Minot AFB School Liaison Office

09/14/2026

The Educators Edge is now public-facing and available for subscription: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/newsletters

Additional literacy resources: https://northernsentry.com/2026/08/27/local-resources-to-support-student-literacy-2/

09/14/2026

Today from 8:00am-9:00am, Airmen from Minot AFB kicked off Start with Hello Week at Edison Elementary School, giving high fives, fist bumps, and cheers to students! They also recited the Pledge of Allegiance, colored pictures, and sang their school song with them!

Edison Elementary School does this annually to foster a sense of community in their school and remind their students that they belong in their school family, as well as their larger Minot family.

Background: Edison Elementary School began celebrating their "Start with Hello Week" in 2021. This was part of Sandy Hook's promise to stop isolation and build empathy/inclusion within a school setting. To celebrate that inclusion, their school team decided to bring in community supports so that their students could feel that sense of belonging on a broader scale.

Thank you MSgt Elizabeth Thompson, Carrie Driver, and Ted Bolton for assisting with the coordination. Thank You, especially, Ms. Lang for inviting us! I hope the rest of the week is as exciting and memorable as today!

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

MFLC stands for Military and Family Life Counseling, a program that provides free, short-term, non-medical counseling to service members, their spouses, and immediate family members.

CYB-MFLCs support families. They provide support on a variety of topics affecting young people, including anger and aggression, bullying, conflict resolution, divorce, feelings, self-esteem, separation, sibling and parental relationships, time management and more. They are located at Military and Family Support Centers, child development centers, DoWEA schools (including all three schools on Minot AFB), youth centers, and military treatment facility pediatric clinics.

**Children under 18 must have written parental consent to receive CYB-MFLC support. If you would like a parental consent form, please contact [email protected]

08/19/2026

Thank you, Col Zeigler, for sharing your appreciation for the MPS staff and ushering in a spectacular 26/27 SY at today's Welcome Ceremony held at Minot North High School's Football Stadium!

Additional speakers: Minot City Manager, Tom Joyce; MEA President and 5th grade teacher at Washington, Mrs. Peg Morris; MNHS Senior, Harrison Shafer; 25/26 Teacher of the Year, Melissa Weaver; 26/27 Teacher of the Year, Ali Monley; MPS School Board President, Mr. Scott Louser, and MPS Supt, Dr. Scott Faul.

A young student named Ethan kicked off the event by leading the 900 staff and community guests in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Some noteworthy remarks:

"Our relationship with the [Minot] Air Force Base is strong. We communicate and collaborate regularly." -Tom Joyce

"I've known a lot of educators, lunch ladies, and dudes [audience laughs] their entire lives. If you're walking down the hall and say something good to a kid - they're going to remember that. I have an 8th grade teacher who sends me a message every Veteran's Day." -Col Zeigler, 5th MSG Commander

"Leadership isn't about being the loudest in the room. It's what you do every day." -Harrison Shafer

"Student connection is important; being the heartbeat. Look students in the eye and ensure they're seen." -Melissa Weaver

"Our places are set. [Beautiful speech equating teaching to a theatre production]. We have many moments to make an impact." - Allie Monley

"We're tied for 2nd in the nation for NAEP scores. We need to promote the good in Minot Public." -Mr. Scott Louser

"I hope you had time to slow down over the summer. Now, start fresh. Give your students, [fellow] staff, and yourself a clean slate. The past is there for us to learn from, but we don't have to carry it along with us. We can't control a lot of things, but we can control our attitude, how we prepare, and how we treat people." -Dr. Scott Faul

[I apologize for any misspelled names; the above quotes are paraphrased and sandwiched in larger contexts that aid in complete understanding of message - these are the lines that most resonated with me.]

Here's to a great SY, Minot Public Schools!

08/18/2026

Did you miss the MPS High School Busing Info Night? Here's some of the information!

Minot AFB is extremely lucky to have this service provided by Minot Public Schools, as there's no in-town busing for High School students. Mr. Barry Brooks, MPS Transportation Director, reviewed the routes, safety, and the importance of patience.

The Activities Bus will continue to run and pickup students M-F at 6:15pm from Minot North High School. In the winter, boys wrestling is at Minot High School - so the Activities Bus will also stop there, as well as Jim Hill. Parents can always contact Mr. Brooks to confirm, as it's a seasonal bus based on sports.

Students should always carry their Dependent ID while riding the bus.

Parents must contact the MPS Transportation Department at 701-857-4451 to arrange High School bus transportation. The attached "Bus Rules" form must also be filled out and returned to Mr. Brooks.

Please note, the MPS Transportation Handbook posted on their website was last updated August 2024. It will be updated soon.

08/17/2026

Striker Bash Kids Zone was a hit among families, leaders, and Darcy at Minot AFB!

08/17/2026

As we head into a new school year, I want to thank our command teams and spouses from the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing for helping us start the year off strong, providing 300 backpacks and school supplies to military-connected families at our annual Back-to-School Brigade. (Front L-R) Alicia and Col John Burrell, Col George and Erin Chapman, (Back L-R) CMSgt Anthony Foerster, Amanda and Col Mike Taylor, Col Matt and Bernadette Crosman.

To all base and community school staff, students, and families - enjoy your open houses this week! Ask questions, stay connected, and please feel free to reach out if you need anything at 701-240-2380 or [email protected].

08/12/2026

I look forward to seeing all military-connected students and families at the Striker Bash's Kids Zone held this Friday, August 14th from 1630-2030!

Yes, I'm the POC for this area again and have made it educational!

Door hanger crafts are available for customization (example: "Do Not Disturb, [Sam] is Studying!"), motivational bracelets are available for inspiration (example: "Always Keep Trying") and patriotic stickers are available for notebooks, water bottles, and any school item' decoration! Let's continue to set our students up for success!

There will also be lots of candy, games, two bounce houses, and a foam daddy!

While there, feel free to ask me about the Military Interstate Compact! Yes, I'll have literature!

See you Friday!

08/12/2026

Thank you, AAFES, for providing these bike and helmet safety tips!

Please note: There is no on-base busing outside of our contracted Yellowfin Busing scheduled to run from November 2, 2026-April 2, 2027. Please bike safely now, when school starts, and beyond!