Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year!
My name is Jake Dodge and I am the 1st through 5th-grade Principal at Wahpeton Elementary School. Our school consists of over 70 faculty and staff and 430 students.
We are a Schoolwide Title I School which allows us to receive Federal dollars to help support the needs of our students. Over the past three years we have made significant changes to help our students learn. A few of the changes include:
Ipads for all students in grades 1st and 2nd
Laptops for students in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Classroom amplification Systems (Surround Sound) for all regular education classrooms
1.2 million dollar Literacy Grant to make systematic change to our literacy initiative
Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) to help all student become successful
A focus on student learning and grade level standards to drive instruction
Our Peer Ambassador Program that grows future leaders
Low class sizes ranging from 17 - 22 students in a classroom
American Heart Association fundraiser - $9,000 over the past two years
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum
Cargill grant for $25,000 to help fund our MakerSpace Lab
This past year has been difficult for everyone and after reflecting on what we were able to offer our students and families, I am grateful for the hard work our faculty and staff put in to make sure all students received a great education while taking care of individual student needs throughout the year.
Our theme is HOWLing Huskies (Helping Others While Learning). We incorporate this theme into our academics and the social part of our day as well. Come join us! This is a great place to be! If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 701.642.8328.
Respectfully,
Jake Dodge
Wahpeton Elementary Principal
(701) 642-8328
Our Mission
“Inspiring learners to be successful in a changing world.”
Our Vision
Our vision is to achieve success through student-centered learning supported by positive relationships with students, staff, parents, school, and community. We will accomplish this by focusing on:
- 21st Century Skills (4C,s) Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication
- Co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities
- Learning enriched with technology
- Ensuring high performing faculty and staff
We will be an exceptional school district which provides opportunities for all students to achieve high levels of success while being contributing members of our society.
Our Values
The Wahpeton Public School District values:

Our Strategic Focus
The Wahpeton Public Schools will achieve its mission, vision, and values through the fulfillment of its Strategic Plan. The following strategic initiatives, goals and objectives will guide our efforts as we are “Inspiring learners to be successful in a changing world.”
- Academic Engagement
- School Climate and Culture
III. Resource Management and Planning
- Continuous Improvement and Accountability