Discovery Middle School

Dean of Students

6, 7, 8th grade

Memo from Mrs. Herrick:

• What's Happening at Disco
• 2022-23 Annual Report
• ECSE Community Friends Preschool Program
• 2023-24 IEP Days
• Early Out Days

• FPS Steering Committee
• Annual DMS FAQs
• Athletics and Activities Update from Mr. Larson
• Written Notification of School Accountability Report
• PTA November Newsletter
• What's Happening in the Library
• Counseling Corner - High School Regisration
• Restorative Practices with Mrs. Tackling
• Nursing Nuggets - Flu Season
• SRO Corner with Officer Noll
• Frozen Eagles Ski & Snowboard Club
• Reinke's Realm
• Mr. Ford's Focus
• Upcoming Events
• November Letter Day Calendar

Repeated in Each Monthly Newsletter:

• Parent/Family Accommodations
• Parent/Family Communications
• Yearbooks (Orders Due by Friday, March 1, 2024)
• Liz's Closet
• Discovery On-Line School Store

Happy November Everyone DMS Families,

I cannot believe that it is November already. Kudos to our DMS students for such a fun school spirit day sponsored by student leadership on October 31st. Having Halloween correspond with school on a Tuesday may seem like a horror movie plot, but our DMS students absolutely showed up and followed the Guidelines for Success: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Have a Growth Mindset as if it were any other day. Staff were impressed with how our students conducted themselves, it made the day even more fun!

I usually feature a few things in my monthly newsletter. The What's Happening at Disco! is part of my article and I sprinkle it throughout the newsletter. A huge thank you to our DMS staff for sharing pictures and our goings on when I am unable to pop into classrooms and take pictures myself. There are so many great things going on in our building each and every day.

Honoring Our Veterans

Discovery Middle School wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to those who serve or who have served in the military. Fargo Public Schools will be observing Veteran's Day (November 11th) by having no school on Friday, November 10th.

What's Happening At Disco!

Pictures and snippits of what is happening around our building.

Peer Mentoring Program at Discovery Again this Year!

We’re excited to announce that the peer mentor program will be returning to Discovery this year. It allows 8th grade students, who have a study hall class, the opportunity to mentor learners of all abilities within the level C ID, MI, and ASD rooms. Peer mentors model the guidelines for success along with exemplary social skills and life skills. These amazing mentors work alongside 1-2 students and assist them in completing daily tasks, academics, and various social activities and games. They provide ongoing support and build relationships with this special group of students that can continue throughout middle school and beyond.

Candidates must fill out an application, get a parent signature, and have two reference letters to Mrs. Bell, Mrs.Kerr or the main office by October 27th, 2023. Prior to the program starting the students are required to take part in an in depth training, at the beginning of November with Mrs. Kerr. Please reach out to Karlie Kerr at kerrk@fargo.k12.nd.us if you have any questions.

The Fargo Public Schools 2022-23 Annual Report presents the District’s effort to carry out its mission of “educating and empowering all students to succeed” and to serve its students and families. The information contained in the Annual Report highlights FPS’ students, staff, schools, programs, departments, and achievements. View the Annual Report for vital information regarding enrollment, staffing, budget numbers, demographics, and assessment data. Thank you for supporting Fargo Public Schools and allowing the District to provide its students an exceptional educational experience. Click here to access the full document.

We want to hear from you! Help Fargo Public Schools improve how we are serving our students, staff, and stakeholders. During the month of October, FPS is conducting a culture survey for students, staff, and parents. The survey data will guide District decision making, parent engagement, and overall District and school improvement, and influence Strategic Plan decisions. The survey is anonymous and demographic data is optional.

If you are a parent of a student in FPS, please complete this survey. You may complete the survey for each student you have enrolled in the District.

Fargo Public Schools' Early Childhood Special Education program is seeking Community Friends to join its preschool classrooms for the afternoon sessions. 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 afternoon sessions are held from 12:10-2:40 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday through May 30. Click here to apply for the ECSE Community Friends program.

2023-24 IEP Days:

IEPs will look different this year at Discovery due to changes in contract language and assignment of Local Education Agency (LEA). LEA would be the person who is there to represent the school district, this is typically a principal or assistant principal.

Therefore, IEPS will be held from 8:10 am-4:10pm the first and third Thursdays of each month.

