BRUIN BRIEFING
December/January
Dear FSH Family Members and Friends
Greetings!
Here at South High School we are thankful for our Bruin community – whether it be the students, teachers, staff, families, alumni, … we are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people and so many wonderful opportunities for all. On November 22nd, the Bruin Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was inducted. Members of our junior and senior classes had the opportunity to meet and hear from these inductees and many students welcomed them into their classrooms. Further opportunities included our fall activities – what a fun season for all with lots of success – state tournament qualification in tennis, golf and volleyball, and Co-EDC Class A Champs in football, and now winter activities are underway! Students and staff have volunteered time and talents to Day of Compassion and donated goods to Fill the Dome. Whether it’s school activities or community service, South students and staff are making a significant impact on each other and on our community. It is remarkable to see all of the different ways our students “Strive for Excellence” – it is not merely a motto at South High, it is what we do every day!
As we near the end of Semester 1 on January 13th, 2023, I want to remind students and families of BAM (Bruins Achieving More) time which is available for all students to receive academic support. (BAM → Monday through Thursday 7:50 AM - 8:25 AM) Please contact your son or daughter’s teachers and /or the school anytime with questions or concerns; teachers will also let you know of their specific BAM mornings. Along with academics, attendance is key! Attendance is highly correlated with student success in the classroom and on-time graduation. Please take time to talk with your son or daughter about their attendance and feel free to contact South High with any barriers or strategies that you may learn. Your involvement is a crucial part in providing a positive learning experience for our students and in achieving South High’s goal, “All Students will Graduate.”
In closing, please be sure to purchase your tickets for the Musical, Beauty and the Beast at South High – December 8th through the 11th – it’s going to be great! South High School wishes our students and their families all the joy of the holiday season. All the best to you and your family.
Blessings,
Greta Evenson
Assistant Principal
INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION
The season of winter storms is upon us, and I want to reaffirm our mutual commitment to the safety of your school children. We maintain close communication with the U.S. Weather Service. When storm conditions develop, we must make the decision as to whether school will be held or not. This decision is based on the general conditions which exist for the majority of Fargo students. Weather conditions and distance to school will vary however, and parents should use their own judgment in determining if the weather is suitable for their children to make the journey to school on any particular day. If school is in session and it is your decision that your child should remain at home, that decision will be respected by the school.
If school is called off, the local radio and television stations will be notified as early as possible. School closing notices will also be posted on the internet via FPS and the weather section of In-Forum. In addition, you should receive a connect ed phone call from the district office with the information. If storm conditions develop during the day and it is determined that an early dismissal is in the best interest of the students, the media will be notified and principals will proceed with an orderly dismissal. Elementary principals will dismiss students consistent with the instructions provided by parents on the emergency/weather school closing form.
If it is announced that school will be starting late, we will begin the school day at 10:35. Students will report to their period 3 upon arrival.
We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding in this important matter. Be assured that the well-being of your children is of utmost importance to us.
SENIORS - GRADUATION CAP/GOWN ORDERS
Jostens representatives will meet with seniors on Wednesday, December 7th @ 8:00am in the dome gym. Information will be shared regarding the ordering of graduation caps and gowns. Jostens will return on Wednesday, December 14th to collect the order forms and payment. Any orders received after December 14th may be subject to a late fee.
YEARBOOKS
Reminder! Don’t forget to purchase your 2022-23 yearbook. Only $60.00. You can do this by logging into your School Pay account.
Don’t miss out on your memories of Fargo South High School.
SENIOR PICTURES
Senior Pictures are due January 31st. Digital photos can be sent to fshyearbook@fargoschools.org (preferred) or a hard copy dropped off in the main office.
A $10 late fee will be required if submitted after January 31st. No pictures will be accepted after March 1st. Questions please contact Mr. Monsen at fshyearbook@fargoschools.org.
GRAD ADS
Parents, siblings and friends of Seniors! Grad Ad deadline is March 30th. Please contact Mr. Monsen at fshyearbook@fargoschools.org for pricing and information on Grad Ads.
YEARBOOK PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for South High School senior yearbook photos are as follows:
- Senior pictures should be portrait not landscape in orientation
- All senior portraits shall be of the student only. No additional person or pets will be allowed in photos
- The yearbook prefers head and shoulder photos. We want YOU to be the focus of the photo, not the background or props
- JPEG (.jpg) digital image format is required with 300 DPI or higher resolution image files for actual size of photo. (in other words, we need high resolution image files for printing purposes)
- The photo is not to have any writing on it, including: name, the year or the studio’s name. No watermarked or “proof” photos will be accepted.
