A Letter from the Principal
Mr. David Giesen, Principal
I’m excited to welcome you back for another fantastic school year at Falcon Ridge Elementary! This marks my 28th year in education, with 26 of those years proudly spent here in the New Prague district. From my early days teaching fifth and sixth grade to serving as dean of students and assistant principal, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this incredible community. Now entering my 15th year as principal at Falcon Ridge, I continue to feel honored to work with our dedicated staff and wonderful students.
Outside of school, you’ll usually find me outdoors with my family or cheering on Minnesota sports teams. My wife, Kerry, and I are proud parents to three amazing boys: Tyler (attending Minnesota State–Mankato), Wyatt (at Winona State), and Ryan (a 9th grader at NPHS). They keep us busy and keep me grounded in what matters most.
At Falcon Ridge, we are committed to nurturing both the hearts and minds of our students in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Our K–5 students thrive in a curriculum that emphasizes core academic areas: reading, math, science, and social studies, while also receiving enriching instruction in music, art, media, and physical education.
We place a strong focus on:
- P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
- Responsive Classroom practices
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that help our staff use data to guide instruction and meet each child’s needs
Our goal is simple: to create a welcoming place where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. We deeply value our partnership with families and know that when we work together, kids succeed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or ideas. I’m always happy to connect.
Here’s to a great year ahead at Falcon Ridge!