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Sunday, February 15 is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! This is a special day to show appreciation for school-based law enforcement officers. Please take some time this week to thank an SRO for the work they do to provide a safe environment in our schools.

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.

The Mental Health Series from parentguidance.org is a powerful resource designed to support family mental health and well-being. Experts agree that adult involvement is important in a child's success. When caregivers have helpful tools, it benefits children, strengthens families, and contributes to a thriving community. See the February calendar

Ramadan, a holy month observed by Muslims around the world, begins soon for many of Fargo Public Schools’ students and families. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to take place around February 17 through March 19, with exact dates determined by the lunar calendar.

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 16 due to the Presidents' Day holiday. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, February 17.

February is the heart of the school year, a time when learning deepens, routines are tested, and the weather doesn’t always make showing up easy. Research shows that students who miss just a few days each month, excused or unexcused, can fall significantly behind in academic progress. Over time, this adds up to real consequences for overall achievement and future opportunities. Attendance in February can shape outcomes in May.

AD-Ventures is a district publication to help families find activities for their children throughout our community. It is published on the first of each month September-May. 

Congratulations to Discovery Middle School Spanish Teacher Jim Urlacher on being named the 2026 FPS Teacher of the Year!

National School Counseling Week 2026, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, will be celebrated February 2-6 with the theme “School Counselors Amplify Student Success.” This week shines a spotlight on the important role school counselors play in supporting students and strengthening school communities.

Significant changes to federal tax law will take effect under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. These updates include valuable new provisions that may benefit families, workers who earn overtime, and educators beginning with the 2025 tax year (your tax return filed in 2026).

February is Career and Technical Education Month - and across Fargo Public Schools, learners are leveling up. From middle school exploration to high school career pathways, CTE brings learning to life through hands-on experiences that build skills, confidence, and real-world readiness.

Registration for FPS school summer school is open, but will look different this year, due to state mandated transition of the student information system from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus, summer school programming cannot be supported in July 2026; it will only be offered in June. Middle school, Transitions for elementary, middle and summer programming for Grades K-8 multilingual learners will not be offered.

Thinking about staying home? Research shows that students who miss more than 10 days in a school year are 20% less likely to graduate on time. By coming to school each day they aren't sick, students stay on track for graduation.

FPS has launched a new District Scorecard webpage designed to provide our community with a snapshot of how the District is performing in key areas. The Scorecard highlights data points connected to our Strategic Plan, including student learning outcomes, staff data, and progress across our strategic initiatives and will be updated annually.

The WIDA ACCESS is an annual assessment that measures English language development for multilingual learners in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. More than a compliance requirement, ACCESS provides a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate how students are progressing in their academic language skills over time. This year, FPS' ACCESS window is open January 26 to March 6.
 

Candidates interested in running for one of five positions on the Fargo Board of Education may submit an application until Monday, April 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.  Applications need to be submitted to the Fargo Public Schools Business Office by the deadline at the District Office, 700 7th Street South in Fargo, located on the first floor.

To maximize both family time and valuable learning time, we encourage families to plan vacations during school breaks. View the Vacation Planning Guide to help plan your vacation.

• Extended School Breaks: January 16-19, March 16-20
• School Out Days: February 16, April 3, May 25

Families across the region now have access to CredibleMind, a digital platform that provides a wealth of peer-reviewed and evidence-based mental health resources, including expert-vetted and rated videos, podcases, assessments, apps, books and articles. Anyone can explore topics ranging from stress, anxiety and depression to sleep, resilience, time management, parenting and healthy relationships. All materials can be accessed at any time, from any device, and without the limitations of transportation, cost, location, or stigma.

Fargo Public Schools, with administrative assistance from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley, will now oversee an expanded Fargo Youth Initiative. FYI, originally created by the Fargo City Commission, has met regularly since 2013 to discuss opportunities and share input on issues facing young people in the community and provided input to the City Commission and City of Fargo staff.

Residents of the Fargo School District who are 65 or older are eligible for a free Senior Citizen Activity Pass. Passes can be picked up at the Main Reception Desk at the District Office at 700 7th Street South. Please note: These passes are only for residents of the District and are not available for family members who are not residents. Non-residents can purchase tickets to each event or purchase an Adult Yearly Pass for $80 through the GoFan App.

The state is transitioning all school districts from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus over the summer of 2026. Accounts that currently exist to access the PowerSchool Parent application will not be transferred into Infinite Campus. Parents/guardians will be contacted next summer with instructions on how to create their new account in Infinite Campus. The new accounts will be used to complete forms for the 2026-27 school year. Please keep an eye out for that messaging, which the District plans to send out in mid-July.

FPS now offers tickets and passes online with GoFan Digital Ticketing! Learn more about GoFan or use the GoFan Mobile App, and search for your event. 

