Knight News
Grand Forks Central High School - August 7th, 2023
Main Office 701-746-2375
A Look Ahead
Aug. 3rd - Football Season Begins
Aug. 7th - Boys Soccer, and Girls Tennis Seasons Begin
Aug. 14th - Student Schedules Emailed If Online Registration Is Completed (see "Fall Registration Information" below for details)
Aug. 14th - Boys Tennis, Volleyball, Girls Swim & Dive, and Cross Country Seasons Begin
Aug. 30th - First day of school for 9th grade (Day 1 schedule)
Aug. 30th - Open House for all students and families - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Aug. 31st - First day of school for 10th-12th grade (Day 1 schedule)
Sep. 4th - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
Sep. 20th - Early Release - 1:00 PM (PLC Day)
Fall Registration Information
PowerSchool Registration (required each year prior to the start of school):
- All returning students MUST have the 2023-2024 Online Registration through the PowerSchool parent portal completed by Sunday, August 13th in order to receive your finalized student schedule on Aug. 14th. If you need assistance signing in or completing the registration, please contact the main office at 701-746-2375.
Notifications and instructions on how to complete this PowerSchool Registration or "update" were emailed beginning last spring, if you have not completed the update, please do so as soon as you are able. Families who have not completed this process will continue to receive reminders until the process has been completed.
- The update must be completed on the PowerSchool website, you cannot complete the update on the PowerSchool app on your cell phone.
- Updating this information helps us keep in contact with our families, ensures we have up to date information in the event of an emergency, and current health information for your student.
- The main office will have computers available for parents/guardians to use if you don't have access to a computer at home.
School Supplies:
- There is not a supply list for our high school students. Some classes may have unique needs and those items required will be communicated by the individual teachers. Students in Phy Ed classes will need to wear the GFPS phy ed uniform. The uniform can be purchased at local stores.
Immunizations:
- If your student has received immunizations, please drop off your updated immunization forms in the main office.
- Immunization requirements and other medical information can be found on our district website here: https://www.gfschools.org/Page/903
Medications:
- If your student needs any medication given at school, a Medication Authorization Form must be filled out and signed by the health care provider and the parent/guardian. This is required for all medications including inhalers and over the counter medications.
- Parents or guardians may drop off student medications along with the corresponding Medication Authorization Form in the main office. The nurse will also be on hand during Open House on Aug. 30th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. to check in medications for students.
- Medications must be in their original containers.
- Additional GFPS Medical Information and Forms: https://www.gfschools.org/Page/903
Visiting the Campus:
- You must enter through the main door (door #1).
- The school will be open to visitors in August from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Some areas may be off limits due to floor waxing, please follow all posted signs.
- Families are welcome to: drop off lunch money, student medications, and athletic forms.
- The office will be open to assist students and families if needed.
Chromebooks:
- Student will receive their chromebooks on the first day of classes.
- Device protection can be purchased for $20.00 through MySchoolBucks or in person with cash or check. The Device Protection Plan does not cover intentional damage or lost/missing devices. The last day to purchase protection is Oct. 15th.
Busing Information:
- Parent(s)/guardian(s) are able to sign students up for regular route busing for the 2023-2024 school year while completing registration on PowerSchool.
- Students who rode Dietrich bus previously will be riding Valley Bus school buses this year. Students will not be charged to ride this year and will not need a bus ticket to ride. Routes will be the same as last year. You must still sign up for busing when you register your student online.
- Link to view Valley Bus busing routes: https://valleybusllc.com/grandforks/routes/
City Bus Tickets:
- Students who use the city bus for transportation may purchase bus tickets from the city. City bus tickets are not sold through the schools.
Yearbooks:
- The 2023-2024 yearbook will be sold online again this year on the Balfour website. We will share that link in future newsletters once it is available to us.
