Spartan Spotlight
February 2022
HELLO SPARTAN FAMILIES,
It is in a bittersweet moment that I write this newsletter introduction today. This will be my last contribution before I retire. These 26 years at Fargo North have been the best of my life. I am happy to reflect on the things that make Fargo North such an amazing place to be.
When I reflect on Fargo North and what it has become, I cannot help but smile. Multiple times we have been ranked the best high school in the state of North Dakota. We have fabulous administrators, counselors, teachers and support staff that come to work every day looking forward to making connections with students and to help them become independent learners empowered to control their future. Our staff is highly motivated and highly qualified. Did you know that (according to our latest school profile), 65% of our teachers have graduate degrees?
Students have opportunities to participate in quality fine arts programs, more than 50 clubs, activities, sports, advanced placement courses, Academy classes, electives, and core classes. Our students are well rounded and hopefully, life-long learners. We are proud to the say the average composite score of our juniors ACT scores last year was 21.67. Their cumulative GPA was 3.28. Equally impressive is the sixty-two percent of the 2021 seniors who planned to attend a 4-year college or university, and 15% who planned to attend a two-year or technical school. We are also proud of the students who chose to join the military and for those who chose to find full time careers. I am proud to be a north sider and employee at Fargo Public Schools. Every day is a “great day to be a Spartan.”
The remaining months of our school year are going to speed quickly by. I encourage everyone to take a deep breath and be present in the moment. There are so many distractions in our lives, such immediacy to all our problems, and so little time to relax and take care of ourselves. We will continue to listen to our students and staff and try to remove any obstacle in their way of becoming the best they can be. Make sure you do the same for yourself. You matter!
Thank you Spartan family for an incredible journey. If you are ever in the Roseau, Minnesota area, please look me up. It isn’t quite the tropical retirement place I had hoped to go to, but it is fine with me.
Sincerely,
Kathy Cieslak
Assistant Principal
VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Winner
North High School student Erin Lawrence was named the winner of the VFW's Voice of Democracy essay contest. She was awarded a $400 first-place prize by representatives of VFW Post 762, Dale Johnson (left) and Ronald Freed (right).
Congratulations!
Daniel J. Boutain
Yaoyi Ma
Aarya A. Panwalkar
Ella Schreiber
Elle G. Sondag
Luke C. Yokom
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes up to 161 of the nation's most distinguished graduating seniors deemed outstanding in academics, arts, or career & technical education.
EDC Band Solo Festival
Fargo Public Schools was well represented at the Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC) Band Solo Festival with 194 high school students participating. Seven FPS students earned the Outstanding Performance distinction on eight different instruments with 19 earning Honorable Mentions. Congratulation to Abbey Rudd from North High! See the full list of Outstanding Performance honorees.
Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Matters has had great success and is only growing! With events in school like poster making, speakers, and in school presentations as well as community events like Break the Silence at Broadway Square, this club is changing the culture within schools for the better. Mental Health Matters is passionate about bringing awareness to this issue many people struggle with as well as normalizing conversations about mental health.
In this #FPS learns video student representatives from North have a conversation about mental health with Dr. Gandi.
Faith Schatzke; President of Mental Health Matters
The Stigma Stops When The Conversation Starts
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.
- Track: February 28 - Keith Lehman - lehmank@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-2764/Gary Mailloux - maillga@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-730-8194
- Baseball: March 21 - Nate Walsh - walshn@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-2766
- Softball: March 21 -Taylor Ludlum - ludlumt@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-2958
- Girls Soccer: March 28 - Hunter Brekke - brekkeh@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-3427
- Girls Tennis: April 4 - Steve Saville - savills@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-3784
- Boys Golf: April 11 - Mike Dobberstein - dobberm@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-2462
Activitities at North
This booklet is a compilation of clubs & activities available to students of North High School. In addition to the information found within this booklet, special announcements will be made throughout the school year giving students updates and other opportunities as they become
available. Please check out all the opportunities available to North students.
North Online School Store
If you would like to order North apparel/items please check out the online school store. You have the ability to design/personalize these items. Items ordered will be shipped to the address you provide.
Weight Room Schudule
Trollwood Performing Arts School Summer Registration
Get ready to Live Your Passion! Trollwood Performing Arts School summer registration is open. 2021 was a successful return to summer activities, but on a limited basis. 2022 will re-open with a full array of classes and performance opportunities for students from kindergarten through graduated seniors. Take a look at Trollwood's summer programming brochure!
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. Register before April 1 and save up to $50 on registration fees!
SENIOR PICTURES
Senior pictures should be emailed to our yearbook advisor at fnhyearbook@fargoschools.org. Pictures are due by April 1, 2022. A $10.00 late fee will be assessed on pictures turned in after that date.
