

Virtual Academy: Grades K-12
February 2025
Semester One Graduates!
Virtual Academy held its first ceremony recognizing seniors who had met requirements for and chose to graduate a semester early. Seven seniors walked through the semester one graduation. Our participating semester one graduates were Anthony Contreras, Morgan Crist, Jakob Mauch, Dominik Sherman, Scarlett Sletmoe, Parker Stenseth, and Addisyn Tjaden. Congratulations!
Those seniors graduating this year have the choice of walking through graduation ceremonies with Virtual Academy or choosing to walk with one of the traditional buildings, based on their address/attendance boundary. We have a record number of seniors this year at 63.
Seniors Making the News
Jacob Nelson
Congratulations to senior Jacob Nelson who has been named a candidate for the US Presidential Scholars program. Each year 161 students across the nation are named as Presidential Scholars, which is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Jacob is one of only 12 Fargo Public Schools’ seniors who received a nomination.
Kaden Stenerson
Congratulations to senior Kaden Stenerson. Kaden has signed to play both Lacrosse and Hockey next year at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Terth Tuel
Congratulations to senior Terth Tuel on being named Honorable Mention for the 2025 ND Class AA Academic All-State Team. Two hundred ten high school seniors were nominated by their school principal and competed for statewide honor in the Class AA, A, and B divisions. Student selection is based on grade-point averages, ACT or SAT scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and leadership qualities.
Important dates
- February 17: No School
- February 26: Conferences
- March 7: Quarter Three Connection Day (please note the date change!)
- March 17-21: No School - Spring Break
- March 25: ACT Testing
- April 7-18: Required ND state testing
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Virtual Academy will be holding scheduled parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, February 26th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Students and families are welcome to attend in person at the FPS District Office (700 7th Street South) to meet with VA staff for updates regarding student progress. If you are unable to attend in person, but would still like to meet, please indicate that when you schedule your conference time so your student’s teacher can send you a link to meet via Teams.
Sign up for your scheduled conference time here: Virtual Academy Spring Conferences
Update on proficiency days/GSD days
As we begin semester two, we have evaluated the use of "get stuff done" (GSD) days which were previously held at Trollwood. To use time more effectively, we have now moved to hosting monthly “proficiency days” to further align what is being done in the traditional high school buildings.
The last Friday of every month, we will be hosting proficiency days at the FPS District Office (700 7th Street South). All VA teachers in core areas are present to assist students in person on these days. Any student in grade 6-12 is invited to participate, but students who are either failing a class or who is more than 10% behind pace in their classes is required to attend.
Our next proficiency day will be held on February 28, 2025. There are two sessions: morning from 9:00 to 11:30 A.M. and afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
Time is running out - Student Engagement Survey!
All students and families in grades 3-12 should have taken or plan to take the annual engagement survey. Remember that the state of ND requires we have at least 95% of our students complete both NDA+ testing and the engagement survey. Thanks to all of you who have already completed these tasks!
Upcoming Testing Dates (high school)
We had 51 juniors and seniors take the ASVAB in December. Those students who tested can receive their results and attend the ASVAB interpretation sessions on Tuesday, February 18, at 10:00, 11:00, or 12:30 at the District Office. Please bring your computers.
For any students who missed the ASVAB, a make-up date will be held in early April. Remember, that Fargo Public Schools asks all high school students to complete this as a measurement for ND Choice Ready and the ND Scholarship.
Although the ACT is no longer required, Virtual Academy has obtained grant funding and is able to offer this opportunity for our current students to take this test at no cost. The ACT is offered for all juniors and any seniors who have not yet tested on Tuesday, March 25th. This is a great opportunity for students hoping to qualify for the ND Scholarship and can also be used for college admission and college scholarships.
Middle School Electives
Now that we well into third quarter, this is a good time to visit with any student that may be wanting to take on an additional challenge. For those students who are keeping pace with their current courses and would like to add an elective course, please reach out to either Mrs. Boehm or Mrs. Fiechtner to discuss your options and select a class. Any class added must be completed by the end of the school year and would be completed through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE). See possible middle school classes here: NDCDE Middle School Course Options
8th Grade Conferences
Mrs. Boehm has started meeting with students to discuss plans for next year as well as select classes, beginning with our 8th Grade students. If you have not already met with Mrs. Boehm, please contact her to schedule a time. All conferences should be completed prior to spring break in mid-March. Parents are encouraged to participate in conferences with their students.
Semester 1 Honor Roll
Congratulations to the following students for making the A Honor Roll for Semester 1. This is for any student in grades 6-12 who finished the semester, completing their courses with a GPA of 3.50 to 4.0. (4.0 students are designated by *.)