The SPED department will be running IEP meetings back to back during the school day schedule and one general education teacher will be present. If the meeting occurs during another teacher's prep, they may also be in attendance. Information regarding the student's goal areas, strengths, and areas of concern will be gathered from the teachers prior to the meeting so that information will be shared out by the case manager during the meeting itself.

If you have a student who is on an IEP, please be on the look out for information regarding scheduling your student's IEP.

We have about 145 students at Discovery that are served on IEP plans. Thank you for understanding our need to schedule in this manner.

Discovery 6th graders got to experience the Learning Lab. The Learning Lab is a room with stations that promote 21st Century skills and includes Oculus VR, Lego building, LittleBits Circuits, Green Screen, Puzzles, Critical Thinking Games, and CueBot Coding Robots. Mrs. Bronaugh, our DMS Tech Coach runs the Learning Lab.

Please see this link for information on the following:

Table of Contents

• Who is on the Administration Team at Discovery Middle School?

• Who are the Counselors at Discovery Middle School?

• New Students/Interested in Virtual Academy

• General Building Information

• Attendance and Deliveries

• Grading and Assignment Information

• Breakfast and Lunch

• Transportation

Greetings Discovery Families,

November brings a flurry of exciting activities and events to Discovery Middle School! Many of the dates are listed below, but be sure to bookmark the Discovery Activities Calendar in order to find updates and other events happening in the near future.

7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball

We're thrilled to announce that our 7th and 8th grade girls basketball teams are in full swing, with their first games happening this week.

6-8th Grade Wrestling

We are kicking off the 6th-8th grade wrestling season, which starts today after school. Wrestling practices will be held every day until 5:15 PM. We have two wrestling meets lined up for November: on November 27th, our team will compete at Carl Ben Eielson, and on November 30th, they will face off at Ben Franklin. There will be 3 more meets in the month of December. Girls wrestling practices will be held at Carl Ben Eielson after school - contact Tony Fugleberg for more information: Fuglebert@fargo.k12.nd.us

6th Grade Girls Volleyball

In the coming week, on November 13th, our 6th grade girls volleyball program will commence. It's important to note that for 6th grade volleyball, students do not need to have a physical on file to participate as it is considered "intramurals." Practices will be Monday through Thursdays right after school until 5:00.

Morning Weight Room

Mr. Spellerberg will be running the weight room every morning from 8:00 am to 8:35 Monday through Friday. Mon, Wed, and Fri are for 7th and 8th grade students only, and Tuesday and Thursdays are for 6th grade.

Morning Intramurals

We are currently playing volleyball on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:35. Any student is welcome to show up and participate!

Discovery Musical: Shrek Jr.

Auditions for the Discovery Musical, Shrek Jr., will begin on November 28th after school. If your child is interested, please contact Mrs. Koenig for more information.

Upcoming Music Performances

November 16th: 6th grade orchestra at 5:30 PM and 7th & 8th grade orchestra at 7:00 PM.

November 28th: 6th grade choir concert at 5:30 PM (A/E choir) and 7:00 PM (B/D choir).

November 30th: 7th & 8th grade choir performance at 7:00 PM.

Student Leadership & Fill the Dome

Discovery will be taking part in Fill the Dome again this year. This is the largest food drive for the Great Plains Food Bank all year and very essential to the Fargo-Moorhead community. Student Leadership has organized a food collection between November 6 - 17th. They will be holding a friendly competition for all of our teams. The team with the most boxes filled with donations will win a surprise!

Clubs

• Drama Club will be meeting on November 13th and November 20th after school.
• Art Club will convene on November 16th and November 30th after school.
• Learning Lab: The Learning Lab (room 135) is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings as well as Monday and Thursday during DT.
• Pokemon Club: Meets on Thursdays after school in Mr. Krieger's classroom until 4:10.
• DMS Majorette Dance Club: Meets on Fridays from 4:00 - 5:00 in the multi-purpose room.
• Anime Club: Meets Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 8:35 in Mr. Spar's classroom.
• ASL Signing Club: Meets on Tuesday mornings in the library.
• Chess Club: Wednesday mornings from 8:00 - 8:35 in the library.
• Improv Club: Coming soon!

