Spartan Spotlight
February 2020
Hello Spartan Families,
In my twenty-five years at North, there have been many exciting activities, initiatives, and plans. I have gotten to know hundreds, if not thousands of parents/guardians and students, enjoying every opportunity I have had to make their acquaintance. Even though I have been here a quarter of a century, there is still anticipation of what excitement the day will bring. I look forward to visiting classrooms, making connections with students and staff, plus attending activities.
The staff at Fargo North High School tries to always have the best interest of students in mind. Whether it is the teacher who contributes clothing to students in need, the paraeducators who take their time to work tirelessly with students, or the teachers who have early morning and late evening help sessions, they all provide opportunities for students – then advocate for them. Our School Resource Officer, custodial staff, library staff, and kitchen workers all come to work with a smile on their face, as do those in the main office/counseling office/attendance and nurse’s office. We are so fortunate. Fargo North is a great place to be. We are fortunate to have you as part of the family.
February will fly by so quickly. We may see signs of weather warming up a tad and our students, potentially, preparing to help with the flood efforts. We will be ready for the worst but hope for the best.
A few changes of which you should be aware:
- 1. Conferences: This year we will have only one day for the visit. Please plan on coming on February 24th, Monday, from 4:30 -8:00 pm. We would love to see you in the Spartandome – arena style.
- 2. The Academic Breakfast, for which students must qualify, will be March 18th. Typically, this event has been in May and has been coupled with Senior Scholarships. This year it will just be Academic lettering! Invitations will arrive in early February.
Have a great February!
Dr. K. Cieslak
701.446.2406
Important Contact Numbers
North High Main Office
Main Office - 446-2400
Andy Dahlen, Principal - 446-2404
Mark Blanshan, Assistant Principal - 446-2499
Travis Christensen, Asst. Prin./Activities Dir - 446-2407
Kathy Cieslak, Assistant Principal - 446-2406
Jessica Geir, Administrative Asst. - 446-2405
Della Nystrom, Bookkeeper - 446-2409
Keri VanEnk, Activities Secretary - 446-2408
ATTENDANCE OFFICE
Stacey Bush - 446-2410
Wendy Peterson - 446-2411
COUNSELING OFFICE
Nikki Brandenburger, Registrar/Secretary - 446-2412
COUNSELORS
Terri Court (A - F) - 446-2415
Mandy Orth Gibney (G - K) - 446-2416
Janelle Stahl Ladbury (L - R) - 446-2414
Kate Evenson (S - Z) - 446-2417
STUDENT SERVICES
Jamie Benson, Student Wellness & Family Facilitator - 446-2494
Mary Krueger, Student Wellness & Family Facilitator - 446-2456
Hannalee Shaw, Career Resource Center - 446-2413
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Officer Jason Abel, SRO - 446-2631
SCHOOL NURSE
Brenda Weisenberger, School Nurse - 446-2486
ATHLETIC TRAINER
J.D. Darling - 446-2447
Jordan Wolf - 446-2447
NUTRITION SERVICES
Tammie Schaffer - 446-2517
Congratulations to the Students of the Quarter
The following students were recognized by faculty and support staff for their extra effort and achievement during second quarter. Their names will go into a weekly drawing for a front row parking spot and a t-shirt/certificate. The weekly winners’ picture will be displayed outside the school office.
Congratulations to: Owen Bartz, Tonya Berg, Mackenzie Carlson, Ellie Charlton, Isaac Cody, Kena Debebe, Dominic Engen, Tyler Flaig, Addie Hammes, Jacob Hanson, Abby Heggeness, Andrea Hinkley, Hannah Houim, Alexis Iverson, Brooke Jennison, Lydia Lepper, Anna Lien, Ryan Manly, Braxton Middaugh, Dustin Morken, Isabella Munro, Aarya Panwalkar, Georgia Paul, Kayla Peightal, Aron Pochmara, Austin Reid, Nicolette Rogne, Jack Rose, Jawaad Salim, Kasen Sanders, Chasity Semmons, Colette Smith, Erika Spanjer, Carly Swanson, Tyler Thrash, Max Thykeson, Tori Trenda, Eva Unger, Ryann Vetsch, Carolynn Walker, Matt Walker, Kayla Zeller and Promise Zeon
2020-2021 Course Registration
Each year, students and families have the opportunity to review, discuss and revise their 4-year academic plan for graduation. Students or parents/guardians can request a meeting with their school counselor. Course selection and registration for the 2020-2021 school year will take place the first week of February. During the registration process, students will review their graduation requirements and course offerings, and revise their 4-year graduation plan. Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with their families, teachers, case managers and counselors. Each student will have a review session with their counselor prior to registering for their courses. If you or your student would like to schedule additional time with a counselor to review his/her graduation plan and course choices, please call 446-2412.