High School
- Drew Albrecht *
- Molli Bullis *
- Savannah Endres *
- Jonnah Groah *
- Ryan Lee *
- Jacob Nelson *
- Ella Rudd *
- Scarlett Sletmoe *
- Colten Spiewak *
- Kaden Stenerson *
- Hadley Sletmoe
- Lucas Hankey
- Terth Tuel
- Maria Garza
- Brianna Baumgardner
- Marleigh Sadler
- Dominik Sherman
- Breanna Sweeney
- Katelyn Lennox
- Paker Stenseth
- Talon Seckerson
- Kathryn Anderson
Middle School
- Madison Peterson *
- Shahid Riji
- Elise Schaefer
- Aubree Miller
Congratulations to the following students for making the B Honor Roll for Semester 1. This is for any student in grades 6-12 who finished the semester, completing their courses with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49.
High School
- Emma Ibach
- Ismael Jaquez
- Kaprice Miller
- Maldini Willis
- Lily Burow
- Mohamma Farzhad
- Kale Vilhauer
- Mason Hoeck
- Josiah Asante
- Mya Houston
- Bailey Wanzek
- Kayleigh Roth
- Lara Schott
- Mariona Wallace
- Mulki Yusuf
- Hannah Miller
- Quinncy Albin
- Brianna Avila
- Leda Donlevy
- Hayden Erickson
- Jakob Mauch
- Gweneth Smith
- Layla Spirittrack
- Annalise Steege
- Katie Vo
Middle School
- Lily Walsh
- Micah Hans
- Liam Houston
- Scarlett Boe
- Abigail Mucamendi
Student of the Quarter
Congratulations to the following students who were selected "Student of the Quarter" for Quarter 2.
- High School student: Emma Ibach, junior
- Middle School student: Scarlett Boe, 8th grade
Homecoming
Virtual Academy had its first annual homecoming in January complete with virtual spirit/dress-up days, student vs. staff competitions, service projects, a talent show, and a dance. Eight students were selected by their peers to represent the VA seniors on homecoming court. Based on points calculated by event participation and student vote, Destiney Camp and Serenity Williams were crowned homecoming royals.
iTimes - Are you attending?
This is just a reminder that we expect all middle school and freshmen students to participate in I-times each week. This is an opportunity to connect with your teachers as well as small groups of other students to discuss important topics.
I-time for middle school is: Tuesdays at 11:30 Middle School I-Time (6-8)
I-time for freshman is: Wednesdays at 11:30 9th Grade School I-Time
Progress Reports
Semester 1 Progress Reports have been uploaded to PowerSchool. Reports can be found in your students PowerSchool account under the Document Storage icon.
February Mental Health Series
The February Mental Health Series calendar is tailored to the needs of Fargo Public Schools. The calendar provides February’s mental health resources and events including:
What’s Included:
- Key Dates: Schedule of live webinars for February, with each even starting at 6 & 8 PM CT.
- Topic Highlight: District-selected focus topic tailored to the needs of your students, families, and staff.
- Access Details: Instructions on how to join live sessions.
Kindergarten Registration Opens February 3
Going to kindergarten is important for children. It helps them build upon all the learning that they have done so far. In kindergarten, children will learn skills they will build on throughout their formal education and throughout life. It is important to register early to allow FPS enough time to plan ahead for the school year to give students the best experience possible.
Kindergarten Registration for Fargo Public Schools opens on February 3. If your child turns 5 by July 31, 2025, they are eligible to attend school in the fall. Visit FPS kindergarten registration webpage to learn more about the registration process.
VA Video
Thank you to our district multimedia producer for putting together a video showcasing our Virtual Academy program and students. Also thank you to the students and parents who participated in this video. To see the video, click on the link here: https://youtu.be/_yd4ZOYtgTQ
Teacher Support
Our students have been busy in their classes; keep up the great work! Also, remember that we have teachers to help support you in grades 6-12. (Elementary students can contact their NDCDE teacher directly for support.)
- Matthew Dahmen (Science) dahmenm@fargo.k12.nd.us (701) 446-8606
- Madelyn Moore (Math) moorem@fargo.k12.nd.us (701) 446-8607
- Laura Qualey (English) qualeyl@fargo.k12.nd.us (701) 446-8609
- Rachel Schroeder (Social Studies) schroer1@fargo.k12.nd.us (701) 446-8632
Additional Support
Vanessa Boehm - boehmv@fargo.k12.nd.us
Student Wellness and Family Facilitator:
Katie King - kingk@fargo.k12.nd.us
Need help?
Email: fiechth@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/virtualacademy