Discovery Middle School

(L-R) Mr. Hunter Reinke-Assistant Principal and 8th Grade Level Principal; Mr. Brandon Larson-Assistant Principal and Activities Director and 6th Grade Level Principal; Mrs. Amy Herrick-Head Principal and 7th Grade Level Principal; Mr. Jacob Kienzle-6-8 Dean of Students

Memo from Mrs. Herrick:

• 24-25 Discovery Important Goals (DIGS)
• Eagle Camp 24 Recap, Back to School Night 24 Recap
• Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices at Disco
• Students Have Personal Learning Devices (PLDS) and Parents, You Can Join their Canvas Courses!
• Memorizing Contact Phone Numbers and Addresses

Davies Drumline at Disco

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

Important Matters to Take Care of If You Haven't Already

• School Picture Re-takes
• Opt-In to Receive Text Message from Our School
• Content E-Alerts
• 24-25 School Year Registration
• 24-25 Updated School Immunizations

24-25 Daily Period Schedule

24-25 Early-Out Schedule

Self-Directed Academy

Building a Foundation for Success: Evidence Based Reporting (EBR) and Standards Based Instruction (SBI)

Building a Foundation For Success: FPS Code of Character, Conduct and Support (CCCS)

Building a Foundation for Success: FPS Philosophies

DMS PTA Monthly Update

Athletics and Activities Corner with Mr. Larson

Counseling Corner

September Mental Health Series
Nursing Nuggets with Nurse Megan

Medication In School

SRO Corner with Officer Noll: Guidelines for Success: "Be Safe"

Reinke's Realm: What is MTSS A and MTSS B? How to Support Your Child

Kienzle's Corner: Key Points from CCCS

Upcoming Events

August/September Letter Day Calendar

Parent Accommodations/Communications
Yearbooks
Liz's Closet
Dispute Resolution Policy
FERPA Information
Rights of Non-custodial Parents

We hope the first days of school went well for your student and your family. The 2024-25 school year is off to a great start! Here are some highpoints that we want to share with our DMS families:

This year, each FPS building was tasked with coming up with 2-3 Important Goals that are directly tied to the FPS Strategic Plan. The FPS Strategic Plan has 6 areas of focus, DMS chose to focus on areas 1. Tiered Instruction and 2. Positive School Culture and Safety.

Please see the FPS Strategic Plan Website for more information about the strategic plan and the stratgic plan scorecard.

Our 24-25 DIGS (Discovery Important Goals)

Strategic Initiative 1; Result 1; Standard 2

By the end of semester, 80% of DMS students will earn a 3 or 4 on all skills in (content area) as measured by the FPS Skills report.

Strategic Initiative 1; Result 1; Standard 4

By the end of semester, 80% of DMS students will earn a 3 or 4 on all skills in (content area) as measured by the FPS Skills report. (Focus on MTSS-Multi-tiered System of Supports, Strategies and Systems-Attendance, Behavior, and Academic)

Strategic Initiative 2; Result 1; Standard 4

By the end of the school year, the average score of DMS students will increase as compared to the previous year as measured by the Climate and Culture Survey.

Each monthly newsletter will feature an update on our building process and progress surrounding the 24-25 DIGS. Next month, will feature how the DIGS are structured from district level, building level, content level/grade level and student level.

• Eagle Camp (for our incoming 6th graders) and Middle School 101 for parents/guardians of incoming 6th graders went very well. We had 75% attendance for our incoming 6th graders at Eagle Camp. Our current 7th and 8th grade students helped out as student ambassadors and also served on a student panel to address any questions that our parents/guardians may have about middle school.