One Act Play
WHAT: PUFFS
WHERE: Fargo North High School Theater
WHEN: February 6th and 7th @ 7:30 p.m.
PLUG: For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is a story of the Puffs…who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. The NY Times proclaims PUFFS, “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For POTTERphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, ‘PUFFS’ exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”
TICKETS: $5.00 All tickets sold at the door. No online box office for this show. General Admission Seating
Boys & Girls Track Practice Starts
It’s hard to believe, but some spring activities are starting this month. Boys' and girls' track practice starts Monday, February 24. Students are to report to the Fitness Center immediately following period 8. Questions should be directed to Gary Mailloux at 701-730-8194 (boys), Talia Butery at 701-306-0988 (girls), or Adam Roland 701-446-2460.
Spring Co-Curricular Meeting
There will be a spring co-curricular meeting on Wednesday, February 12, at 5:00 p.m. at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School in the Hangar. This meeting is for any freshmen or students new to co-curricular activities who have not attended a meeting this year, but plan to participate in a spring activity.
February Parent Teacher Conferences
Open conferences will be held Monday, February 24, from 4:30 p.m.—8 p.m. A certain number of teachers will have scheduled conferences. If you have a scheduled conference you would have been contacted via mail or phone call from your student’s teacher. Conferences will be arena style in the Spartandome.
Grand March Tickets
If the Dress Fits
MSUM will be hosting the annual "If the Dress Fits" event, which has hundreds of prom dresses available for students to choose from at no cost.
The event will take place from NOON to 4:00 PM on FEBRUARY 8TH and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on FEBRUARY 9TH in NEMZEK HALL at MSUM.
Some things to note:
-Dressing rooms will be available
-Students must bring flip flops or slippers in order to keep dresses clean
-Proof of Financial Hardship is NOT required
-High School ID IS required
For more information contact:
Ashleigh Arntson 218-491-0678/ashkarntson@gmail.com
Amy Arntson 218-213-1926/gardnerarntson@yahoo.com
MSUM contact 218-477-2509/kay.beckermann@mnstate.edu
WorkKeys Testing
Seniors who need to take the WorkKeys tests may register with Hannalee Shaw in the Counseling Center. There are 3 tests and the cost is $12.00 per test. WorkKeys testing will be offered on Tuesday, February 18th and Thursday, March 19th. Students will take all 3 tests on one of those dates.
Zapping the ACT
Doorway to College “ZAPPING the ACT” Preparation Seminar will be held at North High School on Saturday, February 23, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Room #715. The cost is $95. Students may register at: www.doorwaytocollege.com. Students should see their counselor if they are need of financial assistance.
Juniors - State Mandated ACT
All Juniors will be taking the state mandated ACT on March 3, 2020 at North High School. Registration will occur during school.
Free ACT Test Prep for Juniors!
Our school has been offered a fantastic new opportunity for juniors to participate in before the March ACT they will be taking. Amplitude Test Prep has given our students a code to register FOR FREE for personalized virtual ACT Test Prep.
To participate in this opportunity or to learn more about it, students should click here. The code is FNHS2020. If the student has not taken an ACT before, they should leave the "Previous ACT Score" fields at 15.
**Please note that this free code is being offered by the company to obtain data on their product. Because of this, they are asking that we help them by tracking the success of our students who have participated. Fargo North will ensure that no names will be released with test scores to increase confidentiality.
If you have any questions, please call Hannalee Shaw at 701-446-2413.
ACT/SAT Exam Schedule
The ACT and SAT are college entrance tests required by most 4-year colleges. Students should check with the specific school they plan to apply to for the appropriate test. These tests are generally taken during the latter part of a student’s junior year and during their senior year. Register on the websites for the tests at: www.actstudent.org & www.collegeboard.com.
ACT Exam Schedule
North High School Code: 350-568
ACT Basic Fee: $52.00
ACT Plus Writing Fee: $68.00
Late Registration Additional Fee: $30.00
SAT Exam Schedule
North High School Code: 350-568
SAT Fee $49.50 SAT with Essay $64.50
Late Registration Additional Fee: $30.00
Late Registration Fee: $30.00
AP Testing
Senior Pictures
The deadline to submit a senior picture is fast approaching. If your senior has not submitted their picture for the yearbook, there will be a $10.00 late fee assessed if it’s submitted after March 1, 2020. Senior pictures should be emailed to our yearbook adviser at fnhyearbook@fargoschools.org.
