Click here to read more about Evidence-Based Reporting and see an overview of feedback on EBR data in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann Hanson.

Surrounding people and families with supportive neighborhoods, businesses, faith communities, schools, and services is a critical way to support every person. Communities that work collectively in an intentional and proactive way are vital to creating the changes needed to increase social connectedness and belonging.

Click here to read more about the importance of a sense of community for mental health in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Educational Justice Dr. Jen Sahr.

The Catalyst Approach is a comprehensive professional development and implementation model based on observation of more than 50,000 classrooms and school-wide common spaces. It aims to accelerate deep implementation of skills that lead to the creation of improved classroom and school leadership, relationships, and culture.

Fargo Public Schools is creating an updated Long-Range Facility Plan to guide major capital investments such as new construction and major renovations. As a part of this work, FPS invites approximately 50 community members to join a Steering Committee charged with representing community voices at key steps in the planning process. The Steering Committee is seeking students; parents; teachers; principals; and community, college and business leaders who will provide the District and consultant team feedback on the facility and demographic assessment data that will be used to create facility options. FPS will also host two sets of public Community Meetings to provide community members the opportunity to provide feedback through surveys and small group conversation that will inform facility options.

Click here to apply to join the Steering Committee. The application deadline is this Friday, September 22 at 5 p.m. Steering Committee Members will be selected and contacted the last week of September. The committee will meet from 6-8 p.m. on October 11, November 1, December 5, February 6, and March 5.

During the 68th ND Legislative session, the Legislature passed SB 2032, providing the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction with $3 million to continue the Para-to-Teacher Program started with ESSER funding. Paraprofessionals working in a North Dakota school are eligible and can apply to the NDDPI and select the university of their choice from the approved list of eligible providers.

Paraprofessionals interested in becoming teachers, click here to learn more about the Para-to-Teacher Program. And click here to download the application.

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Thank you to the Fargo area Lions Clubs for their generous book donation to Fargo Public Schools! In a commitment of its service to others and to help celebrate Vision Awareness Month in October and White Cane Day on October 15, the Fargo area Lions Clubs donated 82 copies of the book Grandpa’s White Cane by Jim Hoxie and Joanna Jones for use in FPS libraries and schools. This book explores Grandpa’s journey as he loses his sight, learns how to navigate the world differently, and seeks to educate others about his white cane.

Each library in FPS will receive one copy of the book for their library collections, and other copies will be given to counselors, classrooms, and buildings within the District. This act of generosity underscores our shared commitment to providing access to quality books and educating students about the experiences of others.

Pictured L to R: Jane Pettinger, Mary Ann Zwinger, Milton Ota, Jen Hess, Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Crystal Dueker

A virtual Lunch and Learn session on suicide prevention and response will be available on Thursday, September 28 from noon to 1:00 p.m. With help from community partners, the session will raise awareness about suicide prevention, equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify warning signs, and provide guidance on how to respond effectively and compassionately. Fargo Public Schools aims to create safe and supportive environments for youth, making a difference in our community. Click here to register to attend.

Click here to read more about the efforts of the CEA Committee in this Board Column by CEA Chair Dr. Tracie Newman.

The Board of Education of the City of Fargo meets in regular session on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. To find Board meeting agendas and schedules, a broadcast link, an archive of past meetings, and more, visit the Board of Education webpages on the FPS website.

Click here to read the Board Briefs from the September 18 meeting of the School Board.