Melrose Area Schools is thrilled to announce: our Speech Team is Section Champs!! This team will be sending 18 members to State! On Saturday, this team brought their A-game to the Section Tournament in Minnewaska, with SEVEN Individual Section Champions, and numerous notable placements! Sections is always an emotional rollercoaster for our team, especially when some of our most polished speakers narrowly miss qualifying for the State Meet.
However, the incredible collective support our team showed made Saturday a memorable experience! Our team is committed and excited to continue their success at the State Meet at Park Center High School on Saturday, April 25th! 🏆💪🎉
Thank you to our families, and community for their continued support! More information for fans and families will be provided over the next few days!
✨Placements✨
Creative:
Ella Erdmann - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Ava Wensmann - 2nd (STATE)
Summer Schaefer - 5th
Discussion:
Aidan Kluempke - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Jesus Hernandez Vega - 5th
Drama:
Lola Dusha - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Alex Moscho - 4th
Itzel Chisco - 7th
Duo:
Aliva Nietfeld & Cora Meyer - 8th
Ex. Reading:
Emily Sand - 1st! 🥇(STATE)
Esther Kapsner - 2nd (STATE)
Rebecca Welle - 3rd (STATE)
Ex. Speaking:
Hailey Hammond - 2nd (STATE)
Ramona Lurken Tvrdik - 3rd (STATE)
Colton Thull - 5th
Great Speeches:
Teague Dusha - 1st! 🥇(STATE)
Aria Hammond - 2nd (STATE)
Humorous:
Isaiah Gilk - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Jada Rausch - 2nd (STATE)
Informative:
Brinley Ritter - 2nd (STATE)
Original Oratory:
Stacy Timp - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Brooke Ruoff - 3rd (STATE)
Egan Schmoll - 8th
Poetry:
Emily Ettel - 5th
Prose:
Annabelle Lester - 3rd (STATE)
Storytelling:
Zoe Hoeschen - 3rd (STATE)
#DutchmenPride
However, the incredible collective support our team showed made Saturday a memorable experience! Our team is committed and excited to continue their success at the State Meet at Park Center High School on Saturday, April 25th! 🏆💪🎉
Thank you to our families, and community for their continued support! More information for fans and families will be provided over the next few days!
✨Placements✨
Creative:
Ella Erdmann - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Ava Wensmann - 2nd (STATE)
Summer Schaefer - 5th
Discussion:
Aidan Kluempke - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Jesus Hernandez Vega - 5th
Drama:
Lola Dusha - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Alex Moscho - 4th
Itzel Chisco - 7th
Duo:
Aliva Nietfeld & Cora Meyer - 8th
Ex. Reading:
Emily Sand - 1st! 🥇(STATE)
Esther Kapsner - 2nd (STATE)
Rebecca Welle - 3rd (STATE)
Ex. Speaking:
Hailey Hammond - 2nd (STATE)
Ramona Lurken Tvrdik - 3rd (STATE)
Colton Thull - 5th
Great Speeches:
Teague Dusha - 1st! 🥇(STATE)
Aria Hammond - 2nd (STATE)
Humorous:
Isaiah Gilk - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Jada Rausch - 2nd (STATE)
Informative:
Brinley Ritter - 2nd (STATE)
Original Oratory:
Stacy Timp - 1st! 🥇 (STATE)
Brooke Ruoff - 3rd (STATE)
Egan Schmoll - 8th
Poetry:
Emily Ettel - 5th
Prose:
Annabelle Lester - 3rd (STATE)
Storytelling:
Zoe Hoeschen - 3rd (STATE)
#DutchmenPride
It's Clifford Night for "Stop and Play" ECFE TONIGHT!
* 4:40-6:00 pm*
* $5 per Family*
*Enter Door 4*
* Register ASAP so we know how many friends to plan for*
https://isd740.arux.app/course/ecfe/696/school-year-2025-26%E2%80%941/early-childhood-family-education-stop-and-play-ecfe-stop-and-play-para-familias
* 4:40-6:00 pm*
* $5 per Family*
*Enter Door 4*
* Register ASAP so we know how many friends to plan for*
https://isd740.arux.app/course/ecfe/696/school-year-2025-26%E2%80%941/early-childhood-family-education-stop-and-play-ecfe-stop-and-play-para-familias
Congratulations to our Knowledge Bowl Team who competed in the 2026 National Knowledge Bowl On-Line Competition, taking second place in medium sized schools!
