Cabinet Column - Legislative Priorities
Feature Column - Information Technology COVID-19 Adaptations
We are closing in on the one year mark of when schools shut down their physical classrooms and transitioned to online learning. Since then, Fargo Public Schools (FPS) has made vast changes to make sure every student, teacher, and staff member has the technology and resources they need to successfully learn or work from home. In this feature column, Information Technology Director Bill Westrick outlines the ample adaptations FPS has made to technology through COVID-19.
Instructional Level Update
On January 11, the Fargo Public Schools (FPS) COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee met to review COVID-19 data. Per recommended guidance from local healthcare agencies, Fargo Public Schools will return to in-person instruction 5-days a week for all grade levels beginning January 19, 2021. Additional information about the transition to in-person instruction five days a week will be communicated by school administrators. For more information about the transition, read this letter from Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi.
Early Childhood Special Education will continue as a 4-day per week program.
Students who are currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy are able to continue through second semester.
The FPS COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee will meet again on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:30 a.m. to review data, determine if there is a significant number of cases impacting schools, and discuss the status of a potential vaccination plan for staff.
Virtual Academy Meal Pickup Change
Due to a potential winter storm on Friday, Fargo Public Schools Nutrition Services will host the weekly Virtual Academy Meal Pickup on Thursday, January 14 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pickup locations will remain at high schools as normal. No meal pickup will be available on Friday, January 15. All families that requested meals this week should plan to pick up meals on Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
What: Virtual Academy Meal Pickup Change
When: Thursday, January 14 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, January 15 pickup CANCELED
If you have questions, please contact the Nutrition Services Department at 701.446.1152.
FPS COVID-19 Data
Bell Bank Check Presentation
Thank you to Bell Bank for presenting the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation with a check of $12,350 for Emergency Lunch Needs. The funds were provided as part of Bell Bank's Pay It Forward program. The Emergency Lunch Fund helps ensure that every child has access to a nutritious school lunch alongside their peers, regardless of their financial situation. This donation will provide 5,040 elementary lunches or 4,574 middle/high school lunches.
Pictured L to R are: Becky Bakke, Executive Director of Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation and Julie Peterson Klein, Bell Bank Chief Culture Officer
Staff Recognition Program Starts Soon!
Starting January 18, parents and 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.
The District will award the following this spring:
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 January 18-29, 2021.
No School January 18
Scholarship Applications and Opporunities
The Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation administers scholarships on behalf of community businesses, families, and organizations. Scholarships are made available through annual donations and investment income from endowed funds. Scholarships are established by people just like you who wish to honor loved ones or recognize someone who has made a difference in their lives. Click here for access to all scholarships that are available.
Graduating seniors from Davies, North, South, and Woodrow Wilson High Schools may select their school below to see which scholarships are available:
The Foundation also administers the Fargo Area Dollars for Scholars program and awards an average of 50 scholarships annually to deserving graduates from Davies, North, South, Woodrow Wilson, and other area high schools. Click here to access Fargo Area Dollars for Scholars.
School Board Schedule and Links
If I Were Mayor Essay Contest
Each spring, the North Dakota League of Cities sponsors a statewide "If I Were Mayor" essay contest. This contest encourages young people to think about public service and future community leadership.
The contest is open to any third and seventh grade student living in North Dakota. Each grade will be judged separately. Students may submit essays through a teacher or on their own. Click here to learn more about contest rules and how to submit an essay.
Fargo Public Schools - SchoolTalk