All photos must conform to school policies and standards and are subject to approval by, but not limited to, the yearbook staff, yearbook advisor, and school administration.
- Violation of school policies, dress code, or behavior codes
- Display of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or weapons of any kind
- Inappropriate gestures, facial expressions or postures
- Revealing, suggestive, or obscene clothing
The yearbook staff, as directed by the yearbook advisor, reserves the right to edit, retouch, crop, or resize any photo submitted. Senior portraits that do not meet yearbook specifications will not be published. The yearbook staff has the right to request a different photograph if the above guidelines are not met. The yearbook staff reserves the right to edit or deny any submitted photo for publication and printing in the yearbook.
FPS DELAYED BUS ROUTE PLAN 2022-23
Last winter, Fargo Public Schools canceled several bus routes due to a shortage of bus drivers. This school year, to reduce bus route cancellations and to still provide transportation to school, FPS will run affected bus routes on a one-hour delay. School buildings will still start at their normal time; families are encouraged to transport their students on time, if possible. FPS realizes that not all families can transport their students if their bus route is canceled; instead, we will offer a one-hour delayed route. Affected students will not be counted tardy due to the delay. Please note that students will still receive their specialized instruction as indicated in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
If a driver shortage occurs, Valley Bus will notify affected riders of select routes by a voice call, email and/or text message to the contact information on file with the school. The message will instruct the rider that their original route pick-up time will run one hour late. An example would be if a student were to be picked up at 7:55 a.m. at 12th Ave. South and 7th Street, the new time would be 8:55 a.m.
Parents can check their child’s normal pick-up time using the “Bus Route by Address” option on the FPS Transportation website. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in PowerSchool.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
ALL Current 8th -11th grade students/families:
January 9, 4:00-7:00 pm - Registration Open House at South High- an opportunity for students and parents to talk with teachers about the classes being taught, different levels of classes (ie., Advanced Placement, Dual Credit), and elective class options.
5:30 pm in the theater: presentation for 8th grade students, parents/guardians
Current 8th grade students
January 4: South High counselors will visit Discovery 8th graders to distribute registration materials, discuss course selections, review graduation requirements.
January 19: South High counselors will visit CBE 8th graders to distribute registration materials, discuss course selections, review graduation requirements.
8th grade students: (be sure to attend your 8th grade conference with your current counselor who will help guide you through the registration process and finalize the plan for next year)
Current 9th grade students
January 25: Counselors will visit current 9th grade students during Physical Science classes to distribute registration materials, discuss course selections and review graduation requirements
February 2-3: Counselors will visit Physical Science classes again to assist 9th grade students in entering and finalizing their course selections for next year
Current 10th grade students
January 31: Counselors will visit current 10th grade students in Biology classes to distribute registration materials, discuss course selections and review graduation requirements
February 7 & 8: Counselors will visit Biology classes again to assist 10th grade students in entering and finalizing their course selections for next year
Current 11th grade students
February 6: Counselors will visit current 11th grade students in English classes to distribute registration materials, discuss course selections and review graduation requirements
February 14 & 15: Counselors will visit English classes again to assist 11th grade student in verifying credits needed for graduation, and in entering their final course selections.
All students are encouraged to speak with their parents, teachers and counselors as they work toward goals they have set for themselves. As students plan for next year’s classes, they should keep in mind requirements for graduation, requirements for admission into any school beyond high school, exploring career options and personal learning. This newsletter contains information regarding all of these topics. Thinking carefully about one’s high school years and post-high school plans is a necessity.
HOW MANY CLASSES SHOULD A STUDENT TAKE?
