Knight News

When it comes to hashtags, Grand Forks Central’s #OnwardCentral could be considered unique in the world of schools and social media. While some schools may borrow tags from others or create a new hashtag annually, at Central we have chosen a tag that we believe passes the test of time and accurately represents us. Onward Central is a fitting motto for a school (and a 107 year-old school building) that has endured a rapidly changing world and the challenges that come with evolving and keeping its mission relevant. Whether it be floods, pandemics, urban sprawl, overcrowding, or consistent lack of space and parking, Central has not only survived, but continues to thrive – continually moving forward (or Onward) to meet the needs of our students.

The origins of the phrase "Onward Central" go back to the 1930’s when Central student Ray Anderson composed our original school song titled - you guessed it - Onward Central. He has written to the school a few times over the years expressing pride in the fact that he composed the song despite not being in the band or attending any sporting events due to the fact that he lived seven miles out of the city and transportation to these extra events was not possible. Ray mentioned there were over 100 entries in the contest to compose Central’s school song and he was surprised to win the contest and the $10 prize. In 2011, Mrs. Christie Aleshire, former band director, arranged for a virtual call to Ray at his Air Force Retirement Home so the GFC band could visit with him and, of course, play the song for Ray. It was a memorable experience for all.

Alumni returning to Central, whether they are here as part of an induction into our Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni, or returning for a class reunion, often say the thing they are most looking forward to during their time here is to hear Onward Central played live. When so many speak of it often as a highlight of their time at GFC, you know it’s a pretty special piece of music that they connect to fond memories of Central.

So, when you see the phrase (or hashtag) Onward Central the hope is that you will have a better understanding of its history as our school song but also the way the phrase and the lyrics of the song represent the character of our students and school. Onward Central speaks to the endurance of Central, the perseverance required to meet the challenges we face together, and the focus we have on the future with a great deal of optimism for our ability to positively influence others and the world around us.

When you hear Onward Central, I invite you all to clap and sing along to the best school song in the land with the realization of the special meaning it has to our students today, as well as the rich and unique history of Central.

Onward Central!

Mr. Jon Strandell

Note: This excerpt is reprinted in The Knight News periodically to help those new to GFC understand the origins of our school song and to remind us all of its significance at Central.

Feb. 15th - Family/Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Feb. 19th - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development

Feb. 20th - Family/Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Feb. 22nd - 24th - "Anastasia" - 7:00 PM (See poster below for more info)

Feb. 28th - Early Release - 1:00 PM

Feb. 29th - Winter Band Concert - 7:00 PM

Mar. 4th - Choir Concert - 7:00 PM - Auditorium

Mar. 7th - Orchestra Concert with VMS - 7:00 PM - Auditorium

Mar. 11th - 15th - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

Mar. 20th - Early Release - 1:00 PM

Mar. 26th - Knight Idol - 7:00 PM - Auditorium

Mar. 29th - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development

The high school summer school registration window is now open. High school summer school will take place at Red River High School from Monday, June 3rd through Wednesday, July 10th, with half and full credit classes being offered in the morning. If your child is interested in taking a summer school class they can register online at Central or Red River High School’s website or they can register with their counselor. The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 21st.

Congratulations to these students for being nominated as Academic Students of the Quarter.

A special congratulations to the eight winners listed in bold. They have shown themselves to be excellent examples of what we strive for at GFC.

Interested in visiting Japan? The Kanuma-Grand Forks Friendship City Student Exchange Program is now open to applicants! Join Google Classroom (code: gpkvbuv) for application materials and more information. See the poster below!

The 2024 Junior/Senior Prom will be held Saturday, May 4th. All tickets will be sold using an online ticketing software called Ludus. Ludus is the same ticketing software that is used to sell tickets to all GFC plays and musicals and has been used to purchase tickets for Homecoming and 2023 Prom. The tickets will be emailed to the buyer of the tickets and will need to be saved to scan the tickets for entry to the dance.

GRAND MARCH

• Grand March will be held in the auditorium in two sessions. There will be a 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM session.
• Spectator tickets are purchased in advance $3 each and will be sold during 1st and 2nd lunch during the week before Prom.
• Grand March will be live-streamed on the GFC Activities YouTube Channel.

PROM

The location for the dance is still to be determined at this time. The Prom Planning Committee will determine this location in the coming weeks.

• Tickets for Prom are $25 each from April 22nd - 26th and will raise in price to $30 from April 29th-May 3rd. Tickets will be sold during 1st and 2nd lunch during the two weeks before Prom.
• REMINDER THAT ALL STUDENTS WHO OWE DETENTION HOURS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PURCHASE PROM TICKETS/GRAND MARCH TICKETS OR ATTEND PROM.
  

