Central ND News

Mandan Public School District has announced that Mrs. Nicole Bernier, a music teacher at Fort Lincoln Elementary School, has been named Music Educator of the Year by the North Dakota Music Educators Association (NDMEA). The announcement was shared in a Facebook post on February 18.

According to the Mandan Public School District, Bernier was awarded the honor for her excellence in student performance, musical achievement, and commitment to music education and the arts. She employs the Kodály method and Orff-Schulwerk process in her teaching, which emphasizes singing, movement, instruments, composition, and creativity. Additionally, Bernier teaches Elementary Music Methods at the University of Mary and directs the Orff/Kodály Summer Institute.

The NDMEA was founded in 1947 as a state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and is part of NAfME's North Central Division. Its mission is to promote and support quality music education across North Dakota. According to its website, NDMEA provides resources, advocacy, and tools to help music educators succeed both in classrooms and communities. Key initiatives include annual professional development conferences held at the Bismarck Events Center and publishing the North Dakota Music Educators Journal.

Mandan Public School District's post | Facebook

Fort Lincoln Elementary School is located at 2007 8th Ave SE. It aims to deliver rigorous academics along with career-focused learning and social-emotional development to prepare students for a changing world. The school's vision emphasizes graduating students who are "Choice-ready" for college, careers, and life.

Mandan Public Schools' mission is to provide students with rigorous and personalized learning experiences while helping them develop social and emotional skills necessary for success. The Mandan School Board consists of nine members serving as the policy-making body for the district with authority only during formally called meetings. According to the district, the Board sets policies, approves budgets, establishes goals, manages property, and links the district with the public.