Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak paid a visit to Robert Asp Elementary School to award the September 2024 Spud Spirit Award to third grade teacher Amanda Johnson. Mrs. Johnson is in her eighth year with the district.
Dr. Lunak surprised Amanda with the award in front of her class, telling her that the person who nominated her said, “She pours your whole heart into her profession and every kid who walks into her classroom feels it!” He added that the nominator also called her a great leader on her team who is always looking for ways to reach students who have a variety of needs.
“I really enjoyed the story about how every October you travel back to your family farm in South Dakota and pick enough pumpkins to bring one back for each of your students,” Lunak said to Johnson. “I can’t wait to see what your class does with them next month!”
Amanda’s dedication to her students and leadership among her peers is a prime example of MAPS’ mission to develop the maximum potential of every student to thrive in a changing world.
The Spud Spirit Award is a recognition program that honors MAPS staff who live by the district mission to develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world and showcase our Spud Spirit statements:
Students, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
Passionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
Unique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
Diversity enriches our school and community
Stewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members.