moorhead public schools

Moorhead Area Public Schools is excited to welcome Jeremy Lapka as the new assistant principal at Horizon Middle School West Campus.

Lapka studied at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and has his bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master’s degree in education and his principal licensure. Over the past 11 years, Lapka has spent time as a 6th and 7th grade math teacher, an upward bound tutor and an adjunct professor in middle school methods. 

He has enjoyed teaching at various schools with different levels, but is excited to be returning home to the Fargo-Moorhead area. He is looking forward to being able to spend more time with family, going to the Lakes, discovering all the new bike trails that have been added since he has been gone and being back with fellow Vikings fans.

Upon reflecting on the past unusual year, Lapka holds on to one of his favorite Chinese Proverbs: “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” Lapka says, “With this last school year, the pandemic pushed everyone to make the best decisions possible in the moment. As we continue moving forward, it is important to take time to build upon the positive changes that occurred and reflect and learn from the changes that were not as effective. The challenges of last year are a reminder to provide grace to all as we move forward into this next school.”

Lapka says he is looking forward to getting to know the students, families and staff at Horizon. He feels his past experience has prepared him for this role. “By teaching middle school math for the last 11 years, I have been able to see the amazing things students can accomplish in class. In my new role, I am excited to be able to see students across their whole school day and all the amazing things they are accomplishing.”