The following are Prom expectations:

Behavior: All school events are alcohol and drug free. Students will be required to take a breathalyzer test at the door.

Appropriate Dancing: Students are required to dance appropriately....period!!!

Formal Dress is Required is required at Grand March and the Dance

• Formal prom attire may be classified as a tuxedo or dress suit, including a tie, bow tie, and a shirt, which may include a vest or cummerbund. Dress slacks, dress shirt, and tie are also appropriate attire. Shirts are to be worn at all times.

• Traditionally formal dresses may be strapless or may feature spaghetti straps. Bare or open backs are acceptable; however excessively bare stomachs or bare midriffs are not permitted. Under garments should not be visible. See-through apparel and gowns or dresses with slits that are above the mid-thigh area are not permitted. Garments that are extremely tight or extremely low-cut are also unacceptable. Dresses with glitter on them will not be permitted.

Prom is a school event and the same rules listed in the Student Handbook will apply.

If you have questions, please contact Trevor Lennon, at 746-2205 ext. 6145.

Students must have all of their detention hours served in order to attend prom on May 4th. Students cannot have any outstanding detention hours if they want to attend the Grand March and/or the Prom Dance. Please see the full policy below:

Students who owe detention hours will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities, public performances or represent GFC publicly until these hours are served. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Students will not be allowed to attend prom if detention hours are owed at the time of ticket sales.

Seniors are not allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies if detention hours are owed as of May 24th, 2024.

The post prom committee is looking for parents to help plan the Post Prom. We need 3 to 4 parents to step up and help with the planning.

The Post Prom Event is a non-alcoholic event planned by parents that gives our kids a safe environment to have a great time. In order for this event to happen, we need parents to help. If you are willing to help, please email carimack71@gmail.com.

Thanks from the Post Prom Committee

Dear Junior Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Junior Students,

You received an email on Jan. 2nd to sign up for a Senior Transition Conference for your student. If you have not signed up yet, please see the information below.

Senior Transition Conferences are beginning at GFC for juniors. This conference is scheduled to assist with planning for senior year and reviewing Choice Ready options (work, military, 2-year college, 4-year college/university or other training programs).

The conference objectives are:

1. Review transcript, grade 12 course selections, progress towards graduation,

and related academic information

2. Review and discuss the student’s educational/career transition plans

3. Review educational/career resource materials that are available in the

Counseling Department and the Career Center.

Conferences will begin in January and conclude at the end of April. Please click on the SignUpGenius link below to schedule this conference. The conference will last approximately 30 minutes and your student will be excused from class to join the conference. Parent(s)/Guardian(s)are welcome to join in-person or by phone. Please contact Lois Manske, Counseling Administrative Assistant, at 701-746-2319 or email lmanske180@mygfschools.org with any questions.

SIGNUPGENIUS LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DA8AD2CA0FAC43-46623389-senior#/

­­­­­­Ms. Denise Loftus

Counselor, Class of 2025

Important FAFSA Information

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now LIVE! If your student is planning on attending college in the 2024-25 school year, you should complete the FAFSA together as soon as possible to receive priority for grants and loans. To complete the FAFSA online, visit studentaid.gov

Need help with the FAFSA?

Check out our FAFSA Frenzy Events!! UND and Northland staff will be available to assist GFC students/families with completion of the FAFSA on these dates:

February 7th 12:00pm - 3:30pm

Sign up in the Career Center to reserve your spot.

Looking for a great gift for your Central student? You are now able to order a 2023-2024 GFC Yearbook. Orders will be taken through May 1st, 2024. The books arrive in September 2024. The cost is $55 using PayPal or a credit/debit card. Click on the link below to purchase your yearbook.

The Daily Sign Up Form can be found on the home page for the Mentor Center Site:

https://www.gfschools.org/departments/mentor-center-program

Student Link to obtain the parking permit for student parking areas:

https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com/#purchase?purchase_seed=KJQEA7YZT3_RQMX9HEGCA_SAWKF415LE

All meetings are held in the GFC Library/Media Center (2nd Floor) at 7:00 pm

March 4th

April 1st

May 6th

Like so many others, we are in need of some fine folks to fill out our staff at the school known as The Finest in Dakota! Please follow the link below to view the open positions at Central (and all of the Grand Forks Public Schools) that include paraprofessionals and custodians. Be part of the work to make a positive change in a student's life at Grand Forks Central!

Mr. Jon Strandell - Principal

Dr. Gabe Dahl - Associate Principal A-K

Mr. Mike Wilber - Associate Principal L-Z

Mr. Tony Bina - Athletic Director

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/