Consider the demands of various combinations of courses. There are eight periods in the South High school day, with a starting time of 8:35 a.m. and an ending time of 3:35 p.m. We recommend that students choose six classes per semester, leaving two free hours (study halls) per semester. Seven classes is a heavy load and eight can be an overload. Students taking seven or eight classes need to have plenty of out-of-school time for homework. Students with extracurricular or employment obligations need to pay careful attention to course loads.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
4 credits of English
- English 1 or Honors English 1
- English 2 or Honors English 2
- English 3 or AP English 3 Lang/Comp
- English 4 or AP English 4 Lit/Comp
3 credits of Math
- Algebra 1 or Algebra 1-Intro/Conclusion
- Geometry or Informal Geometry
- Additional Math beyond Geometry
3 credits of Science
- Physical Science
- Biology
- Additional Science
3 credits of Social Studies
- Western Civilization/AP European History
- US History/AP US History
- Economics/AP Economics
- Government/AP Government
1.5 credit Physical Education
0.5 credits Health
3 Credits of World Language, Fine Arts, or Career and Tech Ed.
6 credits of Elective classes
Pass the Civics Test
24 total credits
SCHOLARSHIPS
Nearly every day new scholarship opportunities arrive at South High. Students and parents should recognize that there are a wide variety of criteria used to award scholarship dollars. These include, but are not limited to: financial need, community service, extra co-curricular activities, academic ability, talents/interests, ethnicity, military affiliation, apprenticeship, and 2-year schools.
Where do I look?
South High Resources:
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/south
- Click on Counseling Center
- Click on Scholarships
- Scholarship listings are also posted in the Career Center and on the website regularly
Outside Resources
- Internet (see a listing of other websites at our website)
- Books
- Businesses
- Organizations
- School you plan to attend (admissions or financial aid office)
Applications for scholarships are usually online; others can be found in the Career Center. Timelines and deadlines for scholarships vary, please watch them closely.
SEE YOUR COUNSELOR for more information!
ND SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
The total value of the scholarship is $6,000, disbursed $750 per semester or $500 per quarter. Recipients have up to six years following high school graduation to use the scholarship. To qualify for a disbursement, recipients must be enrolled full-time, as defined by the financial aid office at the institution, maintain the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75, and maintain progress towards degree completion requirements of the scholarship.
The scholarship can be used at any of the approved public, private or tribal colleges within the state of North Dakota. Eligible institutions must be regionally accredited and offer programs of study of at least 2 years in length.
The online application for the ND Scholarship are submitted between January 4 - June 4, 2022. Students can apply for this scholarship online at the ND Education Portal which can be accessed through their PowerSchool account or at https://www.nd.gov/dpi/parentscommunity/students/academic-and-cte-scholarship. Once approved, students have up to six years to access these scholarship dollars. Therefore, any student who qualifies should apply for this scholarship, even if not planning to attend a ND school in case plans change. This scholarship can also be applied to students who may return to ND for graduate school within 6 years of graduation.
Starting with the Class of 2025
LOOKING AHEAD FOR JUNIORS
Consider the following:
- take the ACT or SAT in the spring (State ACT will be given March 21st)
- arranging college visitations for the spring or summer:
- developing a resume of the high school years to help when completing scholarship, school, and job applications;
- continuing a strong, academically-oriented schedule of classes for your senior year;
- arranging a job shadow through the Career Center in order to explore career interests.
STATE MANDATED JUNIOR TESTING
March 21, 2023 is the state mandated and paid ACT test for all juniors. This ACT is a Standard ACT with writing and can be used for college admissions, the same as an ACT administered on a National test day. This testing is not optional and is free. This is a great opportunity for juniors to qualify for $6000 scholarships offered through the state (see above for more information). Please call the Counseling Office at 701-446-2015 if you have any questions about this program.
ACT WORKKEYS REGISTRATION
The WorkKeys assessments are designed to allow students to demonstrate work readiness in the areas of Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Students who score well may be eligible for a National Career Readiness Certificate. Students who score five (5) or higher on all three WorkKeys tests will have fulfilled one of the requirements for the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship worth up to $6,000. Talk to your counselor to see if you qualify!
The WorkKeys will be offered at South on January 24. The cost for all three tests is $37.50 Additional information about WorkKeys is available at: http://www.act.org/workkeys/index.html
ACT/SAT COLLEGE EXAM SCHEDULE FOR 2022/23
The ACT and SAT are college entrance tests required by most 4 year colleges. Students should check with the specific schools they plan to apply to for the test needed. These tests are generally taken during the latter part of a student’s junior year and during senior year. To sign up or see the locations where testing is offered, see websites listed below.
