Carl Ben Eielson News 1-12-21
January 2021
Great Relationships Produce Great Students
Mr. Bradley Larson
Principal
Grade 8Mr. Dean Wilson
Assistant Principal
Grade 6Mrs. Natalie Richter
Grade 7
Hello Carl Ben Eielson Families!
We have officially entered the year 2021 and left 2020 behind as a year for the record books for many reasons. I think that all of us can safely say that 2020 brought the unexpected and tested us all in ways that we never would have imagined. As we move into the first month of the New Year, I have a few things I want to highlight to you:
1. End of Semester 1 – Semester 1 ends on Friday, January 15th. This year FPS did not have quarter grades, so this will be the first "stored" report card grade your children will receive. Report cards will not be printed off (same as last year) as they are all accessible on Power School. Here are the directions:
Your PowerSchool Parent account now has access to student documents like progress reports, report cards, and assessment test results right within PowerSchool Parent. Please follow these steps to view your child’s important documents and reports.
1. Click the PowerSchool logo on the FPS webpage to go to the PowerSchool Parent login page.
2. Log into PS with your parent account information.
3. Once logged in, click on the Document Storage icon on the left side of the screen (if you are on a tablet or phone, you may need to scroll down to find it.
4. You can filter the documents by type by going up to the SHOW ALL box on the screen and clicking the down arrow.
5. Click on the document you wish to view/and or print.
If you would prefer to have one printed and sent to you, please call the main office at 701-446-1700, and we will be happy to do this for you.
2. FPS COVID-19 Instructional Committee – The FPS COVID-19 Instructional Planning Committee met yesterday and decided to transition to in-person instruction five days a week beginning January 19 for all grade levels. The support, unity, strength and positivity exuded by our students, staff and families during such unprecedented times has helped to support our guidelines for success of: safety, respect, responsibility and growth mindset no matter the instructional level that we were or are in.
3. North Dakota Student Engagement Survey-
In January, your child(ren) will have an important opportunity to impact and improve their school culture and learning environment. Student engagement is an important predictor of student success. North Dakota is committed to understanding, through the voice of students, how we can best support their engagement and success in learning. Students in grades 3-12 will have the opportunity to share information about their educational experiences and perspectives through the statewide Student Engagement Survey which will be administered during advisory in January. We take student privacy seriously; therefore, the data collected and analyzed will be at the school level and used to drive our school improvement endeavors in our building. Individual student results will not be reported. We will not identify your child(ren) and how they responded to the survey. The collective responses of all participating students will help our school learn what we do well and what we can do better to help all students succeed.
As we embark on the beginning of this new year, thank you for your support, grace and patience as we continue to navigate these extraordinary times together.
Update on Social Emotional Learning (SEL):
As we continue to navigate our “new normal” this school year, Social Emotional Learning or SEL has continued to be at the forefront of how we educate and empower our students at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School.
So what is SEL?
According to CASEL, SEL is “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships and make responsible and caring decisions”.
CASEL’s 5 Competencies are Self Awareness, Self Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision Making (as indicated below). These are the guiding principles that all individuals navigate through, not only at school, but at home, in the community and someday in the workplace. Therefore, SEL is critical for success across many settings in our student’s lives.
How are we incorporating SEL into our curriculum/programming at Carl Ben Eielson?
At Carl Ben Eielson, we believe that SEL is not a one time event, but should be embedded into everything we strive to do and should be tied to all of our building and district wide initiatives. This year we have incorporated a curriculum called, Second Step, into our Advisory or BT period for all students across all three grade levels.
The units in the curriculum include the following:
Mindsets & Goals
Recognizing Bullying & Harassment
Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions
Managing Relationships & Social Conflict
Teachers have continued to teach weekly lesson(s) to both groups of students (Group 1 & 2) based upon a district approved pacing guide so all students have access to the lessons.
How Can Families Help Support SEL at Home?
Incorporating SEL into the home is a great way to help your child(ren) make connections from school to home to the community!