There were five teams from Minnesota competing in this online competition - three in medium schools, and two in large schools. Melrose Area scored higher than any other Minnesota entry, and placed 2nd in the category of medium sized schools. The competition consisted of 200 multiple choice questions. Teams had 30 seconds from the time the question began appearing on the screen to answer the question. Points were earned by accuracy of the team's response and more points earned for faster responses.
The last time Melrose Area competed in the National Knowledge Bowl On-Line Competition was 2023.
Our Dutchmen 2026 On-Line Knowledge Bowl Team and Medium Sized Schools Second Place Team:
Back Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zach Nelson
Front Row: Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik, Nina Prout, Logan Kelzer
#DutchmenPride
There were five teams from Minnesota competing in this online competition - three in medium schools, and two in large schools. Melrose Area scored higher than any other Minnesota entry, and placed 2nd in the category of medium sized schools. The competition consisted of 200 multiple choice questions. Teams had 30 seconds from the time the question began appearing on the screen to answer the question. Points were earned by accuracy of the team's response and more points earned for faster responses.
The last time Melrose Area competed in the National Knowledge Bowl On-Line Competition was 2023.
Our Dutchmen 2026 On-Line Knowledge Bowl Team and Medium Sized Schools Second Place Team:
Back Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zach Nelson
Front Row: Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik, Nina Prout, Logan Kelzer
#DutchmenPride
The Melrose Elementary PTA would like to thank everyone who has supported FUN RUN 2026! Especially these amazing community donors. Their donations make the FUN RUN possible by helping us cover the costs of t-shirts, the DJ, and student incentives including the Ninja Course!
Online donations can be made throughout this week at: https://app.givebacks.gives/melrosepta26
#DutchmenPride
Online donations can be made throughout this week at: https://app.givebacks.gives/melrosepta26
#DutchmenPride
Melrose Area Students & Staff are sending our FFA Team good vibes as they compete at State today & tomorrow! We are so excited! Have the Best Day!!
Front Row: Zoey Herkenhoff, Izzy Vogel, Kelli Pundsack
Back Row: Advisor Megan Seifert, Brooke Goihl, Elaine Herkenhoff, Elyse Hellermann, Ava Smith, Gretta Hellermann
#DutchmenPride
Front Row: Zoey Herkenhoff, Izzy Vogel, Kelli Pundsack
Back Row: Advisor Megan Seifert, Brooke Goihl, Elaine Herkenhoff, Elyse Hellermann, Ava Smith, Gretta Hellermann
#DutchmenPride
Good Luck to our FFA Team as they head to the State Meet!! We're rooting for you!
#DutchmenPride
#DutchmenPride
Good Luck to our Dutchmen Speech Team as they compete at their Sections Meet in Minnewaska today!! We're rooting for you!
#DutchmenPride
#DutchmenPride
Get ready to jump, roll, and play! 🎉
Join us for Early Childhood Open Gym on Saturday, April 18 from 9:00–11:00 AM—a morning packed with fun just for our littles (preschoolers up to age 7)!
We’ll have balls to bounce, scooters to zoom, hula hoops to spin, and a parachute for BIG colorful fun—plus a tasty snack to keep the energy going!
No fee, no registration—just come ready to play and burn off some wiggles!
Bring a friend and we’ll see you at the gym! 💛
Melrose Area Staff did packing last night for Food for Thought. Little Miss Melrose girls helped as well! Thanks to all who helped!
#DutchmenPride
#DutchmenPride
Would you like to be the next Miss Melrose? Join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:45am in the HS Media Center to learn more!!
#DutchmenPride
#DutchmenPride
Melrose Area Speech Team competed at Cathedral High School for the Subsection 5A East competition on Monday, and the results were incredible!
These students defended their team championship, and advanced all their speakers to the Section tournament!
The dedication and talent of our speakers shines brightly, and we're proud to witness their continued success.