As we gear up for the winter sports season, we want to remind our families about the importance of positive sportsmanship. When attending middle school games, we encourage you to cheer passionately for your child and their team. However, we kindly ask that you refrain from yelling at referees, coaches, players, or other spectators. Let's work together to create a supportive and enjoyable environment for our young athletes.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Warm Regards,

Mr. Larson

Assistant Principal/Activities Director

Discovery Middle School

With Halloween candy behind us and thoughts of Thanksgiving turkey ahead of us, November is here!

Concession Stand Update
Did you know that POPCORN is the top selling item in the concession stand? Whether it’s the iconic smell, the buttery salty taste or the crunch, people are crazy for popcorn anytime the concession stand is open!

We’ll be looking for concession stand volunteers during the 7th and 8th grade basketball season now through mid-December. Signups will be available in the PTA Facebook group.

The concession stand is our main source of revenue to support teachers and students at Discovery so we appreciate your help in staffing the available dates.

Join our Facebook Group

This is your best source for all the information you need to know about PTA. Meetings are here as events each month. You’ll also find signup links for volunteer activities and it’s a great place to ask questions. You can join the private group by searching “Discovery Middle School PTA-Fargo.”

Or scan this QR code to join:

· Get Connected! Hear about topics at our monthly meetings you won’t hear anywhere else.

· Learn! Hear about great programs like the PTA Reflections program or various activities students can participate in while at Discovery.

· Network! Meet other parents/guardians and teachers to discuss issues that are on your mind and share your experiences and ideas.

· Grow your skills! PTA is the perfect place to learn more about a specific skill or leadership and no experience is necessary.

General Membership Meetings
We typically meet the third Monday of each month. Exact dates can be found in the school’s online calendar and our Facebook group. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. in the main office conference room and via Teams. The Facebook event has a Teams link, meeting ID and passcode for each meeting.

Each meeting will feature an update from the executive team, membership update, discussion on a variety of topics affecting the school as well as a leadership update. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers and staff at the school as well as fellow parents.

Our next meeting will be November 20 at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

October Meeting Recap

Our last meeting included a field trip for those who attended! Members were able to get a firsthand look at several spaces within Discovery that serve some of our special needs students, as well as the learning lab. Members in attendance voted to approve grant funding for the library’s upcoming reading challenges and for additional software for the learning lab to accommodate the number of students utilizing the space.

It’s never too late to join! PTA membership is specific to our school and must be renewed each year. Dues are $15. Use this QR code to sign up through Square:

Need to reach out to the PTA? Email us 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 23-24 school year! Go Eagles!

Students and Staff Participate in Fall Reading Program!

The library’s fall reading program is It's a Big World BINGO. Participants will expand their reading interests, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of our diversity and uniqueness! Each square is a reading challenge. Everyone gets a snack and prize when they complete their first BINGO as well as an entry in a drawing for a Squishmallow or cozy blanket. Additional BINGO/s give more chances to win the drawing! Entries due by Monday, November 20. Drawing and winners announced November 21. Thank you to our Discovery PTA for prize donations.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Discovery Library December 5-8 from 8:10 AM - 4:00. All students will have a scheduled time to visit the fair during their English classes. Visit Discovery’s Scholastic Book Fair Webpage for more details and an opportunity to set up eWallet, a safe cashless way for your child to shop the fair.

Please ensure your child has earbuds or headphones in school, as many audio options are available and utilized for learning. Earbuds are on sale in the team centers and library for $1.

The library’s makerspace features DIY creative crafts or STEM activities. Students can visit the library and listen to the announcements to find out what activities are going on. The Learning Lab (room 135) is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings as well as Monday and Thursday during DT. Students can visit the Learning Lab by using an eHall Pass. The Learning Lab has CueBots, Sphero, GreenScreen, Legos, Little Bits, Oculus VR, Critical Thinking/Strategy Games and Puzzles.

With the increasing use of digital media, teaching your child digital safety is essential. Talk to your student about the values and standards he/she should be following when using the Internet. Three excellent resources for parents and students are Common Sense Media, Google’s Be Internet Awesome, and NetSmartz.

Cell phone and device use can be stressful and overwhelming for middle school students. This Common Sense Media article on how to help preteens and teens use their phones safely and responsibly may be helpful. It may also be a challenge for your child to get a good night’s sleep due to phone use and screen time. This article is about how to Help Kids Balance Phones and Screens with Sleep.

