Discovery Middle School
Newsletter - August 2019
Building a Foundation for Success!
Mr. Vincent Williams
Grade 7
Mrs. Amy Herrick
Grade 8
Mr. Dan Shultis
Grade 6
Welcome Back
Hello Discovery Families,
Can you believe the 2019 – 2020 school year is right around the corner? I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy your summer by spending time with your loved ones and friends. As principal of Discovery, I get excited knowing our students and staff members are gearing up to return through these doors. Currently, we have 1,087 students registered to attend Discovery.
This upcoming school year will be our first year of offering Advanced English for our 7th and 8th-grade students. We love knowing that our students are willing to challenge themselves academically. This can be attributed to the values and spirit of grit, you have instilled in them at home.
The renovation to Discovery is winding down and doors will be open and ready to welcome students August 22. With our renovation, we were able to move our 7th and 8th-grade students to the second floor and our 6th-grade students down to the first floor. I hope you will have the opportunity to come and tour our building during our scheduled Back-to-School Nights.
My number one goal as principal of Discovery Middle School is to create a safe and loving environment where our students can come to learn. Every student who walks through our doors has value and the potential to do something great with their lives. The work we do here at Discovery is guided by our mission for “Building a Foundation for Success” for all students. Thank you for partnering with us to achieve the goal!
Principal Williams
Upcoming Events
August 15
- 6th Grade Eagle Camp 10:00-12:30
August 19
- Picture Day for All students 7:30-5:00
- EL Orientation 9:00-11:00
- 8th Grade Football Begins 4:00
August 20
- 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball begins 4:15
- 6th Back-to-School Open House 5:00-5:30
- 7th Back-to-School Open House 5:45-6:15
- 8th Back-to-School Open House 6:30-7:00
August 22
- Classes Begin for 2019-20
August 29
- Co-Curricular Parent/Athlete Meeting 6:00
September 2 Labor Day - No School
ONLINE REGISTRATION 2019-20
Online registration for the 2019-20 school year is now open. All returning Fargo Public Schools families must log in to their Parent PowerSchool account to fill out their family information and complete the registration information for the coming school year PRIOR to when their child(ren) come to have their school picture taken on August 19th.
Here are the registration forms that you will complete online:
- Parent Information Form – Enter your name, address, phone number, and email address on our school record form. If you have moved, you must verify that your new address is within the Discovery attendance area by providing a copy of your new lease or utilities bill to our registrar, Janna Callahan. Janna can be reached by phone at 701-446-3311, fax at 701-446-3411 or emailed at callahj@fargo.k12.nd.us .
- Student Information Form
- Yearly Student Health Information Sheet – This information will be shared with our school nurse, Ellen Sondreal
- Parental Release Forms – Media Release/Field Trip/Photographic Likeness Permission Form, FERPA, Online Account Permission Form
- Co-Curricular/Athletic Participation Verification – Parent-Student Meeting, Concussion Verification Form, HIPAA Medical Release (If your student might participate in drama, music, speech, or a sport, please select “yes” when asked if they are going to participate in a co-curricular activity)
You can also choose to pay your child’s 2019-20 school fees online via credit card with no transaction fees using SchoolPay, which is also accessed through your PowerSchool account. You may use SchoolPay at home to take care of the following fees:
- Deposit money in your student’s lunch account
- Purchase your Phy. Ed. Uniform (shirt & shorts) - $20.00 (Returning 7th and 8th grade students are encouraged to use their shirt and shorts from last year)
- Pre-purchase a yearbook - $25.00
- Purchase FPS Student Activity Season Pass - $30.00
- Go to the Non-Profit link on the left side to Join the Discovery PTA - $15
- Friends of Discovery
There are kiosks available at Discovery for families that don’t have a computer or access to the internet. Please call in advance for an appointment. If you need help getting logged onto your Parent PowerSchool account or need assistance with the registration papers, please call Discovery’s Main Office at 701-446-3300.
DISCOVERY EL REGISTRATION
There will be an EL Orientation for Discovery EL students and their families on Monday, August 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Enter through Door 31 by the PE wing and follow signs to Conference Room 88. Interpreters and computers will be available to help with the online registration process.