With ten Individual Champions and many other outstanding placements, our team is hitting Sections with full force! Get ready, because we're bringing our A-game on Saturday! 😉🏆
✨Placements✨
Creative: Ella Erdmann - 1st! 🥇
Ava Wensmann - 3rd, Summer Schaefer - 5th
Discussion: Aidan Kluempke - 1st! 🥇
Jesus Hernandez Vega - 3rd, Abigail Koltes - 5th
Drama: Lola Dusha - 2nd
Alex Moscho - 4th, Itzel Chisco - 6th
Duo: Cora Meyer & Aliva Nietfeld - 3rd
Ex. Reading: Esther Kapsner - 1st! 🥇
Emily Sand - 2nd, Rebecca Welle - 3rd, Eleanor Piche - 5th
Ex. Speaking: Ramona Lurken Tvrdik - 1st! 🥇
Hailey Hammond - 2nd, Colton Thull - 3rd
Great Speeches: Teague Dusha - 1st! 🥇
Aria Hammond - 2nd
Humorous: Jada Rausch - 2nd, Isaiah Gilk - 4th
Informative: Brinley Ritter - 1st! 🥇
Abby Herkenhoff - 2nd
Original Oratory: Brooke Ruoff - 1st! 🥇
Stacy Timp - 2nd, Egan Schmoll - 3rd, Hadassa Lopez - 4th
Poetry: Emily Ettel - 1st! 🥇
Angie Zamora Martinez - 5th
Prose: Annabelle Lester - 1st! 🥇
Harper Ekstrom - 2nd, Nell Wiechmann - 4th
Storytelling: Zoe Hoeschen - 1st! 🥇
#DutchmenPride
These students defended their team championship, and advanced all their speakers to the Section tournament!
The dedication and talent of our speakers shines brightly, and we're proud to witness their continued success.
With ten Individual Champions and many other outstanding placements, our team is hitting Sections with full force! Get ready, because we're bringing our A-game on Saturday! 😉🏆
✨Placements✨
Creative: Ella Erdmann - 1st! 🥇
Ava Wensmann - 3rd, Summer Schaefer - 5th
Discussion: Aidan Kluempke - 1st! 🥇
Jesus Hernandez Vega - 3rd, Abigail Koltes - 5th
Drama: Lola Dusha - 2nd
Alex Moscho - 4th, Itzel Chisco - 6th
Duo: Cora Meyer & Aliva Nietfeld - 3rd
Ex. Reading: Esther Kapsner - 1st! 🥇
Emily Sand - 2nd, Rebecca Welle - 3rd, Eleanor Piche - 5th
Ex. Speaking: Ramona Lurken Tvrdik - 1st! 🥇
Hailey Hammond - 2nd, Colton Thull - 3rd
Great Speeches: Teague Dusha - 1st! 🥇
Aria Hammond - 2nd
Humorous: Jada Rausch - 2nd, Isaiah Gilk - 4th
Informative: Brinley Ritter - 1st! 🥇
Abby Herkenhoff - 2nd
Original Oratory: Brooke Ruoff - 1st! 🥇
Stacy Timp - 2nd, Egan Schmoll - 3rd, Hadassa Lopez - 4th
Poetry: Emily Ettel - 1st! 🥇
Angie Zamora Martinez - 5th
Prose: Annabelle Lester - 1st! 🥇
Harper Ekstrom - 2nd, Nell Wiechmann - 4th
Storytelling: Zoe Hoeschen - 1st! 🥇
#DutchmenPride
Reminder: There will be a State Tornado Drill today at 1:45pm.
Do you know the difference between a Tornado Watch, Tornado Warning, and Tornado Emergency?
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared - Tornadoes are possible in and near the area.
Tornado Warning: Take Action - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado has touched down in the watch area.
**Do not attempt to outrun an approaching tornado in a vehicle. Please shelter in place.
Do you know the difference between a Tornado Watch, Tornado Warning, and Tornado Emergency?
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared - Tornadoes are possible in and near the area.
Tornado Warning: Take Action - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado has touched down in the watch area.
