Discovery Middle School
Newsletter - December 2021
Building a Foundation for Success!
Discovery Administration
This Month's Newsletter Features the Following:
- Monthly Highlights Discovery Administration
- State of the Schools
- Bus Delay Notification Process
- Virtual Academy Registration Open
- Canvas and PowerSchool and Mastery Connect...oh my!
- For Our Eighth Grade Parents/Guardians... Upcoming 9th Grade Registration, High School Transition Tours & Davies Open House
- Important Resources for Canvas for Parents/Guardians
- Fargo Public Schools 2020-21 Annual Report
- Library Information
- Frozen Eagles Snowboard/Ski Group
- SRO Corner with Officer Kjonaas: Tip411 information
- Nursing Nuggets from Nurse Amanda
- Counseling Corner
- PTA
- Attendance Information
- Upcoming Events
- December Letter Day Calendar
- Yearbooks
8th Grade Students Make Ice Cream in Science Class!
Shout Outs!
7th Grade Students Get Real World Application of Genetics!
Hello Discovery Families!
Semester 1 Ends on on January 14th!
Parents and guardians, the end of first semester is on January 14th. If you are concerned or wondering about your child's progress, we encourage you to check Powerschool (7 and 8th grade) or Mastery Connect (6th grade) to make sure you are up to date on your child's grades. If you have concerns, please reach out sooner rather than later to work with your child's teacher regarding academic or behavioral support for your child.
Lost and Found!
Has your child lost an item of clothing or personal item such as a hydroflask, or waterbottle? The items are down by the PE wing and folded up on a table to be collected. The deadline for claiming items can be December 17. That could go in the announcement. Items will be donated to Goodwill after that date.
Cell phones/electronic devices:
Please remind your students about appropriate usage of their electronic devices and cellular phones at school. We have a cell phone and electronic device policy that students/staff are expected to follow while in the building.
Frequently Asked Questions Document
Click link here for access to document with questions/answers from Discovery Admin Team
State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group
Fargo Public Schools will hold the 2022 State of the Schools Address & Public Focus Group on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. at South High School, 1840 South 15th Avenue, Fargo in the theater. Parents, staff and community members are invited to participate and are encouraged to pre-register by 4:00 p.m. on December 17, 2021 by signing up online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/focusgroup or calling 701.446.1005. Questions posed in the focus groups will concentrate on the District’s Strategic Plan. Pre-registered attendees will receive reading materials electronically in advance of the event. For more information, including the questions to be discussed in the focus groups, visit www.fargo.k12.nd.us/focusgroup.
RE: Bus Route Adjustments if Valley Bus experiences a Bus Driver Shortage:
In the rare event that Valley Bus does not have enough staff to cover all the school bus routes for Fargo Public Schools, Valley Bus would implement a “delayed bus route plan” rather than canceling routes. This plan could be used in either a morning route or an afternoon route.
Delayed Bus Route Plan– The “delayed bus route plan” would have the drivers cover for the missing driver after they have completed their assigned route. This would cause the identified route to be delayed by 15 to 30 minutes. Families would be notified the day of the delay by email, text, and voice messaging. Morning route delay notifications will occur between 5:30-6:30 am and after-school delay notifications will occur by 1:00 pm if a driver shortage occurs. This means students may be standing at their bus stop for additional time or they may be returning home up to 30 minutes later than normal. Each route affected would cause a delay for both the elementary and secondary students riding that bus.
The Bus Delay message will only be sent to the affected route and it will say the following:
“Attention FPS families of Bus Route ###. Today, [Monday, October 9, 2021], your morning route will be 15-30 minutes later than normal. Your principal has been notified of your late arrival. “
Or
“Attention FPS families of Bus Route ###: Today, [Monday, October 20, 2021], your after-school route will arrive home 15-30 minutes later than normal. Students will be supervised at their home building until the bus is available.”
Since communication with families is based on what was entered into the FPS PowerSchool System, we asked that each family review their listed emails and cell phone numbers in the Parent PowerSchool Portal. Please update if needed by calling your child’s main office. This type of communication may be used for other situations that cause significant bussing delays.
Students will be excused in the morning if they arrive late to school due to the delayed busing. The buildings will implement a supervision plan for students if the after-school bus is delayed.
Please remember if you decide to drop your student off at their building more than 15 minutes before school the students will wait outside. Please make sure they have dressed appropriately for the weather.
Parents can check their child’s pick-up time using the “bus route by address” options on the FPS Website at https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/165.
Although the 2021-22 school year has been challenging, the transportation department and staff at Valley Bus are responding to these challenges and working hard to keep students safe. We thank families for their patience and trust as we navigate staffing challenges.
Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions.
Dr. Grosz & Mrs. Eidsness
Associate Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools
Fill the Dome!
6th Grade Family and Consumer Sciences
Music to our Ears!
Hello, FPS families!
As we approach the second semester, Virtual Academy wants you to be aware of our learning platform available to all students. Second semester begins Tuesday, January 18, 2022. If you’d like more information about Virtual Academy, please click here.
If you believe this would be a good fit for your student, the survey to request registration information is here. Requests should be submitted no later than Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
For additional information, please contact:
Lori Nappe, Virtual Academy Elementary Dean (K-5)
(701) 446-1601 nappel@fargo.k12.nd.us
Holly Fiechtner, Virtual Academy Secondary Dean (6-12)
(701) 446-1602 fiechth@fargo.k12.nd.us
Canvas and PowerSchool and Mastery Connect...oh my!
Parents and Guardians have the ability to log in and check on their child's attendance, grades, and assignments (homework). The system used depends on the type of information they are looking for and the student's grade level.
Important Resources for Canvas for Parents/Guardians
Families of Eighth Grade Students: Upcoming 9th Grade Registration, High School Transition Tours & Davies Open House
Here is some IMPORTANT information for our current 8th Grade Students & their Families:
We are fast approaching the second semester of the 21-22 school year and with that, planning for 9th grade is in high gear! Discovery Administration has been in talks with both Davies & South High Admin Teams re: our current 8th graders are their transition into the high school. There are multiple upcoming events that families and students should mark their calendars for including: 9th Grade Course Registration & Transition Tours to Davies & South.
9th Grade Course Registration
- In January 2022, Davies & South HS Counselors will be coming over to Discovery to talk with our 8th grade students about registering for High School Classes during each 8th grader's Science class.
- South Counselors will be coming over on January 4th, 2022
- Davies Counselors will be coming over on January 6th, 2022
- They will hand out 9th Grade Registration Cards and the Program of Studies booklet (linked here)
- More information will be shared via Blackboard messages in the coming weeks!
9th Grade Students will sign up for the following (but will depend upon each student's programming needs):
- Math Course
- Science Course
- English Course
- Social Studies Course*
- Electives (2-4 total courses for 22-23 school year)*
- Health
- PE
If you would like to get a head start on planning your future courses, check out Davies or South High's Counseling websites below:
High School Transition Tours
What is a Transition Tour?
- It is a field trip to the high school feeder (which used to only be Davies High, but now will include South High)
- Students will participate in a tour of the school and question & answer session which are led by current high school students and administrative/counseling teams.
- The Transition Tour lasts between 1.5-2.0 hours total and takes place during the school day
When is the Transition Tour?
- For students going to South High next school year the date is January 14, 2022
- For students going to Davies High next school year that date is March 22, 2022
How do I know which High School my student is attending next school year?
- This is based upon the updated boundary maps per FPS School Board decision
- You can check the boundary maps found here OR you can call Discovery Middle School at 701-446-3300 for assistance
What happens to my student's attendance/classes if they are at the Transition Tour and others are not?
- Since we now have two feeder high schools, not all students will be out of the building at the same time.
- Therefore, students who are attending Davies next year, will NOT attend the South Transition Tour and students who are attending South next year, will NOT attend the Davies Transition Tour.
- On the days that the students are out of the building for their Transition Tour, students will be marked "AC" (activity) during the hours they are out of the building.
- All 8th Grade Teachers are aware of the dates for the Transition Tours and will plan lessons accordingly based upon these dates (January 14th & March 22nd)
What if my student requires accommodations to participate in the Transition Tour?
- Please contact Dr. Amanda Quintus at 701-446-3305 or at quintua@fargo.k12.nd.us to request accommodations by January 1, 2022 (for future South High students) and March 1, 2022 (for future Davies High students)
What if I do not want my student to participate in the Transition Tour?
- Please contact Dr. Amanda Quintus at 701-446-3305 or at quintua@fargo.k12.nd.us by January 1, 2022 (for future South High students) and March 1, 2022 (for future Davies High students)
What if I have other questions about the Transition Tour or 9th Grade Registration Process?
- Please contact Dr. Amanda Quintus (8th Grade Principal) at 701-446-3305 or at quintua@fargo.k12.nd.us OR contact your student's counselor
Davies Open House
On January 10, 2022 Davies High School will be hosting an Open House opportunity for ALL incoming 9th grade students for the 22-23 school year!
