SchoolTalk

FPS e-Newsletter for April 8, 2021

- SPOTLIGHT -

Cabinet Column - Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund

Cabinet Column - Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund

Thanks to the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, Fargo Public Schools has expanded its team of individuals who support students at home and with their virtual coursework. These funds have allowed the District to add two additional student wellness and family facilitators and two attendance specialists. The District has also been able to dedicate an individual who helps high school students in the Virtual Academy. Read this Cabinet Column from Associate Superintendent Missy Eidsness to learn how these positions are helping students thrive amid pandemic challenges.
Cabinet Column - Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund
Feature Column - New Learning Management System

Feature Column - New Learning Management System

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is preparing to transition middle schools and high schools to a new learning management system called Canvas. A learning management system houses electronic instructional content for each class a student takes. It will replace EDUCal and Google Classroom. In this feature column, Information Technology Director Bill Westrick explains why FPS is making this transition and breaks down the different uses for Canvas.
Feature Column - New Learning Management System
Feature Column - Library Resources of 2021

Feature Column - Library Resources of 2021

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) libraries and the Instructional Resources Department have drastically changed over the past year. The pandemic fast-tracked the District to increase its ebooks offerings. Additionally, teachers and students have received more tools to aid their learning. Read this feature column from Instructional Resources & Library Coordinator Amy Soma about all the changes, as we celebrate National Library Week from April 4-10.
Feature Column - Library Resources of 2021

- FPS SMART RESTART -

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 -

FPS Earns Renewed Accreditation

FPS Earns Renewed Accreditation

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) is pleased to announce it has earned a renewed accreditation distinction from Cognia, an external review organization. Cognia reviewed FPS policies, procedures, plans, and documents. A full report with all Cognia findings will be provided in the coming weeks and will be made public. Fargo Public Schools will maintain its accreditation for the next five years.


Fargo Public Schools congratulates all of its employees for their hard work and dedication for earning this honor and fulfilling our mission of educating and empowering all students to succeed!

FPS Earns Renewed Accreditation
FPS Music Education Earns National Recognition

FPS Music Education Earns National Recognition

Fargo Public Schools (FPS) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants. This is the 18th time FPS has received this recognition, which is given to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To learn more about why FPS was chosen for this award, read this media release from the National Association of Music Merchants.
FPS Music Education Earns National Recognition
Olson Inducted to NDIAAA Hall of Fame

Olson Inducted to NDIAAA Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Fargo Public Schools Director of Student Activities Todd Olson for being inducted into the North Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NDIAAA) Hall of Fame. He was awarded the honor at the NDIAAA Spring Conference Awards Banquet on March 28. Olson has a life-long history of athletic involvement. Click here to read his biography from the NDIAAA.

Olson Inducted to NDIAAA Hall of Fame
FPS Students Earn Spots on UND Honor Choir

FPS Students Earn Spots on UND Honor Choir

More than a dozen Fargo Public Schools students were selected to be part of the 2021 University of North Dakota (UND) Honor Choir. This yearly tradition recognizes performing arts students from around the region and normally allows them to sing together at the UND Honor Band, Choir & Strings Festival. This year, due to COVID-19, the festival will be held virtually and provide student musicians the opportunity to talk about music with each other. Click here to read the full list of students who made the 2021 UND Honor Choir.
FPS Students Earn Spots on UND Honor Choir
Winter Sports Awards

Winter Sports Awards

The Fargo Public Schools Student Activities Department is proud to announce the following awards earned by co-curricular activities programs and students during the 2020-2021 winter season. Congratulations to the coaches, advisors and students on a successful season! Click here to see the full list of awards from all winter programs.
Winter Sports Awards