• Back to School Night for grades 6-8 was very well attended. Our attendance was up from last year, which was extremely well attended as well, so that was exciting. We apprecated the booths set up by our members of our school, district and overall community.
• This was the first year that we presented a MS 102 (for 7th grade students and families) and MS 103 (for 8th grade students and families) at Back to School Night and we appreciated all who were able to attend. We ended up with about 1/3 of each grade level in attendance. We are going to adjust some of our topics and will include student panels for those presentations next year. We are looking forward to these changes and how to best support our 7th and 8th grade students and families thorugh these presentations

• The first days of school have been fantastic. Students have done an excellent job with our cell phone expectations and policy. Please continue to reinforce these expectations at home by reminding your child the following:

Policy: Student Handbook on Cell Phones: page 7

Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices

Students can use cell phones and electronic devices only in the commons, hallways, and locker bays before the beginning of the school day or after the end of the school day. After the first bell and before the last bell, all cell phones and all non-school issued electronic devices will be put away unless they are deemed to be educationally appropriate by the classroom teacher. During this period of time teachers and administrators will follow the steps below:

1st Instance: The teacher will have the student place their cell phone/ear buds in a location determined by the

teacher and they will be returned at the end of the period.

2nd Instance: The student will give their cell phone/earbuds to the teacher who will deliver the cell phone/earbuds

to the office where it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day with parent/guardian notification

by the teacher (documented in the Student Behavior Form - Level Two Minor).

3rd Instance: The student will give their cell phone/earbuds to the teacher who will deliver the cell phone/earbuds

to the office where it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day with parent/guardian notification

by teacher or administration (documented in the Student Behavior Form - Level Three Major).

4th Instance: The student will give their cell phone/earbuds to the teacher who will deliver the cell phone/earbuds to the office where it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day with parent/guardian notification by administration. Administration will work with parents/guardians to develop an individual cell phone/earbuds plan (documented in the Student Behavior Form - Level Three Major).

• If your child becomes ill or has a health-related emergency at school, you will be notified by the building nurse, or designee.
• If you need to get in contact with your child, you may call the front office and the message will be relayed.
• If your child needs to get in touch with you, there are phones in every classroom that teachers can allow a student to use, or they may request a pass to the front office to call home.

• Discovery is a 1-to-1 laptop school, so all students have access to a computer throughout the day. Because of this, there is no need for a student to utilize their cell phone.

A great way to follow your student’s progress is to be an observer in their Canvas Courses and follow scores posted in PowerSchool. The following link will walk you through how to be an observer in your student’s Canvas Course.

Please have your child memorize their parent/guardian phone number(s) and their address. This may seem trivial, but many students have no idea what their emergency contacts phone numbers are nor their exact address.

Students at four FPS schools will not need an alarm clock or a shower to get them amped up and ready for the day on Friday during the month of September. They’ll have the crack of the snare drum and the boom of the bass to get them going before school.

WHAT: Davies Drumline Morning Performances

WHERE:

Discovery Middle School, 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo

CONTACT: Darcy Brandenburg, Davies band director, branded@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701.4463045; Amy Herrick, Discovery principal, 701.446.3304 or herrica@fargo.k12.nd.us;

Students at Discovery Middle School, will be greeted to school by a performance by the Davies High School Drumline on Fridays in the month of September.

The drumline will perform near the front entrance of an FPS school on each of the four Fridays of September. Students and staff are encouraged to gather around the drumline to watch the performance before they kick off their school day.

Schedule

September 20 – Discovery Middle School, 7:50 a.m. to 8:25 a.m.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Suicide is a critical public health issue that touches the lives of individuals and communities across the country, and our district is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every student feels safe, valued, and heard. Fargo Public Schools is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent suicide and support the mental health of its students. Suicide is preventable, and the our collective efforts can make a difference.

Read more about the importance of suicide prevention awareness in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Educational Justice Dr. Jen Sahr.

The 24-25 School Pictures have been taken, if your child missed the school photo days, or would like to do retakes, you will need to schedule directly with Scherlings. Here is the link to do so.

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.

Have you signed up to receive our newsletter or Daily Announcements in the past? Please know, that all emails have been cleared and community members will have to sign up again to receive notifications.

Content E-Alerts are sent to users who have subscribed to a homepage or website section of interest. You will receive an email notification when newsletters, daily announcements or Board of Education full Board meeting agendas are posted. Click here to sign up and begin the process of setting your subscriptions. Need Help? See instruction for existing users, or setting up a new account.

• Student(s) Are Registered and All Online Documents are Current for the 2024-25 School Year

• Click here to go online to PowerSchool to complete/update student information forms for the 2024-25 school year NOW.

Medical Information (Any Meds/Immunizations Are Current)

• Your student(s) are updated in their immunizations or waiver submitted to the Discovery School Nurse.