The cost is $55. Senior pictures and senior baby pictures are due by May 1st and can be emailed at any time before that to: centralyearbook@mygfschools.org
- Last years (2022-2023) yearbooks have not arrived yet, but should be here by September. Once they arrive, it will be announced in the daily announcements and yearbooks will be handed out to students in the main hall. It is unknown if there will be extra yearbooks available for purchase. If there are, they will be first come first serve. The day they go on sale and the purchase price will be shared in the daily announcements.
School Pictures:
- The date for school pictures has not been set yet. It will be announced in a future edition of the Knight News.
Welcome Freshmen!
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2026 to GFC! All freshmen students will start school on Wednesday, Aug. 30th. Our main goal for the day is to orient them to their daily schedule as well as the building layout and lunch procedures. Of course, this is also a great day for them to learn about the history and “family feel” of Central - The Finest in Dakota! Here is the schedule for the day:
Lunch Information
Lunch Money:
- Lunch money (check or cash) for the coming year may be dropped off in the main office until school begins. After school starts, lunch money is deposited in the deli with kitchen staff. Checks should be made out to GFPS. All payments must include the student's name and ID number.
- Card payments can be made on the MySchoolBucks.com website at any time beginning after Aug. 14th for a small fee.
School Meal Charge Policy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q4bnYrxdBt7wI5HMbmZZpmR-mJUNlvwm/view
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Why complete the 2024 Free and Reduced Lunch Application?
Not only could you qualify for free or reduced lunch prices, but your application can also help provide important funding that will directly support Grand Forks Central High School. If you qualify for free or reduced lunches, your students may also qualify for free or reduced activity fees and activity passes. More information about the waiver for activity fees can be found below in the section titled "Requesting A Waiver For Free Or Reduced Activity Fees"
- The lunch application may be filled out online using the link below. The lunch application letter and application file are also attached below if you prefer to print a paper copy. Paper packets are also available in the main office.
Hallway Lockers - NEW Information This Year
We have identified that about 80-85% of our students at GFC do not utilize the lockers that are assigned to them, but we want to make sure that all students who want a locker have access to one.
If your student wants a locker for 2023-2024 school, please fill out the google form linked below so that a locker with a combination lock will be assigned to them. Please submit your requests by Aug. 10th.
- Lockers will be assigned to the first floor until that floor is at capacity.
- Please only submit your student's name one time.
- Students are not allowed to store items in areas other than assigned lockers such as classrooms, the commons, hallways, and the main office.
- Students are not allowed to share lockers and are advised not to share their combinations with friends in order to ensure greater security of the items that they keep in the locker.
- The school will not be responsible for the loss of unsecured items.
- Control and ownership of the lockers remain with the school in accordance with Policy 5310.
Gym Lockers
Gym lockers are available to students enrolled in physical education classes. Students are responsible for their own lock in the gym locker rooms. All items are placed in the locker room during class must be locked to ensure that items are not stolen.
Parking Information
In addition to the hangtag, students who park in the ramp must also register online for a digital parking permit from the city. There is no charge for either type of parking pass whether it is the grey hangtag or the digital permit. Please read below for more information about each parking area offered to students.
Option 1: Ramp Parking in Lot #1 with a digital permit (see map below)
Digital permits from last year are no longer vaild. Students must sign up using the new link below to have a digital permit valid for the 2023-2024 school year. Digital permits are FREE.
Student Link to obtain the parking permit for student parking areas:
https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com/#purchase?purchase_seed=KJQEA7YZT3_RQMX9HEGCA_SAWKF415LE
Once students have registered via the access link above, they can then manage their vehicle information by visiting the online permit portal at any time throughout the school year.
Online Permit Portal: https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com
Monitoring and ticketing will be done by the City of Grand Forks.
- The digital permits are based on license plate information. Students will need to ensure their vehicle information is correct and up to date at all times as inaccuracies may result in ticketing.
- When a student signs up, the website will ask them to choose the zone "Central Ramp".
- Not all parking areas in the ramp are for Central Students. Please read signs carefully and do not park in privately reserved spaces, Central staff spaces, or mobile pay spaces. Students may park in any spot that is not marked with a sign.
