Welcome!

As the building administrators, we wish to share our excitement for the school year. The Red Lake Elementary Complex is an indescribably amazing and important place! Over 750 young children spend a good portion of their day with us. With that in mind, it is very important that each of our children loves school. We are dedicated to providing an environment where each young person is able to have a rich and enjoyable school experience.

• Let us know if there is anything we can do to support your child in having an outstanding year.

Amanda Norman, Principal (PreK to Grade 2)

Stephanie Amberg, Principal (Grade 3 to Grade 5)

Arleen Swenson, Dean of Students

Ikwezens indigoo ojibwemong.  Amanda Norman indizhinikaaz zhaanganaashiimong.  Gaawaabaabiganikaag indoonjibaa.  Makwa indoondem.  Niminwendam omaa ayaayan. 

My Indian name is Ikwezens.  My name in English is Amanda Norman.  I am from White Earth.  My clan is Bear.  I am glad to be here.

I began my career in Education in 2004.  Prior to becoming a Principal, I taught Ojibwe Language and Culture for 11 years.  In addition to teaching Ojibwemowin, I served as the American Indian Studies District Coordinator for Saint Paul Public Schools for 6 years.  I also was the Ojibwe Language and Culture Teacher in Ponemah for one year before pursuing my career in administration.  For the 3 years prior to my arrival at Red Lake Elementary, I was the Principal at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School and the Director of the Niigaane Ojibwemowin Immersion Program. I was hired in 2018 as the Red Lake Early Childhood principal and now support students, families, and staff of grades PK-2. On a personal note, I am married and have a daughter and son.  We reside in Kelliher.

I am happy to be back in Red Lake and creating a welcoming, culturally-centered environment for the Red Lake Elementary Complex school community.  This year, we will be focusing on building positive relationships with you and your child, integrating culture, improving student attendance, and implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). 

Boozhoo! My name is Stephanie Amberg, and I am one of the principals at the Red Lake Elementary Complex. In 2018, I returned to the area and introduced living up north to my husband and our three children. Although moving was a big change for my family, we have all embraced the move to Northern Minnesota. My family loves to camp, fish, and hunt. What better place to be?!  

As for my background in education, I spent the first 11 years as a middle school and high school Mathematics teacher. After 5 years in the classroom in Foley, MN,  I was asked to step into a new role as a technology integrationist. I also added the role of District Assessment Coordinator before becoming an elementary assistant principal in 2013 (ISD 728 – Elk River Area Schools).

What I love most about being an elementary school principal is connecting with students and providing them a positive, safe learning environment. I want them to know I care. Most importantly, I respect the Red Lake Nation and am honored to be welcomed to learn more about the culture and language. I am excited to grow and learn with the staff and students of Red Lake Elementary.

Aaniin! I am Arleen Swenson and I am the Dean of Students for the Red Lake Elementary Complex.  I work with grades PreK-5 students, families, and staff. I have been in working in the the Red Lake School District since 1998.

I haven’t always been the Dean here.  I have been an EBD teacher, Alternate Learning Center Teacher, 5th Grade teacher, Assurance of MasteryTutor, taught and lead the Targeted Services Program, and have been the Redirection Room teacher. 

Part of my duties as the Dean is to help students, families, and staff with any issues that they may have. Some examples could be attendance, behavior, transportation, medical, events/schedules, mental health, counseling, or Restorative Practices.   I work with several outside agencies to assist where the school might not have resources available.  I also help celebrate successes with everyone.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, ideas, and celebrations you may have. 

On a personal note, my husband and I moved back to MN from Colorado way back in 1989.  We lived in Colorado for almost 7 years after we got married in Bemidji. We have 2 daughters, 6+ grandchildren, 2 grand dogs, 4 grand cats, and love it when everyone stays over.  My family enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, bon fires, and many other outside activities.  I also like to cook, bake, laugh, share stories, and play board games.  I am NOT good at all with electronic games and my family teases me constantly about that. I love working here and can’t imagine being anywhere else.  I am so excited to start another year with you and your family.  See you soon!