Packer Nation News
December Update
A Note from the Principal:
It's always the most wonderful time of year to be a Packer. From festive music concerts to our overtime hockey victory against the Mustangs to a WFHS student being elected Class A Representative at State Student Council (congratulations, Reina Jacobson!), we've enjoyed celebrating Packer Pride this season and hope you all feel it too. If you're hunting for a present for a gift-giving holiday, look no further than our online school store (password: packers)!
The end of Semester 1 is only a few weeks away (final date on Friday, January 13) and I wanted to highlight opportunities for your student to receive academic assistance:
- WIN sessions (every Tuesday and Thursday, sign up via FlexTime Manager)
- Homework Room (every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:35-4:35p in room 108E)
- Teachers are often more than willing to connect with students before and after school and throughout the day if students reach out in advance. Email or Schoology message (or ask them in person!) the teacher to set up this opportunity for extra help!
We will be following an adjusted schedule the final two days of the semester (see it here) on Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13. This will allow classes extended time for assessments and feedback over two days, a lengthened WIN time for study sessions and the beloved WFHS tradition of Packer Pancakes sponsored by our very own Packer Backers!
Attendance continues to be absolutely essential. Students do receive detention due to an unverified (UV) absence. This includes advisory (Packer Time and WIN). If a student does not attend the WIN session (Tuesdays and Thursdays) assigned to them via Flex Time Manager, they receive an automatic half hour of detention. Please encourage your student to check in with their administrator regarding their assigned detention if they believe it's a mistake!
As always, to stay apprised of your student's success, please look for text messages regarding unexcused tardies and unexcused absences as well as text messages noting low and high grades. You also have access to monitor your student's progress and assignments via Parent Portal in PowerSchool and Schoology. You are an essential team member as we work together in support of your student toward the goal of graduation and your vigilance is appreciated!
This newsletter contains important information regarding:
- Inclement weather schedule
- Post Prom/Post Grad information
- Students of the Month for September and October
- The transition to block scheduling
- Profile of a Graduate in December (focus: communication)
- Academic eligibility (from student handbook)
Please review the information and contact us as questions and concerns arise. We wish you a wonderful winter break and a very happy New Year!
All my best,
Rachel Bachmeier
Just in Case: Inclement Weather Schedule
There's a winter storm on the horizon! To be ready, please review the plan for virtual learning on an inclement weather day.
There is no Packer Time or WIN on inclement weather days. The first half of the class is synchronous learning via Microsoft Teams (students should log into Teams at the start of the class time) and the second half of the class is time to work on assignments and activities. Learners are able to reach out to their teachers with any questions or concerns!
Who's Who in the Main Office at West Fargo High School
Rachel Bachmeier
- Principal
- 701-499-1801
- rbachmeier@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Jon Asprey
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-9300
- Student Names: A-E
- jasprey@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dr. Wayne Samson
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-1802
- Student Names: L-Q
- wsamson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Rick Wilson
- Assistant Principal
- 701-499-1803
- Student Names: R-Z
- rwilson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Lindsey Metz
- Dean of Students
- 701-499-1809
- Student Names: F-K
- lmetz@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Officer Jason Balvik
- School Resource Officer (WFPD)
- 701-499-1988
- jbalvik@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Cindy Martin
- Administrative Assistant for Attendance
- Student Names: A-K
- 701-499-9391
Teresa Renwick
- Administrative Assistant for Attendance
- Student Names: L-Z
- 701-499-1808
Kelsey Gumke
- School Nurse
- 701-499-1811
- kgumke@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Justin Behm
- Activities Coordinator
- 701-499-1804
- jbehm@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dawn Petersen
- Administrative Assistant for Activities
- 701-499-1806
- dlpetersen@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Stacey King
- Social Worker
- sking@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Updates from WFHS Counseling
Important Dates:
December 12-15: 11th Grade Minute Meetings
Minute Meetings are brief check-ins between the student and school counselor that are conducted two times per school year. The purpose of Minute Meetings is to ensure every student gets the opportunity to speak with their school counselor, discuss postsecondary goals, and identify whether further academic, career, or social-emotional supports are needed.
Family Resources:
Please encourage your learner to ask for what they need. Students commonly struggle in class, but do not talk with their teachers about those struggles. We know asking for help, especially the first time, can be hard. Practicing how to have those conversations with your learner can be helpful. While it may feel uncomfortable, hearing yourself say out loud how you would ask for help is a great way to feel more confident in those conversations. Encourage your learner to reach out to their teachers in ways that work for them, such as talking before or after class, sending them a message on Schoology, or attending WIN (What I Need) sessions. The Homework Room is also available to ALL students Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:35-4:35p in room 108E, if students want general support in their classes.
