Lewis and Clark Parent Newsletter

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope your summer has been filled with opportunities to relax, spend time together, and make lasting memories. On behalf of our entire staff, I am excited to welcome both returning and new families to another wonderful year at Lewis & Clark Elementary.

As we begin a new school year, our commitment remains the same: Every child will leave elementary school academically prepared, confident, and deeply connected to their school community. This vision guides everything we do and is supported by our mission of ensuring all students have equitable access to high-quality instruction, engaging curriculum, and classrooms where every child experiences a true sense of belonging.

At Lewis & Clark, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation for learning. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been preparing throughout the summer to create classrooms where students feel safe, respected, challenged, and inspired. We are eager to partner with you in helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

This year, our instructional focus will continue to strengthen high-quality teaching and learning through:

• Clear learning targets that help students understand what they are learning and why it matters.
• Lessons that provide the right balance of teacher support and student independence through the Gradual Release of Responsibility model.
• Strong reading and mathematics instruction using evidence-based curriculum and instructional practices.
• A continued commitment to equity by ensuring every student receives the support and opportunities needed to succeed.

We also remain committed to fostering a positive school culture built around our three school-wide expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. These expectations help create an environment where all students feel valued and ready to learn each day.

Parents and families are essential partners in your child's success. We encourage you to stay connected by reading school communications, attending family events, volunteering when possible, and maintaining regular communication with your child's teacher. Together, we can provide every student with the encouragement and support they need to thrive.

As we prepare for the first day of school, please watch for additional communication regarding classroom placements and upcoming events. We also hope to see many of you at Back-to-School Night on August 24 from 5-6:30pm, where you'll have an opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and reconnect with our school community.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. It is truly an honor to serve the families of Lewis & Clark Elementary. We look forward to partnering with you as we make this school year one filled with learning, growth, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.

Here's to a fantastic school year!

Warmly,

Jason Cresap
Principal
Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Principal
Lewis and Clark Elementary

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.

Please also see the special edition of the FPS SchoolTalk newsletter for more information. If you experience issues with your Campus Parent account, please contact our Student Records team at 701.446.1006.

August 24: Back to School Night 5-6:30pm

August 26: First day of School for First through Fifth Graders

August 26 and 27: Kindergarten Assessment Days (An invite has been sent to Kindergarten parents to schedule your assessment time)

Sept 7: No School (Labor Day)

As we prepare for another exciting school year, we want to thank you for partnering with us to ensure that every student arrives at school safely and has a smooth dismissal each afternoon. Establishing consistent routines helps us provide a safe and efficient experience for all students.

School Hours

• School Begins: 7:50 a.m.
• School Dismisses: 2:27 p.m.

Please help your child arrive on time each day so they are ready to begin learning when the school day starts.

Student Arrival and Dismissal Locations

To improve safety and reduce congestion, please use the following designated entrances for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up:

• Kindergarten: Door 2S (near the playground)
• 1st, 4th, and 5th Grades: Door 1E
• 2nd and 3rd Grades: Door 18E (northeast corner of the school)

Please use only your child's designated entrance unless otherwise directed by school staff.

End-of-Day Plans

During the first few days of school, your child's teacher will ask about your family's regular end-of-day transportation plan. This information helps us ensure every student gets home safely.

Examples of dismissal plans include:

• Riding the bus
• Parent/guardian pick-up
• Walking home
• Walking to another location
• Attending an after-school program

If your child's dismissal routine changes at any point during the school year, please communicate that change directly with your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible. Consistent communication helps us avoid confusion and ensures students are dismissed safely.

Bus Safety Reminder

If your child rides the bus and is new to Lewis & Clark Elementary or is an incoming Kindergarten student, we strongly encourage you to have a trusted adult waiting at your child's designated bus stop each afternoon. Having a familiar adult present helps ensure a safe transition from the bus to home, especially as students become familiar with their new routine.

Please remember that Fargo Public Schools is responsible for student safety while students are riding the bus. Families are responsible for student supervision before students board the bus and after they exit at their designated bus stop. We appreciate your partnership in helping ensure every student arrives home safely each day.

We appreciate your patience during the first few weeks of school as families establish new routines. Please remember to:

• Follow staff directions during arrival and dismissal.
• Drive slowly and remain alert for students and crossing guards.
• Use designated crosswalks when walking with your child.
• Be courteous to other families and help keep traffic flowing.

By working together, we can provide a safe, organized, and welcoming start and end to each school day.

Thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to a fantastic school year with your family!

The link below will take you to the Lewis and Clark Website. This website has information on Infinite Campus, School Pay, Calendars, Transportation, Student Handbook (Please review!), and much more. It's a great resource for parents!

https://lewisandclark.fargo.k12.nd.us/

If your family is struggling to make ends meet and paying for school lunches is difficult, you can fill out the free and reduced lunch application. If your family meets the criteria your child(ren) could qualify for free or reduced cost meals. Click on the link to access the free and reduced application.

www.EZMealApp.com

Paper copies are also available at the Lewis and Clark School Office.

On August 13, a letter will go out to First through Fifth Grade families, indicating who your child(ren)'s teacher will be for the school year. (This does not include Kindergarten. Those will happen Sept. 3) You should receive that letter by shortly after. If you do not receive that letter by August 21, please contact the school office.