Aug. 2026 Back to School Newsletter

Welcome Wildcats!

We can’t wait to kick off the 2026–2027 school year with you at Ben Franklin Middle School!

This year is extra special because we are celebrating 75 years of Ben Franklin! From fun school traditions to awesome classroom experiences, this is going to be a year to remember.

We have some great back-to-school events lined up, and we hope to see you and your family there to help us kick off the celebrations.

Enjoy every last drop of your summer, recharge, and get ready for a fantastic year.

All my best,

Mrs. Kirstin Hanson

Principal, Ben Franklin Middle School

hansonk7@fargo.k12.nd.us

See below for our admin team and their contact information!

Ben Franklin Families,

It’s that time of the year when families need to update their student registration information for the new school year. This annual registration update ensures we have accurate contact details, health records, and emergency contacts on file for students.

For the 2026-27 school year, FPS will be using Infinite Campus for our student information system. A parent portal account will need to be created in Campus Parent to access student information. Please see your email for information on how to create your account and update your student information for the 2026-27 school year. The subject of the email is “ACTION REQUIRED - Create Your Fargo Schools Campus Parent Portal Account.” You may need to check your junk/spam folder in your email account for this email. FPS will continue to send you this email in the coming weeks until you create your Campus Parent account.

For more information, click the button below.

Families use School Pay to pay for school meals and fees. However, School Pay will not be available through Campus Parent as it used to be via PowerSchool. Due to this change, all families will need to establish a new School Pay account.

To create your parent account for SchoolPay:

1. Go to schoolpay.com

2. Click “Find my Account”

3. Enter your email address (the email address you have stored on file with your child’s student record).

If a matching email address is found, you will be led through a process to create your account.

Once you have created your account, you can set up a credit card, make fee payments, and set up meal payments for your student(s). SchoolPay can be accessed at any time by going to https://schoolpay.com.

Incoming 6th Grade Student Orientation

• Tuesday, August 18th; 10am-12:15pm for students and 10am-11am for families

Back to School Night

• Thursday, August 20th doors are open from 5:00-8:00pm

1st Day of School

• Wednesday, August 26th; doors open at 8:15am and period 1 begins at 8:55am

No School- Labor Day Holiday

• Monday, September 7th

We hope to see you there!

Fall Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 13th and 22nd from 4-8pm. Spring conferences are scheduled for March 23rd from 4-8pm.

• 🟠 ORANGE; Student Drop Off/Pick Up Lane; Staff will be outside with traffic signs, please follow their directions and be kind!

• 🔷 BLUE; Handicap Parking; Parking is limited to those with the appropriate signage.

• 🟥 RED; Bus Lane; NO PARKING

• At arrival students can enter Door #4 and Door #13.
• At dismissal, students can exit most doors, so please plan ahead on where your student can locate you at pick up time.

If your children are in need of supplies, attend one of these distribution dates to receive a backpack and school supplies.

Location: FARGODOME (1800 N. University Dr., Fargo)

· Wednesday, August 12, 2026: 4:30-6 p.m.

· Thursday, August 13, 2026: 4:30-6 p.m.

· Friday, August 14, 2026: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Details:

• Backpacks and school supplies are available for K-12 students in need who attend school in Cass or Clay counties.
• Event will be a drive-thru format in the west parking lots or the FARGODOME.
• There is no pre-registration. You may print our registration form ahead of time and bring it with you to the event, or there will be printed forms available when you arrive. Please complete one form per family.
• Families who are unable to attend the distribution events should contact their school as each school will receive a limited supply of backpacks for these circumstances.

For questions, please email unitedway@unitedwaycassclay.org or call 701-237-5050.

Counselor contact information is linked here:

https://benfranklin.fargo.k12.nd.us/counseling-center/overview

The Fargo Board of Education set meal prices for the 2026-27 school year. The prices are:

· Elementary Breakfast $1.85

· Elementary Lunch $2.85

· Secondary Breakfast $2.10

· Secondary Lunch $3.20

· Adult Breakfast $2.95

· Adult Lunch $4.25

· Extra Milk $0.50

Please note:

1. Schools qualifying for the Community Eligibility Program will receive free student meals in the 2026-27 school year. These schools include Ed Clapp Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Dakota High School, Early Childhood Special Education at Agassiz, and Explorer Academy.

