On July 1, 2024 Fargo Public Schools transitioned to a new mass communication system, BrightArrow. Unfortunately, since the launch, FPS has experienced some technical challenges that have been particularly frustrating during critical moments, including recent safety and security incidents. We recognize how disappointing these issues have been. Fargo Public Schools has been actively working with representatives at BrightArrow to resolve these problems.

Read more about the new mass communication system, Bright Arrow, and FPS' efforts to solve technical challenges, and how to ensure you receive important communications from FPS in this Cabinet Column by Communications Officer AnnMarie Campbell.

As a parent, it can sometimes feel like you're trying to decode a secret language when it comes to understanding your child's school grades. Fargo Public Schools is committed to providing clear, accurate information on your child’s progress, highlighting both where they are excelling and where they may need more support. Our grading system is designed to focus on the skills your child can use in the real world, emphasizing their academic achievements independent of other factors.

Read more about the FPS grading system and how to understand your student's grade in this Feature Column by Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann M. Hanson and watch the video below.

Households may qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. Fargo Public Schools encourages all families to complete the Student Frees Assistance and Benefits application available online. Qualifying includes free waivers for some student activities, submitting college applications, and taking national standardized tests in addition to meal payment benefits.

Read more about Student Fees Assistance and Benefits application and the FPS School Breakfast and Lunch Program in this Feature Column by FPS Nutrition Services Director Cindy Hogenson.

Congratulations to Jake Peters and Florence Sherman on being named Davies High School's Homecoming King and Queen!

The rest of the Homecoming Court includes: Aniston Gigstad, Riley Scott, Mariah Burian, Janei Tamba, Marthalyne Wornor, Mykah Barnick, Halle Stephens, Tali Thull, Tanis Lee, Grace Weisenburger, Summer Thomas, Natnael Adams, Joshua Beil, Malachi Werremeyer, Charles Metzger, Holden Witte, Mason Klabo, Baridute Deebom, Liam Wicklow, Noah Meline, Andrew Grothman, and Gunnar Majerus.

Congratulations to Emmanuel Mure and Amelia Hawley on being crowned South High School's Homecoming King and Queen!

The rest of the Homecoming Court includes: Alayna Kloeckner, Ashlyn Thorsness, Ella Roehl, Greta Raum, Jada Kennedy, Lily Engen, Megan Prisinzano, Reese Aarestad, Wren James, Ben Pinks, Brevin Wark, Jonas Jensrud, Lucas Erickson, Luke Sherva, Mark Dahlman, Regean Jorgenson, Sutton Bruggeman, and Xander Moody.

Congratulations to Amanda Hetland, a special education teacher at Eagles Elementary School, on earning the Cynthia Thoreson Selland Teacher of the Year Award! The award recognizes an outstanding teacher in Fargo Public Schools and remembers Mrs. Selland’s 31-year teaching career at Agassiz, Ben Franklin Middle School, and South High School.

The honor includes a monetary award and the winning teacher’s name engraved on a traveling plaque which will be displayed at Eagles during the school year. Click here to read more about Amanda Hetland and the Selland Award.

Staff at Lincoln Elementary School received certificates from Dr. Beverly Irby and Dr. Linda Rodriguez of Texas A&M University celebrating their completion of the Foundational Level of School Enhancement-Turnaround Framework, focusing on establishing essential structures and practices for school improvement crucial for continuous improvement and sustainable growth. Lincoln has been part of the RAISE program with Texas A&M for the last year, working on efforts to increase student achievement and overall school improvement.

The Business Education program at Davies High School was presented the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Director’s Award of Excellence during the 54th Annual Department of Career and Technical Education Professional Development Conference held at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck.

The award is an acknowledgment of superior career and technical education programs in North Dakota. Davies' program was recognized increasing student enrollment through a broad scope of high-quality courses, enriching the program by networking with business partners, and supporting ethnic and academic diversity.

Thank you to everyone who donated last Wednesday on Beyond the Books Giving Day! The combined day of giving raised nearly $6,000! These donations will help the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation and the United Way of Cass-Clay provide students with school supplies, school lunches, mid-day milk or juice, beds, housing support, and food for the family.

Fargo Public Schools is excited to introduce the Mental Health Series Platform from ParentGuidance.org, a powerful new resource designed to support family mental health and well-being. Experts agree that adult involvement is important in a child's success. When caregivers have helpful tools, it benefits children, strengthens families, and contributes to a thriving community.

The Mental Health Series features virtual events each day in October, discussing a wide variety of topics. This month's focus session is "Helping Your Child to Succeed" with live sessions on Tuesday, October 2 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. There is also an "Ask a Therapist" live session on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. View the full calendar. Register at this link or contact info@cookcenter.org for registration help and support.

Discovery Middle School Theatre presents the one-act play The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales on October 4 & 5 at Discovery Middle School.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales is based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith that deconstructs fairy tale traditions. Poor Jack must use his wits to escape the Giant after stealing a harp and goose from him. Jack tells his own versions of familiar stories, including Cinderumplestiltskin, Little Red Running Shorts, and a tortoise racing a hare. However, his plans are constantly disrupted by other characters, including the Giant, the Red Hen, and the Stinky Cheese Man. The show features strange twists on familiar tales, bizarre characters, and innovative acting.

The Friday, October 4 performance is at 7 p.m. and the Saturday, October 5 performance is at 2 p.m. No tickets are required and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Thank you to Heat Transfer Warehouse for donating matching long-sleeve t-shirts and classroom supplies to Explorer Academy! Each student and member of the staff received a long-sleeve t-shirt with the school logo to help bring the school together as a community. Heat Transfer Warehouse also donated many items from the staff's classroom wish lists.

Thank you to Fetchers for the donation of classroom supplies to Centennial Elementary School! Fetchers held a Back to School dog photo shoot and donation drive with all of the proceeds going to purchase supplies for local classrooms.

Thank you to the local Amazon fulfillment center and Clean the World who partnered to donate 200 backpacks filled with school supplies to Fargo Public Schools elementary schools! Clean the World, a global leader in environmental and social impact solutions, provided the backpacks and supplies and Amazon put supplies in the backpacks and distributed them. The schools will keep the backpacks on hand for students in need as the school year begins and when new students arrive.

The FPS community is invited to join a 1-hour webinar to learn about FirstLink, the center that answers the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the 211 Information & Referral Helpline. This session will provide an overview of these critical services, offer guidance on how you can help connect those in need with compassionate, nonjudgmental support, and answer your questions about 988 or 211. See flyer for more information.

The webinar will be from noon to 1 p.m. today, Thursday, September 26 on Microsoft Teams. Register Here.

This is a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge and be better prepared to support others. For any questions, contact FirstLink's outreach team or Assistant Director of Educational Justice Dr. Jen Sahr.

The Board of Education of the City of Fargo meets in regular session on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. To find Board meeting agendas and schedules, a broadcast link, an archive of past meetings, and more, visit the Board of Education webpages on the FPS website.

Read the Board Briefs from the September 24 regular meeting of the School Board.

This newsletter is published weekly on Thursdays during the school year when classes are in session. Material for publication is due by noon on Tuesday of the week of desired publication.

Email: comments@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us
Location: 700 7th Street South, Fargo, ND
Phone: 701.446.1000