Any senior photos submitted to the Laconian yearbook committee must meet the following regulations:
· Vertical orientation.
· 300 resolution (required for digital photos).
· In accordance with the school district’s weapons policy (Policy 5355), no weapons of any kind.
· Must follow school dress code (with the exception of school issued uniforms).
· Domesticated house pets are allowed.
· Only single-subject photos.
· No accessories or props condoning or promoting illegal activity.
· Deadline for senior photos must be met.
Yearbook editors have the right to refuse any pictures deemed inappropriate. Students will be asked to provide another picture if requirements are not met, or if picture is inappropriate.
Senior Exemption Policy
An email was sent to all senior students and their parents/guardians outlining our Senior Exemption Policy. Any senior meeting the following criteria, in each class, will be exempt from the last two days of finals.
1. Must have a “C” average or higher for second semester in the class.
2. No more than two excused absences per class, during second semester. (This includes medically excused).
3. No more than two tardies allowed in each class.
4. Attendance at funerals and school activity absences will not count against the student.
5. Students are automatically disqualified if suspended from school (ISS/OSS) or have truancies.
Seniors - Graduation Cap & Gown Orders
Please check with your senior to make sure they turned in their cap and gown order. If not, the order must be submitted directly to Jostens at the address on the packet. If you need to contact them directly, a message can be left at 701-235-1828.
2020 Graduation Notes
It’s not too early to start planning for some important graduation deadlines. Graduation for the Class of 2020 is Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at the FARGODOME. Prior to graduation, a few items need to be completed. Each student must meet the following obligations before a diploma will be presented.
1. All course work and tests must be completed on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
2. All independent study and correspondence course work must be completed by Friday, May 15, 2020. Grades will be transferred to North High School.
3. All bills must be paid (media center, athletic equipment, PLDs, books, etc.) by Monday, May 11, 2020.
4. The final day of classes is Thursday, May 28, 2020.
5. All detention must be completed. If not, students cannot attend graduation.
6. Graduation practice is Friday, May 29, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. at the FARGODOME. ALL SENIORS PARTICIPATING IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND PRACTICE.
7. If a student requests to receive a diploma without going through the graduation ceremony, they must notify their counselor in the Counseling Center by Friday, April 17, 2020.
8. Students are expected to dress appropriately. The cap, gown, tassel, honor cord (if applicable) and shoes are required.
9. All cap and gown orders should now be placed with Jostens.
ND Academic & CTE Scholarships
North Dakota high school seniors who meet all requirements for either the ND Academic or ND Career & Technical Education Scholarships must submit an online application between January 1 and June 1, 2020 to https://www.nd.gov/dpi/parentscommunity/academic-and-cte-scholarship
Students and parents/guardians who would like more information should contact your student’s counselor or Career Resource Specialist, Hannalee Shaw, 701-446-2412.
ND Scholars Program
The North Dakota Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides scholarships to North Dakota’s best and brightest high school graduates. The scholarship is a full tuition scholarship for students attending North Dakota’s public and tribal colleges and a tuition scholarship equal to NDSU/UND’s tuition for students attending North Dakota’s private institutions. For more information on the scholarship programs go to:
Scholarships
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VKY7ShDTSvrQtmIE9Lh4YB4E0ZTKueBshy5zBNgO6_g/edit#gid=0
Fee Waivers
If a student is financially unable to participate in an activity requiring a fee, waivers or other resources are often available to assist. The typical guideline used for eligibility is qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Students are encouraged to visit with their counselor if they may qualify or need any assistance.
E-Alerts
Open Door
Just a reminder, if you or your family are in need of personal hygiene supplies, household products, food or clothing, the North High School Open Door has a small variety of items. Students and families can access these items by contacting their school counselor. FNH encourages families to consider any needs they might have over school breaks and long weekends and contact the counseling office at 701-446-2412 prior to the break. If you need additional community supports, the counselors are available to help connect you with additional supports to meet your needs.
Immunization Update: For Current 10th and 11th Graders
For the school year 2020-2021, a second dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is required for students entering eleventh or twelfth grade. This means your eleventh or twelfth grade student will need proof of two doses of MCV4 before returning to school in the fall.
Ideally, children should receive one dose of MCV4 when they are eleven to twelve years old and a booster dose on or after their sixteenth birthday. Please schedule with your child’s health care provider or your local public health. Please have your child receive this booster prior to the start of the school year. Also, remember to bring in the documentation of the immunization date to the school.