GRADE 6 EAGLE CAMP
Nervous about starting middle school? Concerned about a new school? To help ease any “transition anxiety,” Discovery Middle School will be hosting our ninth annual 6th Grade Eagle Camp on Thursday, August 15, 2019, from 10:00-12:30 p.m. At Eagle Camp, students will become familiar with Discovery and the ways of middle school. They will also meet the counselors, administrators, and some of their teachers. This will be a fun-filled morning with many activities, and some surprises. Each participant will be given an Eagle t-shirt to wear at camp and again on the first day of school.
STUDENT SCHEDULES
Schedules for 6th grade students only will be mailed to you so that you have them before Eagles Camp on August 15th. Please look it over closely and make sure that your student is scheduled for each class period. Contact our registrar, Janna Callahan, at callahj@fargo.k12.nd.us or at 446-3311 if you are missing a class.
All student schedules will be visible in PowerSchool sometime in mid-August. Please print or record your schedule so that you have it for the first day of school. Your schedule will include your Team Number, Counselor, Locker Number and Combination, as well as your class schedule. Contact Discovery Main Office if you do not have access to a computer or printer.
Student schedules WILL NOT be finalized until mid-August. All schedules viewed in PowerSchool prior to this date are subject to change as we continue to balance classes and teams.
Reminder - to complete your student's registration, you will need to sign on to your parent PowerSchool account at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/powerschool and complete the Registration Forms found on the left side of the screen. If you have any questions or cannot get logged on to your account, call the Discovery Main Office at 446-3300.
2019-20 STUDENT PICTURE DAY
Monday, August 19
All Students need to be photographed for their Student ID Card, even if they are not ordering a picture packet. There is NO CHARGE for your Student ID Card.
If you can’t make picture day, you will automatically be scheduled for make-up pictures on Tuesday, September 3rd during 1st and 2nd period. Students will receive information the week before regarding their assigned make-up time.
Attached below is a schedule with dates and times by last names. To help prevent long lines, please try to stick to your assigned time, but if that’s not possible, you may come anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. – you DO NOT need to call ahead.
2019-20 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
2019-20 SCHOOL CYCLE CALENDAR
BAND SUPPLY LIST
ALL BAND STUDENTS WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
- luggage tag on instrument for identification (good quality)
- 3-Ring Binder with loose leaf notebook paper and page protectors
- pencil (preferably left in instrument case)
- Flash Drive for recorded test throughout the year (7th & 8th Grade Only)
6th Grade Books
- Essential Elements 2000, Bk. 1 and Standard of Excellence, Bk. 1
- Percussion students will need Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk. 1 and A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion
7th Grade Books
- Essential Elements 2000, Bk. 1 (this book can be reused from 6th grade year) and Standard of Excellence, Bk. 2
- Percussion students will need Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk. 1 and A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion
8th Grade Books
- Standard of Excellence, Bk. 2 (this book can be reused from the 7th grade year) and Essential Elements 2000, Bk. 2
- Percussion students will need Alfred’s Drum Method, Bk. 2 (purple cover) and Primary Handbook for Mallets (green and yellow cover).
BOOKS MAY BE PURCHASED AT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC STORES
A REMINDER THAT ALL STUDENTS REGISTERED FOR BAND ARE EXPECTED TO SECURE AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH A MUSIC STORE OR OTHER MEANS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SECTIONAL/BAND CLASS. CONTACT A BAND DIRECTOR FOR THE FOLLOWING RENTAL INSTRUMENTS: (Bassoon, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba) OR ANY QUESTIONS.
Keith Eider (701)-446-3575 - eiderk@fargo.k12.nd.us
Jon Lucht (701)-446-3571- luchtj@fargo.k12.nd.us
Matt Salzer (701)-446-3570 - salzerm@fargo.k12.nd.us
Verlene Stotts (701)-446-3402 - stottsv@fargo.k12.nd.us
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
MUSIC STUDENTS SECTIONALS
All sectionals will begin on Thursday, August 22nd. Only those students who are scheduled for an “A” day sectional will need to bring their instruments on the first day of school. “B” day sectionals will start on Friday, August 23rd. Students who have sectionals on “B” days must bring their instruments on Friday.