• How do I know if my child is up to date on immunizations?

  Click here to see required vaccinations for the State of North Dakota.

Discovery Daily Period Schedule

Please see below for the Self-Directed Academy Newsletter (SDA Newsletter).

Learn more about Standards Based Instruction and Evidence Based Reporting on the FPS Secondary Instructional and Grading Practices Website.

The FPS Code of Character, Conduct, and Support is the District's guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and staff, helping everyone work together to support student success and maintain a positive school culture. Fargo Public Schools has introduced important updates to the Code to enhance the clarity and support in its shared goals.

Read about the updates to the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Educational Justice Tristan Love.

These FPS Philosophies uphold our organizational truths and demonstrate Fargo Public Schools’ commitment to inclusive practices in education and the academic freedom of educators to utilize their expertise and professionalism to reach each student.

Welcome back to school, Discovery Families!

We are excited for a new year of PTA, and we look forward to seeing our new 6th grade families joining in the fun to make Discovery an even better place for our students and staff.

Here are some of the things you need to know for the upcoming year:

Your Executive Team
President: Tara Ekren
Vice President: Cori Thielges
Secretary: Janelle Hanson
Treasurer: Kirsten Ulmer

This is the second year of the executive team’s term, which means we’ll be electing a new board this spring. If you have any interest in serving on the board, we encourage you to let us know early and shadow the position you are interested in. Serving on the executive board truly is rewarding!

Membership

PTA membership is specific to Discovery Middle School and must be renewed each year. Dues are $15. Your dues also give you membership to the ND PTA. You can pay your membership dues a few different ways.

1. Use our membership QR code or this link (http://bit.ly/3X1Pj3z) to pay through Square. You don’t need to have a Square account to use this option.

2. Pay through SchoolPay (under the Nonprofit Groups tab) in PowerSchool.

3. Drop off cash or a check in the Main Office.

Join our Facebook Group
This is your best source for all the information you need to know about PTA. Meetings will be listed there as events and we’ll post signup links for volunteer activities too. You can join the private group by searching “Discovery Middle School PTA-Fargo”, click this link: https://bit.ly/4cpH4Tm, or scan the QR code.

Facebook Group QR code:

Our first meeting is fast approaching on September 9th! Make plans to join us and learn more about PTA and all the great things we are planning for the upcoming school year.

Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the main office conference room and with via Teams.

Our Facebook Group has an event set up for each meeting and includes the Teams link, meeting ID, and passcode for each meeting.

Everyone is welcome to join us for our meetings! You do not have to be a member to attend. Each meeting will feature an update from the admin team, updates from the executive team, discussion on a variety of topics affecting the school, and a guest speaker on various topics. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers and staff at the school as well as fellow parents.

Mark your calendars for our meetings this school year!

September 9

October 21

November 18

December 9

January 13

February 10

March 10

April 14

May 12

We hope to see you there!

Want to be more involved with PTA? We are looking for a few people to help with a variety of positions within the group. We are hoping to fill the following positions:

· Concessions Chair

· Special Events Chair

· Volunteer Chair

Get in Touch!
You can email the executive team at DiscoveryPTAPresident@gmail.com with any questions, ideas, or just to say HI! We look forward to getting to know you.

We look forward to having you as a part of the PTA for the 24-25 school year! Go Eagles!

Click here for Fall Activities Update

Meet the Discovery counseling team. At Discovery, our students are assigned counselors by grade.

*Mrs. McMinn: 6th Grade Counselor

*Mrs. Ferderer: 7th Grade Counselor

*Mr. Napton: 8th Grade Counselor

*Mr. Snowden: Lead Counselor

What do school counselors do and how are we here to help? We focus on academic, career, and social-emotional needs of ALL students. We’re here as a resource for all of you. Here are just a few of the ways that we do this:

o We provide brief, individual counseling to students in school.

o We run groups to enhance peer support and teach social-emotional and academic skills in a smaller setting.

o We teach guidance lessons on topics like empathy, bullying, stress management, and

career-planning.

o We work together with all teachers, administrators, school staff, and parents/guardians to support student needs in and out of the classroom.

Our Student Wellness & Family Facilitator, Liz’s Closet and the BackPack Program are some other wonderful resources we can also connect our students and families to.

