Latest News
Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Sean Safranski as principal of Davies High School. He will assume the position for the 2025-26 school year on July 1.
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.
Parents are reminded to check their children's lunch account. Information can be accessed by logging into the PowerSchool parent portal and clicking on SchoolPay. Parents should also be aware that there are opportunities for students to receive free meals and grocery assistance this summer. Read more about end of year procedures for lunch accounts and programs available for summer food assistance.
The Mental Health Series features Ask a Therapist LIVE will hold events each month over the summer. They offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with a licensed therapist!
The FPS library team would like to remind students, staff, and families of the wide variety of reading options offered through the summer from our local public libraries, public businesses, and by accessing our District e-book collection through Sora. FPS has a number of great opportunities and resources to encourage its students and staff to keep reading over the summer break.
Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Erin Sinner as North High School Assistant Principal and Lori Nappe as Explorer Academy Assistant Principal.
The Fargo Board of Education and the Fargo Education Association do not yet have a negotiated agreement, but they are well underway with the 2025-27 negotiations season. The FEA and the Board have been hard at work negotiating since April 2, and despite challenges, they have or are close to having agreements on many topics discussed.
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.
FPS staff recognize that student success goes beyond academics. That’s why they are committed to supporting the whole child through Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Progress was made this year in refining the District's MTSS-SEB (Social, Emotional, Behavioral) framework. MTSS-SEB represents an intentional shift from the former MTSS-B model - focused primarily on behavior - toward a more comprehensive, whole-child approach.
The FPS Calendar Committee met over the course of multiple meetings to develop the 2026–27 school calendar. The committee was comprised of teachers, parents, principals, students, district office representatives, a Fargo Education Association member, support staff, and a School Board member. Read more about the process of creating the calendar and see the approved 2026-27 calendar.
When classes break for summer, work starts on Fargo Public Schools' buildings. Over the next few months, FPS will tackle many capital‑improvement projects spanning multiple facilities in the District. The focus is simple: safer, more efficient learning environments that serve students, staff and community for decades to come.
With the rising numbers of Measles cases in the United States, Fargo Cass Public Health would like to remind students, parents and staff of some important information regarding Measles.
Fargo Public Schools announces the assignment of Tera Sistad as principal of Early Childhood Special Education. She will assume the position for the 2025-26 school year on July 1 from Donna Johnson, who is retiring.
Fargo Public Schools' libraries are transitioning from their current Destiny library catalog system to Insignia Library System - a move that will bring improved features, streamlined management, and meaningful cost savings for our District.
FPS is proud to share that its 2024–25 Level of Determination Report Card reflects meaningful progress in its commitment to supporting students with disabilities. Issued annually by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the LoD Report Card evaluates how school districts are implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Read more about key improvements during the 2024-25 school year and areas for continued growth.
The business services department is tasked with balancing a complex budget, one that supports more than 11,000 students, employs more than 2,000 staff members, and ensures every dollar is spent wisely to Educate and Empower All Students to Succeed. FPS is in a difficult budget cycle, like other school districts in North Dakota, preparing next year’s operating budget while facing two major unknowns: unresolved state legislation and unsettled teacher contract negotiations.
Summer EBT will be available to eligible families in North Dakota this summer. This program provides additional help for families with children to buy nutritious food when school is not in session. The benefit is $120 per eligible school-aged child and must be used within 122 days of issuance. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some will need to apply.
Fargo Public Schools has been named one of United Way of Cass Clay's Top 50 Generous Workplaces. More than 650 businesses partner with United Way every year. These businesses serve as a role model for corporate social responsibility which in turn creates a culture of caring among their employees.
The FPS Self-Directed Academy (SDA) is now enrolling students in grades 5-8 for Fall 2025. Students who may be a good fit for SDA possess intrinsic motivation to learn, set personal goals, and take ownership of their own learning. The SDA learning model is built on the principle that learning should be self-directed, competency-based, and not confined by traditional time constraints.
FPS students are first introduced to languages in seventh grade in the World Language Survey course that introduces language-learning and exposure to the four languages that are taught in the District. FPS offers French, German, Latin and Spanish starting with students in eighth grade and continues through level 4 at the high school. Language study provides many opportunities and benefits for students. Studies show that learning a language can enhance memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.
Members of the FPS Standards-Based Instruction team attended the North Dakota Science of Reading Explicit Instruction Academy, deepening their understanding of research-backed practices outlined in “Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching" by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes. The training emphasized that even experienced educators benefit from ongoing learning — in Archer’s words, “How well I teach = how well they learn.”
Fargo Public Schools anticipates 847 kindergarteners in its elementary schools for the 2025-26 school year per enrollment projections. As of the end of March, only 408 students have been registered. To ensure FPS can provide the best possible start for every child, families must register their kindergarteners right away. Early registration allows the District to plan appropriately for fall.
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 programs in FPS. Recycling receptacles are located at many recycling centers around town.
