SchoolTalk

FPS e-Newsletter for February 11, 2021

- SPOTLIGHT -

Cabinet Column - Calendar Survey Results

Cabinet Column - Calendar Survey Results

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) recently requested input from parents, teachers, administrators, and other FPS staff members regarding the school calendar. In the survey, the District asked how individuals feel about whether school should start in August or September. Additionally, individuals weighed in about Spring Break. In this Cabinet Column, Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz shares the survey results and tells us how the data will be used to develop future school calendars.
Cabinet Column - Calendar Survey Results
Feature Column - Bilingual Educators

Feature Column - Bilingual Educators

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) has a rich diversity with 88 languages spoken in our schools. It is our goal for these students that they feel welcome and have the same opportunities for education as every other student. FPS is pleased to have bilingual staff members on our middle and high school English learner (EL) program team. In this feature column, EL Director and Woodrow Wilson High School Principal David Burkman highlights one of our talented bilingual paraeducators, Prem Siwakoti.
Feature Column - Bilingual Educators
Kindergarten Registration Now Open

Kindergarten Registration Now Open

Fargo Public Schools kindergarten registration for fall 2021 is NOW OPEN online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration. Your child must be age 5 by July 31, 2021 to attend school in the fall.


Watch the video below to learn more about the kindergarten experience at Fargo Public Schools. Click here to learn more about the registration process and sign your student up for school in the fall of 2021!


If you do not know which school your child will attend, call 701.446.1043 or check online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/boundarymaps. If you need PowerSchool help, please call 701.446.1030.

Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Kindergarten Registration

#FPSLearns - Trollwood Summer Q&A

Fargo Public Schools is proud to offer Trollwood Performing Arts School as part of its programming. Performing arts education opportunities are important pieces to the District's STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) initiative. In this #FPSLearns video below, Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi sits down to talk with Trollwood Executive Director Kathy Anderson about the changes to this summer's programming and how students will be able to learn and grow in a safe environment.
#FPSLearns - Trollwood 2021

- FPS SMART RESTART -

Free Counseling Sessions Available to Students and Staff

Free Counseling Sessions Available to Students and Staff

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is pleased to offer additional counseling opportunities to all students and staff members thanks to a newly awarded grant through the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Services will be provided through Together Counseling.


While counseling is always available for FPS students and staff, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought added pressures to daily life and increased needs for mental health services. The staff and student programs will provide sessions to address coping skills, wellness strategies, time management, family conflict, and stress reduction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions are free, confidential, and virtual. Insurance will not be billed.


Click here for more information on COVID Student Support Program sessions.


Click here for more information on COVID Staff Support Program sessions.


Sessions with Together Counseling can be scheduled by calling 701.404.0997. You must indicate your session is part of the FPS COVID Support Program.

Free Counseling Sessions Available to Students and Staff
FPS COVID-19 Data

FPS COVID-19 Data

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is providing a weekly report of COVID-19 data within the district. This data, in consideration with other factors, continues to be utilized by the FPS COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee. Information is updated every Friday and can be found on the FPS COVID-19 page.
FPS COVID-19 Data

- NEWSMAKERS -

Spiess Named East Region Wrestling Coach of the Year

Spiess Named East Region Wrestling Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Davies High School Wrestling Coach Keenan Spiess for being named the East Region Wrestling Coach of the Year. His coaching peers from across the Eastern Dakota Conference voted on his award. Spiess will now be on the ballot for North Dakota Wrestling Coach of the Year. Spiess is in his 17th year of coaching for Fargo Public Schools and has been the head coach of the Davies wrestling program for 10 years.
Spiess Named East Region Wrestling Coach of the Year
Casey's General Store Donates $500 to Carl Ben Eielson

Casey's General Store Donates $500 to Carl Ben Eielson

Thank you to Casey's General Store for donating $500 to Carl Ben Eielson Middle School. A check presentation was held on February 5 as part of the store's grand opening. Principal Bradley Larson plans to use the funds to treat staff members and show appreciation for their hard work through COVID-19.
Casey's General Store Donates $500 to Carl Ben Eielson
South Choir Teacher Receives State Director of the Year Award

South Choir Teacher Receives State Director of the Year Award

Congratulations to South High School Choir Teacher Sara Lichtblau for being named the North Dakota American Choral Directors Association Director of the Year! She received the award during a virtual conference and honor choir festival on February 5. Lichtblau's peers say she is well-respected by her music colleagues at all levels across the state. Lichtblau is in her 23rd year of teaching at South High School, serves on the North Dakota American Choral Directors Association Board, and is currently the contemporary worship leader at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo.


