Knight News
Grand Forks Central High School - November 1st, 2022
Main Office 701-746-2375
New office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Grand Forks Central HS Portrait of a Graduate
What are the skills, attributes, and behaviors needed for young people to be successful in life? That was the question posed to Central parents, staff, and alumni, as well as local business/industry and area post-secondary institutions in recent years. After tallying and grouping all responses and reviewing multiple drafts a committee of Central faculty was able to get a picture or "portrait" of what a Grand Forks Central graduate should possess at commencement. That portrait is represented below in graphic form.
Though our classroom teachers have the most active role in the promotion, direct instruction, and modeling of our portrait of a graduate competencies and skills, we ask parents/guardians to support our efforts and reinforce these competencies and skills, as well.
Each of the competencies will be highlighted weekly through the end of November. As part of this, students watch informative videos made by GFC students that further explain the featured competency and its related skills/behaviors. Please see these video links below the GFC Portrait of a Graduate graphic, which was created by Central student (now alum) Ashley Gereau.
We appreciate your support to prepare our Knights for life!
Onward Central!
Mr. Jon Strandell
GFC Portrait of a graduate competency video links
The following informational videos were created by Central students in dual credit speech classes and video productions classes in the spring of 2021. They help to introduce and explain the skills and behaviors necessary for GFC students to be successful. Thank you to Mrs. Dewar and Mr. Lennon for their support of the GFC Portrait of a Graduate!
A Look Ahead
Nov. 2nd - Early Release - 1:00 PM (PLC Day)
Nov. 6th - Daylight Savings Time - 2:00 AM (Clocks fall back to 1:00 AM)
Nov. 7th - Boys Hockey and Boys & Girls Wrestling Seasons start
Nov. 11th - NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day
Nov. 14th - Girls Hockey & Gymnastics Seasons Start
Nov. 14th - Fall Band Concert
Nov. 15th - Picture Makeups - 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Nov. 16th - Jostens Graduation Presentation for Seniors (more info below)
Nov. 16th - Early Release - 1:00 PM (PLC Day)
Nov. 17th - TRIO will be on hand to help students with FAFSA applications in the counseling department, more information will be shared as we move closer to this date.
Nov. 21st- Boys & Girls Basketball Season Starts
Nov. 22nd - Jostens accepting graduation orders over the lunch break
Nov. 24 - 25th - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 28th - Boys Swimming & Diving Season Starts
Attention Seniors!
NEW THIS YEAR: Jostens will also have an online option to order graduation sets and to pay online with a credit card.
- Teachers will bring students to the presentation during class.
- Jostens will return on Nov. 22nd to accept order forms and payments for cap/gown/tassel orders.
- Every graduate must have a cap/gown/tassel set to participate in the graduation ceremony.
- If orders are not placed during the ordering window, a graduation set cannot be guaranteed by Jostens.
- Any orders placed after the ordering window has closed are considered "rush orders" by Jostens and will be $60 each plus shipping/handling/taxes.
Attention: Parents of 8th Graders!
In-District Transfer Requests for Incoming Freshman
The deadline for in-district transfer requests for the incoming 9th graders is January 6, 2023.
- In-district transfer approvals are contingent upon available space in the appropriate grade level or program, satisfactory academic achievement, attendance, and/or behavior.
- In-district transfers can also be revoked at any time by the school principal or district administration.
- Transfer forms can be obtained at each school site.
- Separate applications must be filled out for each student. Separate applications are also required for elementary, middle and high school.
- Completed forms should be submitted to the school you are requesting. Please keep all carbon copies together. Once a determination is made, a copy will be mailed to your home to inform you of the school district's decision.
Outstanding Accomplishments by GFC Knights!
Cross Country
Annika Presteng-All EDC Team
Quinn Roehl-All EDC Team, All State Team, 3rd Place at State in the 5,000 Meter race and the EDC Senior Athlete of the Year
*Quinn Roehl also broke the school record this year for the 5,000 meters by posting a time of 15.37.
Boys Soccer
Brody Kendall-All EDC Team, Second Team All State
Boys Tennis
Evan Panzer-All EDC Team, All State Team, EDC & State Doubles Champion
Cole Wilber-All EDC Team, All State Team, EDC & State Doubles Champion
Football
All EDC Team-Jack Simmers, Jayden Haake, Dylan LaMont
All EDC Honorable Mention-Leo Strandell, Zach Kuznia, Micheal Torgerson, Cole Barta, Ross Wilber
*Dylan LaMont broke Brooks Bollinger's single season passing yardage record with 2031 yards.
