Welcome to Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School! We are excited to “walk” through the Oak Grove opportunities with you. We hope that this information will allow you to see how Oak Grove is a unique community of learners that may be part of your educational future!
Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School was established in 2005 in south Fargo. The elementary school, also known as Oak Grove’s “south campus,” is located at 2720 32nd Avenue South. The facility is ideal for elementary education, complete with a Natural Playground that facilitates hands-on learning and imaginative play. Our Pre-Kindergarten program is located in the building directly to the east of the elementary school.
The Oak Grove elementary program offers a strong academic program for students in pre-kindergarten through grade five. The school nurtures curious and interactive learners who thrive and excel academically, spiritually, and emotionally, building on the solid foundation of Christian teaching and Christ-like character. Through small class sizes, students receive individual attention that encourages them to reach their full potential as students. Oak Grove is proud to post student scores double digits higher on standardized tests compared to the state average.
The school partners with groups in the Fargo-Moorhead community to enrich the academic experience and provide rich and unique experiences for its students. Oak Grove works with Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Concordia College for classroom experimentation and field trip opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting, enhancing math and science curriculum. The school is also a part of the national Adopt A School program with the Sons of Norway, which provides intergenerational and cultural experiences. The Grover Buddy Program is a unique opportunity in which Oak Grove’s high school students mentor elementary students.
Oak Grove’s nurturing staff develops close and meaningful relationships with students, while fostering each student’s relationship with God. Teachers and staff consider it a privilege to work with the students to develop the whole child: mind, body and spirit. The school puts service in the forefront, encouraging students to experience the opportunity of servant leadership by serving and caring for others in a variety of ways. Service projects, offerings and more allow students to see first hand that serving and loving others is more than something we talk about; it is a way of life.
Each day begins with devotions and prayer and all classes have daily Christian studies that emphasize daily application of the Bible. Chapels are held weekly, with a time of teaching and a time for praise and worship. Students are active in the chapel experiences with all students given the opportunity to lead through music and skits.
The elementary program also includes music opportunities beginning at the pre-kindergarten level. Grovers attend daily music class and have the opportunity to be involved in band, hand chimes, and choir in the grades four and five. Private voice and instrumental lessons are available upon request. Students are involved in daily physical education classes. Other athletic opportunities also exist for students in fourth and fifth grade.
We are passionately committed to nurturing our students that step through our doors to be well equipped leaders in his/her community and world.
Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School is committed to:
· Nurturing students’ relationships with Christ.
· Providing a safe and caring school climate.
· Setting clear and high expectations.
· Encouraging parent involvement.
· Empowering youth to be servant leaders in their school, home, church, and community.
· Instilling a strong sense of purpose and confidence in students.
· Teaching students to be caring, honest, and responsible.
· Requiring students to act with justice, integrity and restraint.
· Fostering curious and interactive learners.
Oak Grove’s elementary school offers a solid academic experience with the following value-added features:
· Limited class size to ensure a quality classroom experience.
· A collective community who value high educational goals.
· A natural playground that provides unique opportunities for imaginative play and exploration.
· A computer lab that is utilized by students pre-K through fifth grade.
· After school foreign language programs provide opportunities for students to develop language skills and explore other cultures.
Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School embraces parent involvement through the following opportunities:
· Women’s groups meet weekly for a time of prayer, Bible study and fellowship.
· Parent-Teacher Action Committee (PTAC) encourages parents to become involved according to their interests and passions.
· Invitation to attend and participate in weekly chapels.
· Online access to student and classroom information
Oak Grove hosts before and after school programming at the elementary school, offered through and directed by the YMCA. Before school programming begins at 7 a.m. and runs until school starts. After school programming begins when school ends and runs until 6 p.m. All billing is conducted through the YMCA. For more information on before and after school programming, please contact Gulistan Amedi, YMCA School Age Director, at 701.371.7829 or gulistan.amedi@ymcacassclay.org. To register, visit www.ymcacassclay.org.
