Packer Nation News
November Update
A Note from the Principal:
How is it already November?! The weather is getting colder, the holidays are around the corner, and Quarter 2 is in full swing.
With Quarter 1 grades finalized, I wanted to highlight opportunities for your student to receive academic assistance:
- WIN sessions (every Tuesday and Thursday, sign up via FlexTime Manager)
- Homework Room (every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:35-4:35p in room 108E)
- Teachers are often more than willing to connect with students before and after school and throughout the day if students reach out in advance. Email or Schoology message (or ask them in person!) the teacher to set up this opportunity for extra help!
In response to feedback regarding family conferences, we've extended conference times by thirty minutes (4-6:30p on Wednesday, December 7) for Quarter 2 and discussed strategies with teachers to reduce lines. Privacy was always a huge concern in the Main Gym and we want to respect the sensitive nature of conversations families might be having with teachers. We'll see how this next round of conferences go and make additional adjustments to improve the experience for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4.
Attendance continues to be absolutely essential. Students do receive detention due to an unverified (UV) absence. This includes advisory (Packer Time and WIN). If a student does not attend the WIN session (Tuesdays and Thursdays) assigned to them via Flex Time Manager, they receive an automatic half hour of detention. Please encourage your student to check in with their administrator regarding their assigned detention if they believe it's a mistake!
As always, to stay apprised of your student's success, please look for text messages regarding unexcused tardies and unexcused absences as well as text messages noting low and high grades. You also have access to monitor your student's progress and assignments via Parent Portal in PowerSchool and Schoology. You are an essential team member as we work together in support of your student toward the goal of graduation and your vigilance is appreciated!
This newsletter contains important information regarding:
- Inclement weather schedule
- Youth Behavior Risk Survey Data
- The transition to block scheduling
- Profile of a Graduate in November (focus: collaboration)
- Student vehicle parking at WFHS (from student handbook)
Please review the information and contact us as questions and concerns arise. We appreciate all that you do and are honored to work alongside you in Packer Country.
All my best,
Rachel Bachmeier
Just in Case: Inclement Weather Schedule
Thursday's forecast looks like it could snow! To be ready, please review the plan for virtual learning on an inclement weather day.
There is no Packer Time or WIN on inclement weather days. The first half of the class is synchronous learning via Microsoft Teams (students should log into Teams at the start of the class time) and the second half of the class is time to work on assignments and activities. Learners are able to reach out to their teachers with any questions or concerns!
Who's Who in the Main Office at West Fargo High School
Rachel Bachmeier
- Principal
- 701-499-1801
- rbachmeier@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Jon Asprey
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-9300
- Student Names: A-E
- jasprey@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dr. Wayne Samson
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-1802
- Student Names: L-Q
- wsamson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Rick Wilson
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-1803
- Student Names: R-Z
- rwilson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Lindsey Metz
- Dean of Students
- 701-499-1809
- Student Names: F-K
- lmetz@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Officer Jason Balvik
- School Resource Officer (WFPD)
- 701-499-1988
- jbalvik@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Cindy Martin
- Administrative Assistant for Attendance
- Student Names: A-K
- 701-499-9391
Teresa Renwick
- Administrative Assistant for Attendance
- Student Names: L-Z
- 701-499-1808
Kelsey Gumke
- School Nurse
- 701-499-1811
- kgumke@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Justin Behm
- Activities Coordinator
- 701-499-1804
- jbehm@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dawn Petersen
- Administrative Assistant for Activities
- 701-499-1806
- dlpetersen@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Stacey King
- Social Worker
- sking@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Updates from WFHS Counseling
Important Dates
November 7-10: 10th Grade Minute Meetings
Minute Meetings are brief check-ins between the student and school counselor that are conducted two times per school year. The purpose of Minute Meetings is to ensure every student gets the opportunity to speak with their school counselor, discuss postsecondary goals, and identify whether further academic, career, or social-emotional supports are needed.
Family Resources
As we transition into Quarter 2, please encourage your learner to ask for what they need. Students commonly struggle in class, but do not talk with their teachers about those struggles. We know asking for help, especially the first time, can be hard. Practicing how to have those conversations with your learner can be helpful. While it may feel uncomfortable, hearing yourself say out loud how you would ask for help is a great way to feel more confident in those conversations. Encourage your learner to reach out to their teachers in ways that work for them, such as talking before or after class, sending them a message on Schoology, or attending WIN (What I Need) sessions. The Homework Room is also available to ALL students Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:35-4:35p in room 108E, if students want general support in their classes.
Counseling Appointments
Learners may make their own appointments to meet with their school counselor by going to the Counseling Office to identify a time that works with their schedule. This is the most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. Your learner can request to see their school counselor for social/emotional support, academic, or career needs. So, please encourage your learner to stop in and make an appointment!