**Do not attempt to outrun an approaching tornado in a vehicle. Please shelter in place.
We are pleased to share a few more wonderful pictures from our Pep Fest yesterday!
From the tunnel to the FFA going to State & our Knowledge Bowl Team State Champs, we are so thankful for these students!
FFA Front Row: Zoey Herkenhoff, Izzy Vogel, Kelli Pundsack
FFA Back Row: Advisor Megan Seifert, Brooke Goihl, Elaine Herkenhoff, Elyse Hellermann, Ava Smith, Gretta Hellermann
KB Front Row: Logan Kelzer, Nina Prout, Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik
KB Back Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zachary Nelson
Congratulations to All!
#DutchmenPride
From the tunnel to the FFA going to State & our Knowledge Bowl Team State Champs, we are so thankful for these students!
FFA Front Row: Zoey Herkenhoff, Izzy Vogel, Kelli Pundsack
FFA Back Row: Advisor Megan Seifert, Brooke Goihl, Elaine Herkenhoff, Elyse Hellermann, Ava Smith, Gretta Hellermann
KB Front Row: Logan Kelzer, Nina Prout, Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik
KB Back Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zachary Nelson
Congratulations to All!
#DutchmenPride
Melrose Area Schools celebrated our Knowledge Bowl Team State Championship with a Pep Fest yesterday! We also gave our Speech Team a shout-out after they won their Sub-Section Tournament on Monday night! Additionally, we gave our FFA Team a hearty send-off as they are set to compete at the State Meet next Monday & Tuesday!
Wow! We have a lot to celebrate in Melrose Area Schools!
Thanks to the Pep Band for adding their music to our celebration!
Thanks to the students in grades 4-12, who attended!
Thanks to the young Knowledge Bowl students who formed a tunnel for our Champions to enter through!
#DutchmenPride
Wow! We have a lot to celebrate in Melrose Area Schools!
Thanks to the Pep Band for adding their music to our celebration!
Thanks to the students in grades 4-12, who attended!
Thanks to the young Knowledge Bowl students who formed a tunnel for our Champions to enter through!
#DutchmenPride
🌟 Dutchmen Spotlight 🌟
Each week we’re highlighting staff members nominated by students and community members. 💜💛
Help us celebrate the amazing people who make Melrose Area Schools shine! 👏
#DutchmenPride
Each week we’re highlighting staff members nominated by students and community members. 💜💛
Help us celebrate the amazing people who make Melrose Area Schools shine! 👏
#DutchmenPride
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in MN. This week is designed to refresh, remind, and educate everyone about seasonal threats from severe weather. There will be a State Tornado Drill on Thursday at 1:45pm.
Learn more at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/severe-weather-awareness-week
Learn more at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/severe-weather-awareness-week
Join Superintendent Dingmann at the Greenwald Pub TONIGHT for informal conversation!
Tuesday, April 14 • 6:00-8:00 pm
#DutchmenPride
Are you the next Miss Melrose? Join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:45am in the HS Media Center to learn more!!
#DutchmenPride
#DutchmenPride
🌟 Dutchmen Spotlight 🌟
Each week we’re highlighting staff members nominated by students and community members. 💜💛
Help us celebrate the amazing people who make Melrose Area Schools shine! 👏
#DutchmenPride
Each week we’re highlighting staff members nominated by students and community members. 💜💛
Help us celebrate the amazing people who make Melrose Area Schools shine! 👏
#DutchmenPride
Our local EMS Departments were on-hand to welcome our Knowledge Bowl Team back to school after they won at the State Meet on Friday afternoon! We are pleased to honor the students:
Back Row: Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik, Nina Prout, Logan Kelzer
Front Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zach Nelson (alternate)
As well as Head Coach Bill Leraas and Assistant Coach Dave Hoyt!
Congratulations to this knowledgeable team!!
#DutchmenPride
Back Row: Ramona Lurken-Tvrdik, Nina Prout, Logan Kelzer
Front Row: Andrue Stalboerger, Eric Sundermann, Zach Nelson (alternate)
As well as Head Coach Bill Leraas and Assistant Coach Dave Hoyt!
Congratulations to this knowledgeable team!!
#DutchmenPride
