Packer Nation News
March Update
A Note from the Principal:
March came in like a lion! While we continue to await the arrival of spring, we're excited to cheer on our girls basketball team as they advance to state! We are also looking ahead to big events on the horizon!
- Testing Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7, at WFHS. Freshmen and seniors do not report to campus. Sophomores will take the ASVAB test (concluding around noon) and juniors will take the ACT (concluding around 1:00p). For more information, please review this handout. It is also important to note that juniors must arrive with a FULLY CHARGED iPad, otherwise, they will not be able to complete the ACT.
- The last day of Quarter 3 is Wednesday, March 22!
- Cap and gown pick-up is on Wednesday, March 29! Seniors need to head to the WFHS theatre between 7:30a and 1:00p to pick up their cap and gown for graduation! Contact our Main Office with any questions.
- Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Doors for families and students for Grand March open at 6:00p and close promptly at 7:00p. Out of respect for attendees and our Grand March participants, no admission will be allowed after 7:00p. Additional information about eligibility (passing five classes, no detention hours, no parking tickets) for prom is detailed later in this newsletter.
- Senior Day is Thursday, May 18. This includes graduation walks at elementary schools in the morning, a cookout and field day at our football stadium (sponsored by Packer Backers!), a class photo, and the final school pep rally of the year. We are excited to celebrate our seniors!
- Graduation is 4:00p on Sunday, May 28 at the Scheels Arena. Sheyenne High School will be completing their ceremony first and parking might be tricky at the venue. To accommodate, a shuttle for students will be available, departing from West Fargo High School at 2:45p. All students must attend a mandatory graduation rehearsal at 1:30p on Friday, May 26 and arrive to the Scheels Arena on graduation day by 3:00p. More information about graduation is available in this senior meeting presentation from February and will follow in April's newsletter!
This newsletter contains important information regarding:
- New information from WFHS Counseling
- Profile of a Graduate in March (focus: creativity)
- Students of the Month for February and March
- Post Prom/Post Grad information
- Prom and school dance criteria (from student handbook)
Please review the information and contact us as questions and concerns arise. Go Packers.
All my best,
Rachel Bachmeier
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:
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
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 most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. Your learner can request to see their school counselor for social/emotional support, 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
Itu Genene
(long-term substitute for Dana Rosendahl)
- Student Names: J-Mt
- 701-499-1814
- igenene@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
March's Profile of a Graduate Focus Disposition: Creativity
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 March is creativity.
During the month of March students will participate in Packer Time lessons aligned to creativity including creativity challenges, flexible thinking, and creating positive change in the community. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and discuss the value of creativity with your learner!
More information about the Profile of a Graduate can be found on this district webpage.
Congratulations to Our Students of the Month for February and March!
February Student of the Month: Grade 12
Thomas Sikorski
February Student of the Month: Grade 11
Julia Vickers
February Student of the Month: Grade 10
Olivia Allen
February Student of the Month: Grade 9
Sophia Tibiatowski
March Student of the Month: Grade 12
Ashley Nguyen
March Student of the Month: Grade 11
Avery Vaagene
March Student of the Month: Grade 10
Sawyer Heger
March Student of the Month: Grade 9
Sam Glandt
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: Prom and School Dances
Prom is less than two months away! For many students, this involves weeks and weeks of careful preparation! One important element of preparation to remember is eligibility. The entire policy is outlined below but the gist is that students must be passing FIVE classes and have no outstanding detention hours, parking tickets, or fees before they can purchase prom tickets. Poor behavior also jeopardizes prom eligibility. We encourage any students interested in attending prom to connect with their administrator to learn about their eligibility status! Prom tickets will go on sale two weeks before the dance.
A host learner may sponsor only one guest. The host learner is responsible for the proper behavior of his/her guest. The learner coming as the guest must complete a ‘Learner in Good Standing’ form and obtain their principal’s signature verifying their eligibility for prom. If a guest is a high school graduate, a background check will be completed by the West Fargo Police Department. If the guest has a criminal activity record, he or she will not be permitted to attend prom.
Prom will be from 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. No learner will be admitted to Prom after 7:00 P.M. Any learner who leaves Prom early will not be permitted back on school grounds. All school rules will apply during Prom.
West Fargo Public Schools prohibits sexually suggestive dancing which is defined as any overtly sexual or suggestive movements that mimic or emulate sexual acts or motions or otherwise dangerous dancing. Chaperones at the dance will determine what is appropriate.
Students who intend to participate in prom/dances must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Disciplinary eligibility:
- Disciplinary actions taken against a learner will keep that learner from attending a dance.
- A learner currently under suspension (either ‘in’ or ‘out’ of school) will not be allowed to attend the prom/dance.
2. Scholastic eligibility:
- The learner must be eligible scholastically and passing five hours of class to attend.
3. Obligations:
- All detentions must be made up, parking tickets and participation fees paid before a learner will be able to purchase tickets for prom or attend a dance.
4. All attendees will undergo alcohol screening upon entry to the dance/prom.
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
Students can schedule an appointment with their counselor 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
- Wednesday, March 15-Friday, March 17: Spring Break
- Wednesday, March 22: Last Day of Quarter 3
- Wednesday, March 29: Cap and Gown Pick-Up
- Wednesday, April 12: Quarter 4 Conferences
- Monday, April 24: 8th Grade Orientation @ 6p
- Saturday, May 6: Prom (doors open at 6p and close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
- Thursday, May 18: Graduation Walks and Senior Field Day
- 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