Lewis and Clark Parent Newsletter
Sept. 1, 2024
Mr. Jason Cresap, Principal
Mrs. Danielle Lapos, Assistant Principal
2024-25 School Year
The school year is off and running! It's been great having kids back in our schools, seeing familiar faces, and meeting new ones! Every year brings new things and I'd like to share some information about what's new at Lewis and Clark:
1. New Teaching Staff: Jenny Ferchol (School Counselor), Briana Mullan (Third Grade Teacher), Cassie Rolewitz (Postive Behavior Interventionist)
2. 2nd Grader students will be exposed to a new reading curriculum called CKLA. Fargo Public Schools is "Pioneering" new reading curriculum across the district. Teachers and classess that "Pioneer" will be working with the new curriculum in preparation for next year, where district wide implementation will take place.
3. Health will now be taught as a separate class to all students. A traveling health teacher will be at Lewis and Clark every 10 days teaching our students about the state health standards.
4. Lewis and Clark Elementary will have 3 school-wide goals for the 2024-25 school year.
- Goal 1 80% of students will score a 3 or higher on 100% of the ELA standards.
- Goal 2 80% of student will score a 3 or higher on 100% of the Math standards.
- By the end of the school year the average score of students indicating a sense of belonging will increase as compared to the previous year.
Tips for getting the school year off to a great start!
Starting the school year off on the right foot can set the tone for a successful year. Here are some ideas parents can consider to help their child get off to a great start:
1. Establish a Routine:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Morning Routine: Create a morning routine that includes time for breakfast, preparing for school, and any other necessary activities.
- Homework Time: Set aside a specific time each day for homework to build a habit of consistent study.
2. Organize School Supplies:
- School Materials: Help your child organize their backpack and school supplies. Make sure they have everything they need, such as notebooks, pencils, and binders.
- Labeling: Label all supplies with your child’s name to prevent loss and confusion.
3. Set Goals Together:
- Academic Goals: Discuss academic goals for the year, such as improving in a specific subject or achieving a certain grade.
- Personal Goals: Encourage your child to set personal goals, such as making new friends or participating in extracurricular activities.
4. Communicate with Teachers:
- Meet the Teacher: Attend any open houses or back-to-school nights to meet your child’s teachers.
- Regular Communication: Establish a line of communication with teachers to stay informed about your child’s progress and any challenges they may face.
5. Encourage a Positive Attitude:
- Stay Positive: Encourage your child to approach the new school year with a positive attitude. Remind them that challenges are opportunities for growth.
- Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate small successes throughout the year to keep motivation high.
6. Create a Homework Space:
- Quiet Environment: Designate a quiet, clutter-free area at home for your child to do homework.
- Resources at Hand: Ensure that this space is stocked with necessary supplies like paper, pencils, and a calculator.
7. Encourage Independence:
- Time Management: Teach your child how to use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments and deadlines.
- Problem-Solving: Encourage your child to try solving problems on their own before seeking help.
8. Promote Healthy Habits:
- Nutritious Meals: Provide balanced meals and snacks that fuel your child’s body and mind.
- Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity to help your child stay fit and focused.
9. Discuss Social Skills:
- Making Friends: Talk to your child about the importance of being kind, respectful, and inclusive when making new friends.
- Conflict Resolution: Teach your child basic conflict resolution skills to handle disagreements with peers.
10. Monitor Screen Time:
- Balanced Screen Use: Set limits on screen time, especially during school nights, to ensure it doesn’t interfere with homework or sleep.
- Educational Content: Encourage the use of educational apps and websites that support learning.
11. Stay Involved:
- Volunteer: If possible, volunteer at school events or in the classroom to stay connected with your child’s education.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check in with your child about what they are learning and any challenges they are facing.
12. Plan for Challenges:
- Identify Potential Challenges: Talk to your child about any concerns they have about the new school year and brainstorm solutions together.
- Support Networks: Make sure your child knows they have a support network at home and at school.
By taking these steps, parents can help their child feel prepared, confident, and excited to start the new school year.
