SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter for November 12, 2026
Cabinet Column - Vital Educator Workplace Experience Survey
Every day, across Fargo Public Schools, we have incredible team members who show up and give their best for our learners. Whether they are in a classroom, supporting a learner one-on-one, leading a school, or working behind the scenes, our team members make a difference in ways that often go unnoticed. Recently, FPS received the results of its Fall 2026 Vital Educator Workplace Experience Survey. Educators' willingness to share what is working and where we can improve is greatly appreciated.
Read more about the results of the survey and where it says FPS is succeeding and areas it could improve in this Cabinet Column by Director of Human Capital Dr. Jeff McCanna.
Feature Column - National School Psychology Week: Understanding Learners, Strengthening Schools
Each learner comes to school with unique strengths, experiences, and needs that influence how they learn, connect, and engage. Understanding and responding to those needs takes a team of dedicated professionals. During National School Psychology Week, Fargo Public Schools is proud to recognize our school psychologists and the important role they play in helping learners succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Read more about the positive impact FPS' school psychologists have on the Districts learners in this Feature Column by Assistant Director of Student Support Services Dr. Jen Sahr.
Education Support Professionals Day November 18
November 18 is Education Support Professionals Day! Next Wednesday, we celebrate the contributions of our dedicated support staff, who play a vital role in shaping the learning experience of our students. Thank you for your hard work and commitment!
Employee Spotlight - Meredith Muhs
Meet Longfellow Elementary School Paraeducator Meredith Muhs 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 learners, educators, 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.
Jamison Jensen's 'Why'
This school year, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner challenged all FPS educators to develop a 'Why' statement as a reminder of why they choose to work in the education field and what they aim to accomplish through their work going forward. Each week, FPS is highlighting an educator's 'Why' in this newsletter. If you would like to share your 'Why,' please send it to FPS Communications Specialist Adam Watts at wattsa@fargo.k12.nd.us.
Longfellow Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Jamison Jensen's 'Why'
My purpose is to empower others to reach their full potential. I strive to be a positive force in their daily lives, guiding them from where they are to where they aspire to be.
No School November 25-27
There will be NO SCHOOL on November 25-27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Class will resume as regularly scheduled on Monday, November 30.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Fargo Public Schools encourages families to help learners be in school every day. Remember, every additional day a student is in school creates another opportunity to learn, participate, and succeed. Learn more about the importance of attending school every day.
FPS Attendance Update
There is good news to celebrate in Fargo Public Schools' All In. Every Day. attendance work! In October, 84.6% of FPS learners attended more than 90% of school days, up from 83.9% in October 2025. This marks the second consecutive month the attendance rate has exceeded the same point last year and keeps the District moving toward its spring 2027 goal of 87%.
This time of year is especially important for attendance: research shows that early attendance patterns can be strong predictors of absences later in the school year, making fall an important time to notice concerns, strengthen routines, and offer support before missed days begin to add up. Thank you to our learners, families, staff, and community partners for continuing to make attendance a shared priority. Every day a learner is present is another opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow.
Ask a Therapist Live
The Mental Health Series from ParentGuidance.org is a powerful resource designed to support family mental health and well-being. Experts agree that adult involvement is important in a child's success. When caregivers have helpful tools, it benefits children, strengthens families, and contributes to a thriving community.
Parents and caregivers are invited to join Ask a Therapist Live on Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Central for an anonymous opportunity to ask a licensed family therapist questions about youth mental health and parenting. Register for the live event to participate and receive access to the replay all free of charge.
North Musical - Anything Goes
North High School presents the musical Anything Goes on Thursday-Sunday, November 19-22 in the North Theater, with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday performance at 2 p.m.
Anything Goes is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime Erma. With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.
Tickets are $6.80 for students and $9.07 for adults and can be purchased on the Fargo Public Schools Online Theater Box Office website. FPS employees and Activity Pass holders can redeem complimentary tickets to Fargo Public Schools theatre productions by completing the complimentary ticket request form.
Trollwood Presents Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Trollwood Performing Arts School's 2027 Mainstage Musical is Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Performances are scheduled for July 13-17 and July 20-24. Read the full announcement.
Mainstage Musical cast auditions for learners in grades 8-12 are March 6-10 with individual auditions March 6-7 and callbacks March 8-10. Learners can book their audition slot by filling out this Google Form or by calling (218) 477-6500.
Discovery SOCKTOBER
Discovery Middle School's Be The Change Club challenged students to donate socks to donate to the YWCA Shelter for SOCKTOBER. The learners at Discovery collected 1,446 socks to donate.
Noridian Winter Gear Donation to Lincoln
Thank you to Noridian Healthcare Solutions for the donation of snow pants, boots, gloves, and winter coats for students at Lincoln Elementary School! As Lincoln's longtime Adopt-a-School program partner, Noridian has helped mentor students, volunteered at many events, and contributed numerous donations to the school.