(Photo courtesy: Michael Beaton)

South Choir Teacher Receives State Director of the Year Award
2021 Class A Academic All-State Honors

2021 Class A Academic All-State Honors

Dozens of senior students from across Fargo Public Schools are being honored by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals. Ten students have been named to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze 2021 Class A Academic All-State Teams. Several other students received an honorable mention. Students are nominated by school administrators based on their GPA and ACT scores. Click here to view the full list of students who received this honor.

2021 Class A Academic All-State Honors
Concordia College Community Access Scholarships

Concordia College Community Access Scholarships

Three South High School students were surprised on February 5 with full scholarships to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. South seniors Belem Ortega, Yvonnah Marshall, and Antonio Lyons (pictured) are three of the five metro students who were awarded Community Access Scholarships. They will have four years of free college tuition, room, and board. Congratulations to these deserving students! To learn more about this scholarship opportunity, click here.


(Photo courtesy: Vanessa Boehm)

Concordia College Community Access Scholarships
FM REALTORS Winter Gear Donation

FM REALTORS Winter Gear Donation

Thank you to FM REALTORS for their collection and donation of warm winter gear. The large donation includes hats, gloves, jackets, and more outdoor clothing items that will help keep Fargo Public Schools (FPS) students warm and safe through the winter. Pictured L to R are: FPS Communications Director AnnMarie Campbell and Park Company Realtor Arlin Fisher.
FM REALTORS Winter Gear Donation
VFW Voice of Democracy District Winner

VFW Voice of Democracy District Winner

Congratulations to North High School student Amy Peterson for placing in the district level of the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. This year's theme is "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?" Peterson earned third place and received $100 for her accomplishment.


(Photo courtesy: Lisa Metzger)

VFW Voice of Democracy District Winner

- YOUR FPS -

FPS Foundation Alumni Network Newsletter

FPS Foundation Alumni Network Newsletter

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) has a large network of alumni who make big accomplishments in their personal lives and professional careers. The FPS Development Foundation's Alumni Network can help keep you informed about your former classmates and schools. Check out the latest issue of their newsletter, AlumniNews, by clicking here.
FPS Foundation Alumni Network Newsletter
Giving Hearts Day

Giving Hearts Day

Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour online giving event is TODAY, February 11. The day is a large fundraising event that benefits North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota non-profits. Each organization finds a sponsor to generously match donations. Trollwood Performing Arts School and the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation are both taking part. Donations are tax deductible.


Click here to donate to Trollwood Performing Arts School.


Click here to donate to the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation.

Giving Hearts Day

Trollwood Performing Arts School Summer Programming

Get ready to Color Your Summer! Trollwood Performing Arts School is excited to welcome students back to the stage with a full array of 2021 summer performing arts educational opportunities. 2020 was a difficult year for those who are passionate about performing arts. Many classes and performances were canceled due to COVID-19. 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. Watch the video below to hear students speak about their experiences at Trollwood.


Click this link to register.


Click here to view the summer course brochure.

Trollwood - The Teachers Are Extraordinary

- FEATURE -

Davies Student Makes and Plays Guitars in Class

Fargo Public Schools has a wide variety of elective courses and allows students to tailor their education experience to fit their interests. In the video below, you will learn about Davies High School student Benjamin Shook. He merged his love for music and construction by making guitars in his shop classes, which he now plays in his band classes.
Student Makes & Plays Guitars in Class

- BOARD FOCUS -

School Board Schedule and Links

School Board Schedule and Links

Regular School Board meetings occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are held in the Board Room at the District office building. Read the Board Briefs summarizing the February 9 regular meeting of the Fargo School Board. For more information, visit the School Board website.
School Board Schedule and Links

- IN FOCUS -

- FPS IN THE NEWS -

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Fargo Public Schools - SchoolTalk

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This newsletter is published weekly on Thursdays during the school year when classes are in session. Material for publication is due by Noon on Tuesday of the week of desired publication.
415 4th Street North, Fargo, ND, USA comments@fargo.k12.nd.us 701.446.1000 fargo.k12.nd.us