LARGE GROUP REHEARSALS
Large Music Groups will begin the first day of classes. Please check your schedule when it is available online and the Cycle Calendar found in this newsletter to determine what day you will start. Magnetic Cycle Calendars will be available on Student Picture Day and Back-to-School Night.
UNITED WAY OF CASS-CLAY SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
The School Supply Drive is an annual project that creates lasting change in our community by providing a new backpack and a basic set of school supplies to children in Cass and Clay counties. Last year, over 6,000 children were equipped with supplies. Over 500 volunteers from businesses, organizations and individuals donated a tremendous amount of supplies and time to help students in our community be confident and prepared for school.
United Way of Cass-Clay will be distributing supplies on these dates:
Saturday, August 10th
8:00-11:30 a.m.
FARGODOME (1800 North University Drive, Fargo)
Tuesday, August 13th
4:00-7:00 p.m.
FARGODOME (1800 North University Drive, Fargo)
- Registration forms will be available at the door of the FARGODOME. Our volunteers can assist you in completing the registration form if you have any questions. Only one form is needed PER FAMILY. Please note that it is NOT necessary to print and complete the registration form beforehand.
- These supplies are available for all students attending K-12 schools in Cass or Clay Counties during the 2019-2020 school year. The name of the school your child attends will be expected, please plan accordingly.
- Students and families receiving supplies must have a form of ID for each child. Acceptable forms of ID include a social security card, school ID, or report card listing the student’s name.
6th, 7th & 8th GRADE BACK-TO-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
The Back-to-School Open House for Discovery Students and parents/guardians will be on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019. 6th Grade will meet from 5:00 – 5:30. 7th Grade will meet from 5:45 – 6:15. 8th Grade will meet from 6:30 – 7:00. Please put this important date on your calendar. This event allows parents to meet their child’s teachers and learn about academic expectations. Students will be able to bring their supplies, find their classrooms, and practice their locker combinations.
Due to parking constraints, please adhere to your student's Back-to-School scheduled time.
MEAL PRICES FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
The meal program is on a computerized system which withdraws money from the student’s lunch account. There are envelopes and a Deposit Box in the Main Office. Deposits can also be made online through School Pay and funds will be available immediately. There are no additional fees when you use School Pay.
Students must have adequate funds in their lunch account to cover the purchases, or they may pay with cash. Students are NOT allowed to use their student ID number to purchase items for someone else.
Meal Prices for the 2019-20 school year will be as follows:
Breakfast
- Elementary: $1.45
- Secondary: $1.55
- Reduced: $0.00 (State pays $0.30 fee)
- Adult: $2.15
Lunch
- Elementary: 2.45
- Secondary: $2.70
- Reduced: $0.40
- Adult: $3.50
Extra Milk: $0.35
The free and reduced application will be mailed from the District Office in August. Please contact Nutrition Services (446-1018) or the school if you have any questions.
Discovery maintains a closed campus. Students may not leave the campus for the lunch period unless they are accompanied by their parent/guardian and prior arrangements have been made.
BUS INFORMATION
Bussing is district-paid, so there will be no need to purchase bus tickets. A separate mailing on bus times and information will be sent from the Fargo Public School, District Office. You can also find your route online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/transportation .
LOCKERS
Lockers and combinations will be assigned to the student on their class schedule.
STUDENT PLANNER
Grade 6 students will be given a student planner on the first day of school. The planner is to help students become more self-reliant and responsible about their homework and academic success. It also serves as a communication tool between home and school. 6th grade students must have a planner. Replacement planners are $5.00.
With the use of personal electronic devices, students in Grades 7 and 8 will be encouraged to use an electronic planner.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Parents are asked to call or email the attendance office at 446-3310 before 9:00 a.m. whenever their child is absent. If no contact has been made, the student must present a written excuse, signed by his/her parent, to the attendance office, when returning to school.
Absence from school other than for illness or emergency reasons should be cleared through one of the school administrators several days prior to the absence. This will enable the student to arrange for homework before and during the absence. The student is responsible for all makeup work when he/she returns to school.
Attendance Phone # - 701-446-3310
TARDINESS
If students are late when coming to school, they should report directly to the Attendance window for a pass to enter class. If students are late for class during the school day, they should report directly to their next class.
