Knight News
Grand Forks Central High School - September 15th, 2021
Central's Main Office (701)-746-2375
Onward Central? Onward Central!
In the age of hashtags, Grand Forks Central’s #OnwardCentral could be considered unique in the world of schools and social media. While some schools may borrow tags from others or create a new hashtag annually, at Central we have chosen a tag that we believe passes the test of time and accurately represents us. Onward Central is a fitting motto for a school (and a 104 year-old school building) that has endured a rapidly changing world and the challenges that come with evolving and keeping its mission relevant. Whether it be a flood, pandemic, urban sprawl, overcrowding, or consistent lack of space and parking, Central has not only survived, but continues to thrive – continually moving forward (or Onward) to meet the needs of our students.
The origins of the phrase Onward Central go back to the 1930’s when Central student Ray Anderson composed our original school song titled - you guessed it - Onward Central. He has written to the school a few times over the years expressing pride in the fact that he composed the song despite not being in the band or attending any sporting events due to the fact that he lived seven miles out of the city and transportation to these extra events was not possible. Ray mentioned there were over 100 entries in the contest to compose Central’s school song and he was surprised to win the contest and the $10 prize. In 2011, Mrs. Christie Aleshire, former band director, arranged for a Skype call to Ray at his Air Force Retirement Home so the band could visit with him and, of course, play the song for Ray. It was a memorable experience for all.
Alumni returning to Central, whether they are here as part of an induction into our Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni, or returning for a class reunion, often say the thing they are most looking forward to during their time here is to hear Onward Central played live. When so many speak of it often as a highlight of their time at GFC, you know it’s a pretty special piece of music that they connect to some fond memories of Central.
So, when you see the phrase (or hashtag) Onward Central the hope is that you will have a better understanding of it’s history as our school song but also the way the phrase (and the lyrics of the song) represent the character of our students and school. Onward Central speaks to the endurance of Central, the perseverance required to meet the challenges we face together, and the focus we have on the future with a great deal of optimism for our ability to positively influence others and the world around us.
The GFC Marching Band will be part of the Potato Bowl Parade this Saturday. I invite you all to clap and sing along to the best school song in the land as they pass by.
Onward Central!
Mr. Jon Strandell
Onward Central
Central, we sing to Central
To the finest in Dakota
We go forward to success
As Knights of old to win our conquest
Onward! Forever onward!
In every deed our colors fly
We've got the pep Rah! Rah!
We're right in step Rah! Rah!
So carry on for Central High!
A Look Ahead
Sep. 20th - 24th - Homecoming Week
Sep. 22nd - Early Release for PLC Day - students dismissed at 1:00 (the early release schedule is shared below)
Sep. 23rd - Facility Tours - 5:30 PM & 6:30 PM (see the graphic below)
Sep. 24th - Pep Rally - 2:00 PM (the pep rally schedule is shared below)
Sep. 25th - Homecoming Dance - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Oct. 7th - Family/Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Oct. 8th - School pictures
Oct. 12th - Family/Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Oct. 12th - GFC Post Grad Options Night - 6:00 - 6:45 PM - Auditorium
Oct. 13th - Early Release for PLC Day - students dismissed at 1:00
Oct. 14th - 16th - Drama production "One-Act Play That Goes Wrong" - 7:00 PM - Auditorium
Oct. 20th - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development for Staff
Oct. 21st & 22nd - NO SCHOOL - Administrator Convention Days
Oct. 27th - Early Release for PLC Day - students dismissed at 1:00
Homecoming Week Events
Monday, September 20th - Spirit Day Theme: Jerseys