The Open House will include:
4:30-5:30 pm- Open House 1
5:30-6:15 pm- Presentation by Davies Admin Team/Counselors
6:15-7:00 pm- Open House 2/Activity Fair
If you have any questions about the Davies Open House, please contact Lenny Ohlhauser (Davies Activities Director) at 701-446-5608 or at ohlhaul@fargo.k12.nd.us
More Music to Our Ears!
Honor Band Travels to Concordia!
The Iconic Fargo Theatre Comes to Discovery!
FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2020-21 ANNUAL REPORT
As evidence of Fargo Public Schools’ commitment to our patrons, the FPS 2020-21 Annual Report is now available. It showcases the qualities and services of our school district and provides a wide array of information to familiarize families and the community with Fargo Public Schools. Report details include enrollment, staffing, and budget numbers. It also gives overviews of student services and student assessment data. Thank you for your continued support as we serve the citizens of Fargo by providing students an excellent educational experience. You can access the full document at this link.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be in Discovery’s library Tuesday, Dec. 7 - Friday, Dec. 10, 8:10 AM - 3:45 PM. Popular books, cool posters, trendy school supplies, and much more will be available. Students will visit the fair with their English class and have opportunities to sign up to win free books and posters.
● The Book Fair flyer, online purchasing, and an eWallet payment option can be accessed using the following link: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/discoverymiddleschool3
● Here is an entertaining video link that provides a sneak peek of the fair’s featured books and authors. Book Fair Sneak Peek
Thank you so much for fostering the love of reading and supporting our library. This is an exciting event for students and staff!
Babysitting Bags of Books
6th Grade FACS classes learned about the benefits of reading aloud to kids, read-aloud techniques, and even got a chance to practice by reading E for Everyone picture books to each other.
Babysitting Bags of E for Everyone picture books for Pre-K through elementary age are available for checkout in the library. These books can be checked out for the purpose of reading to younger siblings as well!
Students Use Learning Lab Makerspace to Engage in STEAM Activities
6th and 7th graders recently spent time in the Learning Lab Makerspace, an extension of the library. Working together in collaborative groups, students learned how to code using the Cues, take green screen photos, complete circuit tasks with littleBits, put together a good old-fashioned puzzle, and record videos showcasing creativity. All tasks focused on using 21st Century Skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
The Learning Lab Makerspace is open to all students Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:10 - 8:35 AM. Students should contact Mrs. Hyde or Mrs. Donat if they would like to schedule time to work in the Learning Lab Makerspace during the school day.
Earbuds
Please ensure your student has earbuds or headphones in school, as many audio options are available and utilized for learning.
Charging and Restarting PLDs
● Please help your student remember to charge the device every night, so it is ready to use during the day. Bringing the charging cord to school is a good idea as well.
● In addition, ask your student to shut the device down each night, so it will have a fresh start in the morning. This is especially important as we move back and forth from school to home.
Safe Handling of PLD’s
Discuss with your student the importance of carrying the PLD by the base rather than by the screen. Screens can break from the pressure when carrying only by the screen.
Screentime
Parents you may be feeling like your child never gets off his/her device. Sometimes you may be frustrated that your child says he/she is doing homework, but you are pretty sure that isn’t happening. What can you do? Common Sense Media has these suggestions.
- No matter what comes home from the school, your house equals your rules. That means you can still establish screen-free times and zones like dinnertime and the bedroom. You can make rules about when devices get shut down at night and where they're charged (outside of kids' bedrooms).
- If you think your child is doing more than homework on his device, you can discuss the downsides of multitasking and your expectations around what the school device is being used for.
Common Sense clarifies these suggestions further in these articles:
How to Set Screen Rules that Stick
SNOWBOARD/SKI Group
The Discovery Frozen Eagles will be returning this winter for snow fun!
Check out our website. (https://sites.google.com/view/discoveryfrozeneagles/home) there you can register for our email list and get in on winter fun.
Be sure to find us on Facebook and Instagram.
SRO Corner with Officer Kjonaas
The public is our greatest crime fighting resource, and we hope that residents will use tip411 to share important information about suspicious activity, drugs, domestic violence, and other crimes to help make a safer place for all who live, work, and visit in our community. Please see the poster below with more information.
Nursing Nuggets from Nurse Amanda
The cold and flu season are upon us, and it is important that we all work together to prevent the spread of viruses. There are numerous things that we can do to help stay healthy, including:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough/sneeze.
- Wash your hands after coughing/sneezing
- Wash you hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use alcohol-base hand cleansers
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (viruses are often contracted by touching something that is contaminated)
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
- Stay home if you are sick:
Symptoms of allergies, the common cold, and Covid-19 are very similar. Please follow the Covid action tree link below to help guide you in deciding if you need to be tested for Covid prior to returning to school
https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/cms/lib/ND01911460/Centricity/Domain/509/COVID-19_Action_Tree.pdf
Please e-mail a copy of your Covid results to me or attendance if you do get tested.