Counseling Appointments:
Learners may make their own appointments to meet with their school counselor by going to the Counseling Office to identify a time that works with their schedule. This is the most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. Your learner can request to see their school counselor for social/emotional support, academic, or career needs. So, please encourage your learner to stop in and make an appointment!
If parents/guardians are concerned about their learner, they may reach out directly to their learner’s school counselor using the contact information below.
Counseling Office
F: 701-356-2059
Jamie Zuel
- Student Names: A-Dn
- 701-499-1813
- jzuel@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Courtney Quist
- Student Names: Do-I
- 701-499-1817
- caquist@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dana Rosendahl
- Student Names: J-Mt
- 701-499-1814
- drosendahl@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Dr. Chasity Odden Heide
- Student Names: Mu-Sc
- 701-499-1816
- codden-heide@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Tessa Roberts
- Student Names: Sd-Z
- 701-499-1815
- troberts@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
December's Profile of a Graduate Focus Disposition: Communication
The district's Profile of a Graduate represents the core values of West Fargo Public Schools. The Profile of a Graduate outlines eight dispositions for our learners and educators to nurture as members of our Packer community and citizens of our world.
The Profile of a Graduate culminates in a senior year capstone project, in which students highlight artifacts and experiences demonstrating the eight dispositions in their real life.
The focus Profile of a Graduate disposition for the month of December is communication.
During the month of December students will participate in Packer Time lessons aligned to communication including 7-Second Resumes, non-verbal communication, and listening skills. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and discuss the importance of communication with your learner!
More information about the Profile of a Graduate can be found on this district webpage.
Congratulations to Our Students of the Month for September and October!
October Student of the Month: Grade 12
October Student of the Month: Grade 11
October Student of the Month: Grade 10
October Student of the Month: Grade 9
September Student of the Month: Grade 12
September Student of the Month: Grade 11
September Student of the Month: Grade 10
September Student of the Month: Grade 9
Block Schedule Starting Fall 2023
We wanted to reach out to you regarding an upcoming scheduling change, taking effect the 2023-2024 school year. All West Fargo Public Schools high schools will be transitioning to a block schedule. Horace High School is already on a block schedule and WFHS and SHS will be aligning with them beginning fall 2023.
To ease in this transition, we’ve attached and linked a variety of resources:
- The attached overview letter contains basic information about block scheduling and sample schedules. Start here!
- This video was shared with learners grades 9-11 in Packer Time today to introduce block scheduling.
- The document contains highlights from research regarding block scheduling
- This form is available to submit questions from families about the block schedule. WFHS and SHS administration will review questions and create a public Q&A document with answers.
- This Q&A document was made in response to questions submitted by students!
1/3 of high schools in the United States utilize block scheduling and we’re excited about the potential of the block schedule to positively impact learners and widen and deepen the experiences they can have through our programming.
In addition to the informational session about block scheduling held during conferences last week, we will be hosting a second informational session at West Fargo High School on Monday, January 9 at 6:00p
Please review the materials and utilize the Q&A form, attend an informational session, or reach out to administration as you have questions and concerns. This is a big change, and we want to support our community through the process.
Post Prom/Post Grad Needs Your Help!
The Post Prom/Post Grad committee is a group of Packer families whose goal is to provide safe events for our Packers on both prom and graduation nights. For over 35 years, WFHS Post Prom and Post Graduation parties have provided thousands of students in our community with a drug and alcohol free alternative for celebrations (see photos below of past events!). Post Prom will occur at Cheney Middle School on May 6, 2023, and Post Grad will be held at NDSU Memorial Union on May 28, 2023.
Please follow WFHS Packers Post Prom/Post Grad on Facebook for updates and activities to assist in continuing this tradition. If you are willing to help join us in planning the events, email Melissa Halvorson at halvorson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us to be included in the group email for future information
SUPPORT WFHS AND JOIN PACKER BACKERS!
Packer Backers is West Fargo High School's booster program. All money raised is used to support our students, athletes, staff, and community. For example, Packer Backer donations have made senior class breakfasts, new scoreboards, and new scoring tables possible! They do not only support athletics; they have provided financial support for a variety of school programs including DECA, FCCLA, Post Prom/Post Grad, and Spanish Club to name a few!
For more information, reach out to wfpackerbackers@gmail.com!
Career Opportunities at West Fargo High School: Join Our Team!
- Library Assistant (This staff member works with our Library Media Specialist, Technology Integrationist, and the full-time library assistant to provide a meaningful library experience for educators and learners. This is a part-time position with 5.5 hours daily).
- Paraprofessionals (A paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certified or licensed educator to support and assist with providing instructional and non-instructional services to learners. Our paraprofessionals are highly valued educators in our building and are essential members of the instructional team. WFHS has full time positions available with benefits.)
Student Handbook Highlight: Academic Eligibility
Our student athletes and performers are students first! We have high academic expectations for athletes and performers to be academically eligible. Information about academic eligibility is below and other components of eligibility can be found here.