Beth Zimmerman is our Student Wellness & Family Facilitator (SWFF) and she tends to work more closely with parents. She is able to help find additional supports for families outside of our school building. Whether it’s related to mental health or basic needs, she can meet with parents to explore options to support their student and/or family. Feel free to reach out to school counselors and principals if you are interested in getting connected with Beth.

Liz’s Closet is a free resource at Discovery that can help provide food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies to students in need.

The BackPack Program provides bags of food for students to take home with them. If you have questions about Liz’s Closet or the Backpack Program, please reach out to a counselor or stop by Student Services.

We look forward to meeting those of you that are new to Discovery! If you would like to visit with a counselor, you can send us an email or let a teacher know you’d like to see us. Our offices are located in Student Services. It’s going to be an Awesome Year!

Here is the customized calendar for the September Mental Health Series. These calendars are tailored specifically to meet the needs of our district and will help guide our community through the month’s mental health resources and events.

What’s Included:

• Key Dates: Scheduled webinars for September.
• Topic Highlights: District-selected topics tailored to the needs of your students, families, and staff.
• Access Details: Instructions on how to join live sessions.

Please click here to access the calendars. We encourage you to share these with staff, students, and families to ensure everyone can take full advantage of the resources available.

If you have any questions or need further customization, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support in every way possible.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the mental health and well-being of our community.

Macy Cass
Impact Manager
Cook Center for Human Connection

C:(702) 659-3460

(Call/Text) | CookCenter.org

As we start off the school year, it’s a good reminder to students and parents/guardians that North Dakota State Law requires that a certificate of immunizations is to be completed or turned in on every child in school. The vaccines required can be found here, school-required vaccines. Most children will need the following by school entry:

Kindergarten (4-6 years old)

• Hepatitis B: three doses
• Polio: four doses
• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis): five doses
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella): two doses
• Varicella (chickenpox): two doses

7th Grade (11-12 years old)

• Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis): one dose
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4, MenACWY): one dose

11th Grade (16 years old)

• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4, MenACWY): second dose

For more information about North Dakota school immunization requirements, including exemptions, please visit our website. Information on how to access your child’s North Dakota immunization record, or request an official copy of their record, can be found here.

There are other vaccines that may be recommended by a child’s physician or clinic. Students may be exempt from immunization requirements due to medical exemption, philosophical, moral or religious beliefs or had a history of the disease. In the event of an outbreak, exempted persons may be subject to exclusion from school.

If your child has recently received vaccinations, please bring a copy of the immunization record to the school.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach me at:

Megan Hasson, RN

701-446-3319

djhnurse@fargo.12.nd.us

If your student should need to take a prescription or non-prescription medication at school, Form AF6720-A must be filled out in it's entirety, signed by you and your doctor, and brought to the nurse. The medication bottle for school must be labeled , including student’s date of birth. If student will self-administer, in the case of an inhaler, please fill out form AF-6720-F. You should be able to get these forms off the FPS website under registration, or at your doctor’s office.

You can reach the nurse @ 701-446-3319 or by email: djhnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us.

Hope you’ve had a wonderful summer!

I hope everyone had a great summer! Its great to see your students back with smiles on their faces! During the first week of school your students were given the “guidelines for success” from Fargo Public schools, which includes “Be Safe.” It emphasizes

1) Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

2) Walk

3) Keep your body in control.

When I think about “keep your body in control” I would consider other actions or behaviors that have the potential of getting your student in trouble. The student handbook, and Code of Conduct booklet outline student behaviors that are cause for disciplinary action and could lead to legal action.

It describes “verbal or non-verbal language that is obscene, defamatory, or inciting violence, which may be disruptive to the educational environment.” Please remind your students how important their actions can be. I understand middle school students can get rowdy and love to have fun, but if everyone can “Be Safe” everyone will have a great school year.

Happy September! It's official; we are back at it in FPS! I wanted to take a moment to update you to two pathways FPS and Discovery Middle School uses to help support our kiddos. MTSS-A (Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Academics) and MTSS-B (Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior). These frameworks are designed to ensure that all students receive the academic and behavioral support they need to succeed.

