Welcome to LFS!
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Little Flower Catholic Elementary School. Since 1942, our school has served the community of Rugby, ND with a mission to provide a high quality academic experience rooted in Jesus Christ and Catholic Teaching. We are blessed to be able to pursue a rigorous academic program that nurtures and develops the whole child academically, physically and spiritually. Small class sizes, a Christian based curriculum and highly qualified and committed staff, ensure our students are getting the best our school can offer on a daily basis. Today, Little Flower is open to grades PreK-6 with one of the lowest Private School Tuitions in the State. If you are interested in more information, please reach out. We would welcome any questions you might have about how our school could be the right choice for your child's educational path.
Kevin Leier
Principal
Little Flower School
Our Mission
Little Flower Catholic Elementary School- A Partnership of Parents and Parish, Nurtures a Sacramental Life Rooted in Jesus Chris and Catholic Teaching, Pursues Academic Excellence, and Promotes a Life of Faith Integrity and Service.
History of Little Flower Catholic Elementary School
Rugby, North Dakota
In May of 1941, a Mr. Pluth called at the rectory in Rugby for the purpose of selling materials he was salvaging from a school he was wrecking in Chisholm, Minnesota. There was only one question in the mind of Father Cloos as he listened to Mr. Pluth, “Where was he going to get the money?” Mr. Pluth was too determined a salesman to accept a flat rejection. Mr. Pluth left Rugby and drove directly to Fargo to ask Bishop Muench for the answer. A few days later Bishop Muench wrote to Father Cloos and informed him of the visit from Mr. Pluth and advising the pastor of the need and important advantages of a school at Rugby, and assuring him that the Diocese would help along with the project to the amount of $1,000 a year for 10 years.
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Mr. Pluth accompanied Father Cloos to Chisholm to inspect the building. On arriving in Chisholm Father Cloos found that the building was in good condition and that very little additional material would be needed. By the end of November the trucks began rolling into Rugby with the materials and the problem of where to store them. This problem was solved and by the end of January all the material salvaged from the school at Chisholm was on the building site in Rugby.
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December 7, 1941, Japan perpetrated the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and overnight we found ourselves at war with Japan. This created new problems with a building permit and being able to get materials for the project. Finally in May the building permit was issued, stipulating that the building was not to cost more that $30,000, and that less than 10% of the materials were to be purchased after May 1. Joseph Hoffart was engaged as building engineer and ground was broken May 17th. Farmers came with their tractors and scrapers and within two days had completed the excavation. Five days later the footings were poured and the cribbing begun for the foundation walls. In December an inspector returned and was surprised that the building was completed, and after studying the invoices and labor sheets was satisfied that the total cost was as claimed and within the building permit restrictions.
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Little Flower School opened its doors September 14, 1942, with an enrollment of 156 students and a faculty of four sisters from the Franciscan Convent at Hankinson, North Dakota.
Growth was characteristic of Little Flower the last 25 years. Little Flower School, an important entity of the parish, grew and improved academically and structurally. With the establishment of a Diocesan Superintendent of Schools as a full-time position, Little Flower received the encouragement, support, and direction to continue to work for excellence in education. A quality education and individual pupil attention were two points stressed. This meant hiring only certified teachers, reduction of number of pupils per teacher, and the addition of a physical education teacher and a part-time librarian.
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Under the direction of the Diocesan Superintendent and the newly-organized Fargo Catholic Principals Association, the curriculum was examined and re-evaluated, followed by textbook changes. The next change was the introduction of teacher in-services; monthly, then weekly faculty meetings; continuing education of the teachers; and the annual reports to the State Department of Education. When the State Department introduced evaluation for accreditation, Little Flower received excellent evaluation and continued to do so through the years. In the classrooms appeared equipment such as overhead projectors, listening & learning centers, cassette tape players, filmstrip projectors, and science centers.