Here are just some ideas on how to incorporate SEL into your daily routines at home:
Be a good listener. It has been described as a "core competency skill"
Model the behavior you seek. Whether it's apologizing when you're in the wrong or treating others with respect and kindness, children learn a great deal about relationships from observing the behavior of their parents.
Nurture your child's self-esteem. A child with a good sense of self is happier, more well-adjusted, and does better in school. Strategies for fostering self-esteem include giving your child responsibilities, allowing them to make age-appropriate choices and showing your appreciation for a job well done.
Respect differences. Every child has his or her own unique talents and abilities. Whether in academics, athletics, or interpersonal relationships, resist the urge to compare your child to friends or siblings. Instead, honor your child's accomplishments and provide support and encouragement for the inevitable challenges he faces.
Take advantage of support services. Seek the advice and support of school counselors or other social services during times of family crisis, such as a divorce or the death of a close friend or family member. Remember that no matter how close you are to your child, she may be more comfortable discussing a troubling family situation with another trusted adult.
Work alongside your child to set up/establish a daily routine for the school week. School is still occurring five days a week even when they are NOT in the building. Ensure that they build in time each day to complete homework at home.
Find time during each day to disconnect/unplug from technology
Encourage your child to email/reach out to teachers in order to continue to build self-advocacy skills.
Work with your child to set weekly goals (for school and home) including action steps on how to accomplish/reach the goals.
Work with your child to identify strategies to de-stress (from stressors in their life). Help them develop a list of “go to” strategies they can use if/when they become upset, frustrated or overwhelmed.
Celebrate the small victories!
As cited from: https://www.edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning-parent-resources
There are many resources available on the internet, as well!
Some additional resources:
CASEL’s Parent Resources page: https://casel.org/parent-resources/
Understood.org (search- “Social Emotional Learning”)
This Newsletter Features the Following:
- FPS COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee Update
- Calendar - January 19 through February 26th, 2021
- Thank you and Congratulations
- PTA Meeting
- Upcoming Events
- Activities Update
- 8th Grade Transition from Middle to High School
- FPS Teacher, Support Staff and Administrator of the Year Nominations
- Nurses Note - Immunization Update
- Attendance -Student Absences Reminder
- Inclement Weather School Cancellation
- Entrance to the Building During School Hours
- Yearbook Orders
FPS COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee Update
Dear Fargo Public Schools Families and Staff,
On January 11, the Fargo Public Schools (FPS) COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee met to review COVID-19 data. Per recommended guidance from local healthcare agencies, the committee decided to continue with the previously adopted return to in-person instruction plan and make no changes. The plan keeps the current instructional model in place for all levels for the remainder of the first semester (until January 15). Fargo Public Schools will return to in-person instruction (Level 4 – In-Person Instruction with Restrictions) for all grade levels beginning January 19, 2021.
At the January 11 meeting, the FPS COVID-19 Instructional Plan Committee decided to transition to inperson instruction (Level 4 – In-Person Instruction with Restrictions) beginning January 19 five days a week for all levels (elementary, middle, and high school). Additional information about the transition to in-person instruction five days a week will be communicated by school administrators.
It is important to know that Fargo Public Schools will adapt and make changes based on new information or guidance, if needed. The committee will meet again on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:30 a.m. to review data, determine if there is a significant number of cases impacting schools, and discuss the status of a potential vaccination plan for staff.
I appreciate all Fargo Public Schools families and staff members for their grace, understanding, and flexibility during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year. As we begin a more consistent schedule for students during the second semester, FPS remains committed to monitoring the cases in our schools, implementing mitigation strategies as we can, and working to fulfill our mission of educating and empowering all students to succeed.
Sincerely,
Rupak Gandhi, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Great Plains Food Bank donation - Coin War success!
FEA December Teacher of the Month - Mrs. Mehring
Congratulations to Mrs. Emily Mehring on being the FEA Teacher of the Month for December, well deserved!
Thank you CBE PTA!
Thank you to the CBE PTA for providing holiday treats and cheer for our staff!!!
