SchoolTalk

At the core of the Standards-Based Instruction/Evidence-Based Reporting model are Enduring Skills and Essential Learning Outcomes. These guide students in becoming more than just passive learners—they develop the ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and innovate. As learners, users, and producers of new knowledge, students are empowered to take ownership of their educational journey.

Read more about the philosophy of the SBI/EBR instructional model in this Feature Column by Coordinator of K-12 Literacy Lindsay Seelig and watch the video below.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a day to honor the Native American contributions, sovereignty, and resilience of Native American people. In 2022, President Biden officially commemorated Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which more than a dozen states and more than 130 cities now recognize in place of Columbus Day.

Read more about the history and importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day in this Feature Column by Native American Education Coordinator Melody Staebner.

October is National Principals Month! During October, take some time to thank a principal and show them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to providing the best learning experience possible for each student!

Congratulations to Brody Fossen and Carrie Osier on being named North High School's Homecoming King and Queen!

The rest of the Homecoming Court includes: Olivia Olson, Macy McShane, Bailey Kolesar, Grayce Anderson, Shemonti Noor, Alicia McIntyre, Larissa Lahaise, Sienna Swanson, Nora Fluge, Solei Berg, Olivia Hammes, Hudson Stein, Trey Knoke, Victor Busanga, Kyrell Jacobson, Benjamin Trumbo, Josiah Gillen, Nicholas Webb, Henry Devitt, Zachary Christeson, Tanner Kiland, and Reece Carlson.

Congratulations to North High School and Davies High School, which were named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP program are delivering results and broadening access for students.

Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The levels are based on how many seniors took an AP Exam, how many earned a 3 or higher on an exam, and how many took five or more AP Exams.

North had 44% and Davies had 44% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school; North had 31% and Davies had 32% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam; and North had 10% and Davies had 7% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!

Congratulations to Ben Franklin Middle School paraeducator Kaitlyn Solberg on being selected as one of two winners of the The Arc of Cass County's Educator of the Year Award! The award recognizes local teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching students with intellectual disabilities.

Solberg will be recognized at The Arc of Cass County's Annual Banquet & Dance on Tuesday, October 15 at the Sanctuary Events Center in Fargo.

Congratulations to Fargo Public Schools' 2024-25 Seesaw Ambassadors! The Ambassadors are leaders for their schools in the use of Seesaw. They take additional training, provide peer support, create lessons that are moving toward using technology in a transformational way and share great lessons with their colleagues. Read the full list of 2024-25 Seesaw Ambassadors.

Fargo Public Schools will release students two hours early from school on Thursday, October 10. Contact your school for more information regarding early release days and how they will affect your child's schedule.

There will be NO SCHOOL next Friday, October 11 and Monday, October 14 due to a vacation day and the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, October 15.

We Need Your Input! Fargo Public Schools is involved in a continuous improvement process that involves all stakeholders. FPS parents are invited to participate in an online survey. The results will help us identify our strengths, areas for improvement, and stakeholder attitudes around the topic of climate and culture. You may fill out a survey for each student who attends an FPS school. Take the survey here.

Fargo Public Schools' Early Childhood Special Education program is seeking Community Friends to join its preschool classrooms. Community Friends are typically developing peers who will join the ECSE classrooms alongside the students with developmental delays or disabilities. Students must be 4 years old by July 31 and pass a developmental screening to be eligible for the program. The program is free of charge for families, but parents must provide transportation. The ECSE sessions are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Click here to apply for the ECSE Community Friends program.

Join the Fargo Public Schools team and make a difference! Fargo Public Schools is now hiring substitute teachers and substitute paraeducators in addition to numerous other positions. Check out open positions and apply at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/apply.

Discovery Middle School Theatre presents the one-act play The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales this Friday and Saturday, 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.

The North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders is accepting nominations from teachers and community members for Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Community members and teachers are encouraged to nominate a deserving principal who consistently goes above and beyond to inspire excellence in education!

Nominate a high school or middle school principal.

Nominate an elementary school principal.

Nominations for secondary principals are open until October 20 and nominations for elementary principals are open until November 11. Winners will be announced at the NDCEL Mid-Winter Conference on February 5-7.

AD-Ventures is a District publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month during the school year (September through May).

AD-Ventures for Kids is for youth in grade levels K-5.

AD-Ventures for Teens is for youth in grade levels 6-8.

Thank you to the South High School Class of 1984! During their reunion this summer, the alumni generously raised $4,000 to support current students at South High School. These donations will help provide essential resources, including warm clothing, activity fees, and prescription glasses, ensuring that students in need have the tools they require to achieve their educational goals.

Thank you to the South High School Class of 1974! This generous donation of $500 to South High School will make a significant impact through the Critical Needs Program and the Bruin Hybrid Food Pantry. The program supports students and families with essentials like health-related items, meals, winter gear, clothing, and hygiene supplies, and fosters a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

The "What Happens When I Call 988?" webinar, held on September 26, was recorded and is available for viewing. If you missed the live event or would like to revisit the information, you can access the recording here.

During this informative webinar, hosted by FirstLink, participants learned about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the 211 Information & Referral Helpline. The session provided valuable insights into how FirstLink handles crisis calls, as well as guidance on how you can compassionately connect those in need with these essential services.

For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to FirstLink's outreach team at outreach@myfirstlink.org.

The Veterans in Crisis - Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act offers support for veterans and their families. Children and spouses of veterans are eligible for comprehensive healthcare, educational assistance, and mental health services. This crucial act ensures that those who serve our country, along with their loved ones, can access vital benefits, creating a stronger foundation for their future. More information is available here.

This September, several of FPS' elementary schools held walk-a-thon fundraisers to raise money to fund school projects, charities, and their school Parent Teachers Associations. The walk-a-thons provide students a healthy way to build communities and fundraise. Students collected pledges to donate money based on the distance they cover by walking, running, or jogging around the course. Family and friends joined the students either to cheer them on or to walk with them as they made their way around the course.

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