Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak paid a visit to Horizon Middle School West to award the October 2024 Spud Spirit Award to Spanish Immersion teacher Jocelyn Estrem. Señora Estrem is in her seventh year with the district.
Dr. Lunak surprised Jocelyn with the award in front of one of her 6th grade classes, telling her that the parent who nominated her said she “goes above and beyond as a teacher. She cares deeply about her students and wants her students to succeed and feel good about their accomplishments.” He added that the nominator said Sra. Estrem deserves to be recognized for being a safe, welcoming and encouraging teacher.
“I was touched by the story your nominator shared about how you met with their student over the last two summers to help grow their reading skills, which had been affected by the pandemic,” Dr. Lunak went on to say. “They said you were encouraging and supportive during this time, which helped build this student’s confidence in reading because they trusted and felt supported by you.”
Jocelyn’s dedication to her students and their growth is a fine 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.