Cheney Middle School News

Another school year at CMS is officially underway! The halls are once again filled with heavy backpacks, new Nikes, old friends, and the unmistakable energy that comes with putting roughly 1,050 middle schoolers under one roof.

September is always a month of getting reacquainted, learning routines, and answering the question: “Wait…what are we supposed to be doing?” Thankfully, Cheney students are settling in, and there are already so many great things happening! We are working hard on our middle school expectations, including some important lessons that apparently needed a September refresher.

• Electronic devices and sidewalks: We love technology. We really do. What we are less enthusiastic about is watching electronic devices travel down the sidewalk at approximately 50 miles per hour while their owner attempts to keep up. Please remember that sidewalks are for walking, not speed trials. Let's keep everyone upright and injury-free! And P.S., I think you are even cooler with the helmet on!

• Bathroom expectations: Yes, we have had to reteach bathroom expectations. And, not going to lie, the boys are getting a few extra lessons. We will leave it at that and let you use your imagination. Thankfully middle schoolers are remarkably capable of learning, growing, and doing better when expectations are clear. We will continue to reteach, remind, redirect, and occasionally use our best teacher/principal look when necessary.

• Our extracurricular activities are off and running, and it has been fantastic to see so many students getting involved outside the classroom. Football, volleyball, cross-country, tennis, and swimming are all providing opportunities for students to compete, build friendships, develop skills, and most importantly, how to be be part of a team. There is something special about watching students discover that their effort matters, that teammates depend on them, and that sometimes the most important part of an activity isn't the final score. We are proud of the way our students are representing our school! Go Packers!

• Our 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders. One of the best parts of September is watching our students settle into their new roles. Our 8th graders are beginning to realize that they are officially the upperclassmen of middle school. With that title comes responsibility, leadership, and the opportunity to be positive role models for younger students. They are also noticeably more mature, which we appreciate. The fact that rolling on the floor has largely disappeared from their daily routines is a notable plus. Our 7th graders are enjoying the tremendous benefits of no longer being at the bottom of the totem pole. They have figured out the building, know the routines, and seem very comfortable with their newly acquired middle-school veteran status. We are counting on them to use their powers for good. Our 6th graders are busy learning the many mysteries of middle school. Chief among them: the locker combination. There is something wonderfully entertaining about watching a student confidently spin the lock three times, stop, look at it, try again, and then quietly ask, “Can you help me?” Don't worry, 6th graders, we've all been there. You will master it!

Here's to another month, and there is something undeniably special about fall! September is always a little bit chaotic, a little bit exciting, and a whole lot of fun. We are grateful for our students, families, teachers, and staff who make Cheney Middle School such a great place to be. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we help our students learn, grow, make good choices, and occasionally relearn things they apparently forgot over the summer.

Have a great September!

Amber Rudolph, Principal

School Hours - 8:40am - 3:40pm

Students allowed inside the Commons at 7:40am daily

Office Hours - 7:30am - 4:15pm

Main Phone Line - 701-356-2090

Email - cheney@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Website - Cheney Middle School

www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Transportation/Bus Barn - 701-356-2120

Important Dates for 2026-2027

• Professional Learning Day - No School - Friday, September 18
• Picture Day - Wednesday, September 30
• Fall Conference Night 1 - Thursday, October 8
• Fall Conference Night 2 - Tuesday, October 13
• No School - Thursday-Friday, October 15-16
• End of Quarter 1 - Friday, October 30
• No School - Wednesday, November 11
• Picture Retake Day - Friday, November 13
• No School - Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27
• No School - December 24 - January 1

Check our Cheney Middle School website for the daily announcements! These announcements are read to the students every morning during advisory time.

NO RIDE ZONE

FREE PACKER NATION T-SHIRTS FOR EVERY CMS STUDENT AND STAFF MEMBER!

What a fantastic way to kick off the new school year at Cheney Middle School! Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses, every Cheney student and staff member received a FREE Packer T-shirt at Back-to-School Night!

A huge thank-you to our sponsors:

Essentia Health

Western State Bank

Prairie Supply

Go Promo

It was wonderful to see so many Cheney students and staff excited to receive their new Packer shirts!

This is what makes our West Fargo community so special. Local businesses don't just do business here - they invest in our schools, support our students and staff, and give back to the community they call home.

Thank you to Essentia Health, Western State Bank, Prairie Supply, and Go Promo for helping Cheney Middle School begin the year with a little extra Packer pride! Excited for a great year!

GO PACKERS!

Why be a Packer Backer member?

