VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCPS) – Valley City Public Schools was honored to welcome North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden, her student cabinet, and other state officials to Jefferson Elementary School on Monday, October 6th for a visit to the district’s pre-kindergarten program.
The visit highlighted the successful use of state funding through the Best-in-Class Grant, which has supported the launch of a high-quality early childhood program for the district’s youngest learners. The event provided an opportunity to showcase how state resources are being used to strengthen early education in Valley City.
“This opportunity was the result of vision, collaboration, and the hard work of many dedicated individuals throughout our district,” Mr. Josh Johnson shared. Jefferson Elementary teachers played a key role in identifying the need and encouraging the pursuit of the grant. The district’s two pre-kindergarten teachers Mrs. Rebecca Berntson and Mrs. Kayleen Marthaler devoted countless hours to planning, preparing, and implementing the new program. Their efforts were supported by teaching assistants, elective teachers, food service staff, and many others who have contributed to the program’s ongoing success.
A special thank you was extended to Mrs. Becky Goven, whose leadership was instrumental throughout the grant process and implementation of the program.
Valley City Public Schools appreciated the opportunity to host state leaders and proudly highlighted the incredible work happening at Jefferson Elementary.