Any senior photos submitted to the Laconian yearbook committee must meet the following regulations:
- Vertical orientation.
- 300 resolution (required for digital photos).
- In accordance with the school district’s weapons policy (Policy 5355), no weapons of any kind.
- Must follow school dress code with the exception of school issued uniforms.
- Domesticated house pets are allowed.
- Only single-subject photos.
- No accessories or props condoning or promoting illegal activity.
- Deadline for senior photos must be met.
Yearbook editors have the right to refuse any pictures deemed inappropriate. Students will be asked to provide another picture if requirements are not met or does not meet guidelines.
SENIORS - CAP AND GOWN ORDERS
INCLEMENT WEATHER
When our winter weather hits, Fargo Public Schools maintains close communication with officials of the U.S. Weather Service, local government, and neighboring school districts in order to make decisions regarding inclement weather and other emergency situations that are in the best interest of the safety of our students, staff and parents. The decision to hold classes is based on the general weather conditions which exist for the majority of Fargo students.
2 hour late start, on mornings when weather conditions warrant additional time for students and staff to get to school, a two hour delay will be used. On these days, North High will begin school at 10:50 am. STUDENTS WILL REPORT TO THEIR THIRD (3) PERIOD CLASS. The rest of the school day will continue with the normal bell schedule. Buses will run later than the normal arrival time. Energy saver bus riders can add two hours to the scheduled times printed and expect the bus to be at the specified stops two hours after the printed times. The early run of these energy saver routes will not run.
If school is in session, and a parent decides that a student should remain at home due to weather conditions, that decision will be respected by the school. Parents should use their own judgment in determining if the weather is suitable for their children to make the journey to school. It is always up to parents to make the final decision about whether or not to send their student to school if they believe weather conditions present a safety issue. The absence for the day would be considered an excused absence.
If school is called off, parents will be contacted via the automated phone, email and text system based on the contact information supplied to the school office(s). Parents are encouraged to update contact information with the school on a regular basis so we have up to date contact information. This can be done through PowerSchool or by calling the school office. School cancellation information will also be broadcasted via local media, and will be posted across our website and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter).
If weather or a situation develops during the day, and it is determined that an early dismissal is in the best interest of the students, parents will be contacted via the automated phone, email and text system based on the contact information supplied to the school office(s). Parents are encouraged to update contact information with the school on a regular basis so we have up to date contact information. This can be done through PowerSchool or by calling the school office. School closure information will also be broadcasted via local media, and the information will be posted on our website and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter).
For more information please see the school cancellation process on the Fargo Public Schools website.
FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE
JUNIOR ACT TESTING
ACT testing for all juniors will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Make-up testing will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. All students in the junior class will take the exam unless exempt per IEP.
The exam will be online and students will test using their school issued personal learning device. Prior to the exam, students will register for the ACT in school and work with the technology department to update their computers.
If you have questions about the exam, you can reach out to your student’s case manager, counselor or principal.
WORKKEYS TESTING
ZAPS ACT PREP SEMINAR
The date for the next Doorway to College ACT Prep Seminar being held at North High School is Saturday, February 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Students taking the seminar will:
- Learn tips to improve scores in all subtests
- Practice strategies to eliminate wrong choices
- Take short practice tests that mirror the real test experience
- Reduce test anxiety and gain confidence
- Receive extensive materials for home practice
Families may register at www.doorwaytocollege.org or call 877-927-8378. The seminar costs $95. There is grant money available for students to register for the seminar at a discounted rate of $15 on a first come first served basis. The discount code to use when registering is: Fargo North ACT Discount
Free ACT Test Prep for Juniors
TestNav has free practice tests available at 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
The ACT and SAT are college entrance tests recommended by most 4-year colleges. Students should check with the specific school they plan to apply to for test information. These tests are generally taken during the latter part of a student’s junior year and during their senior year.
Register on the websites for the tests at: www.actstudent.org & www.collegeboard.com.
Below are the following test dates and registration deadlines:
ACT EXAM SCHEDULE
North High School Code: 350-568
ACT Basic Fee: $60.00 ACT Plus Writing Fee: $85.00
Late Registration Additional Fee: $36.00
SAT EXAM SCHEDULE
North High School Code: 350-568
SAT Fee $55.00
Late Registration Additional Fee: $30.00
2022-2023 COURSE REGISTRATION
FOUR YEAR ACADEMIC PLANS
Parents/guardians and students can request to meet with a school counselor annually to review, discuss, and revise four-year academic plans for graduation. Families can call the North High counseling office, 446-2412, for an appointment, or students can come to the counseling office to set up a time. FPS school counselors visit classrooms several times during grades 8-12, to develop and revise academic plans. Each year at FNH, students update their 4-year plan during course registration in February.