Option 2: Student Parking In Lots Maroon (#4), Gray (#5), and Tradition (#6) Hang Tag Required (see map below)
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF CONFIDENTIALITY AND STUDENT RECORDS (FERPA)
The FERPA information and Opt-Out form are attached below. This form is optional for families. If you do not want the district to disclose the information noted in the attachment, you must complete the applicable sections and turn into the main office by the first day of school. For families new to the district, or enrolling after the first day of the school year, you have 10 business days from the date of your child's enrollment to submit the information.
* PLEASE NOTE: If you select option A, your student will not appear in the yearbook, graduation program or news releases.
School Absences
If your child is going to be absent because of an illness, going out of town, an appointment, etc., please call the Attendance Secretary at 746-2482. The attendance line can accept voicemails 24/7. Please leave your name, your students full name, a phone number and the reason for your student's absence if you leave a voicemail. If you call in, you do not need to send a note with your child the next day.
Signing In/Out Process for Students
All students who need to leave during the school day must have parent permission either by phone or note & must sign out with the Attendance Secretary prior to leaving. Upon returning to the building, students must sign back in. Failure to sign in/out properly may result in detention hours issued for classes missed.
Illness
Please contact the Attendance Secretary by 9:00 a.m. to report your student's illness.
Appointments
If the child has an appointment, please call or send a note with your child prior to the appointment. In doing so, the child can pick up a purple "early dismissal slip" from the Attendance Secretary to show their teacher and be excused from the class without interrupting the class.
Oversleeping
Oversleeping is not excused at GFC. Students will receive one warning for their first overslept and detention for any that occur afterwards.
Vacation
In order for your student to have the best attendance possible, please plan short trips, vacations, etc. around our school calendar. If you know in advance your child is going to miss school for a trip, please contact the attendance secretary prior to the absence so the absence can be approved by the appropriate administrator. Arrangements for homework for planned absences is the responsibility of the student.
Homework Requests
The majority of student assignments are available on Google Classroom. However if you do wish to make a request for paper assignments, please read below. Homework requests are only filled for unplanned absences. Homework for preplanned absences are the responsibility of the student to gather from teachers prior to the absence.
Students who are absent at least two days may request assignments by calling the main office at 746-2375. Homework requests should be made as early as possible (preferably prior to 10:00 a.m.) to allow teachers time to complete the request. Assignments may be picked up in the main office between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Detention
Detention is held on most Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the commons. Dates are announced in the daily bulletin.
7 a.m. detention is also available in room 221 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Students who owe detention hours will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities, public performances or represent GFC publicly until the hours are served.
For questions about detention hours owed, please contact Amy Spicer, Attendance Secretary. For question about the detention policy, please contact your student's Associate Principal.
Lost & Found Policy
It shall be the procedure at Central High School to take reasonable steps to return lost/found property to its rightful owner. Property shall consist of any item that may hold value to the owner, sentimental or monetary.
Students and staff shall turn in any property that a reasonable person would consider misplaced or abandoned to the main school office. The property will remain in the office until such time that the rightful owner identifies and claims the property. Items that go unclaimed will be donated to local thrift stores.
Person’s finding items of value that are found and not returned to the owner or school staff member may have school consequences, and or criminal charges of possession of lost or mislaid items (NDCC12.1-23-02). Students in possession of items that are intentionally taken without the consent of the rightful owner will be cited by the authorities for possession of lost or mislaid items by the school resource officer. In addition a student who has stolen property from another student or teacher will be suspended out of school for a period of three or more days.
Parents are asked to remind students NOT to bring items of value to school. The school cannot guarantee the security of school lockers and/or misplaced backpacks. Lockers should be used to only hold basic school supplies, books, and jackets or winter coats.
Please spend some time reviewing this policy with their child and encourage them to not bring expensive personal items to school.
Student Dress Code
Dress and grooming are important to the student climate at any school. Students are asked to use common sense in their personal appearance and not to wear clothing that can be hazardous in learning situations, such as labs and shops.
Students must wear shoes at all times. Hats, caps, hoods, non-religious head coverings, and heavy jackets are not to be worn in school.
