Latest News
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Trollwood Summer Staff Wanted
Make a Difference! Trollwood Performing Arts School is now hiring office and custodial staff to work this summer. Learn more about these great opportunities to impact our community's youth and apply for a position today at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/apply.
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PowerSchool Update
PowerSchool plays a vital communication role in ensuring students, parents, and educators stay up to date on academic progress. As Fargo Public Schools continues towards fully implementing Evidence-Based Reporting in all courses by the 2025-26 school year, a PowerSchool update streamlines the parent/student view by combining EBR and traditional grading systems into one accessible location.
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All-State and Honors Music Ensembles
Congratulations to all Fargo Public Schools students who auditioned and were selected to participate in 2024 All-State and Honors musical performance groups! Anybody who has ever attended a North Dakota High School or Middle School All-State and/or Honor Ensemble concert can attest to the collaboration, professionalism, musicianship, skill, and joy displayed by the fine young musicians North Dakota produces each year.
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SchoolTalk - March 28
Get this week's news and events from across Fargo Public Schools in the current issue of SCHOOLTALK. This week's issue highlights include newsmakers, feature columns, and more.
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Dietrich Named Principal of Self-Directed Learning Academy
Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Dr. Kelly Dietrich as principal of the Self-Directed Learning Academy. She will assume the position for the 2024-25 school year on July 1.
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No School
There will be NO SCHOOL Friday, March 29. Classes will resume as scheduled on Monday, April 1.
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Storm Make Up day
Due to the storm day on February 27, school will be in session on Monday, April 1. Fargo Public Schools is utilizing the makeup day built into the District calendar for this day.
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Arts CAN Do!
The community has the power to help support visual and fine arts in FPS simply by recycling aluminum cans with the Arts CAN Do program. Funds raised directly benefit arts our arts programs. Read more about the Arts CAN Do program and where to find a receptacle.
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Graduation Requirements
After thoughtful consideration, FPS is making a change to its graduation requirements, effective for the 2024-25 school year with the state's mandate of 22 credits.
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AD-Ventures
AD-Ventures is a district publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month during the school year (September through May).
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Support Staff of the Year
Congratulations to Jefferson Elementary School Administrative Assistant Sarrah Gustafson on being named the 2024 FPS Support Staff of the Year! Gustafson has been the school's administrative assistant since 2021.
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Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to Davies High School Principal Troy Cody on being named the FPS 2024 Administrator of the Year! Cody has been the principal at Davies High School since 2011.
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FPS is Hiring
Be the Leader They Need! Fargo Public Schools is now hiring full-and part-time support staff positions including paraeducators, custodians, and food service workers. Learn more about these great opportunities to impact our community's youth and apply for a position today.
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Summer School
Registration for Fargo Public Schools' Summer School 2024 is open. FPS Summer School offers opportunities for students from elementary through high school to participate in programs focused on academics, athletics, arts, and more.
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LRFP Community Engagement
During this school year, Fargo Public Schools is working on updating its Long-Range Facility Plan. FPS has worked diligently to engage the public during this process, including creating a Steering Committee comprised of many FPS stakeholders with a vast array of differing voices and expertise. The Communications, Engagement, and Advocacy Committee of the Board of Education works to help facilitate this information to the community.
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Increased Learning Opportunities
FPS will feature an array of enriching academic program opportunities for the 2024-25 school year. These programs are meticulously designed to cater to a diverse range of learning styles and academic needs, ensuring every student in the District has access to an education that resonates with and empowers them. Read Dr. Gandhi's Cabinet Column to learn more.
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Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for Fargo Public Schools is now open online. If your child turns 5 by July 31, 2024, they are eligible to attend school in the fall.
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FPS 2024 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Eagles Elementary School Special Education Teacher Amanda Hetland on being named the Fargo Public Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year! Hetland has served as a special education teacher working with students with Autism at Eagles since 2017. She was a paraeducator at Eagles from 2014-17.
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CTE Month
February is Career and Technical Education Month. CTE plays a pivotal role in preparing students with the mindset, skills, and knowledge needed to explore passion areas and envision their future. In an era of rapid technological advancements, global interdependence, and entrepreneurship, helping students make connections between what they learn in school to life beyond the classroom creates relevance and can save time and money for next steps after graduation. Read more about the importance of CTE and CTE programming available to FPS students in this Feature Column by Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Denise Jonas.
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The Cost of Inheritance
Fargo-West Fargo Native American Education Education Program Coordinator Melody Staebner and Cultural Specialist Ricky White contributed to the documentary The Cost of Inheritance which premiered on PBS on January 8. In the documentary, Staebner and White discussed the generational trauma brought on by the forced enrollment of Native American children during the Native American Boarding School Era.
