Packer Nation News

How is it already November?! The weather is getting colder, the holidays are around the corner, and Quarter 2 is in full swing. Thank you for all the support to set your learner up for success in Quarter 1! We are grateful for the Packer community.

This newsletter contains important information regarding Quarter 2 conferences, food assistance, upcoming college and career readiness events, the inclement weather schedule, grade 9's advisory experience with HS 101, and academic supports. Additional information can be found on school and district webpages. You can also follow West Fargo High School on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). After review, do not hesitate to contact the school with questions or concerns.

A few notes for your radar:

• We now have a form to request a food box from the West Fargo High School Packer Pantry! Simply submit your request here and we will get a box prepared for you! More information about food assistance is below!
• Celebrate the 90th birthday of West Fargo High School and order your Legacy Lives Here apparel today! 10% of profits will be returned to West Fargo High School! Options are both in cream and Packer green! Check it out here and below!
• Attendance continues to be absolutely essential. Students do receive detention due to an unverified (UV) absence or after receiving 5 unexcused tardies (UT) in any one class. This includes advisory and WIN. Please encourage your student to check in with their administrator regarding their assigned detention if they believe it is a mistake!
• Quarter 2 family conferences are around the corner! On Thursday, December 4 from 5:00-7:30p WFHS will host Quarter 2 conferences with an "open house" format. 4:00-5:00p is by appointment only. We will be hosting a meeting for 11th grade families about job opportunities and work-based learning at 5:15p and a meeting for 9th through 11th grade families about registration information for the 2026-2027 school year at 6:15p.
• There is no school on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veteran's Day as well as Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving Break. Enjoy the time with family and friends!

It's always a great day to be a Packer.

All my best,

Rachel Bachmeier

• PowerSchool and Schoology Access: Help your learner with academic support by staying on top of their progress! Make sure you can access your learner's grades and attendance in PowerSchool and assignment and assessment information in Schoology! If a student has a grade in both Schoology and PowerSchool, please remember that PowerSchool is the OFFICIAL gradebook for learners. If you need help gaining access, please contact the WFHS Main Office!
• Homework Room: Every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool, learners are welcome to attend Homework Room in 108E from 3:40-4:30p. Due to staffing and space constraints, attendance is limited to the first 15 learners.
• WIN Sessions: WIN sessions are offered 4 days each week (typically Tuesday through Friday) to help support students’ academic, wellness, and Choice Ready skills. Families can help students select their sessions each week by using PowerSchool to view and register students for WIN session that best meet their individual needs. Learn how by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/WFHSWIN
• Study Tables: WFHS teachers offer a variety of study tables throughout the day. See below for more information!
• Ask! The best way to advocate for academic support is to reach out to the teacher with questions and concerns!

Important Information from the Counseling Office:

Dana Rosendahl will be out of the office on maternity leave for approximately 12 weeks beginning in December. While she is out of the office, the counseling team will be supporting her students. Mrs. Rosendahl works with students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning F-Le. See below for a breakdown on who to contact for learner support.

• Ms. Courtney Quist, last names F-Go (grades 10-12), contact information: caquist@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

• Mr. Jamie Zuel, last names Gr-He (grades 10-12), contact information: jzuel@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

• Mrs. Tessa Roberts, last names Hi-Ka (grades 10-12), contact information: troberts@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

• Mrs. Megan Cowden, last names Ke-Le (grades 10-12), contact information: mcowden@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Mrs. Rosendahl also works collaboratively with Mr. Asprey (grades 10-12 with last names F-G) and Mrs. Metz (grades 10-12 with last names H-L), so please continue to communicate with them regarding any administrative support needed.

Important Dates:

NOVEMBER:

• 7: Deadline to pay for AP Exams
• 12-13: MTSS Community Circles
• 17-21: Grade 11 Minute Meetings
• 24-25: Community Circles in AP English Classrooms

Minute Meetings are brief check-ins between the student and school counselor that are conducted two times per school year. The purpose of Minute Meetings is to ensure every student gets the opportunity to speak with their school counselor, discuss postsecondary goals, and identify whether further academic, career, or social-emotional supports are needed.

