SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter for April 9, 2026
Cabinet Column - Kindergarten Registration Update: Time is Running Short
Kindergarten registration for Fall 2026 is well underway, and Fargo Public Schools is looking forward to welcoming the next class of students this August. With Kindergarten Round-Up events taking place in early May, now is a critical time for families to register. These events are designed to help students and families begin their transition to school, meet staff, and become familiar with their new environment. Students must be registered before attending Round-Up. Also, registration will pause on May 15 and will not reopen until mid-July with a different process.
Read more about kindergarten registration in this Cabinet Column by Chief Communications Officer AnnMarie Campbell.
National Assistant Principals Week
This week, April 6-10, is National Assistant Principals Week! This week is a tribute to the pivotal role principals play in leading our schools and shaping the future of our students. Celebrate these hard working individuals by thanking an assistant principal for their work!
Adult Learning Award of Excellence
Congratulations to Adult Learning Center Student Support Specialist Holly Hulne on being recognized by the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association on receiving a regional-level Award of Excellence for outstanding leadership and service.
Sara Mitzel of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction accepted the award on Hulne's behalf at the MPAEA Conference this March in Las Vegas and Hulne had no idea it had happened. Mitzel surprised Hulne with the award last Wednesday while the NDDPI visited the Agassiz Building last week.
National Speech & Debate Association Academic All American
Congratulations to North High School's Chinmay Gopi on earning the National Speech & Debate Association's Academic All American award! From more than 141,000 members of the National Speech & Debate Association, fewer than 1% earn the Academic All American award each year.
The award recognizes students who have completed at least five semesters of high school; earned the degree of Superior Distinction in the National Speech & Debate Association's honor Society, achieved criteria for GPA and test score requirements, and demonstrated outstanding character and leadership.
Concordia Community Achievement Scholarship
Congratulation to Davies High School Senior Davilynn Ofori on receiving Concordia College's Community Achievement Scholarship! This scholarship is renewable up to four years and includes full tuition, housing, and meal plan. The application process included a video submission, essay, and an interview.
ND School for the Blind Note Cards
Congratulations to Lewis & Clark Elementary School’s Thia Nicklaus, Kennedy Elementary School’s Raymond Hertsgaard, Ben Franklin Middle School’s Ellie Oberholtzer and North High School’s Lalani Wetzstein on having their artwork selected to be included in the 2026 North Dakota School for the Blind Foundation note cards!
They will receive their awards at the NDVS/School for the Blind’s Family Weekend Event on April 11. Their art will be included in a pack of 15 assorted cards being sold for $20, with all proceeds benefitting individuals with visual impairments in North Dakota.
North Dakota State Junior Classial League
Latin students from Fargo North participated in the 31st Annual North Dakota State Junior Classical League Convention held at North High School. During the event, students competed in academic tests, campaigned and elected new state board members for the NDJCL, participated in chariot racing, challenged their knowledge in a Latin quiz bowl competition, contributed to a service project, and competed in arts contests.
North's Chinmay Gopi was elected 2026-27 NDJCL State President and Luna Gasevic, Hannah Wiltse, and Emily Gates placed first, second, and third in the overall convention sweepstakes.
North Dakota Duck Stamp Art Contest
Congratulations to Ben Franklin Middle School students Gemma Nguyen and Sunny Zhang on placing in the 2026 North Dakota Duck Stamp Art Contest! Nguyen placed first and Zhang placed second in the Grades 7-9 division.
All four Ben Franklin participants, Gemma Nguyen, Jaydah Schultz, Sunny Zhang, and Windy Zhang received donated prizes from Audubon Great Plains and the North Dakota Fish and Wildlife Service.
Employee Spotlight - Jessica Geir
Meet North High School Administrative Assistant Jessica Geir 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.
Horace Mann School Tour This Saturday
Horace Mann Elementary School is inviting the community to come take a walk down memory lane this Saturday, April 11 inside the historic building before it is demolished following the completion of this school year.
The building will be open to the community for self-guided tours on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 11: noon-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 13: 5:30-8 p.m.
Davies Musical Disney's Mary Poppins
Davies High School presents Disney's Mary Poppins next Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19 in the Davies Theater, with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday performance at 2 p.m.
This classic based on the Disney film and the books by P.L. Travers features the memorable songs from the movie. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect.
Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults and can be purchased on the Fargo Public Schools Online Theater Box Office website. A fee will be charged for credit card purchases.
Multilingual Learner Program Review Next Tuesday
Staff insights and expertise are invaluable in shaping the future of the Multilingual Learner Program. All teachers, administrators, and support staff are invited to the Annual Multilingual Learner Program Review — a time to reflect on the program's progress, celebrate it achievements, and collaborate on areas for growth.
Why Should You Attend:
- Review the impact of current ML programs and initiatives.
- Share your experiences and suggestions for improvement.
- Contribute to plans for enhancing student learning and school culture.
- Engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues and school leadership.
