip down memory lane on Saturday, September 30.

The community responded, with close to 1,000 people descending on MHS to walk the halls and absorb the history of the 56-year-old high school.