Davies Chamber Orchestra Participates in Worldstrides Music Festival

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a unique opportunity to the Davies Chamber Orchestra, allowing the group to participate in the Worldstrides Music Festival. Normally, the event is done in person at Carnegie Hall in New York. This year, the event was held virtually, making it possible for the group to partake. The Davies Chamber Orchestra was judged against larger schools from across the United States and averaged between 80-90 points out of 100 for all submissions. Watch the video below to view one of the chamber orchestra's contest submissions.
Fargo Davies Chamber Orchestra - Rutter Suite for Strings Movement 4

- YOUR FPS -

Expanded Summer School Opportunities

Expanded Summer School Opportunities

Fargo Public Schools is offering expanded summer school opportunities this year to engage K-12 students in academics, the arts, sports, and wellness. In recent years, students have successfully completed approximately 5,000 summer school classroom/stage/court/field opportunities. The following changes have been made to increase student access this summer:

  • Middle school summer school is available to all middle school students.
  • Middle school summer school is offering a second semester in July in addition to the traditional June semester along with expanded course offerings (no cost).
  • Middle school and high school summer school have expanded school bus transportation with regional pick-up spots to help students access programming.
  • On-campus and fully virtual synchronous models are available for middle school and high school classes.
  • K-5 English learner (EL) summer school will be held at Agassiz. Regional transportation pick-up will be provided.
  • EL, middle school, and high school will have all virtual classes on Fridays.
  • Summer school is free for FPS students with the exception of a few fee-based programs:
    • Elementary enrichment
    • Fine arts camps and Trollwood
    • Summer sports camps
    • ROTC and highway safety


Please note that registration for several of the summer school programs closes April 15. Early registration greatly helps the summer school administration team prepare for a terrific summer school. The full list of FPS summer opportunities can be found on the FPS summer school website.

Expanded Summer School Opportunities
First PEACE Meeting April 12

First PEACE Meeting April 12

Fargo Public School (FPS) has chosen all members of the Parent Equity and Advisory Committee for Education (PEACE). This committee will advise the District on efforts related to equity and inclusion. The first meeting will be Monday, April 12 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. To learn more about the committee's workplan, all of its members, and how to view the meetings, follow this link.

First PEACE Meeting April 12
Reminder: Register for Kindergarten

Reminder: Register for Kindergarten

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


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.

Reminder: Register for Kindergarten
AD-Ventures: Seasonal Activities for Kids

AD-Ventures: Seasonal Activities for Kids

AD-Ventures is a district publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout the community. AD-Ventures for Kids is for youth in grade levels K-5. AD-Ventures for Teens is for youth in grade levels 6-8. These are published on the first of each month during the school year. Click the active links above for the April issue of each publication.
AD-Ventures: Seasonal Activities for Kids

- BOARD FOCUS -

Feature Column - Changes to District Calendar Policy

Feature Column - Changes to District Calendar Policy

The Fargo Public Schools Board of Education recently approved changes to Board Policy EL-14, which guides decisions for the creation of the District calendar. The changes give clarification and direction for the Calendar Committee following recent legislative changes that give school districts more flexibility in calculating instructional time. Read this feature column by Board of Education Member Brian Nelson to learn more about how the changes will guide subsequent school calendars.
Feature Column - Changes to District Calendar Policy

- COMMUNITY NEWS -

Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Opportunity

Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Opportunity

Distinguished Young Women of North Dakota, a national program that promotes scholarship, leadership, and talent in young women, is currently accepting applications for the state program. The program is FREE to enter, and thousands of dollars of scholarships are available at the state level alone. Applicants must be graduating high school in 2022 to be eligible. Click here to apply.

Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Opportunity
"I Love My County Because" Art Contest

"I Love My County Because" Art Contest

Students throughout Cass County are invited to participate in a contest and possibly have their artwork shown on a national level. In recognition of National County Government Month in April, the National Association of Counties is holding an art challenge called the "I Love My County Because." Winners will have their masterpieces showcased in the 2021-22 Counties Matter calendar. Click here for more details on the contest.
"I Love My County Because" Art Contest

- IN FOCUS -

- FPS IN THE NEWS -

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Fargo Public Schools - The Journey

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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