If parents/guardians are concerned about their learner, they may reach out directly to their learner’s school counselor using the contact information below.
Counseling Office
F: 701-356-2059
Jamie Zuel
- Student Names: A-Dn
- 701-499-1813
- jzuel@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Courtney Quist
- Student Names: Do-I
- 701-499-1817
- caquist@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dana Rosendahl
- Student Names: J-Mt
- 701-499-1814
- drosendahl@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dr. Chasity Odden Heide
- Student Names: Mu-Sc
- 701-499-1816
- codden-heide@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Tessa Roberts
- Student Names: Sd-Z
- 701-499-1815
- troberts@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
November's Profile of a Graduate Focus Disposition: Collaboration
The district's Profile of a Graduate represents the core values of West Fargo Public Schools. The Profile of a Graduate outlines eight dispositions for our learners and educators to nurture as members of our Packer community and citizens of our world.
The Profile of a Graduate culminates in a senior year capstone project, in which students highlight artifacts and experiences demonstrating the eight dispositions in their real life.
The focus Profile of a Graduate disposition for the month of November is collaboration.
During the month of November students will participate in Packer Time lessons aligned to collaboration including conflict resolution, team-building, and the beloved WFHS tradition of the Amazing Race. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and discuss the importance of collaboration with your learner!
More information about the Profile of a Graduate can be found on this district webpage.
Block Schedule Starting Fall 2023
We wanted to reach out to you regarding an upcoming scheduling change, taking effect the 2023-2024 school year. All West Fargo Public Schools high schools will be transitioning to a block schedule. Horace High School is already on a block schedule and WFHS and SHS will be aligning with them beginning fall 2023.
To ease in this transition, we’ve attached and linked a variety of resources:
- The attached overview letter contains basic information about block scheduling and sample schedules. Start here!
- This video was shared with learners grades 9-11 in Packer Time today to introduce block scheduling.
- The document contains highlights from research regarding block scheduling
- This form is available to submit questions from families about the block schedule. WFHS and SHS administration will review questions and create a public Q&A document with answers.
- This Q&A document was made in response to questions submitted by students!
1/3 of high schools in the United States utilize block scheduling and we’re excited about the potential of the block schedule to positively impact learners and widen and deepen the experiences they can have through our programming.
Two informational sessions about block scheduling will be held at West Fargo High School:
- Wednesday, December 7 @ 5:30p (during Quarter 2 family conferences)
- Monday, January 9 @ 6:00p
Please review the materials and utilize the Q&A form, attend an informational session, or reach out to administration as you have questions and concerns. This is a big change, and we want to support our community through the process.
Youth Risk Behavior Data
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey began nationally in 1990 and is administered to a representative sample of students, including students at WFHS, every two years. It was designed to monitor health behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. More information about the survey can be found here.
Below are some initial takeaways from our WFHS results in 2019 to when the survey was most recently administered at WFHS in 2021. Percentages from 2019 are on the left and percentages from 2021 are on the right. A huge thank you to Leah Swedberg and our health department for synthesizing this data!
- Phone use while driving is up (31.7%-37.7%)
- Sexual violence is up (8.3%-11.3%)
- Considering suicide is up (17%-19.7%)
- Attempting suicide is down (9.7%-5.8%)
- Smoking is down (20.2%-13.9%)
- Vaping is down (40.2%-29.9%)
- Alcohol use is down (47.9%-38.8%)
- Trying marijuana is down (23.2%-19.5%)
- Consistent marijuana use is up (8.4%-10.8%)
- Sexual activity is down (29.7%-25.1%)
- Participation in school activities is up (66.7%-71.5%)
- Sadness and hopelessness is up (26%-35.3%)
- Poor mental health including stress and anxiety is down (61.9%-36.9%)
- Difficulty concentrating is up (32%-47.3%)
SUPPORT WFHS AND JOIN PACKER BACKERS!
Packer Backers is West Fargo High School's booster program. All money raised is used to support our students, athletes, staff, and community. For example, Packer Backer donations have made senior class breakfasts, new scoreboards, and new scoring tables possible! They do not only support athletics; they have provided financial support for a variety of school programs including DECA, FCCLA, Post Prom/Post Grad, and Spanish Club to name a few!
For more information, reach out to wfpackerbackers@gmail.com!
Career Opportunities at West Fargo High School: Join Our Team!
- Long-Term Sub for Counseling
- Paraprofessionals (A paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certified or licensed educator to support and assist with providing instructional and non-instructional services to learners. Our paraprofessionals are highly valued educators in our building and are essential members of the instructional team. WFHS has full time positions available with benefits.)