MESSAGES
Messages will be delivered to students during Period 8 at the end of the day. If you must get a message to your student, please call BEFORE 2:00 p.m. Emergency messages will be given to students as received. We will take messages from PowerSchool Contacts Only.
ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Although we would always hope that our parents feel welcomed in our building, the safety of our students is our top priority. For that reason, Fargo Public Schools has put in place security measures in elementary and middle schools. To access the building while classes are in session, please push the button by the Main Entrance. You will be greeted by office personnel and “buzzed” in. Once inside, please come to the Main Office where we will be happy to address your needs.
IMMUNIZATION UPDATE
This is a reminder that every student entering grade 7 is REQUIRED to receive a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and Meningococcal vaccine. To receive optimum disease coverage and ensure school requirements are met prior to entering grade 7, it is recommended your student receive these two vaccinations once they turn 11 years of age. All students in 7th and 8th grade should have one dose of Tdap and Meningococcal recorded on their immunization record before the start of the 2019-2020 school year. Please bring a copy of the updated immunization record to the school.
MEDICATION IN SCHOOL
If your student should need to take a prescription or non-prescription medication at school, Form AF6720-A must be filled out in it's entirety, signed by you and your doctor, and brought to the nurse. The medication bottle for school must be labeled , including student’s date of birth. If student will self-administer, in the case of an inhaler, please fill out form AF-6720-F. You should be able to get these forms off the FPS website under registration, or at your doctor’s office.
Nurse Ellen will be in on Wednesday, August 21 from 9:00-1:00 p.m. if you would like to bring your student’s medication in at that time. Nurse Hours for the 2019-20 school year are Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00-1:00 p.m. You can reach Nurse Ellen @ 701-446-3319 or by email: djhnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us.
Hope you’ve had a wonderful summer! Ellen
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Fargo Public Schools AP6325
Student Dress
The purpose of this policy is to enhance the education of Fargo Public School K-12 students by establishing expectations of dress and grooming that are related to educational goals.
GENERAL STATEMENT
The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any protected group.
The following is expected at all times:
· Clothing with opaque fabric that covers the student’s entire chest, sides of body, and midriff, and undergarments must be worn.
· Pants/Jeans or the equivalent (i.e., skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress, or shorts) long enough to cover the student’s private areas must be worn.
- Pants/Jeans or the equivalent should be secured not to reveal undergarments.
· Footwear must be worn.
· Clothing advertising or promoting the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, drug paraphernalia, guns, weapons, gang affiliation or depiction of violence may not be worn.
· Vulgar clothing of any kind may not be worn.
- Vulgar is defined as pictures, images, words, silhouettes of individuals, or sayings that depict sexually suggestive expressions or actions, profanity, obscenity, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or which degrade the integrity of individual groups.
· Hats, hoods, or head coverings may not be worn in the building with the exception of a religious purpose, documented medical need, or with special approval by the administrator for special school events/celebrations/circumstance.
PROCEDURES
When a student’s attire does not adhere to the expectations above, the student will be provided one of the following options:
· Alternative clothing, if available at school in the student’s possession, to be dressed according to policy for the remainder of the day.
· Parent or guardian may be contacted to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.
· Be provided with temporary school clothing, if available in an appropriate size for the student, to be dressed according to policy for the remainder of the day.
Failure to comply with this policy will result in a violation defined in AP 6310 Student Behavior, Discipline, and Reporting.
The policy and enforcement is not based on a race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, gender expression/identity, genetic information, or status with respect to marriage or public assistance, or status in any group protected by federal or state law.
Adopted 8/11/92
Reviewed 1/15/2003
Revised 1/2013
Revised 7/2019
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
Students are not allowed to use their cell phones during school hours unless given permission to do so by the classroom teacher for educational purposes. Your teacher will communicate with you whether it is allowable in their classroom for educational purposes. Students are to place their cell phones into their lockers at the beginning of the school day: 8:40 a.m. Cell phone use is not allowed in the hallway, locker bay, and or cafeteria. Consequences for violating this rule:
- 1st Offense – Student’s phone will be confiscated. Student will be able to pick up his/her from the office at the end of the day.
- 2nd Offense – Student’s phone will be confiscated. Student’s parent or guardian will pick up phone from the office.
