Meet our new Multilingual Teacher at Ramsey Elementary School, Mikaylah Zimmerman!
Hello! My name is Mrs. Zimmerman, and I am the Multilingual Language Learner Teacher at Ramsey Elementary. I am so excited for this school year, to meet my students and their families! I love to hang out with my little family. My husband's name is Kyle and my daughter, Noa, is almost 9 months old. I enjoy trying new recipes, going for walks, and spending time at the lake during the summer months, but Fall is my FAVORITE season of all!
Welcome to the Thunder Hawk team, Mrs. Zimmerman!
Hello! My name is Mrs. Zimmerman, and I am the Multilingual Language Learner Teacher at Ramsey Elementary. I am so excited for this school year, to meet my students and their families! I love to hang out with my little family. My husband's name is Kyle and my daughter, Noa, is almost 9 months old. I enjoy trying new recipes, going for walks, and spending time at the lake during the summer months, but Fall is my FAVORITE season of all!
Welcome to the Thunder Hawk team, Mrs. Zimmerman!
Meet Gretchen Geer, our new English teacher at the high school!
A little bit about Ms. Geer...
Gretchen Geer grew up in Minnesota and went to college at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she majored in English and Interdisciplinary Studies and minored in Philosophy. After graduating from UMD, Ms. Geer continued on to graduate school. She earned an MA in English from the University of Nebraska, as well as an MA in Medieval Studies and a PhD in English from the University of Connecticut. Ms. Geer has spent the last nine years teaching college English literature and writing courses. Now, she is excited to return to Minnesota and to become part of the community here at Montevideo Schools! Ms. Geer’s hobbies include reading, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and hanging out with her cats.
Help us welcome Ms. Geer to the Thunder Hawk team!
A little bit about Ms. Geer...
Gretchen Geer grew up in Minnesota and went to college at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she majored in English and Interdisciplinary Studies and minored in Philosophy. After graduating from UMD, Ms. Geer continued on to graduate school. She earned an MA in English from the University of Nebraska, as well as an MA in Medieval Studies and a PhD in English from the University of Connecticut. Ms. Geer has spent the last nine years teaching college English literature and writing courses. Now, she is excited to return to Minnesota and to become part of the community here at Montevideo Schools! Ms. Geer’s hobbies include reading, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and hanging out with her cats.
Help us welcome Ms. Geer to the Thunder Hawk team!
SCHOOL CALENDAR REMINDER:
Friday, September 12, 2025
Early Dismissal -Staff Development Day
Early Dismissal Schedule:
Ramsey 1:15 pm
Sanford 1:20 pm
MHS 1:25 pm
MMS 1:30 pm
Friday, September 12, 2025
Early Dismissal -Staff Development Day
Early Dismissal Schedule:
Ramsey 1:15 pm
Sanford 1:20 pm
MHS 1:25 pm
MMS 1:30 pm
🎉Homecoming 2025 is next week - September 15th-19th!
Get ready to show your school spirit all week long! Join us for our fun Homecoming Dress-Up Days!
📣Go Thunder Hawks!
Get ready to show your school spirit all week long! Join us for our fun Homecoming Dress-Up Days!
📣Go Thunder Hawks!
Meet Melissa Schmitt, our new Kindergarten teacher!
Hello Montevideo School District colleagues, community, and families,
I am not new to the school district but I have moved into a new position. This year I will be teaching Kindergarten. This is my 14th year teaching and my 6th year teaching in Montevideo. I live in Montevideo with my husband Mike. We have two children, Riley and Macie. In my free time, I love reading, hanging out with my family and friends, attending concerts, traveling and camping, gardening and having family movie or game nights. I am excited for the new school year! I can’t wait to meet my students and their family. I am looking forward to working with the kindergarten team and everyone at Ramsey.
Welcome to Ramsey and the kindergarten team, Melissa!