43rd Annual Turkey Baskets Sponsored by Mortar Board
The University of North Dakota Quo Vadis Chapter of Mortar Board is preparing for its 43rd Annual Turkey Basket Drive. Mortar Board is asking social workers to help spread the word to individuals and families who may need and genuinely benefit from a turkey basket
- Each turkey basket contains all the items needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
- In order to receive a Turkey Basket, GFC families will need to be referred by our school social worker. You do not need to provide any proof of need to Mortar Board. Families can contact our school social worker, Shelly Scholand, by emailing her at sscholand060@mygfschools.org.
- The baskets are first come, first serve.
- The deadline to sign up is Friday, November 4th, 2022.
- Families who qualify will receive additional details from Shelly Scholand regarding the pick up time and location.
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 the first semester of 2022-2023 school year.
The Crucible (NR)
Nancy Greenwood (Art)
The DaVinci Code (PG-13)
Rhonda Peterson (FACS)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG)
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)
House (NR)
Outbreak (PG)
The Doctor (PG-13)
The Theory Of Everything (PG-13)
Cancellation & Postponement Procedures
With the winter weather season ahead, Grand Forks Public Schools would like to share our school cancellation and postponement procedures with you. Please note: changes made in September 2022 are noted in bold and underline.
- School postponement and cancellation alternatives will be as follows:
Hold school as normal.
Open school but delay sending buses.
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. No Zero Hour Classes.
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.
No before-school activities/athletics.
Students will not be marked tardy due to a late start.
No school in Grand Forks Public Schools (GFPS) all day
No school for the Grand Forks Air Force Base School District students all day
Decisions about 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.
Hold remote learning.
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.
The decision to close or delay school will be made as early as possible. Announcements will be made on the GFPS webpage (www.gfschools.org), and GFPS social media (www.facebook.com/GrandForksPublicSchools; www.twitter.com/GFSchools). Announcements will also be made on local radio and TV stations.
GFPS will be using our automated calling system to call staff and families if school will be delayed or canceled 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 families between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Parents/Guardians may always exercise their right to keep students home or pick them up early during stormy conditions.
GFPS has two days (approx. 12 hours of instruction) built into the school calendar for storm-related delays/cancellations. If a full-day cancellation leads to a third storm day during this school year, GFPS will transition to remote learning. More information would be provided by GFPS and your student's school at that time.
If an emergency situation should develop during the time school is in session, students will be cared for in school until the storm has subsided.
If buses are sent home early, all buses will be sent.
We will communicate the departure time.
The lead time needed for the procedure is approximately one (1) hour.
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/guardians meet the bus or be on the lookout for their students. If the driver cannot contact parents/guardians 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.
Minnesota College Knowledge Month
Many Minnesota institutions are also waiving their application fee for the entire month of October! You can find the list of participating institutions here.
Winter Sports Information
Girls Wrestling
Boys Wrestling
Girls Hockey
Boys Basketball
Boys Swimming & Diving
Additional Winter Sports Coaches Contact Info & Start Dates
Boys Hockey: Nov. 7th
Head Coach: Grant Paranica
Gymnastics: Nov. 14th
Head Coach: Megan Johnson
Girls Basketball: Nov. 21
Head Coach: Andrayah Adams
Winter Sports White Card Information
A WHITE CARD MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE COACH BEFORE THE STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO TRYOUT OR PRACTICE.
The athletic fee does not have to be paid to tryout or practice but it must be paid (or a waiver approved) before the student can play in a game or publicly represent the school. It may take up to a week for approved lunch forms and waivers to be returned to our school after being reviewed by Child Nutrition. Please allow time for this process if applying for a waiver.
Please have the required items listed below completed when you come to the school to pick up your white card. If any of the forms are missing signatures or required information a white card will not be issued. No incomplete forms will be accepted. The files are included below. Extra paper copies of the forms will be available in the office.
1. Physical Form (required)
All athletes must complete a physical form each year. Physicals dated after April 15th, 2022 are valid for the 2022-2023 school year.
2. Code of Conduct Form (required)
All athletes must fill out a code of conduct form each year.
3. Concussion Form (required)
All athletes must fill out a concussion form each year.
