Discovery Middle School
Newsletter - April 2022
Building a Foundation for Success!
Discovery Administration
This Month's Newsletter Features the Following:
- Monthly Highlights Discovery Administration: NDSA Testing
- Tau Beta Pi Visits Discovery STEM Classes
- Transition Tour to Davies High School
- Bus Delay Notification Process
- Discovery Activities Update
- NDSU Engineering Students Visit 8th Grade Science Classes
- Canvas and PowerSchool and Mastery Connect
- Traffic Flow: Pick Up and Drop Reminder
- Course Recommendations for the 22-23 School Year
- Middle School Summer School Registration Open!
- End of Year PLD Reminders
- BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
- Kindergarten Registration 2022
- Nursing Nuggets from Nurse Amanda
- Counseling Corner
- PTA
- Attendance Information
- Upcoming Events
- April Letter Day Calendar
One Team. One Family. One Fight.
SRO Noll and Mrs. Donat Present in FACs
Congratulations to Discovery Math Counts!
Upcoming North Dakota State Assessment (NDSA) Testing at Discovery!
NDSA Dates:
All-School Testing Dates April 5-6, 2022
- 6th & 7th graders will participate in 1.5 days of testing
- 8th graders will participate in 2.0 days of testing (since they have the Science portion to complete)
Tau Beta Pi NDSU Engineering Students presented to the 8th Grade Tech Ed Classes
Thanks Tau Beta Pi!
Mr. Lee's 8th Grade Automation and Robotics Class
All Smiles for STEM!
Tau Beta Pi consists of engineering students within the top 1/8th of the junior class and 1/5th of the senior class. Students are invited based on their GPA and join the organization to improve their leadership skills, foster scholarship, and better the engineering community at NDSU. Tau Beta Pi is open to all engineering majors. They currently have a member representing every engineering major at NDSU. These include agricultural and biosystems, civil, computer, construction, electrical, industrial engineering and management, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering.
The work done through Tau Beta Pi centers on growing the engineering community. Reaching the youth and getting them excited about engineering and the STEM field is the best way to grow this community. By visiting Discovery Middle School industrial technology 8th grade classes, Tau Beta Pi students intended to share their university experiences with the students in order to give them a younger perspective on STEM jobs. Through sharing their majors, backgrounds, intern experiences, and future plans they hope to show students the possibilities available if they have an interest in STEM. Overall, they hope to make engineering more accessible to students by showing them anyone can have an interest in STEM, no matter their background.
Transition Tour to Davies High School
On March 22nd, our 8th graders made their way over to Davies High School for a Transition Tour during the school day. Students participated in a Q & A Session with Mr. Troy Cody, Davies Principal (pictured above) and current Davies Student Council members. Then, they toured the building in small groups led by a current Davies student.
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.
Discovery Activities
2022 6th Grade Basketball Schedule
7th & 8th Grade Track
Track is in full-swing! We are hoping to get outside more, so please make sure you student is bringing warm clothes for practice. The dates for our meets are on our activities calendar. (See link above) To sign up to receive text message updates about meets & practices, open a web browser on your phone and go to: rmd.at/cbgahb
Boys Track Coaches
Dave Lee: High Jump & Pole Vault
Parker Metz: Throws
John Watkin: Distance
Steve Paulik: Sprints
Jasmine Ercink: Long Jump & Sprints
Girls Track Coaches
Sean Napton: Hurdles
Tyler Otteson: Long Jump & Sprints
Shayna Wacha: Sprints
Todd Spellerberg: Throws
Jacob Leingang: Distance
6th Grade Track
Start-date for 6th grade track will be April 18th.
6th Track Coaches
Jeremy Nesvold
Carrie Spellerberg
Cori Thielges
Kyle Stegman
Amber Moomjian
Boys Golf
First practice is on April 11th. Boys golf is only available for 8th grade boys. If interested, email Coach Gronaas: gronaaa1@fargo.k12.nd.us .
The Big Floody Band/Jazz Band Festival
April 12th
All Discovery, Ben Franklin, and CBE 7th & 8th grade groups will be performing throughout the day.