PTA Meeting Tonight and Reflections Contest Information
CBE PTA are having a brief zoom meeting on tonight at 8pm featuring an update from Principal Larson. The link information and link is below.
Topic: CBE PTA Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 08:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ndsu.zoom.us/j/94896399646?pwd=RGExTUpOTDlQSlB2UjRERjNSWjJHdz09
Meeting ID: 948 9639 9646
Passcode: 038390
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,94896399646#,,,,*038390# US (San Jose)
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Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 948 9639 9646
Passcode: 038390
Students, are you interested in writing? Film making? Photography? Music composition? Dance? We are moving forward with the Reflections arts program. The topic this year is "I matter because...". Create your original piece and submit it directly to the state PTA. For more information check out: https://www.ndpta.org/reflections. The deadline for submission to the state is January 22.
Upcoming Events
January 12th, 2021 - PTA Meeting via Zoom
January 15, 2021 - End of first semester
January 18th, 2021 - No School - Staff Professional Development
January 19th, 2021 - First day of semester 2
CBE Co-Curricular Activities
2021 FPS Middle School Boys Basketball Plan
Boys basketball began on Monday January 4th. COVID continues to impact our activities, but with the COVID Instructional Planning Committee meeting and deciding to move forward with a plan for full student return on January 19th the boys basketball season will be a “phased-in” approach. Phase 2 and 3 of the season is tentative and, a final decision will be made following the COVID Instructional Planning Committee’s meeting.
Phase 1 - Hybrid Practice 1-4-2021 -- 1-15-2021
The season began on January 4th. From January 4th -- January 15th middle school students will be following the hybrid schedule. Basketball players will attend practices only on the days they are in the building.
Phase 2 - Full Team Practice 1-19-2021 -- 1-29-2021
Beginning January 19th practices will be held for all participants every day after school. Under NDHSAA Guidelines, participants are required to accumulate at least 9 practices prior to competing in any competitions so activity participants would spend the next week and a half accumulating enough practice time to compete formally.
Phase 3 - “Regular” Season 2-1-2021 -- 2-26-2021
Once participants have been provided an opportunity to accumulate 9 practices, games can be held. The three Fargo Public Middle School Activity Directors will meet to build a schedule for area competition between schools with games beginning on February 1st, 2021.
Safety Guidelines and Procedures
- Masks are highly recommended for coaches and players during practices and on the sidelines.
- Locker room use will be limited to changing into and out of practice gear only, coaches will build a rotation to limit the number of individuals in at a time.
- During phase 3, bus seating charts will be required
As with everything this year, the plan above is subject to change depending on guidance from Fargo Public Schools, Cass County Department of Health, and the CDC.
8th Grade Transition Meeting Sign-up with CBE Counselors
Hello 8th Grade Parents,
It is the time of year when we start the work of planning for High School. Please listen carefully to details regarding this important transition for your 8th grade student.
Information will be shared by South counselors in History classes on Wednesday, January 20th. If your student is enrolled in virtual academy or does not have a History class, you can access this information through the CBE Counseling website or in your students’ counseling google classroom on January 20th. If your student is going to be attending North high, please know the information covered will be similar.
8th Grade transition meetings will begin on January 21st and continue into late February. During this meeting, parents or guardians will meet individually with their student and students’ school counselor to choose 9th grade classes and discuss graduation requirements. Please visit the counseling page on the CBE website to sign up for a time. Please sign up no later than February 5th. Please note, parents will Zoom into the meeting during the school day.
Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have additional questions. All links to information in this message can be found in the email associated with this message.
Carl Ben Counseling Website:
Sign up for a Transition Meeting here:
Miss Johnson (A-G) 8th grade A-G students conference sign-up
Miss Ronnevik (H-N) 8th grade H-N students conference sign-up
Miss Wallender (O-Z) 8th grade O-Z students conference sign-up
View Program of Studies and Registration Special documents here.
