Moorhead Area Public Schools Community Newsletter

Community Newsletter • Winter 2026

Spuds Helping Spuds!

Spudnik Robotics Team Engineers Confidence for a Hopkins 1st Grader

Amarah Ramirez, a 1st grader at Ellen Hopkins Elementary, suffers from limited mobility and can't raise her hand like her classmates can. So special educator Renee Wolf turned to Moorhead High's Spudnik Robotics team to come up with a creative solution to help Amarah.

Jeff Cerise

Class of 1978

When 1978 Spud Alum Jeff Cerise played The Aquarium in Downtown Fargo on Black Friday, it was the first show former front man of The Phones—a new wave band that toured the country in the 1980s—had played in the metro in over 17 years. It was also a performance that connected his rock n' roll roots to his modern-day passion.

Mike Quast

Custodian - Probstfield Elementary

Like many people, Probstfield Elementary custodian Mike Quast enjoys camping and writing when he's not at work. Unlike most people, however, the camping is part of his research into the creature known as Bigfoot and his writing on the same subject has made him a published author and a regional authority on Bigfoot in Minnesota.

MHS Construction Phase 2 Update: the Music Hallway is Now Open!

With the arrival of 2026, the marathon MHS Construction Project—which started in 2021—is finally nearing completion! The return from winter break brought students into the music rooms at the south end of the Fine Arts Wing, along with the reopening of the MHS Fieldhouse. Click below to take a virtual walkthrough of the newly opened areas!

Spud Speech Coach Rebecca Meyer-Larson Selected for MSHSL Hall of Fame Induction

Spud Speech head coach Rebecca Meyer-Larson is already the most-decorated activities coach in the history of Moorhead High School. Despite that, her most recent accolade came as a big surprise to everyone. Read on to find out more about this rare honor and Rebecca's reaction.

MAPS Launches Official LinkedIn Presence

The new year brings a new way to connect with MAPS! We’re excited to announce the launch of the district’s official LinkedIn page—a new hub for celebrating staff accomplishments and sharing opportunities with prospective employees.

Moorhead's Billy Ward among top wrestlers in nation

Forum: With an individual state championship already under his belt, senior Spud wrestler Billy Ward continues to gain national recognition. Most national rankings have him in the top 10 at 215 pounds, with Sports Illustrated ranking him the #1 heavyweight in America.

Special Services for kids with special needs

FM Extra: The 2025-26 school year marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Extra explains why this law was a major turning point for students with disabilities, including how its effects can be seen through MAPS today.

Concordia College hosting annual High School Juried Art Show through Jan. 15

Forum: More than 100 teenage artists from around the Red River Valley have pieces on display at the annual High School Juried Art Show. Two of these artists are Spuds: senior Elloise Beck and junior Claire Gibb are representing MHS in the 2026 installment.

Officers are back at school

FM Extra: As students returned to the Moorhead High School Career Academy, a new face was among the staff: School Resource Officer Beth Jutting. Officer Jutting joins Andy Werk (MHS) and Jessica Horn (Horizon East) as the Moorhead Police Department SRO's in MAPS schools. Officer Jutting will also work with the district's five elementary schools.

MAPS' Holiday Spirit Shines as Students and Staff Give Back

Not only were schools around the district bursting with holiday cheer this winter, they were also brimming with a community-minded giving spirit thanks to MAPS students and staff, who set new records for generosity this holiday season.