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Thursday, December 21, 2023
VOCELLAGRAPHIC.COM
News & Updates
Poll: Teacher retention issue Brew Your Business to launch January 10 in ND not improving BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE
PRESS RELEASE | BARBARA PETERSON, CITY OF WILLISTON
NORTH DAKOTA — Eighty-eight percent of North Dakota teachers feel that school districts will have a harder time keeping enough staff next school year, according to a new poll issued this month. The survey is from the statewide union North Dakota United. It says the results show teacher retention is a bigger threat to the profession when compared with its other recent polls on the topic. Monica Klein, a teacher at Fort Lincoln Elementary School in Mandan, said she sees too much burnout among colleagues around the state. She said many teachers, and the parents of their students, are overwhelmed with such concerns as tight household budgets and child-care access, and those stressors are spilling over. “So just lots of those issues that I noticed,” said Klein, “that are affecting inside of my classroom are coming from outside of my classroom.” Klein - also the president of the Mandan Education Association - said while the Legislature did approve new child-care investments this past year, she would like to see more support.
WILLISTON, N.D. — 1 Million Cups (1MC) Williston has held its final meeting. The organization is disbanding at the end of 2023 in favor of a new independent group for entrepreneurs called Brew Your Business (BYB) Williston. Williston has been a 1MC community for the past seven years. The first meeting was held in March of 2017. “We felt that the 1 Million Cups program had run its course and we were ready to move onto a new format that will better service our entrepreneurs,” said Cyrena Weeks of the Small Business Development Center and a BYB organizer. The Williston 1MC was started by Williston Economic Development with support from the SBDC and Williston Area Chamber of Commerce. The same organizations are partnering to bring BYB to Williston. “We are excited to announce that Brew Your Business will offer a different format that will provide more engagement between business owners, lenders, CPA’s, marketing firms, and anyone else who provides resources and services for small businesses,” said Weeks. The meetings will be held the second
She also called for a more robust system for bringing new educators into the pipeline. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction points to state-level efforts, such as new teacher and principal apprenticeship programs as part of the solution. Klein said she feels the state shouldn’t lose sight of giving incoming educators a boost, noting added support might not have them thinking about switching professions. “Not only learning how to teach the curriculum, not only learning how to implement the strategies, not only learning how to be a teacher, but experiencing it,” said Klein, “because I can tell you that in the first five years of my career, I learned so much. And it wasn’t things that I learned in my college education.” According to the poll, 19% of educators younger than age 30, and 24% between ages 30 and 39, say they plan to retire as teachers. Survey authors say that represents a sharp contrast to the outlook young respondents have when first entering the profession.
Wednesday of each month in the Teton Lounge on the Williston State College campus. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 10th. The presenters will be the co-owners of The Range Sports Bar and Simulators in Williston. Jeremy Stahowiak and Eli Black will offer a wide range of information about starting and expanding a business. The co-owners are experienced entrepreneurs and have a wealth of information to share. Participants are invited to begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. for a complimentary cup of coffee. Specialty drinks will also be available for purchase at the WSC bookstore. The program will start at 9 a.m. with a 20-minute interview with the owners of The Range. Following the interview, attendees are encouraged to participate in a 20-minute roundtable discussion and a 20-minute speed networking session. “We believe this new format will further expose the resources and services that are available for entrepreneurs in our community,” said Weeks. For more information visit the Brew Your Business Williston Facebook page.
Greetings from Tim Ritter and The Ritter Brothers Family
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fter 50 years I am retiring, I have had the opportunity to make jewelry, heirlooms and memories with generations of great friends and families, throughout the regional trade area, due only to your generosity, loyalty and friendship, I have only appreciation and respect for each & every one of you. My capable and schooled sons Ethan and Evan will continue to operate Ritter Brothers and the tradition of fine jewelry and gifts, custom designs, expert jewelry repair and outstanding customer service. I will still be available by appointment. My sincere thanks and gratitude for all the years at Ritter Brothers Diamond Cutters. Warmest Regards,
Opening Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
EVEN LATER ON NYE!