Oak Grove encourages you to find out more about its elementary program by contacting Lisa Nicholas at 701.373.7114 or lisa.nicholas@oakgrovelutheran.com. We’d love to have you tour the elementary facility and experience the excellence of Oak Grove for yourself. Call today!
Find out more about Oak Grove!
Click here for frequently asked questions about Oak Grove's elementary school.
Click here for the Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School’s
Family Handbook.
Click here for issues of the Grover Gazette, the elementary school’s weekly publication.
Click here for the Oak Grove Lutheran School calendar.
Click here for the history of Oak Grove Lutheran School.
Go ahead…explore our website and find out more about Oak Grove!
MEET THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACULTY
Pre-Kindergarten
Mona Lybeck
Mona Lybeck graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health Education. Mona has been an early childhood teacher for 12 years and served as the director of a Christian daycare for six years. She is married to Paul and all three of their children are graduates of Oak Grove Lutheran School.
"I believe so much in the mission of Oak Grove. I love being able to teach preschool age children. The first school year experience is very important and to add God to that experience is nothing less than awesome."
Kindergarten
Allison Caspers
Allison Caspers graduated from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has spent all of her years teaching kindergarten. Allison joined Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School in the fall of 2006. She is married and has two children.
“Oak Grove is a home away from home for me. It’s not just a school, but a community of friends that share life experiences together. Being with my kindergarten friends each day, learning and growing with them, allows us to bond not only as teacher/student, but as a family."
Kris Domitrovich, kindergarten
Kris Domitrovich received a Bachelor of Science degree from NDSU in child development and family science, a Bachelor of Art degree from Concordia College in elementary education, and Master of Science degree from MSUM in elementary education. She has taught kindergarten, first grade and second grade in Fargo Public Schools and kindergarten at Park Christian. Mrs. Domitrovich and her husband have five children.
First Grade
Megan Vigen
Megan Vigen graduated from Valley City State University with a degree in elementary education and a minor in child development and family science. Megan has been a substitute teacher and taught preschool for three years. She is originally from Petersburg, N.D., but now lives in Fargo with her husband and daughter.
“I feel so privileged to be part of the Oak Grove community! The Oak Grove environment is one you can spiritually, academically, and emotionally grow in as a teacher and a student. That is an amazing blessing!”
Eric Nelson
Mr. Eric Nelson graduated from Concordia College in 2009. He completed his student-teaching in Hawley and served as the student director for Madison Elementary Academic Coaching while at Concordia College. Mr. Nelson spends his summers working as a counselor at Camp Onomia.
“It is a true blessing to be teaching first grade at Oak Grove. The sense of community between both teachers and students makes this a wonderful place to work and grow both academically and spiritually.”
Second Grade
Kristina Gillette
Kristina Gillette graduated from Concordia College with a degree in Elementary Education and from NDSU with a school counseling degree. She taught Kindergarten in Arizona and Fargo, and served as a paraprofessional in special education in West Fargo. Kristina has been teaching second grade at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School since the fall of 2005. She and her husband live in Fargo.
“I love being a part of the sense of community at Oak Grove. The small school setting allows us as teachers to really get to know our students as individuals. That is very important to me.”
Paul Odland
Paul Odland graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Paul joined Oak Grove’s staff in the fall of 2008. Prior to teaching at Oak Grove, he was a substitute teacher and taught all grade levels and subject matter. Paul was raised in Marshall, Minn.
“Oak Grove is wonderful place. I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this great school. It is amazing that we are able to talk about God’s love and teachings every day. We really do have a wonderful staff and awesome kids. I am very happy to be a part of all that goes on in this place!”
Third Grade
Josh Kading
Josh Kading graduated from Valley City State University, on the campus of NDSU, with an Elementary Education major and a Child Development and Family Science minor. Josh has taught at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School since it opened in 2005. He has been coaching at the school since the winter of 2001.
“As a 1998 graduate of Oak Grove, I feel it's a great opportunity for me to be able to have a positive impact on lives much like mine was as a student.”
Laura Strautz
Laura Strautz joined Oak Grove's elementary school staff in the fall of 2010. She graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. with a major in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Math. She also has a kindergarten and a coaching endorsement.