MTSS-A provides tailored academic interventions to help students achieve their learning goals, whether they need additional support or are ready for more advanced challenges. Just as students benefit from tailored academic support through MTSS-A to help them meet their learning goals, adults experience something similar in their careers. When starting a new job or facing deadlines, new software adults may need extra support from their employer—additional training, mentoring, or resources to help them succeed. This support is important in assisting adults in developing skills, overcoming obstacles, and eventually advancing their careers. At Discovery Middle School, we recognize that students also have diverse needs and challenges, so we provide personalized academic interventions to ensure they stay on track and reach their full potential, just as adults strive to do in their professional lives.

MTSS-B provides behavioral support to help students develop positive habits and navigate challenges at school; adults may find that similar support is crucial in their careers when dealing with workplace dynamics or managing stress. For instance, in a demanding work environment or when facing conflicts, employers might offer resources such as coaching, stress management programs, or team-building activities to help maintain a positive and productive mindset. These supports are designed to help individuals thrive in their jobs, much like MTSS-B, which allows students to build the social and emotional skills needed for success in school.

Thank you for your continued support in making Discovery Middle School a place where every student can thrive. Go Eagles!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin the new school year, we want to announce the implementation of the Fargo Public Schools (FPS) Code of Character, Conduct, and Support. This framework fosters a safe, caring environment and nurtures the development of student character and responsible conduct.

Key Points:

• Safe Environment: Ensures the learning space is a physically and psychologically safe environment where students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
• Character and Conduct: Promotes essential personal qualities and responsible behavior.
• Accountability and Support: Uses restorative and equitable disciplinary approaches.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Clearly defined expectations for students, parents, and staff.

Staff Commitment: Our staff are dedicated to supporting student success by creating a welcoming environment, engaging in professional development, and utilizing restorative practices to address behavioral issues.

Parental Involvement: We encourage you to review the FPS Code with your child and discuss the importance of playing their part in ensuring a positive school climate. Your support is crucial in maintaining a positive school culture.

Together, we can ensure that every student feels valued and capable of achieving their fullest potential. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Sincerely,

Jacob Kienzle

Dean of Students

September 2

• No School - Labor Day

September 3

• Student Make-up and Staff Pictures
• 6th grade Cross Country Begins

Please see below for the August/September Letter Day Calendar or check out our Discovery website.

Our bell schedules and calendars are always posted on our Discovery website.

Family support is so important for your child’s success at Discovery. If parents or other family members need accommodations to participate and attend any school function at Discovery, please contact the school office two to three business days prior to the event. Every effort will be made to meet your needs.

Communicating with parents and families is always our goal at Discovery Middle School.

You may subscribe to Discovery’ Newsletter and Daily Announcements on our website by going to “Content E-Alerts” on Discovery’s website. Parents/guardians can sign up to receive alerts about new Daily Announcements, Newsletters, etc., for each school your students attend. E-Alerts are sent to users who have subscribed to a homepage or website section of interest. You will receive an email notification that content has been modified.

You may also want to add our school calendar to your personal calendar. This will help you stay informed about all the activities that are happening at Discovery.

Our school supply list, our student handbook, a link to PowerSchool, PTA information, and several other useful links are also available on our website.

https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery

Yearbook orders will be taken online .The cost is $25.00. To ensure that your child will receive a yearbook at the end of the year, it must be ordered and paid for in advance. The deadline for ordering a yearbook is Friday, April 4, 2025.

A Discreet, Free Resource for Discovery Students in Need

What: Discovery strives as a team to meet the needs of all students as part of our mission to build a foundation for success. Liz’s Closet, a free resource at Discovery, aligns with this mission by providing students in need with items such as clothing, hygiene products, non-perishable food items, etc.

At Discovery, we hope to provide developmentally appropriate support to students in need by offering a means to obtain basic food and hygiene products in a discreet manner. Students utilizing Liz’s Closet will have access to reusable bags, so items are less visible as students are leaving the building.

Where: Liz’s Closet will be located in Student Services. The room being used as “Liz’s Closet” will be accessible through a trusted adult in the building (teachers, counselors, administrators, paraprofessionals, designated staff).

Who: Any student in need of these items is welcome to take what he/she needs with the help of a trusted adult.

