Community Newsletter • Fall/Winter 2025

Thank You, MAPS Voters!

Voters across the Moorhead Area Public Schools district showed their continued commitment to students and staff by approving both the Operating Levy and the Capital Projects Levy in this month’s special election.

"Once a Spud, Always a Spud" celebrates Moorhead alumni who are making a difference—here in our community, across Minnesota, and around the world. These stories showcase the pride, passion, and purpose that connect every Spud, no matter where life leads. Do you know a Moorhead High alum who deserves to be spotlighted? Send an email to spudnews@moorheadschools.org telling us a little about them and how we can get in contact with them!

Zach Gruver - Class of 2013

Minnesota State Trooper Zach Gruver, MHS Class of '13, has earned recognition far and wide—and also right here in Moorhead—for his actions in the line of duty. Trooper Gruver played a critical role in helping an area teen survive a high-speed runaway vehicle incident in 2024.

John deCausmeaker - Class of 1993

When the lights dim and the crowd hushes before Minnesota Wild home games, it’s a Spud who takes center stage. Learn how 1993 MHS alum John deCausmeaker turned his hometown start into a nine-season run as the team’s beloved anthem singer.

"Staff Spotlight" shines a light on the dedicated team members who make Moorhead Area Public Schools exceptional. From familiar faces to new additions, these stories celebrate the passion, creativity, and commitment that inspire our students and strengthen our Spud community. If there's a MAPS employee that you think should be in the Staff Spotlight, please send an email to spudnews@moorheadschools.org and let us know why!

Kate Stafford

Art Teacher - Dorothy Dodds Elementary

When the doors opened after Labor Day at Dorothy Dodds Elementary school, it marked the beginning of Kate Stafford's second year as an art teacher. Her family's legacy at MAPS, however, stretches back four generations and nearly 100 years.

Renee Grover

Computer Tech - S.G. Reinertsen Elementary

Year after year, season after season since 2010, the photographic history of Spud activities has been seen through the lens of Renee Grover's camera. What inspired this computer technician to take on sports photography? What are her favorite memories?

Horizon West REACH Classroom Earns Awesome Foundation Grant

Horizon West's REACH (Relationships, Education, Accountability, Character and Hard work) classroom is powered by Vian Mustafa's spirit, hard work and—in many cases—money. But the local chapter of the Awesome Foundation came through for Vian with a grant to help her support West students facing adversity.

State Leaders Visit Moorhead for Innovative Literacy Lab Pilot

In October, dozens of state educational leaders—including Willie Jett, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education—visited multiple elementary schools across the district to observe the Literacy Lab project. This new project pairs college education majors with K–3 students to improve early reading outcomes.

MAPS Staff Local & Regional Honors

Lauren Knutson

Assistant Principal - Robert Asp Elementary

The United Way of Cass Clay has announced their 35 Under 35 Class of 2026 and Robert Asp's Lauren Knutson is among the honorees. The program's goal is to inspire local women from all backgrounds to make a difference, help them realize their leadership skills and energize their collective power as women in our community.

Joelle Hofer

Director of Early Learning - Early Learning Center

During the 2025 Minnesota Community Education Association conference, MAPS' Joelle Hofer earned the Region 7 Community Educator of Excellence award. The MCEA presents the Regional Community Educators of Excellence awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by practitioners and supporters of community education from across Minnesota.

Great Apple Crunch Delivers Delicious Lessons to Elementary-Aged Spuds

The apples served to elementary school Spuds district-wide on October 9 were more than just a snack: they were a chance to learn about local agriculture and knowing where their food comes from. Part of a statewide celebration, Food Service workers at all five MAPS elementary schools worked to pull off this fun and healthy event for their students.

MHS Physical Education Students Connect through Fitness at Eventide

In October, 9th and 10th graders from Moorhead High School took their Physical Education class off-campus to visit Eventide's Linden Assisted Living Facility. There, they helped residents with chair exercises and even met a Moorhead High baseball legend.

A victorious Spuds football team makes postgame pizzas after order fail

WDAY: In a story starting to go viral, the Spuds pulled an upset over top-seeded Centennial in the state quarterfinals, but their dinner for the ride back from the Twin Cities was nowhere to be found. That's when the team sprung into action—in the kitchen!

Moorhead Votes 'Yes' for School Funds

FM Extra: On November 4, MAPS voters approved both questions on the Special Election ballot, for an Operating Levy and a Special Projects Levy. The Extra explains what the wins mean going forward for the district—with comments from Superintendent Lunak.

Years after an on-court cardiac arrest, Perham basketball player brings new sport to Moorhead students

WDAY: Robert Asp paraprofessional Zach Gabbard made headlines 14 years ago for surviving a scary on-court medical emergency while playing basketball. Now he's helping introduce Asp's Spuds to a new sport.

Speech teams in Moorhead and West Fargo get national honors

KFGO: The Moorhead High School Spud Speech team picked up another honor for its historic 2024-25 campaign, earning a Leading Chapter Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. Spud Speech earned its ninth straight state title earlier this year and Allie Skauge won an individual national title.