Discovery Middle School
Newsletter - September 2019
Building a Foundation for Success!
Mr. Vincent Williams
Grade 7
Mrs. Amy Herrick
Grade 8
Mr. Dan Shultis
Grade 6
Wow! Where did the summer go?
It’s been great seeing all of the students and staff return to Discovery for the 2019 – 2020 school year. This year we have introduced the Guidelines for Success to students: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Have a Growth Mindset. These guidelines have been implemented across the Fargo Public Schools District at the middle level. Our students and staff have done a remarkable job, thus far, adhering to these four guidelines.
At my Back-to-School meeting with staff, I asked all staff members to hold high expectations for all students: Academically and behaviorally. I believe students will rise to the level of expectations we set for them; and if they stumble along the way, we can be there to provide the necessary supports to get them back on track. While on the topic of high expectations, Discovery is currently offering multiple sections of Enriched/Advanced English at the 7th and 8th Grade levels.
As I enter my third year as principal at Discovery, I am honored, humbled and blessed to have the privilege of working with AWESOME students, staff, and families. Discovery is your school! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
Principal Vincent Williams
Upcoming Events
September 2 Labor Day - No School
October 8, 10, 15 - Parent Teacher Conferences
October 17 & 18 - No School NDCEL Convention
October 21 - No School Staff Professional Development
October 25 - End of Quarter 1
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Davies apparel will be available for purchase at Discovery during conferences on October 8 & 10.
DISCOVERY ART CLUB
Countless fun activities are waiting for you this year in Art Club including: clay projects, duct tape pencil pouches, pet rocks, service projects and so much more! Students from grades 6, 7, and 8 can join at any time throughout the year! Many members may miss a meeting for sports or other activities, and that is okay. We still want you to join us when you can. We expect our members to have fun, create artwork they are proud to claim, and act appropriate for school during our times together. Our first meeting will be on the morning announcements in the near future. Please see Mrs. Lykken in room 137 for more details.
ATTENTION BAND STUDENTS
Listed are a few of the opportunities that await you as musicians this year in the Discovery Band Department.
7th and 8th graders will have an opportunity to play with the Honor Band and Jazz Band.
The Honor Band is open to any 7th or 8th grade band student who is interested in an additional full band rehearsal. The Honor Band is an excellent challenge to the participating students. This group will rehearse weekly on Thursday mornings at 7:45 a.m. Interested students will need to sign-up in the band office. Our first rehearsal is September 19, 2019 at 7:45 a.m. in room 185. The students will enter the building through door #28. Please direct any questions to Mrs. Stotts at 446-3402 or email at stottsv@fargo.k12.nd.us.
The Jazz Band is open to any 7th or 8th grade band student who plays saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass guitar, electric guitar, piano, or trap set. This group will rehearse weekly on Wednesday mornings at 7:45 a.m. Interested students will need to sign-up in the band office. The first rehearsal is Wednesday, September 18th at 7:45 a.m. The students will enter the building through door #28. Please direct any questions to Mr. Lucht at 446-3571 or email at luchtj@fargo.k12.nd.us or Mr. Salzer at 446-3570 or email at salzerm@fargo.k12.nd.us .
We encourage our 7th and 8th graders to try both of the above opportunities for a full rounded instrumental music education.
6th graders will have the opportunity to participate in an extra group as well.
Bring your friends and plan to play with them in PRIMO (Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Bassoons, Trumpets, Trombones, Euphoniums, Tubas, and Percussion). More PRIMO! Information will be given to the 6th graders by the end of October.
NOTES FROM NURSE ELLEN
It’s been a great start to the new school year! I would like to remind parents/guardians who need to bring in an emergency care plan for your student’s emergency (diabetes, insect stings, asthma, etc.) and/or medication to please get this to the school as soon as possible. Check your child’s health card that you filled out in PowerSchool to check if you indicated “yes” for an emergency care plan or contact Nurse Ellen @ 701-446-3319 or djhnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us and I would be happy to assist you.
As you get your student’s immunizations updated, please bring documentation to the school.
As a reminder, required immunizations need to get updated by October 1, 2019 as that is the cut-off date for exclusion from school.
SCHOOL NURSE CORNER: HEALTHY KIDS ARE BETTER LEARNERS
1. Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to...
- Meet their daily nutrition needs
- Keep their weight under control (Some kids skip breakfast because they think it's a way to stay thin. But someone who skips breakfast tends to eat more calories throughout the day.)
- Attend school more frequently (less sick days)
- Make fewer trips to the school nurse's office complaining about tummy aches
2. Kids who get adequate amount of sleep will be able to perform and feel better in school.
- Children ages 3 to 6 need approximately 10 to 11 hours a day.
- Children ages 7 to 12 need approximately 10 to 11 hours a day.
- Children ages 12 to 18 need approximately 8 to 9 hours a day.
3. Kids who have been adequately immunized have increased protection from various diseases and possibly would miss less school days.
- ND law requires a certificate of immunization form be completed on every child in school.
If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse in your district.
Discovery Middle School
Amy Herrick, Assistant Principal
Dan Shultis, Assistant Principal
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery
Location: 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3300