SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter for May 21, 2026
Feature Column - Maintaining Good Days During Summer Break
As the school year comes to a close, summer offers a shift in pace for many in our Fargo Public Schools students and families. Schedules change, routines loosen, and expectations often feel lighter. For some, this creates space for rest and renewal. For others, the loss of structure and daily connection can make it harder to maintain a sense of balance. As we continue focusing on creating more good days, summer is an important time to be intentional about what supports our well-being.
Read more about how to maintain good days during the summer in this Feature Column by Assistant Director of Student Support Services Dr. Jen Sahr.
Feature Column - The Voices of FPS' Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathology Paraeducators
Each May, National Speech‑Language‑Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of American Speech-Language Hearing Association members in providing life‑altering treatment. Members of Fargo Public Schools' Speech-Language Pathology team shared what they appreciate about the work they do as speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology paraeducators.
Read the reflections from the District's Speech-Language Pathology team in this Feature Column by Special Education Coordinator Kim Myers.
Feature Column - FPS Special Education Report Card: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Each year, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction releases a report called the Levels of Determination Report Card. This report looks at how school districts support students who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. For the 2025–26 school year, Fargo Public Schools received a rating of Needs Assistance (NA1) with a total score of 9 points. While the report highlights areas that still need improvement, it also shows important growth in several key areas across the District.
Read more about the Levels of Determination Report Card, areas where FPS improved, areas where FPS sees room for improvement, and how the District plans to move forward together in this Feature Column by Director of Student Support Services Shelby DiFonzo.
David Ha
Braden Li
Eleanor Iversen
Diamond Key Award
Congratulations to North High School Forensics Coach Marquisia Bashir on receiving the Diamond Key Award for coaching excellence from the National Speech & Debate Association!
The National Speech and Debate Association Diamond Key Award honors speech and debate coaches who demonstrate both exceptional career longevity and student success. Diamonds are earned based on coach points, which accumulate through team participation, student achievement, leadership, and public service.
Silent Heroes Publication
Mr. Hochhalter researched U.S. Army Private Clarence H. Overby, who served in World War II and his profile has been published on the NHD's Silent Heroes Website.
NLI Signing
Congratulations to North High School Senior Kellen Dougherty on signing his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at the next level! Dougherty signed to play football and baseball at Concordia College.
Employee Spotlight - Stacey Bush
Meet North High School Attendance Secretary Stacey Bush 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.
No School Next Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day
There will be NO SCHOOL next Monday, May 25 due to the Memorial Day holiday. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, May 26.
View the 2025-26 District School Calendar to see school out days and other important dates throughout the school year.
Meal Account Transfer/Refund Request
Meal account balances will carry over into the following school year and refunds are not necessary for returning students. For students leaving the District with $10 or more in their account, households will automatically receive a refund in the mail at the end of the year.
Requests for refunds, transfers to siblings, or donations of funds remaining in accounts are accommodated if made by June 15. Requests can be made by a listed guardian by going online to the Meal Account Request Form or by calling the nutrition services office at (701) 446-1152.
Graduation Ceremony Livestream Links
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026! Graduation is less than a month away at Fargo Public Schools. To accommodate those who are unable to attend, FPS will livestream graduation ceremonies at the links below. The Dakota High School graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. June 5 will not be live streamed, but will be recorded for future viewing.
Virtual Academy, June 3 at 6 p.m.
Davies High School, June 7 at noon
North High School, June 7 at 3 p.m.
South High School, June 7 at 6 p.m.
FPS Recommendation Survey
Fargo Public Schools seeks to gain feedback from parents/guardians/caregivers on their satisfaction with their student's school. Please complete this survey for as many students as you have in Fargo Public Schools. When completing the survey, please reflect on the experience you and your student have had at the school as a whole (i.e. academics, relationships, other programs). The data will be used as part of the monitoring process for the FPS Strategic Plan.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Even as the school year winds down, every day still matters - students are learning, connecting, and building confidence for the next grade.
Let's finish strong by encouraging consistent attendance through the very last day.
ArtSpark
North DECA Donation
Thank you to the Morris Family for the donation of $5,000 to support North High School DECA! Because of their generous donation, students were able to travel to the national DECA conference and gain leadership and career development experiences. Their support also helps provide scholarships for graduating seniors involved in DECA.
Bike Donation
Thank you to Devon Liljenquist from Arrow Advisors for donating two bikes for students at Lewis & Clark Elementary School! The bikes were used as an incentive for the school's walk-a-thon on May 6.Students who donated at least 1 cent were entered into a drawing for the chance to win a brand-new bike
Superintendent's Student Cabinet
State School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is asking North Dakota Students to apply to serve on his Superintendent's Student Cabinet, which offers students an opportunity to discuss concerns and shape policy in K-12 education.
Any student in grades six-12 who attends a North Dakota public or nonpublic K-12 school – or who is in the first year of attending a North Dakota college – is eligible to apply. Student Cabinet terms last about 18 months. Cabinet meetings typically are held every three months at the state Capitol. Members are picked to represent cultures, school sizes, age groups, and regions within the state.
The Student Cabinet application form is on the Department of Public Instruction’s website. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. July 24, 2026.
Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Fargo Cass Public Health is hosting Back-to-School Immunization Clinics on the following dates in August; all clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fargo Cass Public Health (1240 25th Street South, Fargo):
- August 4 & 25: Appointments only
- August 11 & 18: Appointments and walk-ins
Walk-in immunizations will be provided by Family Healthcare in their Mobile Unit in the FCPH parking lot. Registration forms for walk-in immunizations can be completed at this link.
Those planning to attend are asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be turned away for not having insurance. Please call 701.241.1383 to schedule or with questions.