Girl's JV & Varsity Golf at Fargo Country Club - 9:00 AM
9A Volleyball vs. Shanley - GFC Lower Gym - 4:30 PM
9th Grade Football at Devils Lake - 5:00 PM
JV Football at Devils Lake - 5:00 PM
Boys JV Soccer at East Grand Forks - 5:00 PM
Boys Varsity Soccer at East Grand Forks - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 21st - Spirit Day Theme: Tropical
Boys JV & Varsity Tennis at Wahpeton - TBD
C Squad Volleyball at West Fargo - 4:30 PM
9B Volleyball at West Fargo - 5:00 PM
Boys JV Soccer at Fargo North - 5:00 PM
JV Volleyball at West Fargo - 5:45 PM
Girls Swimming Dual at Hulbert Aquatics Center - 6:00 PM
9A Volleyball at West Fargo - 6:00 PM
Boys Varsity Soccer at Fargo North - 7:00 PM
Varsity Volleyball at West Fargo - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 22nd - Spirit Day Theme: Twin or Squad
Girls JV Golf at Bois de Sioux Golf Course - 9:00 AM
Girls Varsity Golf at Maple River Golf Course - 9:00 AM
GFC Powder Puff Football Game at Cushman Field - 6:30 PM
Thursday, September 23rd - Spirit Day Theme: Tie Dye
Boys JV Tennis vs. West Fargo (University Courts) - 3:30 PM
Boys Varsity Tennis vs. West Fargo (Riverside Courts) - 3:30 PM
C Squad Volleyball at Shanley - 4:30 PM
Boys JV Soccer vs. Red River - 5:00 PM
Girls Swimming Dual at Horace High School - 5:30 PM
JV Volleyball at Shanley - 5:45 PM
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Red River - 7:00 PM
Varsity Volleyball at Shanley - 7:00 PM
Friday, September 24th - Spirit Day Theme: Holidays
Boys Varsity Tennis at Shanley - 4:00 PM
Pep Rally - 2:00 PM
Football vs. Devils Lake - 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 25th
Boys JV Tennis Invitational - TBD
C Squad Volleyball Invitational at Langdon - TBD
Cross Country Varsity Invitational at Stone Creek Golf Course - 10:00 AM
Homecoming Dance at GFC - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Homecoming Dance Information:
- Tickets are $10 each in advance or $15 each at the door.
- Tickets will be sold in the main hallway during both lunch periods on the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of homecoming week.
- The dance will be held in the parking lot located between door #22 on the east side of the main building and the Fire Hall Theater.
- Students will enter the dance from N. 5th St (under the skywalk).
- Dress should be semi-casual and must be school appropriate.
GFC Options Night
Information regarding career options for after high school graduation, the college application process, financial aid, and scholarships will be presented.
Morning Building Access and Procedures
We have adjusted the times that doors will be open in the morning at Central to coincide with our ability to effectively supervise students in the morning.
Door #1 (N. 4th Street) and Door #14 (gym doors) will be open at 7:30am daily. Once class starts at 8:00am, only Door #1 will be accessible throughout the day.
Breakfast is served in the commons starting at 7:30am.
All students in the building must be in either the commons or the media center (library) between 7:30am - 7:50am. Period 1 class begins at 8:00am.
Device Protection Plans - Deadline is October 1st
If accidental damage would be incurred to a school-issued iPad or Chromebook with Device Protection Plan, there would be no additional fees charged for the repair. The Device Protection Plan does not cover loss, negligent or intentional damage.
Device Protection Plan costs $20 per student/device ($10 per device for students qualifying for free/reduced meal status). Device Protection can be paid for through MySchoolBucks.com. (select "school store" and then "browse all items") or by sending a check to our school office.
The deadline to sign up and pay for Device Protection is October 1st.
PSAT
ZAPS ACT Prep Seminar Information
Movie List for Semester 1
Your child will bring home a sheet titled "Parental Permission to View a Movie". If you DO NOT want your child to view the movie(s) listed below, please send the sheet back with your child to his/her teacher. If a parent declines permission an appropriate educational experience will be provided to the student. Below is the list of full length feature films scheduled to be shown at Grand Forks Central High School during semester 1 of the 2021-2022 school year.
