Discovery Middle School
Newsletter - January 2020
Building a Foundation for Success!
Mr. Vincent Williams
Grade 7
Mrs. Amy Herrick
Grade 8
Mr. Dan Shultis
Grade 6
Dear Discovery Families,
Wow! We have officially entered the year 2020. Not only is 2020 a new year, it’s the beginning of a new decade. I love new beginnings. A new beginning brings with it the opportunity to reflect on where you’ve been in your journey. Based upon that reflection you can take the necessary steps to alter your course if need be. As I reflect on where we’ve been as a building thus far, in the 2019-2020 school year here are a couple of my thoughts:
- Construction – Staff and students have done a remarkable job handling the remodel and renovation project. We could have easily allowed frustrations to negatively impact our interactions with students and colleagues; however, we chose the higher path and have made it through.
- School Safety – We have had our share of issues which impacted the learning environment of the building. The unity and positivity exuded by staff during such times have helped to create a sense of calm for stakeholders at Discovery.
- Staff Changes – This year we have welcomed over ten new staff members, all of which have been wonderful additions to our team. Although we’re in the beginning phases, I couldn’t be prouder of our new Core Team reconfigurations.
- Patience & Grace – During our first staff meeting this year I spoke about the need for each of us to be willing to extend patience and grace to one another. With the many changes we have experienced over the past three years, we wouldn’t be able to continue being effective educators without giving and receiving patience and grace.
As we embark on the beginning of this new year and new decade, let’s continue to remain committed to Building a Foundation for Success for ALL Students!!!
Upcoming Events
January 6 - 7th & 8th Boys Basketball begins
January 9 - End of Quarter 2
January 10 - No School - Teacher Professional Development
January 20 - No School - Vacation Day
February 4 & 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-8:15
February 11 - Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-6:15
State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group
The Fargo Public Schools will hold the 2019-20 State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. at South High School, 1840 South 15th Avenue, Fargo. Parents, staff and community members are invited to participate and are encouraged to pre-register by 4:00 p.m. on December 18, 2020 by calling 701.446.1005 or signing up online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/focusgroup. Attendees will receive reading materials electronically in advance of the event. For more information, visit www.fargo.k12.nd.us/focusgroup.
District Annual Report
As evidence of Fargo Public Schools’ commitment to our patrons, the FPS 2018-19 Annual Report is now available, and it showcases the qualities and services of our school district. The publication provides a wide array of information to familiarize families and the community with Fargo Public Schools. Report details include enrollment, staffing, and budget numbers, and overviews student services and student assessment data. Thank you for your continued support as we serve the citizens of Fargo by providing its students an excellent educational experience. Access the full document at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/AnnualReport.
Fargo Public Schools Accepting Nominations Beginning January 6 for Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff of the Year Awards
Parents and community members are invited to nominate a Fargo Public Schools teacher, administrator, or support staff member they feel is serving our students with excellence for consideration of a yearly recognition award. Online instructions, forms, and application process can be found at: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/StaffRecognitionProgram.
Fargo Public Schools Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2020 opens online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration on February 1, 2020. Child must be age 5 by July 31, 2020 to attend school in the fall.
Registration is a two-step process: online registration and document submission.
STEP ONE: Registration can be completed at home online anytime or at computer kiosks in the office at each Fargo Public elementary school building on the following dates with extended office hours:
- February 24, 26, and 28 – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- February 25, 27, and March 2 – 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
STEP TWO: Once online registration has been completed, families MUST bring the following documents to the school their child will attend to finalize their child’s registration:
- Child’s certified birth certificate
- Child’s current immunization record
- Document (i.e. current city utility bill or bank statement) that includes parent/guardian name and address to verify the correct neighborhood school
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.
Questions? Call the school office or Betsy Beaton at 701-446-1043.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences at Discovery will be held from 4:15-8:15 p.m. on February 4 and 6, and 4:15-6:15 p.m. on February 11. To accommodate parents’ schedules, conferences will be on a drop-in basis instead of pre-scheduled. Feel free to stop by to visit with your student(s)’ teachers on one of the three scheduled nights. When you arrive, teachers will be stationed in their classrooms for conferences. If you’d like, you can follow your student(s)’ daily schedule to visit with teachers.
DISCOVERY YEARBOOK - Deadline Februrary 7th
Have you ordered your Discovery Yearbook? 2019-20 Yearbooks are only available to order through Friday, February 7th. The cost is $25, and you can purchase one online in SchoolPay or by bringing cash, a check made out to “FPS”, or a credit card to the Discovery School Main Office. Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of classes in the Spring, and there will not be any extras available for purchase at that time, so order now! If you’re not sure if you ordered yet, please check with the Main Office.
