SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter for January 20, 2022
- SPOTLIGHT -
Cabinet Column — It Will Soon Be Time to Develop the 2023-24 School Calendar
The Calendar Committee will begin meeting in January to develop the 2023-24 school calendar. The Calendar Committee will be comprised of elementary school, middle school, and high school teachers and principals; central office administrators; a school board member; parents; and one student from each high school. The committee’s charge will be to develop a draft 2023-24 school calendar.
Read more about the process of developing the school calendar in this Cabinet Column by FPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz.
Feature Column — Promising Practices to Achieve Equity in Gifted Education
Inequity in gifted programs has been a decades-long struggle for school systems across the country. Specifically, Black, Latinx, and Native American students are disproportionately underrepresented compared to their representation in the overall student population. Race is not the only factor. Students served through special education and English language learner programs and students who are from low-income households are also underrepresented.
Giftedness occurs in all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, as well as all economic strata. Read about how FPS Gifted Services is trying to combat that inequity in this Feature Column by Gifted Services Specialist Ann Duchscher.
- HEALTH & SAFETY -
FPS COVID-19 Data
- NEWSMAKERS -
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Winners
View the complete list of writing winners and view the complete list of art winners.
Middle Level Honors Ensembles
South & Davies DECA Awarded
CBH Lego League Teams Qualify for State
Eagles Lego League Team Qualifies for State
- YOUR FPS -
School Make Up Days
Staff Recognition Program Nomination Period Now Open
Community members are invited to nominate a Fargo Public Schools teacher, administrator, or support staff member they feel serves our students with excellence for consideration of a yearly recognition award. Online instructions, forms, and the application process can be found at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/StaffRecognitionProgram.
Fargo Public Schools deeply values its nearly 2,000 staff members who ensure our students receive a high-quality education in a safe learning environment. To honor our employees, the District will annually award the following:
- Teacher of the Year Award − awarded to a certified staff member
- Administrator of the Year Award − awarded to a principal, assistant principal, director, or coordinator
- Support Staff of the Year Award − awarded to an educational support staff member, custodial/maintenance department staff member, or nutrition services staff member
Nominations will be accepted online now through January 28, 2022.
Hear for the Kids — No Wrong Door
Break the Silence at Discovery
The viewing of Break the Silence will be on Thursday, January 27th in the Discovery Middle School Auditorium with the film viewing starting at 7 p.m. Following the viewing of the film, there will be a question and answer session panel from 7:35-8:30 p.m.
The panel will consist of the following people:
- Todd and Elizabeth Medd, parents of Liam Medd
- Joseph Snowden/Katie Harmelink, Discovery School Counselors
- Beth Zimmerman, Discovery Student Wellness and Family Facilitator
- Jamie Pfeifer, Pfeifer Counseling Services
- Officer Michael Bloom, Fargo Police Department
- Sargent Cristie Jacobsen, Fargo Police Department
Metro Hockey Shootout & Stick it to Cancer
The hockey games are:
- 9:15 a.m.: South/Shanley vs. West Fargo (Boys JV), Farmers Union Rink
- 11:30 a.m.: South/Shanley vs. West Fargo (Boys Varsity), Main Rink
- 12:15 p.m.: North/South vs. Davies (Girls Varsity), Farmers Union Rink
- 2 p.m.: North vs. Davies (Boys Varsity), Main Rink
- 5:15 p.m.: North vs. Davies (Boys JV), Farmers Union Rink
School Boundary Change Plans
Trollwood Performing Arts School Summer Registration Now Open
Upcoming summer arts programming will help students rekindle their affection for the arts, boost their creativity, and pave the way for their future, whether they aspire to pursue a career in the arts or any other professional opportunities. Register before April 1 and save up to $50 on registration fees!
- FEATURE -
Davies Students Bring Space Experiments to Earth
If you can’t go to outer space to conduct science experiments, you have to bring outer space to Earth.
That’s what 18 Davies High School students brought did as they earned national recognition in Plant the Moon Challenge. As a part of the challenge, the students examined how vegetable crops can grow in the soils of the Moon and Mars using soil samples designed to replicate Lunar and Martian soils. The Davies students won national awards for Innovation and Experimental Design.
Read more about the science students' attempts to grow vegetables on the Moon and Mars.
State of the Schools Address and Public Focus Group
- Student Achievement and Growth
- STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
- Positive School Culture & Safety
- Engagement in Experiences in Co-Curricular Activities
- Community Outreach and Communication
- Equitable Resources and Planning
- Continuous Improvement and Accountability
After Dr. Gandhi's address, community members were invited to provide feedback and engage in discussion about FPS' Strategic Plan.
Watch the State of the Schools Address below.
- COMMUNITY -
School Board Election
- BOARD FOCUS -
Board Column - State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group Recap
Fargo Public Schools hosted the State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group on Thursday, January 13 at South High School. Read more about the events of the evening in this Board Column by Board of Education President Rebecca Knutson.
- IN FOCUS -
Citizenship Test Success
Recruiting in Orlando
Workforce Wednesday
Starbucks was at South High School on Wednesday, January 19 for Workforce Wednesday. Representatives shared a variety of job opportunities with students, which can include tuition reimbursement. Starbucks is hiring for part time and summer employment.
— FPS IN THE NEWS —
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Fargo Public Schools - SchoolTalk
Email: comments@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us
Location: 700 7th Street South, Fargo, ND
Phone: 701.446.1000
Facebook: facebook.com/fargopublicschools
Twitter: @fargondschools