Fourth Grade
Kelly Zimmerman
Kelly Zimmerman graduated from Mayville State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Kelly taught Title 1 math in Moorhead for students in third through fifth grade. She joined the teaching staff at Oak Grove in the fall of 2005. Kelly also coaches junior varsity volleyball at the north campus. She is from Thief River Falls and is married and has two children.
“Oak Grove has been a saving grace for me. Knowing that our students and staff can not only praise God openly, but are encouraged to do so, makes Oak Grove a unique and special place. Every day I am thankful to work alongside such amazing people, and with such caring students.”
Nicole Swanson
Nicole Swanson graduated from Concordia College in 2003. Nicole worked in Camping ministry and taught pre-school and Junior High English in Christian schools before accepting a position in the Oak Grove Middle School. Nicole taught English, Christian Studies and Art for grades six and seven at the north campus and is very excited about her move to the south campus. Nicole is married to Josh and looks forward to her two daughters starting Kindergarten at Oak Grove soon.
“Working in a Christian school has been a perfect fit for me. I can't imagine having to separate my faith from my work and I am blessed that I don't have to. I especially appreciate the support of the parents at Oak Grove. They are always so willing to take an active role in their child's education; I know this is not the case everywhere and the whole school benefits because of it. I love working in a school where the teachers are so invested in the lives of their students. We share their failures and their triumphs as they grow. It is truly a special place.”
Fifth Grade
Amy Hausauer
Amy Hausauer graduated from Valley City State University and North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Child Development/Family Science. Amy began teaching at Oak Grove in the fall of 2008. Prior to this time she student taught in a first grade classroom in Fargo and worked with children in a variety of settings. She grew up in Maple Grove, MN.
“I feel SO blessed to be a part of the Oak Grove community. Working with and serving children has always been one of my passions. What a JOY it is to share the Good New’s of God’s love to those around me. I look forward to all the continued blessings that will come as my time at Oak Grove continues.
Physical Education
Trevor Wickenheiser
Trevor graduated from the University of North Dakota with a combined major in Elementary Education and Elementary Physical Education. He began teaching at Oak Grove in the fall of 2006. Trevor teaches students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
"I really enjoy teaching at Oak Grove. The atmosphere is very unique. It is like one, big family. The smaller class sizes allow for more student attention."
Music Education
Jessica Rogstad
Jessica Rogstad graduated from North Dakota State University in December 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Her primary instruments are clarinet and piano. While at NDSU, she was involved with a number of performing ensembles, including the Gold Star Concert Band, Gold Star Marching Band, Jazz Lab Band, Cantemus, University Chorus, University Symphony Orchestra, and Woodwind Quintet. She previously taught K-6 general music, 5th and 6th grade band, and 4th-6th grade choir at Mapleton Elementary in Mapleton, ND. She also directed the children’s choir at Gethsemane Episcopal Church and teaches private piano and clarinet lessons. She is currently working on a master’s degree in elementary music education at North Dakota State University.
Librarian
Patty Molm
Patty Molm graduated from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a double major of Speech/Theatre and English. She student taught seventh grade English and eighth grade Theater Arts at a local junior high. Patty received her library endorsement through Valley City State University. She joined the Oak Grove staff in the fall of 2007, previously volunteering in the library.
“I was lucky enough to be a part of the Oak Grove elementary library from the beginning, first as a parent volunteer and now as the librarian. I enjoy being able to see all the students for library once a week. I cherish the relationships I have formed with the students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.”
School Counselor
Sue Quamme
Sue Quamme received a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in Home Economics Education with a minor in Child Development in 1987. She has worked in Breckenridge, Minnesota as coordinator of the afterschool daycare program, and a parent educator and home outreach worker in the Early Childhood Family Education Program. Most recently she served as the Family and Consumer Science teacher for the Breckenridge High School for five years. This past year, she has worked as a substitute teacher in the area and as a full-time student in the Masters of Counseling Education program at NDSU.