Hello Montevideo School District colleagues, community, and families,
I am not new to the school district but I have moved into a new position. This year I will be teaching Kindergarten. This is my 14th year teaching and my 6th year teaching in Montevideo. I live in Montevideo with my husband Mike. We have two children, Riley and Macie. In my free time, I love reading, hanging out with my family and friends, attending concerts, traveling and camping, gardening and having family movie or game nights. I am excited for the new school year! I can’t wait to meet my students and their family. I am looking forward to working with the kindergarten team and everyone at Ramsey.
Welcome to Ramsey and the kindergarten team, Melissa!
Meet Dave Vane, our new Special Education EBD teacher at Sanford Elementary School!
Hi everyone! I am Dave Vane, new EBD teacher at Sanford Elementary. I have a teaching degree from NDSU that I earned in 2018, as well as a minor in English Writing Studies from MSUM. I have recently moved back to my farm near Bellingham, MN after 35 years in Fargo-Moorhead. In my free time, I enjoy landscaping, painting, and tending to my roses. My two pups, Camus and Birdie, love to supervise my projects! I'm excited for the school year and to be a Thunder Hawk!
Join us in welcoming Mr. Vane to the Thunder Hawk team!
REMINDER: All students MUST be registered through the JMC family portal each year.
There are a few quick steps to get your students registration finalized. "Custom Fields" is where you answer the chromebook questions and acknowledge the data usage policy. The link at the bottom of the registration page "Application for Educational Benefits" is an application to determine if your family qualifies for helpful discounts on activities, athletics, and chromebook insurance.
There are a few quick steps to get your students registration finalized. "Custom Fields" is where you answer the chromebook questions and acknowledge the data usage policy. The link at the bottom of the registration page "Application for Educational Benefits" is an application to determine if your family qualifies for helpful discounts on activities, athletics, and chromebook insurance.
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2025 Homecoming Candidates and Attendants!
Homecoming Week is 9/15-9/19.
Monday, 9/15 = Homecoming Coronation @ 7:30pm
Friday, 9/19 = FFA Hot Dog Feed @ 4pm + Parade @ 5pm + Hawks Football later
Homecoming Week is 9/15-9/19.
Monday, 9/15 = Homecoming Coronation @ 7:30pm
Friday, 9/19 = FFA Hot Dog Feed @ 4pm + Parade @ 5pm + Hawks Football later
Meet Nicole Sannerud, 3rd grade teacher at Sanford Elementary School!
Hello! My name is Nicole Sannerud, and I am a Montevideo graduate, Class of 2015! I was born and raised in Montevideo. I completed my undergraduate studies at Alexandria Technical and Community College and Southwest Minnesota State University, obtaining my Birth to Third Grade teaching license. I recently completed my graduate degree through SMSU. I currently live in Granite Falls with my husband Joe and our son, Wilder, and our two dogs, Roux and Penelope. In my free time, I love spending time at the lake with our families, shopping, and going for walks! I am looking forward to teaching in the community and district that raised me!
Help us give Mrs. Sannerud a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Hello! My name is Nicole Sannerud, and I am a Montevideo graduate, Class of 2015! I was born and raised in Montevideo. I completed my undergraduate studies at Alexandria Technical and Community College and Southwest Minnesota State University, obtaining my Birth to Third Grade teaching license. I recently completed my graduate degree through SMSU. I currently live in Granite Falls with my husband Joe and our son, Wilder, and our two dogs, Roux and Penelope. In my free time, I love spending time at the lake with our families, shopping, and going for walks! I am looking forward to teaching in the community and district that raised me!
Help us give Mrs. Sannerud a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Members of the MHS Class of 2026 were up early for the annual "Senior Sunrise" on the first day of school.
This year our Seniors were given the option to show their personal HAWK PRIDE by designing a parking spot in the high school lot. This spot is "theirs" for the school year during school hours. Senior's could use Monte colors to show off their creation. Check out some of the first spots!
This year our Seniors were given the option to show their personal HAWK PRIDE by designing a parking spot in the high school lot. This spot is "theirs" for the school year during school hours. Senior's could use Monte colors to show off their creation. Check out some of the first spots!
Montevideo Homecoming is just 2 weeks away and events are starting to come together.
