Packer Nation News

Lots happening this spring at West Fargo High School. From our One Act performers (above) to our spring athletes to our senior scholarship awardees, it is an exciting time!!! We are six weeks away from the end of the school year and it feels like we've entered a time warp! The information below will provide details about end-of-year events. Thank you for all you do for our Packer community!

Make sure this information is on your radar!

• Congratulations to our very own Justin Behm for being named the North Dakota IAA Division AA Athletic Administrator of the Year!!!
• THIS Wednesday, April 15, WFHS will participate in a district reunification drill. All students will report to directly to advisory at 8:25a. Attendance will be taken. More information is available in this letter!
• Staff Appreciation Week is right around the corner! As we do not have a PTA, we would like to give our Packer families the opportunity to donate items during this event to help make this a special experience for our WFHS educators. We're looking for anything from pop to candy bars to desserts! Sign up via this link and help us show how much we care about our WFHS staff!
• On Wednesday, April 29, seniors will present their capstone projects, celebrating an end-of-year milestone. We will be running an alternative schedule. ALL students must report to campus by 8:25a. Families of seniors are invited and encouraged to attend the capstone presentations, which will take place between 8:25a and 9:25a. We hope to see you there!
• All sophomores have begun to take the North Dakota Assessment in math, reading, writing, and science. It is a mandatory test for all sophomores. These tests help measure the success of our learners and account for 25% of our school's accountability score for the state. Reading and writing tests will occur in English classrooms THIS week. Math tests will occur in math classrooms on April 23 and 24 and science tests will occur in science classrooms on April 27 and 28. Please ensure your student is present and prepared during these days. If a student is absent, make-up testing sessions will be scheduled. Contact our Dean of Students, Lindsey Metz, if you have any questions!
• Students will take the districtwide Panorama survey on Wednesday, April 22 during advisory. We will run a 40-minute advisory on this day with an adjusted schedule (see below).
• Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Doors for families and students for Grand March open at 6:00p and close promptly at 7:00p. Out of respect for attendees and our Grand March participants, no admission will be allowed after 7:00p. Additional information about eligibility (not failing more than one class, no detention hours, no parking tickets) for prom is detailed later in this newsletter.

• The West Fargo Area Scholarship Fund is looking for EIGHT parent volunteers to help with fundraising during prom, which includes a Best Seat in the House raffle at Grand March. As a thank you for the time and effort of volunteering, you would have reserved front row seating for Grand March. Please email caquist@west-fargo.k12.nd.us if you are interested.

• Senior Day is Tuesday, May 12. This includes graduation walks at elementary schools in the morning, a cookout and field day at our football stadium (sponsored by Packer Backers!), a class photo, and the final school pep rally of the year. We are excited to celebrate our seniors!
• Regarding enrollment in virtual classes for credit recovery, any student enrolled in an online class has until May 15 to complete the credit. Upon completion, students should double-check their transcript to ensure the credit has been recorded correctly. Any requests after May 1 will be considered a summer school enrollment.
• Graduation for WFHS seniors has been finalized to take place at the Scheels Arena at 3:30p on Sunday, May 24. Students need to arrive by 2:30p (we recommend a family member or friend dropping them off to avoid parking issues). Mandatory graduation rehearsal will occur on Friday, May 22 at 2:00p. All graduating seniors who intend to participate in the commencement ceremony must attend! Be sure to read the "Know Before You Go" included later in this newsletter!

This newsletter contains important information about student recognitions for Quarter 3, summer school, Packer Power, Post-Prom/Post-Grad, upcoming events, spring testing, academic supports, graduation, and college/career opportunities! Contact information for administrators, counselors, and support staff, as well as repeat information and important links and dates are included toward the bottom. Additional information can be found on school and district webpages. You can also follow West Fargo High School on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). After review, do not hesitate to contact the school with questions or concerns.

It's always a great day to be a Packer.

All my best,

Rachel Bachmeier

This program helps students make up failed or missed courses to stay on track for graduation, with focused support to earn required credits.

Details:

• Session 1: June 2 – June 13: 8 am to 2 pm
• Session 2: June 16 – June 27: 8 am to 2 pm
• Lunch: 11:30 – 12:00 for everyone (free)
• Attendance: Mandatory

Highlights:

• Credit recovery for core subjects
• Self-paced learning with teacher support
• Attendance and participation are required
• Mastery of material is needed to earn credit

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to your child’s administrator or counselor.