FPS makes every effort to keep schools open each day. Our first choice will always be to remain open, but at times the weather conditions within the city merit closing. We have two school make-up days built into this year's calendar - Monday, April 6 and Friday, May 1. If weather causes the District to close, those days may turn into school days. If no school closures occur and the make-up days are not used, April 6 and May 1 will be no school days. 
 

In September, the school board approved a deficit budget. That means this school year’s expenses will exceed revenues. While this is not ideal, we have enough in reserves to absorb the deficit. The board is committed to a balanced budget next year. As such, the bulk of Planning Committee’s work this year has been spent discussing our budget. Read more about the planning committee's efforts to balance the budget.

Last month, the FPS Human Capital team gathered reflections from staff members who are also Fargo Public Schools alumni — individuals who once sat in the District's classrooms and now lead them. Their stories are a powerful reminder that education is not just about what we learn, but who we become along the way. Alumni shared how their teachers inspired them to return to FPS as teachers, coaches, counselors, principals, and support staff.

November is the National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, which also includes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from November 15-22. The goal is to acknowledge and raise awareness of the problems faced by youth, families and individuals at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

As of Monday, all FPS students in kindergarten through grade 12 now scan their student ID card or key in their student ID number (lunch number) when boarding and exiting the bus. This update established a consistent, districtwide system that reflects our Stronger Together  theme - unifying procedures across grade levels and strengthening collaboration among schools, families, and transportation staff.

Even in non-legislative years, the Fargo Board of Education's  Governmental Affairs Committee remains active. Members of the committee have developed a work plan alongside the administrative team to help prepare for the 2027 North Dakota Legislative Assembly.

Fargo Public Schools is partnering with Fargo Cass Public Health to bring the Tobacco Education Program to North, South, and Davies High Schools. The program is designed to increase awareness of the risks associated with tobacco and vaping while also equipping students with strategies to support and encourage making healthier choices.

FPS continues to expand Adapted Physical Education services to ensure equitable access to physical education for students with disabilities. Building on the pilot launched in 2024, APE will now be implemented in all elementary schools, Extended Resource Rooms, and sixth graders who are currently in alternative Physical Education and present with gross motor concerns.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming many aspects of our  lives, and education is no exception. From personalized learning platforms to smart tutoring systems, AI is helping educators meet the diverse needs of students in new and exciting ways. 

FPS will be implementing a new safety and accountability measure for all middle and high school students who ride district buses. Beginning Monday, October 27, students will be required to scan their school ID card or enter their student ID number (lunch number) when boarding the bus to and from school.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of students experiencing homelessness. 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.

FPS will continue its participation in Medicaid Administrative Claiming - a program that helps us support students while also bringing important resources back into the District. Through this program, schools are reimbursed for certain activities that connect students to health services - such as special education supports, counseling, and other health-related needs.

Over the past five years, Fargo Public Schools has undergone a meaningful transformation in literacy instruction fueled by the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant. Central to this work has been a Districtwide commitment to the Science of Reading, ensuring every student - from preschool through graduation - has access to strong, evidence-based instruction.

Children’s mental health is important! Students who miss just two days of school per month tend to be more stressed and anxious. Help lower student stress by encouraging attendance when students are feeling well.

FPS is preparing to adopt Infinite Campus to replace PowerSchool as the District student information system for next school year. Infinite Campus is a comprehensive platform that streamlines how schools manage student information, communication, and instructional tools - all in one place.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law that protects “education records,” records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency. FPS must comply with legal requirements in FERPA when maintaining, retaining, granting access to, disseminating, and disposing of student educational records.

We strive to keep our families, staff, and community informed. Whether it’s celebrating student achievements, sharing updates from the classroom, or communicating critical information, we are committed to making sure everyone has access to timely and accurate updates.

In April, the FPS Standards-Based Instruction team shared our Districtwide focus on Explicit Instruction and how it participated in the ND Science of Reading Explicit Instruction Academy. FPS has taken intentional steps to embed Explicit Instruction across classrooms, aligning this practice to both its Strategic Plan and Instructional Model.

To maximize both family time and valuable learning time, we encourage families to plan vacations during school breaks. See the Vacation Planning Guide to help plan your vacation. Extended School Breaks: November 26-28, December 24-January 4, January 16-19, March 16-20. School Out Days: February 16, April 3, May 25

Advanced Placement testing was administered at an off-site location in the 2024-25 school year, with all District high schools testing together. There were 1,071 exams taken with 914 of those exams earning a qualifying score of 3 or higher. These scores translated into more than $1 million in tuition savings for FPS students and their families.

National Adult Education & Family Literacy week is observed Sept. 14-20 the U.S. This week raises awareness of adult education and family literacy. The FPS Adult Learning Center is a regional hub for Adult Education and Family Literacy based out of the Agassiz school building.

