Packer Nation News

Welcome to school year 2025-2026! Students are settling into routines, we're enjoying beautiful nights for fall sports, and homecoming is around the corner! We appreciate all you have done as supportive families to make the beginning of the school year a success! We have appreciated your partnership with the Personal Device Law from the State of North Dakota. As a whole our learners are doing a wonderful job keeping their phones out-of-sight and out-of-use from 8:25a to 3:35p.

This year we celebrate the 90th birthday of West Fargo High School! All Packers belong to a storied legacy and we're grateful to the staff, students, families, and community members who keep that legacy alive!

This newsletter contains important information that will provide families with resources to start the year off right and be involved in WFHS events. 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.

On a personal note, I will be on maternity leave cherishing the arrival of our second child until late September. I look forward to returning to the community of West Fargo High School then!

A few notes for your radar:

• As a reminder, all student personal devices must be out-of-sight and out-of-use from 8:25a-3:35p to ensure compliance with the new state law. More information is below!
• Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 2! Quarter 1 family conferences will be held on Thursday, October 2 from 4:00-7:30p. Information will be sent out via Blackboard prior to the event with details about teacher locations, etc. During this time, WFHS will host informational meetings for 9th grade families about goal-setting and four-year plans at 5:00p and for 12th grade families about completing the FAFSA at 6:00p.
• WIN sessions are hosted on Tuesdays-Fridays during the average week at West Fargo High from 10:00-10:20a. WIN stands for "What I Need." All students are expected to sign up for academic support, wellness activities, or a variety of sessions to learn about future careers and post-secondary opportunities. You can monitor what your learner is signing up for or sign them up yourself by following these directions! The first WIN session is on Wednesday, September 3.

• Students will no longer be able to make changes to their schedules after September 4th, 2025. Any course dropped after this date will be recorded on the student's transcript as a WF (Withdraw/Fail) and will negatively impact their GPA. This policy also applies to NDCDE courses. If a student wishes to enroll in an NDCDE course after September 4th, the family will be responsible for covering the cost of the course.

• One of our goals at West Fargo High School is to ensure our students have choices for their future upon graduating. Through North Dakota's Choice Ready framework, students are encouraged to be post-secondary ready, workforce ready, and/or military ready. The North Dakota Scholarship is also aligned to the Choice Ready matrix. You can check out the most recent scholarship guidance and help your learner create a plan to accomplish this for money toward post-secondary training or school.
• Jostens will be visiting West Fargo High School to visit with seniors and sophomores! On Tuesday, September 23, all seniors will meet with Jostens during WIN to learn about cap and gown orders for graduation. All sophomores will meet with Jostens during WIN to learn about class rings and letterman jackets on a date to be shared later this fall.
• WFHS administration met with all grades on the first day of school. You can check out those presentations here: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12. You can also view what we talked about at Back-to-School Night family meetings here (Grade 9 and New Student) and here (Grade 12).

We look forward to celebrating Homecoming Week with you all at the end of this month and honoring West Fargo High School tradition. 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
  
• Ask! The best way to advocate for academic support is to reach out to the teacher with questions and concerns!

West Fargo Administration is excited to kick off the 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.

Welcome Back!

The WFHS Counseling Department is excited to welcome learners to the 2025-26 school year! We look forward to working with learners individually, in groups, and in classrooms. School counselors help all students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force).

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. WIN sessions begin on Wednesday, September 3rd.

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.

Important Dates

SEPTEMBER:

• 8-12 Grade 9 Minute Meetings & Welcome to 9th Grade
  
• 22-26: Grade 10 Minute Meetings

OCTOBER:

• 6-10: Grade 12 Minute Meetings
  
• 14: Choice Ready Day
• 14-15: MTSS Circles
• 20-24: "Break Free from Depression" Unit in Grade 9 Health Classes
• 28: PSAT Testing
• 28-29: MTSS Circles

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.

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

As communicated via the West Fargo Public School district office, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, West Fargo Public Schools will implement a new procedure regarding student use of wireless personal communication devices during the school day, in compliance with Senate Bill 2354. This state law requires all school districts to adopt policies that prohibit the use of personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, etc. during instructional hours. This restriction applies from the start of the school day to its conclusion and includes common areas such as hallways, the lunchroom, and other shared spaces. To summarize, students will not have access to cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal devices from the start of the school day to the end of the school day, including lunch time and passing time between classes. This is now a STATE LAW.

Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, WFHS rules regarding personal device usage (cell phone, smartwatch, personal laptop, etc.) will be as follows:

• Cell phones, smart watches, and all other personal devices that can send and receive messages are OUT-OF-SIGHT and OUT-OF-USE from 8:25a until 3:35p.
• Devices CANNOT be kept on your person (in a pocket, etc.). They must, at a bare minimum, be kept in a CLOSED backpack pocket. Devices can also be left in your car, at home, etc.
• Devices CANNOT be utilized or checked during passing times, lunch time, or Open Campus if you choose to remain on campus.
• If you leave the classroom to visit the nurse, go to the bathroom, etc., your backpack (with your phone inside) STAYS IN THE CLASSROOM.

Consequences are as follows:

1. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the student at the end of the student’s day

2. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day

3. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience, not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, additional plan assigned to the student

4. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, 1 day ISS

5. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, 1 day OSS

6. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, transition to Virtual Program

A few other notes:

• The law address personal student devices like cell phones, laptops, and smartwatches. It does NOT include Bluetooth headphones as they do not have the capacity to send and receive messages.
• Students with medical notes denoting required access to devices will be placed on special plans.
• We encourage all families to utilize email to communicate with learners as they will still have access to their Outlook accounts.
• Our Main Office staff is ready to receive and deliver emergency messages for students.
• Please facilitate your learner memorizing important phone numbers or recording them in a note within their iPad.

If you have questions about the state law, please contact your legislators (find your legislator here). We also encourage you to check out the graphic below with data supporting limiting student access to devices as well as the attached document with linked resources, including videos and articles. If you have not yet read Anxious Generation, it is a tremendous resource for parents and guardians wanting to protect their children from the now-known dangers of unlimited access to the virtual world.

Watch videos here:

• Jonathan Haidt on "The Anxious Generation," how kids are growing up in the smartphone era
• The Social Dilemma trailer (watch the full documentary on Netflix)
• Influence of Social Media on Teen Depression and Behavior
• Smartphones v. Smart Kids
• Are Smartphones ruining childhood?
• Digital Distractions: The Case for Phone-Free Schools
• Jonathan Haidt on the Mental Health Crisis and Smartphones

Read articles here:

• Cell phone bans could improve overall school environment
• The evidence for phone bans mounts
• Is it time to finally ban phones from schools?

• Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health

• Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say

• Smartphones, Social Media, and Their Impact on Mental Health

• What's behind the ban on cell phones in K-12 schools?

• The case for phone free schools

West Fargo High School homecoming is the week of Monday, September 22 through Friday, September 26. We encourage you to participate in any and all community events! A list is below!

Monday:

• Theme: Pajama Day

• Student Congress @ Mandan Meet

• Girls Golf: Varsity @ East Region Tourney @ Rose Creek

• Freshman Football @ Shanley @ 4:30

• JV Football @ Shanley @ 7p

• Homecoming King and Queen Coronation @ 7pm (WFHS Theatre)

Tuesday:

• Theme: BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom
• Boys Soccer vs. Sheyenne (JV: 5:00/ V: 7:00)
• Boys Soccer C Team vs. Sheyenne @ Horace HS (5:00)
• Boys Tennis vs. Sheyenne @ 4:00
• Volleyball vs. Sheyenne (4:30/5:45/7:00p)
• Girls Swimming Varsity Dual @ Fargo South (5:30)

Wednesday:

• Theme: Country USA (Western and Red/White/Blue)
• PowderPuff Football @ 4p (tickets are $5/person and no Activity Passes are accepted)

Thursday:

• Theme: Hawaiian Day

• Boys Tennis @ Wahpeton (3:00)

• Boys Soccer @ Grand Forks Central (5:00/7:00)

• Volleyball vs. Fargo North (4:30/5:45/7:00)

Friday (Extended Advisory Schedule):

• Theme: Class Color: 9: Gray, 10: Black, 11: Green, 12: White
• Extended Advisory: Homecoming Pep Rally

• Hall of Fame Presentation @ 4p

• Football vs. Shanley @ 6p

Saturday:

• Volleyball JV Tourney: TBD @ Sheyenne HS
• Cross Country Varsity Meet @ Grand Forks Central
• Boys Soccer vs. Moorhead (10a/12p)
• Dance @ 8p (WFHS Commons)

The homecoming dance is scheduled on Saturday, September 27. Tickets are sold at the door for $5 and all WFHS students must be eligible (failing no more than one course and no detention hours or parking tickets). Only WFHS students are allowed. All students must present their student ID upon entry. There will be a breathalyzer check. Doors open for the dance at 8:00p (Door 1 only) and close at 8:30p. If students choose to leave the dance at any time, they cannot re-enter. The dance ends at 11p.

