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. In the 2008-2009 academic year, the Pre-Kindergarten program will be expanding to offer more sections and moving to the building directly to the east of the current elementary program.
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. Students also have the chance to experience an international flavor with an after school Spanish immersion program.
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.
· An after school Spanish program, providing opportunity for students to develop language skills and explore the Spanish culture.
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 encourages you to find out more about its elementary program by contacting the Admissions Office at 701.373.7114. 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
Principal
Kimberly Forness
Kimberly Forness has been the principal at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School since the fall of 2006. Kim graduated from Concordia College and completed post-graduate work at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Previous to taking the position as principal, Mrs. Forness had been teaching for 18 years. Kim and her husband have three daughters and relish their family time in the quiet moments of rural living on their family acreage.
“Teaching for me has always been an amazing journey alongside the children God has allowed to be part of my experiences. My presence and purpose when teaching and working with children was and continues to be to allow students to realize their own natural curiosity and giftedness that will allow them to be successful in their life and learning. I enjoy the privilege of serving the Oak Grove community where I am able to experience teachers and children nurturing relationships that make an impact in real-life, significant ways.”
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.
“I enjoy the community of Oak Grove and being able to share my faith with my students.”
Shoshana Bronson
Shoshana Bronson graduated from Arizona State University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She taught third grade for two years in Phoenix, AZ. She also led the children's program at her church in Arizona for four years. Shoshana and her husband recently moved back to the Fargo-Moorhead area. This is her first year at Oak Grove.
"I feel so blessed to be a part of the Oak Grove community! The teachers, parents, and students are so welcoming! The friendly, warm atmosphere is a testimony to the presence of God at work in our school!"
Kimmy Milligan
Kimmy Milligan graduated from NDSU and VCSU double majoring in Child Development and Elementary Education. She is also certified to teach Title 1 reading and math. Kimmy has worked in a Reading Recovery room implementing intervention programs one-on-one to fit the individual needs of students. She began working at Oak Grove in the fall of 2007 and is herself an Oak Grove graduate. She and her husband live in Fargo and are expecting their first child.
“Oak Grove has an amazing atmosphere! The parents are truly involved in their child’s education and the staff is so supportive. I feel so blessed to be in an environment that is warm and respectful!”
First Grade
Haley Klefstad
Haley Klefstad graduated from Valley City State University with a degree in Elementary Education with minors in Early Childhood Education and Reading. She taught adaptive PE in Warren, MN and Kindergarten at Four Winds in Fort Totten, ND. Haley began teaching at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School in the fall of 2005. Haley and her husband have two boys.
“What I love most about Oak Grove is being in an environment where I am able to know and nurture my students completely; my connection to them goes beyond facilitating growth academically and socially. Because we are able to share our faith with one another, we are able to help each other grow in our relationship with Christ.”
Travis Liebing
Travis Liebing graduated from Valley City State University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. Prior to coming to Oak Grove, he taught third and fourth grade classes in Carson, ND. He began teaching first grade at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School in the fall of 2007. Travis currently lives in Fargo.
“Teaching at Oak Grove has been a great experience for me. As a Christian school we don’t just talk about God during Christian studies, we do anytime. I enjoy singing praise songs and the prayer times. Oak Grove parents are very involved in their students’ education; they are very considerate about all the work involved in good education, and help out whenever they can.”
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.”
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.”
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 a daughter.
“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. Everyday I am thankful to work along side such amazing people, and with such caring students.”
Fifth Grade
Eve Skajewski
Eve Skajewski graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from MSUM. She has taught all ages in the Fargo-Moorhead area and has been teaching fifth grade at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School since 2006. Eve is originally from the Twin Cities where she worked in communications and the travel industry. She and her husband have two children who currently attend Oak Grove’s north campus.
“I love the family atmosphere at Oak Grove. The students are respectful to one another and to the teachers. One can truly feel the presence of God at work.”
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
Kathy Lindquist
Kathy Lindquist graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Concordia College. She taught elementary music in Springfield, MN. For eight years, she taught Oak Grove Lutheran School middle school band, choir and voice lessons. In 2006, she joined the elementary school as its music teacher. Kathy is involved with the American Choral Direcotrs Association and Chorister’s Guild. She is the children’s choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, the Lake Agassiz Girls Choir Melodia Director, and teaches private voice and piano lessons. She and her husband have three grown children.
“I love working at Oak Grove Lutheran School because I am passionate about music, children and my faith. All three of these go hand-in-hand as I work to serve God to my best ability. I also really enjoy the teaching environment here and the caliber of other teachers and administration. The parents are also great as they support their children in their faith and educational journey.”
Librarian
Patty Molm
Patty Molm graduated from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a double major of Speech/Theatre and English. I 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.”
