Meet Our New K-12 Principal – Lindsay Widicker!
We’re excited to welcome Lindsay Widicker as the new K-12 principal at Fessenden-Bowdon School!
Mrs. Widicker has been part of our school community for the past three years as the elementary special education teacher and previously served as the administrative assistant for 2 years. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved to Bowdon 13 years ago.
Mrs. Widicker is married to Hans, and together they have three children: Wyatt (12), Jillian (10), and Cooper (8). She also serves as the city auditor in Bowdon and volunteers as an EMT on the local ambulance.
In her free time, Mrs. Widicker enjoys camping, traveling, learning, and spending time with her family. She’s looking forward to a great year of working and learning alongside our amazing students, staff, and families!
We’re excited to welcome Lindsay Widicker as the new K-12 principal at Fessenden-Bowdon School!
Mrs. Widicker has been part of our school community for the past three years as the elementary special education teacher and previously served as the administrative assistant for 2 years. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved to Bowdon 13 years ago.
Mrs. Widicker is married to Hans, and together they have three children: Wyatt (12), Jillian (10), and Cooper (8). She also serves as the city auditor in Bowdon and volunteers as an EMT on the local ambulance.
In her free time, Mrs. Widicker enjoys camping, traveling, learning, and spending time with her family. She’s looking forward to a great year of working and learning alongside our amazing students, staff, and families!
Meet Rocky Peterson!
Rocky will be driving a bus route and serving as a para for the East Central Center for Exceptional Children at Fessenden-Bowdon. He subbed in both roles last year and we’re excited to have him officially joining the team! Rocky brings over 30 years of nursing experience and a caring presence to his work with students.
Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Rocky moved to the Bowdon area about 10 years ago. He and his wife, Darla, have four grown daughters and five grandchildren. In his spare time, Rocky enjoys golfing, watching sports, and spending time with his grandkids.
Welcome, Rocky! We’re lucky to have you with us this year!
Rocky will be driving a bus route and serving as a para for the East Central Center for Exceptional Children at Fessenden-Bowdon. He subbed in both roles last year and we’re excited to have him officially joining the team! Rocky brings over 30 years of nursing experience and a caring presence to his work with students.
Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Rocky moved to the Bowdon area about 10 years ago. He and his wife, Darla, have four grown daughters and five grandchildren. In his spare time, Rocky enjoys golfing, watching sports, and spending time with his grandkids.
Welcome, Rocky! We’re lucky to have you with us this year!
Planning for the upcoming Little Hornets preschool year! Wanting to see who’s all interested! Child must be three by August 1 and potty trained. If interested please call or text Kristen at 701-652-5942. Will be held at the Fessenden Bowdon School. 🐝 🐝
Junior High and High School registration is right around the corner! Please use the link below to sign up for a registration time:
🔗 JH/HS Registration Sign-Up - http://bit.ly/4lUkjNj
Registration slots are available on:
Friday, August 1
Monday, August 4
Tuesday, August 5
If these dates don’t work for your family, no problem—just reach out to Mrs. Widicker to schedule a different time.
Also, Mrs. Heinz and Mrs. Fike will be available during registration to answer any questions you may have about dual credit classes, career planning, and college readiness.
We’re looking forward to a great school year and can’t wait to see you!
Introducing Jessica Hawkes - 5-8 English Language Arts Teacher!
After stepping in to cover 5th and 6th grade English Language Arts at FBS this spring, Ms. Jessica Hawkes is returning for her first full-year position teaching junior high ELA for grades 5-8!
Ms. Hawkes has spent the last two decades working as a communications professional, writing, editing, teaching, and translating in various contexts and five different languages. Ms. Hawkes earned BA degrees in Spanish and French from NDSU, studied advanced Spanish grammar at Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain, and has nearly completed her master’s degree in Global Cultures from King’s College London.
On her family's farm outside of New Rockford, and with the help of her housemates, Ms. Hawkes manages a small nonprofit animal sanctuary with about 90 furry and feathered residents. In addition to animals, she loves music, crafting, books, travel, and more hobbies than she can list. She brings a passion for language, art, poetry, and storytelling to the classroom.
Ms. Hawkes is now excitedly preparing her classroom and is beyond thrilled to be joining the faculty at FBS. Most of all, she can’t wait to see the kids!
(Fun fact: Ms. Hawkes’ father was Mr. Les Wagner, who taught science at our school in 2000-2001!)
After stepping in to cover 5th and 6th grade English Language Arts at FBS this spring, Ms. Jessica Hawkes is returning for her first full-year position teaching junior high ELA for grades 5-8!
Ms. Hawkes has spent the last two decades working as a communications professional, writing, editing, teaching, and translating in various contexts and five different languages. Ms. Hawkes earned BA degrees in Spanish and French from NDSU, studied advanced Spanish grammar at Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain, and has nearly completed her master’s degree in Global Cultures from King’s College London.
On her family's farm outside of New Rockford, and with the help of her housemates, Ms. Hawkes manages a small nonprofit animal sanctuary with about 90 furry and feathered residents. In addition to animals, she loves music, crafting, books, travel, and more hobbies than she can list. She brings a passion for language, art, poetry, and storytelling to the classroom.
Ms. Hawkes is now excitedly preparing her classroom and is beyond thrilled to be joining the faculty at FBS. Most of all, she can’t wait to see the kids!
(Fun fact: Ms. Hawkes’ father was Mr. Les Wagner, who taught science at our school in 2000-2001!)
We're Exploring New Sports Opportunities!
We’re excited to explore the possibility of adding a Girls’ Golf Team and a Cross Country Team at Harvey and Fessenden-Bowdon Schools! Before moving forward, we’d like to know if there’s enough student interest to support these programs. Both sports are open to students in grades 7-12.
If you or your student may be interested in participating, please take a moment to complete the short survey below.
https://forms.gle/uegHFCWtb9QM3GBm9
Please submit your response by July 21. Thank you for helping us grow our extracurricular opportunities!
Important Update: New State Law on Personal Electronic Devices
Beginning this school year, North Dakota has passed a new law that bans the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This is not optional for schools to enforce—all districts, including Fessenden-Bowdon, are required to follow it.
The law applies to cell phones, personal iPads, smart watches, and any other device with Bluetooth capabilities. These items must be turned off and stowed away from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day.
Our administration, staff, and school board are currently collaborating to finalize the procedures that will be in place at Fessenden-Bowdon. We’ll share details with students and families in the next few weeks.
The goal of this law is simple: to create a distraction-free learning environment where students can focus, engage, and succeed.
You can read the full legislation here:
https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1182-08000.pdf
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Widicker at 701-547-3296 or lindsay.widicker@fessenden.k12.nd.us—she’d be happy to help!
Beginning this school year, North Dakota has passed a new law that bans the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This is not optional for schools to enforce—all districts, including Fessenden-Bowdon, are required to follow it.
The law applies to cell phones, personal iPads, smart watches, and any other device with Bluetooth capabilities. These items must be turned off and stowed away from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day.
Our administration, staff, and school board are currently collaborating to finalize the procedures that will be in place at Fessenden-Bowdon. We’ll share details with students and families in the next few weeks.
The goal of this law is simple: to create a distraction-free learning environment where students can focus, engage, and succeed.
You can read the full legislation here:
https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-1182-08000.pdf
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Widicker at 701-547-3296 or lindsay.widicker@fessenden.k12.nd.us—she’d be happy to help!
Meet Our High School Social Studies Teacher – Amber Fortney!
With six years of experience teaching K–12 Art, Amber is excited to add High School Social Studies to her repertoire this year—just one more talent in her growing list!
Amber and her husband, Jacob (Bowdon Meat Processing), have two kids, Jaxon (13) and Dayvah (12), and two Boston terriers, Ziggy and Luna. She spends her summers camping, working on home projects, and curating the Bowdon Duck Fest Art Show, which she has chaired for the past 10 years.
Proud to be the family chauffeur, Amber is often on the road shuttling Dayvah to sports and Jaxon to football—with coffee in hand, of course. She is committed to creating opportunities for her students and supporting the school community, however she can.
With six years of experience teaching K–12 Art, Amber is excited to add High School Social Studies to her repertoire this year—just one more talent in her growing list!