This year student council created a design to cover all the bases! Fast Threads is ready for your homecoming apparel orders. This special Homecoming store will close on Sept 8th and orders can be picked up Friday, Sept 12th.
https://stores.inksoft.com/montehoco25/shop/home
This year student council created a design to cover all the bases! Fast Threads is ready for your homecoming apparel orders. This special Homecoming store will close on Sept 8th and orders can be picked up Friday, Sept 12th.
https://stores.inksoft.com/montehoco25/shop/home
📆SCHOOL CALENDAR REMINDER:
NO SCHOOL
Friday, August 29th &
Monday, September 1st - Labor Day
NO SCHOOL
Friday, August 29th &
Monday, September 1st - Labor Day
Meet Brady Kienitz, one of our new teachers at Sanford Elementary School!
Hello! My name is Brady Kienitz and I recently graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St.Peter, MN, where I majored in Elementary Education and played on the men’s basketball team. I graduated high school from MACCRAY in 2021. My parents are Wendell and Kelli Kienitz, and I have two sisters, Katie and Trisha, and two brother-in-laws, Michael and Jake. In my free time, I love playing and coaching all sports and going out on the lake! I will be teaching 4th grade and will also serve as C-squad boys basketball coach and a junior high baseball coach. I am super excited to be a Thunder Hawk!
Help us give Mr. Kienitz a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Hello! My name is Brady Kienitz and I recently graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St.Peter, MN, where I majored in Elementary Education and played on the men’s basketball team. I graduated high school from MACCRAY in 2021. My parents are Wendell and Kelli Kienitz, and I have two sisters, Katie and Trisha, and two brother-in-laws, Michael and Jake. In my free time, I love playing and coaching all sports and going out on the lake! I will be teaching 4th grade and will also serve as C-squad boys basketball coach and a junior high baseball coach. I am super excited to be a Thunder Hawk!
Help us give Mr. Kienitz a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Meet Emily Frank, our new music teacher at Sanford Elementary School!
Hello! My name is Mrs. Frank. I am thrilled to be the new music teacher at Sanford Elementary School! I grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where I fell in love with making music anywhere I could. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Luther College, where I also met my husband, Mr. Frank, while playing the saxophone! I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with my Master's degree in Instrumental Performance. In my free time, I love to explore state and national parks, spend time with my cat Tabby, and make delicious food with my husband. I am excited to start making music with the students in Montevideo!
Help us give Mrs. Frank a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Hello! My name is Mrs. Frank. I am thrilled to be the new music teacher at Sanford Elementary School! I grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where I fell in love with making music anywhere I could. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Luther College, where I also met my husband, Mr. Frank, while playing the saxophone! I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with my Master's degree in Instrumental Performance. In my free time, I love to explore state and national parks, spend time with my cat Tabby, and make delicious food with my husband. I am excited to start making music with the students in Montevideo!
Help us give Mrs. Frank a warm welcome to the Thunder Hawk team!
Meet Jody Gatchell!
Jody joined our team in May of this year as our new Director of Maintenance & Grounds for the school district.
A little bit about Jody...he is a U.S. Army veteran, lifelong entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader. After serving 8.5 years in the military, Jody built and ran a successful auto body repair and refinishing business in Arkansas for 25 years before selling it to move back to Minnesota. Outside of his professional role, Jody is passionate about health, fitness, and became a nutritional coach to help others start on their own health and fitness journey.
Welcome to the Thunder Hawk team, Jody!
Jody joined our team in May of this year as our new Director of Maintenance & Grounds for the school district.
A little bit about Jody...he is a U.S. Army veteran, lifelong entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader. After serving 8.5 years in the military, Jody built and ran a successful auto body repair and refinishing business in Arkansas for 25 years before selling it to move back to Minnesota. Outside of his professional role, Jody is passionate about health, fitness, and became a nutritional coach to help others start on their own health and fitness journey.
Welcome to the Thunder Hawk team, Jody!
We welcome our Thunder Hawk staff to the 2025-2026 school year! It was great to see everyone for an exciting kick off to another academic year. Congratulations to Kati Birhanzl, Career Coordinator at the Montevideo High School, named Montevideo Teacher of the Year!