Reporting an Absence - Reminder
INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHOOL CANCELLATION
Prior to the Start of the School Day
In case of inclement weather during the winter months, the Fargo Public Schools will communicate information to parents and guardians regarding any school cancellations or late starts through Connect-ED, an automated telephone message system. Also announcements of school delays and/or cancellations and busing schedule changes are given to all the local radio and television stations prior to 7:00 AM for public broadcast.
During the School Day
If inclement weather should occur during the school day, announcements of school cancellation and busing schedule changes will once again be issued to parent and guardians through Connect-ED, the automated telephone message, as well be given to all the local media. Parents/guardians should listen for these periodic announcements on radio and television stations on bad weather days, and be prepared or make arrangements to pick up their students at the school or bus drop-off points at the announced times.
Two Hour Late Start
In the event of a late start, the buses will operate two hours late. Students will arrive between 10:00 and 10:15. They should proceed to their Period 3 class, and then follow their normal schedule.
8th Grade Registration for High School Meetings
We are going to have an individual meeting with all 8th grade students and their parents to discuss transitioning to high school and to register for 9th grade classes. Please register for a meeting time that will work for you and your student. To register, please see the attached flyer for more information.
SNOWBOARD/SKI CLUB
Check out the Discovery Frozen Eagles Snowboard/Ski Club on our new website. (https://sites.google.com/view/discoveryfrozeneagles/home). There you can register for our email list and get in on some winter fun.
Be sure to find us on Facebook and Instagram.
DISCOVERY CHORAL DEPARTMENT
The Discovery Choral Department will present an Ensemble Concert at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in the Discovery Auditorium. Only students who are in vocal sectionals will be performing. All grades are performing on the same concert.
DISCOVERY BAND DEPARTMENT UPCOMING DATES
January 13 - 7:00 Eagle Bands (all band students grades 6-12) @ Davies
January 22 - Music Experience Day - 8th Grade Band/Orchestra/Choir perform for
incoming 5th graders
January 28 - 4:45 8th Grade band invited to play w/Davies Pep Band @ Davies
THE STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE EVENTS
CHECK THE DISCOVERY BAND WEBSITE:
https://sites.google.com/a/fargoschools.org/discoverybands/home
AMERICAN MATH COMPETITION RESULTS
On November 12th, 2019, ninety-three of Discovery’s math students competed in the American Mathematics Competition. This extremely difficult 25-question test was given to students in 6th grade Advanced Math, 7th grade Algebra I and Geometry. A total of 6 different classes participated. Please see the attached list of winners.
Kids Heart Challenge
This year’s Kids Heart Challenge, previously known as Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart event will take place on Wednesday, January 29th and Wednesday, February 5th during Physical Education class. Your son and/or daughter will be bringing home a collection envelope for you to take a look at toward the end of January. This envelope needs to be returned with a parent signature, whether they participate or not. This effort by our students to help the American Heart Association supports the Character and Citizenship goals of the district’s strategic plan.
IMMUNIZATION UPDATE
Are you a parent of a sixth grade student? If so, please read the following:
North Dakota students entering middle school are required to receive additional vaccines. The two changes are as follows:
- Receive one dose of Meningococcal, available only after the age of 11 years.
- Receive a Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine booster.
You may obtain the immunizations at your health care provider or at Fargo Cass Public Health. Please have your student receive these prior to the start of the school year. Also, remember to bring in the documentation of the immunization dates to the school.
Earbuds
Please ensure your student has earbuds or headphones in school, as many audio options are available and utilized for learning.
OverDrive - read or listen to books for free!
Your student can read or listen to the many NEW eBooks and audiobooks for free! Access OverDrive on PLD, home computer, or mobile device.
Login through Learning Portal<Middle School Resources OR download the free app. Click on the link below for directions to get started.
Book Fair Results are In!
Thank you so much for your support at the Scholastic Book Fair. All profits go to books for the library and makerspace equipment. Check out these popular books at the fair:
MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS NEWSLETTER
The Middle School Years newsletter gives practical ideas that promote academic success, effective parenting, healthy habits, positive character traits, and more. Get practical, age-appropriate tips and ideas that today’s busy families can use to:
- Improve school success.
- Boost the home and school partnership.
- Enhance parenting skills.
- Build positive character traits.
- Develop healthy eating and fitness habits.
Please see the January issue of Middle School Years attached below.
Discovery Middle School
Amy Herrick, Assistant Principal
Dan Shultis, Assistant Principal
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery
Location: 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3300