School/Band
Discovery M.S. Honor Band: 8:30 am
Discovery M.S. 7th Grade AE Band: 9:15 am
Ben Franklin M.S. Spartan Gold 7th Grade Band: 9:40 am
Carl Ben Eielson M.S. 7th Grade Band: 10:05 am
Ben Franklin M.S. Spartan Blue 7th Grade Band: 10:30 am
Discovery M.S. 7th Grade CF Band: 10:55 am
Ben Franklin M.S. 8th Grade Band: 11:20 am
Discovery M.S. 8th Grade Band: 11:45 am
Carl Ben Eielson M.S. 8th Grade Band: 12:10 pm
Ben Franklin M.S. Jazz Band: 1:15 pm
Discovery M.S. Jazz Band: 1:40 pm
NDSU Engineering Design Teams Visit 8th Grade Science Classes
NDSU engineering design teams visited Discovery Middle School science classes in March to share their excitement about a project they have been working on and to get a few good ideas.
The Human Exploration Rover Challenge is a competition in which teams are to build a rover that will complete 12 obstacles in under 8 minutes. The rover will be powered by 2 riders pedaling through the course. Tools built for the rover will need to complete 5 tasks. This is where middle school science students’ feedback was needed. Students needed to design ideas for the rover to be able to pick up two different liquid samples efficiently, effectively and without contamination. Students were reminded of the basic engineering design process and set to work! Students were challenged to think creatively, communicate, and use teamwork while also building within the parameters of the project.
This outreach not only gave students the opportunity to share in the project but also a chance to ask questions about engineering, college classes, and the challenges of juggling classes and life. The teams will share their final rover project with the science classes in May.
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
Pick Up & Drop Off Reminder
Please review this slideshow for a reminder on pick up and drop off procedures. Starting on Monday, March 7th, we will be blocking off the short-term parking lot (Lot C in the picture below).
Course Recommendations for the 22-23 School Year
Discovery English/ELA & Math teachers are in the initial phases of determining English & Math Recommendations and Placements for the 22-23 school year.
This is a very important process that takes place every year for each individual student at Discovery as well for our incoming 6th graders from our elementary feeders.
The process is multifaceted and dynamic:
First, English/ELA & Math teachers analyze and interpret in class work samples.
This involves the teachers digging into the work samples that are completed within the classroom setting. Work samples include analyzing each student's progress on projects, individual assignments, tests and quizzes. They compare each student's work samples to their grade level Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs)/Standards. This provides insight into where each student is currently performing at.
Next, we analyze MAP data.
MAP Testing took place on January 25, 2022 at Discovery Middle School for all students in grades 6-8. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a standardized testing measure that is given to students across all Fargo Public Middle Schools that provides information about a student’s growth in the areas of ELA (English-Language Arts) and Math. Data obtained from MAP at the end of the testing session is used to determine the percentage of students who have made or exceeded their individual student growth and the projected annual growth. The MAP test is an adaptive test and adjusts to the rigor that is most appropriate for the student. Parents should receive a report in the mail with their student(s) growth/scores. If you have questions about your student(s) MAP scores, please reach out to their counselor or grade level Administrator.
Finally, teachers make recommendations.
After English/ELA and Math teachers review the data and work samples, they then make a recommendation and placement for which course they believe each individual student will be most successful. This could be a grade level course or an intervention course; again all based upon each individual student's academic progress/needs.
If a student has an IEP, 504 and ILP, the English/ELA & Math teachers also work alongside their case managers on recommendation/placement decisions.
6th, 7th and 8th grade English/ELA & Math teachers all make recommendations for their current students (that includes recommendations for high school course placement, as well). 5th grade teachers make course recommendations for their current students for 6th grade courses.
If you have any questions about the recommendation or placement process, please reach out to your student's current English/ELA and/or Math teacher.
Middle School Summer School (MSSS)
Middle School Summer School (MSSS): Fargo Public Schools will offer one semester of MSSS this year, with classes starting on June 6th and culminating on June 28th. The following courses will be offered within our Summer School session:
- Targeted Reading
- Targeted Math
- Exploration Reading
- Exploration Math
- Exploration Science
- Exploration Social Studies
Enrollment for Middle School Summer School is now open. You can view all of the information here: FPS Summer School Registration Booklet. Students will be obligated to sign-up for two sessions per day, and may also sign-up for sports and music camps. MSSS courses are for those students who are entering grades 7-8. Students entering grade 9 will be attending summer school at the high school campuses.
Summer School Registration Opened March 16
- Options: Hybrid Course (Monday-Thursday on campus & Virtual Fridays) or Virtual Course (Monday-Friday daily Zoom)
- Targeted Math and Reading (students register with their school counselors)
- Explorations: Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies
- Intermediate Band Camp at Discovery for students entering Grades 7-8
- Orchestra Camp at Discovery for students entering Grades 6-8
CANVAS
To check your student’s Canvas grades, directions are on the Fargo Public Schools website: https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/. Click on Departments and then click on Technology.