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Little Flower also benefited from federally funded programs. Help was offered in speech, learning disabilities, and special education. Certain criteria needed to be met prior to receiving these benefits. Special arrangements were made with Ely Elementary so our students could walk over to classes at their school. After a few years and a new interpretation of the law, the Title instructors were permitted to use Little Flower classroom time. Little Flower for a short period of time had a full-time learning disabilities and a part-time speech teacher. Later federal funds were cut and so were these positions.
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The mid-seventies brought the decline of religious vocations; the financial burden brought the closing of the 7th and 8th grades, leaving only grades one through six.
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The early eighties brought the kindergarten class to Little Flower making the school Kindergarten through Grade 6. During the years there has been tremendous growth in Little Flower; a Parent Teacher Organization. Parent-teacher conferences, the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, etc. There have also been many efforts to raise money for the extra needs of the school.
From 1987-88, James Kappel as our principal. He firmly believed in technology in the classrooms. Through funds provided by the Eagles, the KC’s, and the Christian Mothers, the school was able to obtain several computers.
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In 1986, a federal grant was received by the school from the Department of Energy, providing a new roof. The large windows were enclosed and insulated. The school again received a coat of paint from gracious parents.
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In 2002 the school celebrated 60 years in Rugby. In 2008 an alumni organization was revived and a newsletter was started, Blue Jay Briefings.
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The history of Little Flower School would not be possible without the generous volunteers, family support, and the Sisters of Saint Francis of Hankinson. These people make Little Flower School a community to be proud of with their time, talents, energy and extra money which goes to improve the spiritual and academic growth of Little Flower students.
Aerial view of Little Flower School
LFS Staff
Little Flower Catholic School is blessed to have highly qualified staff and volunteers that are committed to carrying out the mission of our school. Feel free to reach out directly if you have questions regarding how they work to make our school a special place for learning to take place.
Pastor & Spiritual Advisor
Principal
I started my Educational Career as a High School Social Studies Teacher at Rugby High School after graduating from Minot State University. Since that time, I have also worked for the North Central Education Cooperative as an Educational Specialist and Professional Development Instructor. I live on a ranch with my wife and 6 kids where we raise bison and have lots of fun living a country life. I am very honored to be the principal here at Little Flower School and excited to continue to promote the mission of our little school with a wonderful staff to work with everyday.
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Preschool Teacher
Hello my name Laura Swanson and I am presently the preschool and physical education teacher at Little Flower School. I have taught preschool for eleven years, 5th grade for five years, and also helped with remedial reading and substitute teaching. I attended Little Flower School as a child. My husband and I were blessed to be able to send our six children to Little Flower School for their education and religious values. I'm proud to be at our school with a great staff, wonderful parent support, and kind hearted children!
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KindergartenTeacher
Hello! I am Bethany Mack, the kindergarten teacher here at Little Flower School. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education degree from Minot State University and am currently working towards a masters degree in Rural School Leadership through the University of Mary in Bismarck.
In my spare time, I enjoy being with family & friends, animals, camping, and being outdoors.
In kindergarten we work on skills needed to blossom into more independent individuals. We work on beginning skills for reading, writing, math, spelling, social studies, and science. We also concentrate a great deal on listening, following directions, and social skills.
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First & Second Grade Teacher
I graduated from Mayville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Early Childhood. I have taught for several years in various grade levels, including special education classes. Some of my interests include listening to all genres of music, listening to podcasts and audiobooks while traveling, painting and doing crafts, and spending time with family and friends. In 2021, I began teaching 3/4 grade at LFS. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and all the wonderful, kind people that make up the LFS community. Teaching is something I am very passionate about. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing children and colleagues.
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nancy.follman@littleflowercatholicschool.com
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Third & Fourth Grade Teacher
I graduated from NDSU with a dual degree in both elementary education and human development/family science. I am just beginning my journey as an educator; as a Little Flower School alumni, I feel very blessed to be doing so at the very place where my passion for education began. It truly is a blessing to work in a school that genuinely values each and every student. As an educator, I hope to inspire my students to become life-long learners and fill them with that which is true, good, and beautiful. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, doing just about anything outdoors, and reading.