4. Activity Fee or Activity Waiver/Lunch Form (required before playing in any games)
Activity fees ($80 per sport) are paid on the MySchoolBucks.com website located here: www.myschoolbucks.com
OR
You may apply for a waiver if you meet income guidelines. Please see the section titled "Free and Reduced Activity Participation Fees" for more information and forms.
Online Sports & Activity Fee Payments
Please pay all student activity fees online through MySchoolBucks.com. There is a small surcharge fee when depositing money into your student's lunch account, however, there is no additional surcharge fee when paying for sports and activity fees, bus tickets and other products from the school store.
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!
Free & Reduced Activity Participation Fees
If you think you may qualify for free or reduced activity fees, fill out the 3 forms below (Free & Reduced Lunch Application, Fee Waiver & Release Consent Forms). If you meet income guidelines, athletic and fine arts participation fees may be reduced (half price) or free altogether.
The lunch application may be filled out online using the link below. The lunch application file is also attached below if you prefer a paper copy. The waiver and information release forms are not online and must be printed using the files below. Additional copies are available in the main office.
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION FORM WEBSITE (required if applying for a waiver)
2022-2023 Yearbooks
Yearbooks:
- The 2022-2023 yearbook will be sold online again this year on the Balfour website, the link to purchase a yearbook is below:
website. https://www.balfour.com/north-dakota/grand-forks/central-high-school
The cost is $54. Senior pictures and senior baby pictures are due by May 1st and can be emailed at any time before that to: centralyearbook@mygfschools.org
2021-2022 Yearbooks
We have been sent a limited amount of extra 2021-2022 yearbooks to sell!
- Yearbooks will be first come, first serve. Yearbooks will not be held or reserved.
- Yearbooks are $55 each. We accept cash or checks made out to GFPS.
- Yearbooks from 2020-2021, 2019-2020 and earlier are also available for sale for $25 apiece.
Looking to Make A Difference? Join Our Team at GFC!
Staying Connected Through PowerSchool
Grand Forks Public School parents are provided a PowerSchool account to help them stay connected with their student's progress. With PowerSchool, you can view the daily announcements and receive updates about your student's grades, assignments, attendance and more. You can access all of your students who attend Grand Forks Public Schools (not just GFC) with one account (referred to as a single sign on account).
If you would like to receive automatic email notifications from PowerSchool, log into your account and indicate which reports you would like to receive under "email notifications". You can also select how often you wish to receive the reports (daily, weekly, etc.).
If you have never created a PowerSchool parent account for your students, please contact the main office for assistance.
Booster Club Meeting Dates for 2022-2023
All meetings are held in the GFC Library/Media Center (2nd Floor) at 7:00 pm. Enter using Door #1 on N. 4th Street.
November 7th, 2022
December 5th, 2022
January 9th, 2023
February 6th, 2023
March 6th, 2023
April 3rd, 2023
May 1st, 2023
Digital Parking Pass Link to Park in the Ramp Student Parking Area
Student Link to obtain the parking permit for student parking areas:
https://gfpermits.rmcpay.com#purchase?purchase_seed=KJQEA7YZT3_T2V9J7IPHO_SAWKF415LE
Mentor Center Sign Up & Transportation Information
Mentor Center Signup Required; Limited Spots Available
To better serve students, the Mentor Center is implementing a new attendance cap beginning Monday, October 31.
- Students must sign up to attend a particular day. A limited number of slots are available each day.
- To accommodate demand, middle school students can attend up to two days per week.
- High school students can attend up to four days per week.
- No separate bus signup is needed; the Mentor Center bus will stop at the schools at designated times and all students signed up to attend the Mentor Center that day will be allowed to ride.
- Signups will be published midday each Thursday for the following week's openings. You can find the link to the signup on our website.
- Walk-ins will be welcome starting at 6:30 each evening. No transportation will be provided to the Mentor Center or home for these students.
- The Mentor Center is here to provide three services: academics, social emotional learning, and enrichment programming. Students are expected to engage willingly and appropriately in these services while here, and follow our Code of Conduct.
Administration
Dr. Gabe Dahl - Associate Principal A-K
Mr. Mike Wilber - Associate Principal L-Z
Mr. Tony Bina - Athletic Director
Contact Us:
Main Office : 701-746-2375
Attendance Line: 701-746-2482
Main Office Hours 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
School Doors Open at 7:15 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/