The practice of community circles is a simple, structured process of communication that helps participants connect with themselves and their community. They are designed to create a safe space for all voices and to encourage participants to step in the direction of their best self. The practice of community circles is a strategy to build and maintain a healthy community in which all members feel connected and respected.

Family Resources:

Please encourage your learner to ask for what they need. Students commonly struggle in class, but do not talk with their teachers about those struggles. We know asking for help, especially the first time, can be hard. Practicing how to have those conversations with your learner can be helpful. While it may feel uncomfortable, hearing yourself say out loud how you would ask for help is a great way to feel more confident in those conversations. Encourage your learner to reach out to their teachers in ways that work for them, such as talking before or after class, sending them a message on Schoology, or attending WIN (What I Need) sessions.

Counseling Appointments:

Learners may make their own appointments to meet with their school counselor by going to the Counseling Office to identify a time that works with their schedule. This is the most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. So, please encourage your learner to stop in and make an appointment!

If parents/guardians are concerned about their learner, they may reach out directly to their learner’s school counselor using the contact information below.

Did you know we have a full-scale pantry located at West Fargo High School? With over 40% of students from low-income families, we want to make sure we're providing as much as possible for everyone's basic needs. Stocked in the pantry are a variety of foods (including freezer foods), clothing, household products, and hygiene items. If you would like to place a request for a food box from our Packer Pantry, please complete this form! Other community food assistance information is below!

Click here (or view the photo below) to see West Fargo High School's inclement weather schedule. High school learners are expected to bring their device to school each day and home each evening in order to be prepared for an inclement weather day. Late start schedules are available here.

The first time school is cancelled due to inclement weather will be treated as a true snow day, with no expectations, virtual or otherwise, for learners. That day will be made up on April 6, 2026.

After the first inclement weather day, all future inclement weather days will be virtual learning. For this, all learners are required to log-in via Microsoft Teams at 10:00a to their advisory. During this time they will be able to check Schoology to identify expectations for each of their classes, including if their class is meeting synchronously (at the same time) in the morning. If their class is meeting synchronously, learners are expected to log-in for the class. All details about expectations will be posted in learner's individual Schoology courses!

WFHS Career Center Resources:

For questions or interest in exploring your Career and College Readiness opportunities visit the Career Center webpages or book an appointment with Career Advisor, Allison Caldwell.

• WFHS Career Center: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/programs/career-center
• Allison Caldwell: acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

HTTC Career Expo:

The 22nd annual Heath, Tech, and Trades Career Expo will be held on December 2nd at the Fargodome. It is designed to promote various industries to 9th graders in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and area rural public and private schools. We encourage our learners to explore, engage, and inquire about the different industries represented at the event as they begin planning their future pathways to success!

WorkKeys Test Days:

Learners interested in taking or needing to take the WorkKeys Test to work towards earning the ND Scholarship, please see below for some information about the test and upcoming test days.

The WorkKeys is part of the Workforce Ready portion of the ND Scholarship and is comprised of 3 subtests. The three subtests are: Graphic Literacy, Applied Math, and Workplace Documents. Students need to score at least a 5 on a scale of 3 - 7 on each to meet the requirements for the ND Scholarship. Each subtest costs $13.50. Students can take the subtests as many times as needed to earn that score, but each additional attempt costs $13.50 per subtest. If cost is a concern, please let us know. There will be several test days offered throughout the school year. The 3 subtests can either be taken all in one sitting or across several test days. Click on this link to view the test days and sign up.

More information about the tests and test prep information can be found at the links below:

Workplace Documents

Graphic Literacy

Applied Math

Test Preparation Resources

Questions about the WorkKeys may be directed to Courtney Quist, Megan Cowden, and Dana Rosendahl.

Advanced Placement Testing Information (AP Exams):

The AP coordinators have been in classrooms and working with students to help students register for their exams. Although the exams will not occur until May 2026, it is crucial that all students are registered and have paid for their exams no later than November 7th to avoid any late fees. Registration is a 2-step process:

• Step 1: Students register for exams in Total Registration and are placed on a waitlist.
• Step 2: Students exams are approved, and fees are adjusted accordingly (your student will likely not be required to pay the full amount for the exam). This is a manual step, so we appreciate your patience as we work through this process to ensure accuracy.
• Step 3: Once the exams are approved, students will receive an email when the exam is ready for payment (you will need to use your student’s login credentials). All exams are paid for on the Total Registration website.

Transcript Requests:

Current students can request their official transcript through their E-Transcript account. Instructions can be found here. Current students can also access and download an unofficial transcript using the above instructions. If a college/university is NOT listed in E-Transcript, please complete the form on our website.

Past graduates are able to request their transcript by accessing the school website.

*If you took a dual-credit course, you are required to send an official transcript directly from NDSCS to the college(s) to which you apply. To request transcripts from NDSCS go to: http://www.ndscs.edu/current-students/request-transcripts/.

NCAA Eligibility:

Does your learner have potential plans to play a sport at the collegiate level? If so, please encourage your learner to communicate with their school counselor, administrator, and the activities department to make sure they are academically eligible. More information can be found here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

Bank of North Dakota Dual Credit Assistance Program:

Bank of North Dakota covers the cost of up to two college courses per school year for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who participate in Free or Reduced Price Lunch. If students have questions about this support or their eligibility, they can meet with their school counselor. The deadline to submit applications is the last day of the semester in which they are taking the course.

North Dakota Scholarship:

Senior students graduating from a North Dakota high school may be eligible for one of three scholarships that can be used at a North Dakota college, university, or eligible training program. There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $6,000. Information on the available scholarships can be found in the Counseling Office or online.

Conversations amongst West Fargo High School staff last year resulted in a targeted focus to improve the transition from middle school to high school. One of the ways this is happening this year is through HS 101, the advisory course for all freshman students.

Every Monday during advisory time, freshmen learn about and discuss important topics to set them up for high school success.

If you'd like to read more about the importance of freshman year, we encourage you to check out the book Make or Break Year which we referenced in planning some of our supports for ninth graders. A snippet from the book is below!

"Students who receive more than one F in a semester during their freshman year are very unlikely to graduate, even if, like Eric, they posted solid academic records before HS. And if ninth grade is the make-or-break year for HS graduation, then it is also the pivotal year for a shot at the middle class. HS graduates earn roughly $670,000 more over the course of a lifetime than HS dropouts do. They are more likely to vote, volunteer, and participate in other aspects of civil society. They are less likely to live in poverty or be institutionalized in a prison or mental hospital. They are healthier. They live longer. In short, a HS diploma is the first line of defense against the corrosive effects of poverty." (p. 3)

Packer Backers is West Fargo High School's booster program. All money raised is used to support our students, athletes, staff, and community. For example, Packer Backer donations have made senior class breakfasts, new scoreboards, and new scoring tables possible! They do not only support athletics; they have provided financial support for a variety of school programs including DECA, FCCLA, Post Prom/Post Grad, and Spanish Club to name a few!

For more information, reach out to wfpackerbackers@gmail.com!

• Quarter 2 Family Conferences: Thursday, December 4, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Quarter 3 Family Conferences: Wednesday, February 11, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Quarter 4 Family Conferences: Thursday, March 26, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Senior Day: Tuesday, May 12
• Senior Capstone Presentations: Wednesday, April 29
• Prom: Saturday, May 2 (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
• Graduation: Sunday, May 24 @ 3:30p (Scheels Arena)

West Fargo Administration is excited to support your learner this school year! Please reach out to your learner's administrator with any questions or concerns.

The contact information and counselor alphabet splits are below. Please contact your learner’s school counselor with any questions/concerns.

In addition to the administrator and counselor supporting your student, check out the services and resources below!

• WFHS Bell Schedules

• 2025-2026 District Calendar Link

• Information about Student Activities

• Application for Free Reduced Meals
• Parent Portal of PowerSchool for Parents/Guardians
• FAQ for Parent Portal
• Schoology for Parents/Guardians
• MySchoolBucks
• Graduation Requirements
• College Planning Checklists
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
• Transcript Requests

Follow us on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). Support our student news channel by subscribing to Packer Television!

Email: wfhs@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/
Location: 801 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-356-2050