Fargo Public Library Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story
The Fargo Public Library is hosting its annual Summer Reading Challenge from June 8 through August 15. This summer's theme is Unearth a Story. Kids and teens can participate by registering and logging into the Fargo Public Library Beanstack app (pre-registration starts June 1) and completing reading activities and challenges to earn prizes. For more information and to view the Summer Reading Challenge preview video, visit the Fargo Public Library website.
Fargo Park District Scholarships
The Fargo Park District is expanding its Scholarship Program thanks to the support of the Fargo Park District Foundation and generous community donors. Visit fargoparks.com/scholarships to apply and learn more. Scholarships can be used on pool passes, all Fargo Park District individual registration programs, select Courts Plus youth programs or a playground punch card, Fargo Parks Sports Center punch cards, and Fargo Parks Active Ager punch cards.
Scholarships are available to current Fargo residents who have lived in the city for at least 90 days and meet one of the following qualifications:
- Household income falls within the ND DPI Income Eligibility Guidelines
- Currently receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
NDSU Football Players
Student Leadership Lessons
On May 13, Eagles Elementary School student leadership team of fourth and fifth graders created and taught different lessons and activities to kindergarten students, including how to draw, origami, playing games, kindness dances, reading books about kindness and inclusion, and coloring a kindness collage poster. (Photo courtesy Cassie Larson)
Be Seen in Green
Washington Elementary School staff participated in Be Seen in Green Day on May 14. Educators across the District were encouraged to wear green to improve mental health awareness and show support for those experiencing mental health challenges. (Photo courtesy Rehan Amedi)
Mental Health Awareness
Discovery Middle School staff gathered in the school's library to show off their green clothing as they participated in Be Seen in Green day on May 14. The educators helped raise awareness for mental health issues and showed support for individuals struggling with mental health. (Photo courtesy Patricia Donat)
Bonanzaville Tour Guides
Washington Elementary School fourth graders visited the Bonanzaville USA Pioneer Village. The students each researched a building at Bonanzaville and what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. When they reached their building, they took on the role of tour guide and shared facts and info with the rest of the group. (Photo courtesy Emma Rage)
Orchestra Demonstration
The third graders in Mrs. Tronnes' classroom at Kennedy Elementary School had some special musical guests on May 14. Students from Mr. Huckabey's orchestra class visited the third graders to give them a lesson about orchestra instruments and performed a concert for them. (Photo courtesy Jodi Dirk)
Pickleball
Virtual Academy students and staff connected as they played pickleball at Courts & Pints for a connection day. The connection days help build a sense of school community even though the virtual students don't see each other in person every day like in a traditional school setting. (Photo courtesy Vanessa Boehm)
LETRS Participants
Fargo Public Schools educators completed Volumes 1 and 2 of LETRS, a comprehensive professional development course for instructors of reading, spelling, and related language skills. LETRS provides K-12 educators with an in-depth understanding of the science behind teaching literacy and gives them the background and depth of knowledge to teach language and literacy skills to every student. (Photo courtesy Lisa Roeske)
Book Character Parade
All second grade students at Eagles Elementary School walked in a book character parade. The students spent weeks reading, writing, revising, and drawing information about their book character. After all their hard work, they dressed up like their book character, walked to Touchmark, and showed their work and costumes off to the residents. Then, parents and other students in their school lined the bus loop to watch the parade and went into the school to see artwork and hear more about each character. (Photo courtesy Vanessa McNutt)
ND Governor and Lt. Governor Tour Explorer Academy
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, and Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden visited Explorer Academy on May 14. They toured the facility and learned about how the state's first K-8 special education day school helps students succeed academically, socially, and behaviorally. (Photo courtesy Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden)
Hawthorne Spelling Bee
Hawthorne Elementary School held its annual oral spelling bee for first and second graders. The spelling bee lasted 28 rounds and 126 words. The winning word was sturdy. Greta Barlow won the spelling bee with Lara Akgul and Leo Trindade rounding out the top three. (Photo courtesy Rebecca Folden)
Lincoln Family Picnic
Lincoln Elementary School held a walk-a-thon fundraiser and family picnic on May 15. Students raised donation pledges and then walked or ran to raise money to benefit the school's Parent Teacher Association. Then they enjoyed a picnic lunch outside the school with their loved ones.
Birthday Party for America
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, Explorer Academy Teacher Melissa Uetz brought the spirit of 1776 directly to students at the Birthday Party for America. The classroom setting was transformed into an immersive historical festival that showed students what it was like to live in America at the time the country gained independence. Uetz was the winner of the Jack Miller Center's Teaching America 250 Award, which included a $5,000 grant to support of a project commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Releasing Butterflies
Jefferson Elementary School second graders witnessed the life cycle of caterpillars this spring. The students watched the caterpillars grow and change and celebrated them changing into butterflies by releasing them into the wild. (Photo courtesy Paige Hanson)
Crash Test Challenge
Students in the Real Preventative Maintenance class at South High School recently took their learning about auto safety for a spin with a hands-on crash test challenge. Students built crash test cars designed to keep an egg safe during impact. After racing their cars down a ramp from different heights into a cinder block, students quickly learned which designs protected their passengers best and which ones needed more engineering work. (Photo courtesy Adrienne Eider)
North Art Show
The North High School Art Show, featuring student artwork, is on display in the school's North Entrance this week. The display showcases the work of talented North students and includes drawings, photos, ceramics, and more. (Photo courtesy Jessica Geir)
Downtown History Tour
Jefferson Elementary School third graders headed downtown to learn the history of their hometown. On the Downtown History Tour Walk, the students visited numerous historic sites in the city while listening to audio guides on their headphones recorded by previous FPS students. They also enjoyed a historical presentation at the Fargo Theatre. (Photo courtesy Allie Minar)
Learn Not to Burn
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