Snacks for Students Recycling Challenge
During the month of November, The City of Fargo is partnering with MinnKota Recycling to promote the “Snacks for Students” Recycling Challenge. Proceeds from the campaign will benefit the Fargo Public Schools Foundation’s efforts to provide snacks for students in need. MinnKota Recycling will provide a one-cent-per-pound match for all aluminum cans collected in November at Fargo’s recycling sites listed below. Additionally, the Metro Sports Foundation will donate $500 to the campaign.
- The Coliseum – 807 17th Avenue North
- McKinley Elementary School – 2930 8th Street North
- Longfellow Elementary School – 20 29th Avenue North
- Mickelson Field – 901 Oak Street North
- Lincoln Elementary School – 2120 9th Street South
- Fargo Park District maintenance building – 4515 University Drive South
- Centennial Elementary School – 4201 25th Street South
- Lewis & Clark Elementary School – 1729 16th Street South
- Osgood Fire Station – 3957 Village Lane
Trick or Canning
The Fargo Public Schools Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps held its annual Trick-or-Canning food drive on October 28.Twenty-four cadets went door to door asking for non-perishable food items for the Great Plains Food Bank and the South High School Bruin Pantry. (Photo courtesy Jim Gibson)
Police Officer Reader
Fargo Police Officer Andrew Dotas read to Mr. Leier's kindergarten class at Eagles Elementary School. Mr. Leier has reached out to a variety of professionals in the community to speak about what they do and have thus far been visited by an arborist, a school board member, and the mayor of Fargo. (Photo courtesy City of Fargo)
Three Little Pigs
Mrs. Del Greco's kindergarten class at Hawthorne Elementary School dug deep into the story as they read the Three Little Pigs. The kindergarteners learned about the characters, the setting, and the plot and then practiced sequencing as they put the parts of the story in order. Finally, they got to dress up and act out the parts of the story. (Photo courtesy Rebecca Folden)
Multicultural Student Life Event
South High School Multilingual Learners and ML educators visited Concordia College for the Multicultural Student Life Event on November 2. Students learned about campus life, student clubs and organizations, inclusion, support services, and other resources and opportunities available to Concordia students. (Photo courtesy Adrienne Eider)
Back to the 50's
Bennett Elementary School first graders got all dolled up in poodle skirts and leather jackets as they brought back the 50's in honor of the 50th day of school. The learners celebrated by dressing up, coloring 50th day of school coloring sheets, playing 50th day games, and doing word searches. (Photo courtesy Amber Remark)
Drill Competition
The Fargo Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps competed in the Viking Challenge drill competition in North Branch, Minn. The competition included a academic bowl, physical team competition, drone flying, and drill marching. The Fargo cadets took second in a field of eight teams. (Photo courtesy Paul Dosch and Jim Gibson)
Roll the Dice
Bennett Elementary School fourth graders rolled the dice with their mathematics education this week. The learners partnered up and practiced their multi-digit multiplication skills by playing a dice game. (Photo courtesy Amber Remark)
MSUM Band Visit
Ben Franklin Middle School eighth grade band learners visited Minnesota State University Moorhead for a special day of music learning. MSUM Director of Bands Dr. Ben Druffel led rehearsals and shared insights about musicianship, performance, and what it takes to be a successful ensemble. Learners also got to interact with MSUM music education majors, who offered guidance and encouragement. (Photo courtesy Andrew Roob)
Car Maintenance
Learners in the Living On Your Own class at Davies High School met with Vern from Matt’s Automotive to learn about car care they can do on their own. Learners explored the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and learned practical tips to help keep their vehicles running safely and efficiently. They gained valuable knowledge that will help them become more independent and responsible vehicle owners. (Photo courtesy Tricia Romaine)
Apple Bread
Early Childhood Special Education learners explored the world of breadmaking and learned all about working together in the Creative Curriculum Bread study. Learners used teamwork to measure, pour, and stir the ingredients to make apple bread. They practiced taking turns and following directions as they made the bread. (Photo courtesy Liz Johnston)
Halloween Drinks
Lincoln Elementary School fifth graders in Mrs. Kuechle’s room celebrated the season by making special drinks for educators on the Friday before Halloween. Students practiced life skills, including following directions, measuring and preparing ingredients, communicating, problem-solving, and working together as a team as they showed appreciation to educators who make a difference in their school day. (Photo courtesy Emily Kuechle)
Mock Interviews
Davies High School seniors got to practice their interviewing skills at the school's Mock Interview Event on November 5. As part of their senior English class, each student had two mock job interviews with local community professionals. Sixty-seven community partners volunteered their time to conduct mock interviews, ask prepared interview questions, and provide students with constructive feedback. Learners got experience introducing themselves, communicating their strengths and experiences, and answering interview questions. (Photo courtesy Jody Jahner)
Human Body
Ms. Roerick's first grade class from Jefferson Elementary School looked like it was ready to step right into a doctor's office after learning all about the parts of the human body. In celebration of the completion of their human body unit, the learners dressed up in surgical masks and doctor's nametags and received certificates that they know the parts of the human body. (Photo courtesy Brittany Roerick)
Family meeting
Dig Pink Volleyball Match
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