2. Any additional meals purchased by a student will be charged at the adult price.

3. Starting July 1, 2026, the district will be passing along credit card fees to the payer on all electronic payments. This information will be displayed in SchoolPay and will replace the $10 minimum requirement.

4. Milk for classroom breaks will not be offered at Fargo Public Schools elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. Currently, Fargo Public Schools funds approximately 45% of the milk program's cost. Due to declining resources, the program is no longer feasible to continue. In addition, school staff have reported significant milk waste, making the program unsustainable. Students will continue to have access to drinking water, following their school’s guidelines. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will continue to be offered at qualifying buildings and is typically provided during classroom breaks.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application

Students attending school are provided breakfast and lunch through the USDA National School Lunch Program. Students may qualify for federal and state assistance to cover the cost of meals. Households may qualify based on income and size, participation in a federal assistance program (SNAP, etc.) or other criteria. Families receive free meals if they fall below 225% of the federal poverty line. Families must submit a Student Fees Assistance and Benefits Application (also known as a Free-and Reduced-Price Meal Application) every year.

If families qualify, households can receive free meals and additional benefits such as:

· Waived (canceled) fees for school related activities such as band rentals, activity fees, exam fees, and others.

· Increased funding to the district for educational programs through Title 1 funding, foundation aid, e-rate for technology grants, and others.

Households wishing to apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals may apply by submitting a Student Fees Assistance and Benefits Application. It is only necessary to submit one application per household.

For more information about Free or Reduced-Priced Meals or the Student Fees Assistance and Benefits Application, visit the FPS Nutritional Services Department website. If you need assistance with the application, call FPS Nutrition Services at 701.446.1153.

School pictures for all grades will be taken on Wednesday, September 9th during the school day. All students will be photographed for their Student ID Card and the yearbook.

There is NO CHARGE for your student ID Card. Picture order forms will be sent home with students on Friday, August 28th for those wanting to order pictures. You can preorder now at this link:

http://scherling.preorderphotos.com/?AccessCode=K39GC6

Yearbooks can be purchased in SchoolPay for $15 and are delivered on the last day of school. The main office will accept cash, check or charge as well.

Every student locker is equipped with a combination padlock loaned by the school. Lockers should be kept locked at all times and locks/combos/lockers should not be shared with other students. Students are expected to utilize their locks and keep their lockers locked at all times. Lost, stolen, or damaged locks will be paid for by the student at a fee of $10. Students are responsible for books and personal possessions at all times. STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME.

We appreciate you speaking with your student in advance!

Your child will participate in a Physical Education class every other day throughout the year. The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Students should dress for physical education in clothing conducive to physical activity with shoes appropriate for gym flooring and outdoor activity.

Students will not be changing for PhyEd classes, or using locker rooms, so they should dress accordingly on their Phy Ed days.

Fargo Public Schools 2026-27 "Energy Saver" bus route schedules are available on the Fargo Public Schools transportation website. Student bussing information will be emailed to families. Please call 701-446-1016 with questions.

During the school day, we will call your student to the office for a message only in an emergency situation. We ask that you please communicate with your student any information they may need for the day, prior to coming to school. (Ex. transportation, appointments, lunch money, etc.) Thank you.

Fargo Public Schools will be hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, August 6, from 2:00–5:00 PM at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School, and we're looking for outstanding individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Make a Difference. Join the Fargo Public Schools Team!

Do you know someone looking for meaningful work where they can positively impact the lives of students every day? Fargo Public Schools is hiring!

We are currently seeking:

• Paraeducators
• Nutrition Services staff
• Facilities staff
• Substitute Teachers
• Bus Drivers

Job Fair
Thursday, August 6
2:00–5:00 PM
Carl Ben Eielson Middle School

Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day interviews will be available! Qualified candidates may receive a job offer within 48 hours of their interview.

Whether you're looking for a new career, a flexible schedule, or an opportunity to serve students and your community, we'd love to meet you.

For additional information, contact Karmen Riley at 701-446-1035.

