SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter for March 5, 2026
- SPOTLIGHT -
Feature Column - Music in our Schools Month
March is Music in Our Schools Month. Fargo Public Schools traditionally has had and continues to cultivate an especially strong music program, so strong that it has been named one of the National Association of Music Merchants' “Best Communities for Music Education” for 16 consecutive years and 22 out of the last 26. Because of the dedication of all stakeholders associated with FPS, our students continue to be recipients of and active participants in high-quality, robust, rigorous, and enriching music experiences.
Read more about FPS' music education offerings and the importance of music education for students in this Feature Column by FPS Performing Arts Facilitator Patrick Thiel.
Feature Column - Spring Break is a Pause, not a Pattern
March brings a breath of fresh air; longer days, warmer sunshine, and a well-earned spring break for students and staff. That time off is important for recharging, reconnecting with family, and stepping away from routine. It is also important to remember: spring break is a pause – not the start of a longer absence.
Read more about the importance of staying diligent about school attendance before and after Spring Break in this Feature Column by Assistant Director of Student Support Services Dr. Jen Sahr.
- NEWSMAKERS -
School Social Work Week
During National School Social Work Week, March 1–7, we are proud to recognize and thank our school social workers and Student Wellness and Family Facilitators for the incredible support they provide to our school community.
Our school social workers play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed.
Please join us in thanking this incredible team for their dedication, care, and lasting impact.
2026 YWCA Women of the Year Nominees
Congratulations to Jefferson Elementary School Principal Beth Olson and Dakota High School Positive Behavior Technician Amy Stoa on being 2026 YWCA Women of the Year nominees! Olson and Stoa are among 34 women that will be recognized as YWCA Cass Clay hosts its annual Women of the Year awards event on April 20.
Since 1973, YWCA has paid tribute to over 2,000 outstanding Women of the Year honorees whose lives, talents, and passions have made a meaningful difference. All have demonstrated passion for their community, service to women and children, and are an inspiration to the next generation of leaders.
Olson
Stoa
Spruins Third at State Hockey
Congratulations to the North/South Spruins girls hockey team on placing third at the North Dakota State Girls Hockey Tournament! The Spruins defeated Davies 4-0 in the third place game on Saturday at Scheels Arena.
Girls Hockey Senior Athlete of the Year
Congratulations to North High School Senior Kenleigh Fischer on being named the North Dakota 2026 Powerade Senior Athlete of the Year for girls hockey. Fischer received the award at the North Dakota State Hockey Tournament on Saturday at Scheels Arena.
Dragon Middle School Honor Band
Congratulations to the Fargo Public Schools students who were chosen to participate in the 2026 Dragon Middle School Honor Band! Students rehearsed their music and performed a concert all in one day on Thursday, February 26. Participants were chosen based on teacher recommendations and were directed by guest conductor Paul Liversage.
FPS participants were Nolan Erbele, Samson Zurn, Elise Matcha, Anders Steier, Simone Grotluschen, and Corbin Andring.
Employee Spotlight - Crystal Towers
Meet Davies High School Instructional Resources Library Assistant Crystal Towers in this week's Employee Spotlight.
The Fargo Public Schools Human Capital Department wants to shine a spotlight on its valuable employees who have a tremendous positive impact on the District's students, staff, and families. The District's educators are crucial to achieving our goal of educating and empowering all students to succeed and are dedicated to the idea that we are stronger together. HC has selected FPS staff members who are deserving of greater recognition and will highlight them each week.
- YOUR FPS -
No School March 16-20 - Spring Break
There will be NO SCHOOL March 16-20 for Spring Break. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Monday, March 23.
View the 2025-26 District School Calendar to see school out days and other important dates throughout the school year.
History Harvest: Share Your Memories of Madison, Roosevelt, and Horace Mann
Whether you are a former student, staff member, parent, or community member, we invite you to share your stories and celebrate your time at Madison, Roosevelt, and Horace Mann elementary schools.
Your memories matter. By sharing photos and written reflections, you will help preserve the legacy of these schools while shaping the next chapter of learning for future students. Click here to upload your photos and reflections.
FPS and ICON Architectural Group are collecting photos and written comments that will be brought together to influence the design of the new Horace Mann Elementary School and possibly be used in a legacy wall — a visual feature that celebrates the identity of a former school. These displays often include class photos, mascots, and memorable moments that shaped the community. Over time, they become natural gathering places where people pause, remember, and reconnect.