- 3rd Offense - Student’s phone will be confiscated. Student’s parent or guardian will pick up phone from the office. Student must bring phone to office at the beginning of each subsequent school day. Student will be able to pick up phone at the end of the day.
Discovery PTA News!!!
What a great year 2018-19 was for Discovery students and teachers! The Discovery PTA was able to help fund some great experiences for our students and teachers. All fees for 6th graders to experience Russian Kaleidoscopes were paid for with PTA funds. Busing for 7th grade Lynx team to go on a service learning project was funded by the PTA. Cookies at the 8th grade celebration were compliments of the Discovery PTA. Treats for art and music students and their families were partially funded by PTA dollars as well as meals for teachers during conferences, teacher appreciation week, and the last day of school. If you have a student in ILC, many incentives are funded through PTA. Bonding over Books is a yearly activity sponsored by Mrs. Donat in our library. The cookies used as prizes were paid for with PTA dollars. Each teacher member of PTA is offered funds to purchase items or fund activities to enrich their classroom. Your student was sure to be affected. Incentives, storage for learning activities, books, Project Based Learning activities, etc. were just some of the things that our students and teachers benefited from. Our most exciting and unique funding item for this year will add a spirited climate and culture to our Physical Education area. A window mural is being installed this summer to promote Eagle community and spirit. Be sure to check it out in the next school year.
As we start to think about the 2019-20 school year, please thoughtfully consider supporting Discovery PTA. Your support through membership is just $15. As a member, you are not obligated to anything. You will receive emails when volunteer opportunities arise. You are invited to any of our monthly meetings. You can follow us on Facebook for meeting times and locations. If you have questions, you can message us through the Facebook site. If membership is something you are not interested in, but would consider donating funds to PTA, this can be done anytime through School Pay. Look for us under the activities tab. Memberships and donations are our organizations main source of funding. Without your financial support, our students would not have the opportunity for the activities and experiences that make Discovery special.
PARENT ACCOMMODATIONS
Family support is so important for your child’s success at Discovery. If parents or other family members need accommodations to participate and attend any school function at Discovery, please contact the school office two to three business days prior to the event. Every effort will be made to meet your needs.
PARENTAL COMMUNICATION
Communicating with parents is always our goal at Discovery Middle School. This Summer Newsletter is printed and sent to each parent. In an effort to contain costs, subsequent newsletters are posted online only.
You may subscribe to Discovery’ Newsletter and Daily Announcements on our website by going to “Content E-Alerts” on Discovery’s website. Parents can sign up to receive alerts about new Daily Announcements, Newsletters, etc., for each school your students attend. E-Alerts are sent to users who have subscribed to a homepage or website section of interest. You will receive an email notification that content has been modified.
You may also want to add our school calendar to your personal calendar. This will help you stay informed about all the activities that are happening at Discovery.
Our school supply list, our student handbook, a link to PowerSchool, PTA information, and several other useful links are also available on our website.
BACKPACKS
Students will be allowed to use backpacks to carry books between school and home. Students must store them in their lockers during the school day.
YEARBOOKS
Yearbook orders will be taken online or when you pick up your schedule. The cost is $25.00. To ensure that your child will receive a yearbook at the end of the year, it must be ordered and paid for in advance. The deadline for ordering a yearbook is Friday, February 7, 2020.
P.E. UNIFORMS
The P.E. department requires all students to wear a P.E. uniform. Why P.E. uniforms?
- Security measure – Being able to identify students/outsiders who are not part of a gym class.
- Teacher/Substitutes/Coaches being able to identify each student by name.
- Cut down on the mass of clothing in the lost and found.
- Promote school spirit and a better dress out rate for class.
The t-shirt and shorts have a large name bar for students to write their first name and last name initial. The t-shirt and shorts are $10 each. PE uniforms are purchased online through SchoolPay and will be handed out the first day of class.
In addition, the students will receive their own combination lock. The locks will be color coded by grade and the teacher will have the ability to open each lock with a security key. This process eliminates the need to use the bolt cutter when students forget their combination. An $8.00 replacement fee is charged if the lock is lost or broken.
WHO'S WHO? AT DISCOVERY
Principals “loop” with their classes. Students will have the same principal every year that they attend Discovery. Counselors will have the same students each year based on the first letter of their last name.