Amber and her husband, Jacob (Bowdon Meat Processing), have two kids, Jaxon (13) and Dayvah (12), and two Boston terriers, Ziggy and Luna. She spends her summers camping, working on home projects, and curating the Bowdon Duck Fest Art Show, which she has chaired for the past 10 years.
Proud to be the family chauffeur, Amber is often on the road shuttling Dayvah to sports and Jaxon to football—with coffee in hand, of course. She is committed to creating opportunities for her students and supporting the school community, however she can.
Who Needs a Sports Physical?
All students in grades 3–12 who plan to participate in sports are required to have a sports physical on file. This includes activities like Little Stingers football, 5th/6th grade basketball, volleyball, and similar programs.
Please make sure to turn in your completed sports physical paperwork to the school office. Thank you!
All students in grades 3–12 who plan to participate in sports are required to have a sports physical on file. This includes activities like Little Stingers football, 5th/6th grade basketball, volleyball, and similar programs.
Please make sure to turn in your completed sports physical paperwork to the school office. Thank you!
Sports Physicals at FBS on Thursday, July 24th 9-3:30pm. Please call the St. Aloisius Clinic to schedule.
Central Dakota Clinic in Harvey has dates for this years sports physicals starting July 17th.
We’re excited to share the 2025–2026 class schedule! This year, students in grades 5–8 will follow a new rotation schedule with 50-minute class periods—a new structure designed to support learning and engagement.
Registration for grades 7–12 will be held on August 1, 4, & 5. A link to sign up for a time will be shared soon!
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Widicker at 402-499-5339 or lindsay.widicker@fessenden.k12.nd.us. We’re looking forward to a great school year ahead!
Registration for grades 7–12 will be held on August 1, 4, & 5. A link to sign up for a time will be shared soon!
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Widicker at 402-499-5339 or lindsay.widicker@fessenden.k12.nd.us. We’re looking forward to a great school year ahead!
School Supply Lists Are Now Available!
We're getting ready for a great new school year! Supply lists for all grades are now posted and ready for you to check out.
Check them out on our Back To School page: http://fessenden-bowdon.org/page/back-to-school
Grab your list early and have fun shopping! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we're happy to help. 😊
We're getting ready for a great new school year! Supply lists for all grades are now posted and ready for you to check out.
Check them out on our Back To School page: http://fessenden-bowdon.org/page/back-to-school
Grab your list early and have fun shopping! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we're happy to help. 😊
Ms. Lagerquist is moving to 2nd Grade!
Alicia Lagerquist was born and raised in Westby, Montana. She earned her degree from Minot State University, where she met her boyfriend, Thom McQuiston, who works for Neumiller Harvesting. After graduating, Alicia moved to Fessenden and began her teaching career in Harvey. The upcoming school year will mark her third year in education and her second year at Fessenden-Bowdon, where she will transition into the role of 2nd-grade teacher. In her free time, Alicia enjoys reading, traveling, baking, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Merritt.
Alicia Lagerquist was born and raised in Westby, Montana. She earned her degree from Minot State University, where she met her boyfriend, Thom McQuiston, who works for Neumiller Harvesting. After graduating, Alicia moved to Fessenden and began her teaching career in Harvey. The upcoming school year will mark her third year in education and her second year at Fessenden-Bowdon, where she will transition into the role of 2nd-grade teacher. In her free time, Alicia enjoys reading, traveling, baking, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Merritt.
Is your child starting school this fall?
Here are 5 helpful tips from a teacher’s perspective to make the transition smoother for both you and your child! From practicing separation early to building routines and encouraging independence, these simple steps can make a big difference.
Don’t forget to check out some great books about preschool listed in the image—and let your child help choose their backpack or lunchbox to build excitement!
We can't wait to welcome our youngest learners to Fessenden-Bowdon School!
Here are 5 helpful tips from a teacher’s perspective to make the transition smoother for both you and your child! From practicing separation early to building routines and encouraging independence, these simple steps can make a big difference.
Don’t forget to check out some great books about preschool listed in the image—and let your child help choose their backpack or lunchbox to build excitement!
We can't wait to welcome our youngest learners to Fessenden-Bowdon School!
Today is the big day — concrete is being poured for our new basketball court! We are so grateful to everyone who donated funds to make this project a reality. Your support means the world to us and to our students. 🏀
We can't wait to see the kids enjoying this new space when they return in August! Thank you for investing in our school and helping us create something awesome!