Here is the link and below is some context: https://wfpackerbackers.com/membership-%26-merch

APPAREL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

• Football apparel for students or Staff

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/HZkE7YCDJr

• Volleyball apparel for students or Staff

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/XfbGyvJHtp

• Girls Basketball apparel for families and Staff

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/qzEfMpvBwV

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• If you are interested in 6th grade cross country intramural, please sign up at the activities window. It begins Sept 22 from 4-5pm. Pay $20 fee on My School Bucks, or cash/check at Activities window. Bring running shoes. There are 10 sessions, 9/22, 9/23, 9/24, 9/29, 9/30, 10/1, 10/6, 10/7, 10/8, 10/12

• Thanks to all that submitted an application for Student Council! The advisors will go through their selection process to choose the candidates who will serve on the CMS Student Council.

• Winter Sports Sign-up is on Arbiter:
• Girls Basketball – 7/8 Grade - begins October 19
• Form & Fitness, grades 6-8- Need sports physical (We only except 30 participants)

3:45-4:50pm, Mon-Thurs.

• Girls & Boys Wrestling 7/8 grade begins November 8. Practice at the WHFS, take Bus # 73 to WFHS. Families need to provide transportation after practice.

• Esports-Please find information here to get notes for upcoming events and to view what to expect this year: https://app.smore.com/n/vk76c must be 13 years old.

See everyone on Tuesday and Thursday as we kick off the season! They will run practices until 6pm, so be sure you are arranging transportation to get home. Permission slips are outside Activities window.

• Yearbook committee will meet 4-5pm, in room 2614 on 9/16, 9/30. 10/14, 10/28, 11/18, 12/2, 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3 and 3/17.

• This year’s play is The Absolutely Story of King Arthur and performance is set for Jan 14, 15, & 16 2027. If interested in participating in the play, please contact Mrs. Edwardson.

• Close-up Washington DC Trip, 7/8 graders, April 2027. Close up is a dynamic hands-on civic education program for students. Close up is a non-profit, non-partisan civic education organization founded 50 years ago with a mission to inform, inspire and empower students to become life-long, active participants in our democracy.

Cheney, Liberty, and Heritage Middle Schools will once again be participating in the Close-Up Washington DC program next year April 2027. The program consists of travel, learning, and fun, all packed into one amazing experience in Washington DC! This is open to any current 7th and 8th graders. There will be a VIRTUAL parent meeting to find out more information on Tues. Sept. 22nd at 6:00 pm. Please pick up a flyer by the office

Attention 7th & 8th grade families, find information about this year’s Close Up Washington DC trip in September’s issue of Teen Ventures!

Click Teen Ventures HERE!

Who: Parents seeking support or with questions regarding Infinite Campus.

What: Get logged in to the Campus app or on a school computer, and practice finding your student’s grades, attendance, and the message center.

When: October 8 and 13, during Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:30-8:00 p.m.)

Where: CMS Commons

Order your 2026-2027 yearbook online through My School Bucks

Please remember to lock your bikes and scooters to the bike racks provided!!

Health Information

• CMS Nurse- Amber Hanson (AMHANSON@west-fargo.k12.nd.us, 701-499-1614)
• September- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month | SAMHSA
• IMMUNIZATIONS DUE BY OCTOBER 1ST
• 7th graders to receive Tdap & MCV4
• Parent Friendly School Immunization Requirements.pdf
• Care plans: Contact the school nurse regarding Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Seizures, Medication Administration, and any other concerns
• Illness policy: Illnesses - West Fargo 6 School District (k12.nd.us)

Welcome Back!

We are excited to welcome students and families to a new school year! The CMS Counseling Department is looking forward to getting to know our students, supporting their growth, and partnering with families throughout the year.

Meet Your Counseling Team

6th Grade Counselor
Ms. Sabrina Forde-Kerbaugh

7th Grade Counselor Team
Ms. Robin Nein
Mrs. Cassie Horner

8th Grade Counselor
Mrs. Terri Kroll

Connecting With Students

Throughout September, counselors will visit classrooms to introduce themselves, explain the role of the school counselor, and make sure students know how and when to contact their counselor. We want every student to know that their counselor is a safe adult they can turn to when they have questions, concerns, or need support.

Beginning September 15, Sollera Crisis Support of Fargo will provide classroom education focused on Bullying and Harassment Prevention. Students will learn about recognizing bullying and harassment, responding appropriately, supporting others, and seeking help from trusted adults.

Please contact your student’s counselor if you have questions or concerns.

Back to School = Back to Routines

The beginning of a school year brings a lot of change! New classes, homework, activities, practices, responsibilities, and earlier mornings can take some adjustment. Predictable routines at home can help middle school students feel more organized, independent, and prepared.

😴 Make Sleep a Priority

Middle school students typically need 8–10 hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep supports attention, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and physical health.

Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times fairly consistent, even on weekends. Encourage students to put phones, gaming devices, and other screens away before bedtime. Charging phones outside the bedroom can also reduce late-night scrolling and texting.

📚 Create a Homework Routine

Help your student identify a regular time and place for homework. A quick daily check of assignments, grades, and upcoming deadlines can prevent work from piling up.

Rather than managing everything for them, encourage your middle schooler to begin taking ownership. Questions such as “What do you need to get done tonight?” or “What’s your plan?” help build independence and problem-solving skills.

🏀 Leave Room in the Schedule

Sports, clubs, music, church, jobs, and other activities are wonderful opportunities for middle school students, but downtime matters too. Students benefit from having some unscheduled time to relax, connect with family, and recharge.

If your child is consistently exhausted, irritable, anxious, or struggling to keep up with schoolwork, it may be worth looking at whether the schedule has become too full.

🧺 Include Household Responsibilities

Middle school students are capable of contributing at home. Regular responsibilities such as doing laundry, helping with dishes, taking care of pets, cleaning their room, or preparing their school items for the next day build independence and responsibility.

Try establishing a simple evening reset: homework checked, backpack packed, Chromebook charged, clothes ready, and anything needed for activities placed by the door.

❤️ Make Time to Connect

Routines aren't only about getting things done. Even a few minutes of regular connection can make a difference. Car rides, dinner, walking the dog, or a quick conversation before bed can provide opportunities to check in.

Instead of only asking “How was school?”, try:

• “What was the best part of your day?”
• “Who did you spend time with?”
• “Is there anything coming up this week?

A Little Grace Goes a Long Way

The transition back to school takes time. Students—and adults!—may be more tired, emotional, or overwhelmed during the first few weeks. You don't need a perfect routine. Start with a few consistent habits and adjust as your family settles into the school year.

We are looking forward to a great year and are here to support your student and family!

— Your Counseling Team

Sabrina Forde-Kerbaugh - Sforde-kerbaugh@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Robin Nein (7th Grade) - Rnein@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Terri Kroll (8th Grade) - Tkroll@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Developing all learners well-being for tomorrow’s world

CMS Counseling

Hello, my name is Bridget Hins, school social worker at Cheney Middle School. I am looking forward to another great school year! I’ve been with WFPS for 10 years and in the field of social work for 20+ years 😉 I love working with students and families offering support and connecting to resources. The FM community has so much to offer. Please feel free to reach out if there is anything I can help with! Just a few things I can help with:

• Basic needs (food, shoes, hygiene, participating in school activities)
• Medical, Mental Health, Dental and Vision resources
• Connecting with financial assistance programs.

Partner food pantries – GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK

West Fargo Eats – Lutheran Church of The Cross

Home | FirstLink

2-1-1 Information and Referral Helpline

Bridget Hins - bhins@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

701-499-1729

“Reading allows us to see and understand the world through the eyes of others.” – Chris Riddell, author, illustrator, and political cartoonist

We’ve spent the first few weeks of the school year getting good books in our hands! Take a look at what else is happening in our library:

New additions we’re excited about in the CMS Library:

Den of liars (Devious, Book 1) by Jessica Olson: An aspiring thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers. Described as “a thrilling YA fantasy romance.”

Fast cars : a supercharged guide to speed machines by Scholastic: Discover how engines turn fuel into power, explore the adrenaline of racing, and meet . . . supercars that break records and turn heads.

The summer scrapbook by Florence Migga: Three best friends plan to compile a joint scrapbook over their first summer apart--Ava in London, Becca at camp, and Cat at home--testing whether their friendship can withstand new experiences and distance.

Ghost in the night by Tiffany D Jackson: When twelve-year-old Harmony goes on a ghost tour in Savannah she takes a photo of what might be a ghost or a hoax, and stumbles upon clues leading to an unsolved murder. Described as a “compelling, fast-paced thriller.”

I survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 (I Survived Graphic Novel) by Peter Wartman: Danny Crane and his mom moved from New York City to Pearl City, Hawaii two months ago. Every day since, Danny has been making a plan to get back to NYC. He's not afraid of the crime or dark alleys there. And he's not afraid to stow away on the next ship out of Pearl Harbor. But that morning, the skies fill with fighter planes. Bombs pound the harbor. Bullets rain down on the beaches. Danny is shocked--and, for the first time, truly afraid. He's a tough city kid. But can Danny survive the day that will live in infamy?

Invisible by Eloy Moreno: When a 13-year-old boy is bullied at school, he discovers an ability to turn "invisible." An emotional and compelling portrayal of bullying and mental health, perfect for fans of RJ Palacio's Wonder.

Island of skulls by Peter Burns: Tom and his housemates from the school for thieves sail to the island of a legendary criminal in search of his treasure, rumored to include a powerful weapon and secret files on the Shadow League. Described as “fast-paced and fun with plenty of hijinks.”