Rape & Abuse Crisis Center
In partnership with Fargo Public Schools, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center (RACC) is offering counseling services to North High students. Jana Battagler, a counselor from RACC, will be available to meet with students to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to; healthy relationships, friendships, bullying, coping skills, technology safety, healthy sexuality, and trauma. Students that are interested in participating in this support should contact their school counselor or the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center at 701-293-7273.
After School Reminder
Transportation arrangements should be made to have your student(s) out of the building by 4:00 p.m. Doors are locked to the locker bays and academic wings and students are not allowed to enter.
Students are asked to wait in the foyer doors to be picked up and not be hanging around in the building after 4:00 p.m. unless they are involved in an after school activity.
Homework Hotline
North High has a Homework Hotline for homework requests for students missing more than two days of school. Most assignments can be found on the Daily Planner, but sometimes it is necessary to have some assignments gathered from a teacher. Steps to complete a request are listed below:
1. Call the Homework Hotline at 701-446-2712.
2. Leave a message with the following information:
- Student Name.
- Days absent (be sure absence has been reported to the attendance office).
- Possible date student will return to school.
- Caller’s name and a daytime phone number.
3. Homework requests called in by 9:00 a.m. will be available by 4:00 p.m. the same day.
4. Homework requests called in after 9:00 a.m. will be available by noon the next day.
REMINDER: The Daily Planner can be accessed at any time on our North High website. www.fargo.k12.nd.us/North for weekly assignments.
Student Messages
During the school day we will call your student to the office for a message only in an emergency situation. We ask that you please communicate with your student any information they may need for the day, prior to coming to school. (Ex: transportation, appointments, lunch money, etc.) Thank you.
Detention
Does your student have detention? We have several opportunities for student’s to make up their detention.
Tuesday & Thursday
2:55 - 3:45 p.m. Room 635
3:50 - 4:40 p.m. Room 635
Wednesday
7:45 - 8:35 a.m. Room 635
All detention needs to be served during times described above.
Students with outstanding detentions may not be able to participate in extra curricular activities until all detention has been completed. These activities include, but are not limited to: athletics, prom, plays, and school sponsored trips.
Seniors that do not complete their detention will not be allowed to participate in our spring graduation ceremony
Attendance
Students are expected to be in their classes every day, except in the case of illness, school related activities, family emergency, or religious observance. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children are in school unless a valid reason for absence exists. The Attendance Office asks that a student’s absence be reported by 9:00 a.m. If a student is not accounted for they will be recorded as truant. Please review the attendance policies found in our on-line student handbook. The Attendance Office may be reached by calling 446-2410 or 446-2411.
Thank you for contacting the Attendance Office directly!
Secondary Summer School
The dates for the 2020 Secondary Summer School Sessions have been set!
- Semester 1: June 3-June 23, 2020
- Semester 2: June 24-July 17, 2020
- July 4th Break: July 2-6, 2020
Registration will open on Tuesday, January 28, 2020
PTSA Monthly Meeting
Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2020
Kindergarten opened online at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/registration on February 1, 2020. Child must be age 5 by July 31, 2020 to attend school in the fall.
Registration is a two-step process: online registration and document submission.
STEP ONE: Registration can be completed at home online anytime or at computer kiosks in the office at each Fargo Public elementary school building on the following dates with extended office hours:
· February 24, 26, and 28 – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· February 25, 27, and March 2 – 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
STEP TWO: Once online registration has been completed, families MUST bring the following documents to the school their child will attend to finalize their child’s registration:
· Child’s certified birth certificate
· Child’s current immunization record
· Document (i.e. current city utility bill or bank statement) that includes parent/guardian name and address to verify the correct neighborhood school
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.
Questions? Call the school office or Betsy Beaton at 701-446-1043.
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
- February 17 - Staff Professional Development - No School
- February 18 - Vacation Day
- February 24 - P/T Conferences - Open 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
March 18 - End of Third Quarter
- March 19 - 22 - Spring Holiday Break - No School
- April 10 - Good Friday Holiday - No School
- April 13 - Storm Makeup Day if needed - if not, vacation day - No School
Fargo North High School
Andy Dahlen, Principal - 446-2404
Travis Christensen, Activities Director - 446-2407
Mark Blanshan, Asst. Principal - 446-2499
Kathy Cieslak, Asst. Principal - 446-2406
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/North
Location: 801 17th Avenue North, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-2400