“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31
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Fifth & Sixth Grade Teacher
I am Julie Mosher. I have been teaching at Little Flower School since 2006. I teach the 5th and 6th grades. I love this age group alot! Teaching is a blessing from God. I am a wife , mother, and a grandmother.
I enjoy reading, mountains, trees , bird watching and music. My favorite subjects have changed over the years. I still love teaching them all. I love teaching math, US history and science the best. My husband and I enjoy watching old westerns and epics.
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My favorite saying from an old song I used to sing is " Only one life, will soon be past... Only what's done for Christ will last"
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Religion Education Teacher
Music Teacher
Hello! I am Mrs. Glenda Mack, music teacher at Little Flower School. I attended Bismarck State College (formerly known as Bismarck Junior College!) and NDSU, graduating with a music education degree. I met my husband, Galen, at NDSU and we have lived in Rugby since 1987. Our six children all attended Little Flower School and graduated from Rugby High School.
I taught at Wolford School from 1987 through 1995, took a few years off to be with family, and began teaching at Little Flower in 2001. I also teach piano lessons, play the organ at church and accompany other various groups.
My husband and I enjoy travelling, when we can, and spending time with our kids, their spouses and our nine grandchildren.
Spanish Foreign Language and Technology
I graduated from NDSU with dual degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Spanish Education. I have been teaching secondary education since 2013 and am very excited to be working with the primary grades now at LFS.
I feel blessed to be part of such a welcoming family and community. I enjoy getting to know my students and see them learn and grow everyday. I love being part of a school who’s mission is not only striving for academic excellence but also promoting values, morals and a foundation of faith and service.
I find joy in the great outdoors, hugs and spending time with my family and friends. I am also passionate about creating deep connections with those I care about and making memories we can forever carry with us. I believe every child has a fire waiting to burn and we are here along the way to help them find it, ignite it and let it shine.
Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
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Secretary
Hello! My name is Rhonda Livedalen and I am the School Secretary here at Little Flower School. I feel very grateful to be able to work with such amazing children, parents and staff! Each day is new and exciting and I can’t imagine a better place to work!
Feel free to call or come into the office with any questions or concerns you may have. I’ll be happy to help the best that I can! My experience with the school comes not only from working in the office, but also as a parent, an active PTO member, and past Advisory Board member.
On a personal note, I am a busy wife and mother to 5 great kids!
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School Support Specialist/ Library Aide
Hi! I am the library aide and Title l paraeducator. I grew up in Farmington, MN and graduated from North Dakota State University with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agribusiness. After graduation, I moved to Rugby and worked at a few different jobs before coming to Little Flower School. I have loved having my children at LFS for the past 10+ years and am excited to be here! My favorite things about working at Little Flower School are helping children master a task, being able to pray as a school and seeing my own children during the day.
My husband, Chris, and I have 3 children and farm near Wolford. Outside of school, I enjoy exercising, spending time outside, working on the farm and watching my kids at volleyball, football, wrestling and track events.
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Head Cook
Hi! I'm Rita Stigen and I am the head cook for Little Flower School. My Husband Rick and I have 4 children and are now blessed with 7 grandsons, 1 grand daughter and 3 great grandsons.
This year marks my 7th year here at Little Flower School. Providing our students and staff with a wonderful homecooked meal everyday is a joy to do and enjoy getting to see each and every student come through the lunch line with smiles on their face.
Cook
My name is Mary Jo Bohl and I am the assistant cook here at Little Flower School. I love being able to work here serving our students and staff. I am a proud alumni of the school and many of my family members have also attended LFS.
I enjoy listening to music, traveling, speed walking 5k and 10k races and spending time with family and friends. It is a true joy to work here at LFS and I feel blessed to be here serving our school community.