Spring has arrived and Prom and Graduation are quickly approaching. WFHS Post Prom and Post Grad committee is a group of parents who host events for students on both of these big nights. This tradition dates back over 35 years. Post Prom will be held on May 2 at Cheney Middle School from 10:30 pm until 1:30 am. Tickets cost $5 per person and include food, drinks, games and the chance to win great prizes. In order to attend Post Prom, students must be either a WFHS junior or senior or a guest of a WFHS junior or senior. Tickets will go on sale in the commons before and after school when Prom tickets are sold. Grad Night will be held Sunday, May 24 from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am at the NDSU Memorial Building. Students will receive their ticket to Grad Night in the folder they receive at graduation practice. It is a completely free event for WFHS seniors. They are allowed to bring a guest for the event. All food, drinks, entertainment, games and chances to win prizes are completely free.

Please join us on Facebook (WFHS Packers Post Prom/Post Grad) for more information and to find out how you can help support our students. You can also email Melissa Halvorson (halvorson@west-fargo.k12.nd.us) if you have any questions or to be put on the email list for information. Thank you so much for helping provide safe and fun experiences for our Packer students.

The Packer Power Strength & Conditioning Summer Program registration is now up and ready on the WFHS Activities website. Packer Power runs four days per week for eight weeks throughout the summer. Please encourage your athletes and students to register and attend Packer Power this summer to build strength, speed, agility, endurance, mental toughness, and team camaraderie, preparing them for their ensuing sports during the school year. In addition, they receive nutrition and recovery information, along with food, snacks, and milk provided by the coaches/school after each session.

Packer Power is designed to improve strength, speed, agility, and explosive power for all West Fargo High School and Cheney Middle School student athletes. The coaches at West Fargo High School and Cheney Middle School value their athletes working out together because it offers numerous benefits for both individual and collective athletic success. We're dedicated to fostering the physical and mental development of young athletes. Our camp is tailored for high school athletes eager to enhance their skills, improve performance on the field/court/ice, and elevate their overall fitness. Led by experienced coaches who understand the unique needs and challenges of high school athletes, our program emphasizes proper technique, injury prevention, and progressive training methods. We provide a supportive, motivating environment where athletes can push themselves to new heights while learning key principles of training, nutrition, health, and wellness. Whether you're a varsity athlete or a newcomer looking to build a solid foundation of strength and conditioning, our camp offers something for everyone. Join us as we prepare you not only for success in sports but also for success in life.

To find the registration, go to the West Fargo High School Activities Website (Activities - West Fargo High School), click on “Athletics” on the left sidebar, click “Winter," click on “Strength & Conditioning.” The registration and information are on this page. To register, click the Microsoft Form link or scan the QR code to fill out the form. Payment is accepted by Venmo (@PackerPower) or a check made out to “Packer Power.”

• Peer Tutoring: New this semester and available every block, these representatives from National Honor Society are here to help! As students who have recently taken many WFHS courses, they are uniquely situated to offer guidance to their peers.
• PowerSchool and Schoology Access: Help your learner with academic support by staying on top of their progress! Make sure you can access your learner's grades and attendance in PowerSchool and assignment and assessment information in Schoology! If a student has a grade in both Schoology and PowerSchool, please remember that PowerSchool is the OFFICIAL gradebook for learners. If you need help gaining access, please contact the WFHS Main Office!
• Homework Room: Every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool, learners are welcome to attend Homework Room in 108E from 3:40-4:30p. Due to staffing and space constraints, attendance is limited to the first 15 learners.
• WIN Sessions: WIN sessions are offered 4 days each week (typically Tuesday through Friday) to help support students’ academic, wellness, and Choice Ready skills. Families can help students select their sessions each week by using PowerSchool to view and register students for WIN session that best meet their individual needs. Learn how by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/WFHSWIN
• Study Tables: WFHS teachers offer a variety of study tables throughout the day. See below for more information!
• Ask! The best way to advocate for academic support is to reach out to the teacher with questions and concerns!