Fargo Public Schools Accepting Nominations Beginning January 18 for Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff of the Year Awards
Parents and community members are invited to nominate a Fargo Public Schools teacher, administrator, or support staff member they feel is serving our students with excellence for consideration of a yearly recognition award. Online instructions, forms, and application process can be found at: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/StaffRecognitionProgram.
Nominations (online only) for each award will be accepted January 18 – 29, 2021.
The District will award the following this Spring:
Teacher of the Year Award − awarded to a certified staff member
Administrator of the Year Award − awarded to a principal, assistant principal, director or coordinator
Support Staff of the Year Award − awarded to an educational support staff member, custodial/maintenance department staff member, or nutrition services staff member
Nurse Notes
Are you a parent of a sixth grade student? If so, please read the following: North Dakota students entering middle school are required to receive additional vaccines. The two changes are as follows: Receive one dose of Meningococcal, available only after the age of 11 years. Receive a Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine booster. You may obtain the immunizations at your health care provider or at Fargo Cass Public Health. Please have your student receive these prior to the start of the school year. Also, remember to bring in the documentation of the immunization dates to the school.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Carl Ben Eielson School Nurse, Cheri Koch at cbmnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us or 701-446-1721.
FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE
Happy New Year Parents and Guardians!
We appreciate your help in keeping everyone at school safe and healthy. We are looking forward to a new healthy year. Here are just a few reminders.
What if my child will be absent?
Call the attendance office at 446-1710 to inform us of your child’s absence before 9:00 a.m. the morning of the absence. Feel free to call the attendance office at any time, 24 hours a day to leave a message. This message should include the student’s name, ID number, grade, date(s), and reason for absence. If your child is ill, please include all of their symptoms in your message. If no phone contact has been made, the student must present a written excuse signed by his/her parent to the attendance office when returning to school. Any absence not verified by phone or note will be considered unexcused.
What if my child will be tardy or returning to school late?
Students returning to school after classes have begun or returning to school after an appointment must press the buzzer, tell staff your name and ID number, and reason for tardiness/returning to school. The student will need a signed note unless we have already received a phone call.
How does my child get homework for the day?
We encourage students and parents to view the Google Classroom via PowerSchool for homework. Homework may also be requested through your student's teacher.
Where do I send the signed notes?
Signed notes or doctor notes should be emailed to aikensc@fargo.k12.nd.us (Attendance Secretary).
INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHOOL CANCELLATION
Prior to the Start of the School Day
In case of inclement weather during the winter months, the Fargo Public Schools will communicate information to parents and guardians regarding any school cancellations or late starts through an automated telephone message system. Also announcements of school delays and/or cancellations and busing schedule changes are given to all the local radio and television stations prior to 7:00 AM for public broadcast.
During the School Day
If inclement weather should occur during the school day, announcements of school cancellation and busing schedule changes will once again be issued to parent and guardians through our automated telephone message, as well be given to all the local media. Parents/guardians should listen for these periodic announcements on radio and television stations on bad weather days, and be prepared or make arrangements to pick up their students at the school or bus drop-off points at the announced times.
Two Hour Late Start
In the event of a late start, the buses will operate two hours late. Students will arrive between 10:00 and 10:15. They should proceed to their Period 3 class, and then follow their normal schedule.
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. It is important to make an appointment with the main office if you wish to see a principal or counselor. We are taking great measures to limit the amount of people in our building as part of the FPS SmartRestart Plan. At Levels 1, 2, and 3, Fargo Public Schools is restricting non-essential visitation. Please see the FPS SmartRestart Plan on the Fargo Public Schools Website for additional details.
To make an appointment with an administrator, please call the Carl Ben Eielson Main Office at 701-446-1700. To make an appointment with your student's counselor, please call 701-446-1711.
YEARBOOKS - DEADLINE MARCH 10TH
Yearbook orders will be taken online through SchoolPay. The cost is $17.00. Login to your PowerSchool parent account and SchoolPay is an option on the left side. 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 Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Please email Mr. Finton if you have any questions, fintonc@fargoschools.org.
Carl Ben Eielson Middle School
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/cbe
Location: 1601 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-1700
Twitter: @FPSCarlBen