Packer Nation News

Happy fall, Packer Nation! From Friday Night Lights to Choice Ready Day to the cooler temperatures, I've been excited to return to West Fargo High from maternity leave and to be getting into a routine! Please welcome Rosie to the Packer family- she'll be headed to South Elementary in a few short years! Upon my return, I've been impressed with how our learners continue to comply with the new personal device policy. Thank you for your support!

This newsletter contains important information regarding the end of Quarter 1, upcoming college and career readiness events, WFHS Class Officers, the senior capstone requirement and academic supports for students. 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.

A few notes for your radar:

• As a reminder, all student personal devices must be out-of-sight and out-of-use from 8:25a-3:35p to ensure compliance with the new state law. More information is below in the Handbook Highlight section!
• There will be no school for learners on Friday, October 17. We wish all students and their families a wonderful fall break!
• Quarter 1 concludes on Friday, October 24 (A Day). At that time, Quarter 1 grades will be finalized (50% of the Semester 1 grade). Please check your learner's grades on PowerSchool and reach out to teachers as needed to ensure your learner successfully complete Quarter 1!
• As we near the end of Quarter 1, we encourage all learners to leverage WIN sessions, study tables, and Homework Room (afterschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays in 108E) to receive the help they need! Students who fail two or more classes in Quarter 1 will be removed from Open Campuses and placed into study halls.
• WIN sessions are hosted on Tuesdays-Fridays during the average week at West Fargo High from 10:00-10:20a. WIN stands for "What I Need." All students are expected to sign up for academic support, wellness activities, or a variety of sessions to learn about future careers and post-secondary opportunities. You can monitor what your learner is signing up for or sign them up yourself by following these directions!
• Commencement 2026 has officially been set for 3:30p at the Scheels Arena! It's months away but will be here before we know it! If you have any old green gowns and white caps, we are in need of donations to support learners of the Class of 2026. Please drop them off in the Main Office!

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

All my best,

Rachel Bachmeier

• 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!

Welcome Back!

The WFHS Counseling Department is excited to welcome learners to the 2025-26 school year! We look forward to working with learners individually, in groups, and in classrooms. School counselors help all students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force).

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. WIN sessions begin on Wednesday, September 3rd.

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.

Important Dates:

OCTOBER:

• 6-10: Grade 12 Minute Meetings
  
• 14: Choice Ready Day
• 14-15: MTSS Community Circles
• 20-24: "Break Free from Depression" Unit in Grade 9 Health Classes
• 28: PSAT Testing
• 28-29: MTSS Community Circles

Minute Meetings are brief check-ins between the student and school counselor that are conducted two times per school year. The purpose of Minute Meetings is to ensure every student gets the opportunity to speak with their school counselor, discuss postsecondary goals, and identify whether further academic, career, or social-emotional supports are needed.

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.

Did you know we have a full-scale pantry located at West Fargo High School? With over 30% 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. A student need only ask in the Main Office to have access to the Packer Pantry! We are always taking donations and, in particular, are looking for the items listed below. Donations can be delivered in the Main Office. Thank you for helping our Packer family!

• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Rice and grains
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal and granola bars
• Snack items (crackers, chips, popcorn)
• Shelf-stable milk or plant-based milk
• Canned soups
• Canned Fruits
• Oatmeal
• Applesauce
• Deodorant
• Body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• New or gently used and clothing items for men and women

As communicated via the West Fargo Public School district office, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, West Fargo Public Schools will implement a new procedure regarding student use of wireless personal communication devices during the school day, in compliance with Senate Bill 2354. This state law requires all school districts to adopt policies that prohibit the use of personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, etc. during instructional hours. This restriction applies from the start of the school day to its conclusion and includes common areas such as hallways, the lunchroom, and other shared spaces. To summarize, students will not have access to cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal devices from the start of the school day to the end of the school day, including lunch time and passing time between classes. This is now a STATE LAW.

Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, WFHS rules regarding personal device usage (cell phone, smartwatch, personal laptop, etc.) will be as follows:

• Cell phones, smart watches, and all other personal devices that can send and receive messages are OUT-OF-SIGHT and OUT-OF-USE from 8:25a until 3:35p.
• Devices CANNOT be kept on your person (in a pocket, etc.). They must, at a bare minimum, be kept in a CLOSED backpack pocket. Devices can also be left in your car, at home, etc.
• Devices CANNOT be utilized or checked during passing times, lunch time, or Open Campus if you choose to remain on campus.
• If you leave the classroom to visit the nurse, go to the bathroom, etc., your backpack (with your phone inside) STAYS IN THE CLASSROOM.

1. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the student at the end of the student’s day

2. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day

3. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience, not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, additional plan assigned to the student

4. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, 1 day ISS

5. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, 1 day OSS

6. The device is brought to the Main Office, picked up by the parent/guardian at their earliest convenience not to be returned to the student until the end of the student’s day, transition to Virtual Program

A few other notes:

• The law address personal student devices like cell phones, laptops, and smartwatches. It does NOT include Bluetooth headphones as they do not have the capacity to send and receive messages.
• Students with medical notes denoting required access to devices will be placed on special plans.
• We encourage all families to utilize email to communicate with learners as they will still have access to their Outlook accounts.
• Our Main Office staff is ready to receive and deliver emergency messages for students.
• Please facilitate your learner memorizing important phone numbers or recording them in a note within their iPad.

If you have questions about the state law, please contact your legislators (find your legislator here). We also encourage you to check out the graphic below with data supporting limiting student access to devices as well as the attached document with linked resources, including videos and articles. If you have not yet read Anxious Generation, it is a tremendous resource for parents and guardians wanting to protect their children from the now-known dangers of unlimited access to the virtual world.

Watch videos here:

• Jonathan Haidt on "The Anxious Generation," how kids are growing up in the smartphone era
• The Social Dilemma trailer (watch the full documentary on Netflix)
• Influence of Social Media on Teen Depression and Behavior
• Smartphones v. Smart Kids
• Are Smartphones ruining childhood?
• Digital Distractions: The Case for Phone-Free Schools
• Jonathan Haidt on the Mental Health Crisis and Smartphones

Read articles here:

• Cell phone bans could improve overall school environment
• The evidence for phone bans mounts
• Is it time to finally ban phones from schools?

• Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health

• Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say

• Smartphones, Social Media, and Their Impact on Mental Health

• What's behind the ban on cell phones in K-12 schools?

• The case for phone free schools

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

Choice Ready Day – Tuesday October 14:

WFHS is excited to host our annual Choice Ready day for seniors on Tuesday, October 14. This year seniors will be called down by alpha group to explore the various choice ready stations. Stations include: Bank of North Dakota College Application Day (with local college reps), Apprenticeship information, Military Careers, Scholarship info and resources, Job Service ND, and RU Ready ND resources. The call down order has been shared in their Advisory classes and will be posted on the Packer Information Schoology Course.

Senior Mock Interviews:

On October 28 and 29, senior learners will participate in professional mock interviews during their Senior Composition class. If you are interested in volunteering to interview our senior learners, please email Career Advisor Allison Caldwell (acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us) or call 701-499-9359 for more information.

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. 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, Megan Cowden, and Dana Rosendahl.

Advanced Placement Testing Information (AP Exams):

The AP coordinators have been in classrooms and working with students to help students register for their exams. Although the exams will not occur until May 2026, it is crucial that all students are registered and have paid for their exams no later than November 7th to avoid any late fees. Registration is a 2-step process:

• Step 1: Students register for exams in Total Registration and are placed on a waitlist.
• Step 2: Students exams are approved, and fees are adjusted accordingly (your student will likely not be required to pay the full amount for the exam). This is a manual step, so we appreciate your patience as we work through this process to ensure accuracy.
• Step 3: Once the exams are approved, students will receive an email when the exam is ready for payment (you will need to use your student’s login credentials). All exams are paid for on the Total Registration website.

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.

West Fargo Public Schools requires all seniors to present a capstone project in order to participate in the spring commencement ceremony for graduation. Similar to years past, seniors will design a presentation to showcase their celebrations and achievements from their high school career and share future plans. Every Monday, in advisory, seniors work with teachers to design this presentation.

You can view the capstone syllabus here and the template of the presentation here.

Save the date for Wednesday, April 29 from 8:30-10:00a for senior capstone presentations. We love when families attend these presentations and share in the pride of our seniors!

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 2 Family Conferences: Thursday, December 4, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Quarter 3 Family Conferences: Wednesday, February 11, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Quarter 4 Family Conferences: Thursday, March 26, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• 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