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Trollwood Summer Registration
Expect the Unexpected! Experience magic, explore passion, and expand potential at Trollwood Performing Arts School with summer performing arts classes and performance opportunities for students currently in Grades K-12. Trollwood summer registration is now open.
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Community Friends
Fargo Public Schools' Early Childhood Special Education program is seeking Community Friends to join its preschool classrooms for the afternoon sessions. Community Friends are typically developing peers who will join the ECSE classrooms alongside the students with developmental delays or disabilities. Students must be 4 years old by July 31, 2023 and pass a developmental screening to be eligible for the program. The program is free of charge for families, but parents must provide transportation.
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2025-26 School Calendar
The Calendar Committee will begin meeting in January to develop the 2025-2026 school calendar. To assist the Calendar Committee with its work, every other year a survey is issued to parents, staff, and students to gather their perceptions about questions/issues that impact the development of the school calendar. Read about the work of the Calendar Committee and view the results of the survey.
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Homelessness
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. McKinney-Vento is intended to provide homeless students the same educational opportunities as housed students by removing as many barriers to learning for homeless students as possible. Read more about our homeless data and messages from students experiencing homelessness.
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EL Family Nights
Held twice a month at Agassiz, English Learner Family Nights have become a staple, bringing together families, teachers, and students for a night of learning, connection, and joy. As the district proudly celebrates the success of the EL Family Nights, the most recent event, a holiday lights tour field trip, marked a milestone with a record-breaking attendance of 225 people. Read more about the EL Family Nights.
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Undelivered Emails
FPS has received reports from some families using Hotmail and GMail accounts that they may not be receiving school and district notification emails, although not every account is having an issue. The problem appears related to how Hotmail and GMail manage incoming email.
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AI in Education
Artificial intelligence's role in education is multifaceted, promising to revolutionize how individuals approach learning. AI tools, from generative models like ChatGPT to predictive analytics, offer unparalleled opportunities in personalized learning, curriculum development, and operational efficiency. However, it's crucial to navigate this terrain with a clear understanding of both its potential and pitfalls. Read FPS Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi's perspective on the developments in AI and their impact on education in this Cabinet Column.
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Negotiations
It was a longer than typical process, but the Fargo Board of Education and the Fargo Education Association came to an agreement on a two-year contract. Read more about the process and journey that the two sides took to reach the agreement in this Board Column by Negotiations Committee Chair Seth Holden.
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Women in Leadership Award
Congratulations to FPS Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann Hanson on being named a finalist for the 2024 Women in School Leadership Award in the "Central Office / Principal" category! The winner will be announced at the AAASA Conference in February. This award acknowledges exceptional talent, creativity, and vision demonstrated by outstanding women educational administrators in public schools.
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Now Hiring Support Staff!
Fargo Public Schools is now hiring full-and part-time support staff positions including paraeducators, custodians, and food service workers. Learn more about these great opportunities to impact our community's youth and apply for a position today!
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District Comprehensive Approach
Fargo Public Schools has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking program offered through The Jed Foundation (JED) and The School Superintendents Association (AASA). The District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) is a transformational program that guides districts across the country to enhance systems of support for the emotional well-being of students. Based on JED’s proven approach, the DCA is an evidence-based framework that combines expert support, best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect mental health and prevent suicide for millions of students.
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2024-25 Calendar
At the Fargo Board of Education regular meeting on November 28, Board members approved an updated calendar for the 2024-25 school year, as proposed by the District’s calendar committee.
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Governmental Affairs Committee
The Fargo Board of Education Governmental Affairs Committee is committed to work diligently to compose resolutions, monitor legislatively directed studies, and stay updated on any future education-related legislation. This committee plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of our school district and our work is guided by Governance Policy 7. Read more about the efforts of the Governmental Affairs Committee in this Board Column by Board Member Robin Nelson.
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Long-Range Facility Plan Update
FPS conducted a Facilities Study, which is substantially complete and preliminary reports were presented to the School Board in September. The data collected through this process will be used to prioritize annual maintenance projects as well as inform the community as FPS works through the Long-Range Facility Planning process. Read more about the Long-Range Facilities Plan and the key takeaways from the Facilities Study in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Facilities James Hand.
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English Learner Program
FPS continues to emphasize the role the English Learner Program, with about 850 students, has in educating and empowering all students to succeed, regardless of their background or needs. This commitment reflects the program's core values of inclusivity and equity, ensuring that each student, including English learners, can thrive in FPS. Read about the English Learner Program and get an introduction to FPS' new EL Facilitator Jenna Polley in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann Hanson.
