Spartan Spotlight
April 2021
Greetings Spartans!
A year ago when I wrote this letter we had just started distance learning with no students in our building. We were concerned about flooding as the Red River had moved to 30 feet very early. We had already suspended all activities and were already fielding questions about prom and graduation. All of this because of a new virus named COVID-19.
What a difference a year makes. We are all back in school with face to face learning. Masks are still required and we encourage social distancing when possible. We do have a number of students still being educated through our virtual academies. By the time you read this letter all FPS employees will have had the opportunity to be completely vaccinated. The Red River isn’t an issue and all the snow is gone, I am sure we might see some more. Prom is back on the schedule and graduation is back in the dome.
We are not back to normal, but we are getting closer every day. Spring activities have not only started, but they have been outside practicing since day one. We have successfully completed three quarters and look forward to a strong fourth quarter. All activities are proceeding as usual. You will still need to check on spectator requirements as we move forward. The guidelines and capacities change on a regular basis and we will keep you informed.
It has been a unique experience for all of us this last calendar year. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at our school activities.
Yes, spring is here.
Sincerely,
Mark Blanshan
Assistant Principal
Travis Christensen Named North High School Principal
Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Travis Christensen as the principal of North High School beginning on July 1, 2021. He will take over the position from Principal Andy Dahlen who will retire at the end of June.
Travis Christensen has been a skilled asset to Fargo Public Schools since joining the District in 2008. He first served as a social studies teacher and assistant football coach at North High School. He also coached girls basketball for two years as an assistant. Since 2012, Christensen has been the North High School assistant principal and activities coordinator. He was also the summer school site administrator at North High School during the 2010 and 2011 summers.
Christensen began his educational career in 2005 as a social studies teacher at Ulen-Hitterdal Public Schools where he was also the head football coach and an assistant basketball coach. He then taught social studies and coached football at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton for a year before coming to Fargo Public Schools.
In addition to his administrative duties, Christensen is also a board member of the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders and the North Dakota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association where he previously served as board president. Christensen is also involved in the National Interscholastic Administrators Association and North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals. He has also previously served as co-chair of North High School’s Improvement Planning Team and as a member of its Site-Based Leadership Team.
Christensen holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Tri-College University through Minnesota State University Moorhead. He received his bachelor’s degree in social studies from Concordia College.
Fargo Public Schools will begin a search to fill Christensen’s current position of assistant principal and activities coordinator at North High School.
Phase 2 Priority Group COVID-19 Vaccinations
Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) is now gathering information for people in Phase 2 priority group who wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Any North Dakota resident age 16 or older is eligible. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for individuals 16 years and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both approved for individuals 18 years and older.
Individuals who would like to receive COVID-19 vaccine clinic information from FCPH are invited to place their name on a vaccine clinic waitlist using one of the below methods. After contact information has been submitted, FCPH will send an email with options to make an appointment for a future vaccine clinic. Individuals are encouraged to check their email frequently, including spam and junk folders, for this important communication.
- Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Contact Form
- Call the COVID-19 Vaccine Contact line at 701.298.6951
For more information about the safety of these vaccines, visit the North Dakota Department of Health website and Centers for Disease Control website.
Masks
The Fargo Public Schools continues to require all students and all staff to wear masks that adequately cover both their nose and mouth. Exceptions will be made for students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings.
Visitors to North High
Division I Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Boys Basketbal
State Stunt Title
State DECA
Five North High School students competed in the North Dakota State DECA Conference in Bismarck. Tonya Berg, Samantha Jackson, Sophie Thompson and Erin Lawrence all qualified to compete at the 2021 DECA Virtual International Career Development Conference in April. Erin Lawrence was crowned State crowned State Champion in Apparel & Assessories Marketing. Sophie Thompson also completed her term as 2020-21 State DECA Vice President. Tonya Berg, Samantha Jackson and Sophie Thompson took 3rd in their respective events and Brett Skeldum took 4th.
JROTC Juggernaut Competition
North/South gymnastics
Boys Swimming & Diving
Congratulations to Boys Swimming & Diving team on their 6th place finish at the NDHSAA Championship! At state, point scorers include Mickey Kenney, Beau Hager, Noah Hoffman, Brekken Mineer, Joey Roehl, Haydn Vein, Jon Geske, Ty Boutwell, and Dallas Bachmeier. Beau Hager, Mickey Kenney, Noah Hoffman, and Haydn Vein set a school record in the 200 Medley.