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 more than food assistance.

FPS is moving to implementation of Evidence-Based Reporting, with only a few courses still transitioning. This marks a  milestone in our shift toward more equitable and accurate assessment practices. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect, connect, and remind one another that hope and healing are possible. While there are steps we can take together to address and build protective supports, many have been touched by suicide loss.

The FPS theme for this year is Stronger Together. This phrase captures what makes FPS special. When all educators, students, and families work together, we create something greater than the sum of its parts. Collaboration builds trust, and fuels growth across the District.

The 2024–25 academic year marked another milestone of positive momentum in our Advanced Placement programming, with more students enrolling in AP courses, taking AP exams, and earning qualifying scores of 3 or higher. These outcomes reflect the district’s commitment to both access and excellence in advanced coursework.

Students may qualify for federal and state assistance to cover the cost of meals. Apply today!

Here Comes the Bus app is a free tool to help families track their students who ride the bus. It provides real-time notifications when your child boards or disembarks the bus.

We believe students deserve access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction. FPS wants to ensure all students graduate as highly-literate, thoughtful, and confident communicators.

Fargo Public Schools will implement a new student policy regarding the use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. 

As the FPS community of educators, students, and families navigates the evolving landscape of Evidence-Based Reporting and the Bimodal Matrix, there is a need to bring people together more intentionally and inclusively to examine shared goals and next steps. Beginning this fall, FPS will request participation from a dedicated, secondary group of educators, administrators, and instructional leaders to collaborate and explore grading practices that best support student learning, consistency, and transparency.

Career and Technical Education courses play a crucial role in preparing students for the workforce by providing them with practical skills, industry knowledge, and career readiness. Effective instruction in these courses requires a strong foundation in Tier One instruction — high-quality, evidence-based teaching strategies that ensure all students receive essential skills and knowledge.

Since 2008, FPS and TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics have worked together to provide inclusive physical education opportunities for students with disabilities. What began as a vision to integrate movement-based learning into the school system has evolved into a robust partnership that continues to empower students of all abilities. In this feature Column FPS Director of Special Education Shelby DiFonzo discusses the origins, impact and future of the collaboration with TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics CEO Kim Pladson.

High School Physical Education is embarking on an innovative journey to transform the way students engage with their health and fitness with the Human Performance class, a newly developed program focused on lifelong personal wellness and fitness goal achievement. This inclusive class will be offered throughout the school day, ensuring accessibility for all students, while also providing targeted support for student athletes through sport-specific training.

FPS teachers work together in Professional Learning Communities to improve teaching and help students succeed. PLCs use teamwork and problem-solving to focus on analyzing student work and making a plan to reteach using student data. Evidence-based reporting plays a big role in making these meetings more effective by helping teachers make smart decisions based on common formative assessment data. Read more about how EBR helps guide teachers' decisions in this Feature Column by New Teacher Mentor Program Coordinator Joy-El Johnsen and watch the

The three comprehensive high schools at FPS introduced Proficiency Days in the Spring of 2024 as a structured academic intervention for students with missing assessments and/or failing grades. These designated days are designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete essential assessments, receive targeted support, and demonstrate their level of proficiency on missing or retake assessments. Read more about what the data says about the effectiveness of Proficiency Days in this column by Science Facilitator Allie Kollman.

In a world of constant information, communication, alerts, apps and more, sometimes it’s hard to know the quickest path to find the information you need. It’s essential that parents and community members are able to stay connected with our district and keep informed about the incredible programs, initiatives, and achievements that make FPS a cornerstone of our community. Whether you are a parent, or community supporter, we’ve established robust communication channels to ensure you have access to timely and comprehensive information.

FPS collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to support students with disabilities in employment. VR is a program designed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. It helps individuals prepare for, secure, maintain, or advance in meaningful careers by providing resources, training, and guidance.

At FPS, we know that the success of our students is deeply rooted in the partnership between our staff and parents. Together, we create a community where every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. It’s this collaboration that makes FPS a special place for learning and growth. Read about the important collaborations between FPS staff and parents to create an exceptional experience for every student 

As the end of the semester approaches, both teachers and students are preparing to finalize grades. It is crucial for teachers to communicate and review each student’s body of evidence and letter grades. Likewise, parents should review their student’s gradebook and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.

The District Student Support Team is a dedicated group of professionals working collaboratively to support students from Early Childhood Special Education through Grade 12. The purpose of this team is to provide building teams an avenue to request assistance for students with complex behavioral or academic needs (both students with and without an IEP/504).

In support of our commitment to equitable and transparent grading practices, FPS is implementing Standards-Based Instruction (SBI) and Evidence-Based Reporting (EBR) for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in general education settings. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, asterisks will no longer be used on progress reports K-12 to indicate student proficiency levels.
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