Last to leave by Teresa Richards: Video game streamer Fallon joins a 1920s-themed murder mystery game, and the only thing more important than figuring out whodunit is who has the most fans. Described as a “modern twist on a classic game of Clue” that will keep readers “guessing, gasping, and frantically turning pages all the way until the final reveal.”

Minnesota Vikings by Charlie Beattie: This title introduces football fans to the history of the Minnesota Vikings franchise. The book features exciting photos, informative sidebars, a timeline, and a map of NFL teams.

Be a Book Buddy!

How often have you finished a book, put it down, and desperately wished you could rave or complain about it to someone else? We’ve got the solution to your problem! Be your child’s Book Buddy! Choose a book together, read it, and discuss it!

Don’t know what to read? Here are some helpful websites and blogs about the latest and greatest reads:

• A Mighty Girl
• Social Justice Books
• Watch. Connect. Read
• Library Thing
• Book Riot
• Reedsy Discovery

• Visit the CMS library catalog to see if we have a book you’re interested in.
• Visit the West Fargo Public Library to see if they have one.

Details are COMING SOON about the Fall Reading Challenge!

Questions about our library; need a book recommendation? E-mail tnelson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Toni Nelson

Library Media Specialist

West Fargo Cheney Middle School

825 17th Avenue East | West Fargo, ND 58078

701.499.1656

Be sure to check out the CMS Library Services Website!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Breakfast - $2.00
• Lunch - $3.00

The National School Lunch Program provides nutritionally balanced, reduced-cost or free meals to children each school day. The program is managed by the USDA. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) can get free meals regardless of their family’s income. Also, children can get free or reduced-price meals if their household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart.

West Fargo Public Schools encourages all families to complete the free/reduced meal application, as the federal program provides more than just meals:

• School Funding: The amount of funding the district receives is dependent on our rate of free/reduced students, as is our eligibility for additional grant funding. Ensuring our free/reduced rate is an accurate representation of our district is vital in providing a valuable education.
• School Meals: Most commonly associated with the free/reduced application is the opportunity to receive free or discounted school meals for children. Eligibility is based on family size and income.
• Activities: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meals program are eligible for fee waivers associated with student activities.
• College Applications: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meal program are eligible for fee waivers associated with the college application process at select universities.
• Standardized Tests: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meal program are eligible for fee waivers associated with national standardized tests (ACT, SAT, and AP Exams).
• Student Fees Assistance: All children in households who qualify based on income, or receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) can get free student fee assistance. Release of information question MUST be checked 'yes' on your online application. If you submitted a paper application you must also fill out the release of information form. Also, your children can get school fee assistance if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart.
• Instructions for Filing
• Apply today!
• Menus
• My School Bucks
• More Foodservice Information

No outside food deliveries (restaurant delivery, Door Dash, etc) for students will be allowed.

To be in compliance with the state law, Senate Bill 2354, Cheney Middle School will be implementing a fairly restrictive personal device policy during the school day. This law requires all ND school districts to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during instructional hours. In addition to cell phones, it will also include smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, etc. At Cheney, this restriction will be in effect from the moment learners walk in the front door until the last bell at 3:40pm.

CMS 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 7:40am until 3:40pm.

• Devices CANNOT be kept on the learners (in a pocket, etc.). They must, at a bare minimum, be kept in a CLOSED backpack pocket.

• Devices CANNOT be utilized or checked before school, during passing times, or at lunchtime.

Consequences:

• First offense: The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the learner at the end of the day.

• Second offense and beyond: The device is brought to the office, picked up by the parent/guardians at their convenience.

A few other notes:

• The law addresses 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.

• Learners 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 have access to their Outlook accounts.

• Our office staff is ready to receive and deliver important messages for learners.

If you have questions about the state law, please contact your legislators (find your legislator here).

Thank you for your support!

One of the most important factors of student success is being present!

Please help your student get to school every day and on time.

Absences

• If your child will not be in school, please call the school office at 701-356-2090 or email: cheney@west-fargo.k12.nd.us before the school day begins, with the following information:
• Child's First and Last Name
• Reason for Absence
• In the event a child needs to be picked up prior to the end of the school day, a parent/guardian must contact the school office by phone or email and request the child be dismissed from class. If your child is aware of what time they are leaving, they can inform the teacher and may come to the office at that time. The parent/guardian does not need to come into the office as long as they have contacted the main office.

Tardies and Detention

• Every 5th unexcused tardy (no call from parent/guardian or late for class without an excuse) will convert to an unexcused absence and the student will be assigned detention. This is per class period and will adhere to the attendance policy.
• Students 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 for the student.