Congratulations to the following swimmers
Beau Hager
All Conference
All-State Second Team
Noah Hoffman
All Conference
All-State Second Team
Mickey Kenney
All Conference
All-State First Team
Fargo Schools AFJROTC Drill Competition
Congratulations to the AFJROTC on their Second Place Overall Finish!
The Fargo Schools Air Force Junior Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) competed in the 16th Annual Sioux Falls Invitational Drill Competition. This competition was held at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Fargo AFJROTC team placed second overall in the competition out of five participating schools.
The Fargo teams took first place in the Unarmed Regulation and Unarmed Exhibition categories. They took second place in the Armed Regulation, Armed Exhibition and First-Year Color Guard categories. Third place finishes where in Inspection, First-Year Unarmed Regulation and First-Year Armed Regulation teams. Additionally, they took fourth place in Varsity Color Guard.
The Drill Competition is an opportunity for Air Force, Army and Marine Corps JROTC teams from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa to demonstrate their abilities in performing marching drill routines. The Regulation and Color Guard routines must be performed to a set order of commands. The Exhibition routines allow the teams to get creative in their marching demonstration.
Knowledge Bowl Competition
Pictured L to R from the North team are: Anika Arifin, Spring Ma, Laura Simmons, Aarya Panwalkar, Colby Miller and Alex Person.
The Department of Energy started the National Science Bowl, one of the nation’s largest science competitions, in 1991 to encourage students to excel in math and science as well as pursue careers in these fields. About 265,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl throughout its 28-year history.
Prom
2021 Prom Tickets - Now on sale in the Main office $12.50/person or $25/couple. This ticket will gain student entrance to Prom, Grand March, and Post Prom Party activities. Prom is scheduled 8:00 - 10:30 pm on April 17th in the Fitness Center. Masks are required at the MASKerade Ball and a temperature check will occur at Grand March.
The Grand March - 7:00 - 8:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Grand March spectator attendance will be limited due to COVID. Each prom attendee may have 2 guests attend Grand March (4 total/couple) and printed tickets will need to be purchased in advance. Tickets may be purchased for $5.00/ticket through PowerSchool SchoolPay or the Main office. Prom attendees will pick up their guest tickets in the Main office and bring the purchased Grand March ticket home for their families. All Grand March tickets need to be purchased by Thursday, April 15, 2021.
All Grand March tickets will be linked to the prom attendees. In addition, a $50 parent donation to Prom, will get spectators in a drawing to win VIP seats at the Grand March. Two sets of couples will win the VIP drawing.
Spectators will be required to wear a mask and be socially distant. Thanks for your cooperation.
The Grand March will also be live streamed on the school's YouTube channel. Interested viewers should go to the school's website for a link.
The Post Prom Party - 10:30 pm - 2:30 am If a Junior or Senior wants to ONLY attend Post Prom that ticket is also for sale in the Main office for $5.00. Prom tickets include your entrance to Post Prom. Masks are required and a temperature check will occur for those that did not attend Prom. The Post Prom Party is LOCATED at the NDSU Memorial Union – LOWER LEVEL. Students must wear a mask and check in by 11:30 pm as doors close at that time. All of this is included in the Post Prom Party: Games, Amazing Food and snacks, HUGE Prizes, Money Machine, Bingo, Bowling, Pool, Magician, DJ/ Karaoke and so much more! More details will be shared in the coming week's school announcements.
High School Meals
Meals will continue to be provided to students at no cost until the end of the school year.
Virtual Academy students who wish to receive meals are still required to fill out forms for Meals. These meals will be picked up at door #8 (North side on 19th Ave) on Fridays from 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm.
Spring SPORTS PRACTICE DATES
The NDHSAA has outlined the starting dates for spring activities. Please check out the following information and contact the coach if you have any questions or concerns.
Boys Golf: April 12 - Mike Dobberstein - dobberm@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-2462. For more information visit the golf website.
https://sites.google.com/fargoschools.org/fargo-north-boys-golf/home
Physical & Concussion Forms
Prior to participating in NDHSAA sanctioned athletic activities (including practice), the student must have on file with the school a current NDHSAA approved physical and concussion form. Preparticipation Physical Examinations completed for the 2019-20 school year will be accepted during the 2020-21 school year upon submission of a parent and athlete signed waiver (previously known as Form B). Students who did not have a Preparticipation Physical Examinations completed for the 2019-20 school year must complete a Preparticipation Physical Examinations completed for the 2020-21 school year. The NDHSAA recently approved a new physical form for use beginning April 15, 2020. The new physical forms are available for download from the NDHSAA website.