While participating in extracurricular activities, a student must be doing passing work in at least 25 class hours per week (the passing grade will be computed from the beginning of the semester or quarter, and related to such subjects that have a minimum credit value of one‐half unit per semester). The 25 class hours must consist of all subjects that are carried daily for five days a week. A student who has special permission to be enrolled in less than 25 class hours per week must have their eligibility approved by the principal (Example: A student who is taking college classes or has extended illnesses). Students MUST be in attendance the last three class periods of THEIR school day to participate in any competition or practice. Exceptions for medical appointments (with a note from doctor) and family emergencies will be made as needed.
Academic eligibility for a student in grades 9-12 shall be determined weekly beginning with the second week of each quarter. The period of ineligibility will be from list to list on a weekly basis; the list will be generated on Friday and take effect on Monday. Likewise, if students are currently ineligible but have met academic requirements for the new marking period, they will become eligible on the Monday following the Friday when the list is generated. If a week has three days or less, no changes in eligibility will occur. Student eligibility at the end of each semester shall be determined by their semester grade (a student must have earned 2.5 credits to be eligible at the end of each semester). At the beginning of a semester, an ineligible student may become eligible after two weeks have passed from the first day of the semester and they have been deemed academically eligible. Spring sports with contests following graduation will be governed by the eligibility list that was in effect for the last portion of the fourth quarter.
Following the first and third quarters, a student will be ineligible for two weeks. This is when the first list will be published for the next grading period. Summer school grades cannot be used for eligibility purposes.
Extracurricular supervisors and administrators will monitor academic standings and notify individual students if they become ineligible.
College and Career Readiness
North Dakota Scholarship:
Senior students graduating from a North Dakota high school may be eligible for one of three scholarships that can be used at a North Dakota college, university, or eligible training program. There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $6,000. Information on ND scholarships can be found online.
Visit the WFHS Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage for additional information.
Scholarship Support
Senior students can look for upcoming WIN sessions for scholarship support, including the North Dakota Scholarship. We also recommend referencing our website for scholarship information. Area scholarship opportunities are posted in our scholarship newsletter, which is frequently updated and found HERE.
ACT:
Some institutions and scholarship applications require an entrance exam for admission or consideration. There are two tests that will usually satisfy this requirement. Most four-year colleges in our area use the ACT, but will accept the SAT as well. The ACT exam measures skills in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Scientific Reasoning. Please review the guidelines with specific colleges to see whether they ACT is required.
To receive the results in time to meet application deadlines, we encourage seniors to retake the test early in the school year. Seniors should test no later than February to have test scores available for consideration for most scholarships and some applications. The registration fee is $63 or $88 with the Writing Test. Students with documented economic needs may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students can visit with their school counselor for more information. CLICK HERE to register for the ACT and see upcoming test dates.
Transcript Requests:
Current students can request their official transcript through their e-Transcript account. Instructions can be found here. Current students can also access and download an unofficial transcript using the above instructions. If a college/university is NOT listed in e-Transcript, please complete the form on our website.
Past graduates/students are able to request their transcript by following the directions For WFHS Alumni/Former Students on the WFHS website.
*If you took a dual-credit course, you are required to send an official transcript directly from NDSCS to the college(s) to which you apply. To request transcripts from NDSCS go to: http://www.ndscs.edu/current-students/request-transcripts/
Important Links
- WFHS Bell Schedules
- 2022-2023 Secondary School Calendar
- Meet WFHS Staff (syllabi available here as well!)
- Information about Student Activities
- Application for Free Reduced Meals
- Parent Portal of PowerSchool for Parents/Guardians
- FAQ for Parent Portal
- Schoology for Parents/Guardians
- MySchoolBucks
- Graduation Requirements
- College Planning Checklists
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
WFHS Important Dates
- Wednesday, December 14: Blaze Pizza fundraiser for WFHS Speech (4:30-7:30p)
- Saturday, December 17: Storybook Breakfast (2:30-5:30p) hosted by WFHS Drama Club
- Thursday, December 22-Monday, January 2: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
- Monday, January 9: Introduction to Block Scheduling Meeting @ 6:00p
- Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13: Last Days of Quarter 2 and Semester 1 (adjusted schedule here)
- Thursday, February 2: Feed My Starving Children community service activity for all students
- Quarter 3 Conferences: February TBD
- Tuesday, March 7: ACT testing (for Grade 11), ASVAB testing (for Grade 10), virtual learning (for grades 9 and 12).
- Quarter 4 Conferences: April TBD
- Saturday, May 6: Prom (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
- Sunday, May 28: Graduation @ 4p (Scheels Arena)
Stay Informed!
Email: wfhs@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/41
Location: 801 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-356-2050