Please stay home for 24 hours after:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever of 100.0 F or higher
- Undiagnosed skin rash or sores
Do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions regarding illnesses or what you should do prior to returning to school.
Amanda Matzke
E-mail: djhnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us
Phone: 701-446-3319
Attendance
E-mail: dmattendance@fargo.k12.nd.us
Phone: 701-446-3310
Counseling Corner
HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Attention to all parents and guardians of 8th grade students! Registration for high school is coming up faster than you think. Davies counselors will be visiting Discovery on January 6th, 2022 to share information about high school and selecting courses. Each 8th grade student will be given a registration form to review and complete with parents or guardians. This registration form is Due to Student Services by Thursday, January 13th. Discovery counselors will start meeting with 8th graders after January 13th to register for high school courses, answer questions, and share information about what to expect in high school. Parents will be emailed a copy of the courses students have registered for. Also, Davies will be hosting a very informational course fair. (The date and time of the Davies course fair is yet to be determined.) Please reach out to your Discovery counselor with any questions and make sure to complete your registration form with your families.
PTA MEETINGS
NEXT MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 6:30 P.M., ZOOM FORMAT
No PTA in December
Monday, January 31, 2022
Monday, February 28, 2022
Monday, March 28, 2022
Monday, April 25, 2022
Join Discovery Middle School PTA
Attendance Information
If you are planning on picking up your student during the school day, please call the Attendance Office as early as possible so that we can get your student a pass and have them ready in the office.
Important Information about Attendance
Regular and consistent attendance at school is critically important as demonstrated through numerous studies on student's academic, social emotional and future successes. However, there are a variety of reasons why a student may need to miss school.
We strive to ensure that all students regularly attend school, which means that we desire to have all students miss less than 5% of the total days in a school year. This would equate to missing 9 or less total days per school year (which essentially means 1 day or less per month of school during the school year).
North Dakota Century Code 15.1-20-01 states that "Any person having responsibility for a child between the ages of seven and sixteen years shall ensure the child attends a public school for the duration of each school year". Therefore, regular attendance at school is state law.
Attendance Tiers
In Fargo Public Schools, we regularly monitor student attendance patterns/trends. There are attendance tiers that have been put into place to assist students and their families in ensuring that students are at school regularly. The goal of school officials is to assist students and their families in regularly attending school and breaking down barriers that may be preventing them from doing so.
Tier 1
Once a student misses 9 days of school, a letter will be sent to those families alerting them that their student has entered into a Tier 1 Attendance violation. The school may reach out to discuss plans to improve school attendance.
Tier 2
Then, once a student misses 13 days of school, another letter will be sent to those families alerting them that their student has entered into a Tier 2 Attendance violation. The school may reach out to discuss plans for improvement at this time, which could include a meeting with the student, their family and school officials.
Tier 3
If a student misses 18 days or more of school, another letter will be sent to those families alerting them that their student has entered into a Tier 3 Attendance violation. At that time, School Attendance Review Board or SARB paperwork may be submitted by the school. This information/paperwork then gets sent onto Juvenile Court for further considerations.
In Fargo Public Schools, the following reasons do NOT count against a student's attendance record within a given school year (possible subject to change if new guidance is provided):
- School Activity
- Early Exit
- Homebound
- Hospital with Education
- In School Suspension
- Nurse's Office
- Principal's Office
- Student Services
- Tardy
- Unexcused Tardy
At this time, ILV (i.e. COVID leave) is counted towards a student's school attendance records.
Discovery MS is currently working alongside Emilio Lamba, FPS Attendance Specialist, to assist in supporting our students and their families re: attendance at school. He can be reached at 701-446-3641.
If you have questions about your student's attendance per the FPS policies, please contact Dr. Amanda Quintus at 701-446-3305
Upcoming Events
- December 23-January 2 - No School - Winter Vacation
- January 3 - Classes Resume
DECEMBER LETTER DAY CALENDAR
Please see below for the December Letter Day Calendar or check out our Discovery website.
Our bell schedules and calendars are always posted on our Discovery website.
YEARBOOKS
Yearbook orders will be taken online .The cost is $20.00. 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 11, 2022.
Discovery Middle School
Amanda Quintus, Assistant Principal
Brandon Larson, Assistant Principal/Activities Coordinator
Ben Jystad-Spar, Administrative Intern
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery
Location: 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3300