ACT Exam Schedule for 2022/23
South High School Code: 350-565
ACT Fee: $63.00
ACT with Writing: $88.00
Late Registration—add $36.00
SAT Exam Schedule for 2022/23
South High School Code: 350-565
SAT Fee: $60.00
Late Registration: Add $30.00
WAIVER OPPORTUNITIES
If students qualify for the free lunch program, there are opportunities available for him/her to receive fee waivers or cost reductions for some events. These may include fee waivers for ACT/SAT/PSAT exams; reduced price for AP exams; scholarships for ZAPS workshops; and college applications. Please check with your counselor to make sure students access these opportunities.
E-TRANSCRIPTS
High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors can now process transcript requests electronically through eTranscripts. Students request their transcript securely and at their convenience through their PowerSchool account.
1. Students log into their PowerSchool account and click on the icon with the arrow/box
2. Click ND Education Portal
3. Click tab with student’s name
4. Click Send Transcript tab
5. Search by State in where college is located
6. Scroll to find college and click on it
7. Click send now
Please allow 2 days for approval. If you have any questions, please stop by the Counseling Office or call Keelie Goodman @ 701-446-2016.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2023
1st Semester
June 8 - 29
2nd Semester
July 6 - 27
PE classes are June 8 - July 27
Vacation from June 30 - July 5
Registration begins February 1.
Contact your school Counselor for more information.
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS
Dr. Todd Bertsch, Principal - (701) 446-2004
Greta Evenson, Asst. Principal (A-K) - (701) 446-2005
Dr. Shannon Mortrud, Asst. Principal (L-Z) - (701) 446-2008
Mike Beaton, Activities Coordinator - (701) 446-2006
Dode Bentson, Administrative Assistant - (701) 446-2010
Donna Lee, Activities Secretary - (701) 446-2011
Kris Haphey, Bookkeeper - (701) 446-2022
Student Services
Laurie Schlenker - (701) 446-2017
Dennis Miller - (701) 446-2019
Vanessa Boehm - (701) 446-2021
Adrienne Eider - (701) 446-2020
Keelie Goodman, Registrar - (701) 446-2016
Beth Phillips, Secretary - (701) 446-2015
Troy Nielsen, SRO - (701) 446-2025
Brenda Koppy, Career Center - (701) 446-2028
Amber Fish, School Nurse - (701) 446-2034
ATTENDANCE OFFICE (701) 446-2023
Good attendance, whether at school or on the job, is very important. If a student must be absent from school, please call Tyann Schlenker @ (701) 446-2023.
Class attendance will be reported daily by period. It is the intent of the attendance secretary to contact parents at home or work the same day by phone to directly report any class(es) that have been reported as absent.
PTSA - REFLECTIONS PROGRAM
Calling all creative Bruins!!
The PTA Reflections Program has returned to Fargo South!
Students this is a great opportunity for recognition and possible scholarship opportunities at the national level simply by submitting your creative work!
Each year, over 300,000 students (nationally) in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. The theme for the 2022-2023 school year is Show Your Voice! Students can submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
The deadline to submit your entry is January 19, 2023. If you have any questions regarding the program please contact Fargo South’s Reflections Chair, Amy Kain, amykain@yahoo.com.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- December 8 - 11 - Musical - Beauty and the Beast
- December 23 - January 2 - Winter Holiday Break - No School
- January 3 - Classes Resume
- January 9 - 8th Grade Parent Night 4:00 - 7:00 pm
- January 13 - End of First Semester
- January 16 - Staff Professional Development - No School
- February 13 & 14 - ZAPS Workshop (ACT Test Prep)
- February 17 - Vacation Day - No School
- February 20 - Staff Professional Development - No School
- March 6 & 7 - P/T Conferences - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
- March 13-17 - Spring Break - No School
- March 28 - End of Quarter
- April 1 - Prom
- April 7 - Good Friday Holiday - No School
- April 10 - Storm Makeup Day if needed - otherwise No School
- April 17 - South High Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- May 1 - 12 - AP Testing
- May 26 - Storm Makeup Day if needed - otherwise No School
- May 29 - Memorial Day - No School
- June 1 - Last Day of Classes
- June 4 - Graduation - 6:00 pm @ FARGODOME
Fargo South High School
Greta Evenson, Asst. Principal
Dr. Shannon Mortrud, Asst. Principal
Mike Beaton, Activities Coordinator
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/south
Location: South High School, 15th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-2000
Twitter: @fargosouthhigh