OR
Here is the direct link for Canvas directions from the Fargo Public Schools website:
PLD REMINDERS
PLD Reminders - It is that time of year already where we are starting to talk about the end of the year. In April, students will have a PLD check up to be sure PLD’s are still in good working order. The PLD will be checked to be sure it does not have damage and that the student has the PLD, power cord, and carrying bag. If your student is assessed a damage repair cost, please pay this promptly. PLD’s will have to be returned at the end of the school year in good condition.
BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
The BOGO Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Discovery library April 26 - 29, 8:10 AM – 3:45 PM. For every item purchased, customers will get another item for equal or lesser value FREE! Everyone gets twice as many books, pens, pencils, trinkets, and other miscellaneous treasures!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2022
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2022 is open online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration on February 1, 2022. Your child must be age 5 by July 31, 2022 to attend school in the fall.
Registration is a two-step process:
STEP ONE: REGISTER ONLINE
Complete online registration forms at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration. For assistance, please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment to complete in-person. Masks are required for all visitors.
STEP TWO: SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION
Upload or bring the following documents to your child’s school by August 25 to finalize registration.
- Child’s certified birth certificate
- Child’s immunization record with 5-year shots
- Document (i.e. current city utility bill or bank statement) that includes parent/guardian name and current address for verification
If you do not know which school your child will attend, call 701.446.1043 or check online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/boundarymaps.
If you need help in PowerSchool (Fargo Public Schools online registration software), please call 701.446.1006
Nursing Nuggets from Nurse Amanda
Discovery is still in the process of obtaining a school nurse to replace Nurse Amanda. In the meantime, Nurse Amanda and nurses from the other secondary schools will be subbing as able. Mr. Larivee and Mr. Jystad-Spar will also be assisting with the daily medication distribution. We are hoping to have a regular school nurse by the end of the month.
Counseling Corner
This past month, our Discovery School Counselors have been working on registration for the 2022-2023 school year. We have visited our current 6th and 7th graders Science classrooms to get them registered, held individual meetings with our current 8th graders to prepare them for their transition to Davies, and have started to travel to our feeder elementary schools to prepare the 5th graders for their transition to Discovery. It is a busy time of year, but also very exciting as we think to next year and all of the upcoming opportunities for our Discovery students. We will soon be sending out information regarding summer school, so please be on the lookout for more information to come! If you have any questions regarding registration for your student, please reach out to your student’s counselor.
Mr. Napton A-D – 446-3314
Mrs. Ferderer E-J – 446-3318
Mrs. Harmelink K-Q – 446-3312
Mr. Snowden R-Z – 446-3313
NDNBA JH All-State Band
Four students from Discovery Middle School were selected to participate in the twenty-seventh annual NDNBA JH All-State Band. They traveled to Mandan for the event on March 11-12 to rehearse and perform a concert under the direction of Randall Standridge, a nationally known conductor and clinician. Pictured from left to right: Vincent Cossette, 8th grade bassoon; Randall Standridge; Ashley Hsu, 7th grade clarinet; Sunisha Tangpong, 8th grade clarinet; Ainsley Hansen, 8th grade clarinet.
PTA Executive Board and Upcoming PTA Meetings
We wanted to let you know that the PTA is entirely new with a completely new executive board! Thank you to the Keri Lee for her numerous years of service.
President: Cori Thielges
V.P: Janelle Hanson
Secretary: Darla Bakko
Treasure: Sarah Smith
Membership: Jennifer Frueh
We are excited to start some new initiatives and get events on the calendar for students! Please join us at our next PTA Meeting April 25, more information to come.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, APRIL 25, 6:30 P.M., ZOOM FORMAT
Membership
There is still time for you to join the PTA and be a part of the Discovery Family!
Upcoming Events
- April 5 & 6 - NDSA Testing
- April 15 - No School - Holiday
- April 18 - School is in session - make up day from the storm on 1/7/22 - it will be an "E" Day on the letter day calendar
APRIL LETTER DAY CALENDAR
Please see below for the April Letter Day Calendar or check out our Discovery website.
Our bell schedules and calendars are always posted on our Discovery website.
Discovery Middle School
Dr. Amanda Quintus, Assistant Principal
Mr. Brandon Larson, Assistant Principal/Activities Coordinator
Mr. Ben Jystad-Spar, Administrative Intern
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/discovery
Location: 1717 40th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3300