Linsey Naastad - Health Sciences
A Beautiful Mind (PG-13)
American Heart (NR)
And the Band Played On (PG)
Back from the Madness (NR)
Contagion (PG-13)
Hopkins 24/7 ABC News (NR)
House (NR)
John Q (PG-13)
My Sister's Keeper (PG-13)
Outbreak (PG)
Patch Adams (PG-13)
Still Alice (PG-13)
The American Nurse (NR)
The Doctor (PG-13)
The Last Lecture (NR)
Matt Berglund - English
Beowulf (PG-13)
Frankenstein (NR)
Hamlet (PG-13)
The Lottery (NR)
Nancy Greenwood - Art
Big Eyes (PG-13)
Da Vinci Code (PG-13)
Ever After (PG)
Girls with a Pearl Earring (PG-13)
What Dreams' May Come (PG-13)
Woman in Gold (PG-13)
Dave Tack - English
The Crucible (NR)
Trevor Lennon - Business Education
Walt Before Mickey (PG)
Kati Larson - Art
The DaVinci Code (PG-13)
Justine Hunnisett - Social Studies
On Golden Pond (PG)
Sybil (NR)
Twelve Angry Men (NR)
Grand Forks Japan Exchange
Did you know that for the last 28 years we have had an ongoing exchange with a Japanese city?
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we have suspended travel. But to maintain the
relationship, this year starting in October, we are exchanging a series of “video letters.” If you
would like to send a short message, or a video showing Grand Forks life, perhaps your favorite
place in Grand Forks, or you making your favorite recipe, please visit our website or contact the
program coordinator.
https://sites.google.com/a/mygfschools.org/sister-city-exchange/
or Jason Hawley jhawley130@mygfschools.org
GFPS School Cancellation and Postponement Procedures
School postponement and cancellation alternatives will be as follows:
- a. Hold school as normal
- b. Open school but delay sending buses
- c. Delay the start time in all schools by two (2) hours based on each school’s start time
- Elementary School: Start time is 8:25, so school would start at 10:25. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m.
- Middle School: Start time is 8:40, so school would start at 10:40. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.
- High School: Start time is 8:00, so school would start at 10:00. Doors will open at 9:50 a.m.
- Head Start: Start time is 8:00, so school would start at 10:00. Doors will open at 9:50 a.m.
- When school starts late, there will be no morning Early Childhood Special Education classes. Afternoon Early Childhood Special Education classes will be held.
- Breakfast will not be served at any sites.
- d. No school in Grand Forks Public Schools all day
- e. No school for the Grand Forks Air Force Base School District students all day
- Decisions related to the weather-related delayed opening or closing of air base schools may not always be consistent with those made for in-town schools. On those days when severe weather makes travel conditions so hazardous as to threaten the safety of staff members, opening delays or the closing of base schools will be given special consideration.
- f. Once school is in session, it will not be terminated until the regular closing time except in very severe situations. However, school buses may leave early. Radio and TV stations will be used to notify parents.
The decision to close or delay school will be made as early as possible. Announcements will be made on the District webpage (www.gfschools.org), and District social media (www.facebook.com/GrandForksPublicSchools; www.twitter.com/GFSchools). Announcements will also be made on local radio and TV stations.
Grand Forks Public Schools will be using our Automated Calling system to call staff and parents if school will be delayed or cancelled due to severe weather conditions. Typically, this automated call will occur to staff between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and to parents between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.Parents or guardians may always exercise their right to keep students home or pick them up early during stormy conditions.
If an emergency situation should develop during the time school is in session, children will be cared for in school until the storm has subsided.
If buses are sent home early, all buses will be sent.
- a. Radio and TV stations will make the announcement of the departure time.
- b. The lead-time needed for the procedure is approximately one (1) hour.
- c. If conditions are dangerous, bus drivers must use common sense in discharging students that must walk a considerable distance. If possible, use the radio and contact the base station. Have parents meet the bus or be on the lookout for their children. If the driver is unable to contact parents and conditions are dangerous, do not let students off the bus but return to school and notify the principal. Schools that have bus students must have a written procedure for caring for students in the event they must be kept overnight at school.
Digital Parking Permits Now Required For Student Parking
Monitoring and ticketing will be done by the City of Grand Forks and will begin on Sept. 7th!
A digital student permit is now required for all student parking areas.