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Early Release Information
Fargo Public Schools will release students two hours early from school on four days this school year to support the professional development of teachers. The early release days are October 18, December 22, February 16, and April 19.
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Administrative Policy Updates
FPS has around 150 Administrative Policies in the categories of Business, Community, Instruction, Personnel, and Student Policies. The policies are reviewed on a set rotation, ensuring all policies are reviewed once in a four-year cycle. With the set rotation, administration reviews approximately a quarter of the administrative policies annually. Read more about which policies have been reviewed and updated in 2023 in this Cabinet Column by FPS Communications Officer AnnMarie Campbell.
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Communications, Engagement and Advocacy Committee
The Fargo Board of Education Communications, Engagement and Advocacy (CEA) Committee is comprised of five Board members and members of the Superintendent’s cabinet who work to enhance the transparency of how the Board makes decisions. This committee also focuses on communication with constituents and community stakeholders through engagement and advocacy efforts. Read more about the efforts of the CEA Committee in this Board Column by CEA Chair Dr. Tracie Newman.
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Connecting with Loved Ones
Finding a connection with loved ones can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Read about strategies for starting conversations with someone who may be suicidal from assistant director of educational justice Dr. Jennifer Sahr.
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Student fees Assistance and Benefits
Households may qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. FPS encourages all families to complete the Student Frees Assistance and Benefits application available online. Qualifying includes free waivers for some student activities, submitting collect applications, and taking national standardized tests in addition to meal payment benefits. Learn more about Student Fees Assistance and Benefits application and the FPS School Breakfast and Lunch Program in this Feature Column by FPS Nutrition Services Director Cindy Hogenson.
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Suicide Prevention
September is National Suicide Prevention Month: a moment in time in which Fargo Public Schools and the community can rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives. Read more about strategies for reducing suicide rates in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Educational Justice Dr. Jennifer Sahr.
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2024-25 Calendar
The FPS 2024-25 Calendar Committee will reconvene to update the 2024-25 school calendar. This decision is a direct response to the the recent action taken by the Fargo Board of Education to require Fargo Public Schools to be closed on all federal holidays beginning June 1, 2024. Read more about the necessary adjustments to the 2024-25 school calendar in this Cabinet Column by FPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz.
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FPS Philosophies
Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi wants to extend a heartfelt welcome to the 2023-24 school year each member of the FPS community. This school year is special for FPS as the District introduces the new FPS Philosophies, a set of principles that will guide its actions, decisions, and daily operations. Read more about the FPS Philosophies in this Cabinet Column by Dr. Gandhi.
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Native American Education
The Fargo/West Fargo Indian Education Program is now known as the Native American Education Program. The name change process spanned more than two years from May 2021 to its approval this June. Read about the renaming process in this Feature Column by Native American Education Program Coordinator Melody Staebner.
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AD-Ventures Seasonal Activities
AD-Ventures is a district publication intended to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month during the school year.
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EL Family Nights
English Learner Family Nights are a bi-weekly parent and family engagements supported by FPS and ND Dept. of Health and Human Services. The purpose is to help build language through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and lessons, as well as to assist families in navigating opportunities and obstacles within their new community.
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FPS 2024-25 School Calendar
Fargo Public Schools has released the District’s 2024-25 school calendar. The calendar was developed by the District’s Calendar Committee, which was comprised of seventeen members including teachers, parents, principals, students, district office representatives, a Fargo Education Association teacher representative, a support staff member, and a School Board member. The calendar was presented to the Fargo Board of Education and approved at the March 28, 2023 School Board meeting.
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Board Planning Committee Update
The Board Planning Committee works with FPS administration to determine short-term and long-term facility needs and make appropriate recommendations to the Board for their consideration. As a growing district, we need to carefully plan for bringing new facilities online as the need arises and renovate/update those in our current inventory as they age. Read more about the plan for new buildings in the District in this Board Column by Fargo Board of Education member Jim Johnson.
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Umoja brings Unity to FPS
Umoja means "unity". Read about what Umoja means for more than 200 Fargo Public Schools youth in this Feature Story by FPS Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Tamara Uselman and Umoja Developers Frederick Edwards and J'Neil Gibson.
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Arts CAN Do!
You can help support Visual and Fine Arts in the Fargo Public Schools simply by recycling your aluminum cans. While helping the earth by recycling, you can help the brain and social emotional learning skills of our FPS students by supporting the arts. Arts CAN Do recycling receptacles are located at many recycling centers around town. Read the article to see where to donate.