Ben Franklin is measuring several indicators this year to show our overall school growth and improvement. Our key areas, Tier 1 Instruction, PBIS/MTSS, and Staff Wellbeing align with the new Fargo Public School Strategic Plan.

Tier 1 Instruction: At the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year, 50% of Ben Franklin students will score proficient or advanced on the NDA+ summative assessment.

Positive Behavior Intervention Supports: Attendance- At the end of the 2026-2027 school year, the number of periods of tardiness will decrease from the 700 periods averaged per month during the 2025-2026 school year.

Staff Wellbeing: At the end of the 2026-2027 school year, staff responses to “I feel a sense of belonging to my school,” will increase by 10% or have an average score greater than 5.43 as measured by the school Vital Survey.

To help all of our Wildcats succeed academically, we need our amazing families in our corner! Research shows that students who read regularly at home achieve significantly higher than those who don't. This year, we’re stepping up our reading and writing culture—both inside and outside our school walls.

Here’s How We’re Making It Happen:

• Weekly Silent Reading: Once a week during Advisory class, the entire school will pause to dive into a good book.

• Always Be Prepared: Students are expected to carry a library book or physical reading material with them wherever they go at school.

• "Write Like a Wildcat": Across all subjects, students will practice writing using clear, school-wide expectations to build strong communication skills.

What About Homework?

We often get asked about homework expectations! This year, our primary school-wide homework ask is simple: we ask students and families to read together or independently for 15 to 30 minutes every night.

Thank you for partnering with us to help your student grow and thrive!

Nicole Justesen is the Communities in Schools Social Worker at Ben Franklin. Nicole works closely with Ben Franklin administrators and counselors to identify at risk students and provide targeted support within school and in the community. One of the focuses of Communities in Schools is improving attendance for all students. Attendance matters! Nicole can be contacted at 701-446-3623 or justesn@fargo.k12.nd.us

DID YOU KNOW?

• Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.

• Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other difficulty.

• By 9th grade attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT ATTENDANCE

• Make school attendance a priority

• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day with your student.

• Help your student maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.

• Try to schedule dental and non-urgent related medical appointments on a non school day.

• Keep your student healthy. If you are concerned or have questions, Ben Franklin has a school nurse ready to assist!

HELP YOUR TEEN STAY ENGAGED

• If your student is truant or truant in school, talk with your student about why they are choosing to skip class. Reach out to school administrators or counselors for support and problem solving!

• Monitor your teen’s academic progress and encourage your student to seek help from teachers when necessary. Advisory period is a great way for students to connect with teachers.

• Be aware of your student’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.

• Encourage your child to join extra curricular activities including sports and clubs. Check out all Ben Franklin has to offer at https://benfranklin.fargo.k12.nd.us/activities/overview

• If you notice changes to your child’s mental health, reach out to your student’s counselor for assistance and community resources if needed.

• Remember, we want to work with you and your student! Go Wildcats!

We are officially coming upon the 2026-2027 school year activity season! I am Jackie Shultis, the Activities Director and one of the Assistant Principals here at Ben Franklin. I am looking forward to meeting the incoming sixth grade and new students and families and continuing to work with our returning students and families. We are extremely excited to get you all back in the building and involved in the co-curricular opportunities we have in place at Ben Franklin this school year.

Below, you will find helpful information, registration forms, and the link to the online parent/student activity meeting, which briefly goes over the contents of our co-curricular handbook.

Ben Franklin's co-curricular meeting will be held on Thursday, August 20th at 6:00pm in the Ben Franklin Auditorium or Gym 2. This is required for 7th graders and new 8th graders. All students are required to attend a meeting at the school when they are new to the building.

Must haves prior to the first day of practice:

• Completed sports physical (NDHSAA approved physical examination dated and signed by a physician).

• https://d2q0tptsfejku7.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/NDHSAA_Physical_Form.pdf

• Physicals must be dated on or after April 15th, 2026 to be credited for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Co-Curricular online form (This is viewed online via the registration forms in each parent's Infinite Campus account).

• *Concussion Verification

• By signing the co-curricular forms, via Infinite Campus, both the parent(s) and student athlete are acknowledging that they have reviewed the concussion information.

