SchoolTalk

South High School Band Director Noah Johnson was awarded the American School Band Directors Association Young Band Director of the Year award on Tuesday during South’s holiday band concert.

This national award, from the American School Band Directors Association and sponsored by Schmitt Music, is awarded to an outstanding young band director in recognition of their efforts and musical achievement for school bands. Founded in 1953, American School Band Directors Association is a national organization for band directors whose mission is to promote, enhance and preserve quality school band programs through leadership and fellowship of exemplary band directors.

Congratulations to Clara Barton Hawthorne Elementary School Library Media Special Corian Clark on becoming a National Board Certified Teacher in Library Media!

National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential — widely seen as the "gold standard" in education — that recognizes accomplished teachers through rigorous national standards, portfolio evidence, and a computer-based assessment focused on student learning, subject mastery, practice, reflection, and community engagement.

Congratulations to North High School Student Council Advisor Rachel Consdorf on being named the North Dakota Student Council Advisor of the Year! Consdorf was presented the award at the North Dakota Association of Student Councils Annual Conference, held December 7-9 in Bismarck.

The Advisor of the Year Award is presented to an advisor who displays dedication and commitment to student leadership and activities. Consdorf was nominated by her students in recognition of her outstanding service.

Congratulations to North High School Principal Travis Christensen, Ben Franklin Middle School Principal Kirstin Hanson, and Jefferson Elementary School Principal Beth Olson on being named finalists for the NDAESP & NDASSP High School Principal of the Year, Middle-Level Principal of the Year, and Elementary Principal of the Year! The winners of these awards will be presented at the NDAESP & NDASSP Mid-Winter Conference February 4-6 in Bismarck.

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. Meet FPS Nutrition Services Manager Kyla Zach in this week's Employee Spotlight.

There will be NO SCHOOL from next Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, January 2 due to Winter Break. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Monday, January 5.

View the 2025-26 District School Calendar to see school out days and other important dates throughout the school year.

To honor the history and legacy of our elementary schools and celebrate the journey toward their consolidation into a single new facility, the District will host a series of History Harvest events at Horace Mann, Roosevelt, and Madison Elementary Schools.

These community-centered events are designed to gather stories, artifacts, and memories from alumni, students, families, staff, and residents. Information and materials collected will be preserved in a digital time capsule and may help inspire elements within the design of the new elementary school. Learn more about the History Harvest Events on the FPS website.

Event Dates:

Horace Mann Elementary School

• January 15 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Madison Elementary School

• January 22 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Roosevelt Elementary School

• February 17 from 5:30-7 p.m.

The District invites all community members to participate, contribute, and celebrate the legacy of these beloved schools. Voices gathered through the History Harvest will help ensure that the history, culture, and traditions of Horace Mann, Roosevelt, and Madison continue to shape the next chapter in public education for our students.

Horace Mann Elementary School is inviting the community to come take a walk down memory lane 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:

• Monday, December 29: 5-8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11: noon-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13: 5:30-8 p.m.

Consistent attendance builds strong reading skills. Research shows that students who miss just two days of school a month are less likely to read at grade level. Make sure your youth are in school each day they are not sick.

Residents of the Fargo Public School District who are 65 or older are eligible for a free Senior Citizen Activity Pass. These passes can be picked up at the Main Reception Desk at the Fargo Public Schools District Office at 700 7th Street South. Learn more about the Senior Citizen Activity Pass.

Please note: These passes are only for residents of the District and are not available for family members who are not residents. Non-residents can purchase tickets to each event or purchase an Adult Yearly Pass for $80 through the GoFan App.

Thank you to the Equal Start Foundation for the donation of $1,200 to the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation! This contribution will directly support the Special Education Department at Fargo Public Schools, helping ensure that every student receives equitable educational opportunities and providing each student with an equal start.

The donation was presented by David Ha, Founder of the Equal Start Foundation and a senior at Davies High School to Director of Student Support Services Shelby DiFonzo and Assistant Director of Student Support Services Jen Sahr.

The Equal Start Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and providing resources to support special education departments in elementary schools. Their mission ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, no matter their circumstances.

Thank you to the Fargo VFW and the Fargo VFW Auxiliary for donations of $1,000 and $200 to Ben Franklin Middle School's Liz's Closet! Liz's Closet helps provide necessities to students and families in need. Ben Franklin Positive Behavior Technician Melanie Rohrich, who is a member of the Fargo VFW, received a request for funds to help Liz's Closet and presented to the groups about the needs. She presented the checks to two of Ben Franklin's counselors who help oversee Liz’s Closet on Tuesday.

The Fargo Public Library has several events coming up for kids and teens during the upcoming winter break, including Chess Club, led by local chess expert Joe McNamara, at the downtown library on December 23 and December 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Winter Tournament for Kids and Adults on December 27 at the downtown library, with the junior bracket starting at noon and the senior bracket starting at 2 p.m.; and the LEGO Mania Design Contest for Kids, showing off LEGO masterpieces created at home by 12-year-olds, on December 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown library. Visit the Fargo Public Library website for more information about these events and more.

Sprinkle, Bennett Elementary School's school elf, is back surprising students every morning before school this December. Every morning when students are let into the building at 7:50 a.m., the human Elf on the Shelf is set up in an elaborate display to bring joy to the students. This year, Sprinkle has used a giant pair of binoculars to make sure the students stay on the nice list, played a game of Twister with a reindeer friend, did some elf yoga, made a giant naughty and nice list with the school's teachers, and more.

Email: comments@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us
Location: 700 7th Street South, Fargo, ND
Phone: 701.446.1000