Packer Nation News
February Update
A Note from the Principal:
Last Thursday, West Fargo High School students traveled to the Scheel's Arena to participate in a community service event called Feed My Starving Children. This has become an annual WFHS tradition! Here are the numbers. 1,356 students participated, packing 1,142 boxes filled with 246,672 meals to feed 675 children 3 meals a day for an entire year. We are incredibly grateful to all of our students and staff for this world-impacting display of Packer pride and to our families for your support!
Shifting gears, it's crazy to think we're already beginning to plan for next school year! Registration for 2023-2024 classes occurs this week for grades 9-11. All students received registration information specific to their grade in class meetings on Thursday, February 2. Hopefully, students brought this handout home for discussion about class registration and your signature! If they did not, ask them about it! All students must be registered for 2023-2024 courses in PowerSchool by the end of the day on Friday, February 10. Counselors are available in the hallway outside of the Counseling Office for any questions. Students in Special Education and the English Learner program will work through registration with their case managers.
Information to help with registration:
- A blank copy of a graduation checklist
- Our program of studies
- Information about the Academic and CTE scholarship (only for grades 11-12)
- Information about the North Dakota scholarship (replacing the Academic and CTE scholarship beginning with the graduating class of 2025)
A few other notes:
- Seniors met as a class on Thursday, February 2 to receive important end-of-year information. You can find the presentation that was shared here. Check it out to review deadlines, graduation ceremony eligibility information, and Semester 2 checklists.
- Quarter 3 family conferences will be hosted at West Fargo High School on Wednesday, February 15 from 4:00-6:30p. A list of teacher locations is available here. We look forward to seeing you there!
- As a reminder, attendance reset at the beginning of Semester 2 and students have a limit of 10 absences per course (excused and unexcused... the only absences that do not count are sanctioned school activities and those with a medical note) before they are at risk of losing credit. In Semester 1, over 300 students missed 10 or more days in at least one class. This had an incredibly detrimental impact on their academic performance. As much as possible, family travel and vacations should be limited to times during school breaks when students do not miss more than a few days. Please monitor your student's attendance and ensure they are in school! This is the number one key to student success.
This newsletter contains important information regarding:
- New information from WFHS Counseling
- Profile of a Graduate in February (focus: compassion)
- Eligibility policy (from student handbook)
Please review the information and contact us as questions and concerns arise. Go Packers!
All my best,
Rachel Bachmeier
Just In Case: Inclement Weather Schedule
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
Upcoming Dates:
February 27–March 2: Break Free from Depression in Health 9
March 7: Testing Day – ACT & ASVAB
March 27–31: Grade 12 Minute Meetings
April 10–14: Grade 10 Minute Meetings
April 24–28: Grade 11 Minute Meetings
Important Updates:
We would like to introduce you to our intern, Itu Genene! Itu is currently at WFHS on Mondays and Tuesdays. Beginning February 21st, Itu will be at WFHS Monday-Thursday as Ms. Rosendahl’s long-term substitute while she is on maternity leave. At this time, learners and families with the last names J-Mo will work with Ms. Itu. Contact info: IGENENE@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Itu is in her last semester of graduate school at North Dakota State University and has completed over 450 hours in her school counseling internship. Itu has earned two bachelor’s degrees from NDSU; human development & family science and social work. She has three years of experience with working with youth in the FM area. In Itu’s spare time, she loves to spend quality time with her friends and family and partake in the diverse shows and events in the community.
NCAA Eligibility:
Does your learner have potential plans to play a sport at the collegiate level? If so, please encourage your learner to communicate with their school counselor, administrator, and the activities department to make sure they are academically eligible. More information can be found here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
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 preferred way to get learners on our calendars versus sending an email. Your learner can request to see their school counselor for social/emotional, 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
February's Profile of a Graduate Focus Disposition: Compassion
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 February is compassion.
Compassion is defined as, "Learners demonstrate their understanding of the complexities of cultures and global issues and see viewpoints beyond their own in order to positively impact the world around them."
During the month of February students will participate in Packer Time lessons aligned to compassion including community service and perspective-taking. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and discuss the importance of compassion 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! All students who submitted a question have received an email with an answer and additional information from Rachel Bachmeier.
- The presentation from the family meetings during Quarter 2 conferences and on January 9.
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.
With our informational meetings behind us, please review the materials and 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.
Post Prom/Post Grad Needs Your Help!