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role theatre education plays in shaping students and strengthening communities. Theatre programs foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration. These skills benefit students moving forward as they continue their education and enter the workforce.
The Board Planning Committee exists to make sure the full Board has all the information it needs to make decisions regarding FPS resources and physical assets. In addition to overseeing the District’s budget, the Planning Committee works with administration to develop, update, and implement our long-range financial and facilities plans.
The Association of School Business Officials International announced that the Board of Education of the City of Fargo has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. This honor recognizes school districts that uphold the highest standards of financial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certificate of Excellence for its exemplary Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
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.
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.
This fall, FPS asked community members to complete a Climate and Culture Survey. Insights gained from the survey results play a critical role in shaping FPS strategies and ensuring that the District meets the needs of our students and their families. Community feedback directly influences District plans, aligning with its 2024-25 Unified Strategic and Operational Plan. Read more about what was learned from the Fall Climate and Culture Survey and how those results are shaping the future planning of FPS.
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.
Science is more than a subject - it is a way of thinking, questioning, and understanding the world. In this Feature Column, Science Facilitator Allie Kollman highlights the passion and insights of FPS teachers and students who bring science to life in the District's classrooms every day.
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.
February marks Career and Technical Education Month, a time to recognize the powerful impact of CTE programs in shaping the future workforce. In North Dakota, the month is celebrated with the theme Igniting Potential, Inspiring Excellence. Its intent is to showcase how CTE empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed for success in high-demand careers. Read more about CTE Month and CTE programming in FPS
Kindergarten registration is open for the 2025-26 school year! Registration is a two step process. Child must be 5 years old by July 31, 2025 to attend.
In recent years, the FPS Speech-Language Pathologists have participated in panel presentations with various regional universities, sharing insights about their experiences working in schools. These panels, aimed at students in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs or in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology programs, provided an in-depth look at the role of an SLP across different educational levels in public schools.
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.
Fargo Public Schools has launched a dedicated resource page to guide the Fargo Public Schools community through the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in education. This resource page serves as a guide for students, educators, and families regarding the use of AI in education and how FPS is approaching the use of AI to assist in student learning. Students and families can access the resource on the FPS website, under Departments and Technology.
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 line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, FPS is implementing an enhanced process and procedure for Adapted Physical Education. This initiative is not merely a compliance measure with the guidance set forth by the ND Department of Public Instruction, but a proactive step towards ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, receives tailored physical education services.
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.
Learn More
Although the Fargo Board of Education Negotiations Committee has not yet formally begun negotiations, the committee has been meeting and has been busy at work preparing for the 2025-2027 negotiations season.
Emergencies are, by their nature, unpredictable. However, when students and staff are well-prepared, the response can be swift and effective. Emergency drills are vital to help build a school-wide culture of safety. Teaching students and staff exactly what to do, whether it's a fire, a lockdown situation, or a tornado, prepares them to respond in the first moments in the safest way possible.
Find out more about reimagining four core school sites: Ben Franklin, Hawthorne, Roosevelt and Madison. To ensure plans reflect the values of those who live in the community, we want to hear from you!
In late fall of 2023, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction released the ND-ELA Alternate Assessment Standards. This document aligns the North Dakota State Content Standards and the Dynamic Learning Maps Essential Elements to assist districts in developing curriculum, scope, and sequence for students with the most significant disabilities.
When giftedness resides alongside autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning difference in the same person, the person is said to be “twice exceptional” or “2e” for short. The presence of at least two neurodiverse conditions in one brain can present unique challenges for twice exceptional people. It can also present great potential and lead to exceptional outcomes.
This school year, the Fargo Board of Education's Planning Committee will continue to be heavily involved in the implementation of the newly adopted long-range facilities plan, which was approved by the Board on June 11, 2024. Creating a plan is just the beginning. Now that plan must be put into practice, which will take a lot of effort and will again require gathering input from the community throughout the year.
When students take time to reflect on what they’re learning, they perform better in school. Research shows that self-assessment and reflection are two of the most effective strategies for improving learning. When students think about what they’ve learned and identify areas they need to work on, they can set clearer, more meaningful goals.
Read More
Starting in the month of October, kindergarteners and children in our early childhood programs will begin bringing home red Raising a Reader book bags each week. The red bags contain three books that families can share together and return to school the next week. The goal is to support families in establishing, enhancing, and maintaining home reading routines.
This fall, FPS is excited to introduce Proficiency Days at our comprehensive high schools. These days are designed to help students focus on their academic growth and reach their full potential. Proficiency Days provide targeted opportunities for students to improve their skills and progress toward their goals. Watch the video.
This year, FPS started using the term "Multilingual Learners" instead of "English Learners." This change is more than just a new name — it shows the District's commitment to understanding and valuing students’ cultural backgrounds. Read more about the transition from English Learners to Multilingual Learners in this Feature Column by Multilingual Learners Facilitator Jenna Polley.