Clothing containing derogatory sayings; depicting hate speech or targeting specific groups; containing double meanings involving sexual, illegal, or violent connotations; or advertising alcohol, tobacco products are not allowed on school property.
Shirts/tops should be long enough and non-transparent so no skin nor undergarments are showing. Students should be covered at the neckline and midriff. Bottoms should be as long as mid-thigh with no undergarments showing.
Students wearing inappropriate attire will be instructed to change, and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted.
Student Handbook
Student Handbooks can be found on our district website by following the link below:
GFPS School Cancellation & Postponement Procedures
GFPS Emergency Response Guide
https://www.gfschools.org/Page/8858
Statistics consistently show that schools are among the safest places to be due to the strong commitment of educators, families, and our community to our students and schools. We strive to be proactive rather than reactive. This guide outlines the key elements of Grand Forks Public Schools’ state of preparedness. We hope it will answer questions you have concerning our actions and intentions in the event of an emergency.
2023-2024 Faculty & Staff By Department
Administration:
- Tony Bina – Athletic Director
- Gabe Dahl – Associate Principal A-K
- Judy Hogberg - Administrative Assistant
- Leigh Olson - Administrative Assistant
- Amy Spicer - Administrative Assistant
- Jon Strandell – Principal
- Mike Wilber – Associate Principal L-Z
- Kristin Wilcox - Administrative Assistant
- Nancy Greenwood
- Kati Larson
Business Education:
- Hannah Freese
- Trevor Lennon
- Megan Sullivan
Counseling:
- Kim Bailey - 10th Grade
- Denise Kaye Loftus - 11th Grade
- Jen Lubinski - 9th Grade
- Lois Manske - Administrative Assistant
- Melissa Mickelson - 12th Grade
English:
- Matt Berglund
- Jenna Curran
- Maren Dewar
- Mary Drumm
- Jennifer Jones
- Yvonne Kalka
- Grant Kleberg
- Missy Miedema
- Nicki Roseno
- Lukas Schulz
- Laura Wendt
Family Consumer Sciences:
- Amy Beauchamp
- Amy Fiala
- Katie Hatt Rokke
- Rhonda Peterson
- Ashley Stavnes
Foreign Language:
- Mary Crow
- Pam Fisher
- Sharon Goodman
- Sindy Larson
- Brooke VanLooy
Health and Physical Education:
- Christine Bloms
- Stetson Carr
- Andrea Charlebois
- Bill Lorenz
- Lisa Perreault
Health Office:
- Katie Rike
JROTC:
- Mike Selnes
- Ricky Thatcher
Math:
- Brittany Bunde
- Christina Dittus
- Bruce Hanson
- Annette Kohlmeier
- Gretchen Meagher
- Mary McWilliams
- Steve Paintner
- Eric Puncochar
- Paula Salentine
Media Center:
- Andrea Maus - Librarian
Music:
- Paul Barta
- Leah Brooks
- Steve Carriere
- Sarah Harlow
- Geoff Mercer
Science:
- Sean Allan
- Brandon Bartsch
- Joe Drumm
- George DuBois
- David Kohlmeier
- Kylie Laudal
- Jamilee Morseth
- Eric Polries
- Brian Ringdahl
Social Studies:
- Ryne Dolleslager
- Kyle Ellingson
- Joey Fenstermacher
- Nick Graves
- Justine Hunnisett
- Krystal Johnson
- Erik Myrold
- Emma Schreiber
Special Education:
- Debbie Aaker
- Rosella Balingit
- Jade Brown Franzwa
- Marie DeMarce Garner
- Gina Feland
- Ligia Feo
- Kari Hearn
- Heidi Huseby
- Andrea Hynek
- Angie Johnson
- Carly Kasowski Mattice
- Karen Lauer
- Melanie Parcio
- Summer Quamme
- Kathy Sondrol
- Kayla Walden - Administrative Assistant
Technology & Engineering Education:
- Cynthia Boehm
- Zachary Buchhop
- Nate Carlson
- Paul Strande
Para-Professionals:
- Missy Arends
- Denise Brandvold
- Saige Canfield
- Amanda Denault
- Kathy Englerth
- Bonnie Jacob-Forseth
- Manna Khan
- Tammy Lindgren
- Conner Meier
- Cindy Pesek
- Megan Ponce
- Cassandra Schmisek