SRO Police Car Design Contest Deadline Tomorrow
Fargo Public Schools high school and middle schoolers, this is your chance to design a Fargo Police Department Squad Car! High school and middle school students are invited to submit artistic designs for wraps for two School Resource Officer squad cars starting the beginning of second semester. Designs are due to be turned in to each school's SRO by 4 p.m. TOMORROW Friday, March 6.
One winning middle school and one winning high school design will be applied to the winning school’s SRO squad car for the 2026-27 school year. This project is being funded by the Fargo Police Foundation.
Design options are limited only by the imaginations of the student artists. The artwork may incorporate any designs or color schemes using the existing FPD graphics. Fargo Public Schools Administration has authorized the use of school-specific logos as part of their designs. School specific or FPS logos cannot cover original FPD graphics. There can be no changes to the End of Watch graphic on the back, or the United States flag on either side. Design templates can be picked up from each SRO or downloaded here.
Designs will go through a selection process involving school administrators, school resource officers, FPS Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner, and FPD Police Chief David Zibolski, with final winners chosen through a public vote.
Carl Ben Eielson Musical - Disney's Moana Jr.
Carl Ben Eielson Middle School presents its musical Disney's Moana Jr. at 7 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, March 5-6 and at 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 7 in the South High School theater.
The musical, based on the animated film, follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within.
North Play - Peter and the Starcatcher
North High School presents the play Peter and the Starcatcher at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday-Saturday, March 12-14 and at 2 p.m. next Sunday, March 15 in the North High School theater.
The Tony-winning play tells the story of how a miserable orphan comes to be the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, also known as Peter Pan. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults and can be purchased on the Fargo Public Schools Online Theater Box Office website.
AD-Ventures for Kids & Teens
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).
AD-Ventures for Kids is for youth in grade levels K-5.
AD-Ventures for Teens is for youth in grade levels 6-8.
Trollwood Summer Registration
- BOARD FOCUS -
School Board Election
2026 brings an election year for the Fargo Board of Education. The application period for the June 9, 2026 ballot is now open.
Candidates interested in running for one of five positions on the Fargo Board of Education may submit an application until Monday, April 6 at 4 p.m. Applications must be submitted to the Fargo Public Schools Business Office by the deadline at the Fargo Public Schools District Office, 700 7th Street South in Fargo.
For more information on the election, please visit https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/school-board/board-election
- IN FOCUS -
BARR Visit
North Dakota state leaders including Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden, State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, and state legislators visited Jefferson Elementary School and Carl Ben Eielson Middle School last week to observe the BARR system in the schools. The visitors observed U-Time lessons and learned more about the educational support model. (Photo courtesy Rob Metz)
Flag Presentation
Cobber Hockey Guests
Members of the Concordia College Women's Hockey Team visited Miss Swanson's kindergarten class at Bennett Elementary School. The hockey players read stories, led the students in a workout, and participated in making a necklace craft. (Photo courtesy Sara Schafer)
FYI Presents to School Board
The new contingent of students participating in the Fargo Youth Initiative group was introduced at the Fargo Board of Education meeting last week. 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. It will now be overseen by Fargo Public Schools. (Photo courtesy Robin Nelson)
Rotary Club Presentations
New Dice
Ben Ridl from Demise Dice Company joined Discovery Middle School's Dungeons & Dragons club last week to share his love of D&D. Each player received a unique D20 hand-made in Discovery colors to add to their personal collections. (Photo courtesy Amy Herrick)
Principal for the Day
Clara Barton Hawthorne Elementary School students Malia Nelson and Cade Askegaard were selected in a drawing to be Principals for the Day at Clara Barton and Hawthorne on Friday. The students shadowed CBH Principal Rebecca Folden and CBH Assistant Principal Erica Rainsberry and even got to enact their own school rule for the day. (Photo courtesy Rebecca Folden)
Turtley Awesome
The Red River Zoo's ZOOmobile and Sheldon the Turtle visited Centennial Elementary School third graders last week. As part of the visit, Sheldon took a detour to visit Miss Lisa and her "turtley awesome" turtle collection she keeps on her desk. (Photo courtesy Chris Hayden)
Science Labs
Brittany Olson's physical science and forensic science classes at South High School conducted hands-on labs this February. The physical science class conducted an acceleration lab in which they gathered data about the acceleration of Hot Wheels cars on a track and a friction lab using scooters to identify static, sliding, rolling, and fluid friction. The forensic science class processed a staged crime scene and focused on analyzing hair and fiber and learned how to tell the difference between human and non-human hair. (Photo courtesy Brittany Olson)
- IN THE NEWS -
Fargo Public Schools - SchoolTalk
Email: comments@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us
Location: 700 7th Street South, Fargo, ND
Phone: 701.446.1000