The Fargo Board of Education approved the final mill levy certification and district budgets for the 2025 school year on September 24. Most individuals think of the General Fund when it comes to school district budgeting, however, Fargo Public Schools budgets for and operates multiple funds, some of which are reserved by law under North Dakota Century Code and can only be used for specified purposes.
At the core of the Standards-Based Instruction/Evidence-Based Reporting model are Enduring Skills and Essential Learning Outcomes. These guide students in becoming more than just passive learners—they develop the ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and innovate. As learners, users, and producers of new knowledge, students are empowered to take ownership of their educational journey.
Read More
FPS transitioned to a new mass communication system, BrightArrow. Unfortunately, since the launch, FPS has experienced some technical challenges that have been particularly frustrating during critical moments, including recent safety and security incidents. ream ore about the new system and how to ensure you receive important information from FPS.
As a parent, it can sometimes feel like you're trying to decode a secret language when it comes to understanding your child's school grades. FPS is committed to providing clear, accurate information on your child’s progress, highlighting both where they are excelling and where they may need more support. Our grading system is designed to focus on the skills your child can use in the real world, emphasizing their academic achievements independent of other factors.
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 college applications, and taking national standardized tests in addition to meal payment benefits.
The FPS Adult Learning Center is a regional hub for Adult Education and Family Literacy based out of the Agassiz with satellite sites supporting the southeastern portion of North Dakota.
The Evidence-Based Reporting gradebook is designed to give a more transparent, skills-based view of a student’s progress. Understanding the gradebook is essential for staying connected with your student’s learning and helping them succeed.
FPS is excited to introduce the Mental Health Series Platform from ParentGuidance.org, a powerful new resource designed to support family mental health and well-being. When caregivers have helpful tools, it benefits children, strengthens families, and contributes to a thriving community.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to Pre-K - grade 12 youth experiencing homelessness. More than 100 FPS students are homeless tis school year.
To foster greater engagement and align its efforts with District strategic objectives, the Teaching and Learning team is introducing a key initiative: the implementation of Leadership Rounding.
FPS is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent suicide and support the mental health of our students. Suicide is preventable, and the our collective efforts can make a difference.
Read More
Students may qualify for federal and state assistance to cover the cost of meals. Households may qualify based on income and size, participation in a federal assistance program (SNAP, etc.) and other criteria.
FPS sent a text message to all parents & staff from number 79041 asking you to opt-in to receive text message alerts from FPS and school. To continue receiving texts you MUST respond YES.
Read about revisions to Administrative Policy 6250 Student Restraint Policy to comply with federal requirements in this column by Director of Compliance Dr. Patricia Cummings.
As teachers prepare to finalize grades, read about the process of finalizing evidence-based grades in this column by Allie Kollman, Science Facilitator.
FPS wants to update its community, parents, and staff on a recent review process regarding educational materials, specifically the Baby Olivia video by Live Action. Read more about the decision and the process.
Read about the steps being taken to make the negotiations process more collaborative, productive and efficient in this Board Column by Fargo Board of Education Negotiations Committee Chair Seth Holden.
Dr. Timothy Shiver’s presentation on “The Dignity Index" at the National School Board Association's annual conference, left a lasting impression. Read more from Melissa Burkland on the conference and this presentation.
Read more about the instructional material review process in this Feature Column by FPS Director of Standards-Based Instruction Dr. Liann Hanson.
Each year, FPS administration conducts an Administrative Policy review. Administrative Policies are reviewed on a set rotation, ensuring all policies are reviewed once in a four-year cycle. Through this review process, some policies do not require any changes while other policies receive minor updates or more substantial updates. For the 2024 review cycle, administration has been reviewing this year’s set of policies during the school year.
FPS is committed to providing students with high-quality instructional materials that support its strategic plan, align with curriculum standards, and promote inclusivity and diversity.
The U.S Dept. of Education released revisions Title IX the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
As FPS continues towards fully implementing Evidence-Based Reporting by 2025-26, a PowerSchool update streamlines the parent/student view by combining EBR and traditional grading systems.
FPS is dedicated to implementing equitable processes to ensure all students are supported so each student can demonstrate proficiency in identified Essential Learning Outcomes.
As part of the Staff Recognition Program, staff and community members were invited to nominate a teacher, administrator, or support staff member that is serving our students with excellence. View the list.
The FPS Calendar Committee has developed the DRAFT for the District’s 2025-26 school calendar, which is now being prepared for review and approval by the Fargo Board of Education.
Thank you to all Fargo Public Schools library staff that make each of the libraries in the District special places for our students to grow! April 7-13, is National Library Week.
Congratulations to all Fargo Public Schools students who auditioned and were selected to participate in 2024 All-State and Honors musical performance groups!
March is National Social Workers Month! This March, we would like to recognize the social workers in Fargo Public Schools and the hard work they do to support our students. Thank you, social workers!
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.
During this school year, Fargo Public Schools is working on updating its Long-Range Facility Plan. Read about how FPS has worked diligently to engage the public during this process in this Board Column.