- Katie Sullivan
- Katrina Tjepkema
- Ruth Turner
Support Staff:
- Katie Arthur – MTSS Coordinator
- Casey Beck – Interventions Coordinator
- Callan Bruce - ELL Program
- Scott Cantrell - SWIS
- Cara Davis - Career Resource Educator
- Kristijana Dogan – ELL Program
- Bruce Hanson - SWIS Program
- Becca Lord - Instructional Design Coach
- Cindy McMillan – Substance Abuse Counselor
- Shera Nesheim – Career Education Coordinator
- Shelly Scholand – Social Worker
- Tyler Theil – Resource Education
- Trista Wood – School Psychologist
Security Staff:
- Tatton Eback - Safety Monitor
- Keagan Johnson - Safety Monitor
- Jason Kaiser - Resource Officer
- Sylvia Wolf - Safety Monitor
Child Nutrition Program:
- Barb Bergum
- Deb Dilley
- Patti Luney
- Sonia Rosales
- Stephanie Rynestad
- Kathy Sauvageau - Head Supervisor
- Kristi Schwan
Custodians:
- Brenda Beavers
- John Best
- Silvestre Cerna
- Ted Dalen – Facilities Manager
- Deborah Dominick
- Mark Gonzales
- David Halverson
- Donna Kerley
- Joyce Morkve
- Ron Ostgard
- Vicki Robertson
Academic Clubs & Organizations
Academic Clubs and Organizations 2023-2024
Anime……………………………..………...…..Mary Drumm
Art Club………………………………….Nancy Greenwood
Centralian …………………………………….Matt Berglund
Chamber Singers……….…………………..…Paul Barta
Chess Club……………………………...Ryne Dolleslager
Debate……………………………….….....................….TBD
DECA Club…………..………….....……..Hannah Freese
Drama…………………………………...……....Maren Dewar
FBLA………………………………..…….......Trevor Lennon
FCCLA………………..……………………Rhonda Peterson
Forx Yearbook…………………….………Matt Berglund
French Club………..……………..……….Cynthia Larson
German Club………………………...…….……..Mary Crow
GSA…………….Andrea Charlebois/Jenny Lubinski
HOSA………………………………............……..…Amy Fiala
Math Club……………………………...…….Brittany Bunde
National Honor Society.………………...Laura Wendt
National Technical Honor Society……………….TBD
Pep Band………...………Sarah Harlow/Leah Brooks
Renaissance…………………...………….…Trevor Lennon
Robotics……………………………….…..Zachary Buchhop
RPG…………………………………….………........Joe Drumm
Science Club …………………………….David Kohlmeier
SkillsUSA-Graphic Arts……………...Cynthia Boehm
SkillsUSA-Inf. Tech………………….Zachary Buchhop
SkillsUSA-Tech Drafting………………….Nate Carlson
Spanish Club…………………….………Sharon Goodman
Speech……………………….….……………....................TBD
Spirit Club………………………….……Nancy Greenwood
Student Congress………………………Krystal Johnson
Student Council……………….………......Trevor Lennon
Tech Club………Nate Carlson & Zachary Buchhop
Athletic Coaches
Athletics
Basketball (Boys)…………………..…….……..Dan Carlson
Basketball (Girls)…………………………Andrayah Adams
Baseball………………………...…………..…......Danny Marto
Cheerleading……………………….…….…..….....Mara Nash
Cross Country (Boys)..………..………..........Sean Allan
Cross Country (Girls).........................Kyle Rosseau
Football…………………..………………….….....Jake Schauer
Golf (Boys)…………....………………..….……......Alex Barta
Golf (Girls)…..……..…………………..…...Christine Bloms
Gymnastics…………………………..………Megan Johnson
Hockey (Boys)……..………..……..………..Grant Paranica
Hockey (Girls)……….……….…..……….….....Kelly Kilgore
Soccer (Boys)………..…….…………………...Lukas Schulz
Soccer (Girls)….…..……….………………..George DuBois
Softball…………………………………………......Greta Tetrault
Swim (Boys)…………….….………………....Brent Newman
Swim (Girls)……..……………..……………….....Bryan Walls
Tennis (Boys)…………...…………………..…..Max Weisser
Tennis (Girls)…………………………..………….....Matt Fuka
Track (Boys)………………………….…………......Sean Allan
Track (Girls)………………………………..….Lindi Chadwick
Trapshooting…………………………………….Jason Fischer
Volleyball…………………………….…….....Brandon Walters
Wrestling (Boys)…………………………...Garrett Litzinger
Wrestling (Girls)……………………...…….…Matt Berglund
2023-2024 District Calendar