Important Information from the Counseling Office:

Welcome back to Dana Rosendahl after being out on maternity leave. Mrs. Rosendahl works with students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning F-Le. Mrs. Rosendahl also works collaboratively with Mr. Asprey (grades 10-12 with last names F-G) and Mrs. Metz (grades 10-12 with last names H-L), so please continue to communicate with them regarding any administrative support needed.

Important Dates: APRIL

• 13-17: 11th Grade Minute Meetings
• 20-24: Pre AP Exam Classroom Visits
• 21-22 & 28-29: MTSS Community Circles

The practice of community circles is a simple, structured process of communication that helps participants connect with themselves and their community. They are designed to create a safe space for all voices and to encourage participants to step in the direction of their best self. The practice of community circles is a strategy to build and maintain a healthy community in which all members feel connected and respected.

Family Resources:

Please encourage your learner to ask for what they need. Students commonly struggle in class, but do not talk with their teachers about those struggles. We know asking for help, especially the first time, can be hard. Practicing how to have those conversations with your learner can be helpful. While it may feel uncomfortable, hearing yourself say out loud how you would ask for help is a great way to feel more confident in those conversations. Encourage your learner to reach out to their teachers in ways that work for them, such as talking before or after class, sending them a message on Schoology, or attending WIN (What I Need) sessions.

Counseling Appointments:

Learners may make their own appointments to meet with their school counselor by going to the Counseling Office to identify a time that works with their schedule. This is the most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. So, please encourage your learner to stop in and make an appointment!

If parents/guardians are concerned about their learner, they may reach out directly to their learner’s school counselor using the contact information below.

Did you know we have a full-scale pantry located at West Fargo High School? With over 40% of students from low-income families, we want to make sure we're providing as much as possible for everyone's basic needs. Stocked in the pantry are a variety of foods (including freezer foods), clothing, household products, and hygiene items. If you would like to place a request for a food box from our Packer Pantry, please complete this form! Other community food assistance information is below!

Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege. To be eligible to walk at graduation, please ensure your learner has met all of the expectations below, including serving all detention hours and paying for all school fees, like parking tickets!

West Fargo Public Schools holds high expectations for participating in the ceremony of graduation. It is a privilege to walk in the graduation ceremony. To participate in the graduation ceremony, graduating seniors must:

• Complete all outstanding obligations, prior to graduation rehearsal, inclusive of but not limited to: serve any and all detention hours, pay any and all parking tickets, pay any and all school fees, return any and all athletic uniforms and equipment, return all instructional resources (iPad and iPad accessories, textbooks, library books, other teacher obligations inclusive of gym lock, calculators, etc.)
• Attend the mandatory graduation rehearsal as scheduled.
• Participation is also contingent upon learner attendance and behavioral issues as determined by the school administrative team.
• Complete the capstone presentation, civics exam with a passing grade, and senior survey

Commencement Dress Code:

All graduating seniors are expected to abide by the following guidelines if they choose to participate in the ceremony:

• The graduation robe is in school colors with a V neckline, which will show part of your clothing underneath. Jewelry, flowers, or other decoration may NOT be added to the robe.
• The mortarboard should be worn with the front point over the forehead, so the flat board is parallel to the floor. Caps may NOT be decorated.
• Due to the advocacy work of the senior class officers, students who are eligible will be able to wear the cords acknowledging the following: graduating with honors, NHS members, NTHS members, United States military enlistment, and activity participation (two non-academic letters).
• Per ND Century Code 15.1-19-28, graduating seniors may wear an eagle plume or feather in recognition of their tribal heritage.

Additional information about graduation policy can be found here.

WFHS Career Center Resources:

For questions or interest in exploring your Career and College Readiness opportunities visit the Career Center webpages or book an appointment with Career Advisor, Allison Caldwell.

• WFHS Career Center: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/programs/career-center
• Allison Caldwell: acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

College Entrance Exam (ACT):

Some institutions and scholarship applications require an entrance exam for admission or consideration. There are two tests that will usually satisfy this requirement. Most four-year colleges in our area use the ACT but will accept the SAT as well. The ACT exam measures skills in English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. Please be sure to check admission policies for any schools a student might apply to.

West Fargo Public Schools is no longer requiring all juniors to take the ACT. Students wanting to take the ACT, must register to take the exam directly through ACT. To receive the results in time to meet application deadlines, we encourage seniors to take the test early in the school year. Seniors should test/re-test no later than February to have test scores available for consideration for most scholarships and some college applications. The registration fee is $68 or $93 with the Writing Test. Students with documented economic needs may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students can visit with their school counselor or career advisor for more information. CLICK HERE to register for the ACT and see upcoming test dates.