- Digital permits will be free to all GFC students.
- Previously used GFC grey parking hang tags will no longer be valid and can be discarded.
- Part of the sign up process requires a verification code to be sent to your email address. We believe the district spam filter is not allowing this verification email to be delivered to your student issued gmail account and suggest you use a private email address to sign up instead.
Student Only Access Link to obtain the parking permit for student parking areas:
https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com/#purchase?purchase_seed=KJQEA7YZT3_SIAL2ZWH93
Once students have registered via the access link above, they can then manage their vehicle information by visiting the online permit portal at any time throughout the school year.
Online Permit Portal: https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com
- The digital permits are based on license plate information. Students will need to ensure their vehicle information is correct and up to date at all times as inaccuracies may result in ticketing.
- When a student signs up, the website will ask them to choose a zone (either the "Central Ramp" or "GFC Student Lots", however, students are not required to only park in that area and the permit is valid in all student parking areas.
- The permit sign up lists will be monitored throughout the year and anyone using the permits improperly will be removed from the permit list and may be ticketed.
School Absences
If your child is going to be absent because of an illness, going out of town, an appointment, etc., please call the Attendance Secretary at 746-2482. The attendance line can accept voicemails 24/7. Please leave your name, your students full name, a phone number and the reason for your student's absence if you leave a voicemail. If you call in, you do not need to send a note with your child the next day.
Signing In/Out Process for Students
All students who need to leave during the school day must have parent permission either by phone or note & must sign out with the Attendance Secretary prior to leaving. Upon returning to the building, students must sign back in. Failure to sign in/out properly may result in detention hours issued for classes missed.
Illness
Please contact the Attendance Secretary by 9:00 a.m. to report your student's illness.
Appointments
If the child has an appointment, please call or send a note with your child prior to the appointment. In doing so, the child can pick up a purple "early dismissal slip" from the Attendance Secretary to show their teacher and be excused from the class without interrupting the class.
Oversleeping
Oversleeping is not excused at GFC. Students will receive one warning for their first overslept and detention for any that occur afterwards.
Vacation
In order for your student to have the best attendance possible, please plan short trips, vacations, etc. around our school calendar. If you know in advance your child is going to miss school for a trip, please contact the attendance secretary prior to the absence so the absence can be approved by the appropriate administrator. Arrangements for homework for planned absences is the responsibility of the student.
Detention
Detention is held on most Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the commons. Dates are announced in the daily bulletin.
7 a.m. detention is also available in room 221 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Students who owe detention hours will not be eligible to participate in any extra-curricular activities, public performances or represent GFC publicly until the hours are served.
For questions about detention hours owed, please contact Amy Spicer, Attendance Secretary. For question about the detention policy, please contact your student's Associate Principal.
Online Sports & Activity Fee Payments
Create your free account today and never worry about having to send cash/checks to school with your student again. Visit myschoolbucks.com or download the app today to get started!
Homework Requests
Students who are absent at least two days may request assignments by calling the main office at 746-2375. Homework requests should be made as early as possible (preferably prior to 10:00 a.m.) to allow teachers time to complete the request. Assignments may be picked up in the main office between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
2021-2022 Yearbooks
- The 2021-2022 yearbook will be sold online again this year on the Balfour website. Please click on the link below to purchase the upcoming yearbook. https://www.balfour.com/student-info?smi=55338
The cost is $55 (or $60 if you want it personalized with a name on the cover). Senior pictures and senior baby pictures are due by May 1st and can be emailed at any time before that to: centralyearbook@mygfschools.org
Administration
Dr. Gabe Dahl - Associate Principal A-K
Mr. Mike Wilber - Associate Principal L-Z
Mr. Aaron La Deaux - Activities Director
Contact Us:
Main Office : 701-746-2375
Attendance Line: 701-746-2482
Main Office Hours 7:00 AM-4:15 PM
School Doors Open at 7:30 AM
Location:
115 N. 4th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Follow us on Twitter: @GFC_Activities
Follow us on Instagram: gfc_activites
GFPS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrandForksPublicSchools/