ECSE Family Newsletter

March 4, 2026 3:00 PM

A note from Superintendent Beth Slette:

I have the privilege of seeing the work of our educators, support teams, and leaders every day. Their commitment to continuous improvement and to preparing all learners for tomorrow’s world is evident in our classrooms and throughout our schools. Our recent accreditation process provided an external validation of that work.

This fall, our district successfully completed two comprehensive accreditation reviews through Cognia, an international nonprofit organization that evaluates school systems using rigorous, research-based standards. These results place our district among the top performing systems reviewed under Cognia’s new national framework.

Accreditation is not based on a single test score. External evaluators review documentation, analyze data, interview stakeholders, and observe classrooms. The process measures how well systems support culture, leadership, engagement, and growth for learners.

West Fargo Public Schools earned a score of 325, placing our district in the top 25 percent of institutions reviewed globally and earning the designation Accredited with Merit. Nearly 300 institutions across the country were reviewed under Cognia’s new standards this fall. Our district was one of only five school systems nationwide to reach this level. Only one system earned the higher designation of Accredited with Distinction.

Our Early Childhood Center also stood out in its Early Learning Accreditation Review as the first early childhood program to complete a review in the state of North Dakota. It earned a score of 331, received the designation Accredited with Merit, and placed in the top 25 percent of early learning programs reviewed globally this semester. Of the early learning schools reviewed in the 11 state Midwest Region, our Early Childhood Center was the only one to receive the Accredited with Merit designation.

These reviews affirm the exceptional dedication, professionalism, and daily commitment of our educators. Their work in classrooms, buildings, and across the district is the reason our systems are strong, and our learners are supported. The feedback we received reinforces that this work does not stop here. Accreditation is part of an ongoing cycle of improvement, and we will continue to reflect, refine, and strive to be the very best we can for our learners, educators, and community.

As we celebrate this achievement, we are also preparing for the future. Our current strategic plan concludes at the end of 2027. In the coming months, we will begin developing the next strategic plan to guide West Fargo Public Schools forward. We invite community members to participate in that work.

We are incredibly proud of our learners and deeply appreciative of the educators and staff members who make this level of performance possible. We are also sincerely grateful to our families and community members for their continued trust and partnership. Together, we are building a school system that reflects the very best of West Fargo and strengthens the future of our entire community.

Beth Slette
Superintendent
West Fargo Public Schools

Thank you to the volunteers who helped make our 3rd Annual Family Literacy Night a success, as well as to the families who attended. We had over 150 people visit the Early Childhood Center for a fun night with If You Take a Mouse to School themed activities! We look forward to doing this event again next year.

If you have attended an IEP meeting this school year, we would love to hear from you. Please click the Microsoft Forms link below to complete the survey.

ECSE Meeting Survey 2025-2026

March 3rd and 26th- *Parent Teacher Conferences

March 19th and 20th- No School

April 3rd- No School (Holiday)

April 6th- Snow Make-up Day

May 21st- Last Day of School

*Your child's teacher will reach out to schedule conferences. If your child has their annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting between January-May, they may not have a conference this spring.

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to provide some important information for families with children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2025.

For Parents of Incoming Kindergarteners:

• No Pre-registration Required This Spring: If your child is currently enrolled in ECSE and will be entering kindergarten this fall, you do not need to pre-register this spring. Your child is already in the school system.

• Fall Update: In the fall, you will need to log on to your parent portal and update your child's information to ensure we have the most current details for your child.

• No Action Required Now: At this time, no action is required on your part regarding kindergarten registration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to supporting your child's transition to kindergarten!

• Please call the Bus Barn at 701-356-2120
• Please call the ECSE Office at 701-356-2020

What are calm down strategies for preschoolers?

A calm down strategy is a coping skill that helps children to regulate their emotions.

Calming strategies may require the use of an object (e.g., sensory tool), physical activity (e.g., deep breathing), or a shift in thinking (e.g., mindfulness technique).

It is appropriate for preschoolers to need adult support to regulate their emotions and learn new coping skills.

Some ideas for implementing strategies include:

1. Teach calming strategies first when kids are calm.
2. Frame calming strategies as an opportunity, not a punishment.
3. Offer calming strategies as a choice, rather than a demand.
4. Provide visual cues of calming strategies.
5. Create a timeout alternative with your child, such as a designated calming space or calm down kit.
6. Remember that calming strategies are not a substitute for caregiver love and support!

Read more at:

11 Calm Down Strategies for Preschoolers (They'll Want to Use!) - Such a Little While

Visuals are a great way to show your child choices for calming down, or teach and remind them how to use a strategy, such as deep breathing. Preschool classrooms use many visuals to help support language and understanding, and you can use them at home too! Check out this resource from the ND Department of Education for ideas and visuals to help regulate emotions.

Looking for something to do? There are many events happening in our community.

Fargo Mom offers many ideas on places to visit in the community as well as monthly activities:

Things To Do in Fargo (fargomom.com)

Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead Public Libraries also have a variety of activities for all ages:

Public Library | West Fargo, ND (westfargolibrary.org)

The City of Fargo - Kids (fargond.gov)

Kids + Teens - Lake Agassiz Regional Library (larl.org)

The park districts have events happening throughout the year. Check out their websites for more information.

Fargo Park District- Youth Programs

West Fargo Park District- Activities

The Great Plains Food Bank offers needed food assistance through a network of partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens, Mobile Food Pantry, child and senior hunger programs and assistance for SNAP clients. If you are in need of food assistance, find resources at the link below.

https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is provided to your child at no cost to you to serve areas of need. If you are looking for childcare for your children, North Dakota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Applications are available online, in person, or via mail.

Child Care Assistance Program | Health and Human Services North Dakota