We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday, August 25th! It’s a great time to be a Thunder Hawk!
Reminder: Open House - Tuesday, August 19th.
We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday, August 25th! It’s a great time to be a Thunder Hawk!
Reminder: Open House - Tuesday, August 19th.
We are excited to welcome Mike Trewick to the Thunder Hawk team as our new Activities Director at Montevideo Public Schools! Please join us in giving Mike a warm Thunder Hawk welcome!
"Hello Thunder Hawk families! My name is Mike Trewick, and I am your new Activities Director. I am excited to join the Montevideo community that has such a rich history in its Activities and Athletics. I have spent the last 16 years as part of the St. Cloud School District, most recently as a Dean of Students and coach at St. Cloud Apollo High School. For over 30 years I have been lucky enough to coach and work with amazing student athletes at St. John's, St. Mary's and St. Cloud. Let's work together to help and empower our students to reach their full potential. Go, Thunder Hawks!"
"Hello Thunder Hawk families! My name is Mike Trewick, and I am your new Activities Director. I am excited to join the Montevideo community that has such a rich history in its Activities and Athletics. I have spent the last 16 years as part of the St. Cloud School District, most recently as a Dean of Students and coach at St. Cloud Apollo High School. For over 30 years I have been lucky enough to coach and work with amazing student athletes at St. John's, St. Mary's and St. Cloud. Let's work together to help and empower our students to reach their full potential. Go, Thunder Hawks!"
The Montevideo School Board recognized A.D. Jesse Nelson for his exemplary performance during his tenure at the school district. Congratulations, Jesse! Best wishes as you begin your next endeavor! #HawkPride
ATTENTION! WE ARE HIRING!
Come & work with us at Montevideo Public Schools! Earn a competitive wage and health insurance benefits! There are many job openings at the Montevideo Public Schools that begin right away. Get paid for on-the-job training!
The Montevideo School District has immediate openings for the following positions:
1. 14 paraprofessionals
2. Five food service employees
3. One person to help in the library at an elementary school.
How to apply:
1. Go to the Montevideo school district website and apply online today! https://www.montevideoschools.org/page/employment
2. Call the Montevideo School District at 320-269-8833.
Join our team!
Come & work with us at Montevideo Public Schools! Earn a competitive wage and health insurance benefits! There are many job openings at the Montevideo Public Schools that begin right away. Get paid for on-the-job training!
The Montevideo School District has immediate openings for the following positions:
1. 14 paraprofessionals
2. Five food service employees
3. One person to help in the library at an elementary school.
How to apply:
1. Go to the Montevideo school district website and apply online today! https://www.montevideoschools.org/page/employment
2. Call the Montevideo School District at 320-269-8833.
Join our team!
Online Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now OPEN! Please log in to the JMC Portal on the school's website at www.montevideoschools.org to complete your student's registration, update contact information, sign forms, and pay student expenses, including Chromebook Insurance. Complete your student's registration by Open House, Tuesday, August 19th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your school office. Thank you for helping us get ready for a great year!
¡La inscripción en línea para el año escolar 2025-2026 ya está ABIERTA! Inicie sesión en el portal de JMC en el sitio web de la escuela, www.montevideoschools.org, para completar la inscripción de su estudiante, actualizar su información de contacto, firmar formularios y pagar los gastos, incluido el seguro de la Chromebook. Complete la inscripción de su estudiante antes de la jornada de puertas abiertas, el martes 19 de agosto. Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en comunicarse con la secretaría de su escuela. ¡Gracias por ayudarnos a prepararnos para un año excelente!
¡La inscripción en línea para el año escolar 2025-2026 ya está ABIERTA! Inicie sesión en el portal de JMC en el sitio web de la escuela, www.montevideoschools.org, para completar la inscripción de su estudiante, actualizar su información de contacto, firmar formularios y pagar los gastos, incluido el seguro de la Chromebook. Complete la inscripción de su estudiante antes de la jornada de puertas abiertas, el martes 19 de agosto. Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en comunicarse con la secretaría de su escuela. ¡Gracias por ayudarnos a prepararnos para un año excelente!
