What really happens during the school day at West Rapids Elementary?

In this episode, Principal Sean Martinson walks families through the systems behind instruction — from Wit & Wisdom and UFLI literacy work to FastBridge data, small groups, intervention, and inclusive support services. Learn how teachers actively respond to student data, why small groups are normalized, and how partnership between home and school makes a difference.

Together at West, We Shine.

In this February episode, Principal Sean Martinson shares how partnerships and collaboration support academic learning at West Rapids Elementary. Learn how families play a vital role in student success, hear about Open Library Saturdays at West Rapids, and discover a local independent bookstore that families can visit to make reading a shared experience at home.

What happens after Winter Screening reports go home?

In this episode, Principal Sean Martinson explains what teachers do once assessments are complete—how grade-level teams analyze data, adjust instruction, and respond to student needs throughout the winter and spring.

Families will learn:

• What winter screening data does (and does not) tell us

• How teachers use data to guide daily instruction

• Why small groups, targeted support, and hands-on learning increase after screenings

• How classroom newsletters, UFLI homework, and progress monitoring updates connect directly to this work

• Simple ways families can support learning at home

This episode is designed to answer the common parent question: “Now what?”

In today’s episode, Mr. Martinson talks with families about how simple games at home can intentionally support math growth. Using dice, dominoes, and a basic deck of cards, children build number sense, mental math, and problem-solving skills—often without realizing they are “doing math” at all. Mr. Martinson explains why game-based learning is used in elementary classrooms, how these activities strengthen thinking and social skills, and why families do not need worksheets or expensive educational games to support learning at home. This episode offers practical ideas families can use right away while keeping math fun, meaningful, and low-pressure.

Welcome back, West Rapids families!

In this first episode of the new year, we share our January instructional focus on evidence-based practices and student-centered learning. We also explain the Winter FastBridge family reports being sent home on Tuesday, January 6, and how they are used to guide instruction and support each child’s growth.

This episode includes a simple story to help families think about learning as a process, not a race, and offers ways families can partner with the school to support student success.

Together at West, we shine.

As we head into a two-week break from school, Principal Sean Martinson shares a few reminders and simple ideas to support children during this extended time off. This episode focuses on rest, reading, routines, movement, and helping students transition smoothly back to school—without turning break time into schoolwork.

In this short episode, Principal Sean Martinson explains why West Rapids Elementary participates in winter screening and how these mid-year check-ins help us understand student growth in reading, math, and social-emotional learning. Sean also shares what families can expect during the upcoming screening window and when FastBridge family reports will be sent home.

A full email with grade-level details was sent to families.
If you have any questions about your child’s progress, please reach out at any time.

Together at West, We Shine.

In this episode of, Mr. Martinson shares why productive struggle is an important part of childhood. From forgotten snow gear to everyday disagreements, these small moments help kids build responsibility, resilience, and emotional regulation.

Mr. Martinson also talks about the northern Minnesota version of the “helicopter parent” — the Zamboni parent — and how smoothing out every challenge can actually prevent kids from developing the skills they need later in life.