North Dakota became the first state to require cybersecurity education for all K-12 students following Gov. Doug Burgum's signing of HB 1398. To graduate from a North Dakota high school, the law requires students to take at least one course in computer science or cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Learning Objectives:
Digital Foundation & Ethics

• · Evaluate one's digital identity and footprint
• · Make personal judgments about ethical use of technology
• · Describe hardware and software problems using appropriate terminology
• · Implement systematic troubleshooting strategies

Storage, Cloud Computing & Information Security

• · Compare and contrast storage options for different needs
• · Develop personal procedures for backup and storage management
• · Identify advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing models
• · Appropriately utilize cloud computing resources
• · Monitor and manage personal information shared online
• · Implement security best practices for personal information

Legal Framework & Social Responsibility

• · Properly use copyrighted works applying fair use guidelines
• · Explain intellectual property laws' effects on innovation and creativity
• · Understand and comply with responsible and acceptable use policies
• · Use technology to collaborate effectively and broaden perspectives
• · Evaluate impacts of current and emerging technologies

Security Management & Future Planning

• · Differentiate between security and feature updates
• · Analyze urgency of installing updates considering differences
• · Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret cybersecurity data
• · Connect cybersecurity learning to career opportunities

This is required for ALL learners for high school graduation beginning with the Class of 2026. Our current junior class will be working on this course to earn proficiency in the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Standards during advisory on the first day of each week. Students who miss or skip advisory will need to make up the content to be eligible for graduation. There will be occasional WIN sessions offered for additional support. Students will also get credit for completing the course.

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!

The School Board has adopted the following policy regarding attendance:

"Learners must not be absent more than 10 times from each semester course in which they are enrolled if they are to receive credit that will count toward graduation. Exceptions which may be approved include illness substantiated by a statement from a doctor, supporting a family member, or other special circumstances approved by the principal."

When learners' absences go beyond the required limits, school administration will decide if the learner will stay in the class, be dropped from the class, and/or possibly assigning the learner to a study area for the remainder of the semester during the period they were scheduled for that class.

The following reasons for absences from school will be excused:

• Sickness of learner
• Sickness in the learner’s family necessitating their absence
• Conditions over which the learner has no control such as poor weather conditions

The following reasons for absences from school with be excused and exempt from counting toward the 10-absence limit:

• Documented medical note (doctor, dentist, etc.) including the date(s) of absence
• School-sanctioned activity, field trip, etc.
• Emergency situations as determined in collaboration with the school administrator, such as a death in the learner’s family

West Fargo Public Schools recognizes the need to attend school regularly. Therefore, to miss school because of work will result in an unexcused absence. Families are encouraged to take vacations during school breaks so learners will not miss large amounts of class time. If learners plan to be absent for some special reason, the learner and their parent/guardian must check with the principal or an assistant prior to the absence if possible. Learners will collaborate with their educators in advance of the absence to determine the learning they will miss and are to attempt to complete all assignments before their absence.

Learners who skip classes will be given time in detention to make up for at least every minute they miss. A pattern of skipping will result in a meeting to consider educational alternatives.

Every fifth unexcused tardy converts to an unexcused absence and the learner is assigned 90 minutes of detention. This is per class period and will adhere to the attendance policy.

Regarding eligibility and attendance, on the day of competition, learners cannot miss class without a medical note. This includes excused absences. Please plan accordingly!

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

College Application Month:

WFHS will be participating in College Application Day on Tuesday, October 14. On this day, the Bank of North Dakota will pay each senior students’ application fee for one ND college of university or part of the application fee to other select accredited training programs. We will also have representatives from various colleges and universities to aid in the application process. If you or your learner have questions, please contact WFHS Career Advisor, Allison Caldwell at acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us.

WFHS Senior Choice Ready Day:

On Tuesday, October 14, WFHS Seniors will have the opportunity to learn more about post-secondary pathway options and opportunities. During this on-campus event, seniors will be able to visit a variety of stations with topics including: College Application Support with BND, Scholarships, Apprenticeships, Military Careers, and workforce readiness. If your student is unable to attend the event and would like more information please email Career Advisor, Allison Caldwell at acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us.

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.

• 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

• Homecoming Week: Monday, September 22-Friday, September 26
• Picture Retakes: Wednesday, October 1
• Quarter 1 Family Conferences: Thursday, October 2, 4-7:30p
• Quarter 2 Family Conferences: Thursday, December 4, 5-7:30p
• Quarter 3 Family Conferences: Wednesday, February 11, 5-7:30p
• Quarter 4 Family Conferences: Thursday, March 26, 5-7:30p
• 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 @ 3:00p (Scheels Arena)

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