School Hours
Doors open at 7:50am
School begins at 8:05am
School ends at 2:27pm (If you pick your children up, please do so on time)
*IMPORTANT- When a student arrives past 8:05am they will be considered tardy/late. Every 6 tardies/lates equals 1 day of absences. These can add up quickly and attendance procedures below may be inacted. Students perform best throughout the day by getting their day started on time. Please ensure students are here on time. Thanks so much!
Student Attendance
North Dakota State Law requires school districts to track and monitor student attendance. We value each and every student being at school every day. Fargo Public Schools has policies that outline student attendance. Below briefly explains FPS practice regarding student attendance:
After 9 absences, classroom teacher will reach out to discuss attendance. Teachers will look to understand and problem solve with families.
After 13 absences, the school counselor will reach out to discuss attendance. The counselor will look to understand and problem solve with families. Some accommodation or attendance plans may be put in place with students.
After 18 absences, the school principal, will reach out to discuss attendance. The principal will work to find out root cause and look for trends in the student attendance data. The principal may set up a meeting with parents to discuss their child's attendance and will work with families on finding a solution that leads to improved attendance.
If student attendance does not improve after 18 absences, students may be referred to the Fargo Public School's Student Attendance Review Board, prinicipal may conduct a home visit, and/or principal may file with Child Protective Services.
*In order for children to reach their learning goals and to continue to make progress they need to be in school. We ask that you keep us informed about student absences, as we will work with you on the best solutions for you and your child(ren).
Sincerely,
Jason Cresap, Principal at Lewis and Clark Elementary
PARENTS: Get text messages from FPS!
Please opt-in to receive text messages from Fargo Public Schools. FPS has switched to a new mass communication system for the 2024-25 school year and you MUST opt-in to receive text messages from FPS. If you do not opt-in, you could miss important information from our school or the District. You can opt-in at any time by texting the word “YES” to 79041.
PowerSchool Accounts
Important Dates/Events at Lewis and Clark
September 2: No School (Labor Day)
September 13: Picture Day (Forms were in your back to school packet)
September 26: Lewis and Clark Title One Night 5:30-7:00pm
September 27: Lewis and Clark Walk-a-Thon PTA Fundraiser (More info coming later in September)
2024-25 Lunch Prices
Elementary Lunch: $2.65
Extra Milk: $0.45
Parents Right to Know
School districts are required to notify parents of ALL children in ALL Title I schools that they have the right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of the teaching staff within the building. This requirement applies to all children in the school— whether or not they receive Title I services—and all Title I schools, both targeted assistance and schoolwide. When a parent requests information on professional qualifications, schools and districts must, at a minimum, report the following: a. The education level and subject area of the teacher’s college degree major and any graduate degree or certificate held; b. Whether or not the teacher is teaching under an emergency status; c. Whether or not the teacher has met North Dakota’s licensing requirements for the grade level(s) and core academic subject(s) they teach; and d. Whether or not the school’s paraprofessionals meet the ESSA requirements. The notification must take place at the beginning of each school year. This information could be disseminated through the district or school parent handbook, newsletter, sent as a separate mailing, or be kept on file at the district or school administration office in the event a parent requests it. The following paragraph is sample language of how a school can meet the requirement for the Parent’s Right to Know. This information could appear in the school’s parent handbook or be included as part of a school newsletter. Through federal education law, parents have the right to request information on the professional qualifications of the teachers and paraprofessionals at our school. If you are interested in learning this information, please contact the school administration office at (701) 111-1111. Upon this request, you will receive a detailed explanation of the licensing, education, and experience of each of our teachers. You will also receive information regarding the names and qualifications of the paraprofessionals at our school(s). If at any time during the school year a child is taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned, parents must be notified in a timely manner.
Lewis and Clark Student Handbook
It is important that you review the student handbook for information about school practices and policies. This document can answer many questions you may have. You should have received a student handbook at back to school night or your child should have brought one home on one of the first day's of school. If you would like a hard copy of the student handbook, please reach out to the school office or you can access it electronically at the link below, under Quick links.
https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/lewisandclark
Please reach out if you have any questions!
Mr. Cresap, Principal
Free and Reduced Lunch
Paper copies are also available at the Lewis and Clark School Office.
Fargo Public School's Field Trips
After reading through the descriptions, at the bottom of the document, there is an "Opt Out Form" if you do not want your child to participate. Please fill out the form and return it to the Lewis and Clark office.