The first visit occurs during the spring of 8th grade, when all students create their first high school four-year academic plan in the computer program called RUReadyND. After that, students are encouraged to maintain and update the data in their plans.
In February, at registration class visits, students in grades 9-11 are given the resources to count credits, rework their academic plans and establish course work for the following year. During this class visit, students meet individually with their counselors.
One final credit count and review of the academic plan is completed in the fall of 12th grade. All seniors fill out a Graduation Application document with their counselors. This document is a final academic plan, detailing how all credits will be completed before graduation in the spring. Parents/guardians and students receive copies of the form, and the original copy is held by each student’s counselor for school reference.
Whenever a student or parent/guardian initiates an inquiry about credits earned, graduation status, or course selection, counselors are eager to discuss academic planning options.
AP Testing
CAREER DAY
Thank you to everyone for helping to make Career Day on Wednesday, January 26 a success! Students selected 3 career speakers to hear about their careers, day to day work, companies, career path, and educational path.
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 3 and June 3, 2022 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.
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:
SCHOLARSHIPS
Open Door
MCKINNEY - VENTO ACT
1. Is your current address a temporary living arrangement?
2. Is this temporary living arrangement due to loss of housing or economic hardship?
If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, your child(ren) may be eligible for McKinney-Vento services. Please call Mary at 701-446-2456.
NOTIFICATIONS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT COVID-19 TESTING SITES
Pre-registration is required for all individuals wishing to be tested at Fargo Public Schools' COVID-19 testing site or at the Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) testing site. Individuals can register by following this link or using the QR code provided. Registration is good for both the FPS and FCPH sites.
COVID-19 testing is available to students and staff at the FPS testing site located at South High School on Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 am to 2 pm and Tuesday and Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm on days that school is in session. FCPH testing site is at 3051 25th Street South, Fargo, Suite K. The site is located in the Family Fare strip mall between Hi-Ho burgers and Grand Junction Grilled Subs. If an individual receives more than one test, they must wait until all test results come back before they can return to school.
Community Resources
School counselors and staff are available during the school day to assist students. After hours and during weekends and holiday breaks, families need to utilize community supports. If you are in need of assistance for yourself or someone else, please contact the following resources:
FirstLink: Dial 2-1-1
(24/7 hour help line for community resources and emotional support)
Suicide Lifeline (answered locally): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Red River Regional Dispatch: 701-451-7660
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1
BUS DELAY NOTIFICATION PROCESS
In the rare event that Valley Bus does not have enough staff to cover all the school bus routes for Fargo Public Schools, Valley Bus would implement a “delayed bus route plan” rather than canceling routes. This plan could be used in either a morning route or an afternoon route.
Delayed Bus Route Plan– The “delayed bus route plan” would have the drivers cover for the missing driver after they have completed their assigned route. This would cause the identified route to be delayed by 15 to 30 minutes. Families would be notified the day of the delay by email, text, and voice messaging. Morning route delay notifications will occur between 5:30-6:30 am and after-school delay notifications will occur by 1:00 pm if a driver shortage occurs. This means students may be standing at their bus stop for additional time or they may be returning home up to 30 minutes later than normal. Each route affected would cause a delay for both the elementary and secondary students riding that bus.
The Bus Delay message will only be sent to the affected route and it will say the following:
“Attention FPS families of Bus Route ###. Today, [Monday, October 9, 2021], your morning route will be 15-30 minutes later than normal. Your principal has been notified of your late arrival. “
Or
“Attention FPS families of Bus Route ###: Today, [Monday, October 20, 2021], your after-school route will arrive home 15-30 minutes later than normal. Students will be supervised at their home building until the bus is available.”
Since communication with families is based on what was entered into the FPS PowerSchool System, we asked that each family review their listed emails and cell phone numbers in the Parent PowerSchool Portal. Please update if needed by calling your child’s main office. This type of communication may be used for other situations that cause significant bussing delays.
Students will be excused in the morning if they arrive late to school due to the delayed busing. The buildings will implement a supervision plan for students if the after-school bus is delayed.
Parents can check their child’s pick-up time using the “bus route by address” options on the FPS Website at https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/165.
Although the 2021-22 school year has been challenging, the transportation department and staff at Valley Bus are responding to these challenges and working hard to keep students safe. We thank families for their patience and trust as we navigate staffing challenges.
Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions.
Dr. Grosz & Mrs. Eidsness
Associate Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2022 is open online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration on February 1, 2022. Your child must be age 5 by July 31, 2022 to attend school in the fall.
Registration is a two-step process:
STEP ONE: REGISTER ONLINE
Complete online registration forms at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration. For assistance, please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment to complete in-person. Masks are required for all visitors.