When you completed your student’s online registration there was a question asking if your student is participating in a sport. If yes, you were directed to the required online concussion and HIPPA forms to sign electronically.
Paper copies will not be accepted.
Co-Curricular Meetings
All students planning to participate in any co-curricular activity (i.e. Athletics, Music, Drama, Speech, Debate, Student Congress, DECA, FBLA, Skills USA, etc.) and their parent/guardian should refer to and complete their co-curricular meeting online.
This meeting can be viewed online via the registration forms in each parent’s PowerSchool account. When you registered your student you were directed to view the online co-curricular meeting at that time.
If students/parents have any questions they should refer to the Student Activitiy Handbook, Student Activities Website or contact their building Activity Coordinator.
Fee Waivers
If a student is financially unable to participate in an activity requiring a fee, waivers or other resources are often available to assist. The typical guideline used for eligibility is qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Students are encouraged to visit with their counselor if they may qualify or need any assistance.
Summer Weight Program
2021 Fargo North and Sanford POWER Summer Weights registration is now open. Access the registration page linked below to get registered.
https://sites.google.com/fargoschools.org/fnhsanford-power-summer-weight/home
Summer School
Summer School registration for high school classes and all sports camps is currently available. The Summer School Booklet is available on the summer school website. Families are able to pay fees for Middle School Music Camps, Highway Safety, Summer Leadership School, and some sports camps as part of the on-line registration:
- www.fargosummerschool.com
- Semester 1: June 8 – 30
- Semester 2: July 6 – 28
- Face to Face Hybrid on-campus M-Th or 100% Virtual M-F with a required daily Zoom class meeting
Virtual Students and Parents- Yearbook picture
We want to make sure your picture is in the 2020-2021 yearbook! If you would like, please send a headshot picture with a plain/blank light colored background to: fnhyearbook@fargoschools.org by April 16th. If you choose not to submit a headshot, your ID picture from last year will be used. If you did not take an ID picture last year, a picture will not be included in this year’s yearbook.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Sitzler Erickson at: sitzlek@fargo.k12.nd.us.
Trollwood Performing Arts School 2021 Summer Registration Open
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. Click this link to register and Click this link to view the full programming brochure.
Information from the Counseling Center
NDSA Science testing
Sophomore students will be participating in the NDSA Science testing on Thursday, April 8th from 1:20 pm to 2:50 pm. Students will plan to report to their assigned testing rooms with their fully charged PLD’s. Students are recommended to complete a hard shut down of their devices prior to the testing date, to be sure all remotely installed updates have been allowed to finish running to ensure smooth testing. Scores from the NDSA Science test will be available in the Fall of 2021.
ACT Score Report Voucher
ACT has recognized the challenges with registering for the junior state mandated ACT test through MyACT. As a result, some students were not able to select their four schools to send their test scores for free. Therefore, ACT is providing an additional opportunity for students to send their four free score reports through a voucher code that can be used in MyACT. Please see eligibility requirements and voucher information below from ACT. Students are also able to stop in the Counseling and Career Center for support from their school counselor or Lisa Metzger, Career Advisor.
Voucher Eligibility Requirements and Guidelines
A voucher code is being provided to students participating in State-sponsored testing who have not selected at least one college for automated score reporting. Students who entered at least one college for score reporting are not eligible for a voucher. The code will be printed on page 1 of the student’s paper score report and is redeemable for the one-time purchase of up to four additional score reports at no cost. Additional college choices may be included for a fee. All voucher codes will expire, so students should be encouraged to use the code within two weeks of receiving their paper score report.
Student Use of Voucher in MyACT
Students meeting the voucher eligibility requirements above must wait until they receive their paper score report to obtain their voucher code and use it in MyACT. For the March 2 test window, students will begin receiving their printed score reports as early as three weeks after the receipt of test responses. Score reports are shipped up to two weeks later for students who took the writing test.
Students who created a MyACT account prior to their test being scored will receive an email from myact@act.org when their scores are posted to their account. They should wait for their paper score report and then follow the instructions outlined on it to redeem their voucher within MyACT.