Administration
Grade 6 – Mr. Dan Shultis, Assistant Principal
Grade 7 - Mr. Vince Williams, Principal
Grade 8 - Mrs. Amy Herrick, Assistant Principal
Counselors
A-D - Mr. Sean Napton
E-J - Mrs. Taylor Ferderer
K-Q - Mrs. Katie Harmelink
R-Z - Mr. Joe Snowden
Student Support Personnel
Mrs. Sue Winkelman, Admin. Assist.
Mrs. Lesley Meyer
Mrs. Shari Runde
Mrs. Janna Callahan, Student Services/Registrar
Mrs. Kari Prekel, Attendance
School Resource Officer
Officer Nick Kjonaas
School Nurse
Mrs. Ellen Sondreal
STAFF NEW TO DISCOVERY
Please help us in welcoming our new teachers and staff. Some are new to the district, while others have been teaching for Fargo Public Schools, but are new to Discovery. Some are here all day, while others travel between Discovery and other buildings. Some have traveled here before and are back again.
- Mrs. Heather Bronaugh - Instructional Technology
- Ms. Amber DeNault - STEM
- Mrs. Karen Foss - Read 180
- Ms. Theresa Gravdahl - Physical Education
- Mrs. Kendra Hansen - Latin
- Mrs. Karlie Kerr - Sp Ed - ID
- Mr. Toby Kindem - German
- Mr. Tim McLagan - EL Social Studies
- Mrs. Kari Prekel - Attendance Secretary
- Mrs. Shari Runde - Main Office Secretary
- Ms. Kathryn Schott - 6th Grade English
- Ms. Tonya Stuart Melland - Careers
- Mrs. Cori Thielges - Read 180
FPS ACTIVITY ADMISSION 2019-20
Support our high school teams! Listed below are the activity admission prices for tickets and passes for the 2019-20 school year. Discovery students may purchase a Student Yearly Pass for $30 on SchoolPay or from the Main Office during the school year. All other tickets may be purchased at the high schools. There is no charge for admission to Middle School events.
CROSS COUNTRY SIGN-UP
There is still time to sign up for cross country and to join a fun group of athletes running for the Eagles this fall. Cross country is a great way to get in shape and meet new people. Boys attending grades 7 or 8 this fall contact John Watkin at watkinj@fargo.k12.nd.us. Girls attending grades 7 or 8 this fall contact Jason Edwards at edwardsj@fargo.12.nd.us.
FROZEN EAGLES SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB
Discovery Frozen Eagles ski and snowboard club will be back again next year for some winter fun. For further information checkout our website: https://sites.google.com/site/fpsptadiscovery/frozen or email questions to discoverysnowboardskiclub@gmail.com
DAVIES YOUTH BASKETBALL
Eagles Youth Basketball will start on September 9th at 6:00 p.m. It will be held on Mondays and Thursdays through October 15th. Grades 2, 3, 4 will be from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and grades 5 and 6 will be from 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. For more information visit Davies Girls Basketball at https://sites.google.com/fargoschools.org/daviesgirlsbasketball/home or click the button below to register.
DAVIES GIRLS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING
The swimming and diving team is open to 7th through 12th graders. Swimming and diving is one of the only sports that does not make cuts! All athletes will get to participate at meets. The season will start on Monday, August 19th at 4:00 p.m. In order to practice the first day, all athletes must have a physical, co-curricular form and the $50 activity fee.
If you would like additional information, check out the team website at https://sites.google.com/a/fargoschools.org/davies-girls-swimming/
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Coach Leidholm leidholk@fargoschools.org.
LIZ'S CLOSET
A Discreet, Free Resource for Discovery Students in Need
What: Discovery strives as a team to meet the needs of all students as part of our mission to build a foundation for success. Liz’s Closet, a free resource at Discovery, aligns with this mission by providing students in need with items such as clothing, hygiene products, non-perishable food items, etc.
At Discovery, we hope to provide developmentally appropriate support to students in need by offering a means to obtain basic food and hygiene products in a discreet manner.
Where: Liz’s Closet is in Student Services. The shelves being used as Liz’s Closet are accessible through a trusted adult in the building (teachers, counselors, administrators, paraprofessionals, designated staff).
