Moorhead Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak presented McKenzie Peck with the district’s Spud Spirit Award for November 2023. McKenzie is a first grade teacher at S.G. Reinertsen Elementary and is in her fifth year with the district.
“Mrs. Peck, you were nominated for this award by the parent of a student,” explained Dr. Lunak when he made a surprise appearance at S.G. Reinertsen to give her the award. “This parent said you treat your students as if they were your own kids, and you’re wonderful about communicating with families. They added that you are the kind of teacher any child would be lucky to have.”
In McKenzie’s nomination, the parent praised her caring and kind personality and how she understands the importance of communication between parents and teachers. “You can tell she cares deeply for her students and wants each one of them to succeed,” her nominator also said. They went on to note how she always takes the time to communicate with the family about their son in her class and that she is someone that willing to go above and beyond for her students.
The Spud Spirit Award is a recognition program that honors MAPS staff who live by the district mission to develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world and showcase our Spud Spirit statements:
- Students, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
- Passionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
- Unique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
- Diversity enriches our school and community
- Stewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members.