How: Although students are welcome to directly ask a trusted adult at Discovery to use Liz’s Closet, to maintain privacy as best as possible, a student can simply draw a star on a sheet of paper and bring it to a trusted adult. The adult will then instruct the student as to when he/she can go to Student Services to collect what is needed. If this adult does not have a time that works for him/her, the adult will notify the appropriate counselor or Student Services staff member to be expecting this student sometime within the school day. Once in Student Services, the student will be escorted to the closet and can take what is needed.

If you know of anyone who may need to utilize this resource, please do not hesitate to contact a Discovery counselor or administrator. Additionally, if you would like to donate shelf-stable food, school supplies, or hygiene products to Liz’s Closet, please contact Taylor Ferderer (school counselor) at 446-3318.

Dispute Resolution Policy

Federal and state regulations require districts to adopt procedures for receiving and resolving disputes. A complaint may include an investigation by district staff that will result in a determination of findings of facts, conclusions, and reasons for the final decision.

Any individual who believes the Fargo School District has violated the regulations or law governing the federal Title program should submit a detailed, written statement of facts supporting the allegation to:

(Manager of Specific Title program)

Fargo Public Schools

700 7th Street South

Fargo, ND 58103

Fargo Public Schools Title Managers

Title I Part A (Economically Disadvantaged Students)

Tristan Love lovet@fargo.k12.nd.us

Title II Part A (Teacher Training/Recruitment)

Robert Grosz groszr@fargo.k12.nd.us

Missy Eidsness eidsnem@fargo.k12.nd.us

Title III (English Language Acquisition)

Liann Hanson hansonl3@fargo.k12.nd.us

Title IX (Discrimination/Sexual Harassment)

Patricia Cummings cumminp1@fargo.k12.nd.us

Section 504 (Students with Disabilities)

Patricia Cummings cumminp1@fargo.k12.nd.us

Any complaint must include:

• The date;

• The name of the district, unit, or individual the complaint is against;

• The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the complaint;

• A detailed description of the complaint, including specific facts; and

• The signature of the person making the complaint.

When a complaint is filed, the appropriate Fargo Public Schools Title Manager will investigate and issue a written response within sixty (60) calendar days from the date the complaint is received.

Reconsideration

The complainant may submit a reconsideration request in writing to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the North Dakota Division of Juvenile Services, and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Superintendent

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept 201

Bismarck, ND 58505-0440

The Secretary of Education

U.S. Department of Education

555 New Jersey Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20208

North Dakota Division of Juvenile Services

100 Railroad Avenue

Bismarck, ND 58501

7/2016

Revised 7/2017

Revised 7/2018

Revised 10/2021

Revised 2/2022

Revised 7/2022

Revised 7/2023

Privacy Rights:

The Fargo Public School District extends official notification of their commitment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible student”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible student should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the school district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or student when notified of the right to a hearing.

• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff, persons who sit on the Emergency Threat Response Team, and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks including serving on the Emergency Threat Response Team. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. (The District may also disclose “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, honors and awards. If the parent does not want directory information released, they must contact the school where the student attends within two weeks.)

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education,

400 Maryland Avenue S.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Fargo Public Schools - AP 6410

When parents of a student are separated, involved in divorce proceedings or are divorced, the building principal will respect the rights of custodial and noncustodial parents equally except when a court order exists concerning special restrictions. “Special restrictions” means such things as temporary restraining orders preventing or restricting custody, court orders concerning supervised custody and similar orders. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the school principal with a copy of such a court order concerning special restrictions about students or student information.

Parent rights include access to student records and school mailings, attendance at parent/ teacher conferences and Individual Educational Program (IEP) meetings, and authority to request that a student is released early or are absent from school for a legitimate reason.

It is the responsibility of the noncustodial parent to inform the school office of his/her name, address and phone number if they wish to be consulted regarding their child or wish to be placed on the school’s mailing list.

Adopted 3/27/90

Reviewed 1/15/2003,1/2013

Revised 10/2013

Reviewed 10/2020

Amy Herrick, Principal

Brandon Larson, Assistant Principal/Activities Coordinator

Hunter Reinke, Assistant Principal

Jacob Kienzle, Dean of Students

Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery
Location: 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3300