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Elementary Language Libraries
There are 94 languages spoken in our schools, and the District is dedicated to supporting students in their home languages. To reflect the broad diversity of the world, specific cultures of the families we serve, and to support the home languages of families, the Elementary Language Library Project was created. The Elementary Language Libraries provide books to students to read in one of five languages.
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Music in our Schools
March is Music in Our Schools Month! FPS has an incredibly strong music program. So strong that it has been named one of NAMM’s “Best Communities for Music Education” for 19 years. Read more about the music opportunities provided to FPS students and some of their honors and accomplishments in this Feature Column by FPS Performing Arts Facilitator Patrick Thiel.
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2023 FPS Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to South High School Vocal Music Teacher Sara Lichtblau on being named the 2023 FPS Teacher of the Year!
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Be a CTE Champion
February is national Career and Technical Education Month. It is an annual campaign held across the United States to celebrate the accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs, instructors, and students.
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State of the Schools Address
The 2023 Fargo Public Schools State of the Schools Address presented by Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi is available to view digitally on demand on the FPS YouTube channel.
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Inclement Weather FAQ
Fargo Public Schools has received many questions regarding how we will respond to inclement weather situations moving forward this school year. Read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in this Inclement Weather FAQ.
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We are Hiring
Join the Fargo Public Schools team and be the leader they need! Fargo Public Schools is now hiring paraeducators, food service staff, custodial staff, and more! Apply today!
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Board Governance Committee
The FPS Board of Education Governance Committee helps guide and support the School Board by ensuring it adheres to healthy and productive governance practices. Read more about this Committee in this Board Column by Board President Dr. Tracie Newman.
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Inspiring Future Educators!
Career opportunities in education and human services are limitless and can start in high school. Whether a student is interested in following a path as a teacher, paraeducator, social worker, counselor, childcare provider, or coach, Fargo Public Schools is proud to provide opportunities to inspire students.
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FPS Is On Instagram
Fargo Public Schools is now on Instagram! Follow us on Instagram for announcements, updates, and good news from across the District!
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School Cancellation Process
Each day in the school year is essential to carry out this mission and provide instruction to our students. FPS makes every effort to keep schools open each day, but at times the weather conditions within the city merit a school closing. Read more about FPS' procedures for school cancellation, early release, and late start.
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Attend to Win!
Stay Strong! Avoiding school absences through the winter months is crucial for academic success. Missing school and falling behind on assignments can create school-related anxiety that only gets worse as time goes on. Connect with a teacher or counselor if you are feeling behind or overwhelmed.
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Decisions on Moving Parts
During their September and October meetings, the Fargo Board of Education will review and approve governing documents that provide an outline for the future of our District. The documents include, but are not limited to, the Strategic Plan, the Long Range Facilities Plan, and the Long Range Financial Plan.
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Is attendance an equity issue?
At FPS, our problem to solve is this: nearly 46% of our students missed too much school last year. Student absence harms everyone, particularly students. Read more about the importance of student attendance in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Tamara Uselman and attendance specialists Gabe Whitney and Nick Hawkins.
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Need Affordable Health Insurance?
More people than ever qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren't eligible in the past. Family Health Care can help with medicaid or health insurance coverage options.
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Substitute Pay Update
Fargo Public Schools seeks substitute teachers for the 2022-23 school year. FPS has updated its substitute pay structures for this school year. Click for additional information.
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Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application
Effective for the 2022-23 school year, families will need to pay full price or apply to qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Applications for Free or Reduced-Price Meals are now open. Apply here.
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After a student qualifies for special education services, what happens next?
Learn about the next steps of developing and implementing specially designed instruction in this Feature Column by FPS Assistant Director of Special Education Shelby DiFonzo.
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2023-24 Calendar
Fargo Public Schools has released the District’s 2023-24 school calendar, which is now available on the FPS website. Read more about the process of creating and approving the calendar in this Cabinet Column by FPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Robert Grosz.
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National Music Recognition
Fargo Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
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The Science of Reading
#FPSLearns is a regular video series on topics regarding Fargo Public Schools. Through short videos, FPS Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi and other administrators share with the community about the science of reading.
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Hear for the Kids Podcast: Trauma
Carl Ben Eielson Counselor Rachel Johnson joins hosts Cassie Larson, counselor at Eagles Elementary, and FPS Student Wellness and Family Facilitator Carly Gaddie on the new Hear for the Kids podcast. On the podcast, Johnson gives an overview of trauma and explains why it is important to look through a trauma lens.