Who: Any student in need of these items is welcome to take what he/she needs with the help of a trusted adult. This includes but is not limited to students who receive free/reduced lunch, students whose families have experienced a loss of their home or serious illness, students who are new to the U.S., etc.
How: There are 3 ways students can access Liz’s Closet. 1) Students are welcome to directly ask a trusted adult at Discovery to use Liz’s Closet who will then bring them to Student Services or notify Student Services that the student will be coming 2) To maintain privacy as best as possible, a student can simply draw a star on a sheet of paper and bring it to a trusted adult. The adult will then instruct the student as to when he/she can go to Student Services to collect what is needed. If this adult does not have a time that works for him/her, the adult will notify the appropriate counselor or staff member to be expecting this student sometime within the school day. Once in Student Services, the student will be escorted to the closet and can take what is needed. 3) A parent can call to notify Student Services, and the student will be asked to stop by during a time that works for him/her to collect items.
If you know of anyone who may want to utilize this resource, please do not hesitate to contact a teacher, counselor, staff member, or administrator. For questions, please contact the Student Services office at 701-446-3311.
Dispute Resolution Policy
Dispute Resolution Policy - Fargo Public Schools AP 5052/6052
Federal regulations require that each district adopt procedures for receiving and resolving disputes pertaining to Title programs.
If a parent, school personnel or any interested person wishes to file a complaint, the following process must be followed:
The written complaint must be sent via mail or e-mail to:
(Manager of Specific Title program)
Fargo Public Schools
415 North 4th Street
Fargo, ND 58102
Fargo Public Schools Title Managers
Title I Part A (Disadvantaged Students) Jan Anderson anderja@fargo.k12.nd.us
Title II Part A (Teacher Training/Recruitment) Robert Grosz groszr@fargo.k12.nd.us
Missy Eidsness eidsnem@fargo.k12.nd.us
Title III (English Language Acquisition) David Burkman burkmad@fargo.k12.nd.us
Title IX (Discrimination/Sexual Harassment) Brad Franklin franklb@fargo.k12.nd.us
Patty Cummings cumminp1@fargo.k12.nd.us
Section 504 (Students with Disabilities) David Burkman burkmad@fargo.k12.nd.us
Any complaint must include:
• The date;
• The name of the district, unit, or individual the complaint is against;
• The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the complaint;
• A detailed description of the complaint, including specific facts; and
• The signature of the person making the complaint.
When a complaint is filed, the appropriate Fargo Public Schools Title Manager will investigate and issue a written response within sixty (60) calendar days from the date the complaint is received.
Reconsideration
Once a response is received from Fargo Public Schools staff, the person making the complaint has the right to have their complaint reconsidered. The complainant may submit a reconsideration request in writing to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and the U.S. Department of Education.
State Superintendent
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept 201
Bismarck, ND 58404-0440
The Secretary of Education
U.S. Department of Education
555 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20208
7/2016
Revised 7/2017, 7/2018
FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AFFIRMS THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS TO PRIVACY ACT
Privacy Rights:
The Fargo Public School District extends official notification of their commitment to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible student”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible student should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the school district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff, persons who sit on the Emergency Threat Response Team, and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks including serving on the Emergency Threat Response Team. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. (The District may also disclose “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, honors and awards. If the parent does not want directory information released, they must contact the school where the student attends within two weeks.)
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education,
400 Maryland Avenue S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
RIGHTS OF NONCUSTODIAL PARENTS
Rights of Non-Custodial Parents - Fargo Public Schools AP 6410
When parents of a student are separated, involved in divorce proceedings or are divorced, the building principal will respect the rights of custodial and noncustodial parents equally except when a court order exists concerning special restrictions. “Special restrictions” means such things as temporary restraining orders preventing or restricting custody, court orders concerning supervised custody and similar orders. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the school principal with a copy of such a court order concerning special restrictions about students or student information.
Parent rights include access to student records and school mailings, attendance at parent/ teacher conferences and Individual Educational Program (IEP) meetings, and authority to request that a student is released early or are absent from school for a legitimate reason. It is the responsibility of the noncustodial parent to inform the school office of his/her name, address and phone number if they wish to be consulted regarding their child or wish to be placed on the school’s mailing list.
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