We can't wait to see the kids enjoying this new space when they return in August! Thank you for investing in our school and helping us create something awesome!
Introducing Lori McDonnaughey
Mrs. Lori McConnaughey has been hired as the Jr./ Sr. High Special Education Teacher. For the past two years, she taught in Valley City as the K-6th grade teacher for Valley City Christian School. Before that, she had served as a Special Education Teacher (and 1st grade interim teacher) in Fessenden, and a 5th – 7th Grade teacher in Oberon, ND. She will teach both in person and remotely as she and her family will remain in Valley City. She also teaches courses in Domestic Violence Prevention. Mrs. McConnaughey enjoys gardening, fishing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. McConnaughey is married to Aaron (production manager at Tri W-G), and she has 3 children: Jesse (farms in Pingree), Cassie (married to Justin and teaches in New Rockford), and MiKayla, who will be a freshman in the fall. She also has bonus children and grandchildren: Reed (Senior in the fall in Valley City), Jaytan/ fiancé Savanna, and their kids, Georgia, Declan, and Ana. In addition, they have 2 fur babies: Libbi and Maggie. She is excited to return to a school that she considers “home”.
Mrs. Lori McConnaughey has been hired as the Jr./ Sr. High Special Education Teacher. For the past two years, she taught in Valley City as the K-6th grade teacher for Valley City Christian School. Before that, she had served as a Special Education Teacher (and 1st grade interim teacher) in Fessenden, and a 5th – 7th Grade teacher in Oberon, ND. She will teach both in person and remotely as she and her family will remain in Valley City. She also teaches courses in Domestic Violence Prevention. Mrs. McConnaughey enjoys gardening, fishing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. McConnaughey is married to Aaron (production manager at Tri W-G), and she has 3 children: Jesse (farms in Pingree), Cassie (married to Justin and teaches in New Rockford), and MiKayla, who will be a freshman in the fall. She also has bonus children and grandchildren: Reed (Senior in the fall in Valley City), Jaytan/ fiancé Savanna, and their kids, Georgia, Declan, and Ana. In addition, they have 2 fur babies: Libbi and Maggie. She is excited to return to a school that she considers “home”.
Mark your calendars and plan to be in Fessenden on July 28 for the Harvey Eagles Youth Track and Field Meet! 🏆
Mrs. Erin Risovi is transitioning back to 3rd grade after a year of teaching junior high/high school social studies. This will be her 23rd year in education and her fourth year at Fessenden-Bowdon.
Erin is married to Justin and has two children. Lane will be a junior and is involved in basketball, golf, FFA, and 4H. Keeley will be a 7th grader and is involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, and 4H. Outside of school, she enjoys watching her kids' activities, traveling, and spending time with her many animals.
Erin is very excited to be back in elementary school and is looking forward to a great school year!
Erin is married to Justin and has two children. Lane will be a junior and is involved in basketball, golf, FFA, and 4H. Keeley will be a 7th grader and is involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, and 4H. Outside of school, she enjoys watching her kids' activities, traveling, and spending time with her many animals.
Erin is very excited to be back in elementary school and is looking forward to a great school year!
Introducing Laura Eide
Laura Eide is excited to join the team as the new elementary Special Education teacher. Originally from Bowdon, Laura brings 13 years of experience teaching kindergarten through 2nd grade in Goodrich, where she worked until the school closed in 2022. Over the past three years, she has managed Bowdon Meat Processing.
Laura has two wonderful daughters who attend elementary school in Fessenden. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and working on her 4th-generation family farm. In her spare time, she loves reading, doing puzzles, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Laura is looking forward to getting to know her students and building strong relationships within the school and community.
Laura Eide is excited to join the team as the new elementary Special Education teacher. Originally from Bowdon, Laura brings 13 years of experience teaching kindergarten through 2nd grade in Goodrich, where she worked until the school closed in 2022. Over the past three years, she has managed Bowdon Meat Processing.
Laura has two wonderful daughters who attend elementary school in Fessenden. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and working on her 4th-generation family farm. In her spare time, she loves reading, doing puzzles, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Laura is looking forward to getting to know her students and building strong relationships within the school and community.