• It is highly recommended that every student-athlete and parent successfully complete the 20-minutes National Federation of High School's online course, "Concussion in Sports". The course can be accessed at www.nfhslearn.com.

Please see the attached forms below with information for the following fall activities:

7th and 8th grade football - Practice starts Monday, August 17th at Ben Franklin (Drop off and pick up at Ben Franklin, practice at North - the first practice will be at Ben).

7th and 8th grade girls volleyball - Practice starts Monday, August 17th at Ben Franklin.

6th grade cross country - Practice starts Monday, August 31st at Ben Franklin.

If you are interested in participating in activities at North High School, please feel free to reach out to those coaches directly. Additional information is also available on team websites through North High or the online activities calendar.

Activities at North High School for Ben Franklin Students:

Boys Soccer - August 3rd (Coach Ian Costello)

Girls Golf - August 10th (Coach Hannah Ohm)

Boys Tennis - August 10th (Coach Steve Saville)

Girls Cross Country - August 10th (Coach Aaron Walker)

Boys Cross Country - August 10th (Coach Keith Lehman or Coach Gary Mailloux)

Girls Swim - August 17th (Coach Talia Butery)

Please feel free to turn your sports physical in as soon as it is completed. This aids in a productive first day of practice if physicals can be verified ahead of time. Return using the following:

• Upload a copy directly to your child's Infinite Campus account under the registration forms

• Drop forms off at the Ben Franklin main office M-F, 8:00am-4:00pm

• Email a copy to Ms. Laura Jacobson at jacobsl@fargo.k12.nd.us

We look forward to a wonderful fall season!!

Jackie Shultis - Activities Director

701-446-3606
shultij@fargo.k12.nd.us

Laura Jacobson - Activities Assistant

701-446-3609

jacobsl@fargo.k12.nd.us

Football (7th/8th Grade)

7th and 8th Grade Football Information Flyer

Girls Volleyball (7th/8th Grade)

7th and 8th Grade Volleyball Information Flyer

7th and 8th Grade Volleyball Registration

7th and 8th Grade Team Formation Info

Girls and Boys Cross Country (6th Grade)

6th Grade XC Registration

Current Clubs:

Builders, Creative Writing, Dungeons & Dragons, Math Counts, Mindfulness, Pokemon, Science Olympiad, Speech/Debate, Book Club, Art Club, and Puzzle Club.

There are multiple different honors and extracurricular activities through the music department. The music department communicates these opportunities within their music classes.

Throughout the school year, the Theater department puts on two productions, the One Act Play and the Musical. These are audition based roles, more information will be provided at a later date.

Fall Sports

At Ben Franklin

7th & 8th Girls & Boys Football 8/17 start

7th & 8th Girls Volleyball 8/17 start

6th Girls & Boys Cross Country 8/31 start

At North HS

7th & 8th Boys Soccer 8/3 start

7th & 8th Girls Golf 8/10 start

7th & 8th Boys Tennis 8/10 start

7th & 8th Girls & Boys Cross Country 8/10 start

7th & 8th Girls Swimming & Diving 8/17 start

7th & 8th Girls & Boys Dance 8/6 start

Winter Sports

At Ben Franklin

7th & 8th Girls Basketball 10/19 start

6th - 8th Girls & Boys Wrestling 11/9 start

6th Girls Volleyball 10/13 start

7th & 8th Boys Basketball 1/4 start

At North HS

7th & 8th Girls & Boys Gymnastics 11/16 start

7th & 8th Boys Swimming & Diving 12/30 start

Spring Sports

At Ben Franklin

6th Girls & Boys Basketball 3/1 start

7th & 8th Girls & Boys Track and Field 4/5 start

6th Girls & Boys Track and Field 4/12 start

At North HS

7th and 8th Grade Girls Soccer 3/22 start

7th & 8th Girls Softball 3/22 start

7th & 8th Girls Tennis 4/5 start

7th & 8th Boys Golf 4/12 start

August 3rd @ Fargo North Theater at 6:00pm

August 5th @ Fargo Davies Theater at 6:00pm

August 6th @ Fargo South Commons at 6:00pm

August 13th @ Discovery Auditorium at 6:00pm

August 17th @ Carl Ben Eielson Hangar at 6:00pm

August 20th @ Ben Franklin Auditorium or Gym 2 at 6:00pm

$25 Activity Fee

Sixth grade athletic activities will have a five to six-week season offered at various times. Announcements will be made prior to the activity starting. Practice will be three to four times a week. There will be roughly 18 contact days that consists of 15 practices and 3 competitions.