Student Handbook Highlight: Vehicle Parking
As we trudge into the season of inclement weather, please remind your students who drive to travel and park safely. We've had increased parking lot accidents (the significant majority of which happen while one vehicle is parked and unoccupied and the other vehicle is entering or exiting the parking lot). It's a reminder to review the basics of parking and take it slow!
All types of off-road motorized vehicles, including but not limited to ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles are prohibited on school property. All motorcycles must be parked in the designated parking area in the learner parking lot. Bicycles must be parked in bicycle racks and locked. Learners cannot park in any visitor, faculty, arena, or fire lane parking areas. All parking signs must be obeyed. Parking tickets will be issued and a fine of $10.00 per ticket must be paid to the Main Office. If a learner accumulates 3 tickets during a school year, they will not be allowed to park on campus. After 3 tickets have been issued, parents will be notified that the school reserves the right to have the learners’ vehicle towed at the owner’s expense if the learner receives another parking ticket in the current school year.
College and Career Readiness
Senior students graduating from a North Dakota high school may be eligible for one of three scholarships that can be used at a North Dakota college, university, or eligible training program. There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $6,000. Information on ND scholarships can be found online.
Visit the WFHS Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage for additional information.
ACT:
Some institutions and scholarship applications require an entrance exam for admission or consideration. There are two tests that will usually satisfy this requirement. Most four-year colleges in our area use the ACT, but will accept the SAT as well. The ACT exam measures skills in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Scientific Reasoning. Please review the guidelines with specific colleges to see whether they ACT is required.
To receive the results in time to meet application deadlines, we encourage seniors to retake the test early in the school year. Seniors should test no later than February to have test scores available for consideration for most scholarships and some applications. The registration fee is $63 or $88 with the Writing Test. Students with documented economic needs may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students can visit with their school counselor for more information. CLICK HERE to register for the ACT and see upcoming test dates.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams:
The deadline to register for AP exams was on November 1st, 2022. Please make sure your learner’s exam is paid for as soon as possible to avoid any late fees or cancelations. All exams not paid by Tuesday, November 8th at 11:59 pm will be canceled. Your learner will need to login to https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/35184 using the credentials they created at the time of registration, and a payment can be made online. Learners will need to reset their username and password if they have forgotten or misplaced that information. A $40 late fee will be assessed to any changes made to your learner’s registration at this time. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please encourage your learner to sign up for “AP Help” WIN sessions offered on Tuesdays or Thursdays. You can also reach out to one of the AP coordinators if you have any concerns about the exam costs.
Transcript Requests:
Current students can request their official transcript through their e-Transcript account. Instructions can be found here. Current students can also access and download an unofficial transcript using the above instructions. If a college/university is NOT listed in e-Transcript, please complete the form on our website.
Past graduates/students are able to request their transcript by following the directions For WFHS Alumni/Former Students on the WFHS website.
*If you took a dual-credit course, you are required to send an official transcript directly from NDSCS to the college(s) to which you apply. To request transcripts from NDSCS go to: http://www.ndscs.edu/current-students/request-transcripts/
Important Links
- WFHS Bell Schedules
- 2022-2023 Secondary School Calendar
- Meet WFHS Staff (syllabi available here as well!)
- Information about Student Activities
- Application for Free Reduced Meals
- Parent Portal of PowerSchool for Parents/Guardians
- FAQ for Parent Portal
- Schoology for Parents/Guardians
- MySchoolBucks
- Graduation Requirements
- College Planning Checklists
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
WFHS Important Dates
- Friday, November 11: NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day)
- Wednesday, November 23-Friday, November 25: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
- Thursday, December 1: 9th Grade Field Trip to Health, Tech, and Trades Career Expo
- Wednesday, December 7: Quarter 2 Family Conferences (4:00-6:30p)
Quarter 2 Conference Special Sessions:
- 4:00 (AP and DC Information for 10th grade families)
- 4:30 (ACT Introduction and Test Prep for 11th grade families)
- 5:00 (North Dakota Scholarship information for all families)
- 5:30 (Introduction to Block Scheduling)
- Thursday, December 22- Monday, January 2: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
- Monday, January 9: Introduction to Block Scheduling Meeting @ 6:00p
- Friday, January 13: Last Day of Quarter 2 and Semester 1
- Wednesday, February 22: Quarter 3 Family Conferences
- Wednesday, April 12: Quarter 4 Family Conferences
- Saturday, May 6: Prom (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
- Sunday, May 28: Graduation @ 4p (Scheels Arena)
Stay Informed!
Email: wfhs@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/41
Location: 801 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-356-2050