Families who do not yet have a Canvas parent account are encouraged to register for one. Follow the directions below to create an account and connect your parent account to your student’s Canvas courses and become an observer.

• · Creating a Parent/Guardian Account
• · Pairing Parent/Guardian Account with Student(s)

NOTE: If you created an account previously, this account still exists and is tied to your child(ren)’s account and you can go straight to https://fargo.instructure.com/login/canvas to log in. If you have forgotten the password for this account, click the Forgot Password link that will be available on that login page.

Additional Canvas help links/handouts for parents and students (including the Canvas app) can be found on the Fargo Public Schools website. Look for the blue Canvas icon.

High School Registration

Attention to all parents and guardians of 8th grade students! Registration for high school is quickly approaching. Davies counselors will be visiting Discovery on January 4th, 2024 to share information about high school and selecting courses. Each 8th grade student will be given a registration form to review and complete with their parents/guardians. This registration form is due to Student Services by January 15th, 2024. Discovery counselors will start meeting with the 8th grade students, individually, after January 16th, 2024. This individual meeting will be to register for high school courses, answer questions, and share information about what to expect in high school. Parents/guardians will be emailed a copy of the courses that their students have registered for. Also, Davies will be hosting a very informational course fair in January with a date, TBD.

Please reach out to your Discovery counselor with any questions and make sure you complete your student’s registration form as a family!

Mrs. Ferderer – 6th grade, 446-3318

Mr. Napton – 7th grade, 446-3314

Mr. Snowden – 8th grade, 446-3313

Mrs. McMinn – Lead Counselor, 446-3312

Belonging. What is it and why is it important? Belonging is the ability to be our authentic selves and feel accepted, included, and seen. Popular psychologist and researcher Brené Brown calls belonging the opposite of fitting in because you don’t change yourself to suit others, you are able to be your true self and be accepted. Belonging is important because when we feel we belong, our physical and mental health is supported, and our resilience in challenging times increases. Here at Discovery Middle School, everyone belongs. The feeling of belonging can help our students as they encounter social issues and academic struggles at school. Belongingness helps our faculty feel connected to one another as we work as a team to engage students and create differentiated lesson plans to accommodate all learners. Teachers create a welcoming atmosphere in class and greet their students, asking them about their weekend and getting to know them apart from their class content. This year at Discovery to foster a sense of belonging, we are celebrating the Heritage Months. In September we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and in November we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month. This is a chance for all of us to learn something new, to celebrate our cultural diversity, and to create a sense of belonging here at Discovery for all students.

The dreaded cold and flu season is upon us. Public Health is encouraging everyone to follow a few simple rules to reduce the chance of contracting serious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands can spread the germs that cause these illnesses.

Follow these simple steps to stop the spread of germs – and teach your children to practice good hygiene:

• 1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue into a wastebasket.
• 2. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
• 3. After coughing or sneezing, always clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• 4. Stay home when you are sick.
• 5. Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items.

Stay healthy by following these tips:

• 1. Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• 2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, when possible.
• 4. Get vaccinated. Vaccines can prevent serious illnesses, including some respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), pneumonia, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough).
• 5. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, check with your family physician or pediatrician.

Remember that your child needs to stay home if:

• 1. They have a fever of 100.4° or higher
• 2. Vomiting or Diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• 3. A body rash with itching and/or fever.
• 4. If they have head lice.
• 5. If they have an eye infection.
• 6. They have been in the hospital or emergency room.

Your child may return to school when:

• 1. They are fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication (Tylenol, Motrin, Advil).
• 2. Free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
• 3. Free from rash, itching, or fever.
• 4. For head lice, they can return after it has been treated with appropriate treatment.
• 5. Eye infections: free from draining and/or have been evaluated by a doctor if necessary.
• 6. Released by the medical provider and OK’d to return to school.

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.

Discovery Middle School has nearly one thousand students attending every day. These students arrive by bus, are dropped off by parents, and other ride bike or walk to school. With so much traffic around the school and on 40th Ave S it is important for everyone to be safe. There are several crosswalks surrounding the school that students use regularly. The City of Fargo Municipal code explains the duties of pedestrians and vehicles at crosswalks and intersections.

8-0703. - Right-of-way of pedestrians when intersection is not regulated (flashing crosswalk on 40th Ave)

A. Where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

B. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

C. Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake or pass such stopped vehicle.