STEP TWO: SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION
Upload or bring the following documents to your child’s school by August 25 to finalize registration.
- Child’s certified birth certificate
- Child’s immunization record with 5-year shots
- Document (i.e. current city utility bill or bank statement) that includes parent/guardian name and current address for verification
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 help in PowerSchool (Fargo Public Schools online registration software), please call 701.446.1006
INFORMATION
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
PTSA
Parents are encouraged to get involved by joining PTSA. When parents get involved, the child that benefits the most is yours. The next meeting is Monday, February 28th at 4:30 pm in room 102.
LETTER JACKETS
MECA Sales Representative, Tom Glynn,
For questions or to place an order call 651-341-2840 or email tglynn@mecasportswear.com.
Jackets will be delivered in 4-6 weeks. The jacket cost is $200 and includes your jacket, students name on the front, graduation year, your award letter sewn on the jacket (please bring with on day of order), return shipping to the high school and tax. A minimum deposit of $100 is required. The remaining balance will be due when the jacket is delivered. Make checks payable to: MECA Sportswear. Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards are also accepted. Additional charges/options: Sew on sport/activity patch to your letter ($1/each and bring when ordering), tall Jacket - additional $20 and 3XL - additional $20.00.
YEARBOOKS
2021-2022
Students can purchase a copy of the 2021-2022 yearbook for $60. The “Laconian” is a full-color book with memorable stories, eye-catching photos, and cutting-edge graphics
Yearbooks can be ordered online through SchoolPay or stopping into the main office to purchase.
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
Student parking is available in our south and northwest lots. The cost for a parking permit is $20 and is required to park in these lots. The replacement cost for a lost parking sticker is $5. Students are allowed to park without a permit if they park in the Coliseum lot closest to 17th Avenue. Parking permits purchased online can be picked up in the main office.
Our Security Guards will issue tickets to those who park illegally or park in staff reserved parking areas and our visitor parking lot. Signage is clearly posted in all lots. Permits are to be placed on the vehicles back window, driver’s side only.
Disputed tickets should be brought to Administration.
DETENTION
Does your student have detention? Below are the opportunities for student’s to make up their detention.
Tuesday and Thursday
3:05 - 3:50 p.m.
3:55 - 4:40 p.m.
Room 634
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, graduation ceremony, prom, plays, and school sponsored trips.
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.
E-ALERTS
AFTER SCHOOL REMINDER
We ask that parents make transportation arrangements for students who don’t ride the bus or have their own transportation to be picked up as close to 3:50 p.m. as possible. We lock all doors to the locker bays and academic wings at 4:00 p.m. every day. After 4:00 p.m. students will not be allowed to enter these areas.
Students are asked to wait in the foyer doors to be picked up and not be hanging around in the building after 4:00 p.m. unless they are involved in an after school activity.
STUDENT MESSAGES
During the school day we will call your student to the office for a message only in an emergency situation.
We ask that you please communicate with your student any information they may need for the day, prior to coming to school. (Ex: transportation, appointments, lunch money, etc.) Thank you.
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.
FREE/LOW COST INSURANCE
Is your child or another member of your family currently without health care coverage? If you would like information about any of the low-cost or free health coverage programs offered in your state please call toll-free: 1-877-KIDS NOW or 1-877-543-7669.
UPWARD BOUND
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
North High Main Office
Main Office - 446-2400
Travis Christensen, Principal - 446-2404
Mark Blanshan, Assistant Principal - 446-2499
Kathy Cieslak, Assistant Principal - 446-2406
Daniel Shultis, Asst. Prin./Activities Dir - 446-2407
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 OFFICE
Nikki Brandenburger, Registrar/Secretary - 446-2412
COUNSELORS
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
STUDENT SERVICES
Mary Krueger, Student Wellness & Family Facilitator - 446-2456
Lisa Metzger, Career Resource Center - 446-2413
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Officer Nick Powell-Calhoun, SRO - 446-2631
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
- February 19 - ZAPS ACT Prep Seminar 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- February 21 - Staff Professional Development - No School
- March 7 - P/T Conferences - Open 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m./Scheduled 7:10 p.m. - 7:55 p.m.
- March 8 - ACT - Juniors
- March 17-18 - Spring Holiday Break - No School
- April 15 - Good Friday Holiday - No School
- April 18 - Storm Makeup Day - School will be in session on this date
- April 23 - Prom
- May 16 - Storm Makeup Day - School will be in session on this date
- May 26 - Last Day of Classes
- May 29 - North High Graduation - 12:00 pm @ FARGODOME
Fargo North High School
Travis Christensen, Principal - 446-2404
Daniel Shultis, 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