Students who have not yet created a MyACT account will need their paper score report containing their ACT ID to create their account. Once they receive their paper score report by mail, these students should go to MyACT.org and follow the prompts.
Students in need of assistance related to their paper score reports, finding their scores online, or creating or accessing their MyACT account, should visit the Contact Us link on MyACT.org.
Free ACT Test Prep for Juniors
The ACT will be electronic this year—using the platform TestNav. TestNav has free practice tests available and is accessible on the student’s PLD desktop or home.testnav.com.
The practice tests include tutorials to become familiar with the platform.
To access the practice test, go to: TestNav (icon on students desktop) OR, home.testnav.com. Click on “The ACT” and then click “Practice Tests.” Students do not need to log in to take the practice tests.
If you have any questions about ACT practice tests, please reach out to Lisa Metzger at metzgel@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701.446.2413.
ACT/SAT EXAM SCHEDULE
ACT Exam Schedule
North High School Code: 350-568
ACT Basic Fee: $55.00
ACT Plus Writing Fee: $70.00
Test Option Change Fee: $15.00
Late Registration Additional Fee: $35.00
SAT EXAM SCHEDULE
North High School Code: 350-568
SAT Fee $52.00 SAT with Essay $68.00
Change Fee: $30.00
Late Registration Fee: $30.00
WORKKEYS TESTING
Seniors may register with Lisa Metzger in the Counseling and Career Center to take or retake the ACT WorkKeys test (internet version) at North High. Cost to students is $12.00 for each of the three tests. If students are hoping to qualify for the ND Career and Technical Scholarship, they will need to achieve a score of at least 5 on each of the following WorkKeys tests: Workplace Documents, Applied Math, and Graphic Literacy. WorkKeys testing will be offered at Fargo North on Wednesday, April 7th. Students will take all 3 tests on one of those dates. Students will also need to meet additional requirements in order to qualify for this scholarship. Additional information about the WorkKeys is available at http://www.act.org/workkeys/index.html. Students should stop by the Counseling Center with any questions.
ND Academic & CTE Scholarships
North Dakota high school seniors who meet all requirements for either the ND Academic or ND Career & Technical Education Scholarships must submit an online application between January 4 and June 4, 2021 to https://www.nd.gov/dpi/parentscommunity/academic-and-cte-scholarship
Students and parents/guardians who would like more information should contact your student’s counselor or Career Advisor, Lisa Metzger, 701-446-2413.
Scholarships
Check out this link for scholarships including eligibility/criteria, potential award, the application procedure and where to get an application. If you have any questions please call Lisa Metzger in the Counseling Office at 701-446-2413.
ND Scholars Program
The North Dakota Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides scholarships to North Dakota’s best and brightest high school graduates. The scholarship is a full tuition scholarship for students attending North Dakota’s public and tribal colleges, and a tuition scholarship equal to public tuition for students attending North Dakota’s private institutions. For more information on the scholarship programs go to:
E- Transcripts
All high school students can now process (official), print (unofficial) and view transcripts electronically through eTranscripts. Students request their transcript securely and at their convenience through their PowerSchool account. Please see the instructions on the North High Counseling website.
Please allow 2 days for approval for official transcripts.
If you have any questions, please stop by the Counseling Office or call Nikki at 446-2412.
Rape & Abuse Crisis Center
In partnership with Fargo Public Schools, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center (RACC) is offering counseling services to North High students. A counselor from RACC, will be available to meet virtually with students to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to healthy relationships, friendships, bullying, coping skills, technology safety, healthy sexuality, and trauma. Students that are interested in participating in this support should contact their school counselor or the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center at 701-293-7273.
Open Door
Just a reminder, if you or your family are in need of personal hygiene supplies, household products, food or clothing, the North High School Open Door has a small variety of items. Students and families can access these items by contacting their school counselor. FNH encourages families to consider any needs they might have over school breaks and long weekends and contact the counseling office at 701-446-2412 prior to the break. If you need additional community supports, the counselors are available to help connect you with additional supports to meet your needs.
Information
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
This syndrome is an autonomic dysfunction and generally has symptoms of chronic fatigue and two other key components. The other components are symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (caused by an upright posture) and excessive postural tachycardia (more than 40 heart beats a minute) with supine to upright position changes. In addition, adolescents often experience depression and anxiety.
