Freedom Flyers Newsletter

September has been a busy and productive month at Freedom! Our fall assessments are now complete, and teachers have been hard at work using that information to form groups and plan instruction. This allows us to meet learners right where they are and give them the support or challenge they need to grow.

In addition to assessments, September brought routines, relationship building, and lots of learning. Our students are becoming more confident in following our school rules — Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible — and it’s been wonderful to see them showing kindness and empathy throughout the building.

You may have noticed that our Positive Behavior Team has implemented a new recognition called “Flyer of the Month.” Each month, one learner from every classroom will be recognized for demonstrating our Profile of a Graduate traits through their daily actions. September’s focus was Responsibility, and October will continue with the theme of Responsibility.

Our September winners will get to enjoy a special pizza lunch with me next week! I can’t wait to see who my lunch dates will be for October!

In October, we will be practicing an Intruder Drill as part of our commitment to keeping all learners safe. Our teachers carefully plan age-appropriate statements and guidance to make sure students feel secure and supported throughout the process. Once we are closer to the drill, I will send out a Blackboard message so you can have a conversation with your learner at home. Please know that safety will always be our first priority.

We are also looking forward to Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 13th and 14th. These conferences are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate growth and discuss how we can best support each learner. If you have specific concerns, we encourage you to share them with your child’s teacher ahead of time. This allows us to make sure the right team members are at the table to support your family’s needs.

We hope to see 100% of our families at conferences!

Sign up today for your time to meet with your learner's teacher at Parent Teacher Conferences being held Monday, October 13 3:00 - 7:00 PM and Tuesday, October 14 3:00 - 6:00 PM. Click the PTCFast link below!

If you need help signing up for conferences, please call the school office 701-356-5221.

• Remember that you and your child’s teacher are in a partnership, working together to help your student.
• Review your student’s work and grades before attending the conference.
• Get your student’s feedback before you go to the meeting.
• Be on time (or early) for the meeting.
• Share your thoughts and observations of your child with the teacher, including interests and challenges that you’re aware of.
• Learn what you can do at home to support the classroom learning.
  
• Remember that your child’s teacher wants the best for your little one.

6th Freedom Night at Sky Zone Fargo 4:00-8:00 PM

9th Lions Vision Screening

9th PTA Meeting 7:00-8:15 PM

13th & 14th Parent Teacher Conferences

13th & 14th PTA Book Fair

17th NO SCHOOL

23rd PTA Boo Bash Dance 6:00-8:00 PM

27th PTA Dine to Donate Mackenzie River 11:00 - 9:00

Please follow the district's illness policy - www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/families/health-services/illnesses. Parents should monitor their child for signs of illness each morning and keep them home until they are both fever free for 24hrs and symptoms are overall improving without the use of medications that may suppress symptoms. Learners who are symptomatic and report taking cough, cold, or fever reducing medication(s) before coming to school will be sent home. Prevention is best to reduce the spread, contact your healthcare provider today to schedule your annual vaccines for flu & COVID if eligible.

This year the district's head lice policy changed to align with the Department of Health guidelines not to exclude children from school. The North Dakota School Boards Association also supports this position. Treatment can occur at the end of the day with return the following day after their first treatment unless general exclusions apply. More information can be found at www.hhs.nd.gov/head-lice-factsheet

October is National Dental Hygiene & Orthodontic Health Month. It's a good time to change your toothbrush if it's been longer than 3 months, the bristles are worn, or you have had a recent illness. If you need any assistance getting a new toothbrush, we may be able to assist. Maple Family Dental supports learners at Freedom each year with cleaning at school for those who qualify.

The Lions Club is partnering with the WFSD elementary schools to conduct free vision screenings for all students within each elementary facility. We are thankful for the volunteer work of our local Lions Club Organizations and the help they provide our students and families. If there is a vision concern (vision referral) regarding your child, a letter will be sent home with your child indicating information including exam data to share with a vision specialist. If you do not receive a letter, there are no vision concerns. Our school will have the Lions Club vision check performed on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH. Please make sure your child brings/wears their prescribed glasses if they have them. Our school staff will follow up with any child that receives a vision referral letter. We would like to thank the Lions Club and volunteers!

Our counselor lessons will continue to focus on empathy, emotions, bullying, and safety! Please watch for flyers and seesaw messages regarding our bullying unit (grades 3-5) and our safety unit (grades K-1). If you do NOT want your K-1 child to participate in the Child Protection & Safety unit, please sign the form sent home with your learner OR contact the school counselor. If you have any questions, please contact me at (701) 499-3405 or kfanderson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Lego league will be starting Oct 6th. A signup sheet was sent home with 4th and 5th graders. If they didn't bring it home or they are interested, please feel free to come Oct 6th to learn about what Lego league is all about, coding, robotics, research and presentation. This program will run Mondays 6-8 at Freedom.

Contact Mrs. Lura with questions tlura@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

It is that time of the year again- WFHS drama club's Halloween Event will take place on Friday, October 10th. This is a night full of games, costumes, and fun geared towards elementary aged kids.

Our School Social Worker, Michelle Niemiste, is available to assist families with Housing Needs, Food, Clothing, Dental/Vision/Medical needs, Mental Health Support, and other Community Resources. If you could use support or referrals, please reach out to Michelle at 701-499-3425 or by email at mniemiste@west-fargo.k12.nd.us