WorkKeys Test Days:

Learners interested in taking or needing to take the WorkKeys Test to work towards earning the ND Scholarship, please see below for some information about the test and upcoming test days.

The WorkKeys is part of the Workforce Ready portion of the ND Scholarship and is comprised of 3 subtests. The three subtests are: Graphic Literacy, Applied Math, and Workplace Documents. Students need to score at least a 5 on a scale of 3 - 7 on each to meet the requirements for the ND Scholarship. Each subtest costs $13.50. Students can take the subtests as many times as needed to earn that score, but each additional attempt costs $13.50 per subtest. If cost is a concern, please let us know. There will be several test days offered throughout the school year. The 3 subtests can either be taken all in one sitting or across several test days.

Test Days Schedule

Friday, May 1st (A Day - Blocks 1 & 2)

Wednesday, May 6th (B Day - Blocks 3 & 4)

Monday, May 18th (B Day - Blocks 1 & 2)

Click on this link to view the test days and sign up.

More information about the tests and test prep information can be found at the links below:

Workplace Documents

Graphic Literacy

Applied Math

Test Preparation Resources

Questions about the WorkKeys may be directed to Courtney Quist and Megan Cowden.

Transcript Requests:

Current students can request their official transcript through their E-Transcript account. Instructions can be found here. Current students can also access and download an unofficial transcript using the above instructions. If a college/university is NOT listed in E-Transcript, please complete the form on our website.

Past graduates are able to request their transcript by accessing the school website.

*If you took a dual-credit course, you are required to send an official transcript directly from NDSCS to the college(s) to which you apply. To request transcripts from NDSCS go to: http://www.ndscs.edu/current-students/request-transcripts/.

NCAA Eligibility:

Does your learner have potential plans to play a sport at the collegiate level? If so, please encourage your learner to communicate with their school counselor, administrator, and the activities department to make sure they are academically eligible. More information can be found here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

Bank of North Dakota Dual Credit Assistance Program:

Bank of North Dakota covers the cost of up to two college courses per school year for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who participate in Free or Reduced Price Lunch. If students have questions about this support or their eligibility, they can meet with their school counselor. The deadline to submit applications is the last day of the semester in which they are taking the course.

North Dakota Scholarship:

Senior students graduating from a North Dakota high school may be eligible for one of three scholarships that can be used at a North Dakota college, university, or eligible training program. There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $6,000. Information on the available scholarships can be found in the Counseling Office or online.

Packer Backers is West Fargo High School's booster program. All money raised is used to support our students, athletes, staff, and community. For example, Packer Backer donations have made senior class breakfasts, new scoreboards, and new scoring tables possible! They do not only support athletics; they have provided financial support for a variety of school programs including DECA, FCCLA, Post Prom/Post Grad, and Spanish Club to name a few!

For more information, reach out to wfpackerbackers@gmail.com!

• Quarter 4 Family Conferences: Thursday, March 26, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Tuesday, March 31: ASVAB Testing for Selected Seniors
• District Reunification Drill: Wednesday, April 15 (adjusted daily schedule to come!)
• Senior Day: Tuesday, May 12
• Senior Capstone Presentations: Wednesday, April 29
• Prom: Saturday, May 2 (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
• Graduation: Sunday, May 24 @ 3:30p (Scheels Arena)

West Fargo Administration is excited to support your learner this school year! Please reach out to your learner's administrator with any questions or concerns.

The contact information and counselor alphabet splits are below. Please contact your learner’s school counselor with any questions/concerns.

In addition to the administrator and counselor supporting your student, check out the services and resources below!

• WFHS Bell Schedules

• 2025-2026 District Calendar Link

• Information about Student Activities

• Application for Free Reduced Meals
• Parent Portal of PowerSchool for Parents/Guardians
• FAQ for Parent Portal
• Schoology for Parents/Guardians
• MySchoolBucks
• Graduation Requirements
• College Planning Checklists
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
• Transcript Requests

Follow us on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). Support our student news channel by subscribing to Packer Television!

Email: wfhs@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/
Location: 801 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-356-2050