Some other issues may include decreased school attendance, withdrawal from extracurricular activities, decreased academic performance and truancy. Some strategies to help with POTS: include improvement with sleep hygiene, aerobic exercise and strength training, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Adolescents are also encouraged to avoid sudden changes in posture, prolonged recumbence, high temperatures, and large meals. Increased intake of fluids (preferably caffeine free) and salt is usually helpful. Their provider may also prescribe some medications to help relieve some of their symptoms.
Reference Mayo Clinic
PTSA Monthly Meeting
Selective Service Registration
All male students are required by law to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. To register go to SSS.gov. You can preregister at 17 years and 3 months of age. Why is this so important? If you fail to register you are unable to receive federally funded college loans and grants; are unable to get into federally funded training and certification programs; are barred from all federal employment; ineligible for many state and local government jobs. Can’t stress enough - 45 seconds online registering at SSS.gov can save a man 45 years of headaches and heartaches.
Seniors - Cap & Gown Orders
Please check with your senior to make sure they turned in their cap and gown order. If not, the order must be submitted directly to Jostens at the address on the packet. If you need to contact them directly, a message can be left at 701-235-1828.
Yearbooks
Students can purchase a copy of the 2020-2021 yearbook for $60. The “Laconian” is a full-color book with memorable stories, eye-catching photos, and cutting-edge graphics and layouts. You can pay through School Pay.
Detention
Does your student have detention? We have several opportunities for student’s to make up their detention.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
3:50 - 4:35 p.m.
Room 311
All detention needs to be served during times described above.
Students with outstanding detentions may not be able to participate in extra curricular activities until all detention has been completed. These activities include, but are not limited to: athletics, prom, plays, and school sponsored trips.
Attendance
Students are expected to be in their classes every day, except in the case of illness, school related activities, family emergency, or religious observance. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children are in school unless a valid reason for absence exists. The Attendance Office asks that a student’s absence be reported by 9:00 a.m. If a student is not accounted for they will be recorded as truant. Please review the attendance policies found in our on-line student handbook. The Attendance Office may be reached by calling 446-2410 or 446-2411.
E-Alerts
Stay Connected!
Fargo North has several helpful links that can be found on our webpage at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/north.
You will find links for:
· Newsletters
· School Calendars
· Daily Announcements
· PowerSchool & SchoolPay Logins
· Student Handbook
· School Menus
· Daily Planner
· District Forms
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our school office at 701-446-2400.
Important Contact Numbers
North High Main Office
Main Office - 446-2400
Andy Dahlen, Principal - 446-2404
Mark Blanshan, Assistant Principal - 446-2499
Travis Christensen, Asst. Prin./Activities Dir - 446-2407
Kathy Cieslak, Assistant Principal - 446-2406
Jessica Geir, Administrative Asst. - 446-2405
Della Nystrom, Bookkeeper - 446-2409
Keri VanEnk, Activities Secretary - 446-2408
ATTENDANCE OFFICE
Stacey Bush - 446-2410
Wendy Peterson - 446-2411
COUNSELING and CAREER CENTER OFFICE
Nikki Brandenburger, Registrar/Secretary - 446-2412
Terri Court (A - F) - 446-2415
Mandy Orth Gibney (G - K) - 446-2416
Janelle Stahl Ladbury (L - R) - 446-2414
Kate Evenson (S - Z) - 446-2417
Lisa Metzger - Career Advisor - 446-2413
Mary Krueger, Student Wellness & Family Facilitator - 446-2456
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Officer Samantha LaShomb, SRO - 446-2631/212-5650
SCHOOL NURSE
Katelyn Novacek, School Nurse - 446-2486
ATHLETIC TRAINER
J.D. Darling - 446-2447
Jordan Wolf - 446-2447
NUTRITION SERVICES
Tammie Schaffer - 446-2517
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
- April 2 - No School - Good Friday Holiday
- April 7 - WorkKeys Test
- April 17 - Prom
- April 26 - PTSA Meeting
Fargo North High School
Andy Dahlen, Principal - 446-2404
Travis Christensen, Activities Director - 446-2407
Mark Blanshan, Asst. Principal - 446-2499
Kathy Cieslak, Asst. Principal - 446-2406
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/North
Location: 801 17th Avenue North, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-2400