Event Details
- Date: Next Tuesday, April 14 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Location: Professional Development Room 87, Fargo Public Schools District Office
The voices of FPS staff members are essential in shaping the future of our schools. Let’s work together to make meaningful improvements that benefit both staff and students. Save the date and be a part of the conversation!
For more information, contact ML Facilitator Jenna Polley at
ECSE Schedule Update for 2026-27
Fargo Public Schools will implement a new schedule for its Early Childhood Special Education program beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Under the updated schedule, ECSE students will attend classes Monday through Thursday, with Fridays reserved for screenings, evaluations, and Individualized Education Program meetings.
Student session times will remain the same:
- Morning Session: 8–10:30 a.m.
- Afternoon Session: 12:10–2:40 p.m.
Current families will receive additional information directly from the ECSE program and can reach out to the ECSE office with any questions. The 2026-27 school year for the ECSE program will begin on Monday, August 31, 2026 at both the Longfellow and Agassiz locations.
Self-Directed Academy at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School and South High School
The Fargo Public Schools Self-Directed Academy is adding a high school option and moving to Carl Ben Eielson Middle School and South High School. Learn more here and by reading the flyers below.
SDA at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School
The Self-Directed Academy at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School puts students in control. They will design real projects that matter, move through content with flexible pacing, and show what they know in ways that make sense to them.
Students take core subjects (math, ELA, science, social studies) plus one Project-Based Learning elective alongside multi-age groups in the Self-Directed Academy mode. Teachers coach them through challenges, help them dig into passion projects and studios, and trust them to take ownership of their learning. Students still have the opportunity to take traditional electives with their grade-level friends for a complete middle school experience. SDA builds the skills high school demands: voice, choice, critical thinking, and independence.
SDA at South High School
The Self-Directed Academy at South High School is a choice program for students who are choice-ready and motivated. In SDA, students earn real high school credit through projects they help design – not just worksheets and lectures.
Six-week studios give students voice and choice in what they study, how they show learning, and how fast they move. Teachers act as coaches, pushing students' thinking while trusting them to take ownership. If your student is looking for flexibility, independence, and learning that feels meaningful and motivating, SDA is their next step.
Trollwood Summer Registration
FPS Development Foundation Swing for Success Golf Tournament
The Fargo Public Schools Development Foundations is hosting its second annual Swing for Success Golf Tournament fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. April 30 at Suite Shots. Enjoy a four-person nine-hole scramble tournament in private bays or play interactive golf games. Prizes will be awarded in both categories. Register here.
North Dakota Children's Cabinet
The North Dakota Children's Cabinet visited Explorer Academy on March 10. The cabinet members learned about the school's programming and the ways it supports students with unique needs. They wanted to learn how a school like Explorer Academy serves students so they can best advocate for children in North Dakota. (Photo courtesy Stacie Erickson)
Kennedy Choir Concert
Kennedy Elementary School held its choir concert last week. Students in grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5 performed for their guests, singing and performing on select instruments. (Photo courtesy Jodi Dirk)
Take Down Tobacco
Paraprofessional Appreciation
North High School celebrated Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on April 1 with a large thank you sign. The school's paraeducators stood by the sign that showed appreciation for the invaluable support they provide for students every day. (Photo courtesy Kerri Marucco)
Sixth Grade Basketball
Discovery Middle School's sixth grade girls basketball players got a special visit from older role models. Players and coaches from the Davies High School girls basketball team visited the sixth graders and gave them some tips and encouragement. (Photo courtesy Lauren Ploof)
Paraeducator Thank You Cards
Ms. Roerick's first grade class at Jefferson Elementary School made thank you cards to show their appreciation for the school's paraeducators on Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. (Photo courtesy Brittany Roerick)
NDSU Women's Basketball
NDSU women's basketball players made a special visit to Discovery Middle School to inspire the school's sixth grade girls basketball players. The Bison players practiced with the students, gave them instruction, and spoke to them about what it takes to succeed in basketball. (Photo courtesy Lauren Ploof)
Thank You Flags
Jefferson Elementary School students showed their appreciation for Assistant Principal Jason Mielke for Assistant Principals Week by writing messages on flags that were hung up in his office over the weekend. He was surprised with the flags when he arrived at school on Monday. (Photo courtesy Bernadette Crist Pinotti)
Dr. Sigurd Johnson Visit
Dr. Sigurd Johnson visited Ben Franklin Middle School's eighth grade band on April 2 as they prepared for this week's Big Floody Band Festival. Dr. Johnson, Emeritus Associate Professor of Music at NDSU, directed and instructed the middle schoolers as they played in their rehearsal. (Photo courtesy Kirstin Carlson)
Davies ABLE Assembly
On April 2, Davies High School hosted the final event in a series of ABLE Assemblies presented by TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics designed to build school culture around inclusion, peer connection, and celebrating abilities of all students at Fargo Public Schools middle schools and high schools.
The student body was invited to attend and cheer on their peers as they competed in fun, adapted, ABLE-style relay race challenges. The Assembly featured high-energy introductions, the Davies pep band performing, an energetic live MC to pump up the crowd and provide live commentary. Guest judges from around the community scored the teams and decide the winners.
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