*All Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Cross Country (boys & girls) – 8/31/26

Wrestling (boys & girls) – 11/9/26

Volleyball (girls) – 10/13/26

Basketball (boys & girls) – 3/1/27

Track & Field (boys & girls) – 4/12/27

The practice time will be 1½ hours and families must provide transportation at the end of practices. Transportation is provided to and from competitions. Competitions take place at Ben Franklin, Carl Ben Eielson, and Discovery Middle School.

The Co-Curricular Parent Meeting is NOT required. A physical is not required but recommended due to the physical nature of the activities and to establish an athletic baseline.

Activity Fees:

High School = $100.00

7th/8th Grade - $50.00

6th Grade Intramural - $25.00

Middle School Gate Admissions:

Admission fees will now be charged for 7th and 8th grade athletic competitions. Game tickets will be available to be purchased at the admission gate for each site. The cost will be $5.00 for adults. Activity passes can also be purchased online. Directions to purchase a GoFan pass (the online/electronic activities pass) are available at this link. Fargo Public School's employees can still use their badge for admission for themselves and a guest.

The Ask a Therapist LIVE series from ParentGuidance.org and the Cook Center for Human Connection offers parents a unique opportunity to engage directly with a licensed therapist June 9th, July 21st and August 25th at 7 p.m.

Ask questions of leading family therapists and take advantage of a free resource to help parents with important topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation, child development and parenting, just to name a few.

Want to support our Ben Franklin Wildcats? Purchase and wear Wildcat apparel from our BSN Sideline Store! They have tons of colors, styles and logos to choose from! Every Friday is Blue and Gold or school spirit wear at school!

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year from the PTO! The BFMS PTO's goal is to support our Ben Franklin students and staff through funding classroom activities, supplies, trips, teacher conference meals and staff appreciation. Everyone is a member of the PTO and we encourage you to attend a meeting - our first meeting of the year is September 14th at 6:00pm in the Ben Franklin Library. PTO is financially supported through parent donations and concession stands. All money raised directly supports our Ben Franklin community! Donations can be made through our Venmo @BenFranklinFargoPTO or Donate via school pay Thank you for helping us support BFMS!

*Nurse Jacki Kruse will be at Ben Franklin for Back to School Night, Aug. 20th from 5-8pm, if you would like to drop off paperwork/medication for your child who requires meds during the school day.

Parents of Incoming 7th Graders:

If you have not scheduled your upcoming vaccines, summer is a great time to do this. The Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines are now required before entering 7th grade. When these are completed, please get a copy to the school. You can drop it off or email to: bfnurse@fargo.k12.nd.us

Fargo Cass Public Health is hosting Back to School Immunization Clinics on the following dates in August; all clinics will be held from 8am to 3:30pm at Fargo Cass Public Health (1240 25th St. S. Fargo):

- August 4 & 25: Appointments only

-August 11 & 18: Appointments and Walk-ins

Walk-in immunizations will be provided by Family Healthcare in their Mobile Unit in the FCPH parking lot. Registration forms for walk-in immunizations can be completed at this link.

Those planning to attend are asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be turned away for not having insurance. Please call 701-241-1383 to schedule or with questions.

Fargo Public Schools respectfully acknowledges that we gather on the lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Oh-chéh-tee Sha-koh-wee), who are the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda people, and the Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shin-nah-bay) people of this area.

This information is also available on our website at:

https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/landacknowledgement

Jennifer Liebersbach, Assistant Principal

Jackie Shultis, Assistant Principal/Activities Coordinator

Jake Snyder, Dean of Students

Website: https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/benfranklin
Location: 1420 8th Street North, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-3600