Packer Nation News
April Update
A Note from the Principal:
Hello Packer Nation!
Hopefully all of our inclement weather days are behind us and you've enjoyed a couple wonderful long weekends with family and friends. We're nearing the home stretch of the school year. Please be aware of important upcoming dates, highlighted below.
- Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Doors for families and students for Grand March open at 6:00p and close promptly at 7:00p. Out of respect for attendees and our Grand March participants, no admission will be allowed after 7:00p. Additional information about eligibility (passing five classes, no detention hours, no parking tickets) for prom is detailed in March's newsletter and available in the online handbook.
- Senior Day is Thursday, May 18. This includes graduation walks at elementary schools in the morning, a cookout and field day at our football stadium (sponsored by Packer Backers!), a class photo, and the final school pep rally of the year. We are excited to celebrate our seniors!
- Graduation is 4:00p on Sunday, May 28 at the Scheels Arena. Sheyenne High School will be completing their ceremony first and parking might be tricky at the venue. To accommodate, a shuttle for students will be available, departing from West Fargo High School at 2:45p. All students must attend a mandatory graduation rehearsal at 1:30p on Friday, May 26 (also at the Scheels Arena) and arrive to the Scheels Arena on graduation day by 3:00p. More information about graduation is available in this senior meeting presentation from February!
This newsletter contains important information regarding:
- New information from WFHS Counseling
- Profile of a Graduate in March (focus: critical thinking)
- Post Prom/Post Grad information
- Graduation criteria (from student handbook)
Please review the information and contact us as questions and concerns arise. Go Packers!
All my best,
Rachel Bachmeier
West Fargo Public Schools Certified Staff Member of the Year: WFHS Teacher Deb Pieper!
West Fargo Public Schools Classified Staff Member of the Year: WFHS Paraprofessional Ellen Aamot!
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
Upcoming Dates:
April 11–14: Grade 10 Minute Meetings
April 24–28: Grade 11 Minute Meetings
May 1– 12 AP Exams
NCAA Eligibility:
Does your learner have potential plans to play a sport at the collegiate level? If so, please encourage your learner to communicate with their school counselor, administrator, and the activities department to make sure they are academically eligible. More information can be found here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
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
Itu Genene
(long-term substitute for Dana Rosendahl)
- Student Names: J-Mt
- 701-499-1814
- igenene@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
April's Profile of a Graduate Focus Disposition: Critical Thinking
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 April is critical thinking.
During the month of April students will participate in Packer Time lessons aligned to critical thinking including facilitating discussion, problem solving, and creating positive change in the community. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and discuss the value of creativity with your learner!
More information about the Profile of a Graduate can be found on this district webpage.
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! All students who submitted a question have received an email with an answer and additional information from Rachel Bachmeier.
- The presentation from the family meetings during Quarter 2 conferences and on January 9.
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.
With our informational meetings behind us, please review the materials and 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!
Student Handbook Highlight: Graduation
Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege. To be eligible to walk at graduation, please ensure your learner has met all of the expectations below, including serving all detention hours and paying for all school fees, like parking tickets!
West Fargo Public Schools holds high expectations for participating in the ceremony of graduation. It is a privilege to walk in the graduation ceremony. To participate in the graduation ceremony, graduating seniors must:
- Complete all outstanding obligations, prior to graduation rehearsal, inclusive of but not limited to: serve any and all detention hours, pay any and all parking tickets, pay any and all school fees, return any and all athletic uniforms and equipment, return all instructional resources (iPad and iPad accessories, textbooks, library books, other teacher obligations inclusive of gym lock, calculators, etc.)
- Attend the mandatory graduation rehearsal as scheduled.
- Participation is also contingent upon learner attendance and behavioral issues as determined by the school administrative team.
Graduating seniors who have attained any or all the following will be given special recognition during commencement exercises:
- Active membership in the National Honor Society
- A grade point average (weighted) of 3.50 or better for all courses grades 9-12 taken up to and during the first semester of the senior year (Graduating with Honor). Learners who receive S/U grading are not eligible for graduating with honor.
Commencement Dress Code:
All graduating seniors are expected to abide by the following guidelines if they choose to participate in the ceremony:
- The graduation robe is in school colors with a V neckline, which will show part of your clothing underneath. Jewelry, flowers, or other decoration may NOT be added to the robe.
- The mortarboard should be worn with the front point over the forehead, so the flat board is parallel to the floor. Caps may NOT be decorated.
- Graduating seniors that are active members of the National Honor Society will be given an honor cord to wear. No other cords or stoles may be worn.
- Per ND Century Code 15.1-19-28, graduating seniors may wear an eagle plume or feather in recognition of their tribal heritage.
Additional information about graduation policy can be found here.
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
Students can schedule an appointment with their counselor 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.
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
- Monday, April 24: 8th Grade Orientation @ 6p
- Saturday, May 6: Prom (doors open at 6p and close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
- Thursday, May 18: Graduation Walks and Senior Field Day
- Friday, May 26: Mandatory graduation rehearsal @ 1:30p (Scheels Arena)
- 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