The Post Prom/Post Grad committee is a group of Packer families whose goal is to provide safe events for our Packers on both prom and graduation nights. For over 35 years, WFHS Post Prom and Post Graduation parties have provided thousands of students in our community with a drug and alcohol free alternative for celebrations (see photos below of past events!). Post Prom will occur at Cheney Middle School on May 6, 2023, and Post Grad will be held at NDSU Memorial Union on May 28, 2023.
Please follow WFHS Packers Post Prom/Post Grad on Facebook for updates and activities to assist in continuing this tradition. If you are willing to help join us in planning the events, email Melissa Halvorson at halvorson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us to be included in the group email for future information
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!
Student Handbook Highlight: Eligibility
As we enter into tournament season for our winter activities, we wanted to share the eligibility policy for all student athletes. We hold these students to a high standard and they must obtain eligibility to participate in competition. At WFHS, we pull grades for eligibility (students must be passing FIVE classes to remain eligible) every Friday morning to take effect for the following week. Please contact your student's administrator if you have any specific questions.
PHILOSOPHY
West Fargo Public Schools believes that participation in extracurricular activities constitutes a privilege and not a right. Students who participate in extracurricular activities represent the student body, school district, and community on the state and national level. As such, the behavior of these students is a reflection of the entire community.
The district will enforce the requirements placed on extracurricular participants by the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA), which govern both on- and off-campus behavior. In addition, the district has established the following extracurricular participation requirements.
ACTIVITIES AFFECTED BY THIS POLICY
Activities affected by this policy shall include extracurricular activities listed in the student handbook, including those not sponsored by NDHSAA.
ACADEMICS
While participating in extracurricular activities, a student must be doing passing work in at least 25 class hours per week (the passing grade will be computed from the beginning of the semester or quarter, and related to such subjects that have a minimum credit value of one‐half unit per semester). The 25 class hours must consist of all subjects that are carried daily for five days a week. A student who has special permission to be enrolled in less than 25 class hours per week must have their eligibility approved by the principal (Example: A student who is taking college classes or has extended illnesses). Students MUST be in attendance the last three class periods of THEIR school day to participate in any competition or practice. Exceptions for medical appointments (with a note from doctor) and family emergencies will be made as needed.
Academic eligibility for a student in grades 9-12 shall be determined weekly beginning with the second week of each quarter. The period of ineligibility will be from list to list on a weekly basis; the list will be generated on Friday and take effect on Monday. Likewise, if students are currently ineligible but have met academic requirements for the new marking period, they will become eligible on the Monday following the Friday when the list is generated. If a week has three days or less, no changes in eligibility will occur. Student eligibility at the end of each semester shall be determined by their semester grade (a student must have earned 2.5 credits to be eligible at the end of each semester). At the beginning of a semester, an ineligible student may become eligible after two weeks have passed from the first day of the semester and they have been deemed academically eligible. Spring sports with contests following graduation will be governed by the eligibility list that was in effect for the last portion of the fourth quarter.
Following the first and third quarters, a student will be ineligible for two weeks. This is when the first list will be published for the next grading period. Summer school grades cannot be used for eligibility purposes.
Extracurricular supervisors and administrators will monitor academic standings and notify individual students if they become ineligible.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- FFE-AR: Eligibility Petition for an Exceptional Athlete
- FFE-E: West Fargo Public Schools Petition for Exceptional Athletes Form
- West Fargo High School Activities
Additional policy information about eligibility include substance abuse violations and suspension information can be found here.
College and Career Readiness
North Dakota Scholarship:
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.
Scholarship Support
Senior students can look for upcoming WIN sessions for scholarship support, including the North Dakota Scholarship. We also recommend referencing our website for scholarship information. Area scholarship opportunities are posted in our scholarship newsletter, which is frequently updated and found HERE.
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.
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
- February 6-10: Registration for 2023-2024 classes
- Wednesday, February 15: Quarter 3 Conferences (4:00-6:30p)
- Tuesday, March 7: ACT testing (for Grade 11), ASVAB testing (for Grade 10), virtual learning (for grades 9 and 12).
- Wednesday, April 12: Quarter 4 Conferences (4:00-6:30p)
- Saturday, May 6: Prom (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
- Thursday, May 18: Senior Day (elementary graduation walks, Senior Field Day, class photo)
- Friday, May 26: MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal @ 1:30p (Scheels Arena)
- 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