8-0702. - Right-of-way of pedestrians at regulated intersection. (Intersection of 40th Ave S and 25th St S)

No vehicle shall enter a crosswalk where traffic is regulated by a traffic officer or a system of traffic-control signals until pedestrians who have properly commenced to cross the street have completed their passage across in front of such vehicle, and any vehicle permitted to turn to either right or left shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians who are proceeding on crosswalks in a direction authorized by the officer or traffic signal, and failure to yield such right-of-way shall be a violation of this section.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Officer Noll.

Discovery Frozen Eagles ski and snowboard club will be back again this year for some winter fun. For further information checkout our website:

https://sites.google.com/view/discoveryfrozeneagles/home or email questions to discoverysnowboardskiclub@gmail.com.

As we enter the late fall and winter months, it's essential to stress the importance of outdoor activities for your child. Recent research highlights the advantages of spending time outdoors, especially concerning eye health and overall well-being.

Spending time outdoors offers many benefits. Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate the central circadian clock in our brains, which controls our sleep-wake cycles. This synchronization enhances alertness and focus during the day and may lead to better sleep at night for children who spend time outdoors.

Also, outdoor activities that involve looking into the distance exercise the eye muscles. Prolonged focusing on nearby objects, such as screens, can strain these muscles and potentially lead to vision issues. Looking into the distance helps relax these muscles, while the varying colors and contrasts in outdoor surroundings stimulate the visual system more effectively than indoor lighting.

Considering the increased screen time among students, encouraging outdoor activities that include both near and far focus is especially important for eye health. These activities help strengthen the eye muscles that may become strained due to extended device use.

To support your child's eye health and circadian rhythms, aim for at least two hours of outdoor time per day, with a conscious effort to include moments of gazing into the distance. Engaging in family walks, outdoor sports, or simply spending time outdoors can foster this healthy habit.

As daylight becomes shorter during the winter months, remember the importance of outside activities and encourage your child to embrace the benefits of the great outdoors. Prioritizing eye health and circadian rhythms now will contribute to improved focus, better sleep, and overall well-being throughout the school year. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a successful school year. Go Eagles!

November is here! As this school year continues to hum along, I wanted to touch on the Guideline for Success - Be Safe. Here at Discovery, one of our biggest goals is creating a nurturing and secure environment for all our students. We understand the importance of ensuring your child's safety while they are under our care. This month, I want to shed light on the significant role that student behavior plays in maintaining a safe school atmosphere.

Respect and Kindness

One of the fundamental pillars of a safe learning environment is respect. Respect is also one of our Guidelines for Success - Be Respectful. We encourage students to treat one another with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Teaching them the value of respect not only fosters positive relationships but also prevents conflicts, creating a harmonious atmosphere where everyone feels safe and valued.

Conflict Resolution Skills and our RCF

Educating students about effective conflict resolution techniques equips them with the tools to handle disagreements in a peaceful manner. By promoting active listening, empathy, and compromise, we empower our students to resolve issues amicably, ensuring that minor misunderstandings do not escalate into bigger problems. When there are on-going issues between students, we utilize our Restorative Conference Facilitator. The RCF works to assist students in communicating, resolving, and moving forward, in a healthy, positive way for all parties involved.

Report Mechanisms

We have established clear and accessible channels for students to report any safety concerns they may have. By encouraging open communication, we empower students to speak up if they witness or experience any troubling incidents. Timely reporting allows us to address issues promptly and take necessary measures to maintain a secure environment.

Parent-School Collaboration

We value the partnership between parents and the school community. Your involvement and support are invaluable in reinforcing positive behaviors at home. By discussing the importance of respect, kindness, and responsibility, you play a significant role in reinforcing the values we promote at school.

By instilling these positive behaviors in our students, we create a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in ensuring the well-being of our students.

November 10

• No School - Veteran's Day

November 22, 23, 24

• No School - Thanksgiving Break

November 20

• PTA Meeting

Please see below for the November 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 $22.00. 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, March 1, 2024.

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.

Check out the new Discovery Online School Store! There are many different brands, designs, and styles to choose from. This store will be open all year, so save the link.

Amy Herrick, Principal

Brandon Larson, Assistant Principal/Activities Coordinator

Hunter Reinke, Assistant Principal

Joe Ford, Administrative Intern

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