Booster Club Meeting Dates for 2023-2024
All meetings are held in the GFC Library/Media Center (2nd Floor) at 7:00 pm
September 11th
October 2nd,
November 6th
December 4th
January 8th
February 5th
March 4th
April 1st
May 6th
Activity Passes
If purchasing through MySchoolBucks.com you will pick up the pass from the school that child attends.
Passes are not replaced due to loss, theft, or damage.
Fall Sport Information & Forms
The athletic fee does not have to be paid to tryout or practice but it must be paid (or a waiver approved) before the student can play in a game or publicly represent the school. It may take up to a week for approved lunch forms and waivers to be returned to our school after being reviewed by Child Nutrition. Please allow time for this process if applying for a waiver.
Please have the required items listed below completed when you come to the school to pick up your white card. If any of the forms are missing signatures or required information a white card will not be issued. No incomplete forms will be accepted. The files are included below. Extra paper copies of the forms will be available in the office.
1. Physical Form (required)
All athletes must complete a physical form each year. Physicals dated after April 15th, 2023 are valid for the 2023-2024 school year.
2. Code of Conduct Form (required)
All athletes must fill out a code of conduct form each year.
3. Concussion Form (required)
All athletes must fill out a concussion form each year.
4. Activity Fee or Activity Waiver/Lunch Form (required before playing in any games)
Activity fees ($80 per sport) may be paid beginning on July 19th on the MySchoolBucks.com website located here: www.myschoolbucks.com or with cash or check made out to GFPS in the school main office.
If using MySchoolBucks, once you are logged into your account, you must click on "School Store" to see a listing of all sports fees available for payment. Money added to your student's lunch account will not go towards sports fees, you much choose the correct sports fee from the "School Store".
OR
You may apply for a waiver if you meet income guidelines. Please see the section titled "Free and Reduced Activity Participation Fees" for more information and forms.
Requesting a Waiver for Free or Reduced Activity Fees
- Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, may qualify for free or reduced activity fees but are required to submit a Free & Reduced Lunch Application Form, a Fee_Waiver_Request_Form and a Release_of_Information_Request each school year to determine eligibility.
- If your family qualifies for free lunch, the activity fee is waived completely. If your family qualifies for reduced lunch, the activity fee is $40 (sports) and $35 (fine arts).
- The Free & Reduced Lunch Online Application Form can be found online here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/
Online Sports & Activity Fee Payments
Create your free account today and never worry about having to send cash/checks to school with your student again. Visit myschoolbucks.com or download the app today to get started!
Looking to Make A Difference? Join Our Team at GFC!
Administration
Dr. Gabe Dahl - Associate Principal A-K
Mr. Mike Wilber - Associate Principal L-Z
Mr. Tony Bina - Athletic Director
Contact Us:
Main Office : 701-746-2375
Attendance Line: 701-746-2482
Main Office Hours 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
School Doors Open at 7:30 AM
Location:
115 N. 4th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Follow us on Twitter: @GFC_Activities
Follow us on Instagram: gfc_activites
GFPS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrandForksPublicSchools/